Chambers set schedules

■ The Kenai and Soldotna Chambers of Commerce will host a joint luncheon today at noon at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. A legislative update with Sen. Peter Micciche, Rep. Mike Chenault and Representative-elect Gary Knopp is planned. RSVP to 262-9841.

■ The Soldotna Chamber of Commerce will hold a Trivia Night Chamber Holiday Social at Odie’s from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 20. Form your trivia team and RSVP to 262-9814.

Arctic Barnabas appoints new executive director

Arctic Barnabas Ministries (ABM) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Executive Director to oversee its aviation support ministry operating from Kenai. Jim Hamilton, currently the Executive Director of the Golden Triangle Baptist Network in Texas, will assume duties in late winter or early spring of 2017.

ABM Board Chairman, Tim Van Sickle, said Hamilton will replace Jonathan Peters who left the organization last summer to pursue other ministry opportunities.

“Jim Hamilton brings a lot of executive experience to the organization and has previous pastoral ministry experience in Alaska and an understanding of rural Alaskan culture,” Van Sickle said.

Arctic Barnabas is a mission organization with pilots and aircraft used to support ministry in the off-road communities of Alaska. Van Sickle said Hamilton’s skills and experience in developing and coaching pastors and missionaries is just what ABM was looking for. In his present position, Hamilton provides coaching and assistance to a network of more than 100 churches in Texas. He also has had international experience in church planting and discipleship programs such as one currently underway in Belize. In addition, he currently helps develop executive leaders in his role as a life/executive coach consultant.

Jim and his wife of 38 years, Lisa, have five grown children, three of whom are Alaska Natives, and eight grandchildren. Jim emphasized that Lisa is an important part of his ministry and can offer much spousal support to missionaries and pastors in bush communities.

Hamilton served at the Alaska Family Service Center for five years and was pastor of the Muldoon Road Baptist Church for four years. It was in Anchorage that his theological education started at Wayland Baptist University. He completed a bachelor of science degree from Wayland, a master’s in Biblical Studies from Trinity Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Bethany Theological Seminary. His ministry has taken him to pastoral positions in Indiana, North and South Dakota and Texas.

Jim said early in his career he had never made plans to leave Alaska, but ministry calling took him elsewhere. He says the experience he encountered along the way has prepared him to now return to Alaska for a long-term commitment.

Volunteers needed for JA in a Day

Junior Achievement and Mountain View Elementary in Kenai are excited to put together another JA in a Day event for the spring semester. This event will take place on March 9, 2017. Junior Achievement programs align with state standards and teach students the value of workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. The hands-on, age appropriate curriculum equips students with the knowledge needed to be successful in today’s ever changing global economy. Volunteers are needed for this event. A light breakfast, lunch, training and program materials will be provided. Visit alaska.ja.org to learn about the JA programs that will be offered to all K-5 students. For more information, contact Amarin Ellis, Program Manager, at 907-344-0101 or aellis@ja-alaska.org.

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Have you opened a new business, moved to a new location, hired a new person or promoted an employee? Send us your information at news@peninsulaclarion.com, fax it to 907-283-3299, or drop it by the Clarion at 150 Trading Bay in Kenai. Questions? Call 907-335-1251.