Barrow, Alaska Church Joins With Church of God
The Church of God in Alaska/British Columbia recently announced the addition of the formerly independent New Beginnings Christian Fellowship as the New Beginnings Church of God in Barrow, Alaska.
“It is an absolute delight and with a great deal of excitement that we welcome this new church into our fellowship,” stated Alaska/BC Administrative Bishop Gary Harris. “This church, located in Barrow, Alaska has been pastored by our own David Matthews, Jr. for the last 21 months.” Barrow is located 340 miles north of the Arctic Circle and sits on the banks of the Arctic Ocean. This city, with a population of around 4,500, has possibly the harshest weather in Alaska with temperatures reaching to 60 and 70 below zero and is the northern most city in North America.
According to Harris, Matthews and his wife, Tina, have “served the church with love and prayer and have faithfully ministered the Word. God gradually performed miracle after miracle in the lives of families and individuals in this church.” Harris went on to say he had been in contact with Pastor David for several months as they and others in the church were praying for the Lord’s direction. In January the congregation made the decision that it was time to affiliate with an organization which could provide a covering. The Church of God was one under consideration.
The constituents wanted to have some questions answered about the Church of God, and on February 17, Bishop Harris visited with the church and ministered in both the morning and evening services. On Monday, February 18, Harris shared two informative DVD and power point presentations, followed by a question and answer session.
“God touched the hearts of His people during this meeting,” Harris stated. “The congregation then voted with a very strong 99 percent vote to unite with the Church of God; almost unanimous!” Harris said the Matthews have been life-long members of the church and slowly and methodically allowed the Spirit of God to do a work in the congregation. The church has a variety of cultures represented in the congregation, including Inupiat Eskimos, and a worship attendance of up to 100 including Children’s Church.
“When David and Tina moved from Kotzebue to Barrow in May of 2006 with their four children, God performed many miracles as they journeyed even further north to the Top of the World,” Harris concluded. “As the results of the votes to affiliate with the Church of God were announced, both David and Tina wept with tears of joy. We give God all the praise for this significant and joyous occasion, and we whole-heartedly welcome our new church into fellowship of the Church of God family!”
