Strengths Based Ministry in Alaska
Strengths-based ministry - what does that mean?
To us, it means emphasizing the God-given gifts and abilities that every person possesses.
Rather than giving a handout, we are focused on encouraging each individual we work with to rely on God and the abilities they already possess through Him. We can suggest resources and encourage positive choices, but we can’t make choices for others.
Most of the people we work with have experienced at least one traumatic event, if not several in their lifetime. Often, the trauma has occurred in multiple generations in the same family. Because of this, many individuals lack healthy self-esteem, boundaries, and other characteristics that give people the confidence to pursue and attain a healthy lifestyle.
Despite all of these challenges, we regularly see that the same people who struggle are also willing to give of themselves and to give financially in generous ways. One man that we’ve come to know was willing to check out a friend’s troublesome car… shortly after recovering from surgery. Many care for ailing family members, assist friends financially, provide food for the elderly through subsistence living, and more. Often, we are blessed by the generosity as well.
I (Sarah) have had the opportunity to meet a homeless woman who lives with alcoholism. She struggles to overcome this disease, despite her strong desire for a healthy life, and it appears that it will be a long road for her. I started the relationship by trying to encourage her in her faith and to guide her to local resources that specialize in addiction treatment as well as job and housing placement. In the midst of this, she regularly messages with requests for prayer or with a prayer for me. What an example of faith in the midst of difficulty.
These instances remind us that, even while someone may be struggling and may even be at what they feel is their lowest point, God is still present, the gifts He’s given still available, and strengths still evident. I’m reminded of the lyrics of the song called “Broken Things” by Matthew West. I’m certainly broken. Each of us has broken parts. As Christians, we regularly confess that we are sinners. But it is not often that we stop to think that in the eyes of God our sins are not ranked. My struggles are not somehow less significant because they are not as visible as other challenges like alcoholism.
Keeping this in mind allows us to proceed in ministry with the balanced view that we are all in need of a Savior, we all have strengths that can be used for His glory, and we can each contribute to one another-regardless of our background or current circumstances. This is also why our photos and updates often focus on the unique nature of life in Alaska, learning about the Native communities in Alaska, and so on. While we love to share experiences that we have while working in ministry, we are often in situations where taking photos or sharing details would be disrespectful. For example, bereavement care is an important aspect of our ministry. Sitting with someone at a relative’s funeral is a critical way to show love and support, but it is obviously a private time and not one where photos or the sharing of details would be appropriate.
We appreciate the continued and specific prayers for the ministry here in Alaska and the work that Lutheran Indian Ministries does throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about what each ministry site does, visit www.lutheranindianministries.org.
A few highlights from life and ministry:
Made the trek from Louisiana to Alaska in May of 19
Nate spent about 4 weeks in July of 2019 in Kotzebue and the surrounding area working at camps for high schoolers and then middle schoolers from the nearby villages.
Throughout the year, we have met with and learned about local organizations so that we know what is already available to the Native community and what is needed. This has allowed us to establish clear goals for the future of the ministry in Fairbanks and Alaska.
We have gotten to know many members of the Native community and continuously work to build trust. Fairbanks in general and the Native community specifically are slow to trust and very loyal to those that they do trust. It takes time and showing respect for the way things are done. Subsistence living is highly respected in both communities. Sharing from your stores is a gift of time, energy, and resources and is a way to build a positive reputation in each community.
During the pandemic lockdown, we worked with other LIM staff to create online, video-based Bible lessons that can be done in a home or group setting. There is also a PDF full of activities. You can find them at: https://www.lutheranindianministries.org/guided-bible-lessons.
We were able to have a college intern for the second semester.
Nathan and I completed behavioral health technician certifications
We have bereavement care boxes available for use in our community and in other places that LIM serves, 2 were recently sent to WA.
We learned that the sun does return, just when you need it most! And that summer is short- leaves are already turning and dropping as I write- so get outside and stay out while the sun shines!
God is good. All the time!
