History of Faith Harbor Fellowship

Introduction

Faith Harbor Fellowship (FHF) has been a beacon of hope and spiritual growth in Valdez, Alaska, since its founding in 1979 by Pastors Jason and Karen Wells. Rooted in a commitment to advancing God’s Kingdom, FHF began as a small gathering in the Wells’ home and has since flourished under the guidance of Pastors Ray and Rosie Tapp, who have faithfully served the congregation for over three decades.
Through challenges and triumphs, FHF has remained steadfast in its mission, fostering deep connections within the local community and beyond. From pioneering mission work in Alaska’s Copper River Region to hosting transformative revival meetings, FHF’s history is a testament to the power of faith, partnership, and the enduring impact of Spirit-empowered ministry.

Read on to discover more about FHF’s inspiring journey.

Mission and Vision

Faith Harbor Fellowship (FHF) is a Christian, non-denominational, Bible-centered, Spirit-empowered church. FHF is committed to the advancement of GOD’S KINGDOM starting in Valdez and throughout Alaska and into the Nations of the world.

History

Our Founders

FHF was founded in 1979 in Valdez, Alaska, by Pastors Jason and Karen Wells. It started in the Wells’ home and then moved into various storefront locations around downtown Valdez. In 1980 Ray and Roise Tapp joined the FHF team and in 1991 the Wells experienced the Lord calling them to start an outreach ministry in Simi Valley, California. The Tapps felt directed to remain in Valdez as the new pastors of FHF. In 2007, we were able to purchase a new church building. This has enabled us to become more stable in our mission and commitment to our city, region, and state.

Challenges Faced

It’s definitely challenging to step into the roll of becoming a new pastor of a small church. Although it’s probably a good thing, both new pastor and small church are able to grow together. It’s by God’s grace that Pastor Ray and Rosie Tapp have been able to serve FHF for 33 years. It is such a joy to see God encounter, with spiritual growth and maturity, all the dear men, women, and children throughout the years that we have been blessed with in this wonderful congregation.

Noteworthy Milestones

From 1996 through 2002, with the encouragement of some of the dear members of FHF, we embarked in missions ministry in Alaska’s Copper River Region. We were blessed to build relationships with many dear people from that area. FHF also conducted revival camp meetings called “Alaska Ablaze” close to the village of Gakona, Alaska. What a wonderful season of building strong relationships and seeing God save, fill, and bless many who attended. To this day we enjoy a strong partnership with many Alaska village Elders and Christian brothers and sisters as we see God’s Kingdom grow throughout our great state of Alaska.

Valued Collaborations

FHF is a non-denominational church, and has been built on and blessed by strong, healthy ministry relationships that have contributed to the spiritual growth, health, mission and purpose of this church. It has a rich history of God-directed visiting ministries and friendships over its 45 years as a local church in Valdez. We believe that the spiritual health and well-being of any church depends greatly on the life directing and accomplishment of God’s original mandate, that is to go into this dying world making His kingdom known and received to all nations and peoples. This wonderful task can only be fulfilled by the power of God’s Holy Spirit in and through God’s sons and daughters working in partnership together.

Future Goals

Our vision for the future is to establish a transformative model of ministry within the Copper River Basin villages, where we will actively engage in identifying, training, and empowering dedicated pastors who will serve these communities for the long term. By embedding spiritual leadership within the heart of each village, we aim to create a sustainable and impactful ministry that nurtures the calling of local leaders, provides them with the necessary training, and offers ongoing support to ensure their success. This initiative will serve as a model of commitment and resilience, fostering enduring relationships and spiritual growth throughout the region.