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!

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

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.

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

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
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!

Qdobo Saves the Day
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 12:44 AM

Pivoting with God’s Provision
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 12:54 AM

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

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!

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!!

Lutheran Social Services of Alaska
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 2:52 PM

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!

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.

LSSA Day 1
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:20 PM

Rain Won’t Stop Us
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 9, 2025 11:23 PM

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

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

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!

Who Needs a Stump Grinder...
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:41 PM

Future Gardeners of America!!!
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:45 PM

No weed too big or small!!
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:48 PM

I can see clearly now the rain is gone!!!
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:51 PM

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

Whistle while you work!!
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:54 PM

Always time for a picture!!
by Rose Brito | June 10, 2025 1:59 PM

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!

Eagle River Christian School
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 2:35 PM

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.

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.

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!

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!

Alaska Food Bank
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:50 PM

Pause for a Picture
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:51 PM

Part of the Community
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:54 PM

Some SUN!
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 10, 2025 10:55 PM

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.

What a load!
by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 2:26 PM

Matchy Matchy
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 11, 2025 4:53 PM
Ready for Day 3 on ministry! Stripe tops FTW.

There are some builders among us!
by Briley Luethke | June 11, 2025 6:21 PM

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!

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!

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!!!

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

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!

Emma and that Weed Trimmer
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 12, 2025 3:57 PM

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!

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

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.

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.

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

Who Can Skip the Furthest Rock?
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 3:55 AM

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.

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!

Touch the Ocean!
by Mikaylee Garcia | June 13, 2025 1:48 PM

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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