With our departure for England fast approaching, we thought this would be an opportune time to share more about the team and the reasons we've each signed on for the Cross-Cultural Project this year. The aim is that our words may be translated into fuller prayer requests for the work God may do in and through each of us this summer in the U.K.
Michael Jolivette – Bethel – Senior – Youth Ministry major
Why am I doing CCP?
“I heard a sermon about missions and felt moved by the Spirit to prayerfully consider joining a short term missions team. I am about to graduate from college and I am not tethered down by life circumstances like a full-time job. There may be no better time in my life to commit to experiencing a different part of the world, reach the lost campus and be sharpened by Christians who worship the same God. I believe God has positioned me to grow closer to Him in ways I do not expect by doing this cross-cultural trip.”
Fun Facts
“I love running, listening to music, playing the board game Risk and teasing my fat pug/corgi dog named “Porgi.”
Michaiah Melody – Northwestern – Senior – TESL major
What do I look forward to in the U.K.? At the Universities?
“I am looking forward to going to the U.K. so I can experience a new culture and meet believers from across the world. I also really like rain and I heard that it rains a lot in the U.K. and so I am looking forward to that as well.”
Fun Facts
“A big goal I want to accomplish during my lifetime is to write a book. When I was young, my favorite super hero was Superman because he was the only superhero I knew about. A quirky habit of mine is that I absolutely love making Powerpoints.”
Jake Wood – Northwestern – Senior – History major
What am I most scared about going into this summer?
“I am excited about experiencing a new place, in a new culture and learning how to love people and share the gospel in that context. But I am also very scared about social interaction. I am a very introverted person, and starting new relationships is not one of my strengths, but I am excited to change that!”
Fun Facts
“The number one thing on my bucket list is to travel EVERYWHERE. And to own a Saint Bernard.”
Devin Smith – CO Resource Staff – Fearless Leader
What do I look forward to in the U.K.? At the Universities?
“I'm excited to partner with the CO Sheffield team and to engage British students about what they believe. There's a need for the Gospel in the U.K., and I'm excited to see how the Lord will work. I am also motivated to gain some overseas experience and to see if doing missions long-term is something my heart is drawn towards.”
Fun Facts
“I was a competitive weightlifter in high school. I loved hiking in Glacier National Park last summer. I am an avid Star Wars fan, so I purchased a Jabba the Hutt action figure and put it on my desk at work.”
Aaron Wang – Bethel – Junior – Math major
Why am I doing CCP?
“I felt led to serve in England and want to develop a vision for the needs of the world. I am also excited about having a flawless English accent and driving the wrong way. I'm most scared for being labeled an American "Yankee."
Fun Facts
“I am a mutant like the ones from X-men. I have an unattached ear and an attached ear. I also do not like the X-men movies.”
Sarah Trapp – Northwestern – Senior – Psychology major
What am I most excited about going into this summer?
“I am most excited to travel with our team and encourage the CO staff over in Sheffield, and also to interact with the British students. And go to coffee shops! I am a little nervous to be rejected if I go up to students to talk with them and they give me the cold shoulder… but maybe that will be good for me!”
Fun Facts
“I am related to the VonTrapp family (Sound of Music). I love to dance and especially tap dance (even though I haven’t done it in awhile). I am all about those coffee shops and latte art, and sunrises/sunsets are literally THE BEST!”
Alli Wood – Northwestern – Senior – Psychology major
What am I most excited and scared about going into this summer?
“I am very excited to live with other students my age who are from Britain. It will be intriguing to see what our differences are and how I can learn from what they do. I also am already in love with our team from the States, and I guess I wouldn’t mind spending most of my summer vacation with them... As you can see, I’m just excited for new friends! Probably my biggest fear walking into this summer has to do with my lack of experience in sharing Christ in an environment where I am not fully comfortable. I hope to grow in challenging unbelievers in their worldview and simply resting in Christ during times (maybe all the time) when I do not see efforts come to fruition.”
Fun Facts
“My favorite drink is coffee for sure! And my guilty pleasures include Ben & Jerry’s 'The Tonight Dough' ice cream. And also, 'The Office'!”
Our team is very thankful for the support our friends, family, and communities have shown during this season of preparation. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow!”