2 October 2024

USA/Canada Region

The work of the Church of the Nazarene began officially in the United States in 1887, though the formal organization of the denomination occurred in 1908 with the merger of several like-minded holiness groups. Alaska became the country's 49th state by official proclamation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower on 3 January 1959. Prior to this, Alaska had been one of the United States' territories from the late 19th century. Called “The Last Frontier,” Alaska is noted for its dramatic landscapes and its indomitable and resilient population. That spirit is also reflected in the Church of the Nazarene in Alaska, which, although on the distant edges of the North American continent, participates fully in doing its part for the global mission of the Church. The 29 organized and developing churches of the Alaska District have faithfully participated in the global mission of the Church of the Nazarene and its impact around the world through giving and prayer, as you will see reflected in the story that follows.

567,633 Members

4,327 Fully Organized Churches; 726 Not Yet Organized Churches

2,177 District Licensed and 11,245 Ordained Ministers on 73 Districts

Kids Kaleidoscope

Click here to access Kids Kaleidoscope, a monthly addition to NMI Central to awaken and nurture a spirit of missions in everyone.

Alaska's breathtaking landscape and vast wilderness are matched by its people's generous spirit and missionary heart. The Alaska District of the Church of the Nazarene has a remarkable history of supporting the World Evangelism Fund, dating back to 1951. That year, the newly formed district paid its entire mission-funding allotment in full, setting a precedent that would continue for decades. In 2024, the district celebrated its 74th consecutive year of fully paying its World Evangelism Fund allotment.

Alaska District NMI President Kathy Wigginton reflects, "We often approach conventions with a shortfall in our World Evangelism Fund goal. One year, we were over $15,000 short. I shared the need and our history. Our district superintendent prayed. We passed the offering plates. After meticulously counting every penny, we had paid our World Evangelism Fund in full! It was a powerful testament to our collective strength and faith."

District Superintendent Paul Hartley reaffirms, "Alaska enjoys a tremendous sense of mission to build God's kingdom in the mission field of Alaska and around the world. The district's unwavering faithfulness in giving is a testament to its deep-rooted commitment to advancing God's kingdom and fulfilling the Great Commission. We thank the Lord for the legacy He has enabled on and through the Alaska district.”

The Alaska District is investing in the Church's future through its steadfast support of the World Evangelism Fund. Their consistent giving is a tangible expression of their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission and making Christlike disciples in all nations.

Could You Serve?

Is God calling you to serve in more creative ways on the USA/Canada Region? For more information, click here.

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