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Sam Brooks has been married to the love of his life, Merida, for 46 years. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that if any person is in Christ, they are a new creation. In the summer of 1972, Sam began the journey of discovering what that verse means, and that journey continues today. During that summer Sam repented of his sin and asked Jesus to take control of his life. Since that encounter with the Lord, Sam has continued to experience and learn what it means to be a new creation and to have God as a loving and gracious Father.
His journey took him through Greensboro, North Carolina as a police officer. Then, after sensing a call to full-time ministry, he attended seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and later moved with his young family to Lafayette, Louisiana to become Pastor of The Open Door church. He and Merida currently reside in Birmingham, Alabama where he is a semi-retired grandfather and Pastor Emeritus of The Open Door. During his journey, God has kept Sam, provided all that he has needed, and revealed Himself to be faithful in all circumstances. Sam says, "He redeemed me, made me His child, and promised to continue working in me until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). All praise and glory goes to Him!" Sam's association with Alaska Missions and Retreats precedes its inception, as he met Brenda Crim when she was a candidate for the BSM Director position at the University of Louisiana - Lafayette. Shortly after she arrived in Lafayette, his church began to participate as a sponsor of her ministry - and that participation continues to this day! Sam has also been involved in projects in both Stebbins and Anchorage. Sam considers it a joy and privilege to be a part of the Board to continue his support for both Brenda and the organization. |
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Rhonda Schneider
Member est. 2024 Palmer, Alaska |
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Rhonda Schneider. I was born and raised in south central Pennsylvania. The third-born of 13 children, a serious childhood illness separated me from my parents and siblings at a very young age. This has contributed to my passion to find meaningful ways for children and adults to heal from traumatic experiences and become contributing members of their community. Married for 50 years, my husband, John, and I have three children and 15 grandchildren. We moved from Pennsylvania to Nome, Alaska in 2009 to work within the tribal health system in the Bering Strait Region on the western edge of the state. In 2015, I joined Nome Community Center, a small non-profit providing social services that included the homeless shelter and permanent supportive housing, senior center, food bank, children’s home, family services and youth programs. Before moving to Nome, I was the administrator at our local church for 20 years supporting missions and community outreach.
Recently retired and living in Palmer, Alaska, I now serve on several non-profit boards, continue to support special projects in Nome and the Bering Straits Region, and am active in my local church in support of missions and women’s ministries. I love traveling, gardening, skiing, motorcycling, crafting and most of all, hanging with grandchildren! |
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Christine Carter Greco, husband Pat and their two sons, Carter & Kinan have lived in the Mat-Su Valley area since Christmas Day 2004. Christine was born and raised in Alaska, but in 1989 moved to New York State where she earned a B.A. Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Reading. She taught in the Syracuse, NY area for about 10 years before moving back HOME to Alaska.
Christine has been involved in ministry and serving her entire life. From helping with Vacation Bible School on the riverbeds of Chalkyitsik, AK in the 70's to volunteering and Directing HIMI (Christian Hockey Camp)in Alaska 2013 to present. Christine enjoys connecting people, finding ways to serve others and helping to find volunteers to serve others alongside her. |
