Fall 2014 // 1

First Alaska Native to serve as MARC pilot

Joel Oyoumick, of Unalakleet, has decided to follow God’s call into

vocational ministry and is the first Alaska Native to serve as a pilot

for Missionary Aviation Repair Center where he begins serving this

fall. Joel’s wife Sarah and children Jonas (6) and Lucas (4) have

moved from Joel’s hometown of Unalakleet to Soldotna in order to

serve the mission flying ministry that has served Alaska’s village min-

istries for almost 50 years.

MARC exists to expand the reach of the gospel in Alaska by flying

people and supplies to places where there are no roads, supporting

other missionaries and their aircraft, and training missionary-minded

pilots and mechanics. Whether delivering materials for a new church

building or transporting speakers to Bible camps or workers for VBS

outreaches across the state, MARC impacts rural Alaska with the hope

of Jesus Christ.

“We have seen God grow our hearts for missions for a while now and

I got to see all the different ways MARC serves various ministries

when I did my initial flight training with MARC in Soldotna,” Joel

explained. “I had heard two different sermons in a relatively short

amount of time that I felt God was using to call me—one of them I

was listening to while I was flying.”

Joel wanted to be a pilot as a young child. He gave his heart to the

Lord at Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet while in junior high.

When MARC placed a missionary aviation family in his home village,

God opened the door for Joel to be encouraged by Don Irvine and

other MARC pilots to pursue his private pilot’s license.

“Through the years, we have seen and been directly on the receiving

end of this ministry,” Sarah explained. “We cannot express how excit-

ed we are to be joining this ministry to reach Alaska’s people, whom

have been woven into our hearts for so many years.”

Joel is a graduate of Covenant Bible College and has earned his

commercial, instrument, and multi-engine ratings, as well as an asso-

ciate degree in aviation maintenance. He has worked as an aircraft

mechanic for a commuter airline in Anchorage and as a pilot with a

cargo company out of Unalakleet.

“We are hoping that Joel will be a catalyst to encourage other Alaska

Native men and women to follow his lead,” said Mark Swenson,

MARC chief pilot.

MARC pilots and mechanics are considered missionaries and are

responsible to raise full financial support from individuals and

churches who God calls to be a part of their mission support team.

They also desire a strong prayer support team of those who would

pray for them, their family needs and the ministry.

If you would desire to join their team by making a one-time gift or

supporting them on a regular basis, checks can be sent to Missionary

Aviation Repair Center at P.O. Box 511, Soldotna, AK, 99669, or you

may give online at www.marcalaska.org/give.html#staff.

“Having seen Joel grow up in the Covenant Church and grow in his

faith along the way, it is wonderful to see him take a step of faith as

he follows God in a new call to vocational ministry,” said Curtis

Ivanoff, field director. “We pray for God’s abundant provision of all

they need in this new endeavor and that God’s grace would be shared

abundantly all across Alaska through Joel and Sarah.”

theSinew ECCAK

Ephesians 4:16

From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

Fall 2013

2 // ECCAK Sinew

Missional Marker #5

Centrality of the Word of God

2 Timothy 3:16

We believe that the Bible is the only perfect

rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.

Our preaching and teaching in all settings

reflects careful preparation, relevance and

creativity.

Our people are equipped and growing in

their ability to study and apply biblical truth

in ways that lead to a scripturally integrated

life.

In June, I traveled to Detroit to join pastors and delegates

from churches across the nation for the 128th ECC annual

meeting. This year’s focus was taken from Micah 6:8 as we

were challenged to meditate on what it means to “Love Mer-

cy, Do Justice.” We considered and discussed how this is

applied to national issues like immigration reform, systemic

forces that impede progress toward justice for all, and pro-

jects the Covenant church is heavily invested in such as

Covenant Kids Congo In all this, I could not help but think

of our churches in Alaska. What touches our communities

and how are churches touching individuals and communities

to witness through mercy and justice? I want to highlight

one area that immediately came to mind that I have heard is

on the hearts of many around our state—ministry to individ-

uals in and transitioning from prison.

Vince and Laura Eben, along with Bob Halverson from

Anchorage First Covenant Church have been developing an

outreach to prisoners called Keith C. Fullerton Prison Minis-

try (KCFPM). They ask for names of loved ones or individu-

als who someone may know is incarcerated and then they

visit them bringing the love of Jesus. People from Commu-

nity Covenant are also involved in a spiritual mentoring pro-

gram at Hiland Mountain Correctional Center in Eagle Riv-

er. While attending the River in Kenai earlier this summer, I

heard a testimony from Aaron Dupuis about how he is being

transformed himself after reluctantly entering a prison min-

istry at Wildwood Correctional Center. Nome members

share in Bible study with the prison and halfway house on

Front Street, and participate in Christmas outreach. I know

there are many more stories that could be told. I’m encour-

aged that many of you pray regularly for those who are in-

carcerated.

