THE VILLAGE

Savoonga is located on the northern coast of St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, 164 miles west of Nome and 39 miles southeast of Gambell. The island has been inhabited for the past 2,000 years by both Alaskan and Siberian Yup'ik Eskimos. A tragic famine in 1878-80 severely reduced the island’s 4,000 population.

The Adventist work began in the late 1930s-early 1940s through teachers working in local schools.   From their efforts, along with support by the Alaska Mission, a small group of believers was established in Savoonga.  By 1972, a small chapel and parsonage had been built.  Today conference holds an Arctic Camp Meeting each year in Savoonga.  Volunteer Elouise Hawkes has become an AMA ambassador  as she shares her village experiences with those in the “Lower 48”.

AMA WORKER

Elouise Hawkes

EMAIL ELOUISE

Elouise, and her late husband Bill, arrived in Savoonga in early 2010 and quickly grew to love the people.  After Bill’s passing in February 2016, Elouise continues to return to the Savoonga.   She shares, “Even though life can be a challenge, I love Savoonga.  I love the simple life.  I love the people.  I wish I was younger so I could give my whole life to work in the Arctic.“

DONATE

NEED

How You Can Help

Volunteer Support

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

WORKER SUPPORT

Church Repairs

NEED: $7,000
Savoonga is one of our remote village that has a church and parsonage. However, both are need of repair during the short construction season.

FACILITY DONATION

Food Pantry

NEED: $8,000
Living in the community, Elouise knows the food insecurities the villagers face. Severe weather, remote local & high prices makes this a priority.

OUTREACH DONATION

ADOPT-A-VILLAGE SUPPORTERS

AMA volunteer, Elouise Hawkes, is a beloved and trusted member of Savoonga village. She has worked in the community for over ten years and continues to return to the community several times throughout the year.

Accomplishments

• Radio Station | KKLK 89.3 FM
  

Partners

Five Oakes SDA Church
Durham, North Carolina

Anchorage Northside Church
Anchorage, Alaska

McMinnville SDA Church
McMinnville, Oregon

Five Oaks SDA
Christian School
Durham, North Carolina

Judy Halleron
Marble, North Carolina