"THE GREATEST AMONG YOU MUST BE YOUR SERVANT."
Matthew 23:11
Vassal. noun: vas·sal | ˈva-səl
A person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty. Servant.
Alaska’s Needs
With hundreds of miles of largely unreachable places, Alaska presents serious logistical challenges to daily life for the two hundred plus villages scattered across the state. It is more than twice the size of Texas with fewer roads than Maryland. The Alaska road system spans between a few cities leaving the vast majority of the state accessible only by air or boat. Attempting to reach the many native Alaskan villages requires an extensive logistical system. There are are airlines, air charters, and river barge systems that makeup the network of travel for people and goods. It can cost more to travel to and from a village than it does to fly out of state.
In addition to the great distances, the climate adds another layer of challenges. Between storms along the coast, extreme cold in the interior, and oppressive darkness in the winter, Alaska can be a very unforgiving environment. Along with the physical challenges comes the spiritual challenges and many difficult things such as substance abuse and high suicide rates.
Despite these challenges, there are many ministries and missionaries reaching out or living in the villages, seeking to share the hope of Jesus Christ. Many villages do not have established churches or even committed believers living in their midst. It is this work that Vassal supports.
Our Mission
Vassal Ministries’ goal is to serve by supplying and facilitating the logistical and physical needs of churches, organizations and ministries seeking to fulfill the Great Commission (As stated in Matthew 28:19-20), and to train, equip, and mentor those seeking to serve in ministry. Our emphasis is on those serving in remote locations in Alaska. We seek to help overcome the logistical challenges of remote life so those in ministry can focus their efforts on the spiritual and relational aspects of ministry.
Vassal aims to serve in primarily three categories: Aviation, Hospitality, and Logistical Support.
- Aviation is a necessity in Alaska. With Villages that are hundreds of miles off the road system, the only practical access is by air. As such, missionaries rely on air transportation for ministry support. Vassal helps maintain missionary aircraft as an essential tool in serving the Lord.
- Hospitality is a critical component in providing rest and resources for missionaries traveling in and out of the villages for medical, supply, and respite. Vassal can help coordinate housing for ministry families.
- Logistical Support provided by Vassal covers a broad scope including procurement, expediting, service projects, transportation, and vehicle use, storage, and maintenance.
Statement of Faith
Scripture – The Bible, in its original language and context, is the divinely inspired and inerrant word of God. It is a complete work (Duet. 4:1-2; Rev 22:18).
God – We believe in one triune God who is the creator of all things. He is perfect, omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent.
Man – We believe that man was the pinnacle of God’s creation, created in perfect communion with God but now fallen in nature (Gen 1-3). We are at war with the “the flesh” until Christ’s return (Rom 7:14-25). Our purpose is to worship and glorify God (Rom 11:36). Our only eternal hope is through Jesus Christ (John 14:6).
Salvation – Salvation comes by repenting, confessing Jesus as Lord, and believing in the heart that Jesus was crucified, dead, and raised again to life. It is by God’s grace, accepted in faith. Salvation will be evidenced by, but not attained by, action. (Rom 10:9-10. James 1:14-26)
Holy Spirit – Part of the God-head given to believers as our helper (Acts 1:4-5). We are led, empowered, and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings our prayers to the Lord (Rom 8:26-27). The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is evidenced by the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23).