Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell and his wife, Sandy, joined Franklin Graham at the dedication ceremony for Samaritan Lodge Alaska, a unique retreat center for wounded military personnel and their spouses.
Samaritan Lodge Alaska is located in Port Alsworth in the southern part of the state.The wilderness area can only be reached by small aircraft.
Samaritan’s Purse President Frankin Graham addressed the crowd at the dedication ceremony from a special handicapped-accessible boat with a bow that folds out into a ramp
Franklin Graham told those in attendance: “We have come here today to dedicate this facility to the glory of almighty God, and to His Son, Jesus Christ.”
The dedication ceremony took place on the shore of Hardenburg Bay, in the southwestern position of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Dozens of people lined the shoreline at Samaritan Lodge Alaska for the dedication ceremony
Samaritan Lodge sits on five acres of pristine lakefront property and has more that 25 buildings, including cabins and a full-service community dining hall.
Colonel Kevin McDonnell, US Army (Ret), the director of an outreach to Special Operations warriors and their families, said, “I can’t tell you how excited I am about the troops who will be coming here.”
Also speaking at the dedication was Captain Scotty Smiley, who lost his sight to a suicide car bomber in Iraq in 2005. He is the Army’s first active-duty blind officer.
Captain Smiley told those in attendance: “Samaritan Lodge Alaska will help rebuild the relationships with family, help rebuild and start relationships with God.”
Military couples who come to Samaritan Lodge can enjoy a wide range of activities such as fishing, kayaking, hiking, bear watching, and boating.
The weeklong stay allows military couples time away from daily pressures and distractions to study God’s Word surrounded by the beauty of His creation.
Samaritan Lodge overlooks Lake Clark, one of the deepest lakes in Alaska. Lake Clark spans 42 miles, surrounded by the glories of the Alaskan wild.
Each couple at Samaritan Lodge will have their own personal cabin, and interconnected boardwalks ensure that all facilities are fully accessible.
