Our Staff

James Valley Youth For Christ

Having boots on the ground is integral to building relationships with young people. Our staff is trained and equipped to minister to today's youth.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

TROY GUNDERSON

I was born and raised in Minot, ND and married my high school sweetheart, Sheri, who I met at a YFC event. We have four children and six beautiful grandkids. After college I spent 10 years in the upholstery trade before continuing my education in ministry. My wife and I enjoyed our time as students in YFC and volunteered with Minot YFC for many years, teaching clubs and chaperoning youth trips. In 1995 God called me into ministry. I closed my upholstery shop and went to work as the JV Ministry Coordinator at Minot YFC. I worked there for two years before accepting God’s call as Executive Director in Jamestown. I received my Credentials with YFC/USA in 1998. I love to teach the Word to youth and enjoy the freedom of being creative with ministry opportunities. TEEN CITY, our student drop-in center, has been a dream come true for me and I enjoy seeing it so active and alive with students. I still do upholstery when I’m not too busy and also enjoy landscape photography.

Bookkepper

Colleen Grenz

I have lived in Jamestown since 1970. I am the mother of three adult sons and a grandmother of six. I enjoy working with people and solving problems. Putting to use my nearly 40 years of bookkeeping experience keeps me going and I have no immediate plans for slowing down. Another passion of mine is volunteering for Special Olympics. Finding ways to share the gospel with the athletes can be very challenging, but is so very rewarding. Of course, I love being a part of the Youth for Christ staff. Getting to know the ministry leaders here has given me an opportunity to see how God is working in their lives and the lives the students. Being a part of a God loving community has and continues to bless my life.

Teen City Manager

Trena Owens

I am the wife of 1, the mother of 6 and the grandmother of 8. I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, body and strength. Jesus is my everything. I love people and want them to know how much God loves them. I am thrilled to be part of YFC and what God is doing in Jamestown, ND. My roles include managing the Middle School drop-in center called TEEN CITY, teaching and leading small groups. I am also the Children's Ministry Director at Temple Baptist Church. If you like to cook or bake for kids, I would love to hear from you.

VALLEY CITY MINISTRY COORDINATOR

SAM NIELSEN

I am the youngest of four, grew up in a Christian home, and have a passion for people. After high school I did a year of missions with Tentmakers, then joined the Air National Guard, in which I am still active. I have my bachelor’s degree and plan to pursue my masters in divinity. I love working for YFC and enjoy building relationships with all the awesome young people. I am wed to my sweetheart Sarah and have made Valley City our home.

MINISTRY ASSISTANT

Allison Roorda

I grew up on a farm near Ypsilanti, ND and graduated from a small country school. I attended North Dakota State College of Science, where God opened my eyes to His Kingdom. I joined Cru and joined them on a two-week summer mission to Alaska, where I started learning the art of street evangelism. It was not until the next summer, however, when I attended a seven-week training program, IT Project, that I truly understood God’s heart for all nations, peoples, and languages. Now, I have dedicated my life to sharing the Gospel and glorifying God in any way He sees fit. I’m excited to be part of YFC’s mission in the Jamestown area.