Alaska – Reparations in Hydaburg
Our small plane passed over clouds and the scattered islands of the Inside Passage, carrying us through a misty doorway into another world—far from the ambient noise of the lower 48. This is a land of stillness. Once landed, we were off-grid… time to disconnect, disengage and detoxify. Alaska is a place of foreign rhythms. Here, the sun is your clock and the weather is your calendar. Here, your heart is pulled away from the daily assault of media, traffic, work, and noise. The focus is on the needs of the day – no more, no less.
We went to Alaska to assist the Haida people restore a century-old church in Hydaburg. This church suffered years of neglect as the center of life in the village moved away from Christianity. A small number of faithful saints kept the lights on and prayed for restoration. Because of the clumsy initial introduction of Christianity to the native people, many indigenous Alaskans distrust the church. When B4Church first went to this island, we didn’t receive a very warm welcome. But over the years, our consistent commitment to repairing the damage done—true relational and practical reparations – working together on things that matter to them, has given us favor with one another. The love we have for one another – the Haida believers and our teams – is evident even to those who don’t know Jesus.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34–35)
What began as an act of physical restoration became something deeper—a relational healing shaped by consistent presence and love. Over time, we have repaired the sanctuary, which is now bright and inviting. It involved gutting it, fixing rotted structure, insulating it, putting up drywall, painting and installing new windows. We work alongside our Haida friends – true reparations, as one man defined it. Over the years, this has been our gift. We ask nothing in return except the opportunity to tell them why we do this – when they ask.
On the last day we were at the church, we received a visit from the mayor, who is an on-fire believer. He brought us a gift – 100 pounds of sockeye salmon and 100 pounds of black cod – a gift of abundant generosity. He wanted to bless us for all the work our teams have done. It is a testimony to the power of selfless, Christlike serving – each for one another.
This little church had a big Easter service and many came . The faithful prayers of saints over the years are being answered. Please pray for the people of Hydaburg – and all of the people of Prince of Wales Island, especially those who don’t know Jesus. God is doing a work there and we have been privileged to be a part of it. In a world hungry for justice and healing, this small partnership in Hydaburg reminds us that love expressed through presence and service has the power to change hearts, restore trust, and reflect Christ.