by Heather Hansen, AFLC Home Missions Missionary to Alaska

Summer in Naknek is a summer like none other. The sun “sets” at 11:45 p.m. with dusk and dawn blending together. The population of less than 1,000 goes to over 10,000. From the mission side we have two additional ministries going on to help minister to both the increase in population but also the surrounding villages. These ministries are the coffee hospitality ministry called The Net and Vacation Bible School.

Since 2016 if there was a VBS team going out to villages I was on it. This year was the first year that I got to step into a newer role. I’m the person that isn’t into official titles and I don’t think Awesome Superstar would fit into that category but let me explain a little bit of how I served the Lord this summer with my gifts and talents. 

In ten weeks we had over 50 people come up to help with The Net, VBS, or projects. That’s an average of five new people per week. To help make sure everyone was on the same page, I had a schedule of the week that included arrivals and departures of people. Double checking and triple checking my calendars to make certain we didn’t leave anyone behind. The spreadsheet was color coordinated to make sure I had enough beds for the volunteers we had.

I made community meals in the evening because after a day of ministering you don’t really feel like cooking. The aroma of a freshly cooked meal greeted them at the door no matter what kind of day they had at The Net. From a head count of seven to 27 there was always food for everyone and a place at the table. Grateful for all the produce they brought up to be able to make some delicious meals! 

Vacation Bible School was still a part of my summer too. I was able to coordinate with villages to allow the VBS team to come in. Having nine people come up to do VBS, some for two weeks, some for four and some the whole summer. Thankful for the Lord’s wisdom in helping me plan where to send the team when. Getting to host evenings for the team in Maggie’s and my apartment to watch movies, play games, or drink tea filled our living room most nights. 

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the women in my life this summer that made so much possible too! For Lacey Crowell who ordered food, added things to the registry and took a week to come help with summer prep. To my roommate Maggie who helped keep me balanced this summer. To Susanna and Katelynn who taught my Sunday School class when I was gone or needed a recovery day from traveling. For Claire who cared and walked alongside my youth. For Margaret for letting her home be available for meals even in the midst of her move. And for all the prayers of the WMF that made this marathon of a summer not only possible but worth it. Thank you!