Mission Opportunities in Alaska & Northern Canada
Dozens of villages and remote communities in Alaska and northern Canada have no established church, youth group, or missionary presence.
Among these scattered villages live small pockets of believers who need strengthening, encouragement, fellowship, and discipleship.
Far more people have not heard the Gospel accurately explained in a way that is meaningful to them. Many people in these northern communities are hurting, full of despair, and in need of someone to share the Good News of Jesus with them.
Yet despite the great need for missionaries in the North, most people are overwhelmed at the possibility of living full-time in one of these remote communities. The challenges of northern living, spiritual darkness, and geographic isolation are simply too intimidating and deter those concerned with the spiritual needs that exist in the North.
Despite these challenges, there is still a need to reach every community within Alaska and northern Canada. SEND North developed Project Caribou to overcome these difficulties so that we can see the people of the north experience new life in Christ.
The Heart of Project Caribou
Caribou are community-oriented creatures.
They move from one place to another over long distances in herds. They are resilient, strong, and persistent, but only in a herd - they could never make it on their own.
SEND North echoes this community structure.
Serving in missions in Alaska and northern Canada has an abundance of challenges, but one of the greatest gifts the Lord has given us is community. Within a community, we can accomplish so much more than we can alone. Community provides accountability, opportunities for growth, partnership, and a strong support system.
WE ARE building teams of short and long-term missionaries
Within Alaska and Northern Canada, we are creating regional hub ministry centers throughout rural Alaska that will serve as stepping stones towards northern ministry.
supporting churches and northern ministries
Through Project Caribou, we hope to create a bridge between those interested in northern ministry and those in long-term ministry. These teams work closely with small, established churches in hub villages to reach those outside the church throughout the region.
OUR VISION
SEND North’s vision is to see every community of the 60-70 Window filled with local disciple-makers who meet together regularly and have established regional leadership. In short, we want to help make northern-disciple-makers.
At the center of Project Caribou is our desire to see Jesus proclaimed, disciples made, and churches planted in the least-reached parts of the North.
RIGHT NOW
Our first Project Caribou hub (or “herd”) launched in Dillingham, Alaska in 2024. We have 3 long-term SEND missionaries living and working in this village and housing to host interns and short-term partners.
In the future, we hope to launch at least two more Project Caribou teams in different hub villages.
JOIN US
We have seen the Lord move in mighty ways. He continues to provide, strengthen, and protect His people. However, as we are continuing to grow this ministry to reach more people, we are in need of more servants who are willing to partner with us in Project Caribou.
Would you like to join our team? Here are some people we are looking for:
- Missionaries who are willing to move to Alaska long-term and build roots in northern hub communities.
- Short-term candidates who are willing to partner with local missionaries while exploring northern ministry for 3-12 months.
You are the right type of person to join our team if you:
- Have a heart to reach the unreached youth of Alaska and northern Canada.
- Desire to partner with existing churches to reach those that don’t yet know Jesus in the local community and throughout the region.
- Have a traditional ministry calling, OR have a job skill that you can use in Alaska as a co-vocational missionary.
- Love Jesus, His Church, and helping others learn to walk with Him.
If you are feeling led by God to join us in this ministry, have additional questions, would like to partner with us by donating financially, please follow this
link
to get started!
Who We Are
SEND NORTH
Here at SEND North, we have a vision to see every community within the 60/70 window filled with local servants who are meeting together regularly to make northern disciple makers.
Our mission is to mobilize God's people and to engage the unreached by sending long-term missionaries to live in remote Alaska villages, rural Canadian communities, and immigrant-rich urban neighborhoods. Our goal is to see local people in villages with little or no Gospel witness come to Christ, be discipled, and gathered into church communities.
FAQs
What are the strengths of Project Caribou?
CONNECTION
Connection between isolated believers in need of fellowship and discipleship.
PARTNERSHIP
Partnerships and mentorship from local churches and experiences missionaries.
TRAINING
Serves as a pathway to train younger believers in ministry and short-term ministry workers
SUPPORT
Helps combat complacency/burnout while ensuring longevity, support, accountability, and stability
Would I be a good candidate for this ministry?
Short answer - Yes! The Lord can use you regardless of your life stage. Here is the specific breakdown of what we are looking for:
- Interns and young people who are exploring missions
- Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs looking for ministry experience
- New long-term missionaries who are interested in doing an apprenticeship before moving to their permanent assignment
- Retiree Volunteers
LONG TERM
We are looking for missionaries who are interested in living in a remote village for multiple years, willing to host short-term missionaries, and build relationships with other local missionaries.
SHORT TERM
Anywhere from three months to one year, we are looking for volunteers to join a long-term missionary in their ministry in Alaskan villages.
