|
|
Gwen Adams moved to Alaska 7 years ago from Central Oregon with her husband, Mark. Gwen graduated from Multnomah Bible College with her degree in Biblical Education. Gwen has spent the last 24 in women's ministries and church work. Her passion is to see women step into the full life God has called them to live right in the place they are today. She enjoys water color painting, making jewelry and hiking. Gwen and Mark have 4 teenagers; Austin 19, Nate 17, Drea 17 and Allison 13.
|
|
|
I’ve spent 47 winters in Alaska! I love this place and call it home. I married my bride, Michelle 28 years ago and she’s the best gift in my life. We have 3 grown children and look forward to every Monday night gatherings (they come for the home cooked meal). I worked in the grocery business for 7 years before a career at Pepsi Cola for another 15 years. We’ve been attending ChangePoint since 1991 and I joined the staff in January of 2000. It’s been a wild ride ever since. I was led to Christ at a young age and have discovered the truth of the gospel more and more every day. My greatest joy is serving as a pastor and helping people discover the truth of God through the good times and hard times. He never changes! Ps 16:11 – You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand. |
|
|
Dave and I have been married for 28 years. We have 3 children (Brandon, Benjamin, and Courtney) and I've called Anchorage home since I was born. God got a hold of my heart after my father died when I was 19. I knew there had to be more to this life than just living and dying, and I found out that, in fact, there is. I'm a work in progress and He continues to show me how much I need Him, for which I am so grateful. His grace continues to overwhelm me and change me. I've fully accepted and embraced the fact that I'm vertically challenged... and I'm not talking about my lack of height! Life with Christ here on earth is a challenge, but it's a challenge that I wouldn't change for anything. He has much refining still to do in me. |
|
|
Being born and raised in the middle of Nebraska, I never really imagined moving to somewhere as far away as Alaska. But if the Lord has taught me anything in the last few years it's that His plan is the only plan that matters, so here I am. My husband and I moved up here in January of 2009 from Colorado and have been so blessed being here. I grew up in a Christian home and I have always loved being involved with different ministries at our church. My husband and I love traveling, adventure, and being outdoors. We have been married for almost 3 years, and since I've found I love to cook! I love photography and am very rarely without my camera. I've always had a heart for people and am so thankful the Lord blessed me with a job with Care Network. Go Huskers! |
|
|
Being raised in Montana, I've always enjoyed living with the mountains near by. While serving as a youth pastor in Bismarck, ND, I felt God calling me to Alaska. I honestly had little to no understanding why God would call me from students and families that I loved to a place where I knew no one. After only being up here two years, I met my amazing wife Marquel while working at Grace Christian School. In October of 2011 Marquel asked me to come with her to her church, I laughed, and said "I will never go to ChangePoint." After walking in the service and experiencing the worship and teaching I was immediately humbled by God and knew this is where I was supposed to be. Four months later I was serving on the worship team. God continues to teach me how he resists the proud but gives grace to the humble, and that is my heart for our worship ministry that we would lead our church humbly to the throne of God. |
|
Regina Bernier
|
I have lived in Alaska for 38 years, been married for 25 years to Ron, and we have 2 children, Wesley and Barbara whom I homeschooled. I love being the wife of a great husband and mom of 2 super kids. I have trusted that God would always be there for me in good times and hard times. He has giving me the strength to do what ever He asks of me as long as I believe Him. Every day He shows Himself faithful to me, showing me his love through the morning sun rise or by reaching out to me when I want to run because life circumstances are more than I can handle. I live the life He has given me knowing I am on a great adventure of discovering Him and all that he has in store for me. God is a good good God, He sees and knows me and loves me where I am at, for that I am grateful. |
|
|
My best friend Larry and I have been married for 17 years, all of which have been spent living here in I was raised a catholic and believed “doing the right thing all the time” was going to get me into heaven. After failing miserably at “being perfect” and having a God shaped hole that would not go away, I attended a new church who had an alter call and was asked if I needed the saving grace of Jesus. The answer was so obvious to me and I accepted the Lord into my life as my savior and my hero. That was almost 20 years ago, what a ride! ChangePoint has been our home church for 8 years. I believe the Lord has called us here to serve and serve we will in whatever capacity He sees fit. Psalm 119:32 |
|
|