I desire to see our churches find their place in this realm of

incredible need. Opportunities abound. The chaplain pro-

gram coordinator for Alaska prisons has shared with me his

sincere desire to identify more Alaska Native individuals to

enter into ministry to prisoners. At a recent CYAK planning

retreat, the need for ministry to youth in juvenile detention

centers across the state was also discussed. We see in Mat-

thew 25 that we are to “visit those in prison”. Our denomi-

nation’s “Matthew-Micah Initiative” is designed to help

focus the denomination’s compassion, mercy, and justice

ministries, and I see our churches responding to the call.

In May, our pastors, leaders and delegates met in Me-

koryuk on Nunivak Island for our annual meeting, and we

considered what it looks like to be “fully mature in Christ”.

Part of growing in maturity is to live into Christ’s mission to

reach the lost, the least, and lonely. May we consider how

we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds in

this ministry of compassion, mercy and justice.

Do you have a loved one in a correctional facility in the

Anchorage bowl area to be visited? Contact Vince and

Laura Eben at (907) 744-1592 or covhi67@hotmail.com.

No Hidden Corner by Myra Harris

Just as a tripod is a trail-marker guiding a

traveler’s journey, this column series explores missional markers to

guide us in our journey toward healthy,

missional churches.

Adversity tests many things. In June, 38-degree silty Yukon River water

flooded Galena and nearly reached the inside of our first floor (which was

well over the 100-year flood elevation mark). We were safe. However,

when I watched a culvert the size of our house get pushed through a nearby

road with guard rails—like a loader pushing snow piles—my family was

suddenly in a serious situation. Shortly after, I watched a trickle of water

find its way down our driveway from the back lakes. Ten minutes later, it

was like a brook flowing under our house.

"Jesus, you have everything under control, please make this water stop,

spare us, our home, keep everyone safe."

I let go of my daughter, Romay, and my husband Jason's hands to get busy

packing, not knowing for how long. Evacuation was inevitable.

What life circumstance, if any, is exempt from God's Word? Is there

some hidden corner to which God's Word does not speak? As I write from

an Army barracks where my daughter and I are temporarily housed, we

hear plenty of stories of the major flooding incident that forced the evacua-

tion of 300 people. Some are humorous; some bring one to tears. Homes

lost. Yet, people with previous relational issues are now working together.

Personally, this adversity has allowed us to reevaluate our lives. Do we

return to live in an area that is prone to flooding? What if...? Through it

all, God has protected me from my own fears. Psalm 46:1-3 says, "God is

our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will

not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried

into the midst of the sea; its waters roar and be troubled, the mountains

shake with its swelling."

With the development of our faith, God will allow trying times. Without a

testing of faith, we don't have the ability to show Him and others that we

have that faith. Romay and I are closer; she recently shared her own per-

sonal story of how God has reminded her that He is near.

Before sending us off in the boat that evacuated us, through frigid waters

and ice chunks the size of cars, Jason thought of how it was possible that a

quick hug and goodbye might be his last One does not rationalize normal-

ly when in emergency situations, especially when all that is known is that

one doesn't know. God's Word has strengthened us. Things that were a big

deal before the flood seem trivial. Thank God for protection, for sparing

our home, His Word, and for adversity.

Myra (Slwooko) Harris is originally from Unalakleet and has lived in

Galena for the past five years. She and her husband Jason have served in

Covenant Bible Camp ministry and attend Galena Bible Chapel.

“Love Mercy, Do Justice”

by Curtis Ivanoff, field director

Fall 2014 // 3

2013

When I filled out the volunteer staff application for Bible

Camp, I wrote that I would serve “wherever needed.” And yet,

in my heart I said, “but please God, not as a counselor.” At 44, I

had doubts about my ability to keep up with robust and energet-

ic ten to twelve-year-old girls twenty-four hours a day. I was

concerned about what the lack of sleep might do to my charm-

ing disposition. I feared that the campers would look at all the

other young female counselors who would be half my age and

think, “I hope I don’t get that old lady for my counselor!” I con-

sidered that it was possible that I would be solely responsible

for ruining a group’s Bible camp experience.

