the ECCAK Sinew--fall 2013

theSinew ECCAK

Fall 2013

First Alaska Native to serve as MARC pilot Joel Oyoumick, of Unalakleet, has decided to follow God’s call into vocational ministry and is the first Alaska Native to serve as a pilot for Missionary Aviation Repair Center where he begins serving this fall. Joel’s wife Sarah and children Jonas (6) and Lucas (4) have moved from Joel’s hometown of Unalakleet to Soldotna in order to serve the mission flying ministry that has served Alaska’s village ministries for almost 50 years.

MARC exists to expand the reach of the gospel in Alaska by flying people and supplies to places where there are no roads, supporting other missionaries and their aircraft, and training missionary-minded pilots and mechanics. Whether delivering materials for a new church building or transporting speakers to Bible camps or workers for VBS outreaches across the state, MARC impacts rural Alaska with the hope of Jesus Christ.

“We have seen God grow our hearts for missions for a while now and I got to see all the different ways MARC serves various ministries when I did my initial flight training with MARC in Soldotna,” Joel explained. “I had heard two different sermons in a relatively short amount of time that I felt God was using to call me—one of them I was listening to while I was flying.”

Joel wanted to be a pilot as a young child. He gave his heart to the Lord at Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet while in junior high.

When MARC placed a missionary aviation family in his home village, God opened the door for Joel to be encouraged by Don Irvine and other MARC pilots to pursue his private pilot’s license.

“Through the years, we have seen and been directly on the receiving

end of this ministry,” Sarah explained. “We cannot express how excited we are to be joining this ministry to reach Alaska’s people, whom have been woven into our hearts for so many years.”

Joel is a graduate of Covenant Bible College and has earned his commercial, instrument, and multi-engine ratings, as well as an associate degree in aviation maintenance. He has worked as an aircraft mechanic for a commuter airline in Anchorage and as a pilot with a cargo company out of Unalakleet.

“We are hoping that Joel will be a catalyst to encourage other Alaska Native men and women to follow his lead,” said Mark Swenson, MARC chief pilot.

MARC pilots and mechanics are considered missionaries and are responsible to raise full financial support from individuals and churches who God calls to be a part of their mission support team.

They also desire a strong prayer support team of those who would pray for them, their family needs and the ministry.

If you would desire to join their team by making a one-time gift or supporting them on a regular basis, checks can be sent to Missionary Aviation Repair Center at P.O. Box 511, Soldotna, AK, 99669, or you may give online at www.marcalaska.org/give.html#staff.

“Having seen Joel grow up in the Covenant Church and grow in his faith along the way, it is wonderful to see him take a step of faith as he follows God in a new call to vocational ministry,” said Curtis Ivanoff, field director. “We pray for God’s abundant provision of all they need in this new endeavor and that God’s grace would be shared abundantly all across Alaska through Joel and Sarah.”

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Fall 2014 // 1 Ephesians 4:16

“Love Mercy, Do Justice”

Missional Marker #5 Centrality of the Word of God

by Curtis Ivanoff, field director

2 Timothy 3:16

In June, I traveled to Detroit to join pastors and delegates from churches across the nation for the 128th ECC annual meeting. This year’s focus was taken from Micah 6:8 as we were challenged to meditate on what it means to “Love Mercy, Do Justice.” We considered and discussed how this is applied to national issues like immigration reform, systemic forces that impede progress toward justice for all, and projects the Covenant church is heavily invested in such as Covenant Kids Congo In all this, I could not help but think of our churches in Alaska. What touches our communities and how are churches touching individuals and communities to witness through mercy and justice? I want to highlight one area that immediately came to mind that I have heard is on the hearts of many around our state—ministry to individuals in and transitioning from prison.

Vince and Laura Eben, along with Bob Halverson from Anchorage First Covenant Church have been developing an outreach to prisoners called Keith C. Fullerton Prison Ministry (KCFPM). They ask for names of loved ones or individuals who someone may know is incarcerated and then they visit them bringing the love of Jesus. People from Community Covenant are also involved in a spiritual mentoring program at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle River. While attending the River in Kenai earlier this summer, I heard a testimony from Aaron Dupuis about how he is being transformed himself after reluctantly entering a prison ministry at Wildwood Correctional Center. Nome members share in Bible study with the prison and halfway house on Front Street, and participate in Christmas outreach. I know there are many more stories that could be told. I’m encouraged that many of you pray regularly for those who are incarcerated.

