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Praying Pelican Missions Logo

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church

Serving In Alaska
June 7, 2025
Community: Anchorage
Partner: Jewel Lake Church of the Nazarene
Staff: Rose Brito, Becky Galstad, Briley Luethke, Mikaylee Garcia

We made it to Alaska!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 12:29 AM

Our team landed safely to Alaska yesterday. We got a sunny welcome!!! Here’s a group photo from our little stop at Potters Marsh! 

We made it to Alaska!

Reppin’ PPM

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 12:42 AM

Travel Day in our PPM shirts! Woot Woot!
Reppin’ PPM

Eklutna Lake and Hike

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 3:06 AM

Before the team met with PPM, they spent the day exploring. Took a drive to Eklutna to do a hike and be awestruck by Gods creation. 

Eklutna Lake and Hike

Letters from Home

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 3:10 AM

We’re lodging at Jewel Lake Church of the Nazarene this week. Had pulled pork sandwiches for dinner and our orientation meeting with PPM. We all got letters (of love) from family and friends and it was just the encouragement we needed. We yapped and played a few games before heading the bed! The jet lag is soooo real and we’re getting all the rest for this upcoming week of ministry!!!
Letters from Home

Prayers Please!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 5:31 PM

The team went to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church this morning. A few of us are feeling unwell and would greatly appreciate your prayers! Will you join us in prayer for health and flexibility as we head into this week on ministry??? 


Exploring Anchorage, AK

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 8, 2025 5:36 PM

The group went to Downtown Anchorage for lunch. There’s a market, so everyone got to pick something they wanted to eat. Yum yum yummmm! 

Cards and Fruit Snacks

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 12:40 AM

It’s been a rainy afternoon in Anchorage so we stayed in for some chill games at the church. Starting our trip with some good rest and community!

Cards and Fruit Snacks

Qdobo Saves the Day

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 12:44 AM

Nothing like some good catering for dinner. We’ve got a lot of moving parts as we navigate a few changes. We are being flexible and know that God’s got a plan for our time in Alaska. For now, TYJ for a hearty meal!
Qdobo Saves the Day

Pivoting with God’s Provision

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 12:54 AM

Change of plans and we needed to find a new place to lodge this week. One of our partners graciously opened their doors for us to stay in Eagle River! We are beyond grateful for King’s Way and their hospitality for welcoming us in such a short notice. 
Pivoting with God’s Provision

Sweet Treat Time

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 1:25 AM

We got some ice cream. The sweet treat we needed to end the day — the team has been so willing to step in and help in any way with the quick adjustment! Ready for this week!
Sweet Treat Time

Let’s Build!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 2:40 PM

We’ve got our group split at multiple ministry locations this week. A few of us stayed back at Kings Way to help reorganize our area and the needs of the church/school. These ladies are builders and it’ll be used for the classrooms!

Let’s Build!

Getting Our Steps In

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 2:46 PM

We’ve had to do a lot of moving from different kitchens and fridges. But now, we’re FINALLY getting settled. These ladies moved our stuff from one building to another this morning.

ATL Mikaylee popping in! Got a chance to chat with Samantha as we reorganized PPM’s paper goods, breakfast/lunch items, and of course, snacks!! 

Getting Our Steps In

Lutheran Social Services of Alaska

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 2:52 PM

We get to serve with Lutheran Social Services of Alaska (LSSA) this week. Alan shared about how LSSA is the largest food bank in Alaska, what they are doing for the community — especially in response to disaster. He also shared about the different parts that make Alaska unique from the weather to the people. 
Lutheran Social Services of Alaska

Catholic Charities

by Briley Luethke | June 9, 2025 6:37 PM

Part of our group got to serve with Catholic Charities by helping out in their community garden!

Catholic Charities

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:18 PM

The group helping Pastor Anna with some organizing in the church. 

