Koyukuk, Alaska

God Uses Ordinary People

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“Hello, Nina!”

People in this part of Alaska greet her by name. Funny thing is, Nina lives in Minnesota.

For the past eight summers, Nina Hesby has volunteered in our Vacation Bible Schools beginning in Neah Bay, Washington, and now in Koyukuk. By now the people there know her. They accept her. They look forward to her return each year.

For one busy week, Nina barely catches her breath as she becomes teacher, song-leader, crafter, dramatist, recreation director… And although she spends a whole year planning for Vacation Bible School week, Nina also anticipates the “extra-curricular” ministry opportunities that God may have in store.

This year, God used Nina as a grief counselor.

One afternoon Nina went for a walk along the Yukon River. There she recognized one of Koyukuk’s elders sitting on the bank, looking very sad. Nina respectfully asked the man if she could sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the surroundings with him.

After some time, the elder divulged the reason for his sadness. His nephew had committed suicide. When Nina found him, the elder was waiting for a boat to take him up river to the young man’s funeral.

“I just hope it will rain tomorrow so people won’t be able to tell that I’m crying,” mourned the elder.

Praying as she spoke, Nina assured the grieving uncle that God is always with us, even during such trials. She reminded him of the heavenly home where the Lord and all His people will one day be reunited.

The elder responded with gratitude, “I’m thankful you come every year to share God’s love with my children.”

The harvest is the Lord’s, but Nina labors diligently to sow the hope of the Gospel in the hearts of young Native Americans. Rampant alcoholism and suicide rates — so prevalent in Native communities — add urgency to Nina’s task. She prays that God will bless her efforts to stave off the ills that plague so many Native communities.

Multiply Nina’s impact 200 times, and you’ll have a better picture of the ministry efforts you support through Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots, U.S. This year, lay workers from 15 states, from Florida to Hawaii, have helped us reach about 1,400 children with the Good News of Christ.

God uses ordinary people like Nina and me — and you! — for extraordinary purposes when we give ourselves to Him.