I desire to see our churches find their place in this realm of incredible need. Opportunities abound. The chaplain program coordinator for Alaska prisons has shared with me his sincere desire to identify more Alaska Native individuals to enter into ministry to prisoners. At a recent CYAK planning retreat, the need for ministry to youth in juvenile detention centers across the state was also discussed. We see in Matthew 25 that we are to “visit those in prison”. Our denomination’s “Matthew-Micah Initiative” is designed to help focus the denomination’s compassion, mercy, and justice ministries, and I see our churches responding to the call.

In May, our pastors, leaders and delegates met in Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island for our annual meeting, and we considered what it looks like to be “fully mature in Christ”.

Part of growing in maturity is to live into Christ’s mission to reach the lost, the least, and lonely. May we consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds in this ministry of compassion, mercy and justice.

Do you have a loved one in a correctional facility in the Anchorage bowl area to be visited? Contact Vince and Laura Eben at (907) 744-1592 or covhi67@hotmail.com.

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Just as a tripod is a trail-marker guiding a traveler’s journey, this column series explores missional markers to guide us in our journey toward healthy, missional churches.

 We believe that the Bible is the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.  Our preaching and teaching in all settings reflects careful preparation, relevance and creativity.  Our people are equipped and growing in their ability to study and apply biblical truth in ways that lead to a scripturally integrated life.

No Hidden Corner

by Myra Harris

Adversity tests many things. In June, 38-degree silty Yukon River water flooded Galena and nearly reached the inside of our first floor (which was well over the 100-year flood elevation mark). We were safe. However, when I watched a culvert the size of our house get pushed through a nearby road with guard rails—like a loader pushing snow piles—my family was suddenly in a serious situation. Shortly after, I watched a trickle of water find its way down our driveway from the back lakes. Ten minutes later, it was like a brook flowing under our house.

"Jesus, you have everything under control, please make this water stop, spare us, our home, keep everyone safe."

I let go of my daughter, Romay, and my husband Jason's hands to get busy packing, not knowing for how long. Evacuation was inevitable.

What life circumstance, if any, is exempt from God's Word? Is there some hidden corner to which God's Word does not speak? As I write from an Army barracks where my daughter and I are temporarily housed, we hear plenty of stories of the major flooding incident that forced the evacuation of 300 people. Some are humorous; some bring one to tears. Homes lost. Yet, people with previous relational issues are now working together.

Personally, this adversity has allowed us to reevaluate our lives. Do we return to live in an area that is prone to flooding? What if...? Through it all, God has protected me from my own fears. Psalm 46:1-3 says, "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; its waters roar and be troubled, the mountains shake with its swelling."

With the development of our faith, God will allow trying times. Without a testing of faith, we don't have the ability to show Him and others that we have that faith. Romay and I are closer; she recently shared her own personal story of how God has reminded her that He is near.

Before sending us off in the boat that evacuated us, through frigid waters and ice chunks the size of cars, Jason thought of how it was possible that a quick hug and goodbye might be his last One does not rationalize normally when in emergency situations, especially when all that is known is that one doesn't know. God's Word has strengthened us. Things that were a big deal before the flood seem trivial. Thank God for protection, for sparing our home, His Word, and for adversity.

Myra (Slwooko) Harris is originally from Unalakleet and has lived in Galena for the past five years. She and her husband Jason have served in Covenant Bible Camp ministry and attend Galena Bible Chapel.

Reluctance to Rejoicing

by Mary Hansen, White Mountain Covenant Church

When I filled out the volunteer staff application for Bible Camp, I wrote that I would serve “wherever needed.” And yet, in my heart I said, “but please God, not as a counselor.” At 44, I had doubts about my ability to keep up with robust and energetic ten to twelve-year-old girls twenty-four hours a day. I was concerned about what the lack of sleep might do to my charming disposition. I feared that the campers would look at all the other young female counselors who would be half my age and think, “I hope I don’t get that old lady for my counselor!” I considered that it was possible that I would be solely responsible for ruining a group’s Bible camp experience.

