Eleven young adults from GYC Northwest landed in Togiak, eager to serve during a week-long mission trip at the end of August 2025. GYC Northwest — the regional chapter of Generation. Youth. Christ. — is a movement dedicated to equipping and inspiring young people to study the Bible, strengthen their faith and share Jesus with others.
The team chose Togiak, a remote village in western Alaska, because it rarely receives missionary groups. After prayerful consideration, they felt God calling them to this community. Upon arrival, they unloaded gear at the local church and met Vecous Waite, bi-vocational pastor, who had arrived the day before. Together, they prayed and prepared for a full schedule, including community meals, health programs, an evangelistic series for adults and evening Vacation Bible School for children. They also planned to repair the church’s baptistry.
On Friday and Sabbath, the team went door to door, inviting residents to the events. This was GYC Northwest’s second trip to Togiak, and reconnecting with old friends was a highlight. When one local called the evangelistic series an “adult Bible study,” the name stuck.
Each day began with worship and united prayer, followed by preparations for programs or work on the baptistry. Supplies for the repair were scarce, but the team witnessed God’s timing. “I wasn’t sure how to get concrete to Togiak affordably,” said Erik Hunt, project leader, “but God worked out every detail from a pilot’s unexpected route to Fairbanks, to the hardware store having exactly what we needed.”
Community meals and health talks drew strong interest. Using the NEWSTART format, a missionary nurse shared principles of healthy living, followed by Bible studies from the New Beginnings program. Topics included prophecy, baptism and hope in Christ. One woman who came for health talks stayed for every Bible study and ultimately gave her heart to Jesus, quit smoking and drinking, and began reading Steps to Christ. Another attendee expressed a desire for baptism.
Evenings were filled with VBS activities using Truth 4 Youth materials — songs, stories, crafts and games. Attendance averaged 45–50 children, and many responded to appeals to follow Jesus.
Before leaving, the team installed a weather-resistant sign for the church — a lasting gift for the community. “Seeing kids and adults so joyful was incredible,” Hunt said. “And working alongside like-minded young adults was inspiring.”
The missionaries left Togiak grateful for God’s blessings and pray for the work He will continue to do in Alaska.
The GYC Northwest mission team gathers at Togiak Church before starting a day of service and outreach.
Community members enjoy a shared meal during the mission trip, fostering connection and fellowship
VBS brings energy and learning as kids engage with Bible stories and activities.
The GYC Northwest team stands united on the beach in Togiak, leaving their mark in the sand.
An aerial view of Togiak shows the village surrounded by rivers, tundra and the coastline.
Children participate in crafts and activities during VBS, creating memorable experiences of faith and fun.
The village of Togiak has an estimated population of 770.
