Much to Celebrate

This school year we have had so much to celebrate in Sitka Young Life. Here are a few of my highlights: 1- The start of Wyldlife at the middle school. 2- such a great group of Young Life leaders investing in kids. 3- Great club and campaigners with increased involvement. 

Thanks for all the ways you pray and support!

God Shows up

 

It’s so meaningful to experience those moments when you’re reminded that God is in control of even the smallest details and its all his anyway!

This past weekend, we hosted our largest Wyldlife event for middle school students in years, and along the way we saw so many small “miracles” that made the night truly special:

• Our original bonfire location was taken, but the new spot ended up being even better.
• Our egg slingshot needed a new holder, and we just happened to find a paper cup in a random supply bag that fit perfectly.
• We used some eggs for one game and had exactly the right number left so every pair had one for the egg toss.
• The main shelter was reserved, but no one showed up, so we were able to use the space for the perfect capture-the-flag setup.
• We had just the right amount of firewood.
• We planned for 20 kids, and 40 showed up, bringing incredible energy.
• Despite fast-moving games like capture the flag and manhunt in the woods, no one got hurt.
• Thirty-five middle schoolers sat quietly and attentively as we shared about Jesus—our Designer—His love, His intentional creation of each of us, and His plan for us to work together as one body, each part needing the others.
• The timing of every game, explanation, and transition came together seamlessly.
• New students heard that the God who created everything loves each of them deeply.

Thank you so much for your prayers and support—they truly make a difference.

 

Last week we met with 33 students in a local home... so fun!

This week at church, one of our Young Life girls was baptized. Her father and brother attended the service, though they are not believers. I found myself wondering if she would have met Jesus had she not come to MEHS. It is incredibly encouraging to watch students choose Christ.

Earlier this week, on the bus ride home from club, I asked some girls if they felt they were growing in their faith during their time in Sitka. They said their faith has grown deeply because of peers who are actively seeking Jesus.

We are seeing a critical mass of students excited about faith and inviting friends to church, Young Life, and Bible study. Thank you for being part of it all.

 Winter Blast was incredible! We saw God move in powerful ways—truly a “loaves and fishes” kind of weekend. Kids had an amazing time, and the energy throughout was high and contagious. We had 59 students join us at some point (with 43 staying for the entire event). Emily shared her story, delivering a message that was engaging, clear, and centered on the real difference Jesus makes in a person’s life. During cabin times, leaders had meaningful conversations with students, and we were able to give out 10 Bibles. We also challenged kids to consider their next step in faith. The band was outstanding, and the kids sang wholeheartedly. The food was excellent—and there was plenty for everyone. Games were a hit, and the skits will definitely be remembered! Students left feeling grateful and thankful they came, and most of all, they were provided a chance to take another step of faith.  Thank you so much for the role each of you played in making Winter Blast 2026 so impactful.

Middle School and Beyond

 

• We met with our middle school friends last month for a Wyldlife Glow in the Dark pool night
• Next weekend we will host our Winter Blast event where we expect 40-50 high school kids.
• This summer we will be taking high school kids to Young Life camp in central Oregon

 

Dear friends and supporters, Last week, our NextGen National Director, Sam Coleman, and I had the joy of traveling to the beautiful town of Sitka, Alaska. What a gift it truly was. From the moment we arrived, we were met with extraordinary warmth and hospitality. Even the weather surprised us, offering a hint of warmth that felt like a small blessing.

Left to right: Sam Coleman, Brent Cunningham, Karin Morrow. Beautiful Sitka, Alaska! What moved us most, though, was witnessing God’s work through the people and ministries in this remarkable community. We experienced a vibrant, joy-filled high school Young Life club, multiple early-morning Campaigner groups filled with committed students, and a large team of volunteer leaders who clearly love Jesus deeply and care for kids wholeheartedly.

Boy's 6:30 am campaigners. Area Director, Aaron, doing contact work at Mt. Edgecumbe HS. Girl's 6:30 am campaigners My heart left Sitka incredibly encouraged. One especially meaningful highlight was finally meeting Dolena (whose story I shared with you back in December). She is even more inspiring in person. We also had the opportunity to visit Mt. Edgecumbe High School and watch Young Life leaders faithfully living out the Gospel right where they are. In addition, we spent time with potential NextGen Leader candidates, dreaming together about what God might do next.

Karin, Dolena, Brent, and Sam. One of the basketball courts at Mt. Edgecumbe HS. Some of the kids at Young Life club As we look ahead, I ask for your continued prayers. We are seeking to hire a few Alaskan Native leaders to help carry this ministry forward. The challenges in Alaska are unique and significant, and we are deeply dependent on the Lord to open doors and create sustainable pathways for native staff within this distinct culture.  We serve a big God, so please join me in praying bold, expectant prayers for His provision and guidance. Thank you for your faithful partnership in this good and holy work. We could not do this without you! In Him, Karin Northwest NextGen Leader Divisional Coordinator “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6

Thank You for Being Part of What God Is Doing in Sitka

 

Hi friends,

I wanted to take a moment this week to say a heartfelt thank you. Our Fall Fundraising Drive wrapped up last week, and I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, and every financial gift that continues to come in. Your partnership makes it possible for Young Life in Sitka to continue showing up in the lives of kids who need to know they are seen, valued, and loved by Jesus.

As I look back on this fall, I’m amazed at how God has been at work. Club has been full of energy, Bible study has continued to grow, and leaders are meeting kids right where they are—on sports teams, in school, at activities, and through everyday life. We launched a new student leader team, have begun forming a Wyldlife team for middle school students, and we’re seeing greater openness in schools and the community for connection and support.

This mission has always moved forward through relationships—leaders consistently showing up, kids finding a place to belong, and the gospel taking root in real ways. Your support directly fuels that kind of ministry, and I’m grateful for the way you continue to stand with us.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

 Thank you for caring about the young people of Sitka.

 And thank you for helping us continue to follow Jesus into the places He is already moving.

With deep gratitude, 

 Aaron

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