OUR TEAM

Mark and Tracy Gunkel joined North Star in the Fall of 2023, relocating from Juneau. They started working full time in January 2024. The couple has three adult children and three grandchildren. Mark enjoys hunting, fishing, flying, and construction projects. Tracy likes sunshine, flowers, gardening, and outdoor hiking. Family is important to them, and they homeschooled all of their children. Camp ministry has been a part of their lives since 2004, as they have a Fish Camp on Prince of Wales. They are excited to serve in ministry together.

Luke and Megan joined North Star full-time in August 2024, relocating from Juneau with their miniature golden-doodle. Luke enjoys hunting, fishing, and construction. Megan enjoys foraging, photography, and baking. Luke grew up serving with his family at Fish Camp on Prince of Wales Island in the summers since 2004 and Megan began helping at Fish Camp in 2017. Both have enjoyed seeing God impacting people's lives through camp ministry. Luke and Megan are grateful to be able to serve together, and are eager to see the Lord move in the lives of those who come to North Star.

​Savannah and Calvin met in the mission field and reconnected while Calvin was in youth ministry. Ever since getting married and moving back to Alaska, they have prayed for an opportunity to serve together. Savannah is passionate about homemaking, gardening, and spending time in creation with a camera in hand. Ever since she was a little girl she has desired to serve God in full-time ministry. Calvin enjoys motorcycles, old trucks, and cooking steaks in beautiful places. His faith has taken him to many wild places, but he’s honored to partner in ministry here in his home state. They are so excited about the work God is doing here at North Star, and feel blessed to be a part of it! 

Brian is from upstate New York.  He has 13 years experience as a self-employed carpenter. He attended Montana Wilderness School of the Bible and highly recommends making it a priority to spend a school year digging deep in God's word. Brian desires to use his carpenter skills to maintain and expand the  facilities at North Star.  He enjoys spiritual conversations and lots of fun adventures outside.

As Karen was considering retirement at the end of the this year,  the Lord brought North Star and the need for someone to help out in the kitchen to her attention.  She became convinced that I should expedite her retirement date and make herself available sooner.  She wants to be able to serve and make a difference with her time, energy and God-given talents at North Star.  

"In John 4:34, Jesus says that His food is to do the will of his Father and to accomplish His work. It is a privilege to use my experience and love for preparing food to accomplish the work He has prepared for me (Ephesians 2:10b). I’m very excited to join staff here and be a part of the what God is doing at North Star."