ASSEMBLIES OF GOD
This Week in AG History -- July 7, 1945
Byron and Marjory Personeus, Assemblies of God missionaries to Alaska, developed a unique evangelistic tool at the close of World War II.
In 1945, funds from Speed the Light, together with money Byron had raised itinerating, made it possible for him to purchase the Fair-Tide II. This gasoline-powered cabin cruiser was an answer to prayer, as he longed for a mission boat to evangelize in Southeastern Alaska.
Byron Personeus was born in Juneau, Alaska, and grew up on the mission field as the son of pioneer AG missionaries Charles and Florence Personeus who first went to Alaska in 1917. After Byron finished Bible college in 1940, he worked with his father in Ketchikan and later helped him build the first Assembly of God church in Pelican.
After he was ordained in 1944, Byron presented the idea of Alaskan boat ministry to the Northwest District, and he was granted approval to itinerate among the churches to raise funds for this project. Because of gasoline rationing during the Second World War, he used a motorcycle as he traveled some 5,000 miles raising funds.
An article entitled “Gospel Boat for Alaska,” published July 7, 1945, in the Pentecostal Evangel, reports on the Fair-Tide II, which “will be used to carry the gospel to fishermen, cannery workers and villagers among the many islands sprawling along the southeastern coast of Alaska where the Full Gospel has never been preached.”=
The Fair-Tide II, built by the Stephens Boat Company of Stockton, California, in 1930, was commissioned in 1934. It was 43 feet long and could accommodate up to nine people. At the time of the article in the Evangel, the newly-acquired boat was on its way from Portland to Seattle, where it would be “recommissioned and dedicated to the service of the Lord.” While in Seattle, the boat was equipped with a public address system, and a few other necessary alterations were made before Byron and his new bride, Marjory, embarked for Alaska.
During the summer months, the Personeuses lived on the boat, taking the gospel to many isolated villagers and cannery workers. The Fair-Tide II was used regularly in gospel ministry until it was sold in 1949 because of needed repairs. After that, additional funds were raised so that other mission boats called the Anna Kamp and the Taku could be skippered by Byron Personeus as he and his wife continued to spread the gospel to the remote island areas of Southeastern Alaska.
Read “Gospel Boat for Alaska” on page 11 of the July 7, 1945, issue of the Pentecostal Evangel.
Also featured in this issue:
• "When Pentecost Came to the Moluccas," by Mrs. R. M. Devin
• "Not Limiting the Holy One of Israel," by Zelma Argue
• "Hints to Preachers," by A. G. Ward
And many more!
Click here to read this issue now.
Pentecostal Evangel archived editions courtesy of Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center.
Photo caption: Byron and Marjory Personues on board the Fair-Tide II.
What to Read Next
Assemblies of God Unveils Newly Designed AG.org Website
Enhanced user experience was a primary goal for the new website
Veteran World Missionary Fulfilling New Calling as Chaplain Along U.S. – Mexico Border
God has given Mike McGee, a 35-year veteran missionary to Mexico, a new assignment in Texas ministering to Border Patrol agents and officers along the U.S. – Mexico border.
This Week in AG History -- March 15, 1953
Following a promise made to his dying sister, Mack Pinson spent his life searching for and then developing a powerful relationship with God, ultimately leading to him being one of the five men who issued "The Call" for the organizational meeting of the Assemblies of God.
Too Far to Walk -- A Church Planted in Cameroon
Mama Marceline needed a church in her village and God answered her prayers — beyond all expectation — through Africa Oasis, Africa Tabernacle Evangelism, and Africa's Hope which provided clean water for the villagers, a tabernacle to meet in, and biblical education for their pastor.