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church

LSSA Day 1

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:20 PM

After an orientation with Alan, we helped around the warehouse and the office space. Here they’re helping file envelopes with mobile food pantry applications. 
LSSA Day 1

Rain Won’t Stop Us

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:23 PM

Serving in the garden even in the cold and rain with Catholic Charities. Next time we’re wearing pants!
Rain Won’t Stop Us

UMC Chugiak

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:24 PM

Yard work in the rain with the United Methodist Church Chugiak. Can you believe these guys even pulled out a stump??? 
UMC Chugiak

Shoveling Squad

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:31 PM

Some of our group shoveling away in the garden/compost area!
Shoveling Squad

Add Upholstery to Our List of Talents!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:40 PM

Well, this wasn't on our initial list of skills, but you can add it now! Thank you, Sydney for being so bold to take on a new task!

Add Upholstery to Our List of Talents!

Who Needs a Stump Grinder...

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:41 PM

When you have these three!!! Seriously, there was no task too big or too small!!!
Who Needs a Stump Grinder...

Future Gardeners of America!!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:45 PM

The sky is finally clearing up and today is the perfect day to garden!! The team came together to clear up weeds, compost, sort, and organize here at Grow North Farm!! Catholic Charities really appreciated all  the help this morning as we partnered with their refugee program in the community garden! 
Future Gardeners of America!!!

No weed too big or small!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:48 PM

Matthew did a great job clearing the walkway!! And he did it with a smile on his face!!! Way to go Matthew!!
No weed too big or small!!

I can see clearly now the rain is gone!!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:51 PM

It's great to see the smiles!! Things are coming together and the team is plowing through the work!! We love to hear all the positive feedback we're getting from our partners!!! We're here on a mission and working hard!!
I can see clearly now the rain is gone!!!

Broooooo!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:52 PM

The guys are killin' it in the garden!!! 
Broooooo!!

Whistle while you work!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:54 PM

Everyone is so full of joy!! The sun is finally out and the weather is beautiful!! We can't help but to smile and admire the beauty of God's creation!! This place is amazing!! 
Whistle while you work!!

Always time for a picture!!

by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:59 PM

But then it's back to work!!!
Always time for a picture!!

Chugiak roots

by Briley Luethke | June 10, 2025 2:31 PM

We have one of our teams tackling the roots at United Methodist Church of Chugiak. They have been pulling out roots 4-6 feet long!

Chugiak roots

Eagle River Christian School

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 2:35 PM

Giving back by serving our lodging partner! We tackled many tasks this morning like doing inventory of their school workbooks, emptying out a library, and moving things up and down flights of stairs!! 
Eagle River Christian School

Leg Day Everyday

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 2:38 PM

Patrick and Ben put in the work by moving these EXTRA LARGE TVs up 2 flights of stairs and even across to the other building. Using their strength for the better!!!!

Now they’re helping Cindy (School Principal) install these TVs to the shelves a few of them built yesterday. 

Leg Day Everyday

Beautiful day to set up for a community garden party!

by Becky Galstad | June 10, 2025 8:14 PM

Our team headed over to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church to help Pastor Anna prepare for a community garden party. The rain cleared and the sun came out, making it a great day to build a compost bin, rake leaves, and tend to the grounds at COSC. We were encouraged listening to the vision for how this space will be used to bring together and bless the community.

Beautiful day to set up for a community garden party!

Goodbye weeds

by Briley Luethke | June 10, 2025 10:43 PM

At Jewel Lake Nazarene Church our group used a weed whacker and a rake to get rid of what felt like hundreds of dandelions. Our girls also had fun making dandelion bouquets and eventually a heart!

Goodbye weeds

Ice cream break!

by Briley Luethke | June 10, 2025 10:45 PM

After a long day of gardening, weed whacking, mowing, and several other outdoor jobs, our group got to go to Little Miller’s to get a sweet treat! 

Ice cream break!

