Calvary Mission in Kalskag, Alaska began in 1959 when Martin
& Audrey Ausdahl felt the call of God to move their family from Minnesota
(in 1958) to Alaska and landed in Bethel in the fall of 1959, followed by the move to Kalskag, 100
river miles up the Kuskokwim River. In
early 1960 they moved their children to Kalskag and established their permanent
home. The church has been active in ministry for 55 years. Audrey went to be with the Lord on Christmas day
in 1992 and Martin joined her in April 2000.
Their son, Mark Ausdahl, has been the pastor of Calvary Mission since
his father passed away.
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| Ausdahl family in 1964 |
August 15-17, 2014 we celebrated over 50 years in
ministry! Flyers and invitations were distributed and mailed and people began to come on Thursday, August 14.
Friday night we hosted a
Community Bon Fire and Praise Gathering on the Kuskokwim River. We served hot dogs, juice and other
refreshments. Matt Stinson and Kevin Whitley led worship and praise songs. Several people shared stories and testimonies
of what the Lord has done for them. We
gave out 2015 Community Calendars with the theme, “What a Friend We Have in
Jesus.”
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| Song Service by the River |
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| Cousin Fred at the River Service |
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| Pastor Mark at the River Service |
Saturday tragedy struck the village with two sudden deaths. Many of the Ausdahl siblings ministered to
the grieving families, since they grew up with the families in the Village. I
was at the clinic, too, just to give hugs and love on the people. I prayed with
small groups of people. In the midst of this tragic event the people of Kalskag
warmly welcomed me back and were glad I came “home.” I had just returned to the
village after my summer break.
The youth hiked around Kalskag, then later in the evening we
had a song service at the church. Many
people from the community came and participated. Mark, Dan and Dora blessed us with songs. Phillip and Avivah gave their testimonies. I gave the testimony of how my children were healed of cysts and tumors. God is faithful!
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| Pastor Mark, Dan and Dora |
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| Phillip giving his testimony |
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| Avivah giving her testimony |
Sunday’s service at Calvary Mission was packed! Cousin Fred Carlson and Pastor Mark led the
testimony and song service. Old time
favorite songs were requested, as well as, a couple modern worship songs. A
lunch was provided by the church and others and we enjoyed a community meal
together. We distributed Calvary Mission T-shirts throughout the weekend.
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| Joey, Cousin Fred and Fred |
What a special time of celebration! We praise God for His love and many blessings
for over 50 years! Calvary Mission is so
thankful for our community for the love and support shown to our ministry for
the past 50 years.
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| T shirt Front |
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| T shirt back |
Contact us if you would like a Calvary Mission T-shirt. Thank you for your support!
