Retreat Speakers Luda Kinok “I was born in the small Siberian Yupik village of Sireniki, USSR. Shaped by Soviet mentality and Native culture (or what was left of it), I felt like I didn’t lack anything growing up. Raised as an atheist, I didn’t miss God and wasn’t really looking for Him. I was turning 14 when USSR dissolved. At first, I didn’t think it affected me that much, but for the next couple of years I found myself facing a lot of confusion. I was born in the country that doesn’t exist anymore. Everything I learned as a child turned out to be a lie. One Sunday morning I turned my TV on and stumbled upon a 700 club in Russian. After watching that program, in April of 1994 at the age of 16, I turned my heart to Jesus. I fully committed my life to serving Him, sharing my passion with many others. I served as a pastor and missionary in Provideniya region and started few churches along with other fellow missionaries. In 2004 I received an invitation from the Christian radio station in Nome, Alaska to do Russian Programming. I decided to come up for 3 months to see if that is something I would like to do. I quickly learned English, learned computers and learned all the radio stuff and produced 5 hour show every night to share the Gospel of the Good News to the Russian Far East. My 3 months turned to 8 years. Nome became my new home. I tried to go back to Russia in 2012, but faced with a lot of opposition from the authorities, two years later I decided to come back to Nome. I am back on the air on KICY and continuing my service to the Russian Far East via radio waves. I am studying Bible Theology long-distance with Global University, Springfield, MO and involved with ministry in the Assembly of God church in Nome.” Val Thomas
Valerie Thomas is from Bethel and currently works for Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation as an accountant. Val serves in church leadership in many ways. She serves on the Bethel Evangelical Covenant Church Board and also co-leads a life group for adults in her community. She serves on the Covenant Women's Council, Covenant Youth of Alaska board as well as on the national Executive Board for the ECC. Val attended Alaska Christian College and North Park University and served at ACC as a resident Advisor for two years. She loves traveling and participating in traditional subsistence activities with her family. She has seen God deepen her understanding of walking in the light and God's call as she walks deeper in community.
Heather Smith
“I was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. In 1961 I came to Alaska as a Registered Nurse on a short vacation and met my husband to be and never returned to California. We had three sons who are now all married and living in Anchorage. I am blessed with seven grandchildren, who are all in the Anchorage area. I worked in pediatrics at Providence and then at Anchorage Pediatric Group for 37 years. At the age of 13 I accepted Jesus as my savior at a Baptist youth camp and have always understood that I was to pray for healing. In 1995 I started to study to become a Commissioned Lay Pastor in the Presbyterian Church. I was Commissioned to serve in 1999. This was the same year that my husband passed away. I retired from Nursing and began my career in village ministry, always with a focus on healing prayer and raising up native leadership. I served on many short term village assignments, but in 2002 received a call to be a full time solo pastor in the village of Nuiqsut. I served there until 2010. As I returned to Anchorage, I found the Covenant Church and have been serving at First Covenant as a Bi-vocational Pastor and now at Community Covenant in Eagle River as a member with a desire to teach and mentor folks in healing prayer and Intercession. I continue to seek God for direction and look forward to serving Him for many more years.”
Cory Alverts
“Ever since I can remember, I have wanted to make a difference in the world. In college, I was challenged to join God in transforming people. The reasoning was, if the world was full of healthy people, the world would be a healthy place. That was over 20 years ago. Ever since, I have been involved in some sort of ministry with my husband, Mike.” Cory has 3 children, and attends Community Covenant, where she works in high school and young adult ministries.
North Star Bible Camp 10688 Willow Fishhook Road Willow, Alaska (907)495-6378 northstarbiblecamp.com The camp is located approximately 85 miles north of Anchorage. Just north of mile 71 on the Parks Hwy turn right on Willow Fishhook Road. North Star is 12.5 miles in, on the right side of the road. Retreat cost: (Before Sept 11/After Sept 11): Friday thru Sunday: $145 / $165 2 days & 1 night: $125 / $145 1 day & 1 night: $95 / $105 Register online at http://www.alaskacovenant.org/womens-retreat-2016/
What to Bring:
Bible Sleeping Bag & pillow Towel & toiletries Clothing and shoes appropriate to the weather Crafts & games Flashlight Snack to share Optional: Money for massage, crafts, offerings, craft sale, cafe Craft Sale: There will be a craft sale with proceeds benefiting Elim and Scammon Bay parsonages. If you would like to donate craft items please bring them with you to the retreat and leave them at the registration table. Arts and Crafts: Everyone will be able to participate in a fun and easy free craft project to take home. In addition, you will have a chance to purchase supplies and instruction on other arts and craft projects. Prices range from $5—$10. Friday Evening: Registration at North Star will open at 5pm, with a potluck dinner beginning at 5:30pm. If you are able, please bring something to share; a side dish, appetizer, snack, dessert, or chocolate =). Our evening worship service will begin following dinner. For more information about the retreat, the camp, or other questions, please contact: Sharron Carlson (907)223-5511 or Kate at alaskacwm@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at Alaska Covenant Women.