Alaska Food Bank

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:50 PM

We’re back with Alan today and helped put together bags of food for the mobile food distribution later today. All of the produce were donated so we sorted through the food and bad ones. It’s super neat to see grocery store foods not go to waste and be given out to the community. They also compost all the bad produce! All together we made 4 big big bins of grocery bags!!!
Alaska Food Bank

Pause for a Picture

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:51 PM

The team is headed to another location for the mobile food distribution. 
Pause for a Picture

Part of the Community

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:54 PM

Every Tuesday Alaska Food Bank does this. People can drive up or walk up to get a bag of groceries from dairy products to produce. 
Part of the Community

Some SUN!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:55 PM

After the last few rainy days, the sun has come out. Looking forward to the next few days with good weather to volunteer at multiple garden locations and explore more of Alaska!
Some SUN!

New friend

by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 2:24 PM

At Catholic social services we had Tala join our guys in taking out grass. 

New friend

What a load!

by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 2:26 PM

We had a group moving the water reserve tanks from the garden to the back storage alley.  
What a load!

Matchy Matchy

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 11, 2025 4:53 PM

Ready for Day 3 on ministry! Stripe tops FTW.

Matchy Matchy

There are some builders among us!

by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 6:21 PM

In our backyard-aka was an amazing experience for our group! We got to build some soil beds to put vegetable plants in.  We also planted strawberries and mulched around the tiny homes! 
There are some builders among us!

Taking in Gods creation

by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 10:26 PM

The college guys got to go to flattop mountain and hike to the top after a long day of gardening and weed pulling. We got to enjoy the beauty of Gods creation!

Taking in Gods creation

Last garden visit

by Briley Luethke | June 12, 2025 2:18 PM

It’s been a lot of fun helping out with Catholic Social Services preparing their garden for their farmers market. We have several different types of way our group is serving today by sifting through compost, building tents, weeding, planting flowers, mowing, weed whacking and so many other cool opportunities!

Last garden visit

Wednesday Recap - HS Group

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 3:46 PM

We went to LSSA one last time and helped out in the Spenard Community Garden, partnering with Yarducopia. They build community by growing food! Theresa taught us sooooo much from different planting methods to her passion for natural medicine. We loved spending the day with her!!!

Wednesday Recap - HS Group

Lasagna Beds

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 3:52 PM

Pulling dandelions, spreading mulch, weeding cutting, AND IT’S SUNNY! Lasagna beds is a gardening method using layers of cardboard, manure, compost, and water which turns into soil. 
Lasagna Beds

Paintbrush > Rake

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 3:55 PM

Using our creativity to paint a bulletin board for the garden. Scroll to see our group picture and the finished look! 

Paintbrush > Rake

Emma and that Weed Trimmer

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 3:57 PM

Emma trimmed SO much of the overgrown grass and weeds along the fence. And she had a lot of fun. Add weed trimming to her gardening resume!!!
Emma and that Weed Trimmer

Bari Takes on the Manure!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 4:16 PM

We helped spread a whole truckload of manure for part of the lasagna beds. And it was stinkyy but that didn’t let that stop them from serving. Bari said it reminds her of home — glad she has a good time!

Bari Takes on the Manure!

Decisions decisions decisions.

by Briley Luethke | June 12, 2025 5:09 PM

After an unexpected change of plans, our group is slowly deciding how to spend the rest of the day!
Decisions decisions decisions.

Mountain climbing experts!?!?

by Briley Luethke | June 12, 2025 10:49 PM

We had our group split into two, the other group got to go to two easy hikes while the our group got to have a difficult hike up to Mount baldy. It was tough trying to keep up with these guys, they were running up the hills and even passed Mount baldy by a mile! A few bumps and bruises but the views were worth it. 

Mountain climbing experts!?!?

Easy Hike Group

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 3:51 AM

Our easy hikers got to do 2 hikes in Eagle River for rec day! We went to see a waterfall and go down to it and then did a loop hike with stick bridges and a swing! Alaska views are something else.

Easy Hike Group

Last Day Mood

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 3:53 AM

Pastor Ben on the swing is how we’re feeling. Nothing but smiles as we end our time in Alaska!
Last Day Mood

Who Can Skip the Furthest Rock?

