J.D. TUELL
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Alaska Ministry:
Covenant Youth of Alaska (CYAK)—pronounced “Kayak”—is a ministry dedicated to outreach, discipleship, and leadership development among youth and young adults across Alaska. At its core, CYAK is all about sharing the love and hope of Christ with young people throughout the state. You can learn more about their mission at cyak.org. As a ministry of the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church, CYAK works closely with local Covenant churches, many of which are located in small, rural villages with populations ranging from 190 to 1,000 people. These communities are remote and accessible only by bush planes, with no roads leading in or out. One of CYAK’s most impactful outreach efforts is Covenant Bible Camp, held each summer near the village of Unalakleet. Over the course of June, nearly 300 youth and 125 volunteers gather for a powerful time of connection, faith, and transformation. For many, it’s their first encounter with Christ and often becomes a launching point for ongoing ministry. Beyond the summer, CYAK continues to invest in young leaders in the villages and also connects with students on the “road system”—the parts of Alaska connected by highways—where many move after high school for college, job training, or work opportunities. Young Adult Ministry: This is where I come in! Many of these students move to Soldotna, and I’ll be living and serving there on the campus of Amundsen Educational Center (AEC), a small Christian vocational school focused on construction. Some of the young adults I’ll be working with will be students at AEC, while others attend Alaska Christian College, Kenai Peninsula College, or are simply living and working in the area. My ministry will center on outreach, discipleship, and leadership development among young adults in Soldotna. I plan to launch a discipleship group and form a student leadership team to help organize monthly outreach events, specifically for young adults who aren’t yet connected to a church. As many of you know, the 18–25 age group is often disconnected from the church—yet it’s also a time when many wrestle with isolation, anxiety, and questions of identity and purpose. My hope, as part of the CYAK ministry team, is to reach these young adults with the love of Jesus and help them discover genuine community within the family of God. |
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About YOU personally
I’m 6’6” and love Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. My passion is to use the gifts God has given me to encourage and empower the next generation—especially here in Alaska. I’m excited to join the Covenant Youth of Alaska team as a leader at the Aarigaa Discipleship House in Soldotna, AK, where I’ll be serving young adults and helping cultivate a Christ-centered community. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to serve in youth and college ministry across California, Washington, and Illinois. Now, God has called me to Alaska to walk alongside students through discipleship, personal growth, and spiritual formation. My heart is to create a space where faith can flourish—where people can grow closer to Jesus through community, conversations, and everyday life together. From playing sports and board games, to cooking meals and doing life side by side, I believe God moves powerfully in both the simple and the sacred. Whether it's being a listening ear, a helping hand, or a voice of encouragement, I’m honored to be part of what God is doing in Soldotna and beyond. My soul longs to see His glory revealed through lives transformed and His Kingdom lived out here in Alaska. |
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My mailing address is:
J.D. Tuell |
