Empowerment in a Classroom Setting Holly Williams and Josephine Daniels lean into God’s call to be teachers.
T
eachers play an important role in influencing young people. Youth are greatly shaped by their interactions in a classroom. Holly Williams and Josephine Daniels are two teachers whose transformation by the Gospel has compelled them to pour into youth in Western Alaska. Holly, raised in Kansas, and her husband Drew arrived in Scammon Bay after sensing a call to Alaska. Holly teaches secondary English, helps lead the youth group and Sunday school, and plays piano at the Covenant Church. Her investment in the community is modeled after the investment she received as a child. “My family was always pretty involved in church,” Holly shared. “Church has always been about more than just showing up for a couple hours on Sunday morning; it’s a place of community, and a place to serve and reach out.” This sense of community that Holly found in Church has expanded to her role in the classroom.
Volume 16 | Issue 3 June 2020
“The first person I think of as someone who poured into me as a young person is Byron Bruckner,” Josephine shared. “I remember him from elementary Bible Camp on up. The things that CYAK plans for youth really do plant a seed.” Those seeds that are planted could not be multiplied without watering from the Holy Spirit and the community of Christ. After receiving her teaching degree, Josephine moved to Savoonga to become a 1st grade teacher. Tom Mute has been in fellowship with her through CYAK’s Second Saturday conference calls for youth mentors in Western Alaska. “It is cool to see someone I’ve known since she was 12 graduate and become a teacher,” Tom shared. “Josephine has a relationship with the Lord where she’s willing to listen to God’s guidance. She has a willingness to submit the most difficult part of her life to God.”
It is not always easy to continue showing up for youth. Holly remembers the words from a small who showed me God’s love sign in the auditorium in Unalakleet as she invests in youth. They read: “God never asks about our ... and I want that for the ability or inability, but about our availability.”
“All my life I had people
“I’ve wanted to be a kids in my life, too.” It is not only the availability of teachers that are teacher for most of my changing students’ lives, but of partners like you. life. Sometimes it’s hard, Holly and Josephine feel the impact of your giving. but all my life growing up I had people who showed me God’s love and taught me about the Bible and how to follow “Thank you so much!” Holly shared. “Our students are so Jesus, and I want that for the kids in my life, too.” eager to learn more about God and participate in what He is Josephine Daniels also experienced the power of being invested in. Growing up in Golovin and Elim, Josephine’s interactions with CYAK started early in her life.
doing, and you help them do that. Your support provides us with curriculum, travel funds, and other resources for things like retreats and camp. We couldn’t do it without you!”
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
“Camp In A Box”
Subsistence Season
Car Shop
Praise God for “Camp in a Box” that will be sent to individuals and communities. Pray God will meet and encourage campers where they are.
Praise our Creator for provision during the summer through subsistence. Pray for safety and abundance during these activities.
Praise God for Chance and Curtis who have been pioneering the Aarigaa House car shop.
Holly Williams and a student from Scammon Bay at Covenant Bible Camp.
“John was available when I hit the most challenging season of my life.” Jonathan Hanson | Unalakleet, AK To read more, visit: www.cyak.org/ministry-updates
When you give, you make it possible for youth and young adults to step into opportunities where they are challenged and encouraged as leaders and as followers of Christ.
Quyana, thank you. www.cyak.org/donate
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