THE VILLAGE

Bethel lies about 500 miles west-northwest of Anchorage and is accessible by air only.  With a population of over 6,000 people, Bethel is the main port of the Kuskokwim River in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and serves as the transportation and administrative hub for over 50 surrounding Native villages. Bethel was first established by Yup’ik Eskimos who called the village “Mamteriilleq,” meaning “Smokehouse People.” 

The Bethel Church has been in existence for a number of years. In 1977, two student missionaries came to the village for outreach. In the early 80's, Pastor Dave Brown served the community and a multi-purpose building was constructed. Since then, many others have served the Bethel district to grow God's work in the region. Today, AMA volunteers Vecous and Loretta serve the community.

AMA WORKERS

Vecous & Loretta Waite

Email the waites

Vecous and Loretta Waite have been volunteers in Bethel since September 2015.  Before coming to Alaska, Vecous was a businessman and finish carpenter and Loretta a caterer and preschool teacher.  These skills became very useful in their remote village life as they provide leadership to the church in Bethel.  The Waites also host various outreach efforts including evangelism series, concerts, feeding the homeless, children's ministries and more.  The Waites daily demonstrate God's love through their hands-on, selfless work.  God has blessed these efforts by adding precious souls to His kingdom

DONATE

NEED

How You Can Help

Volunteer Support

NEED: $12,000
Support the Bethel AMA worker by
donating to offset housing, utility, and transportation expenses

WORKER SUPPORT

Evangelism

NEED: $10,000
Bethel attempts to have an evangelistic outreach each year. Support this ministry to bring speakers and musicians to the village.

EVANGELISM

Community Outreach

NEED: $12,000
Community outreach includes a food pantry at a cost of $5,000 annually as well as children's programming costing $7,000 each year.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

ADOPT-A-VILLAGE SUPPORTERS

With your support, AMA can continue to work in the Bethel community. Vecous and Loretta, along with fellow Adventists, have several ongoing ministries including day camps, Send-a-Kid to resident camp, Arctic Camp Meeting, Vacation Bible School and more. Plans are underway to launch a food pantry and 2021 outreach efforts.

Accomplishments

• Annual March Camp Meeting
• Radio Station | KUIM 96.1 FM
  
• Summer Day Camp | 45 Kids in 2019

Partners

Vince &Liza Henry
Dillingham, Alaska

Warren Downs
Dillingham, Alaska

Frank Lawrence
Bethel, Alaska