CHICAGO, IL (April 17, 2009) – Individuals have sent care packages to the Koyuk church and Superintendent Howard Burgoyne adds that the East Coast Conference is developing a strategy with Koyuk Covenant Church\u2019s pastor, Wassilie Mute, for building an ongoing relationship.
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\nAn offering will be taken during this year\u2019s conference Annual Meeting.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeveral churches are chomping at the bit to get involved,\u201d Burgoyne says. \u201cWith the distances greater from Alaska to the East Coast than just about anyplace, travel is going to eat up expenses pretty quickly; but people are eager to participate, and we\u2019re looking to build some good teams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Initially, Burgoyne hopes to send a few individuals simply to establish a relationship and eventually to send a team of skilled laborers in 2010 to build a shed in which snowmachines can be maintained.<\/p>\n
Mute is appreciative of the partnership. The care packages from individuals and congregations all the way across the continent have spoken volumes, he says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I see from the care packages we have been receiving is that they are willing to share with us whatever they can,\u201d says Mute.<\/p>\n
Burgoyne sees the partnership model as a way for two groups to learn from and to encourage one another. \u201cI think the broader connection to the conference is a great idea to strengthen our appreciation of the village\u2019s ministries,\u201d says Burgoyne. \u201cIt\u2019s also an exciting thing from a practical point of view as a way to strengthen villages and let them know they\u2019re not alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Covenant has a longstanding presence, but this is the first time conferences have paired with the churches. \u201cThis partnership is long overdue,\u201d says Mute. \u201cThis partnership has said something to us – that they\u2019re finally realizing that they can share out of their hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n