My name is William H. Bynum III, but a lot of folks call me Koolaid. I’m one of the youth Pastors on staff with Forge here at ChangePoint But I love all of student ministry, from junior high to college. I was born and raised here in Anchorage Alaska; grew up loving life and loving people. By the time I was eleven years old I was left without a father to guide me through life, he passed away in his sleep. In my teen years I ran around with people that I thought would provide a good life style for me, if I could emulate theirs. By the time I was 23 years old I lost my mother. For a while after that, again I felt lost and without hope. By 2004 I had come to a point in my life where I knew I couldn’t go forward, didn’t want to go back to what I had been doing, I had come to a proverbial road block. At that point I surrendered my life to Jesus. From that day forward, the Lord has lead me to many places. Some of which have been brain surgery where a piece of my bran was removed (I have a license to be wacky), School where I earned a B.A. in Youth Ministry a Minor in Psychology, and a minor in Bible. Some of the things that interest me are culture community, families, and over all life. I love to have fun at what I do. All the while I am ecstatic to serve and work with youth; it is not only a job I do, it is a career I live. |
|
|
I grew up in the woodlands of Southeast Iowa, longing to explore the wild places of this world. From my childhood, God has graciously ordered my steps and allowed me to serve Him within that longing. In late 1995, during my senior year at Baptist Bible College, my high In late 2008, due to new restrictions in Russian immigration laws, our mission organization asked my family to relocate from Siberia to Anchorage, AK. Today, I serve as the Outreach Pastor at ChangePoint but I still keep an eye on Russia from my front porch.
|
|
Brenna Egeland |
I was born and raised in Anchorage and grew up cross country skiing and mountain biking. I cross country ski raced competitively while I was in high school. This consumed my life and I found my identity in what I could do athletically. I lost this identity when I moved out of state and was incredibly lonely. I learned how to walk with the Lord when I was a freshman at Montana State University. There were girls involved with the ministry Cru that intentionally poured in my life. I soon got involved with Cru as a student, where I developed a passion to see college students impact their campuses for Christ. I graduated from Montana State with a Bachelors in Sociology with a Spanish minor. Now I work with the college students in the Paradox ministry at ChangePoint. |
|
|
I'm a wife and the mother of three adult children whom I enjoy more every year. Alaska has been my home since I was a child and I love the people who live here. We've attended ChangePoint since the very first Sunday and have changed and grown alongside many of you. What a privilege to be chosen by a loving God for such an "extreme makeover," being transformed into the very image of His beloved Son Jesus Christ. My desire is to see ChangePoint become a community of Christ-Followers who live well together and love each other well as we become more like Jesus and demonstrate His love to the city, state, and world.
My favorite passage speaks to the ministry of Jesus and is found in Isaiah 61:1b "...the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners |
|
|
My husband, Jerry, and I have been married for 38 years. We have 3 adult sons, 1 daughter (by marriage), and 2 grandsons. Alaska has been our home for 36 years. In October, I will have worked at ChangePoint for 13 years. I grew up going to church, Sunday school and youth group. It was my social club. I heard all the stories and sermons. I learned all the catechism lessons. But I never understood it was about a personal relationship with Jesus. In Nov. 1988 at a marriage conference, I finally realized my need for a Savior. I desire to know Jesus better each day, to be molded and reshaped by His loving hands. I’m thankful for the work God has done in my heart. I’m humbled to be called His child. As part of the Finance team, I desire to see all the resources God provides being maximized for Kingdom purposes. I love providing help, support, and service to our staff, management and elder team. |
|
Evan Hart |
Hey everyone! I come from the great state of Pennsylvania, and I am excited to join the Student Ministry here at ChangePoint! Since high school, I have been involved with 4 different camp ministries 2 youth groups, and 1 college ministry. I graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2012. I have a passion to see young people understand their potential and, in turn, become passionate for the world they are in. I’m a big sports fan, so if you ever need someone to cheer with (or against!) I’m here for you! My time spent as an intern in Minnesota has given me a much better understanding of crocheting and scrapbooking, so I feel well prepared to work with Scott Smith! |
|
|