Several weeks after I submitted my application, I talked to the camp director and asked him what position I would have. Steeling myself for the answer I knew would inevitably come, I still had to clamp my mouth shut so that I would not beg for a different position when he said, “most likely a counselor.”

And so I began to pray. I enlisted many others to pray. I prayed for a strong junior counselor. I prayed for energy and stamina. I prayed that God would give to me what the girls He would entrust me with needed. (And every once in a while, I prayed that he would give me a different job at camp.)

The day came and I arrived at camp with my own two children and six others from White Mountain. I was given the list of the girls in my cabin and my junior counselor. And so it began…

The first night I slept for 45 minutes. The second night I slept two hours. The ultimate irony was that my campers were snoozing contentedly by “lights out” at 10:30, while I lay awake.

And yet God is faithful. He provided energy. He provided encouragement. He provided an endless supply of love and compassion for the campers. He provided an amazing junior counselor who knew not only the logistics of camp but also how to find our cabin. He provided ways to teach my campers about him using the random things I felt compelled to stuff in my bag at the last minute. And He afforded me, the most reluctant counselor at camp ever, the opportunity and blessing to pray with six campers as they accepted Jesus as their Savior for the first time and one as she recommitted her life to Jesus.

And even more, He showed me afresh how able He is. He reminded me again that other than a willing heart, it really does not matter what I bring to the table. He is more than sufficient to take my meager offering and turn it into something beautiful.

2013

374 campers registered 75 adult volunteers (55 Alaskans) Alaska staff from Nome, Bethel, Unalakleet, Scammon Bay, Shaktoolik, Golovin, Kipnuk, Manokotak, White Mountain, Anchorage, Kenai, Soldotna, Fairbanks, & Wasilla 10 junior staff (all Alaskan) 20 villages sent campers 4 road system churches sent campers Scammon Bay youth raised over $11,000 to send 31 campers from their village

Fall 2014 // 3

Nome’s “Miracle Growing Vision—God’s Provision

by Pastor Harvey Fiskeaux

The walls are up, trusses are set, the Lord is building a new church in Nome. Teams from Samaritan's Purse have been diligently working over the summer to erect the walls of our new church. The final shape of our church is visible. For many years we have been praying for a new building to replace our aging one. The foundation beams of our old sanctuary were slowing decaying and sinking into the ground. We have been running at maximum capacity for about five years and sure needed more space. God had also given us a vision for an expanded youth ministry which would include a variety of ministries to the roaming youth of Front Street. Again, we kept praying. God answers prayer.

Dennis Agajanian came to Nome for a concert in our church and learned of our desire for expanded youth outreach. Soon Franklin Graham was notified through him and a team was dispatched to see if our ministry was compatible with the vision and mission of Samaritan's Purse. Upon learning of our need for a youth facility, the team also took note of our aging church building. Offers were made and accepted on the "house next door" and the former Arctic Trading Post building. After months of closing procedures, drafting plans, and moving church furniture and buildings, the former church was demolished. The lot needed to be prepared with compacted material for the triodetic foundation. Now the dream of new walls have become a long awaited reality.

In the mean time, the city of Nome has made their Mini Convention Center available for our worship. There is a growing excitement for the expanded ministry that can happen at the corner of Front and Bering Street in Nome. The projected date of completion is the end of October.

This project is being called the “miracle on Front Street”. It is a miracle because God Himself has been the motivator in this major rebuild. We sincerely believe that He moves as a result of sincere and persistent prayer. We stand and watch and often pinch ourselves to see if we are not dreaming. One thing is clear; God is in the business of reaching lost youth and troubled souls and will go to any length or expense to make it happen. We delight in the new facility and future plans He has for all of us in Nome.

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Top Left to bottom right: One of Samaritan’s Purse work crews; Nathan Nagaruk, constr progress; demolition started on the building in May; progress on new building as of mid enant Church building past, recent, and future; Nome church and community members d More pictures can be seen on the Nome Covenant Church Facebook page.

on Front Street”

ruction coordinator surveys the d August; photo of the Nome Covdedicate new project.

