STEPHEN MERKEY
Houston, TX | 24
PROJECT: Hartlepool
Stephen loves sports. He has attended Bible college in Dallas for 3 years and then lived in Colorado where he fell in love with snowboarding. After a while he moved to England and is now beginning his 2nd year ministering to the people of Hartlepool.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
– Galatians 2:20 (ESV)
BETHANY MCNEELEY
Valley Center, KS | 24
PROJECT: Hartlepool
Bethany grew up in Kansas and moved to Texas three years ago. In May 2013, she came to England for a 12 day trip. A month later God called her to serve full-time in Hartlepool. She is now starting her 2nd year in Hartlepool and is excited to deepen the relationships formed with students in youth club and in the schools. One of Bethany’s favorite things to do is meet with people at local coffee shops and talk about Jesus.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:4-7 (HCSB)
DANIEL GREER
Houston, TX | 18
PROJECT: Hartlepool
While in high school, Daniel planned on going to university, but he felt God calling him to come to England instead. Now he’s here and excited to serve with the people of Harlepool.
“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11 (HCSB)
JILL O’DELL
Dallas, TX | 23
PROJECT: Hartlepool
For the last four years, Jill has attended Liberty University. She still hasn’t graduated but intends to. After she dropped out of school, she was left with a huge desire to travel and build new relationships along the way. Jill loves people and desperately wants them to know Jesus.
“But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.”
– 2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV)
LINDSEY VILLARREAL
Arlington, TX | 26
PROJECT: Guisborough
Lindsey attended the University of Mary Hardin- Baylor where she studied communication and visited North East England several times on short term mission trips. She felt God calling her to England on one of those trips and her love for the area grew strong. Today she is living out her dreams in Guisborough!
“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”
– Psalm 13:5-6 (NIV)
JAMIE RYAN
Overland Park, KS | 20
PROJECT: Guisborough
Jamie (PrinceJames) attended Kansas State University to study business. He was called to England to use my passion for football to spread the gospel!
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
– Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
JARED BREDESON
Ravenna, MI | 25
PROJECT: Stokesley
Jared attended Liberty University to study video broadcasting. After working as media director at a megachurch for two years, he felt God calling him to full-time mission work. His passion is to use media to spread the gospel in a relevant way.
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
– Proverbs 31:8 (ESV)
ELI SPILLER
Herrin, IL | 21
PROJECT: Easingwold
Eli graduated Lincoln Christian University this spring and served at a church in Texas this past summer. He felt called to serve in England for a year and through odd connections, God made it clear that TVYFC was the avenue.
“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
– 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV)
BRITTANY WRAY
Los Angeles, CA | 25
PROJECT: Stockton
Graduating from Liberty University in Spring, 2012, Brittany never dreamed God would take her on such a journey. Three months after graduating, she transitioned from Virginia to Los Angeles, where she worked full-time with Muslim refugees. Brittany’s heart is to let the world know about the free grace of Jesus Christ. She love to serve, play games with kids, and do whatever it takes to meet people where they are at.
“But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God’s grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).”
– Acts 20:24 (AMP)
RACHEL HU
Los Angeles, CA | 24
PROJECT: Stockton
Rachel attended University of California Berkeley to study architecture. After working at an architecture firm in Los Angeles for a year an a half, she felt God call her to move to the UK to serve him in full-time ministry with YFC.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.”
– Revelation 21:3 (ESV)
BETHANY LAUGHLIN
Coppell, TX | 23
PROJECT: Stockton
Bethany attended Belmont University and graduated in 2013 with a degree in communication studies and biblical studies. Before feeling called to England she worked as an intern in the student ministry at Prestonwood Baptist Church. Bethany has a passion for discipling young girls and seeing them grow in their relationship with Christ.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
– John 15:5 (ESV)
BRIAN MORRIS
Tulsa, OK | 25
PROJECT: Stockton
Brian is currently working towards an MDIV in pastoral ministries from Liberty University and working as one of the head youth workers at the Stockton Parish Church along side his wife Morgan. Brian graduated from the University of Mississippi in the spring of 2013 with a degree in business. Along with his studies, Brian was a member of the football and ultimate frisbee teams.
“And next to him among the three mighty men was Eleazar the son of Dodo, son of Ahohi. He was with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there for battle, and the men of Israel withdrew. He rose and struck down the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord brought about a great victory that day, and the men returned after him only to strip the slain.”
– 2 Samuel 23:9-10 (ESV)
MORGAN MORRIS
Oklahoma City, OK | 25
PROJECT: Stockton
Morgan graduated from Lindenwood University with a degree in mass communications. She is now pursuing a Masters of Arts in biblical studies from Liberty University Online. Her passion is to love others extravagantly and shine forth the light of God, making Him famous.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
JENNA FRASER
Grand Blanc, MI | 22
PROJECT: Stockton/Thornaby
While attending Liberty University, Jenna studied english and global studies while playing on the women’s soccer team. After going on several short-term mission trips, she felt God’s call to go to England. She clearly felt God’s call to use her knowledge of English literature and love for their game of football to not only connect with the English but also preach the gospel to them with or without words.
