LOOK WHAT THE LORD IS DOING!
A glimpse of what God is doing in the Aleutian and Buvuma Islands!
Andrew & Karina Smith
Serving with Global Outreach International
Alaska Village Missions
Shepherd’s Heart International Ministry, Uganda
Recently, Mike Arno, AVM Board Chairman and son of the founder of Alaska Village Mission and Alaska Bible Institute, gave us a history lesson on his father and the starting of the mission. “Dad lived every day of his life as if it were his last day.”
Have you also felt the tension, the excitement, the urge to live every day in the reality of eternity?
Alaska Bible Institute 2025-2026
A new school year =
new students, new ministry, and new excitement!
Alaska Bible Institute is grounded on discipleship.
Each student is discipled by a staff member or intern. This year, several 2nd year students have also started discipling others.
ABI students have been keen to serve the local churches and communities. They’re making friends with the homeless, joining basketball teams, helping churches with administration, Sunday School, and worship…
“Your students bring new life to the church!” one woman appreciated.
Just yesterday, the majority of our student body joined a local church in “SHINE THE LIGHT,” a harvest festival. Over 650 community members came into the church to experience light and love!
Over Thanksgiving, two ministry teams of students and staff will bless the communities of Port Graham (with Teeles) and Tahlkeetna (with Farringtons).
Pray for them as they encourage the missionary families and share Christ with the community!
Alaska Village Missionaries
From Left by families: Audra & Timmy Jackson with Josiah & Solomon,
Taylor & Marissa Fendley, Andy & Karina Smith, Tanner & Tina Teele, Annalee Sikes, Shawna Gibby (missionary care)
Speaking of Christ in the Communities….
Yesterday, I told a friend that God is working.
“In what ways?” she asked. So, I began to share…
Northway:
Taylor & Marissa Fendley have only been in Northway for 15 months. We all marvel at how quickly the Lord has opened doors into their community. “God has all the bases covered,” Marissa quipped. Through coaching basketball, Taylor connected with the young men. Many of them are attending the new youth group and he is discipling a few of the guys one on one. Marissa’s connections with the ladies led to Women’s Bible Study, craft nights, involvement in community cultural events, and training the women to serve their church and families. Speaking of the church, this Sunday, 35 attended, of which 14 were children!
Annalee joined Fendleys in Northway with a bit of apprehension, knowing her upbringing was very different from that of the local young women. She was immediately asked to sub at the local school and coach volleyball. “I learned that the Gospel is enough. It’s about my availability, not my history.”
Port Graham
Likewise, everyone has been amazed at the influence which the Lord has given them through simple connections. “The people have seen religion. They need to see it lived out practically,” one commented.
When they moved to Port Graham a year ago, about 5-6 people attended church. Three of those have since passed or moved away. Now, about 15 attend regularly. The kids didn’t invite these, God is stirring their hearts to seek Him!
Discipleship, Open Gym, construction projects, hospitality, and a fishing boat open so many doors that they have had to prioritize opportunities.
The kids are vital in the ministry, as the many 4-wheelers in their yard attest. Neighbors have learned that those kids can fix nearly anything!
Sand Point
Meanwhile, Timmy & Audra are preparing for their move onto the mission field this Spring! This week they will have their first taste of living in the Sand Point parsonage. This last summer, God redirected their mission preparations. Doors to Sand Point opened just as others closed. Looking back over their 6 weeks in that village this summer, they can see God’s hand in giving them favor and connecting them with those both in and outside the church. Since then, they have had a few opportunities to meet up with the sports teams as they competed in Anchorage.
Prayer Requests for Alaska:
– UNITY in the village families and in the church body.
– GOSPEL CONVERSATIONS and for the Spirit of God to open eyes and hearts
– FUNDING for each of the missionaries
– TRANSITION for Jacksons
– JOY for each missionary family during these holidays
Prayer Requests for Uganda
– VISION & UNITY as SHIM leadership prays and plans for 2026 & beyond!
– Danze FRED’S MOM was injured in a motorcycle accident. She suffered multiple wounds and broken bones. Surgery is scheduled for Tuesday.
– LLHSS STUDENTS taking their final exams on November 7th
To give toward the Smith’s ministry in Alaska
To give to SHIM’s ministry in Africa
For current updates on God’s work in Uganda