Remote Alaska Missions
Ministry Leader: John Pinnix
Start Date: March 2007
Ministry Vision Verse: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” -II Peter 3:9
Mission (Goal): Snatch them from the fire! The purpose of this ministry is to take the Gospel to people in over 250 communities that are not accessible via any road system. There are over 100 communities in Alaska with fewer than 100 in population. Thousands of people who are only accessible by plane, boat, or snow machine, will never hear the gospel if no one goes. Therefore, the goal is to see souls saved, enroll them into the tape ministry, disciple them though our Bible college, and help missionaries start local, independent Baptist churches.
Impact Since Start: 7 souls saved! On June 28, 2006, John Pinnix took his first river trip to Stevens Village, a village of 68 souls; it changed his life. It was weeks after this trip that he read an article about Georgetown, Alaska. Georgetown is on Alaska’s second largest river and has three people that deserve to hear the gospel. The only way to get to Georgetown is to haul an inflatable boat to a nearby village and boat 13 miles. Several trips have been made to other communities for the purpose of soul winning and preaching. As a result of this ministry, at least seven people were saved as of June 2007.
Difficulties To Deal With: A burden for the lost! It is difficult to communicate the fact that, although Alaska belongs to America, it is a huge, “third world country” type of a mission field in our own nation. When you couple the distant remoteness along with the most harsh and unforgiving climate in the world, it makes this a very challenging place to minister. You have to experience it in-order to understand it. Want to go?
Special Notes (Things To Pray About): Gas to go down, support to go up! The biggest single need is fuel or money to buy gas. Currently, all those who serve in this ministry have jobs to support their families; however, it costs anywhere from $300-$600 to make just one trip to a remote village in Alaska. The men in the church have the equipment and time to make two trips every month to multiple villages. Combined, there are two boats, three planes, and a fleet of snowmobiles available for this ministry, if only funds were available for the enormous operating expenses.