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A
MISSIONARY HERITAGE
Since the founding of Kodiak Baptist Mission in 1893 by the Woman's
American Baptist Home Mission Society, American Baptists have sought
to "make God's appeal" in the far north. For more than 100 years,
American Baptist home missionaries in Alaska have encouraged life
in Christ through ministries of witness, renewal and justice. Symbolizing
this missionary heritage is the now retired Gospel boat, "The Evangel."
For nearly 30 years missionaries piloted the frigid waters of the
Gulf of Alaska, visiting tiny fishing villages and logging camps
on remote islands for weeks at a time, intent on sharing the Good
News of Jesus Christ with Native Alaskans.
ALASKA
MINISTRIES TODAY
From such ministries, the American Baptist outreach in Alaska has
grown and matured. Today, mission in Alaska is organized and energized
by members of local American Baptist churches, just as it is in
other parts of the U.S. Currently, 14 American Baptist congregations,
located throughout the state, reach out as ambassadors for Christ
to Alaska's multicultural population. These congregations join other
American Baptists from across the U.S. and Puerto Rico in supporting
the work and witness of historic home mission partners in Alaska.
Kodiak Baptist Mission on Kodiak Island and Alaska Children's Services
in Anchorage continue to minister with children, youth and their
families. American Baptists also support ministries such as Cordova
Community Christian Center which offers a variety of services to
local residents and Daybreak, Inc., in Palmer, which provides housing
for adults with special needs.
THE
ROAD AHEAD
American Baptists in Alaska currently are planning for future ministry,
working on issues of identity, structure and organizational relationships.
Church growth and new church planting are special emphases. The
road ahead for Alaska Ministries is marked by both opportunity and
adventure. American Baptists in the 49th state appreciate the prayers
and volunteer support of the entire denominational family as they
seek to continue to model Christ's love in a demanding environment.
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