Alaska is a fifth the size of the continental US and large enough to hold as many as 19 states within its boundaries. There are 732,000 people spread across its land, living in large cities with modern amenities and remote villages accessible only by plane, boat, or snowmachine. In Alaska, multiplying the gospel requires the church and supporting organizations to work together to make disciples and plant churches. 

In February, Acts 29 churches in Alaska gathered for our second “Multiply Together” Advance Regional Conference. We hosted 100 attendees representing 15 churches across Alaska, along with three missions organizations who serve these churches with airplane support and encouragement. Additionally, some neighbors from Canada and global partners from Sweden joined us. 

Two areas of focus at this gathering were why we plant churches and why we plant churches together. In answering these questions, I can’t help but look back over the past five years and give thanks for the fruit birthed out of collaborating with like-minded brothers and sisters in the network.

Over the past five years, Acts 29 Alaska churches have prayed for people, places, and provisions—to see more and better churches planted throughout Alaska. The Lord has graciously answered these prayers in part as we’ve grown from five partner churches to 13 and created a fund that has raised $30,000 to support church planters in the region! 

This year’s conference was held at Peninsula Grace Church. Just two years ago, they attended this same conference and were compelled to join Acts 29. They’ve also developed global partnerships with an Acts 29 church in Sweden and are seeking to establish a residency program to help plant more and better churches in our area. We’re grateful for all God is doing in and through Acts 29 Alaska and look forward to all that is ahead.