Covenant Youth of Alaska Volume 17 | Issue 1 February 2021
The Impact of Discipleship
Karl and Simone Thistle model vibrant and healthy community to young adults seeking Christ
D
iscipling young adults means opening up to the needs and struggles of their lives. Karl and Simone Thistle are familiar with the complexities this brings.
The Thistles, along with their daughter Moriah, live alongside young adults at the CYAK Aarigaa Discipleship House in Anchorage. Karl serves as the House Director and Simone serves as the Finance Assistant, but their service extends well beyond these official roles. Everyday holds new adventures for Karl and Simone depending on the season; however their main ministry focus is the wellbeing of the Aarigaa House residents.
called me to. The Lord cares about their lives a million times more than I do. My role is to love people where they are at.” The invitation to a space of intentionality and inclusivity is not lost on the residents. Current Aarigaa House Resident Assistant Brad Hamilton shares about his experience: “Ever since Karl and Simone arrived at the Aarigaa House, the community has been thriving. Their consistent dedication to the ministry and to God is inspiring to say the least. Their doors are always open and they have a passionate desire to be in fellowship with the residents at the house and to witness the love of Christ.”
The house is a place where young adults who are following Christ can “Their doors are always open be surrounded by other like-minded and they have a passionate peers and can be encouraged in their desire to be in fellowship faith journey.
Karl and Simone invite students to bring the complexity and mess of their lives. Together, they navigate the demands and narratives of the world. None of this can happen without prayer and support.
with the residents.” “We are striving for a community “We are always in need of prayer,” that is accepting, supporting, and, Karl shares. “We are constantly wading through significant most of all, focused on Christ,” Karl shared. “We want to and difficult conversations that require a lot of discernment follow the person of Jesus and his example. We use that and faith that God will guide us.” constant as a way to sift through what may be popularly prescribed or preached by the world.” “Additionally, I have immense gratitude for our monthly supporters. We literally couldn’t do what we do without the Their proximity to the residents opens doors to display stability and consistency they provide.” healthy, Christ-centered lives from up-close and personal. Karl and Simone feel the impact of this closeness. Quyanaqpak for standing alongside Karl and Simone in this “I have struggled with carrying other people’s burdens on my shoulders,” Simone shared. “I’ve had to learn how to give them to the Lord and continue to be faithful in what he’s
Kingdom work. Your support is transforming the lives of students and staff alike.
MINISTRY HIGHLIGHTS
Welcoming New Staff
Covenant Bible Camp
Winter Days
Praise God for the new staff members joining our team! Please pray for them as they continue support-raising.
Please pray for discernment and wisdom surrounding planning upcoming events like Bible Camp.
Please pray for all those in Alaska experiencing heightened feelings of sadness and loneliness, especially during the short days.
LIFE AT THE HOUSE
AARIGAA HOUSE RETREAT
“We are striving for a community that is accepting, supporting, and, most of all, focused on Christ.” Karl and Simone Thistle|CYAK Staff
To learn more about the Aarigaa House, visit: www.cyak.org/aarigaa-house Or to join the Thistle’s team of monthly supporters, visit: www.cyak.org/staff-support
To read more, visit: www.cyak.org/ministry-updates
COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA A relational outreach, discipleship and leadership ministry for Alaska youth and young adults A ministry of the Alaska Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church
Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-222-1432