The Inupiat people of Utqiagvik endure two months of darkness during the winter. Due to this, suicide rates are three times higher than the national average. Rachel, a church elder and her congregation responded by organizing Blue Christmas, a candlelight vigil providing support during this challenging period.
The Arctic is a challenging place to live. The winter brings well-below freezing temperatures. So cold that you can experience frostbite in as quickly as five minutes. The Inupiat [in-yu-pee-at] people of Northern Alaska have lived off of this land for centuries.
As the northernmost city in the United States, Utqiagvik [oot-kee-og-vik] rests on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Its landscape is dominated by vast expanses of tundra and ice. The mayor of Utqiagvik describes some common misconceptions of life in the Arctic.
“Well, there's the igloo thing. Everyone thinks we’re in igloos, but we're not. Or penguins, those are in Antarctica.”
Despite the beauty of wildlife and displays of the northern lights, there is one very unique challenge: darkness. For two months in the winter, the sun never rises.
“We're definitely dark in the winter months. You feel even more isolated during that time. And you start to go through this sadness, just before the light hits.”
“There unfortunately is a mental health crisis here. If you look at Alaska's suicide rate, we’re three times higher than the national rate. And when you get up to the northern region, you're doubled that number. So that's why it's been our church's mission to really go out and share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.”
An event named Blue Christmas was the way Rachel and the Arctic Mission Adventist Church found to support the community. With the help of other non-profit organizations and the mayor’s office, they arranged a candlelight vigil on the longest winter night of the year.
“It was an event for people who are grieving or want to support people who are grieving to come together and not feel alone, as a reminder that you're not alone in your grief.”
During Blue Christmas, the mayor and village elders shared their experiences of loss and grief and how to overcome difficult times together. The event was commemorated by an eight-foot tall snow sculpture with a special meaning.
“You'll see with the sculpture, there are eight figures which represent each of the surrounding villages. Each of them are supposed to represent the villages coming together as one and being able to support each other in their grief.”
Through Blue Christmas, the Adventists have shown love to their community as they believe Jesus would.
“There have been so many people who have come to me personally and shared their experience not only with Blue Christmas, but with the work that our church is doing within the community.”
“That was probably my favorite part, just being able to proudly say that I was a part of the Arctic Adventist Church.”
“Of course, I would love to be able to work with the Adventist Church in the future for future projects.”
Despite the challenges of living in the Arctic, Jesus’ love shines through the darkness.
“Even though we live in the coldest of temperatures, you'll find the warmest people here in town. And I think that much of the reason why I love being here is because they truly are invested in their people.”
Please pray for the work of the Adventist church in hard to reach areas such as the Arctic. Thank you for your support of mission around the world.
