Learning Bear Basics
Pastor Howard Williams, Wrangell SDA Church
Nestled on an island at the mouth of the Stikine River, Wrangell, Alaska offers visitors a glimpse of petroglyphs carved by early inhabitants thousands of years ago. This Tlingit city of 2,400 used to be one of the oldest non-native settlements in Alaska’s pristine inner passage wilderness.
Recently, the Adventist Community Services of Alaska and the Wrangell Adventist Church opened the first ACS thrift shop in Alaska. The community services outreach of Wrangell Church is primarily involved in food and commodity distribution in partnership with USDA and Food Bank of Alaska. The food program provides for both families and seniors and has more than 400 clients on an average month. “We like to widen our response not only to food but also to include clothing. Jesus wants us to do this to serve the suffering people around us”. Charleen Howard (ACS Store Manager).
On September 28, 2011, the Bear Basics store was opened to the public with a simple ribbon cutting ceremony officiated by Dr. Ephraim Palmero, ACS Alaska Executive Director. People from all walks of life enjoyed the unique ambiance of the store that has the look of an airport duty- free shop. Mothers with kids invaded the grocery section with delight and surprise to take advantage of the low priced grocery items. Used brand name clothing hanging along the racks were emptied and volunteers were astonished with the market response. “This is one of the best shops that serve our struggling town folks,” commented a native lady, ‘I will be coming here regularly with my friends.”
Sometimes, people cannot see the Bible we are handing to them, but can feel the compassionate presence we share with them at their lowest period in their lives. Victims of disasters are always free to pick what they need from this shop, and we like to have relationships with these suffering people. We will always be ready to lend our help if needed.