SHAKTOOLIK, AK (November 16, 2011) – Shaktoolik Covenant Church’s first pastor in 12 years was installed earlier this month, just days before a powerful storm threatened to wipe out the village of fewer than 300 people.
Amil Carter and his wife, Amy, moved this month to the community on the eastern shore of Norton Sound. Their home as well as others were spared from heavy damage last week.
The call process actually started when church chairman Palmer Sagoonick welcomed Carter into his home. Carter had traveled 89 miles by snow machine to Shaktoolik, but was not looking to fill the pastorate.
After dining together, Sagoonick was impressed with “this Eskimo from up north” and asked about his doctrine. Soon after, Palmer called the offices of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Alaska (ECCAK) to begin the credentialing process so Amil could officially candidate for the job.
The Carters, their two children, and a grandchild were flown to Shaktoolik for a week. The congregation then voted unanimously to call Amil to be their pastor.
“Waiting for a pastor for 12 years has not been easy, but it has produced maturity and strength in the Shaktoolik Covenant Church,” says James Barefoot, ECCAK associate field director.