I’m married to Kathie and we have 5 children (Jessica, Amy, James, Andrew, and Molly). Kathie was born and raised in Alaska and after spending 12 years in Little Rock, Arkansas, we returned home in 2000 to serve at ChangePoint. I entered a relationship with Jesus in 1977 while studying Geology at Southern Oregon University and over time realized that God had given me a passion to teach the Bible. Before coming to Alaska, I served on the faculty at Multnomah University, planted a church in Conway, Arkansas and served as teaching pastor with Fellowship Bible Church of Little Rock, Arkansas. I have a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon. I love the church! My passion is to lead the church as it becomes a community that enjoys God fully, is constantly transformed by God’s Spirit, and demonstrates the heart of Jesus to the world around it. ChangePoint is becoming that sort of community and it thrills me to see it happen. As our community grows and serves we get to watch God fulfill the vision he placed in our heart . . . Life in Christ for Every Alaskan and the World Beyond. |
|
|
I was born in Mississippi where my good friend, Butch, led me to the Lord. I continued to pursue Christ through high school. I went through a season of backsliding and going the way of the world through my college years and slightly beyond. A near-death experience in a hospital, I woke up and rededicated my life to the Lord. That experience has helped me to appreciate everything in life more. I am back to pursuing the Lord and trying to bring Him glory in all that I do. |
|
|
I serve at ChangePoint in the area of Care and Compassion. I have served alongside my husband Keith for about 48 years in Pastoral Ministry, Youth Ministry and Missionary Care. We’ve been married for 51 years have 4 married children and 12 grandchildren all living in Alaska. We count it a privilege to be transformed followers serving Jesus in this generation.” |
 Adam Legg Creative Arts & Communications Pastor 646-4843 |
I was born in I became a Christian at 16 but it was several years later when I finally understood what it meant to be a follower of Christ. It was here at ChangePoint that I learned that my need for Jesus didn’t end on the day of Salvation. I used to believe that the longer you are a Christian the more “holy” you get and the less you need Jesus. Man was I wrong, I need him as much today as I ever have and I am glad that He has shown me my ongoing need for Him. My wife and best friend, Sherri, is from Indiana (Go Hoosiers!). We were married in 2005 and LOVE living in Anchorage! I am a writer who enjoys travel, art, music & sports and I am pretty sure that YouTube is the greatest invention ever. I spent over a dozen years working in the Travel Industry here in I really love our church and I am passionate about this being a place where people worship authentically, celebrate with passion, are challenged by biblical truth, and experience real community! You can follow me on Twitter: @adamlegg |
|
I moved to Alaska when I was 14. Being at such a difficult age, it was a hard transition to make. I grew up in a Christian home so youth group was a standard thing for me. As I struggled with viewing Anchorage as my new home, I found acceptance within the youth group. As time moved on I got more and more involved, leading a small group for junior high girls and volunteering in the youth office. I graduated from Grace Christian in 2005 with a passion to study youth ministry and to work with teens full time. God led me to Multnomah University where I graduated in 2008 with a degree in Youth ministry. I was excited to work so closely with a church and youth group. God brought me back to Alaska, and I jumped head first into EPIC. That's where I met my husband. We were both EPIC Field Staff and have a passion to watch students grow into a deeper relationship with their Heavenly Father. We married August 2011, and are excited about the journey we have before us. |
|
|
|
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. NOT BY WORKS!! A FREE GIFT!! It took me many years to understand what this verse meant. It was through my husband that God showed me what life in Christ could be like. Shortly after moving to Alaska from California in 2004, I surrendered my life to Him, and to this minute, I am continually being transformed to reflect more of Him! Looking back I can see God’s handprints all over my life and for that, I praise Him. I pray that as He does a work IN me, that He’ll also do His work THROUGH me. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, the man God made just for me. Tone and I celebrate 12 years of marriage this year, and we have 3 of the greatest, funniest, cutest, and most amazing kids—Kristiana (6th grade-Kodiak Krew), T.J (4th grade-Flight Crew), Alani (2nd grade- Summit Kids)……and we are expecting baby #4 in January. How about that for job security!! I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us in the future! |
|
|
I am a lifelong Alaskan, born in Fairbanks and raised North Pole. My wife Pellzitha and I have been married for 30 years. She is God’s greatest gift to me! We have two children; Tialutrell 30 yrs and Lucrestusdante 23 yrs. I am a 20 year military veteran, retiring from the Alaska Air National Guard as a Senior Non Commissioned Officer in 2004. I have served as a pastor on staff at ChangePoint for more than 5 years now. Man what an incredible ride it’s been so far! For my family and me, the journey here at ChangePoint has been a time of unprecedented spiritual growth. I am amazed and extremely thankful that I am being transformed into His image daily. I am also keenly aware that He is not finished with me yet. |
|
Kim Ovsepyan
|
