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

To donate to SYL click here

Day 3 — Where We’re Headed & How You Can Partner With Us- SYL Fall Giving Campaign

Good morning, friends,

Over the last two days, we’ve shared what God has done through Sitka Young Life—stories of connection, growth, and lives changed. Today, I want to share where we believe God is leading us next.

Our girls evening Bible study campaigners

A Vision Rooted in Hope

As we look toward 2026, we’re praying boldly for three things that will allow us to reach even more kids with the love of Jesus:

1. Expanding our Reach to Middle Schoolers (Wyldlife)
There are hundreds of middle school kids in Sitka—many who would never walk into a church. We want to meet them where they are, create safe and joyful spaces, and introduce them to the God who sees them. A new Wyldlife team is forming right now.

2. Investing in Student Leaders
We launched a student leader team this fall, and it’s already bringing life to our ministry. Kids are stepping up, inviting friends, leading discussions, and growing in ownership of their faith. This next generation is hungry and ready.

3. Building Cross-Generational Discipleship
Through our “Growing In Faith Together” gatherings, we’re creating meaningful connections between young people and adults in their churches. These relationships help anchor faith long after high school.

A group of student leaders

What We Need to Move Forward

To sustain and grow this work, our fall fundraising goal is $40,000—and we have some matching funds available, which means your gift will be doubled.

Your generosity directly fuels:
• Leaders spending intentional time with kids
• Weekly clubs and Bible studies
• Training and supporting new leaders
• Camp scholarships
• Wyldlife’s launch
• Student leadership development
• And the everyday ministry of showing up where kids are

The evening sauna crew

Why It Matters

Every gift—large or small—helps create more stories like Jordyn’s and Reaghan’s. Stories of hope. Stories of faith. Stories of kids discovering they are deeply loved by Jesus.

If you’d like to partner with us, you can give at:
giving.younglife.org/sitka

Thank you for praying, encouraging, and standing with us. You are truly part of this mission, and we are grateful for you.

To donate to SYL click here

Rooted in Jesus,
Aaron
Sitka Young Life

Day #2 - A Glimpse Into a Changed Life — Fall Giving Campaign

Emily, Reaghan, Jordyn, and Aalyah — Emily was Reaghan’s Young Life leader.

Good afternoon, friends,

For Day 2 of our fall campaign, I want to slow down and simply share a story—a real picture of what God is doing in the lives of students here in Sitka.  This is Reaghan’s experience in her own words:

“Young Life helped me grow closer to God in ways I never expected. Honestly, I don’t think I would’ve made it through boarding school without it. It became a place where I felt comfortable, accepted, and included.

Club was always a highlight—full of energy, laughter, snacks, and games, but also meaningful moments reading the Bible at the end. I loved that campaigners let us go deeper in smaller groups. Those mornings with delicious breakfasts and heartfelt conversations were some of my favorite times.

And then there’s camp. I highly recommend it. Camp was such an intimate experience where I got to know the people I worked with and the amazing kids I met. I came home inspired to help bring Young Life to my own community. Seeing kids grow in their faith and build new friendships has been incredible.

Young Life has impacted me so deeply. I’ve gained a stronger faith—and a new family I’m forever thankful for.”

Stories like this are happening because leaders show up, people pray, and folks partner financially.

Today isn’t about asking—it's simply about seeing. Seeing what God is doing. Seeing how He meets kids in their fears, friendships, questions, and hopes. Seeing lives transformed one invitation, one conversation, and one prayer at a time.

Thank you for being the kind of community where a story like Reaghan’s can grow roots and flourish. Tomorrow, I’ll share more about where we believe God is leading Sitka Young Life in the year ahead.

Gratefully,
Aaron

Donate to Sitka Young Life

Fall Fundraising Drive - Why Young Life Matters in Sitka —Day # 1

 

A weekend hike with some of the guys

Good morning, friends,

At its heart, Young Life is simple: caring adults showing up in the lives of kids who need to know they are seen, valued, and loved by Jesus. For many students in Sitka, Young Life is the first place they’ve heard that message in a way they can understand and trust.

As we begin our three-day fall giving campaign, I want to share why Young Life continues to matter so deeply in Sitka—and why your support is so essential right now.

This year alone:

Leaders invested in kids through meeting with kids, showing up at school, cheering at games, coaching, and weekly small groups.

• Around 40 kids regularly attended weekly Young Life club and Bible study 
• We grew a strong team of leaders—and launched both a student leader group and a Wyldlife team for middle school.
• 40 kids attended our mid-winter Young Life in-town camp called “Winter Blast”
• Kids heard the gospel clearly and personally.
• Doors opened for partnerships in local schools and churches for deeper connection and service.

Young Life in Sitka doesn’t run on programs—it runs on relationships: leaders showing up, kids finding belonging, and lives being changed. That happens because people like you choose to pray, encourage, serve, and give.

As we look toward 2026, our fall fundraising goal is $40,000. Would you prayerfully consider giving today so more kids in Sitka can experience hope, belonging, and the love of Jesus?

Give here: giving.younglife.org/sitka

Or mail a check to Sitka Young Life, PO Box 2046, Sitka, AK 99835.

Thank you for believing in this mission. Thank you for caring about Sitka and Alaska's young people. Thank you for helping us continue showing up where Jesus leads.

With gratitude,

Aaron

 

Words from Students & Fall Fundraising Drive

 

Yesterday- Our guys breakfast Bible study with 18 kids, 4 leaders and 1 pastor

Hi friends,

Young Life has been thriving this fall! Leaders are coaching in six activities, club has been full of energy, and more kids than ever are showing up each week for Bible study. Thank you—your prayers, encouragement, and generosity make this possible.

