Encouraging the “Encouragers” in Alaska

Adaville Baptist began its relationship with Alaska Missions through the original NC/Alaska Partnership in 2024. While planning that trip to Anchorage, AK we were introduced by one of our members to Arctic Barnabas Ministries in Kenai, AK. The connecting point was aviation missions since Arctic Barnabas utilizes planes, boats, and the road system to minister to over 30 Alaskan Pastors and Missionaries in some of the most remote areas of Alaska. As the name implies, Arctic Barnabas is an encouragement ministry that supplies respite, pulpit supply, and physical supplies such as “dip netting” opportunities allowing families to stock their freezers with salmon for the upcoming winter. It also serves as a network connecting all of these pastors and missionaries to one another as they offer a free week of spiritual retreat each October for anyone who can come at Victory Bible Camp.

Adaville had the desire to “encourage the encouragers”, so we set out to help with their pre-winter chores. This included things like felling, bucking, and splitting firewood, painting/staining decks or houses, rebuilding broken steps or even building chicken coops. Our aim was to serve these tireless servants by checking as many things off their personal “to do” lists as possible. We also spent a day spreading gravel and doing basic clean up preparing a property down in Homer, AK to be used for pastoral retreats free of charge to all who serve in Alaska. According to them no team had ever come to serve them before in such a capacity and it was a huge blessing.

We returned in 2025 with more team members, more skilled labor, and more focus on projects and plan to continue to serve them in this capacity for however many years the Lord leads. We have also partnered with them for 2026 to not only assist in the end of summer labor in August, but to bring another team to lead worship for their Ministry Family Retreat camp in October. God is moving in Alaska and Adaville Baptist is thankful to be a part of it.

– Jeff Pate, Adaville Baptist Church, Spindale NC

This is just one example of how North Carolina Baptist congregations are serving in our Partner state of Alaska. The opportunity for sharing Christ and furthering His Kingdom in Alaska is great. Many congregations there are small and some located in isolated areas. Our participation in missions in Alaska provides needed resources, leadership, and possibly most importantly – encouragement. Be in prayer about this exciting partnership and your participation in it next summer!

Learn more here.