On Saturday evening, March 21, 2009 many local Fairbanks ministries came together in the Monroe Catholic High School gym to put on a "Blessing Potlatch" for Athabascan village elders and other leaders in town for an annual business meeting.  Envisioned and spearheaded by Rita Pierce, an Athabascan herself, the idea was to not only provide a great meal, but for each ministry to "adopt" one or more villages  in commitment to pray for the chiefs, elders, and others in leadership.

We, as YWAM had volunteered to make 25 gallons of potato salad for the event!  Below are some of the photos of that "fun" undertaking!

 


Josh Rychener chopping the twenty-five pounds of potatoes into bite-sized pieces!  And still smiling!  What a guy!  Thanks, Josh!  (We DID give him a little help!)

 

 

 

Lois...One of a number of folks recruited to help with the potato salad assembly line!



 

 

 

And Laura--another welcome volunteer!



 

 

Ken covering the potato salad with foil for transport to the potlatch venue.



BLESSING POTLATCH PHOTOS

 

 

 




 

 

Steve Weis, of the local Arctic Fire King's Kids GO Network, and Josh serving moose soup to potlatch guests.

 

 

At potlatches young people traditionally serve all the older folks. Here, Emily Koenig, of Arctic Fire King's Kids, serves Rita Pierce, event organizer.

Potlatch emcee, Pastor Marvin Carroll, (at left) listens as elder, Neal Charlie, of Minto, speaks to the potlatch guests.

 

 

 

 



Left to right: Ida Ross, of Wings of Healing in Ester, AK; Ken Wallace, of YWAM Fairbanks; and another very lovely Athabascan elder.

 


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