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 3:55 AM

On our 2nd hike, our loop led us back to the water. Spent some time skipping rocks and just admiring God’s creation. Thanks for these professional cool photos Scotty!
Who Can Skip the Furthest Rock?

No talent talent show

by Briley Luethke | June 13, 2025 10:54 AM

This was a fun way to end their last day here! They had amazing acts perform in their no talent talent show. There were singers, comedians, magic tricks, mop spinning as well as a final song with the whole group. 

No talent talent show

Hose Roulette

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 1:45 PM

Taking a break from the gardening on Wednesday with the gardening hose. Gotta get wet to wash off the sweat!

Hose Roulette

Touch the Ocean!

by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 1:48 PM

After ministry on Wednesday the gardening group had time to go to the beach! Such a beautiful little break.
Touch the Ocean!

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Comments

Anne Pugliese

June 13, 2025 9:02 AM

Love the pics of you all enjoying the beauty of Alaska. Have a wonderful last day, travel safely and can't wait to see you tomorrow!

Kimberly Longhitano

June 13, 2025 8:50 AM

I’ve loved all the updates and the great photos! Looks like amazing work done by an amazing group of people! Praying for safe travels back home!

Coleen Kirkpatrick

June 13, 2025 3:53 AM

Everyone looks so happy !! Love the smiles and sunshine !!

Kathy Ewald

June 12, 2025 10:10 PM

What an amazing time you've all had being God's hands there in Alaska! Your work there will be a benefit to the community for years to come - and your memories of it will last a lifetime.

Pastor Elisabeth

June 12, 2025 6:39 PM

Praying for you in the final days of your trip! Hoping you've had a life-changing time and connected deeply with one another, those you are serving, and God! Looking forward to your stories!

Anna Lindflott

June 12, 2025 4:10 PM

Hi Kiki, Sarah, and Elsa! I’ve been loving seeing what the Bala Clan is up to all the way in Alaska! These pictures are amazing! Love and miss you guys!

Jay O'Neal

June 12, 2025 11:43 AM

Hello, Our Saviour's Youth, it looks like you're having an incredible experience both doing good work and getting the most of being in Alaska. Savor these times. You're making great memories for a lifetime. Stay safe. Enjoy the rest of your mission and each other's company.

jess, anna & rachel

June 12, 2025 10:36 AM

hey my chickens. keep getting those gains in alaska. can’t wait to hear about your trip. enjoy the trees, ore, and brick while youre up there

Debbie Montrose

June 12, 2025 2:00 AM

So proud of all of you! Working hard and creating memories that will last you a lifetime. When you look back, you will think of this trip as one of the best things you ever did!! Faith Teamwork, love and friendship!!!! ???

Ben Lindflott

June 11, 2025 7:47 PM

Hi Kiki, Saripoo and Elsa!! It has been so fun following your trip so far! Definitely is making me wish that I was able to come with! Especially to a place as beautiful as Alaska! Love and miss you all! I can't wait to hear all about the incredible adventures you have been on when you get back! P.S. Hi Andrew :)

Laura Adeli

June 11, 2025 6:07 PM

We love seeing all the hard work and the smiles! You are making a difference, keep it up! The sun is out and more Alaska exploration is on the way!

Ben Lindflott

June 11, 2025 11:15 AM

Hi Kiki, Saripoo, and Elsa!! It has been so fun hearing and reading about all of the fun and hard work you guys are doing! It is definitely making me wish that I was able to join you all in this incredible journey. Especially to a place as beautiful as Alaska!! Love and miss you all! I can't wait to hear about all of the stories and experiences you have had on this trip! P.S. Hi Andrew :)

Terry Thompson

June 11, 2025 8:51 AM

Looks like everyone is having fun and reflecting God’s love. You are making a difference! Continue your hard work and bless others!!

Kathy Ewald

June 11, 2025 8:06 AM

So glad the sun is shining! Keep spreading God's love and light in Alaska!

Coleen Kirkpatrick

June 10, 2025 11:37 PM

Love the smiles ! Hooray for sunshine ??