My Covenant Memories

by Kay McIver Hansen, Nome Covenant Church

This Covenant church has been home for much of my life. Jim and I were married here 45 years ago in 1967 and all three of our children, Erin, Heidi, and Peter were born and raised here.

My parents, and relatives were a big part in the church and took active roles. Dad was a board member, usher for all the years he lived here; Aunt Ruthie Towner cleaned, played piano, helped with the choir Christmas programs; and my mother and Aunt Betty Doyle were always active in the women’s sewing and felt jacket heritage and Sunday School. My relatives were deacons and deaconesses. My grandparents, Aunt Betty Doyle, and Towner's son were all buried here. Grandma Ost’s funeral was 60 years ago this very month in 1953. Besides Jim and I, Grandpa Ost married my sisters Gail and Barbie, and cousins Linda and Carole and Bunny in this church. Our children were all dedicated as babies to the Nome Covenant Church.

Dad and Fritz Carlson were ushers, mechanics, and helped with offering every single Sunday. Dad would be so proud of Peter following in his place.

His Service to others is a true gift God has given to Peter. Peter has been in this church for 37 years.

Nel and Paul Carlson, Roald and Harriet Amundsen were our pastors. I can never be thankful enough that they came and were here while I was growing up. Nel Carlson treated us to flannel graph stories, Harriet and Roald Amundsen had a love of music and blessed us with singing duets often. “Oh Mighty God” has never sounded so good to me. Helen Carlson drilled us with memory verses and all of us were expected to know the hymns by heart. Pearsons, Savoks, and others were pastors and leaders for the next 50 years.

There were many activities of grace: Bible School, Pioneer Girls, Navigators, Saturday Night Singspiration. Phoebe Hall women’s feltwork and sewing. Anna Hall (now sitting on the east side of Anvil Mountain) is where our teen Sunday School class was held.

Ernie Hanson was a great teacher. It used to be in the vacant lot across the street. It was common to hear Eskimo singing, prayers and testimonies.

I could never get tired of hearing Gert Fondell give a testimony in the 60’s and on. Christmas meant plays, music, and Swedish traditions such as Yulota on Christmas morning. Uncle Jul and Aunt Louise sent our church a very large Christmas tree from White Mountain every year and many families brought gifts to put under the tree. Kneeling to pray, deacons and deaconesses, God inspired hymns from the early Covenant hymnal (1953), the Sallmon Artwork at the front of church made our church SAFE. Families I grew up with in the 50’s who were also very active in our church. These families still have generations of children and grandchildren who have lived here.

Jim and Jenny Oksoktaruks, Hannah and Andy Millers family, Fritz and Helen Carlson, Roald and Harriet Amundsen, Paul and Nel Carlson, Spence and Arlene Strand, Kenicks, Ed and Mary and Frances and LilyWalkers, Joshua and Nora Ahwinonahs, Tom and Alma Tungwenuks, Harold and Anna Ahmasusks, Currans, Bertha Adsunas, Phillip and Marilyn Dexters, Maybell Lennert, Mary and Milton Adams, Dorothy and Peter Lee, Martha and Robert Apoks, Esther James, Grace and Art Johnson, Kitty Pederson, Billy and Agnes Komakhuk Minie and John Fagerstrom, Don and Eunice Bruckner, and many others.

From the early 60’s when Zylstras, Sundstroms, Fondells, Summers, Chip, DeVrees, Engwalls came with KICY we were blest with their families taking a huge part in our community and the church. People from the villages and lots of friends from the Covenant in the villages were here for the work of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To God be ALL the Glory and to Jesus Christ His Son. We are grateful. It’s not about “us”—it’s about Him.

Fall 2014 // 5

Mat-Su church shares with homeless families Four times a year, Mat-Su Covenant Church Sunday school rooms are converted into a warm, safe shelter for homeless families. The church is one of 14 valley congregations that supports and shelters families in need through a national interfaith hospitality ministry called “Family Promise”. Guest families are sheltered overnight in area churches and receive hospitality from church members and volunteers.