Several weeks after I submitted my application, I talked to the

camp director and asked him what position I would have. Steel-

ing myself for the answer I knew would inevitably come, I still

had to clamp my mouth shut so that I would not beg for a differ-

ent position when he said, “most likely a counselor.”

And so I began to pray. I enlisted many others to pray. I

prayed for a strong junior counselor. I prayed for energy and

stamina. I prayed that God would give to me what the girls He

would entrust me with needed. (And every once in a while, I

prayed that he would give me a different job at camp.)

The day came and I arrived at camp with my own two children

and six others from White Mountain. I was given the list of the

girls in my cabin and my junior counselor. And so it began…

The first night I slept for 45 minutes. The second night I slept

two hours. The ultimate irony was that my campers were snooz-

ing contentedly by “lights out” at 10:30, while I lay awake.

And yet God is faithful. He provided energy. He provided en-

couragement. He provided an endless supply of love and com-

passion for the campers. He provided an amazing junior counse-

lor who knew not only the logistics of camp but also how to

find our cabin. He provided ways to teach my campers about

him using the random things I felt compelled to stuff in my bag

at the last minute. And He afforded me, the most reluctant coun-

selor at camp ever, the opportunity and blessing to pray with six

campers as they accepted Jesus as their Savior for the first time

and one as she recommitted her life to Jesus.

And even more, He showed me afresh how able He is. He re-

minded me again that other than a willing heart, it really does

not matter what I bring to the table. He is more than sufficient to

take my meager offering and turn it into something beautiful.

Reluctance to Rejoicing

by Mary Hansen, White Mountain Covenant Church

374 campers registered

75 adult volunteers (55 Alaskans)

Alaska staff from Nome, Bethel, Unalakleet, Scammon Bay, Shaktoolik, Golovin, Kipnuk, Manokotak, White Mountain, Anchorage, Kenai, Soldotna, Fairbanks,

& Wasilla

10 junior staff (all Alaskan)

20 villages sent campers

4 road system churches sent campers

Scammon Bay youth raised over $11,000 to send 31 campers from their village

4 // ECCAK Sinew

Top Left to bottom right: One of Samaritan’s Purse work crews; Nathan Nagaruk, construction coordinator surveys the

progress; demolition started on the building in May; progress on new building as of mid August; photo of the Nome Cov-

enant Church building past, recent, and future; Nome church and community members dedicate new project.

More pictures can be seen on the Nome Covenant Church Facebook page.

Nome’s “Miracle on Front Street”Growing Vision—God’s Provision

by Pastor Harvey Fiskeaux

The walls are up, trusses are set, the Lord is building a new

church in Nome. Teams from Samaritan's Purse have been

diligently working over the summer to erect the walls of our

new church. The final shape of our church is visible. For

many years we have been praying for a new building to re-

place our aging one. The foundation beams of our old sanctu-

ary were slowing decaying and sinking into the ground. We

have been running at maximum capacity for about five years

and sure needed more space. God had also given us a vision

for an expanded youth ministry which would include a varie-

ty of ministries to the roaming youth of Front Street. Again,

we kept praying. God answers prayer.

Dennis Agajanian came to Nome for a concert in our church

and learned of our desire for expanded youth outreach. Soon

Franklin Graham was notified through him and a team was

dispatched to see if our ministry was compatible with the

vision and mission of Samaritan's Purse. Upon learning of our

need for a youth facility, the team also took note of our aging

church building. Offers were made and accepted on the

"house next door" and the former Arctic Trading Post build-

ing. After months of closing procedures, drafting plans, and

moving church furniture and buildings, the former church

was demolished. The lot needed to be prepared with compact-

ed material for the triodetic foundation. Now the dream of

new walls have become a long awaited reality.

In the mean time, the city of Nome has made their Mini

Convention Center available for our worship. There is a

growing excitement for the expanded ministry that can hap-

pen at the corner of Front and Bering Street in Nome. The

projected date of completion is the end of October.

This project is being called the “miracle on Front Street”. It

is a miracle because God Himself has been the motivator in

this major rebuild. We sincerely believe that He moves as a

result of sincere and persistent prayer. We stand and watch

and often pinch ourselves to see if we are not dreaming. One

thing is clear; God is in the business of reaching lost youth

and troubled souls and will go to any length or expense to

make it happen. We delight in the new facility and future

plans He has for all of us in Nome.

