Hey there! My name is Chris Carlson, and I’m a junior at Pensacola Christian College, majoring in pastoral ministries. I grew up in sunny California, and I attend Pioneer Baptist Church. I enjoy doing various things, from spending time with friends and making them laugh to filmmaking and video production. The Lord has given me many great opportunities to serve Him over the past several years, including serving as a camp counselor at Ironwood Christian Camp, a Bible club leader, a dorm supervisor, and the chaplain for the junior class at school. These opportunities have enabled me to do what the Lord is calling me to do: serve Jesus by serving people. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve in Australia, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for the trip.

Hey everybody! My name is Karina Jones, and I am a senior graduating with a degree in elementary education (plus a minor in history) in May 2023. Born and raised in Piedmont, Alabama, I am 21 years old and the oldest of three children. I love to read, play tennis and soccer, and just be around family and friends. After graduation, my plan is to move back to Alabama to pursue a teaching position while serving in my local church in children’s ministries. Growing up, I was given a lot of responsibility and through this responsibility learned how to serve others. This idea of serving others has always been something I loved to do and now I get to extend my ability to serve by traveling with YOM to Australia in the summer. I am extremely excited to be a part of this team and for the opportunity God has given us. I know God will use my trip experiences and the memories made to teach me some of the most incredible things!

Hi! My name is Cailyn Roach and I am a freshman at Pensacola Christian College. I am currently working towards my degree in nursing. After graduation, I plan to combine my love of science with my love of children and work in a hospital with pediatric patients. I was born in Pensacola, Florida, and since then, I’ve had the opportunity to also live in Maryland and Huntsville, Alabama, with my family. Some of my favorite things to do are embroidering, making jewelry, working with children, and of course, reading a good book (bonus if there’s some snow, and I’m by a warm fire!). I am so excited to learn and grow in my faith and to use my skills to be able to minister to the people of Australia this summer. I cannot wait to see what God does through this team!

Hey y’all! My name is Marenda Williams. I am a junior nursing major at Pensacola Christian College. God has greatly blessed me in my life. I had the honor to grow up in a pastor/youth pastor’s home. As my parents sought to humbly submit to the calling of the Lord no matter what, God moved my family thirteen times. Some may have been upset at God or their parents for this, but I would never trade the many friends, trials, growth, or souls that I got the short time to touch. I have served as a camp counselor, traveling singer, Sunday school teacher, Bible club leader, and VBS worker. Even though I had a somewhat crazy childhood, my dad always made sure we kids were playing hard at some sport. Because of that, I love basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, and anything outdoors. God has put a holistic burden on my heart for people; not only do I desire to reach their spiritual need but also their physical need. I am excited to see how God will use this trip to shape my future and make me more like Christ!

My name is Christina Wooten. I am a sophomore at Pensacola Christian College, double majoring in professional writing and performance studies. My father is a pastor at a church in South Carolina, so I have grown up participating in the ministry. I play piano for our church congregation, sing in the choir, and assist in junior church. In my spare time, I love to act, write, and sing. I hope to use the talents God has given me to serve Him in my future career. I am excited to travel to Australia for both the amazing experiences I will have and the people I will meet. God clearly opened this door for me, and I can’t wait to step through and see what is on the other side.