YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK Aarigaa Zoom helps with Connection At a time when in-person is not an option for many, Aarigaa staff have found a way. BY JAIME NANNINGA
A
Aarigaa Zoom is what it looks like when ministry is adapted to a world in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. This season has left so many people feeling alone and isolated. Before, life was filled with coffee dates, small groups, social gatherings, and so much more. Now, we find ourselves stuck at home and if we go out anywhere, we must wear a mask and stay 6 feet apart. All of the restrictions have left our young adults hungry for connection. Aarigaa Zoom has stepped into this difficult time and made a way for young adults to fight off loneliness and isolation. After moving the young adult retreat to a Zoom format last fall, the staff felt an overwhelming tug on their hearts to continue to pursue a different kind of community. At the retreat, they learned that many were feeling cut off from their normal communities. Having a wellattended and positive turnout helped them to know that they had to embrace this change. The weekly zoom meeting was born
March 2021 and has been well received ever since. Aarigaa Zoom is a diverse community that comes together to learn and grow in the life of Jesus. Each meeting includes a time to hang out and check-in, scripture reading and discussion, prayer for one another, and closing with “In the Sweet By and By” in English, Iñupiaq, and Yup’ik. The diversity of the group also makes for a great discussion. In a zoom setting, it is easy to hide, but this is not the case for this group. They have created a safe place for deep discussion and hard things. “I was somewhat surprised to see young professionals in the village joining in. Those who were involved on the campuses when they were getting their degrees and are now wanting to remain connected to that community.” Drew shares. This younger generation has grown up online so it is no surprise they are doing it with such success.
The pandemic has touched each person differently. And zoom has been a part of most our daily lives for a year now. “Zoom fatigue is very real but for those who are at a great distance or who are particularly susceptible to the coronavirus, it is a breath of fresh air” Drew highlights. As the pandemic changes and the potential for in-person activities are highly anticipated, Aarigaa Zoom hopes to stay up and running.
“...but for those who are at a great distance or who are particularly susceptible to the coronavirus, it is a breath of fresh air” Please continue to pray for our young adult community and our staff as they continue to connect, grow, and lead. CYAK would not be able to do these ministries without your prayers and generosity. Quyanaqpak for your faithfulness!
CONTINUE YOUR IMPACT TODAY You are a part of the team that God has called together to impact youth and young adults in Alaska. Thank you! For more information how to make a gift, please follow the link below.
www.cyak.org/donate
COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA A relational outreach, discipleship and leadership ministry for Alaska youth and young adults
Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-222-1432