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Alaska VBS Mission Trip

by Kathy Rowe, VBS Team Leader, New Cambria, Missouri

As we traveled the 20 miles of road from Dillingham to Aleknagik we agreed that we must stop at the home of the children who needed a ride to Vacation Bible School (VBS) last year. Team Member Misty Rowe hopped out of the borrowed pick-up truck and went to the door. When the children saw Misty, the excitement in their eyes told us the trip was worth it! The three children climbed into the truck with us, and we went the additional mile to the lake. 

    Peter was waiting to take the children and the 10-member VBS team across the lake to the Aleknagik Church. When you have a VBS team that loves to sing and work with children, the Lord moves. Seven youth and three adults made up the Dillingham and Aleknagik VBS Team. It was rewarding to see friendships formed and bonding take place between the older and younger youth. 

    All eyes were glued to the skits portraying the life of Joseph. Each skit ended with, “Come back tomorrow to find out what happens to Joseph next.” He was always in difficult situations, but never one that God could not handle. The children discovered it was very important to rely on God for everything.

    We witnessed the awe in their eyes as they experienced what it was like to grind wheat into flour during the nature nugget period of VBS. In the health lesson each day, Mr. Gross Mouth was the most popular (or not-so-popular) character as he demonstrated what happens when you abuse your bodies with smoking.

    Laughter was heard during the games and crafts. The action took place twice daily for one week. Aleknagik VBS was held in the afternoon, and Dillingham VBS was scheduled in the evening. On Sabbath it was wonderful to see the children from VBS in church, singing several songs they had learned during the week. They became a part of the VBS team as the story of Joseph was retold and they sang along between the different stories.

    The VBS Team experienced other activities which made their mission trip to Alaska complete and wonderful. There was the trip to Bryan Glacier and a visit to the Heritage Center in Anchorage. Friends let them ride their zip line, and they climbed to the very top of Snake Mountain. One evening they helped pull fish from the nets on the beach. They also enjoyed two steam baths—a native custom.

    What is in store for next year? The older native children  indicated that they love the skits and want to be a part of the program next year. Teaching them to lead out and spread God’s word is so easy when youth teach youth. And you know they mean it when they make an effort to come to the airport to say good-bye and tell you they will be working to earn money so the VBS team can come back next year.

    What other way is God leading in this mission field? One of the VBS team members accepted a position as a task force teacher next school year in Dillingham.  During the VBS time, Misty Rowe was able to meet some of the children and parents she will be teaching this fall. Several parents told her that their children couldn’t wait until VBS each night. We are hopeful that this enthusiasm will spill over into the Dillingham SDA Church School as God prepares for enrollment there.

    If you would like to be a part of the VBS Mission Team, sign up now for what may very well be the best experience of your life —working with God.

	Togiak Church

 

Fran and Beairad
Chris Oliver's class learns orgami.
Eric, with his guitar, and crew sing.
Children smile and laugh
Rod Rau pilot. Fran and others.
Cassy teaching
Salmon drying

Five Years of VBS Ministry in Alaska

by Fran Hansen

This was the fifth year that a group from Iowa-Missouri presented Vaction Bible School (VBS) in the Alaskan fishing village of Togiak.

    More and more people in the village are recognizing the group, and the reception has been phenomenal. The children who began coming the first year at ages 6 through 9 are now 12 through 15 and still coming! What a blessing!

    One little boy stayed around us as much as possible. If we could have, we would have brought him home with us. He was given a new shirt because he hadn’t had a change of clothes the whole week up till Thursday. Then he asked for a new pair of pants. When we asked him what kind he wanted, he said, “Lots!”

    A person donated some small dollhouses. Two little girls, who desperately wanted one, were very disappointed because they didn’t get one. They were promised dollhouses as soon as possible.

    These children are extremely affectionate, giving us more love than we take. It is a joy to share Jesus and His love with them. This year, over 100 attended VBS throughout the week in Togiak—a village of 816.

    Circumstances prevented us from making our reservations early, and the groups (one to Togiak, one to Dillingham/Aleknagik) had to be shuffled at the end, doubling the cost.

    In discouragement, Fran Hansen called Don Starlin on Thursday, May 24, and asked for prayer. Fran told Don how much was needed. Prayer was offered. On Tuesday, May 29, Don called with the news that a check had been received, covering the amount needed, and the check had been written on May 23. What a testimony to God’s taking care of our needs!

    Plans are already underway for next year, with tentative venue to include a week at Manokotak village.

   If you are interested in an Alaskan adventure with Christ, there will be opportunities for one- two- or three-week trips.

Next summer plans are also being laid for Native American ministry - VBS in Montana, and a church building project in Idaho.

    If interested, contact Fran Hansen at 417-742-4154.

Mike's fish		Abby serving fruit.	Wilber Bavilla, church member, and his fish.