The IWU World Impact Brazil team for 2011 is made up of 8 team members with all different talents, interests, and stories. I'm not sure who to start with... let's see.... here's our TEAM!
MICHELLE NYWENING
Michelle is a sophomore at IWU majoring in business management and finance. She's from Elkhart, IN and loves giraffes. She enjoys hanging out with friends, playing volleyball, and baking. Her favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11 and she can't wait to soak up the culture of Brazil and get to know the people there.
KIRSTA THARP
Kirsta is a senior intercultural studies major here at Indiana Wesleyan University. Her parents are pastors at the Nazarene church, so she has moved many times in her life but is currently living in Muncie, Indiana. She loves missions and works with the youth of America to excite a passion for missions within them. She loves to ride horses and try new things. She will eat just about anything and loves finding the little things that make us all different.
JULIE RUSE
My name is Julie Ruse and I like to think of myself as God’s princess. I have a little brother who’s one of my closest friends and wonderful parents who have helped guide me in the way of the Lord. We moved around a lot while I was growing up because of my Dad’s job in the military. Though it was hard making friends at times, it was a great experience overall because I learned and experienced so many great things. I love nature, adventure and making stuff with my hands. At college I’m studying to be a middle school or high school math teacher, and I’m excited about that. But I also love interior design, so hopefully I can squeeze in some classes for that as well. I have never been on a missions trip, but I have wanted to, and I feel that God has led me to this Brazil team. I pray that He continues to prepare my heart so that it can be a channel of His love to the people I’ll meet in Brazil.
BEN MCCLURE
Ben is a junior history and international relations major. He loves sports but especially soccer, football, and golf. He likes all things outdoors, the beach, and hanging with friends. This will be his first missions trip outside of the United States. He loves talking to people and meeting new ones, and he is very excited to work with the kids.
DANIEL KIEFER
Daniel is a freshman intercultural studies major with a minor in Christian ministries and Spanish. He loves the outdoors and is terrified of spiders.
JACKIE VICK
STUDENT LEADER
Jackie will be a senior at IWU and is studying Intercultural Studies and Theology. She grew up in Kalamazoo, MI and plans after graduation to work with Global Partners as a missionary. This will be her third trip to Manaus and has grown to love and cherish the Brazilians and their culture. She loves coffee, animals, Forrest Gump and has never been to Canada, ever. "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" Micah 6:8.
EMILY LARSON
STUDENT LEADER
Emily is a sophomore nursing student. She is currently working as an RA in a freshman dorm and LOVES IT! She is from Oak Lawn, IL which is a southwest suburb of Chicago. Emily was a part of the IWU World Impact Brazil team last year, so this will be her second time going to Manaus, Brazil. She loves lattes, good talks, and people. She is so excited to return to Brazil and cannot wait to see what God has in store for this year's team!
KRISTEN WILLEY
STAFF TEAM LEADER
Kristen has a passion for people and enjoys learning about other cultures. She has been involved with ministry teams in Croatia, Mexico, and Trinidad and looks forward to serving in Brazil this summer. She graduated from IWU in 2005 with degrees in both painting and illustration. Her favorite ways to spend time involve working on the potter's wheel, spending one-on-one time with friends, or cooking and hosting people in her home.
We are all SO excited about sharing this experience with all of you! We hope that you will be praying for us as we make many preparations for this journey. Thanks for your support!
