Meet the Team!

The plane tickets have been bought so the team is finally set. Lets meet the 9 youth and 3 leaders who will be going on this trip that you have been supporting through your financial and prayer supports.

LEADERS:

Brandon Nutter

Brandon is the Youth Pastor at First Alliance Church in New Castle Pennsylvania. He has a heart for missions and a desire to be used by God. He is a die hard Michigan fan, and also loves the Cleveland Browns. He has an obsession with old books, especially ones that are of spiritual guidance. He has been married for almost ten years (anniversary takes place while we're in Costa Rica) to his beautiful wife Bethany. They have three children: Drew, Ben, and their newest, Lily, who was born on his birthday.





 Lauren Nutter

Lauren is Brandon's youngest sister. She graduated from Liberty University with a Communications degree specializing in Public Relations and Advertising. She is currently attending Cedarville University where she will be graduating with a second Bachelors degree in Social Work. Lauren has a heart for missions, and loves working with children and youth. Lauren's favorite color is blue and she is most looking forward to working with the children and people of Costa Rica.



 
Miriam Zepeda

Miriam is going into her Sophomore year at Azusa Pacific University where she is studying International Relations and Spanish. Miriam is our fluent Spanish speaker going on the trip with us this year. She loves the beach, her friends, and can't wait to be in Costa Rica ministering to the locals.

 YOUTH:

Cody Blair

Cody just graduated from Laurel High School where he was on Prom Court, voted class clown and most changed. In his free time he loves shooting baskets, going fishing and hanging out with family and friends. Cody is planning to attend ITT Tech for architectural drafting. The thing he is most excited about on the trip is interacting with the team and having a good time filled with lots  of laughs.



Mariah Burns

Mariah just graduated from Wilmington Area High school. She Played soccer, basketball, and ran in track. She was in peer leadership and FCA at her school. She loves to teach herself songs on the piano and her favorite colors are pink and orange. Hanging out with family and friends are her favorite past times. The thing she is looking forward to most on this trip is simply interacting with the people in Costa Rica while interacting with the rest of the team.




Mackenzie Hiers

Mackenzie just graduated from Wilmington Area High School where she played soccer, basketball and softball. She is also a member of NHS and peer leadership. She loves going on vacation, laying by the pool, and dreams of going to Greece one day. Her favorite color is purple. Mackenzie is a veteran on this trip as she went last year. The things Mackenzie is most excited about this trip is meeting new people, experiencing new culture, growing closer as a group, and seeing what awesome things the Lord is going to do.





 Chris Hill

Chris goes to New Castle Jr/Sr High School. His favorite color is blue and he was born on September 2, 1997. Chris has never flown on a plane before so this will be his first exciting experience. The thing Chris is most excited about for the trip is being able to teach people about Jesus.






Briana Lesnett

Briana is 18 years old. She just graduated from Wilmington Area High School where she was involved in tennis, chorus, women's choir, and chambers singers, musicals, plays, and was secretary in ambassadors club. In the fall, Briana is attending South Hills School of Business and Technology to study diagnostic medical sonography. Her favorite color is purple and favorite animal is a giraffe.The things she's looking most forward to is going somewhere new, learning about the people and it's culture, and spreading God's word.   

Derek Nichols

Derek is 15 years old and was born November 23.  Derek attends Wilmington High School. He is involved in peer leadership, baseball, basketball, and soccer at his school. His favorite color is green and is an Eagles fan! The one thing Derek is looking forward to most on this trip is connecting with the kids through Vacation Bible School.




Drew Nichols

Drew just graduated from Wilmington Area High School. He played baseball for his high school and plans to play in college. Drew is attending Geneve College this fall where he will be studying sports management and Business. In High School Drew was also involved in tech crew for the musicals and plays and was a part of NHS, and Peer Leadership. Drew's favorite color is red. The thing Drew is looking forward to most for the trip is growing closer as a youth group and spreading the message of Jesus.










Nate Stevens

Nate is 18 years old and just graduated from Bedford Senior High School. He is attending Monroe County community College in the fall and will be studying Nursing. Nate was involved in wrestling, pole vaulting, and School Bible Study at his high school. This will be his first time over seas, and his first time flying. Nate is also Brandon and Lauren's younger cousin. Nate's favorite color is White. The thing Nate is most excited about for this trip is the opportunity to see what life is like outside of the US as well as meet the people of Costa Rica.





Steve Wolford

Steve is 17 years old. He attends Neshannock High School where he plays soccer and basketball. Steve is also an Eagle Scout and his favorite color is red. The thing Steve is most looking forward to about the trip is experiencing the similarities and differences between the Costa Rican culture, and culture within the United States.





 We all thank you ahead of time for all of your support as it is greatly appreciated. We are all so excited to see what awesome things the Lord does with our group and how he uses us to reach the people of Costa Rica. Please remember to keep us in your prayers. Every so often, a couple of specific prayer requests will be added while we are on the trip that are things we are currently dealing with, so please check back!

We are excited as ever for this opportunity and can't wait to share it all with you.

Love,
The 2012 Costa Rica Team