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The
summer of 1996 saw a huge change in FBCK's youth department. Once
run by former music minister Marvin McBee, the youth group was in a
state of disarray. McBee had moved on, and there seemed to be no one
willing to take over the group. Enter Alan Reitter. Alan had only
been a Christian for close to 2 years when Pastor Dean Nichols
approached him and proposed that he take over the ministry. The
Reitters had volunteered their time with the youth for over a year,
and it just felt right. After some heavy prayer on their part
Nichols brought the idea before the church. After serious discussion
and more prayer they were given the church's blessing and Alan
Reitter became the new youth director. One
of the first meetings "Mr. Alan" called with the youth was
one that was all business. He was bound and determined to take the
youth to a new level. While the group had always known how to have
fun, he was going to minister to them and get them back into Bible
study. The youth agreed and began setting about a covenant that each
member would then sign and do their best to follow. All
that was left was a name. Mr. Alan suggested the kids look up their
favorite Bible verses and choose a name that way. After many
suggestions, some inspired some... well... not so much, Melinda
Haring-then a freshman in high school-came upon Roman's 1:16. With a
vote, and some persistent persuading on Melinda's part, the group
became the Unashamed Youth Group. Over
the years the group has traveled over much of the Kenai Peninsula's
terrain on hikes, bike trips and canoe trips. They've been to
Florida for a Student Leadership training course, and have been a
part of several close to home ministry opportunities. They've come a
long way in the 10 short years, but it was well worth the trip.
Here's to another successful 10! |
