An introduction of my team, written by our beloved storyteller, Elise Friderich!
“Ladies and gentlemen, the wait is over…
Introducing, for the first time ever, for their World Race debut…..
For 9 months! And 9 months only!
Team Naya!!
( applause )
After many long conversations and names being thrown around, my team of eight decided on the name Naya. Naya is a Hindi name for girls, meaning “To admire God”. In English, it translates to new or fresh
These seven girls and myself will be doing ministry together for the next nine months. Whether we are creating a school lesson, reading the Word, praying and worshipping or giggling for 30 minutes straight, I can’t wait to share with you all the sweet memories Team Naya will make.
Hey there! I’m Elise Friderich from Roswell, Georgia. I love my family, musical theater, and Peace Tea! It says in Colossians 3:2 to “set your minds on things that are above and not of things that are on earth.” This verse is written on my heart as a constant reminder to not be troubled by things on Earth but to be focused on His kingdom and steadfast love. During my senior year, I had a perfect plan for my life and God opened the door to show me something greater. God called me to the field to challenge me and partner with me in expanding the Kingdom.
Howdy!! My name is Kara Perrault, and I’m from Concord, North Carolina! I love learning new things, any outdoor recreation (especially whitewater rafting!), and real conversation over a good cup of coffee. My favorite verse is John 17:3 because eternal life is to know God!! The gospel is such good news- we can know God and walk with him in this life, not just in eternity. Eternal life starts now!! I launched on my race with P Squad in August 2022 and returned at the beginning of August 2023. I had two weeks at home before leader training started here in Gainesville. I’m here alumni leading because I believe God has a hope and a future for Gen Z and I want to be a part of it!! I’m passionate about the discipleship of this generation to rise up and radically follow Jesus and advance his kingdom!
Hey everyone!! My name is Ella and I am from Maine (the coolest place ever and you’re all invited). I love my family, peanut m&ms, little bugs and creatures, and giggling (which usually is more like cackling) with my team. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3: 5-6 which says: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” I love this verse because it so clearly demonstrates God’s love and how he guides us in everything when we lean on Him. Coming out of high school, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I decided to let the Lord guide me, and he reminded me of the joy it is to serve him. I’m so excited for all that God has for us this year and to continue exploring His wonderful creation and beauty throughout the communities and the countries we’ll visit!
Hey hey! I’m Arwyn, and I’m from Thailand! I love anything involving being outdoors and exploring God’s creation, especially hiking, mountain biking, and cliff jumping! My favorite verse as of right now is Isaiah 43:1-2, but it changes day by day… there’s too many good verses to choose from! I have been a missionary kid in India and Thailand since I was 4, and I believe long term missions is what God has for me, which is why I chose this trip with World Race! I’m so excited to expand the kingdom and spread light in the darkness with all of these godly men and women!
My name is Emma Kramer and I’m from Dawsonville, Georgia! I love to play volleyball and soccer and I love to hangout with my family and friends! One of my favorite verses is Psalm 103:12, “as far as the east is from the west so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” I think that the Lord has lead me into the mission field to grow and stretch me, expand His kingdom and strengthen my faith.
Hey my name is Ceciley Boynton and I live right outside of Detroit, Michigan! I love God first and foremost of course, but also friends /fam, being creative, physical activity, and exploring nature!! I love James 4:8 because I think it’s a great reminder that God’s arms are always open to us! I can’t say I know for sure why God called me here but He made it so clear this is where I’m supposed to be so I can’t wait to see how He works this year!
Hello friends, my name is Deborah Dvorak and I’m from Washington State! I love people, music, books, hot chocolate, goldfish, and fuzzy blankets. I’m passionate about service, and I want to follow God to the ends of the earth. One of my life verses is Psalm 27:14 which says “wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” I took two years in between High School and launching on the field, because of this it was a constant battle about if I was even where God wanted me. Ending up with this group of people at this time in my life was purely by His grace. He called me here to learn about what active ministry looks like. I know this journey is to prepare me for a life on the mission field wherever I go!
Heyy!!! I’m Abby Wallace from Spokane, Washington! I love arts and crafts , wake surfing, orca whales and Red Bull! My favorite verse is John 14:6 “ He (Jesus) said to them , I am the way , the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father (God) except through me” I love this verse because it is one of only a few times Jesus is so straight forward when explaining who he is and why he came to earth! It’s beautifully clear that Jesus is the only truth and life I want!! I am now on the mission field because I knew that I couldn’t go straight into college just yet… so I’m here to use my people skills and passion for God to spread his love!!
So there you have it! We are from all over the place and have only known each other for a month, yet I can safely say that these girls are my family and I love them dearly. Go support them and read their blogs!! These women of God are incredible.”
