MEKORYUK, ALASKA — Residents of Mekoryuk, Alaska, give thanks for the Samaritan’s Purse volunteers who are building a new church in their village to replace the current structure that is in dangerous disrepair.

Kristin Holben – Samaritan’s Purse:

We are on Nunivak Island in the village of Mekoryuk, Alaska, which is over 20 miles from mainland Alaska.

Russell Richardson – Samaritan’s Purse:

Samaritan’s Purse builds a church in a different native village every year. This particular year, we chose Mekoryuk because they’ve got an old, dilapidated church that just was in a terrible state of disrepair.

Lauren Thurston:

So from the outside, it looks great. It’s a staple in our community, but it’s not structurally sound, and so some of the struggles were just fearing, like, if we have a full church for Christmas, are we going to be OK? I think, as well, just getting our elders in and out of the building with our skinny staircase. It can be tough for those with limited mobility. And we want our church to be a place where anyone, no matter how quick or slow they move, can worship.

Russell:

We are tasked with providing a building that will last 100 years for these folks, that Christ’s Name might be exalted under the roof of that building. With the R-value of 120 in the roof, and 100 underneath, and R80 in the walls, this village will be able to afford to keep this building heated. They had over $20,000 in diesel fuel that they used last year to heat that building, so a significant fuel savings, which allows these churches to operate in Bush, Alaska.

Lauren:

A church with insulation that everyone can access brings an immense sense of peace. Knowing that we can be warm, we can steward our finances well, that people will be able to gather without fear or without worry of anything going wrong.

Daniel Olrun Jr. – Resident:

My prayer has been answered. Thanks to you guys. You guys are a blessing. That’s love.

Emily Kate Wright – Volunteer:

I think this church is going to mean a lot for these people. It’s a safe place that they know they can go to, where they can all just fellowship or worship and grow and create more relationships.

Monica Wesley – Resident:

I’m grateful with what they do, but I’m grateful they’re here. They bring life to this community.

Woman:

We are certainly here to build a church building, but even more so, our volunteers and staff are here in Mekoryuk to encourage the body of believers that are here and to share the Gospel with those who don’t yet know Jesus. Please pray for the project here in Alaska. Pray for our volunteers, that God would provide protection over them. But also, please pray for the people here in Mekoryuk.

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Samaritan’s Purse International Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) program is committed to meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, famine, disease, and natural disaster. We stand ready to respond at a moment’s notice whenever and wherever disaster strikes. The DART specializes in providing water, food, shelter, and medical care while sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

CONTACT: Kaitlyn Lahm, news@samaritan.org

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