As we prepare for our Fall Fundraising Drive next week, I wanted to share a glimpse of what God is doing through your support.

Just yesterday at MEHS lunch, a student named Alex came up to me beaming. He said, “I’m so glad I went to breakfast Bible study. It’s like some of that heaviness just slid off my back. I liked looking at the Bible and actually talking about it. I felt lighter—like I had more energy. I’m going next week, I’m going to club, I’m going to start going to church. It’s awesome—I feel so good!” Moments like that are why we do this!

And Alex isn’t alone. Recently, Jordyn, one of our former MEHS students, shared how Young Life shaped her life:

“Young Life has been such a big blessing. I’m so thankful for the people I met and the support my leaders gave me. Their joy made me want to experience what they had.
I grew close to my leaders, Aaron and Emily, and my faith grew as I began going to church, praying, reading my Bible, and journaling. Saturday Bible studies became a highlight of my week. Camp was incredible—I learned new ways to study the Word, made lifelong friends, and loved serving kids. My faith today is stronger than ever, and I thank God for His blessings.”

Stories like Alex’s and Jordyn’s are why we show up in the lives of kids. And next week, as we launch our Fall Fundraising Drive, we look forward to sharing how you can help even more young people experience the love of Jesus.

Grateful for you,
Aaron

Fall is Rolling!

It’s fall, and Sitka Young Life is in full swing! We’ve welcomed new leaders, seen 40 kids at club and another 40 at Bible study, and our leaders are showing up in kids’ lives—coaching, teaching, going to games, and meeting one-on-one. This fall we launched a student leader group and are partnering with churches to host a monthly discipleship gathering and a middle school outreach. God is at work—kids are being drawn to Him and responding! Thank you for your prayers and support!

The Gift of Serving

This summer was a blast! We had the privilege of serving at Washington Family Ranch's Creekside camp in Oregon, alongside two of Emily’s former Young Life girls, Jordyn and Reaghan. It was incredible to see God at work changing hearts and watching young people respond as they were having the time of their lives.  Thank you for your prayers and support, please keep us in prayer as the school year begins!

Sitka Wyldlife is back!

 

COVID changed a lot for many of us—including the pause of our WyldLife team, which focuses on reaching middle school students.

I’m excited to share that WyldLife is coming back to Sitka this fall! We're building a passionate team of leaders who are committed to showing up in the lives of kids, creating unforgettable memories, and sharing the hope we have in Jesus.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support—it truly makes a difference!

End with a bang!

Since my last update, it’s been an exciting and full season! We hosted two well-attended Baccalaureate services, attended two graduations, wrapped up our final club and breakfast Bible studies, and coached at two middle school track meets. We’ve also had the joy of celebrating with so many students, their friends, and families.  Even more exciting—there’s been a recent surge of youth attending church, taking first communion, and, most importantly, stepping toward Jesus in meaningful ways. It’s been incredible to witness! Thank you for your continued prayers and financial partnership—your support truly makes a difference.

Easter Saturday

 

What a weekend with Sitka Young Life!

• On Saturday, three leaders went to a student’s baptism.

• That evening, leaders made a special prom dinner for 11 girls.

• Another leader hosted 5 guys for a sauna and cold dip and shared about faith.

• On Sunday, many YL students went to church and invited friends.

• On Monday, 65 kids came to club and last week 28 attended Bible study breakfast

• Today, 2 alumni are signing up to serve at youth camp this summer!

Thank you for supporting Sitka Young Life—your partnership makes a difference!

Winter Blast 2025

We had an great turnout for Winter Blast, with 34 kids joining us on Friday night and from noon to 10 PM on Saturday! Young Life staff traveled from Ketchikan and Wasilla to help make the weekend special. We gathered at Sitka Assembly of God, with delicious meals and snacks provided by generous individuals, by the Episcopal Church, by Sitka Christian Center, and along with generous donations from Sea Mart.

Jonna and Ken from Wasilla kept us laughing with their hilarious skit as “fashion rain gear designers,” getting the kids involved in a variety of fun games. Spenser from Ketchikan Young Life led us in singing, and Aaron shared three messages breaking down the story of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15. After each talk, Emily, Iris, and Ken shared parts of their own stories—describing life before they knew God, how God met them, and how God is transforming their minds and hearts. Their stories were a highlight!

The weekend was packed with unforgettable moments, from Silent Disco and field games to "Bigger and Better" and the ultimate night game, "Grog." Both kids and leaders walked away encouraged, and many took meaningful steps of faith.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and for being part of the team as we reach out to Sitka and beyond!

We Blasted

 

This past weekend was so great! In so many ways God showed up and we all had a wonderful time. There were so many games and stories, so much laughter, and so many ways for leaders to share God's love in many activities- whether through sharing life stories or playing cards.  Thank you so much for your prayers and support! For a full description- please click the following link.

 link. https://ylsitka.blogspot.com/

WINTER BLAST THIS WEEKEND

Hey all! Please keep Sitka Young Life in your prayers this weekend as we host our annual outreach camp, Winter Blast! ❄️

We have a record number of kids signed up and are expecting a beautiful weekend with three amazing Young Life leaders traveling in to help. Thank you for your prayers and support—we couldn’t do this without you!

Here are a few pictures from last year’s Winter Blast to give you a glimpse of the fun ahead! 😊🎉

Youth Alive

This month, I had the privilege of meeting with students from Sitka High School who started Youth Alive, a weekly Tuesday gathering for those exploring faith in Jesus. Please keep these incredible young people in your prayers, and thank you for your continued support!