2025 SPECIAL LET’S CELEBRATE
DECEMBER 2025
CELEBRATING WHAT GOD HAS DONE IN THE LIVES OF STUDENTS IN ALASKA. WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT ALL THE MINISTRY THAT HAS HAPPENED AND IS HAPPENING THIS SEASON!
EDITION
SPECIAL YOUTH NIGHT When we think of devastation, many of us don’t fully understand what it truly means. This fall, several villages were destroyed by a hurricane, and some were hit so severely that residents had to be evacuated. Now, many are living in Anchorage—displaced and without the comfort and security of home. When we heard this, our hearts went out to the youth and young adults. What could we do? How could we help? We decided to host a special Youth Night to give them a chance simply to have fun. With the generosity of Community Covenant in Eagle River and the help of many volunteers, we were able to offer rides, food, a time of worship, and of course, basketball. The 3-on-3 tournament was a hit! One of the most meaningful moments of the evening came during a conversation with a 20-year-old from Kipnuk. He described the terror of the typhoon’s 110-mph winds pounding his grandma’s house while waves crashed beneath the floorboards. Fear after fear filled his mind—Would the roof tear away? Would the house drift? Would they drown? How could he protect his aging grandma? Overwhelmed, he prayed, “Lord, please help.” At that moment, he said, he was not overwhelmed by the storm but by the living water of the Holy Spirit. A deep peace began in his chest and carried him through the rest of the storm. What a powerful reminder of Emmanuel— God with us. The families from Kipnuk have lost their homes and have been relocated from a village of 700 to a city of 289,000. The youth are open, searching, and receptive to the hope of Jesus. Thank you for your financial support and faithful prayers, which make this outreach possible. As the night came to a close, we asked the group if we should do this again. Immediately, voices called out, “Tomorrow!” Our hearts were full. While it won’t be tomorrow, our next Youth Night will be on December 12, and we are looking forward to it with great anticipation. Continue to pray for the youth and young adults here in Alaska!
MIDDLE SCHOOL We headed to Chickaloon for a one-night Middle School retreat, and what a wonderful retreat it turned out to be! There is something truly special about middle schoolers. They are friendly, accepting, and full of a kind of crazy energy that is actually the best kind. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and it brought so much life during our time together. One of the blessings in preparing for retreat each year is finding a worship leader. This year was especially sweet. A volunteer parent from a local church has been faithfully leading a small group of middle school students in worship, and when we approached her about joining us for retreat, she was immediately excited. Even more exciting was that her student worship team joined her. We had a middle school band leading worship for their peers... what an incredible gift! Praise God for the way He is raising up young leaders with hearts for worship. Being in God’s creation was good for the soul, as it always is. The students had space to be silly, laugh freely, explore, and build friendships both old and new. And in the midst of all the fun, they also had the chance to engage with a God who sees them, knows them, and wants their attention. Middle school is such an important season—a time when foundations are being laid and identity is being formed. Helping students begin or grow their relationship with the Creator who loves them deeply, right where they are, is one of the greatest privileges we have. We left Chickaloon grateful, encouraged, and excited for what God is doing in the hearts of these amazing students. If this retreat was any indication, He is just getting started.
HIGH SCHOOL What an incredible high school retreat we had! Over 20 students gathered together in the beauty of the woods...not only to grow closer to Jesus, but also to strengthen their sense of community with one another. The weekend was filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful moments that we will carry for a long time. One huge highlight of the retreat was seeing our students so fully present. In a world overflowing with screens and constant distractions, it was refreshing to watch them wholeheartedly engage in every part of the weekend. They dove into group activities, enjoyed unhurried conversations, and embraced each moment with enthusiasm. The night game Sasquatch was a huge hit, the Retreat Olympics brought out fun team spirit, and the neon dance party had everyone on their feet showing off some sweet moves.
FALL RE A powerful highlight of the retreat was Prayer Station Night. Centered on our theme of Fruitful Faith from John 15:1–8, the evening invited students into a quiet space to reflect, process, and connect with Jesus in a personal and meaningful way. Moving through four stations, they read Scripture, wrote heartfelt letters, journaled, and spent time in thoughtful prayer. It was beautiful to watch them slow down, unhurried and undistracted, as they made room for God to meet them. The sincerity and stillness of these moments made the night truly unforgettable.
This retreat was a gift in every way. It allowed us to grow closer to our students, share joy and adventure together, and experience deep, meaningful time with our Creator. We are grateful for every moment and excited to see how God continues to move in this incredible group.
YOUNG ADULT
Fruitful Faith
One of the most powerful memories emerging from this year’s Fall YAR was what unfolded on Sunday morning. Throughout the weekend, conversations with students were rich and meaningful, and a genuine sense of community had formed among them. Typically, only about half the students attend Sunday morning sessions, but this fall, every student arrived without any prompting or “sweeping.” They came because they wanted to be there. A talking circle was formed, and the three leaders who had led worship throughout the weekend each guided a different part of the morning. The focus was simple yet profound: What is God calling you to do with what you have been given this weekend? To help the students listen, three spiritual practices were offered: Breath Prayer, a Lectio Divina on Psalm 46:10 using the CEV, The Message, and First Nations versions, and the Prayer of Examen. Students were encouraged to engage however the Spirit led.
ETREATS What happened next left the leaders in awe. As the group entered into Breath Prayer, the room settled into a deep stillness and attentiveness. During Lectio Divina, several students quietly moved from their chairs to kneel in prayer, some leaning against their chairs, others kneeling openly on the floor. During moments of worship, students who were not kneeling began to hold one another’s hands in prayer. As the group moved through the Examen and returned to worship, they continued in this posture of listening, praying, and holding hands. There was a tangible sense of the Spirit’s presence and movement among the students. That movement has continued to ripple outward since the retreat. Leaders have witnessed it in the depth of students’ conversations, in the ways they care for others, and in the transformation that seems to be taking shape from the inside out. What unfolded that Sunday morning was not manufactured or orchestrated. It was a genuine encounter, students offering open hearts and the Spirit meeting them there. It remains a powerful reminder of what God can do when space is created for listening.
LET’S CELEBRATE
SPECIAL EDITION
ng part i e b r o f u o y k n Tha een b ’s t I ! n o i t a r b le of our ce ok lo e w d n a , r a e y a great 26 0 2 t a h t ll a o t d forwar will bring!
VILLAGE OUTREACH In early August, I had the incredible privilege of stepping into a long-standing story of ministry, marked by years of prayer, investment, and collaboration. What unfolded was a beautiful convergence of efforts from basketball coaches, ministry leaders, and local community members, all committed to seeing lives transformed. Most of the youth in Mekoryuk, located on Nunivak Island, the eighth largest island in the United States and twice the size of Maui, showed up for a weekend of focused basketball and bold encouragement in their faith. Mekoryuk is a remarkable community, full of good people, strong leaders, and some of the best youth I have ever met. It was pure joy to join in what God is already doing there and to witness the fruit of years of faithfulness. One unforgettable moment happened on the third night of camp. Coach Jeff Davies, along with his assistant coach, a high school athlete named Gunnar from Palmer, were baptized in the icy waters of the Bering Sea. God is clearly moving in Jeff’s life. He is using his experience, platform, and relationships to contend for the lives of young people. As Jeff commits this next season to the Lord, he felt a strong call to publicly declare his faith through baptism. Gunnar, a new believer who was led to Christ in May by Ed Kiokin from Mekoryuk, also stepped into the water to be baptized. It was a sacred and joyful celebration.
COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA Our mission is to share the love and hope of Christ in Alaska with youth and young adults.
Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-622-2702