James Valley Youth For Christ
Our Staff
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 awesome children and five beautiful grandkids. I attended Minot State University, and NDSCS becoming a professional upholsterer and ran a full service shop for nearly 10 years. I have also attended Lee University and Trinity Bible College. 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 I closed my 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 enjoy landscape photography.
Bookkepper
Collen 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. Getting to put to use my nearly 40 years of bookkeeping experience keeps me going. At 73, 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.
MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Micki Buchholz
Hello there, I'm the Ministry Director at James Valley YFC. I was raised on a small hobby farm, 10 miles Northeast of Oakes, ND. My favorite place to be is anywhere with my parents, siblings, and their families. I have three nieces and one nephew who are my favorite little people in the whole world! One of my passions in life is music. My musical skills were cultivated as a young girl when I started playing hymns for church and eventually lead to my pursuing and earning a Bachelor of Music degree from Valley City State University. I am thrilled to join the YFC ministry! When I heard of this position opening, my heart leapt at the opportunity. It is the desire of my heart to work in an environment where I can directly impact the hearts of young people with the gospel of Christ. I look forward sharing in the joys and challenges that come with working in a Christ centered youth program. Already within my first week here, I am inspired by working alongside the wonderful staff and volunteers and I’m really excited to jump in and start learning the ropes!
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'm newly wed to my to my sweetheart Sarah. We will be making our home in Valley City.