First Hand Friday: Alisha

Alaska has truly captured my heart. I was privileged to spend the summer of 2017 in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. I served with a team of four by leading Vacation Bible School in a number of villages in the area. My heart was captured by the glorious topography. It’s unlike any place I’ve ever seen on earth. The majestic mountains, the vast unpopulated land, the tundra biome, beautiful Lake Iliamna, and the Nushagak and Kvichak Rivers. These scenic vistas still stir my soul today. What an amazingly creative God we serve! His creation sings of His glory!

Besides the scenic splendor of Bristol Bay, what captured my heart even more was the beautiful people. My team was welcomed into seven different villages that summer. Manokotak, Koliganek, Ekwok, Igiugig, Kokhanok, Egegik, and Levelock. Populations ranging from 50 to 400 people. The people of these small villages are mainly Alaskan Natives of Yup’ik and Aleut descent, with Native Alaskan and Russian cultural influences. The children in these villages, though small in number, were large in personality and enthusiasm. When they smiled their eyes shone bright.

All children are precious image bearers of God, but what a privilege to share Christ with these Alaskan bush children. Though not ignorant of or uninfluenced by social media or modern technology, life for these children runs at a different pace than for children in the lower 48. I believe these kids have more responsibilities in their household. They take care of one another. They do things collectively and in community. It was such an honor to play games with these children, to share puppet skits, to sing, to teach lessons, to go on walks, to share meals, to dance and laugh alongside. Each child has their own story. Each with their own pain and struggles. Every village was unique in character and personality, but equally as impactful on my life as an outsider welcomed in.

In all the change that has swept over our nation and our world the past few months, I was curious as to what life in the Bristol Bay area looked like this summer compared to previous ones. Bristol Bay is located at the eastern-most arm of the Bering Sea and it’s primary industry is commercial salmon fishing and canneries. This industry brings people from all over the world to this small region of Alaska during the summer months. Many local men and women from surrounding villages also make their way to larger fishing towns such as Naknek and Egegik during salmon fishing season. This is a way of life and extremely important to the economy of this region.

There are battling concerns in the area revolving around the current global situation. There’s the worry of negative economic impact and future sustainability issues in the industry, with the restrictions that are implemented. There’s also the serious health concerns of what coronavirus may do to the area. These remote communities are currently untouched by the virus. All of the global traffic that occurs in Bristol Bay could bring in devastating health risks to an area with limited medical resources. The flu pandemic of 1918, which is said to have killed 30% of the Bristol Bay population, is a sobering reminder to the people of the consequences of such a virus.

Unfortunately, because of the current state of the world, ministry in Alaska will be different this summer. However, there are still praises to sing and opportunities to be praying for. Even though the AFLC isn’t sending out workers this summer to be on a VBS team or opening the NET to shine Christ’s light to the fishermen and cannery workers, He is still at work! The Samaritan’s Purse is issuing an Emergency Field Hospital in King Salmon to aid in responding to COVID-19 patients and alleviate the worries that the threat of this virus brings to this remote area of Alaska. Not only will they be helping with the medical needs of the community, but they will be representing Jesus to the diverse community that will still be coming to work this summer.

Continue to be praying for this area of the world. Pray that the message of the Good News of Christ, that was shared in the villages over past summers, is still at work in the hearts of these growing children. Pray that the joy and peace of Christ would reach the hearts of all the fishing workers and cannery workers as they do their work with greater limitations and social restrictions. Pray for the AFLC missionaries and workers to find creative ways to serve their community during these uncertain and unpredictable times. Praise God always, for He is good and His love endures forever.