Pat Donadio

Rev. Patrick Donadio went to be with the Lord yesterday, leaving behind a legacy of ministry and changed lives across Alaska and the world. He pastored in Fort Yukon, Pt. Hope, Tok, Nikiski, and Eagle River. He was known for his pioneer spirit and great faith.

In 2010, Pastor Kent Redfearn interviewed Pat and Ruth. The video below has been reposted with permission from Pastor Kent. It is an excellent interview, and gives you a picture of the Donadios' faith and ministry in Alaska. You will be blessed. Please excuse the color bars preceding the video. Keep watching, as the video will play. It is about 30 minutes long.

The funeral for Brother Donadio will be in Springfield on Thursday, May 24, at 1:00 pm CST at Central Assembly of God. Our prayers are with the Donadio family during this time of loss.

St. Michael

Wade Cogan, AKSOM Director, was in St. Michael teaching the "Acts" class this past weekend.  He also had the opportunity to preach on Sunday night.  Wade reports that the class went very well and that Pastor Linda and Brian Staub are doing a great job in St. Michael.  The Lord is blessing the work there.

Thank You

Kim Carlson and her team at MCA prepared a wonderful hot breakfast for everyone each morning of Network Conference.  Lots of work went into this, and we appreciate it very much.  We also want to give a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Kent and the staff of MCA for all your hard work of hosting Network Conference.  It takes so many people working together to pull off an event like this.  Thanks to Master's Commission of Wasilla, This Generation Ministeries, the parlamentarians, tellers, ushers, roster team, everyone who assisted in worship, multimedia, hosting and transportation, hospitality, photography, video streaming, and so many other aspects.  Thanks also to everyone who helped with children's ministries during Network Conference.

Those Receiving Ordination

Six people were ordained on Thursday night.  With ordination, the actual ordaining does not occur until the Presbytery lays hands on them during the service.  It is the end of a long process.  We are very proud of each of these newly ordained ministers.

Dee Archer

Ed Ash

JoLynn Brown

Heidi Secor

Kimberly Stickler

Linda Staub

Credentialing Service

The credentialing service is always a highlight of Network Conference.  In the picture below, Secretary Jim Duncan is inspiring the credentialees before the service and giving some directions.

Oregon Superintendent Bill Wilson gave an excellent word on the call of God on our lives.

Those below are being recognized for their Certified Minister credential. We are very proud of them!

Pictured below are those being recognized for receiving a license to minister.  We are proud of them and exciting for what God has in store.

Under 40 Luncheon

The first ever event for ministers under the age of 40 at Network Conference happened this year.  All credentialed ministers under the age of 40 and their spouses were invited to come.  We had 35 in attendance, which was very exciting!  We catered in Qdoba and had Oregon Superintendent Bill Wilson as the featured speaker.  It was so nice to connect and have fellowship with each other.  We are looking forward to more in the future.

US Missions Luncheon

Pastor Bill and Dori Welch hosted the US Missionaries Luncheon at Lonestar on Thursday.  They had a very good time of fellowship, and US Intercultural Missions Director Malcolm Burleigh also had an opportunity to talk with the missionaries.  It was a blessed time.

Memorial Service

Youth Director Mark Zweifel memorialized Pastor Randy and Doris Bjerken.  Pastor Randy and Doris died in a tragic accident last May.  They had been pastors in Palmer for 16 years, and had also served as youth pastors in Fairbanks at Graehl AG.  They have made a tremendous investment in Alaska and have left a huge mark.  We miss them very much.

Pastor Jim Schulz memorialized Pastor Cliff Spencer.  Pastor Cliff, and his wife Pat, served as Pastor in several locations around Alaska.  He suffered a stroke, which led to his death, while filling in at Emmonak.  He was serving the Lord faithfully all the way till the end.

Central Region Presbyter Fay Niemann memorialized pastor Jim Mercer.  Pastor Jim and Nancy served in Kotzebue as Pastors and were also active in ministry at MCA after retirement.  We appreciate his ministry to Alaska.

Peninsula Presbyter Stephen Brown memorialized Pastor Glen Johnson.  Brother Johnson and his wife Dorothy led an amazing life of adventure as he pursued God's will for his life.  This included a 7,000 mile voyage to the Amazon River to share the gospel with unreached people.  In Alaska, they served as Pastors at Kenai New Life, Aniak, and Nenana.  Glen also flew his airplane to transport missionaries around the state.  He made an impact in Alaska.

