Kara Landhuis
Des Moines, IA | 22
PROJECT: York
Kara attended Iowa State University and earned a degree in advertising. After working as a graphic designer for a year, she decided to take her skills to England to serve the youth and communities there.
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
Bella Cones
The Woodlands, TX | 22
PROJECT: York
Bella graduated from Mississippi College with a degree in elementary education. Instead of teaching, she feels the Lord has called her to full time ministry. Her passion is seeing people grow in the Lord.
“But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you.”
– 2 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)
Daniel Hebert
Sherman, TX | 23
PROJECT: York
Daneil attended Baylor University and studied religion. Between undergrad and graduate school, Daniel had the desire to spend some time serving abroad. He is excited for the year to come!
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”
– Romans 3:23 (ESV)
Ashley Wiktorek
Cleveland, GA | 25
PROJECT: Billingham
Ashley graduated with her M.A. in strategic communications at Liberty University in May 2015. She has spent the last two years teaching public speaking courses while spending a summer in England as an intern for UK-USA Ministries. With a heart for youth and women ministries, Ashley is ready to spend the year serving the Billingham community.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose.”
– Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Shelby Duncan
Denison, TX | 22
PROJECT: Billingham
Shelby attended West Texas A&M University to study social work. After two short term mission trips to Teesside she felt God call her to Teesside for full-time missions. She has a heart for working with children and serving others.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8 (NIV)
Robby Houppert
Rochester, NY | 20
PROJECT: Billingham
Robby attended Liberty University and is finishing his degree online. He is a passionate outdoors man who desires to connect that passion with a love for the youth. He is also a sold out Liverpool supporter.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
– Genesis 1:1 (ESV)
Tracey Mardis
Springdale, AR | 22
PROJECT: Billingham
Tracey attended Ouachita Baptist University to study psychology and Spanish. Tracey isn’t for sure what she is going to do after her gap year but she is excited to see what the Lord has in store for her. She loves cats and enjoys exploring new places.
“The Lord God has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary. Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.”
– Isaiah 50:4 (ESV)
STEPHEN MERKEY
Houston, TX | 25
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 3rd year ministering to the people of Hartlepool as well as playing for the Hartlepool basketball team.
“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.[a] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you[b] free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death”
– Romans 8:1-2 (ESV)
BETHANY MCNEELEY
Valley Center, KS | 25
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 3rd 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.
“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)
Madison mitchel
Spring, TX | 18
PROJECT: Hartlepool
Madison graduated from Klein high school. She knew God was calling her to England and moved here after graduation! Her desire is to see people love and know Christ.
“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
– Psalm 138:8 (ESV)
JILL O’DELL
Dallas, TX | 24
PROJECT: Hartlepool
For the last four years, Jill has attended Liberty University. After 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)
Leah reist
Traverse City, MI | 22
PROJECT: Mosaic Church
Leah attended Liberty University and graduated in May with a degree in business. Throughout her senior year she felt the Lord calling her to spend at least 1 year in England. She is very passionate about serving people through food & hospitality and by doing life with people.
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
– Acts 20:24 (ESV)
Maggie All
Union, SC | 25
PROJECT: Mosaic Church
Maggie graduated from University of South Carolina with a degree in Anthropology. After serving for two years in South Asia, she had the opportunity to serve with you and college students in Florida mobilizing them towards missions where she gained a passion for youth work. She is excited to have the opportunity to work with youth in England!
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
– Psalm 46:10 (ESV)
JARED BREDESON
Ravenna, MI | 25
PROJECT: Stokesley & Great Ayton
Jared graduated from Liberty University with a degree in video broadcasting. After working as media director at a megachurch for two years, he felt God calling him to full-time mission work. He loves everything nerdy and his biggest passion is to use media to spread the gospel around the world in a relevant way.
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
– Proverbs 31:8 (ESV)
Elizabeth Crofford
Fort Worth, TX | 22
PROJECT: Stockton
Elizabeth attended Texas A&M University, graduating with a degree in Psychology. She felt called to serve in the UK after graduation and is excited to discover what is to come!
“Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.”
– Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV)
BRITTANY WRAY
Los Angeles, CA | 26
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 | 25
PROJECT: Stockton
Rachel attended University of California Berkeley to study architecture. After working at an architecture firm in Los Angeles for a year and 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)
Elizabeth Myers
Dacula, GA | 22
PROJECT: Stockton
Elizabeth attended Liberty University to study worship and music studies/biblical studies, and after graduation, felt the Lord calling her to England for a year. Her desire is to use music as a means by which people can know & understand the gospel.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.”