Volunteers help with setting up beds for the week, prepare light breakfasts and a hot evening meal, help with clean-up, and overnight overseers sleep on the premises. Guests spend one week at a time in each of the host churches and move to a new church each Sunday. Typically guests arrive at the church each day after 5:30 p.m. and are greeted by hosts. Guests have dinner and spend the night in the church, leaving by 9 a.m. the next morning for appointments, jobs or the local day center that provides a “home-base” for the day’s activities. Most weekends, guests are able to relax at the day center or host church on Saturday. On Sunday, guest belongings and network supplies are packed before morning services. Guests are welcome to attend services or engage in a family activity on their own until it is time to arrive at the new church at 5:30 p.m.

"Family Promise is a great ministry for our church to be a part of. It allows so many members to contribute in areas of strength,” explained Dave Rose, ministry coordinator and mission ministry team leader. “Whether it is teens helping with childcare and preparing pizza for a family or a couple offering to help with laundry after the week is done, it is a great way to see our church put ‘hands and feet’ to our ministry in the Lord's name."

The congregation has participated in the ministry for approximately six years. Dr. Robert and Sheila Fortuine helped the church begin working with the ministry as they served on the original board of directors for the program.

Mat Su Covenant Church is pleased to host

ECCAK

Sinew

the

The Sinew will be published in this new format quarterly rather than bi-monthly. If you have used the remittance envelopes enclosed to send regular gifts, please note that you will only receive four-a-year now, rather than six. Your support is still needed at the same level. You can give and set up automatic payments online at www.eccak.org . Want to receive the Sinew electronically? The website can help with that too.

Around ECCAK Pastor Grant (Lena) Funk (Hooper Bay Covenant) have moved to work for the Iditarod School District.

Bob Curtis is serving as pastor for Elim Covenant Church.

Pastor Nathan Hanna, Mekoryuk, is taking a one-year sabbatical and will be working at Alaska Christian College.

Pastor Heather Smith of Anchorage will serve as interim pastor in Mekoryuk from October-December.

Amy Kimble (CYAK) , Anchorage First Covenant youth pastor, has moved to Hampton, VA, where her husband Jordan will serve at Langley AFB. Matt Blair and Janie Ferguson (Anchorage) will serve as CYAK youth interns at Anchorage First Covenant.

Dick Lucco is now serving as ECC executive minister of ministry development and will give oversight and support for ECCAK. Dave Olson, executive minister of church growth and evangelism, formerly served in this capacity.

CYAK administrative support office is now located at Anchorage First Covenant Church. CYAK director Byron Bruckner works from Unalakleet.

Thomas Alakayak (Manokotak) will serve as a youth intern for Unalakleet Covenant Church.

New Song Covenant church has a new worship location at Finlandia Hall, 8225 Spring Street, Anchorage (behind Starbuck's @ Dimond and Old Seward).

Marisol Cisneros is the new ECCAK office manager. She replaces Sara Scoles.

A Native Christian Fellowship Group in the Valley

Sundays, 7 p.m. first Sunday of the month potluck at 5 p.m.

5701 N. Mayflower Lane, Wasilla (off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway)

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Congratulations to Dale Solberg (ACC) for receiving Ordination for Word and Sacrament at the 2013 ECC annual meeting in Detroit, MI. ECCAK grieves the loss of Isabelle Toots, wife of pastor Nathan Toots (Anchorage), who passed away June 17.

ECCAK Prayer Calendar September

October

November

Monday

Pastor Adam (Shirleen) London youth pastor, Unalakleet  Leaders to emerge among youth  Youth to grow in love for church  Alaskan student leaders equipped  Encouragement for youth interns  Wisdom as parents of three

Jamie (Erica) Rose Arigaa Anchorage  Students receptive for God’s work  Unity for ministry team staff  Alaskan student leaders equipped  Students to serve in missions  Health and strength for family

Dr. Keith and Debbie Hamilton Alaska Christian College/NHCC  Full and healthy fall ACC class  Healing for many at New Hope  Christopher’s health issues  Bradley’s college choice

Tuesday

Pastor Don (Fei) Cross Mountain Village  To “preach as we ought”  Believers to mature-shine as lights  New followers to persevere  Mercy for Mt. Village and the lost

