Pastor James Keen

(Continued)

A few years into their marriage, James and Mary felt led to the mission field in Alaska. Their first assignment was assisting a young mission in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. In 2002, they planted the seeds of faith in Anchorage by starting a Bible study. This initiative blossomed into The Anchor Missionary Baptist Church, a thriving congregation serving the local community.

Their time in Alaska was marked by blessings and trials. James and Mary were graced with four children—Grace, Josiah, Micah, and Anna—each with unique talents and bright futures. Tragically, their eldest daughter Grace was taken from them in 2021 in an automobile accident, a loss that strengthened their reliance on God’s grace.

Mary, a trained pharmacist, chose to homeschool their children, nurturing both their education and faith. Josiah is pursuing a degree in medicine, while Micah and Anna are accomplished swimmers and musicians, reflecting the family’s dedication to excellence.

James faithfully served as pastor of The Anchor until 2022, when God led his family to Huntingdon, Tennessee, to begin his pastorate at Huntingdon Missionary Baptist Church (HMBC).

In addition to his pastoral work, James is a gifted author and musician. His book, Shooting for the Mark, offers valuable insights on parenting from a biblical perspective. His writings, including additional resources, are available at www.anchoredresources.org.

Through his ministry, music, and writings, James Keen continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to sharing the gospel and glorifying the Lord.