Winter Hendrickson

Winter is a passionate, mission-focused youth leader with a deep calling to see young people transformed by the gospel. She was radically born again at the age of 15, igniting a lifelong commitment to following Jesus and making Him known—especially among teenagers searching for identity, purpose, and hope.

Based in Huron, South Dakota, Winter has served in youth ministry for over two decades. Since 2012, she has led as a volunteer youth leader and elder at James River Church, where she disciples students, leads weekly services, organizes impactful events, and provides spiritual care for the church body. With a heart especially for those facing hard circumstances, she has played a key role in welcoming foster and adopted youth into a community where they can grow in faith and healing.

Her ministry experience spans from small-town South Dakota to the mission field of Ukraine, where she served from 2006–2009, leading youth groups, organizing camps, and ministering to orphans. Whether in Eastern Europe or the Midwest, Winter’s heart beats for outreach, discipleship, and raising up young leaders who live bold lives for Jesus.

Winter is also a foster and adoptive parent, having fostered many children and adopted five. This lived experience has given her deep insight into trauma-informed care, spiritual development, and walking with youth through some of life’s hardest challenges. She brings authenticity, wisdom, and a fierce love for Jesus into every mentoring relationship.

Winter is passionate about the power of the Holy Spirit to equip ordinary people for extraordinary ministry. She currently serves with Collision Ministries, helping launch student-led discipleship movements across Northeast South Dakota and beyond. Her greatest desire is to see a generation encounter God, walk in truth, and boldly impact their schools, cities, and the world for Christ.