YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK Faithfully Passing Along Lifelong Lessons Discovering his passion for life-coaching, John Hege commits for the long haul BY HANNAH PALMER
May 2020
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t is no secret in youth ministry that longevity and consistency of youth workers means long-term impact. Since the founding of CYAK over 25 years ago, John Hege has been a faithful example of both. John’s first encounter with Alaska was at Covenant Bible Camp in Unalakleet as he led six young men from Montana on a short-term service trip. The trip stirred something in John and his heart for Alaskan youth grew. Shortly after his second trip to camp, John and his family moved to the coastal village of Shaktoolik.
really care about. To me that is what real discipleship is - meeting people where they are at.” And meeting people where they are at is exactly what John does best. CYAK team member Jonathan Hanson reflects on his experience with life-coaching:
“John was available when I hit the most challenging season of my life.”
“We moved there because we wanted to be immersed in Native culture. We didn’t want to learn from afar,” John shared. This experience prepared John with tools for his next 20+ years of ministry. John spent the following 19 years in Fairbanks discipling college students. In recent years John’s role has shifted as he attended formal life-coaching training. “I knew life-coaching was right up my alley. I think it’s the coolest thing ever. It allows people to open up about what they
“John was available when I hit the most challenging season of my life. He was a safe and approachable person who walked alongside me through that time.” Jonathan is not alone in his sentiments. Former CYAK staff Kara Gustafson also found great purpose in life-coaching. “Life coaching served as a prayerful way to both look back on how God had shaped me, and look forward to where I might go,” Kara shared. “Having John as a coach helped provide accountability and intentionality to this picture. I think it helped me to know myself better in
order to serve God out a sense of joy, not obligation.” Partners like you give young adults like Jonathan and Kara the chance to know the fullness of the life God has for them. “If CYAK didn’t have faithful financial partners,” John shared, “I would not be able to give the hours that I get to. It is because of your ministry of partnership that I am able to engage in ministry through life-coaching. I am grateful.” John’s leadership is rooted in his gratitude for the life lessons he has learned. His personal transformation is what motivates John to help others. “I am more fulfilled because I’ve learned to not do what God is supposed to be doing. It has transformed my relationships. I don’t have that weight on my shoulders now. It feels good. I wish I learned that a long time ago, but now I can encourage others to do the same. I think lots of people need encouragement, accountability and someone in their corner rooting them on. I don’t think I’m going to be out of a job any time soon.”
CONTINUE YOUR IMPACT TODAY You are a part of the team that God has called together to impact youth and young adults in Alaska. Thank you! For more information how to make a gift, please follow the link below.
www.cyak.org/donate
COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA A relational outreach, discipleship and leadership ministry for Alaska youth and young adults
Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-222-1432