Frank (Suzanne) Alioto The River, Kenai  Church to “overflow” for Jesus  Direction for leadership team  New small group ministry  For growth in size and depth

T.J. (Polly) Smith New Song, Anchorage  To reach unchurched  Continued growth at new location  Worship and youth leaders  Deepening spiritual growth

Wednesday

Pastor Joel (Olga) Oyoumick Unalakleet  Strength for continued ministry  Son’s family to adjust to move  God’s love, peace in our lives  Safe delivery for new grandbaby

Mike (Cory) Alverts CYAK, Wasilla  Establish family in friendships  Financial provision for ministry  Son Josiah’s start in high school  Serve as healthy, vibrant leaders

Scott & Krista Pitsch Alaska Christian College  Our children to thrive spiritually  Children to enjoy living fully  Wisdom to balance life’s demands  Together fulfill ministry calling

Thursday

Pastor Harvey (Nancy) Fiskeaux Nome  Protection for church work crews  Youth leadership strategy planning  Increased ministry in new facilities  Grace ministry marriages/families

Joel (Sarah) Oyoumick MARC, Soldotna  Transition for family’s move  Full support as MARC pilot  Health for mom and new baby  Protection during flying

Pastor Ken (Sandy) Moore Fairbanks  Ministry with Shageluk leadership  Shageluk funding/technology  Mission trip to India/Burma  Intergenerational ministry focus

Friday

Sept. 13-15 Sept. 20-22 Sept.27-29 Oct. 4-5 Oct. 4-6 Oct. 22-24 Oct. 26 Nov. 11-15 April 2-6

churches seeking pastors

Pastor Hugh (Lanette) Forbes Bethel; general council  Shaktoolik Covenant  Coffee house youth outreach  Mat-Su Covenant  Transformation /healing in lives  Hooper Bay Covenant  Be hands & feet of Christ in Bethel  Community Covenant, Eagle River  Lanette’s leadership in gen. council

ECCAK  Vision & provision for ministry  Team unity and encouragement  Pastors’ marriages and families  Holy Spirit to indwell our church  Deliverance—AK suicide epidemic

Important Dates

Elim music festival, Elim Covenant women’s retreat, Willow CYAK fall young adult retreat, Big Lake General council meeting, Anchorage CYAK Fall Blast, Golovin Pastor/leader retreat, Anchorage Alaska Christian College Vision fundraiser dinner, ChangePoint Church, Anchorage Western Alaska Ministry Training, Unalakleet 2014 ECCAK annual meeting, Fairbanks Fall 2014 // 7

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 537

Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska P.O. Box 770749 Eagle River, AK 99577

Phone: 907-694-6348 Fax: 907- 694-6378 E-mail: info@eccak.org

The Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska

Award Presented

ECCAK is a non-conference “field” of the Covenant Church of America, dependent on the gifts from churches and people to carry out our mission for Christ’s sake in Alaska.

Ministry Priorities Pastoral Care Youth Ministry Leadership Pathways Congregational Vitality Church Planting

Pastor Nathan Toots was honored with the Irving C. Lambert Award at the 128th Annual Meeting of the ECC. The award generally has been given to recognize excellence in urban ministry, but Debbie Blue, the denomination’s executive minister of the Compassion, Mercy, and Justice, said it was appropriate for Toots to be honored as one of the most influential leaders in developing the ministry of ECCAK. Field Director Curtis Ivanoff accepted the award on behalf of Toots, who was unable to attend.

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Field Director: Curtis Ivanoff curtis@eccak.org

Meet Our New Office Manager ECCAK welcomes a new office manager Marisol Cisneros (on left). She was raised in south Texas and has lived in Kansas, Illinois and Alaska. Her husband Matt is a Covenant pastor and together they moved here with their three children to help with Chugach Covenant Church, a new church plant.. Marisol worked at Covenant offices in the ordered ministry department for three years before joining the ECCAK team. ECCAK is grateful for Sara Scoles who served ECCAK for almost seven years.

Associate Field Director: James Barefoot arctic4jim@yahoo.com Office Manager: Marisol Cisneros info@eccak.org Sinew Editor Kristi Ivanoff kristi@eccak.org