Ava Veldwyk
Teesside,UK | 44990
My Story
I first heard about gap year through my church and through other people who have participated in it. Not long after that, I got an opportunity to go on a 10-day mission trip through my student ministry. On that trip, we hiked up a mountain called Roseberry Topping. While on the top of the mountain, we were encouraged to pray to God. While praying, I felt the Lord put on my heart that this was where I needed to be. Instead of ignoring that, I continued to walk through the doors that He was opening. I have continued to use the encouragement from my church community and the affirmation from the Lord to help me walk down the path that He has sent for my life.
Where I Work
I will be serving with UK-USA Ministries / Tees Valley Youth for Christ in Teesside, UK. Teesside is one of the most unreached regions in England; in a census done in 2021, 40% of residents said they did not have a religion. Many of the people who would consider themselves Christian are elderly, which brings up the problem of none of the younger generations becoming Christian. During my time in Teesside, I will be in a church helping them with outreach (especially for youth), church events/ activities, and service projects within the community.