TITLE: Leadership Specialist

Background
I lived in Philadelphia until I was going into 4th grade when my parents decided it was time for us to return to the mission field in Bogotá, Colombia. Although I went through a stage where I regretted my parents desire to remain in Colombia, I am so grateful my parents chose to follow God’s calling on their life. Growing up in a developing country continues to shape my outlook on life. After I graduated from high school in Colombia, I attended Cedarville University in OH and graduated with degrees in Christian Education and Youth Ministry.

How did you become a Christian?
I became a Christian while attending a winter VBS when I was 5 years old. I remember talking with a counselor about what heaven was like and wanting to go there. However, since I was young I do not think I understood what the lifestyle of being a Christian truly looks like. In fifth grade I rededicated my life to God and began a personal relationship with Him and truly began to get to know my Savior.

What is a leadership lesson you have learned while serving at LeaderTreks?
God has continually been teaching me humility as I learn to depend on Him. God continues to remind me that He is the one who transforms lives and although He does not need me He desire to use me. It is a refreshing reminder as a leader how connected I truly need to be to the Father so I can give to others what God has given to me. Such a timeless lesson I hope to never forget and hope to share with students.

What is one of your gifts and how do you use it?
Faith is one of my gifts and I use it by trying to daily pray powerful prayers for my friends and family. I have seen God answer so many prayers over and over again and believe He will continue to answer prayers. I am continually learning to grow closer to Him and to pray for the desires of His heart. I am passionate about sharing my deep sense of faith and using it to challenge and encourage those around me.

Who is one student you have seen grow as a leader?
Christina was in charge of the ministry component in Costa Rica. Although rather quiet and timid, she had a true desire to lead her team in ministering to the broken children of Costa Rica. As her heart broke for the children she began to recognize the need for great leadership of her team. Christina began to learn the importance of connecting her heart and her teams’ heart with the greater mission of sharing Christ’s love with these children. Christina stepped up to the plate casting the vision for her team and led them to impact the children and the entire church with the team’s deep love for the children. Christina continues to lead her peers with confidence and passion.

Family
I love my family! Each member of my family has played a significant part in shaping who I am as a believer in Christ. Although we are hardly ever all together at the same time I cherish the time I do get to spend with them. My parents are still missionaries in Bogotá, Colombia where my Dad teaches middles school math, science, and computers. My mom teaches second grade and loves it! My oldest brother Matt is married to Sarah and they have to adorable girls Katie (4) and Naomi (2) and are living in Goshen, IN. Matt is a middle school PE and Health teacher. Matt and Sarah are also house parents for five international students. The students are from Korea and Indonesia and attend the high school right next door. Nathan is my next older brother and is married to Tasha living in Upland, IN. Nathan works for computer services at Taylor University and Tasha works as a psychologist with mentally handicapped in the area. My younger brother Ryan is a sophomore at Goshen College and is working for a degree in math education.