Fall 2014 // 5

This Covenant church has been home for much of my

life. Jim and I were married here 45 years ago in

1967 and all three of our children, Erin, Heidi, and

Peter were born and raised here.

My parents, and relatives were a big part in the

church and took active roles. Dad was a board mem-

ber, usher for all the years he lived here; Aunt Ruthie

Towner cleaned, played piano, helped with the choir

Christmas programs; and my mother and Aunt Betty

Doyle were always active in the women’s sewing and

felt jacket heritage and Sunday School. My relatives

were deacons and deaconesses. My grandparents,

Aunt Betty Doyle, and Towner's son were all buried

here. Grandma Ost’s funeral was 60 years ago this

very month in 1953. Besides Jim and I, Grandpa Ost

married my sisters Gail and Barbie, and cousins Lin-

da and Carole and Bunny in this church. Our chil-

dren were all dedicated as babies to the Nome Cove-

nant Church.

Dad and Fritz Carlson were ushers, mechanics, and

helped with offering every single Sunday. Dad

would be so proud of Peter following in his place.

His Service to others is a true gift God has given to

Peter. Peter has been in this church for 37 years.

Nel and Paul Carlson, Roald and Harriet Amundsen

were our pastors. I can never be thankful enough that

they came and were here while I was growing up. Nel

Carlson treated us to flannel graph stories, Harriet

and Roald Amundsen had a love of music and

blessed us with singing duets often. “Oh Mighty

God” has never sounded so good to me. Helen Carl-

son drilled us with memory verses and all of us were

expected to know the hymns by heart. Pearsons,

Savoks, and others were pastors and leaders for the

next 50 years.

There were many activities of grace: Bible School,

Pioneer Girls, Navigators, Saturday Night Singspira-

tion. Phoebe Hall women’s feltwork and sewing. An-

na Hall (now sitting on the east side of Anvil Moun-

tain) is where our teen Sunday School class was held.

Ernie Hanson was a great teacher. It used to be in the

vacant lot across the street. It was common to hear

Eskimo singing, prayers and testimonies.

I could never get tired of hearing Gert Fondell give

a testimony in the 60’s and on. Christmas meant

plays, music, and Swedish traditions such as Yulota

on Christmas morning. Uncle Jul and Aunt Louise

sent our church a very large Christmas tree from

White Mountain every year and many families

brought gifts to put under the tree. Kneeling to pray,

deacons and deaconesses, God inspired hymns from

the early Covenant hymnal (1953), the Sallmon Art-

work at the front of church made our church SAFE.

Families I grew up with in the 50’s who were also

very active in our church. These families still have

generations of children and grandchildren who have

lived here.

Jim and Jenny Oksoktaruks, Hannah and Andy Mil-

lers family, Fritz and Helen Carlson, Roald and Har-

riet Amundsen, Paul and Nel Carlson, Spence and

Arlene Strand, Kenicks, Ed and Mary and Frances

and LilyWalkers, Joshua and Nora Ahwinonahs,

Tom and Alma Tungwenuks, Harold and Anna Ah-

masusks, Currans, Bertha Adsunas, Phillip and Mari-

lyn Dexters, Maybell Lennert, Mary and Milton Ad-

ams, Dorothy and Peter Lee, Martha and Robert

Apoks, Esther James, Grace and Art Johnson, Kitty

Pederson, Billy and Agnes Komakhuk Minie and

John Fagerstrom, Don and Eunice Bruckner, and

many others.

From the early 60’s when Zylstras, Sundstroms,

Fondells, Summers, Chip, DeVrees, Engwalls came

with KICY we were blest with their families taking a

huge part in our community and the church. People

from the villages and lots of friends from the Cove-

nant in the villages were here for the work of spread-

ing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

To God be ALL the Glory and to Jesus Christ His

Son. We are grateful. It’s not about “us”—it’s about

Him.

Top Left to bottom right: One of Samaritan’s Purse work crews; Nathan Nagaruk, construction coordinator surveys the

progress; demolition started on the building in May; progress on new building as of mid August; photo of the Nome Cov-

enant Church building past, recent, and future; Nome church and community members dedicate new project.

Nome’s “Miracle on Front Street” My Covenant Memories by Kay McIver Hansen, Nome Covenant Church

6 // ECCAK Sinew

A Native Christian Fellowship Group in the Valley

Sundays, 7 p.m.

first Sunday of the month potluck at 5 p.m.

