CENTER for STUDENT MISSIONS

William Biles

William is from Topeka, KS and is a junior at Washburn University majoring in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management. He is on the Board of Directors for Campus Ministry at Washburn, is part of the technology staff, and is student president. William was a camp counselor at SpaceTech camp for three years. Last summer, he taught youth at Rock Springs 4-H Camp. A computer geek, William also enjoys cooking and photography. “I am excited to serve with CSM this summer. I look forward to growing in my love of God and people.”

Kristyn Cloud

Kristyn is from Evansville, Indiana and has a Bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing and Religious Studies from Ball State University. She joined CSM in DC in January, 2008 and is excited to continue building relationships in the city through the summer. Kristyn enjoys reading, hot beverages, writing letters, and summertime. “But of all things, two are primary: the gospel and cranberry muffins.”

Melissa Hartsell

Melissa is from Concord, NC, which is just outside of Charlotte. She is a rising junior at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. Melissa is majoring in Religious Studies with a concentration in Education. Her minors are YMCA (Non-Profit Business Management) and Youth Ministry. Melissa has been involved in hometown missions her entire life and has also done mission trips to Myrtle Beach, SC and Louisville, KY. She went to Toronto in 2005 with CSM. At school, Melissa is involved in FOCUS (Fellowship of Christians United in Service), a group that leads weekend youth retreats at various churches in the area and does small groups and worship services. Melissa enjoys reading, playing all sports, and painting. “One of my original goals as a CSM staff person was to have youth come away from the experience with a heart for urban missions, just as I did from Toronto. Mainly, though, I want the youth to see that there are opportunities for mission service all around them.”

Hannah Henderson

Hannah is from the tiny town of Chatsworth, GA, which is about two hours north of the big city of Atlanta. She just finished her junior year at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS!) and is majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences Education, with the intent to teach middle school. At school, she is a Georgette (dancer) in the Redcoat Marching Band, performing in front of almost 93,000 people! She loves dancing, followed closely by reading. Hannah’s mission trip experience includes a trip to New Orleans and another to Philadelphia with CSM before starting her senior year of high school. She has also helped with a number of vacation bible schools and other youth related activities. “This summer I hope to gain a better understanding of the need for missionaries in inner city America, rather than just overseas, as well as how to better work with youth. I also hope to increase my passion for helping others, and bring that enthusiasm back home with me in the fall, helping to influence others to do the same.”

Arthur Keefer

Arthur (AJ) grew up in Fort Mill, SC (at least for his Middle and High School years). He is a senior at Virginia Tech, majoring in International Business and Religion. His mission trip experience includes trips to rural Nicaragua and one to Quebec through the church he attended as a teenager. Last summer AJ was a youth intern at 4th Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD, working with junior and senior high and most closely with the 7th grade boys. He plays drums in the Campus Crusade worship band at his school and enjoys playing music, reading books, and riding bikes. Eating is high on the enjoyment list as well, but because it is a necessity it does not quite qualify as a hobby. “Since culture, society, and the economy hinge on its status, I feel the city must be the primary focus for missions and ministry efforts. If the city is reached, the nation is reached. I want well-to-do kids to see the poverty that exists just down the road from their usual comfort and how the gospel can impact all people in all ways.”

Cassie Noland

Cassie is from Vincennes, Indiana and recently graduated from the University of Evansville with a degree in Theological Studies. For the last year she has been interning with a local youth group, which has given her the opportunity to work closely with middle school and high school youth. During this time Cassie led her youth group on mission trips, to conferences, and during lock-ins. The youth captured her heart and taught her what it is like to have faith as a child. While in high school, Cassie participated in many mission trips including a CSM trip to Los Angeles that changed her life. In college Cassie was active in a service fraternity on campus where she was on the executive board for three years. Cassie loves to travel and recently spent one semester studying in England. She enjoys hanging out with friends and playing Frisbee. She likes history and helping others. “I have a passion for helping youth discover Jesus through service. I am excited to work in Washington, DC because this is the headquarters of our country and what better place to share the good news than in our nation’s capital?”

Sarah Rodriguez

Sarah Rodriguez is from Fredericksburg, VA and is attending James Madison University majoring in Social Work. Sarah participated in a two-week mission trip during the summer of 2003 to Southern France, working with high school students and putting on Vacation Bible School for school age children. She also served in a special education school in the Dominican Republic on a two-week trip during the summer of 2006. Sarah has experience with children/students of all ages. She has lots of experience babysitting and has led a small group (Bible study) for college freshman when she was a sophomore at James Madison University. In her free time, Sarah enjoys traveling, movies and good conversation with friends. Sarah would be content eating Mexican food for every meal. “I am eager to see how the Lord will grow and teach me new things about Himself this summer.”

Katie Welborn

Katie was born in Lexington, South Carolina, attended Presbyterian College and is currently a sophomore at Clemson University. Her major is Political Science with a minor in Nonprofit Leadership. During high school Katie went on two mission trips to Mexico to help build a school for the deaf. She worked at several vacation Bible schools and helped in the kitchen and with maintenance work at a local camp for underprivileged children. Katie was a member of youth groups during middle school and high school, where she was on the servant team. Katie was a cheerleader during high school and at Presbyterian College. The beach is her favorite place in the world. “This Summer I want to draw closer to God by serving Him. I want to be challenged to dig deeper in the word in order to lead students during their week of service in the city. Being away from my normal life and out of my comfort zone will be a good way for me to refocus on what really matters (service).”