I was born and raised here in Anchorage, Alaska. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, Sarkis, whom I met in high school. We are both silly, light hearted and love to laugh. We have two children, Andora and Alexandros, and two dogs, Charlie and Clyde. Our children have truly blessed us. We see God’s goodness and we are stuck by his awesomeness in watching our children grow and change. I grew up in a small church here in Alaska and came to the Lord at age 7. When I came back after graduating from college and married my husband we went to the pastor of my church we asked for a recommendation for a church closer to our home. He recommended ChangePoint and we have been here ever since. We have grown in our walk with the Lord here. We are raising our kids here. We have found a family of believers that have welcomed us and walked along side us. |
|
Heard about God while growing up in boy scouts and received a small Gideon bible while in college. Met my wife, Lori, in college and accepted Christ as my Savior during our 1st year of marriage and 1st year in Alaska. Came North for a short stint, and still here after 33 years. Married for 34 years to an awesome redhead who likes to hang out with preschoolers. Blessed with two sons, two daughter-in-laws and a new grandson. I’m an engineer by degree, extrovert by God. I love connecting with people and serving alongside with them as a fellow servant of Christ. I enjoy spending time with family, both here in Alaska and Florida, working around the yard, tinkering on cars, eating, and hanging out with my wife. I prefer to drive something, fast, red, loud, or classic. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 |
|
|
|
Grew up in Indiana, graduated from Purdue and married my best friend, Karl. We’ve been married 32 years in December, and have lived in AK for 31 years. We have 2 sons that married their best friends and all have a personal relationship with Christ. I've been on Staff at ChangePoint for 5 years working with the Preschool Ministry. I love working with the kids, but my greater passion is to connect and encourage people to step into ministry as a volunteer and discover that God wants to use ordinary people to do extraordinary ministry...all He needs is a willing heart. When we first moved to AK our neighbor across the street had the foresight to challenge me with a question – “What do you believe Lori?” This caused me to get off the fence and stop making religion a convenience but to step into a personal relationship with my Lord and Savior. Unknowingly, the husband of this neighbor was talking to my husband and he too, accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Karl and I were baptized together back in 1980 and we having been growing in our relationship ever since. It has truly been a great adventure. |
|
|
I grew up in a Christian home in Ohio and, in 1985, joined the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. I met my wife, Sonia, in a college Sunday school class. We got married in 1989 and travelled the world with the Air Force, which led us to Anchorage in 2000. We fell in love with Alaska and a group of Christ-followers who called themselves ChangePoint. We immediately began to feel God's calling to settle down here and, in 2004, I was blessed with an opportunity to finish out my military career in the Alaska Air National Guard. Time after time, God has used my friends at ChangePoint to catapult me forward in my walk with Christ and my love for his church. In 2009, God called me to join the elder team here and, in 2010, he called me to serve on the Executive Leadership Team. I retired from the Air National Guard in 2011. Sonia and I have been married for 23 years, and we have two "man cubs," Michael (20) who is married and attends Wayland Baptist University in Anchorage and Cody (17) who attends Highland Tech. |
|
|
I married my wonderful wife in 1997. We have two boys, Ryan and Evan and the doctors tell us that there is a girl due early this September. My family and I started attending Grace Baptist Church in Westlake Ohio where I finally made my relationship with Christ personal. We joined the church and began serving in AWANA, Sunday School, Upwards Basketball, and Life Groups. In 2008 my family and I moved up to Alaska to take on the Facilities Manager role at ChangePoint. Pray for us as my team and I try to take care of the many needs this facility and the ministries that call it home. |
|
|
‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’ Jeremiah 33:3. This verse is close to my heart because it describes my spiritual journey with God. Since childhood I knew that I needed Jesus to make my life complete – my heart felt empty without Him and my life had no eternal purpose. From the day I asked Jesus to be my Savior, life has been a journey evolving from being a ‘religious believer’ to being a ‘relational follower’ with Christ. There are many aspects of my life God has asked me to lay down before Him and each time He has asked me to trust Him completely. Each time I have obeyed, God has revealed more of Himself and nudged me to ‘call to him’ and He has faithfully taken me to places both ‘great and unsearchable’. I don’t always understand His ways, but I do know He never leaves me, answers prayer in His time and His way, and always provides. He has graciously allowed me to share my life with a wonderful husband, three great children and even brought a dog into our lives as a direct result of a little girl’s prayers. God is good and He is faithful to do His work in me …and there is a lot of work yet to be accomplished. |
|
|