Southeast Presbyer Mike Rose memorialized Pastor Leo Barrans.  Pastor Leo, and his wife Stina, served in Juneau at Bethel Tabernacle, now known as Juneau Christian Center.  They also pastored or were involved with churches in Craig and Ketchikan.  Later, they became house parents at the Alaskan Youth Village.  We appreciate their investment of ministry in Alaska.

Thursday Devotions and Communion Service

Phil Rasmussen, campus pastor of Northwest University, gave the message on Thursday morning.  He gave an excellent word on how we can influence others.  We appreciate Pastor Phil and Brenda's ministry at Network Conference, along with their team.

As is our custom on Thursday morning, we shared in Communion together, remembering the sacrifice of Jesus for our sins.

Following Communion, we had a time of prayer for divine healing.  We are trusting that God did big things in people's bodies and hearts during this time.

World Missions Service

Pastor Phil and Brenda Rasmussen brought a team of students from Northwest University to lead in worship for the majority of Network Conference this year.  They did a phenomenal job and were a blessing to our Network.  Pastor Phil is the campus pastor at Northwest, and Brenda leads the Choralons.

Assistant Superintendent Gary Morton is the Alaska World Missions Director and leads this service.  This year we handed out a copy of the "Live Dead" journal.  This focuses on dying to ourselves and praying for unreached people groups in the world.

Jason Wilson is itinerating as a Missionary Associate, and we received an offering for him during this service.  Remember to continue to pray for him as he raises funds to go fulfill the call of God on his life.

Oregon Superintendent Bill Wilson was the featured speaker for the World Missions Service.  Pastor Bill challenged us that we need to continue to send missionaries, that all might know the good news.  He did an excellent job of challenging us to support World Missions.

Men's Luncheon

The Men's Luncheon was held at First Assembly this year.  Pastor JD gave awards for LFTL giving and promoted Light for the Lost.  It was an enjoyable luncheon. 

Gene Moe was the speaker.  He captivated us with his stories.  None of us will soon forget the story of his encounter with the big brown bear that he killed with a small buck knife (pictured below).  He had us on the edge of our seats!

Pastor JD gave away items, including a very nice McPherson bow, which went to Pastor Marvin.  He was very excited. 

Women's Luncheon

The Women's Ministries Luncheon happened on Wednesday.  The theme for this year's Women's Ministries Luncheon was "Love Revealed" and featured special guest Angela Donadio.  The luncheon was a hit with the ladies and a good experience.

A drawing was held for a free iPad, which was won by Ivy, pictured below.  Pastor Renee is working to raise money in her Life in Motion account to help with causes such as Project Rescue and the Fire Bibles.

Youth & Children's Luncheon

The Youth & Children's Ministries Luncheon occured on Tuesday.  Pastor Pam presented BGMC awards, talked about camps and children's ministries, and told us a fantastic story about a pig with a great attitude. 

Pastor Mark gave STL awards and presented vision for youth ministries in Alaska.  There are many exciting things coming up, including summer camps and missions teams all around Alaska.  He had STL folding chairs to give away!

Kenai New Life was recognized for outstanding Speed the Light giving over the past several years.  Pastor Stephen Brown and the three consecutive youth pastors were honored for their dedication to STL.  This prompted a "tebow", pictured below.

Wednesday Seminars

Pastor Scott Wilson taught seminars all day on Wednesday.  He taught on how to steer your church through the chaos of change and the role of the senior leader.  These seminars were very helpful and practical for ministry.  We heard from many that the seminars were one of the highlights of Network Conference this year.  If you did not get a chance to attend, you can still purchase a DVD for $5 per session from Muldoon Community Assembly.  Thanks Pastor Scott for sowing into Alaska!

Tuesday Night Celebration Service

Tuesday night is our celebration service.  Michael Roux led us in worship.  We enjoyed Michael and the team leading us to the throne.

This is a picture of the preworship service.

We had a great time of praying together.

Pastor Scott Wilson hit a home run on Tuesday night.  He challenged us how what a truly normal Christian life looks like.  Normal should be defined in the context of Scripture.  He gave us several principles on how to live a "normal" life as described in Scripture and exemplified by the early church.  "Faithful...Faithful...Faithful...Fruitful!"

We had a time of seeking God at the altar following the message.