Give Encouragement Today!
Your partnership in this vital ministry is needed now! Help us strengthen & encourage pastor and missionary families in the Arctic.
Ministry Family Retreat
The annual Ministry Family Retreat (MFR) is the one
event in Alaska that brings ministry families together for the purpose
of mutual encouragement from varied organizations and denominations
working in the remote villages. Several years ago, we realized that most of the
ministry families we were serving did not know each other and were
missing out on the benefits of fellowship and networking with other
leaders serving in similar situations. 
During this unique retreat, these families gather together for four days of corporate worship, testimonies,
learning and relaxing. MFR is hosted by Tanalian Bible Camp in Port
Alsworth, Alaska. The setting is beautiful and free from the
distractions of meeting somewhere on the road system. Flying up to 180
people in for the retreat is a huge undertaking, but possible with our airplanes, the
help of three commercial air taxis, and two other ministries with airplanes.
MFR
is an event in which there is safety among peers in ministry to share
the pains and joys of village ministry. Each one who comes has opportunity
during this event to share details of the past year in their work and
personal life and is then prayed over for endurance to continue.
Patrick Nate, VP of Miron Construction Co. in Neenah, Wisconsin, has coordinated our MFR kitchen staff for six years. He writes this word of encouragement:
"We consider it a joy to be able to serve at
MFR...For those of us who have been involved with Arctic Barnabas and
MFR over the years, we can plainly see how both are having a huge impact
on the spiritual condition of the people. Six years ago we sensed a
sort of depressive attitude in many of the families. It was as if they
were on their last leg before giving up. Your ministry is working! The
past couple of years you can see the hope these people have and the
willingness to serve. You can see a genuine joy in them!"
Each
year we provide scholarships to families who could not otherwise
attend. This year, we would like to provide free transportation for each family who wants to attend. This represents a significant financial commitment approaching $35,000 in flight expenses for 25 families ($1,400 per family). Your gift
can make this retreat possible for a family who may not otherwise be
able to attend. To help us offset this cost, click here .
Click here to download the main teaching sessions from MFR 2011