I grew up in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and started college at the University of New Mexico in 2006 fully intending to stay in that gorgeous state where I was warm and tanned. God’s plans aren’t always ours though and He relocated me with my whole family to Alaska in 2007. I truly fought God hard on the move up to Alaska and only wanted to complete my year of National Student Exchange at UAA and get back to the sun. That first year in Alaska, God really got a hold of me again. I rededicated my life to Christ on Easter 2008 and was baptized in the chilly Eklutna Lake on the 4th of July that year. He gave me a reason to stay when I met my future husband Blaine through a college Bible study. On December 19, 2009, I married the best drummer, photographer, chef, and future Engineer I know and God has truly blessed us the past two years. Blaine and I started attending to Changepoint full time in February where he joined the worship team. I joined the ChangePoint staff in July working as an accountant in the Finance Department. I am humbled every single day that God chose me to work with such spectacular, godly people in His home. I can honestly say that I have my dream job and I am honored that God blessed me in that way. As I work with the finances, God is teaching me all about how He is the great Provider and it’s a lesson Blaine and I are learning each day too. It’s exciting to see His provision in such tangible ways each day. I am excited to see where God takes us through our gifts. |
|
|
Andrea and I have been married for 21 years and have three children, Shayla (18), Trevor (16), and Derek (14). We have been part of ChangePoint since its beginning in 1989. Growing up in a home with parents who follow Christ, I was taught biblical truth from a young age, both at home and at church. I invited Jesus into my heart many times as a young boy, worried each time that it didn’t “take” before. I began to really make faith in Christ my own when in 6th grade I attended a summer Bible camp and, after studying the story of Daniel for a week, decided at the end of the week that I wanted to “be a Daniel”, willing to take a stand for God and do what is right, regardless of consequences. I was mentored through high school by my parents and a great high school youth pastor. Though well-known and well-liked at school, my faith in God was also well-known due to a life that was lived for Him. A plaque my mom gave me while in high school has a quote by Albert Einstein that I aspired to then, and still do to this day. It says “Try not to become a man of success, but rather of man of value.” I am convinced I cannot live that out in my daily life without Christ empowering me as I seek after Him. Though I have witnessed God do some specific, dramatic and amazing things in my life (beyond what I could ask or think!) my more common, everyday experience is that as I draw near to Him, He draws near to me. |
|
|
Vacation Bible School changed my life for all eternity. When I was 8 years old, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior at VBS. I understood and really knew what I was doing. I was born and raised in California and lived there until my husband, John, and I moved to Texas when he accepted a job there. That move was a big step for both of us – neither of us had ever lived anywhere other than California. I worked in accounting for 15 years until I discovered my love for retail, an arena where I could serve people. John & I had our own business before the Lord led us to Alaska. There is no doubt that this is where He wants us to be! Church and ministry have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. John 3:16 was the first scripture I memorized as a child. That will always be one of my favorites. It is because I believed John 3:16 that I committed my life to "running the race". Christ loved me so much He endured the cross out of joy for the freedom He was giving to me through this one act. I had lived most of my life under the stifling misconception that I could somehow live well enough to "please" God. God has been teaching me the fullness of the Gospel, there is nothing I can add to what Christ completed on the cross. That is freedom! So many of us trade one bondage for another living a "life of christianity" thinking there is something we can "add" to what Christ did on the cross. I am so grateful God has shown me that all I need to "do" is "rest" in Him, He's already done everything there is to be done. My deepest desire is for people to fully know and embrace the truth of the gospel. There is such freedom there! |
|
Michael Warren |
Life Verse: Romans 12:2 I spent my first 27 years seeking life in a whirlwind of impulsive pursuits, shallow relationships, weak faith, and addictions that promised life but never delivered. In my exhaustion, I met Jesus, surrendering to Him all of my ambitions, hopes and plans. In Christ I know peace, healing, and forgiveness -- always wanting more of God, to know Him and enjoy Him. My passion is to see men of God lead courageously in their work, homes, and circles of influence. My passion is for family discipleship, for young men who grow up to be heroes of culture and faith, and for dads that know how much they matter. My passion is to see church and home locking arms, working together to raise the next generation of Christ followers. I love to encourage, and I love to teach. |
