The Alaska Conference has intentionally incorporated individual and corporate prayer as a key components in shaping the vision for reaching Alaska. Beginning in fall of 2026, the purpose was two-fold: to invite and unite God’s people across our vast state and to seeking His presence, guidance, and vision in all that we do. Beginning with Upward: 40 Days of Prayer followed by the October visioning weekend in Anchorage, believers joined hearts and voices to ask the Holy Spirit to pour out wisdom and direction for His church. This sacred movement reminds us that prayer is not about building our own plans, but about discerning God’s will and aligning our mission with His purpose.
As we continue morning prayer gatherings across Alaska, we trust the Spirit to strengthen our unity, deepen our love for one another, and guide every step forward in faith for the mission in Alaska. Looking ahead, additional prayer events will be woven into the ongoing life and ministry of the Conference, ensuring that prayer remains at the center of all we do.
Journey with John
The Upward 2026 journey moves forward with Journey with John. The daily 6 a.m. prayer line will remain available for those who wish to gather collectively in prayer, with a special Monday 6 a.m. conference prayer time set aside each week.
Journey with John invites individuals, churches, and prayer groups across Alaska to walk together through the Gospel of John throughout 2026. Weekly devotionals are released every Monday morning, providing a shared rhythm of study centered on Jesus as the Living Word, Light of the world, Bread of Life, and source of hope. Participants are also invited to gather for prayer for the dedicated Monday 6:00 a.m. conference prayer time, uniting the conference in seeking God’s guidance for life, mission, and ministry.
Begin the Year with God
A new year stands before us—2026. Each January feels like a fresh page, a clean slate, an opportunity to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). But this year, as we step across the threshold into the unknown, the world around us reminds us that time is moving swiftly. The signs of our age, the instability of nations, the uncertainty in every corner of society—these things speak loudly. They echo Christ’s words: “When you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors” (Matthew 24:33).
40 Days of Prayer
From September 7 to October 16, 2025, the Alaska Conference family united across the state for Upward: 40 Days of Prayer. From Barrow to Bethel, Kodiak to Ketchikan, and throughout Anchorage and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, believers gathered morning and evening to seek God’s presence and direction. Each day at 6:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., dozens joined on Zoom, with additional sessions hosted by the Anchorage Spanish congregation, lifting prayers in five languages—English, Samoan, Spanish, Yupik, and Siberian Yupik. Together, hearts were knit in faith, burdens were lightened, and hope grew as the Spirit deepened our love for one another. This season of prayer reminded us that we are not here to build our own plans, but to seek the Lord’s vision for His church in Alaska.
Though the 40 days have concluded, the spirit of prayer continues with weekday morning gatherings, and our journey forward is guided by the same Spirit who stirred hearts across tundra, mountains, and islands. Truly, we have experienced the promise: “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).
Visioning Weekend
The weekend of October 17–19 was a sacred and Spirit-filled time for the Alaska Conference family. Representatives from churches across our state gathered at the Korean Adventist Church in Anchorage for prayer, reflection, and visioning. Joined by the Conference Executive Committee and administration, participants sought the Lord’s leading for the future mission of His work in Alaska. From the opening song on Friday evening to the closing prayer on Sunday morning, the presence of the Holy Spirit was deeply felt in worship, testimonies, and table discussions, uniting hearts around the theme: “God’s Spirit is truly in this place.” Six diverse groups, representing large and small churches from urban, rural, and bush communities, engaged in Spirit-led dialogue, listening and sharing insights for God’s mission.
Saturday evening, a “Dream Team” of 12 individuals was prayerfully chosen to continue the process, meeting with conference administration in November to synthesize the visioning discussions and begin shaping a three-year strategic plan. We invite every member to keep this process in prayer, trusting that the same Spirit who moved powerfully during the prayer initiative and visioning weekend will continue to guide each step as we align our mission, ministries, and resources with God’s divine purpose for Alaska.