5701 N. Mayflower Lane, Wasilla

(off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway)

Mat Su Covenant Church is pleased to host

Pastor Grant (Lena) Funk (Hooper Bay Covenant) have moved to work

for the Iditarod School District.

Bob Curtis is serving as pastor for Elim Covenant Church.

Pastor Nathan Hanna, Mekoryuk, is taking a one-year sabbatical and

will be working at Alaska Christian College.

Pastor Heather Smith of Anchorage will serve as interim pastor in

Mekoryuk from October-December.

Amy Kimble (CYAK) , Anchorage First Covenant youth pastor, has

moved to Hampton, VA, where her husband Jordan will serve at

Langley AFB.

Matt Blair and Janie Ferguson (Anchorage) will serve as CYAK youth

interns at Anchorage First Covenant.

Dick Lucco is now serving as ECC executive minister of ministry

development and will give oversight and support for ECCAK. Dave

Olson, executive minister of church growth and evangelism, formerly

served in this capacity.

CYAK administrative support office is now located at Anchorage First

Covenant Church. CYAK director Byron Bruckner works from

Unalakleet.

Thomas Alakayak (Manokotak) will serve as a youth intern for

Unalakleet Covenant Church.

New Song Covenant church has a new worship location at Finlandia

Hall, 8225 Spring Street, Anchorage (behind Starbuck's @ Dimond and

Old Seward).

Marisol Cisneros is the new ECCAK office manager. She replaces Sara

Scoles.

Congratulations to Dale Solberg (ACC) for receiving Ordination for

Word and Sacrament at the 2013 ECC annual meeting in Detroit, MI.

ECCAK grieves the loss of Isabelle Toots, wife of pastor Nathan Toots

(Anchorage), who passed away June 17.

Around ECCAK

Four times a year, Mat-Su Covenant Church Sun-

day school rooms are converted into a warm, safe

shelter for homeless families. The church is one of

14 valley congregations that supports and shelters

families in need through a national interfaith hospi-

tality ministry called “Family Promise”. Guest

families are sheltered overnight in area churches

and receive hospitality from church members and

volunteers.

Volunteers help with setting up beds for the

week, prepare light breakfasts and a hot evening

meal, help with clean-up, and overnight overseers

sleep on the premises. Guests spend one week at a

time in each of the host churches and move to a

new church each Sunday. Typically guests arrive

at the church each day after 5:30 p.m. and are

greeted by hosts. Guests have dinner and spend

the night in the church, leaving by 9 a.m. the next

morning for appointments, jobs or the local day

center that provides a “home-base” for the day’s

activities. Most weekends, guests are able to relax

at the day center or host church on Saturday. On

Sunday, guest belongings and network supplies are

packed before morning services. Guests are wel-

come to attend services or engage in a family ac-

tivity on their own until it is time to arrive at the

new church at 5:30 p.m.

"Family Promise is a great ministry for our church

to be a part of. It allows so many members to con-

tribute in areas of strength,” explained Dave Rose,

ministry coordinator and mission ministry team

leader. “Whether it is teens helping with childcare

and preparing pizza for a family or a couple offer-

ing to help with laundry after the week is done, it

is a great way to see our church put ‘hands and

feet’ to our ministry in the Lord's name."

The congregation has participated in the ministry

for approximately six years. Dr. Robert and Sheila

Fortuine helped the church begin working with the

ministry as they served on the original board of

directors for the program.

Mat-Su church shares

with homeless families

The Sinew will be published in this new format quarterly ra-

ther than bi-monthly. If you have used the remittance enve-

lopes enclosed to send regular gifts, please note that you will

only receive four-a-year now, rather than six. Your support is

still needed at the same level. You can give and set up auto-

matic payments online at www.eccak.org . Want to receive the

Sinew electronically? The website can help with that too.

ECCAK

theSinew

Fall 2014 // 7

September October November

Monday Pastor Adam (Shirleen) London

youth pastor, Unalakleet Leaders to emerge among youth Youth to grow in love for church Alaskan student leaders equipped Encouragement for youth interns Wisdom as parents of three

Jamie (Erica) Rose Arigaa Anchorage

Students receptive for God’s work Unity for ministry team staff Alaskan student leaders equipped Students to serve in missions Health and strength for family

Dr. Keith and Debbie Hamilton Alaska Christian College/NHCC

Full and healthy fall ACC class Healing for many at New Hope Christopher’s health issues Bradley’s college choice

Tuesday Pastor Don (Fei) Cross

Mountain Village

To “preach as we ought” Believers to mature-shine as lights New followers to persevere Mercy for Mt. Village and the lost

