Monday, July 18, 2016

New Team Members

Over the past year it has been really great as God has brought people into my path who have a big heart for youth ministry in rural Alaska.  I want to introduce you to 4 people who have recently joined the rural Alaska Young Life team

Dale Kanen is an Alaska Native (Tlingit) who lives with his wife, Susan, in Anchorage. Prior to his retirement, he worked as a liaison between the U.S. Forest Service and American Indian Tribes. Dale and Susan are long time Young Life Supporters and they helped to bring Young Life to both Sitka and Craig. This summer Dale spent several weeks in western Alaska helping to remodel a parsonage with the Covenant Church in Scammon Bay. The trip included three days in Bethel visiting with community members and leaders who are interested in reaching the youth for Jesus. Dale was very impressed with the number of caring people (from different denominations) in Bethel and Scammon Bay who are reaching out to the youth. "The Yupik people were so friendly and open, I would love to go back."

Dale is the furthest to the left and Caylee is to the right of the lady in red in the front
Chris Van Sieman lives in Palmer with his family.  He has worked for both churches and Young life for over 20 years and will be coming back onto full time Young Life staff in the fall.  He brings a lot of great experience in partnering Young Life with local churches. He is gifted in mentoring and pastoral care.  He is also a very good in the camp setting and can lead worship, give the message, and provide the interactive humor that has become a Young Life trademark.  We are very excited to have Chris join the team.



Chris and his family
Caylee Redford joined Young Life staff last August at Galena boarding school.  She is the area director and this summer she lead a group of 20 students from rural Alaska to Young Life camp in Oregon.  Previous to being on staff with Young Life, Caylee spend 3 years working in the dorms and being a volunteer YL leader.  She is an encouraging leader who kids and adults love being around.


Jay and a friend he met in a village

Jay Ubben met Brent Cunningham at camp six summers ago while Jay was volunteering at camp.  Jay then began a job based out of Anchorage where he spends much of his time in rural communities installing telecommunication systems.  Jay was a Young Life kid and now has a huge heart for the youth and people he encounters in the villages in which he works.  Jay has been able to hang out with kids, meet with elders and village leaders, and be a positive and encouraging light in the villages