Covenant Youth of Alaska Fostering Community Through Creativity Tom Mute leads in loving God and loving others.
Volume 16 | Issue 2 April 2020
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is different. In social distancing, how do we love God with all our heart, soul, and mind? And how do we love others during this time?”
With the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), our world and communities are rapidly changing and, as a result, so is ministry. Adapting is essential. In these times, stability and guidance can only be found in Christ.
“Since we have supper together, we decided, why can’t we do discipleship through cooking? We’re already sharing meals.
dapting is a central part of the Alaska Native way of life. For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have relied on each other and the land for provision. On an ever-changing landscape, adaptation means life.
Looking back, Tom Mute sees the way the Lord prepared him for this time. Reflecting on his adjustment from youth ministry into full-time young adult ministry as the Aarigaa MatSu Director, he shared: “I felt like I was rediscovering myself, what I was good at and what I wasn’t good at.
This foundation guides Aarigaa MatSu as they adapt in order to continue leaning into the gift of community.
At first I thought we lost some crazy momentum, but that was about the same time I was learning to use Zoom (a video conference app). So I thought, we could still do it with Zoom. Now we’ve already had two cooking calls over Zoom.”
“How do we love God? And how do we love
Discipleship is more than just hosting events - it is about walking alongside one another, which takes a whole community.
others during this time?” Tom started a monthly call with volunteers, youth After two years of being at pastors, those mentoring youth, Sunday school Aarigaa MatSu, COVID-19 teachers, etc. across the state. His sole purpose is hits. It’s crazy. I see this as a major opportunity to be focused to provide encouragement. on Alaska’s version of the Great Commission, which means “The only thing we do is talk about what we are currently everybody is involved.” doing for ministry and then how we can pray for each other In the recent weeks Tom’s teaching and discussions centered - that is all.” on Jesus’ teachings to love God and love others. This focal Leaning in to the Great Commission begins in our point gives Tom the stability and guidance he needs in the communities and means everybody is involved. Thank you face of an unknown future. for being involved and for investing in young people. You “It’s interesting because we were discussing this premake it possible for people like Tom to encourage the Great COVID-19, but nothing changes as far as our foundation Commission in Alaska. of teaching - application is what changes because our reality
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Native Musicale
Building One Another Up
Social Distancing
Praise God for the opportunity to connect at the youth gathering at Native Musicale in Anchorage.
Praise God for the bi-annual Young Adult Retreat and the encouragment it is to see the network of believers across the state.
Please pray for our youth and young adults who struggle with feeling isolated. Pray that communities would rise up to support them.
Tom leading a story-telling session at Covenant Bible Camp.
“It is uplifting knowing that I am not the only one going through these hardships.” Kaylea “Buff” Brink | Kasigluk, AK
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Quyana, thank you. To read more, visit: www.cyak.org/ministry-updates
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COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA A relational outreach, discipleship and leadership ministry for Alaska youth and young adults A ministry of the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-222-1432