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
– John 3:30 (NIV)
BEN STITH
Birmingham, AL | 22
PROJECT: Thornaby
Ben attended University of Mobile and received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He longs to use his gifts and abilities to help people physically, emotionally, and spiritually as well as present them with the good news of Jesus Christ.
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant,and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man,He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
– Philippians 2:5-8 (NASB)
MICHAEL NORTHRUP
New Haven, CT | 22
PROJECT: Coulby Newham
Michael attended Liberty University, earning his bachelor’s degree in biblical studies. He has done numerous internships, learning about the structure of the church and its inner workings. He hopes to move on to plant a church that focuses on evangelism.
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
– Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)
SARAH BEECHAM
Woodstock, GA | 20
PROJECT: Middlesbrough
Sarah served on staff at SouthCrest Church in Newnan, GA, for two years where God developed an intense passion for people and to see every nation reached for the sake of the gospel. After bringing a group of her students to the Tees Valley in 2013, she sensed God calling her to “go”.
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.”
– 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (NIV)
LIZ WILSON
Allen, TX | 18
PROJECT: Middlesbrough
Liz just graduated from high school and was planning on attending Dallas Baptist University to study nursing. However, on a mission trip during summer ’14, she felt the Lord calling her to take a gap year in England. Her desire is to minister to people through nursing and has passions for both people and missions.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
– 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV)
Ashley Mix
Fayetteville, AR | 22
PROJECT: Eaglescliffe
After studying nonprofit leadership at William Jewell College, Ashley has dedicated a year to full-time missions in England. She is passionate about providing support for any youth who are seeking love and acceptance. Regardless of their occasional sass, Ashley loves to build relationships and share the gospel with teens.
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?… But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
– Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV)
ALEXA SPENCE
Denison, TX | 22
PROJECT: Egglescliffe
Alexa attended Dallas Baptist University where she received a degree in elementary education. As a certified teacher, she hopes to use her skills to reach out to children and their families, sharing with them the hope and love of Christ. She is thrilled to begin this new chapter in England!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
LOGAN HOLLOMAN
Back Creek Valley, WV | 23
PROJECT: Axiom
Logan attended Liberty University and Shepherd University where he studied secondary education and played collegiate basketball. Logan felt called to mission work in his teen years that has taken him to Ethiopia, Haiti, and Jamaica. His passion is to see much made of Christ through the use of sports ministry and men’s discipleship ministry.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33 (ESV)
MONICA ESKRIDGE
Staunton, VA | 18
PROJECT: Axiom
Monica just graduated from high school and felt led to take a year off to be involved with full-time mission. She grew up playing sports and has a passion for athletics. She believes that using sports to display the gospel is one of the coolest ways to use the gifts that God has given us to further His kingdom.
“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”
– Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)
CALIB COFFEY
Stuarts Draft, VA | 17
PROJECT: Axiom
Calib recently graduated from Stuarts Draft High School in Virginia. He now lives in England where he has given a year to serve others in the UK. Calib enjoys skateboarding, surfing, and chick flicks, is deathly afraid of rope bridges, and trips walking up and down steps. Calib is one of the coolest guys we know. If you don’t know him, you need to get to know him.
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”
– Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)
JOANNE MCDOWELL
Northern Ireland | 22
PROJECT: Axiom
After serving for a year with YFC’s touring sports team, Nomad, Jo grew a passion for young people and sports ministry. She felt called to Axiom Sports as she loved the idea of building relationships in the Tees Valley through the use of sport.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
– Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
HAYDEN TAYLOR
Houston, TX | 16
PROJECT: Axiom
Hayden fell in love with the sport of football (soccer) at an early age. Always trying to use the beautiful game as an avenue to share the gospel (and of course megging kids in the process).
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
– Romans 8:18 (NIV)
KELLY VANCE
Huntsville, AL | 23
PROJECT: Darlington
Kelly interned with her home church for two years after graduating high school. She then moved to Nashville to work with refugees through a program called Trek-X. Since then, she has graduated college and hopes to reach the young people of England through coffee shop ministry.
“[Cast] all your care on Him, because He cares about you.”
– 1 Peter 5:7 (HCSB)
DYLAN ADLER
Gentry, AR | 20
PROJECT: Darlington
Dylan has been living in Nashville, Tennessee for the last two years working with refugees and attending online school. He decided to move to England to work with university aged kids in a country where agnosticism and atheism is becoming the majority.
“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves.”
– Philippians 2:3 (NASB)
