Alaska is 1/5 the size of all the lower 48 states combined.  Imagine this—most of the western half of the state has no roads.  There is a hunger for God’s Word in these remote areas.  Who will go? Air transportation is essential for reaching out and ministering in Alaska.

Tool for Ministry

The airplane provides quick and often the only access to many villages in SW Alaska.  Over 150 villages needing the Gospel message are reachable by plane from Naknek. 

In 2008, the Lutheran Mission Society (LMS) transferred their Alaska mission aviation ministry to FLAPS, INC which included a four-seated airplane. This airplane has a newly completed engine conversion, has a short field take-off & landing kit installed and is equipped with “tundra tires”.

Returned to mission service in July 2008, the C-175 is now being used to carry the Good News of the Gospel to outlying villages.

Some of these small villages have no mission presence; others have chapel buildings that sit empty, because there is no missionary/pastor who can get to them to teach.  Imagine living in a village where there was no one to instruct you from the Bible. Imagine your joy in seeing the Word delivered to your home for the first time!

A 42 X 48 hangar building was built on the North Naknek airport in 2000, accommodating two airplanes.  LMS transferred ownership to FLAPS, Inc. in 2008.

New Internship in Alaska

Jeremy and Lacey Crowell will be joining the Alaska outreach team in June for six months of seminary internship. Jeremy is a flight instructor and aircraft mechanic. He also holds seaplane, instrument, and multi-engine ratings.

Seminary internships are designed to give seminarians hands-on ministry experience while mentoring under a seasoned pastor. Not only will the Crowell’s gain valuable training working with Pastor Jeff Swanson, but they bring with them skills and a servant-heart that have great potential to expand the Alaska outreach through aviation. Please pray for this couple as they prepare to leave, that the Lord would provide for all their needs.