My wife, Dellie, and I are in our 50’s and have been married over 20 years. We have been blessed with five delightful children: Joseph, Jack, Maria, Tony, and Henry.

I (Derek) became a Christian at an early age and rededicated myself to the faith during my years as a business major at Taylor University after a time of searching for logical reasons to believe the Bible’s claims about Jesus Christ. My wife has taken a more unique road to faith that requires more than one cup of coffee to tell, but was finally baptized while in graduate school earning her master’s degree in counseling. It was while we were in graduate school at Cincinnati Bible Seminary that we met, fell in love and were married. I was working on two degrees in theology and one in education, but more importantly was storing ice cream in Dellie’s freezer just down the hall. We got to know each other over ice cream and the rest is history.

I have served as a minister for over 20 years; first in Kentucky and then in Indiana, and am currently involved in growing Journey Christian Church. Dellie worked as a therapist at St. Francis Hospital for five years (prior to that was in private practice), and currently has a private practice here in Fairbanks as a Licensed Professional Counselor. In July of 2003, we left Indiana and enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip across the country from Indianapolis to Fairbanks, Alaska to start a new congregation – Journey Christian Church.

We would love the opportunity to get to know you and invite you to join us as we continue the exciting new adventure of Journey Christian Church!

Christy, a lifelong Alaskan, joins our children’s ministry with 15 years experience teaching Sunday School for preschool through 4th grade. She has volunteered with VBS and AWANA and coordinated her coworkers’ Adopt-a-Family giving for large Interior families in crisis. Her administrative work experience spans 20 years. Christy and Duke celebrate 28 years of marriage; they have three children, a son-in-law, and their first grandbaby is due in July. She looks forward to getting to know more of Journey’s families!

Andria is an Army wife of nearly 15 years, a homeschooling mom to four kids, and Andria and her husband are foster/adoptee parents and advocates.  She recently earned her Master's Degree in Christian Counseling and Psychiatry.  For fun, you can find Andria in the kitchen cooking or baking, and she loves Children's Ministry and looks forward to working with your children!

Hello! I've lived in Alaska since 2004 with my husband and our son. As a military retiree, I enjoy volunteering my time in Christian ministries and working part time. I am truly blessed to be a part of the Journey family! 

Fairbanks has been our home for many years; Florie was actually born here. We have been married for 40+ years and greatly enjoy our three children, their spouses and our seven grandchildren.

It is a privilege to share life with the part of God’s family that gathers at Journey Christian Church. We look forward to meeting you when you visit Journey.