1. What did you do directly after high school? 

Attended Word of Life Bible Institute in Florida for one year; then went to Word of Life in

NY for the 2nd year program. I then transferred to Moody Bible Institute for my final 2

years and completed a BA in Bible and Intercultural Studies (Missions)

2. What are you currently doing?

After finishing at Moody, I worked with Operation Mobilization (OM) for 2 years. OM is a

Mission Agency founded by George Verwer over 55 years ago. I worked as George Verwer's

assistant, based in London, and traveled with him to 21 countries around the World. During my

second year with OM I traveled across Africa working with different ministries there. Now I'm joining Pioneers in order to serve overseas as a missionary, engaging in evangelism and discipleship in order to see churches formed among unreached people groups. The immediate goal is to form a church-planting team to reach the Nomadic Arabs of Niger, West Africa.

3. Tell us about any awards, interesting adventures,  etc. since you graduated high school. 

Traveled around the world as George Verwer's "gopher" assistant; then through a number of African countries in the Sahel (Sub-Saharan) part of Africa. Have been to 30 countries in the last 2 years. 

4. What is your favorite memory from your time in Legacy and the NCFCA?
The sense of community and family that was formed. I loved spending time and learning from such an outstanding group of people. I loved the Legacy meetings...teaching LD and apologetic, practicing speeches...mock debates. I loved the tournaments...running from room to room like a chicken with it's head cut off...having friendly sparing matches over theological issues in the halls...the adrenaline rush of competition. But it all comes back to the people. The people is what made Legacy and NCFCA such a honor to be a part of. 

5. How has doing speech and debate impacted who you are and what you are doing today?
Doing competitive debate actually helped me to be less argumentative in personal interactions. In other words, I learned that there are two sides to an issue, and I wasn't always right. That it's important to look at both sides of an issue before quickly passing judgement. It was also through involvement at Legacy that I learned how much I enjoyed teaching. I realized I was a people person and wanted to be involved with evangelism and discipleship for the rest of my life. This influenced my decision to give up becoming a missionary pilot and instead focus on church-planting, where I would be interacting with people a lot more. Having confidence to speak in public has also helped me throughout the last several years, as I have had the opportunity to speak to large crowds of people. Being able to confidently speak in public opens up many doors of opportunity that would otherwise be missed. 

6. What is your message for those currently involved in speech and debate?
Be faithful! God has given you a unique opportunity many will never have. Be faithful and make the most of it. I love what Jim Elliot said, "Wherever you are, be all there! Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." 
 

7. What is your message for those considering adding speech and debate to their life?

(for instance KK might write - be REALLY careful who you choose as your TP debate partner because you may very well end up married to them!) Seek God about it, and if He approves, Go for it! Realize that speech and debate will give a person confidence like almost nothing else will. For many, public speaking is their greatest fear. Well, there is no greater way to overcome that fear then by facing it head on and doing speech and debate. If we want to be bold witnesses for Jesus Christ we need to learn how to SPEAK! The Gospel, like any message, takes words to convey it and a mouth to proclaim it. We need to learn how to do both well.
 

8. Anything else that you want to add.
As believers, we are called to love God and love people. This is first and foremost. Speech and debate is a tool by which we can better love both God and man, by learning to communicate God's love to man. Too many people are crippled by their fear of public speaking. In order to be courageous witnesses for Jesus Christ we need to learn to overcome that fear and communicate the amazing message of Jesus clearly. Speech and debate helped to do just that and I believe it can do the same for you.