When some couples retire they take a cruise, possibly to the beautiful state of Alaska. But a Kansas minister and his wife are seeing the 49th state because God directed them there to help shepherd His flocks, some of whom dress in kuspuks trimmed in wolf fur and who speak little or no English. The Rev. Howard Marshall and his wife, Marge, of Kansas City, first went to Alaska in 1996, soon after they both retired, to visit a son.  They had no idea they would spend the summers of 1996 and 1997 ministering in three villages on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska, and in 1998 on the Yukon Delta at the Bering Sea.

But they discovered that the need for pastors in Alaska is great.  And they were encouraged to accept an assignment with the Division of Home Missions/MAPS department by former Kansas District Superintendent Derald Musgrove and his wife, Peggy. The Marshalls had previously pastored congregations in Harper, McCracken, Great Bend, Concordia and Kansas City, and a church in Ohio. They also served as children's pastors at Northland Cathedral in Kansas City, Missouri, where they remain members.  Later this year, Brother Marshall will mark his 40th anniversary as an ordained Assemblies of God minister. The couple has three grown children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild; but they knew God wasn't finished with them yet! They have drawn from their years of pastoral experience to bless struggling congregations in Alaskan villages where people need someone to care about them and love them.

"I wish I had the ability to impress former pastors who are retired and have some income that there is a  need in the 'last frontier' of Alaska; there are many villages without pastors," said Marshall. "There is one village where they have 40 people enrolled in ICI courses, but no pastor or Assemblies of God church."

The Marshalls make it clear that to pastor in the Alaska "bush" requires maturity and patience, which is why they believe retirees and senior adult ministers can be used of the Lord. Even though food is more expensive--a loaf of bread can cost $5.50--most churches have quarters for pastors, which makes it affordable.  Since most of the villages are built up off the ground because of springtime flooding and winter

To contact us:  913-788-8637

E-mail: howardmarshall@yahoo.com