Sweat Lodge Ceremony

My time in Alaska with NACOS was a deeply moving and unforgettable experience. Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, rivers, and wide skies, I sensed God’s presence in creation in ways that both humbled and inspired me. Yet, what touched me most were the people and their stories—especially the resilience and faith of the Native communities. Their hospitality, their culture, prayers, and their deep connection to the land revealed a spiritual richness that I will carry with me always.

One of the most profound moments for me was participating in the sweat lodge for the very first time. It was a sacred space of cleansing, reflection, and renewal, an experience that invited me to quiet my heart, lay down burdens, and listen to the Holy Spirit in a deeper way. That time of prayer and silence reminded me that God meets us where we are in every culture and tradition when our hearts are open to His presence.

NACOS itself was a gift: leaders from diverse Indigenous backgrounds gathering to learn, pray, and walk together. The experience reminded me that ministry is not simply about what we bring, but about what we receive in the holy exchange of listening, learning, and honoring one another. Alaska has left me with a renewed conviction that the Kingdom of God is beautifully diverse, Spirit-led, and rooted in Christs love.

Elizabeth Jacob