– Ephesians 2:13 (ESV)
BRIAN MORRIS
Tulsa, OK | 26
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 | 26
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)
Logan Byrd
Texarkana, TX | 22
PROJECT: Thornaby
Logan just graduated from Texas A&M in Texarkana. He majored in business but has a passion to know God more and help others know God more. He has come to England for the challenge and opportunity to do just that.
“Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again.[b] The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'”
– John 4:13-14 (ESV)
Theo Goldner
League City, TX | 18
PROJECT: Grangetown
Theo was going to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor until he felt God calling him to do a gap year. His passion is to simply serve people.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
MICHAEL NORTHRUP
New Haven, CT | 23
PROJECT: Coulby Newham
Michael attended Liberty University to study biblical studies. He is passionate about worship and evangelism. He is starting his second year in Coulby Newham at The King’s Academy. Hi, Mom!
“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
– James 1:12 (NKJV)
Vincent Sacco
Houston, TX | 22
PROJECT: Coulby Newham
Vincent studied at Texas A&M where he met his wife, Emma. He is currently attending Southern Seminary online. Vincent came to England in high school and felt God calling him to work here full-time after university. Through God’s provision, he & Emma made it here to serve God and the people of Coulby Newham.
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your[a] life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
– Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV)
Emma Sacco
Austin, TX | 22
PROJECT: Coulby Newham
Emma grew up in Austin and attended Texas A&M, graduating with a degree in international art and culture. She married her husband, Vincent, in November 2014 and shortly after, they moved to Coulby Newham. Emma works as a youth worker and administrator at Coulby Newham Baptist Church.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
– Ephesians 2:10
SARAH BEECHAM
Woodstock, GA | 21
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)
Shelby Denney
Brandon, FL | 18
PROJECT: Middlesbrough
Shelby graduated from high school in 2015. God revealed a calling to full-time foreign missions four years ago, so she is excited for an extended opportunity to serve right after high school. She is passionate about music, discipleship, and trees.
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength[a] of my heart and my portion forever.”
– Psalm 73:26 (ESV)
Sarah Tipton
Austin, TX | 25
PROJECT: Eston
Sarah attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, studied English education, and graduated in December 2014. She loves coffee, chocolate, meeting new people, and having deep conversations. She came to England in January 2015 and loves working with kids of all ages.
“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
– Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Jessica Davis
McDonough, GA | 25
PROJECT: Eaglescliffe
Jess graduated Gordon State with degrees in early childhood education and special education in 2012. After three years of teaching elementary school, she felt God calling her to use her Anglophilia for His glory. She loves young people, books, tea, and science fiction.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
– Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
Delaney Allen
Orlando, FL | 18
PROJECT: Egglescliffe
Delaney graduated recently from the First Academy high school. She felt the Lord tug on her heart to do something different and serve him in a big way. She can’t wait to spread the Gospel to the kids in the Tees Valley.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
– 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV)
LOGAN HOLLOMAN
Back Creek Valley, WV | 24
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 | 19
PROJECT: Axiom
Monica is from a small town in Virginia and absolutely loves sports. This will be her 2nd year with Axiom and she loves the team! Using sports to bridge the gap between herself and other people is the most incredible way to share the Gospel.
“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)
Ben Anfidsen
Potomac Falls, VA | 25
PROJECT: Axiom
Ben went to the University of South Carolina to study finance. After spending a year in Lynchburg, VA he came to the UK to spread the Gospel using basketball (Shout out to Dixie!)
“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 | 23
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)
Jared Fulks
Peachtree City, GA | 21
PROJECT: Axiom
Jared attended Liberty University and recently graduated with a degree in business marketing. He thoroughly enjoys sports and shoes, while spending time eating whatever dessert is on the table.
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
– 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NIV)
Cayla Broadwater
Parker, CO | 24
PROJECT: Axiom
Cayla graduated from Colorado State University. She felt called to use sports as a platform to bring God glory and make His name known.
“Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,”
– Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)
Morgan Long
Wilmington, NC | 24
PROJECT: Axiom
Morgan attended Liberty University to study business marketing and sports management. He is very passionate about football and is an avid Chelsea supporter. He likes long walks on the beach under the stars on a beautiful summer night.
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”
– Romans 12:1-2 (NKJV)
JENNA FRASER
Grand Blanc, MI | 23
PROJECT: Axiom
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)
