Location
Togiak, Alaska
Dates
June 28-July 7, 2024
Cost
$325 plus airfare
Deadline
Sign up by May 26
About the trip
Togiak is located on the north side of Togiak Bay, 78 miles west of Dillingham and about 400 miles west of Anchorage. It lies in Togiak National Wildlife Refuge and is the gateway to Walrus Island Game Sanctuary; summer temperatures range from 37 to 66 degrees F. The only way to reach the village is by single engine airplane from Dillingham.
GYC Northwest is working with Arctic Mission Adventures (AME). About Togiak from AME: “In 2009, a new church and parsonage was built. As a result, we have been blessed to have consistent volunteers in the community. Togiak has a combination parsonage and church as well as both local radio and television stations. The Goudes, the local volunteers, have established several ongoing ministries with a special emphasis on youth—day and resident camp participation, weekly kid/teen nights and a local food pantry.”
GYC Northwest is working with Arctic Mission Adventures (AME). About Togiak from AME: “In 2009, a new church and parsonage was built. As a result, we have been blessed to have consistent volunteers in the community. Togiak has a combination parsonage and church as well as both local radio and television stations. The Goudes, the local volunteers, have established several ongoing ministries with a special emphasis on youth—day and resident camp participation, weekly kid/teen nights and a local food pantry.”
Weather
Temperature will vary between 40–70°F most of the time.
Service Opportunities:VBS: Participants will put on a VBS program for children using the Truth 4 Youth program. Each evening will include engaging song services, health presentations, Bible stories, crafts, games, and prizes. Each participant will be expected to help with the VBS program in some capacity.
Community Service: More details to come. There will be community service projects for everyone to help with during the mission trip.
Visitations: More details to come.
Equipment management/operation: Participants will help run AV and other equipment as able/needed.
Prayer walks: We will spend some time praying for the community of Togiak.
What does my cost include?
Who Should Apply?Mature, responsible, and godly young people between the ages of 18 and 35 by June 27th, 2024. Applicants should have a zeal for evangelism and a desire to serve the Lord. Flexibility is appreciated, as this is the first GYC Northwest Mission trip, and all details are subject to change.
Application process:
Cancellations
If you must cancel, please notify the GYC Northwest leadership team right away so that someone on the waiting list will have the opportunity to attend.
GYC NW Mission Alaska codes, policies, and information:
Adventist Lifestyle: As we work with AME, we will be representing the Alaska Conference, the Adventist Church, and most importantly, Christ; our Lord and Savior. As such, our words should be kind, and our attitude one of service and compassion. Course language and judgment should not be part of any interactions. Of course, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other non-prescription drugs are not allowed.
Cultural Sensitivity: It is important when entering another culture to respect and understand traditions. The people of Alaska have successfully lived in a harsh, unforgiving climate for centuries. Each participant will be expected to learn about the culture of Alaska. More details to come.
Luggage: Check with your airline of choice for luggage weight and allowances for each portion of your itinerary. Less is more, particularly when traveling within Alaska. Most major hubs are served by Alaska Airlines, however flights from hubs to smaller villages can be more challenging and cargo limitations crucial.
Mosquitos & Other Insects: Alaska is known for its oversized mosquitoes! To do battle with these beasts, remember bug repellent with at least 30% DEET concentration, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid areas of standing water.
How else can I get involved?
Even if you can’t personally attend the mission trip, you can get involved in other ways. Here’s how:
Give. Support the youth who are going and the people they will reach. Participants raise funds, but these are not enough to cover all the costs. Much more is still needed. (link coming)
Pray.
Temperature will vary between 40–70°F most of the time.
Service Opportunities:VBS: Participants will put on a VBS program for children using the Truth 4 Youth program. Each evening will include engaging song services, health presentations, Bible stories, crafts, games, and prizes. Each participant will be expected to help with the VBS program in some capacity.
Community Service: More details to come. There will be community service projects for everyone to help with during the mission trip.
Visitations: More details to come.
Equipment management/operation: Participants will help run AV and other equipment as able/needed.
Prayer walks: We will spend some time praying for the community of Togiak.
What does my cost include?
- Housing. Your team will sleep at the church. Bring a lightweight sleeping pad and sleeping bag if possible. Showers are on-site.
- Meals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (Note: Food in Alaska is very expensive. We’re planning to ship/bring food for the participants. You need to pay for/bring your own meals while traveling, etc.)
- T-Shirt. Every participant gets an awesome mission trip t-shirt.
Who Should Apply?Mature, responsible, and godly young people between the ages of 18 and 35 by June 27th, 2024. Applicants should have a zeal for evangelism and a desire to serve the Lord. Flexibility is appreciated, as this is the first GYC Northwest Mission trip, and all details are subject to change.
Application process:
- Fill out this form: GYC Northwest Mission Alaska application
- Once you have applied, we will keep you updated with emails explaining more details and information.
- All participants must have a background check. The conference uses Sterling Volunteers as recommended by the North American Division.
- Once accepted, Click here to pay for the trip.
Cancellations
If you must cancel, please notify the GYC Northwest leadership team right away so that someone on the waiting list will have the opportunity to attend.
GYC NW Mission Alaska codes, policies, and information:
Adventist Lifestyle: As we work with AME, we will be representing the Alaska Conference, the Adventist Church, and most importantly, Christ; our Lord and Savior. As such, our words should be kind, and our attitude one of service and compassion. Course language and judgment should not be part of any interactions. Of course, alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and other non-prescription drugs are not allowed.
Cultural Sensitivity: It is important when entering another culture to respect and understand traditions. The people of Alaska have successfully lived in a harsh, unforgiving climate for centuries. Each participant will be expected to learn about the culture of Alaska. More details to come.
Luggage: Check with your airline of choice for luggage weight and allowances for each portion of your itinerary. Less is more, particularly when traveling within Alaska. Most major hubs are served by Alaska Airlines, however flights from hubs to smaller villages can be more challenging and cargo limitations crucial.
Mosquitos & Other Insects: Alaska is known for its oversized mosquitoes! To do battle with these beasts, remember bug repellent with at least 30% DEET concentration, wear long sleeves and pants, and avoid areas of standing water.
How else can I get involved?
Even if you can’t personally attend the mission trip, you can get involved in other ways. Here’s how:
Give. Support the youth who are going and the people they will reach. Participants raise funds, but these are not enough to cover all the costs. Much more is still needed. (link coming)
Pray.
- Through June: Pray for the organizational details.
- Late June: Pray for safe travels and connections.
- Mid February through early July: Pray for the Holy Spirit to be with and prepare the hearts of each of the participants. Pray for Togiak Alaska, and for the men, women, and children they will be reaching out to as well.
- Early July: Pray for safe travels home, and that the experiences gained will last a lifetime.
