The building will offer new and expanded opportunities for ministry to the small community on Nunivak Island, Alaska.
On Oct. 6, praises rang out in English and Cup’ig from the recently finished Covenant Church in Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island, Alaska. Townspeople and distinguished guests worshipped the Lord together for the first time in the brand-new building constructed over the past four months-plus by Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers. Following the dedication service, the village enjoyed fellowship and a meal together. The completion of the church represents an answer to years of prayer.
Samaritan’s Purse staff, volunteers, and community members with the newly finished church in Mekoryuk.
“We’ve been praying that a new space would be an opportunity for people to have a new start or take a next step in faith,” said Pastor Lauren Thurston. “It is a gift and an honor to have partnered with Samaritan’s Purse to receive this building as a place where we, God’s people, will get to gather together and praise Him!”
The new church offers classrooms for a strong ministry to Mekoryuk’s children and youth, who make up much of the church body alongside a core of senior leaders. “There’s a special sense about this particular group that God is really moving in their lives in incredible ways,” Pastor Lauren said.
Elder Samson Weston agrees. “The kids are there rain or shine or snow or blizzard,” he said. “I am really proud of that Sunday school program. The kids are into it.”
Samson Weston led prayer for a new building for several years in advance of Samaritan’s Purse construction project.
The building also offers sanctuary space, a kitchen, office, and a wheel-chair accessible ramp. The Triodetic foundation, quality workmanship and materials, as well as robust insulation will help ensure the building withstands the island’s brutal weather and also saves the congregation in heating costs.
“Everyone will get to be warm and cozy in the winter,” Pastor Lauren said. The accessible ramp, she said, is “a huge gift for our elders—for them and for us to have their presence.”
The new church was packed for the dedication service and community meal.
Corey Lynch, Samaritan’s Purse director of Alaska projects, said during the dedication, “We pray and encourage you that this building will be filled for many years and that the Holy Spirit will come into your community and change it.”
The work in Mekoryuk represents the 36th project that Samaritan’s Purse has undertaken across Alaska since 2006. We have built numerous churches in Native Alaskan villages, in addition to offering disaster relief. Please continue to pray for our work in Alaska and that people in remote areas of the state will hear and respond to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Around 200 Samaritan’s Purse volunteers helped construct a new church building for Mekoryuk this summer.
Note: To learn more about more about the people and project on Nunivak Island, see previous articles, “Milestone for Mekoryuk“, and “Volunteers Building New Church“.
The people of Nunivak Island rely on the sea for sustenance, as well as reindeer and musk ox.
