Breaking and Entering: The Early Years of the WELS Mission to Alaska

Abstract

Jonathan Zietlow’s essay chronicles the pioneering efforts of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) in establishing mission work in Alaska during the 1960s and 70s. Centered on the ministry of Pastor David Zietlow, the narrative highlights the challenges and triumphs of planting Faith Lutheran Church in Anchorage. Drawing from personal interviews and firsthand accounts, the essay explores the spiritual zeal, logistical hurdles, and community-building efforts that marked the mission’s early years. It details the grassroots evangelism, construction of church and parsonage, and the expansion into other Alaskan communities. The essay also reflects on the vital role of Pastor Zietlow’s wife, Carole, and the close-knit fellowship among founding families. Through faith, hard work, and God’s guidance, the WELS mission in Alaska grew from a small nucleus into a thriving network of congregations. Abstract prepared with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).