White Mountain Parsonage Gets Needed Repairs Before Winter

Caring for pastors and resourcing churches are two of the three tenets of the Alaska Conference mission statement for shepherding leaders. In many cases, the needs involve very practical aspects of life. This was the case for Pastor Bonnie LaBore, who moved to White Mountain last fall to serve as lead pastor. It had been several years since the parsonage had been home to a pastor. Funds from the Covenant Women craft sale were used to purchase some new furnishings when she moved. On the outset, the modest 2-story house seemed adequate. However, it became clear to Bonnie after living in the home through the winter months, that some repairs and upgrades would be essential before another winter if she was to continue serving in White Mountain.

After a conversation with Bonnie in early fall, Superintendent Curtis Ivanoff asked then Associate Superintendent Brian Nanninga to identify a plan for remedying the situation. Brian reached out to his brotherin-law Scott Carroll, from Kansas, who had knowledge and skills needed and was available to volunteer for the urgent repairs. After a Zoom meeting with Bonnie, materials were purchased and freighted to White Mountain. Brian and Scott traveled to the Norton Sound Village for a 3-day blitz in late September.

A new stove pipe was installed and roof repairs were made to address multiple leaks. A new front door was installed to replace one that had large gaps where cold air entered. Rotten flooring was replaced in the arctic entry. Bonnie reports that the repairs have made a significant difference for her. “I’m very grateful for the two men who gave up their weekend to come fix my house and make it more comfortable for me,” Bonnie said.