Meet RJ

RJ Sitka, Alaska Mt. Edgecumbe High School Senior RJ is a senior this year at Mt. Edgecumbe High School and is involved with Sitka Young Life. RJ was raised in both Sitka and Hoonah, a village of 800 people 60 miles northeast of Sitka. Coming to a new school was a big adjustment for RJ, but he found a home on the wrestling team. RJ is an athlete and quickly found success in both wrestling and basketball. Last School Year he won a state title in wrestling and began attending a Young Life bible study when his basketball teammate invited him. RJ said that those early morning bible studies allowed him to dive deeper into his relationship with God and his faith. Through those bible studies, he met a leader at a local church and he became more involved there too. 

God has really been doing a work in RJ's life and his coaches acknowledge there is a night and day difference in him this year. RJ is helpful, and concerned about his teammates. His new goal is to make others better and he is a constant positive voice. He wore a shirt that said “Jesus is King” to the first day of practice and he encouraged others to look to God too. Teachers are noticing a difference too. In the last few years he often let his grades slide and this year he has straight A’s. One of his teachers also noted that when he finished his work in class, RJ pulled out his Bible and started reading. His Heather couldn't be happier that her son is choosing to seek after God. His relationship with his sisters has changed and it has been so amazing to see the difference that God has made in RJ's life. Aaron has been one of RJ’s wrestling coaches and has seen a big change in him. He has had many talks with his mom, his sister, his teachers, and his peers. God is really changing this young man's life. RJ is just one of many kids that have been impacted by the Sitka Young Life team. I am so thankful that there has been a Young Life presence at Mt. Edgecumbe for the past years to point kids to Jesus Thanks for your prayers and support!

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