Frank (Suzanne) Alioto

The River, Kenai

Church to “overflow” for Jesus Direction for leadership team New small group ministry For growth in size and depth

T.J. (Polly) Smith

New Song, Anchorage

To reach unchurched Continued growth at new location Worship and youth leaders Deepening spiritual growth

Wednesday Pastor Joel (Olga) Oyoumick

Unalakleet

Strength for continued ministry

Son’s family to adjust to move

God’s love, peace in our lives

Safe delivery for new grandbaby

Mike (Cory) Alverts CYAK, Wasilla

Establish family in friendships Financial provision for ministry Son Josiah’s start in high school Serve as healthy, vibrant leaders

Scott & Krista Pitsch

Alaska Christian College

Our children to thrive spiritually

Children to enjoy living fully

Wisdom to balance life’s demands

Together fulfill ministry calling

Thursday Pastor Harvey (Nancy) Fiskeaux

Nome Protection for church work crews Youth leadership strategy planning Increased ministry in new facilities Grace ministry marriages/families

Joel (Sarah) Oyoumick MARC, Soldotna

Transition for family’s move Full support as MARC pilot Health for mom and new baby Protection during flying

Pastor Ken (Sandy) Moore Fairbanks

Ministry with Shageluk leadership Shageluk funding/technology Mission trip to India/Burma Intergenerational ministry focus

Friday churches seeking pastors

Shaktoolik Covenant Mat-Su Covenant Hooper Bay Covenant Community Covenant, Eagle River

Pastor Hugh (Lanette) Forbes Bethel; general council

Coffee house youth outreach Transformation /healing in lives Be hands & feet of Christ in Bethel Lanette’s leadership in gen. council

ECCAK Vision & provision for ministry Team unity and encouragement Pastors’ marriages and families Holy Spirit to indwell our church Deliverance—AK suicide epidemic

ECCAK Prayer Calendar

Important Dates

Sept. 13-15 Elim music festival, Elim

Sept. 20-22 Covenant women’s retreat, Willow

Sept.27-29 CYAK fall young adult retreat, Big Lake

Oct. 4-5 General council meeting, Anchorage

Oct. 4-6 CYAK Fall Blast, Golovin

Oct. 22-24 Pastor/leader retreat, Anchorage

Oct. 26 Alaska Christian College Vision fundraiser dinner, ChangePoint Church, Anchorage

Nov. 11-15 Western Alaska Ministry Training, Unalakleet

April 2-6 2014 ECCAK annual meeting, Fairbanks

8 // ECCAK Sinew

NONPROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

ANCHORAGE, AK

PERMIT NO. 537

P.O. Box 770749

Eagle River, AK

99577

Phone: 907-694-6348

Fax: 907- 694-6378

E-mail: info@eccak.org

Evangelical Covenant

Church of Alaska

Meet Our New Office Manager

ECCAK welcomes a new office manager Marisol

Cisneros (on left). She was raised in south Texas and has

lived in Kansas, Illinois and Alaska. Her husband Matt is

a Covenant pastor and together they moved here with their

three children to help with Chugach Covenant Church, a

new church plant.. Marisol worked at Covenant offices in

the ordered ministry department for three years before

joining the ECCAK team. ECCAK is grateful for Sara

Scoles who served ECCAK for almost seven years.

The Evangelical Covenant

Church of Alaska

ECCAK is a non-conference

“field” of the Covenant

Church of America,

dependent on the gifts from

churches and people to carry

out our mission for Christ’s

sake in Alaska.

Ministry Priorities

Pastoral Care

Youth Ministry

Leadership Pathways

Congregational Vitality

Church Planting

Field Director:

Curtis Ivanoff

curtis@eccak.org

Associate Field Director:

James Barefoot

arctic4jim@yahoo.com

Office Manager:

Marisol Cisneros

info@eccak.org

Sinew Editor

Kristi Ivanoff

kristi@eccak.org

Pastor Nathan Toots was honored with

the Irving C. Lambert Award at the

128th Annual Meeting of the ECC. The

award generally has been given to rec-

ognize excellence in urban ministry,

but Debbie Blue, the denomination’s

executive minister of the Compassion,

Mercy, and Justice, said it was appro-

priate for Toots to be honored as one of

the most influential leaders in develop-

ing the ministry of ECCAK. Field Di-

rector Curtis Ivanoff accepted the

award on behalf of Toots, who was

unable to attend.

Award Presented