Doreen Damge

June 10, 2025 6:16 PM

Love seeing all the great work you are doing and the fun you are having together!

Ruth Lebrecht

June 10, 2025 5:15 PM

We are so very proud of all of you!

Anne Pugliese

June 10, 2025 4:35 PM

Thank you for all the posts and pictures. What amazing experiences everyone is having in such a beautiful place! Your impact will be felt long after you've come home. Stay safe and well!

Jenny Travis

June 10, 2025 4:10 PM

Nice to see the smiles rain or shine! Keep up the great work.

Vanessa Strougal

June 10, 2025 3:37 PM

What a blessing the kids are getting this experience! Thank you to all the adults who made it happen! Getting so many ideas about things Ben can do in our yard when he gets home!!

Kimberly Longhitano

June 10, 2025 2:38 PM

Love seeing all the smiling faces on these remarkable young adults! ☺️♥️

Paula Felbein

June 10, 2025 1:46 PM

What a great group of young adults and mentors doing God’s work. Way to serve with all those smiles!

Kathy Clolinger

June 10, 2025 11:52 AM

What an incredible trip you are having. Sending prayers for your mission work and safe travels.

Michelle Peterson

June 10, 2025 9:32 AM

Thank you for the updates! It’s great to see the many different ways that your group is supporting the community.

Eva Vincent

June 10, 2025 9:08 AM

It looks like you’ve already accomplished so much! Keep up the great work!!!!

Lisa Hamman

June 10, 2025 8:20 AM

LOVE all the smiles - they tell the story! You are an amazing group doing amazing things! Keep up the great work!!

Kathy Ewald

June 10, 2025 6:11 AM

Well done on a successful 1st day of serving your neighbor!

Ann Jongsma

June 9, 2025 2:34 PM

Sending love and prayers. Glad to hear you were able to move locations and are feeling better!

Pastor Elisabeth

June 9, 2025 11:38 AM

Wow, what an adventure ya'll are on! May God's love feel tangible as you serve alongside one another and accompany the people you encounter along the way!

Kristi Redenius

June 9, 2025 9:18 AM

Thank you for gracious hosts! Thank you for our kids & mentors learning to navigate change & challenge together, these are the stories you'll laugh about for years to come. We can't wait to hear all about these adventures!

Kathy Ewald

June 9, 2025 7:47 AM

So glad you were all able to find a new place to stay this week! Hopefully all the major bumps in the road are behind you now.

Laura Adeli

June 9, 2025 6:38 AM

God finds a way! Praying that opportunities continue to open up for you all! Thanks for the flexibility of the team in working through all the shifting of plans!

Kathy Pierson

June 8, 2025 7:56 PM

Absolutely sending prayers for those not feeling well. Loving the pictures and updates.

Kathy Ewald

June 8, 2025 5:43 PM

I hope everyone is feeling better! Keep posting those pictures. The trip looks amazing so far!

Kimberly Longhitano

June 8, 2025 5:38 PM

Lifting up prayers for those not feeling well 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻

Laura Adeli

June 8, 2025 5:38 PM

Praying for you all and hope recovery comes soon! We love the pictures and knowing you are surrounded by God’s beautiful wilderness! Take care of each other, we are thinking of you all!???

Kathy Pierson

June 8, 2025 5:36 PM

Sending prayers for those of you not feeling well. Hope you’re all feeling better quickly! Looks like an amazing trip so far!!

Jenny Travis

June 8, 2025 12:56 PM

The views on your hike look amazing! Glad you are off to a great start. I’m praying for you all.

Eva Vincent

June 8, 2025 7:58 AM

So glad you all made it safely!!! Have a fantastic week!

Katie & Jeff Doyle

June 8, 2025 7:28 AM

Cont. beautiful photos and stories. You are doing God's work and we are grateful. Have a fun week.

Katie & Jeff Doyle

June 8, 2025 7:26 AM

Looks amazing! Thanks for sharing the beautiful

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