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  • America: 250 Years and Counting Reflections

    July 01, 2026, by André M. Wang
  • Delta Junction Church Welcomes an Adventurer Club

    June 16, 2026, by Carol Hawley
  • Church Auditing Q&A

    June 16, 2026

Print magazine

Delta Junction Church Welcomes an Adventurer Club

By Carol Hawley, June 16, 2026

For a long time, the pews of Delta Junction Adventist Church were mostly quiet, with few children filling the space. Recognizing a deep need, the church’s prayer warriors began consistently uplifting a specific prayer: that God would bless the community and send families with young hearts to nurture. God didn't just answer that prayer; He answered it abundantly.

The church is thrilled to have officially organized its first Adventurer club, the Awesome Owls, in Delta Junction, Alaska! Jessica Brown and Elissa Kyle, Delta Junction Church members, have assumed responsibility for launching the new ministry in the small, remote community of about 1,200 people. 

The effort brings a unique set of challenges, from navigating the extreme interior environment and dark winter months to coordinating resources where none existed before. Yet, the club’s 12 members, ages 4 to 9, show that no climate is too harsh for God’s grace to thrive. 

Perhaps most exciting of all, nearly half of the club members’ families do not regularly attend church. This provides a unique opportunity to build relationships with local families and share the love of Jesus with children who might not otherwise have access to a Christ-centered program.

Club members describe a program centered on faith and friendship. Each session, filled with Bible stories, hands-on activities, creative crafts and lively games, is designed with a singular goal: to lead children to Jesus. 

When asked, the club members' responses show the impact is already clear. “I like to see my friends at Adventurers, and we learn about God there. We play games, and we have snacks,” a 7-year-old boy said. 

“I like to learn about Jesus and sing the songs,” a 6-year-old girl said. 

“I like making new friends, and we learn scripture,” one of the club’s youngest members said, quoting Deut. 7:9.

When Jesus walked the dusty roads of Judea, He openly rebuked those who tried to turn the little ones away, firmly encouraging His disciples to welcome children to Him for a blessing. In Delta Junction, ministry leaders are honored to follow in those exact footsteps. They are incredibly grateful for the privilege of guiding, teaching and nurturing the precious young ones He has entrusted to their care. Please pray for continued blessings as the Awesome Owls adventure together in faith.

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Featured in: September/October 2026

Author

Carol Hawley

Delta Junction Church member
Section
Alaska Conference
Tags
Youth, Mission and Outreach

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The Gleaner is a gathering place with news and inspiration for Seventh-day Adventist members and friends throughout the northwestern United States. It is an important communication channel for the North Pacific Union Conference — the regional church support headquarters for Adventist ministry throughout Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The original printed Gleaner was first published in 1906, and has since expanded to a full magazine with a monthly circulation of more than 40,000. Through its extended online and social media presence, the Gleaner also provides valuable content and connections for interested individuals around the world.

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