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 [email protected].
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: [email protected]
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
Associate Field Director:
James Barefoot
Office Manager:
Marisol Cisneros
Sinew Editor
Kristi Ivanoff
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