Meet The Mission Team
Amy Schroeder
"I was blessed to be a part of SML’s 2019 mission trip to Guatemala. I continue to look for the needs of others and ask God to use me as a conduit to further his kingdom. The 2019 trip was life-changing and faith forming for me. I am very excited to be a part of the SML 2023 team to meet the needs of Fairbanks and share the good news!"
Madi Schroeder
“Being able to attend local, national, and international mission trips has been such a blessing to my life. One thing that has always been consistent throughout all of those trips is the overwhelming love of God seen in all parts of the world. It is such a blessing to partake in that joy and faith shared between our team from St. Mark’s and the people we meet on each mission trip!"
Cindy Gerken
“I have been thinking about going on a mission trip for quite awhile and have been watching for an opportunity with a group in the area. Then I saw the notice in our announcements. I knew immediately that I would participate. I am looking forward to making life a little better for someone I have yet to meet. Thank you St. Mark's!"
Ethan Lenox
“I went on the mission trip to Guatemala in 2019 and I grew closer in my faith to God as we served the people there. I hope to be able to help and serve the people in Alaska just as we did in Guatemala, as well as continue to grow in my faith in God through this experience and grow closer with the other members of the church that will be going on the trip."
Jordyn Lenox
“I am excited to go to Alaska to help serve in whatever way God has planned for us. It has been a while since I have been able to serve on a mission trip and I am looking forward to not only serving the people in need but growing in community with the others going on the trip. Through this experience, I hope to build upon my relationship with Christ and share that faith and love with the people we encounter."
Garrett Germann
“I have gone on a lot of mission trips and I have learned a lot about myself as well as other people while on those missions. I love to work with other people and make good memories of the new families and friends I meet along the way!"
Kelsey Dudics
“Going on mission trips always opens my eyes to the amazing ways the Lord is working all throughout the world. It takes me out of my comfort zone and puts all of my perspective on him. It's amazing to feel his love feeding my spirit and those whom we are working with. I'm really looking forward to the ways in which God will allow us to serve this community in Alaska, and to answer his call to go and make disciples of all nations."
Gretchen Germann
“Mission trips for me have always been a way I am able to open my heart to God but also serve my community. It has been a long time since I have been on a mission trip because of the pandemic, so I am excited to be able to go serve the community in Alaska. This will give me a great opportunity to grow in my faith. I am also looking forward to showing love to whoever we interact with."
Ann Emmerich
“YES, YES, YES, St. Mark’s is offering another mission trip! When I was in high school, mission trips were not offered. After high school, there was college, a full time job, a husband, kids, and all of their activities. No time to do a mission trip! When St. Mark’s offered a mission trip to Guatemala in 2019, being retired, I jumped at the chance. Little did I know how rewarding that trip would be! Serving the people of Guatemala gave me so much joy and strengthened my faith in many ways. It also drew me closer to my St. Mark’s family. I am extremely excited to go on this mission trip to be a disciple of God’s word and serve the people of Fairbanks, Alaska."
Mary Nelson
“I am looking forward to being a part of the St. Mark’s mission group. It will be a week of getting to know this special team of faith. IT will be a wonderful opportunity to help serve others, grow in faith, and witness many God moments throughout the week!"
Cathy Nelson
“Mission trips allow us to serve God and help a community. We learn about their culture, work hard, and have fun!"
Roy Champion
1 Peter 4:10: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”..."While we didn’t regularly attend church growing up this was something my grandmother and Mother always practiced. No matter how little we had, there was always something for someone who may be in need. This was instilled in me at an early age, and I feel called to honor that legacy and do whatever I can for those in need no matter how big or small."
Mary DeWitt
Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."..."I believe God has given me the call to go and serve others, to the ends of the earth. If it be Fairbanks, Guatemala, Colorado or down the street, I will follow God's calling and trust in him to give me the Spirit, knowledge and strength to go and spend the Good News."
Brent Boston
"God has blessed me in many ways. I want to return the blessing by using my hands and feet to help others in need. I look forward to going on our mission trip to serve others and to draw closer in my faith with God. This will be my first mission trip and I am beyond excited to participate!"
Amy Lanning
"I didn't initially consider going on this mission trip, primarily because, in my mind, it's time I zone in on something God has placed on my heart to do for the community in which I live. But if there's one thing I've learned, it's that with God, I should expect the unexpected. In conversation with Cindy Gerken one Sunday morning, she excitedly shared that she was going on the mission trip and explained possible projects the St. Mark's team could be doing in Alaska. I immediately wanted to join the group. As it turns out, some of the people we may be serving just might be a resource for me to fulfill my calling right here in BG. I look forward to sharing more with my church family in the near future, and hope you'll prayerfully consider helping me make it come to fruition."
Robin Small
Philippians 2:13 “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose"..."I know that God is calling our team to REACH OUT and share the love of Christ with neighbors near and far. I also know that God has a plan for each of us to grow in understanding our neighbors’ lives so that connections and friendships can be made that strengthen the body of Christ and the unity of the church."
Bobby Small
"After going on my first mission trip to Guatemala with St. Mark's, I knew I wanted to participate some more and help those that are far less fortunate. The perspective you gain from these experiences isn't something that can be grasped unless you see it first hand. We are all so blessed to live in a place with opportunities and it is a truly humbling to reach out and touch the lives of people that may not have the same resources."
Zach Abke
"I have never been on a mission trip before, but I am very excited to finally be a part of one! I am looking forward to helping those who are in need and growing in my faith."
Sandy Gardner
"This will be my first ever mission trip, and certainly out of my comfort zone. I have been very blessed in my life, and I felt a calling to give back by helping others as well as grow in my faith. I am looking forward to an awesome experience!"