Amanda, 25 years old, began her missions journey at GA/Acteens Camp (now Girls' Mission Adventure Camp) as an 8 year old girl at Bambi Lake. After begging her dad not to make her go to camp, Amanda's timid start quickly changed as she became an avid camper, participating every year and continuing on as a cabin leader and worship leader as a young adult. She first understood the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) while at Missions Camp, meeting IMB missionaries, hearing and reading their stories.

Her mission trips have included projects in Michigan, New York, Alabama, Missouri and Czech Republic as part of Memorial on Mission, her church's Acts 1:8 initiative. In 2013 she served in England and France with the IMB's Hands On program for young adults, working in student ministry for 6 months. Amanda graduated in 2014 from University of Alabama (UA) with a B.S. in Education where she was active in UA's Baptist Campus Ministries and attended Open Door Baptist Church while in Tuscaloosa.

In addition, Amanda has served at Memorial Baptist Church in Sterling Heights, MI as a teaching assistant in the summer school age program and in missions, youth and music ministries. Her life verse is Philippians 2:14-15: "Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children without fault in a crooked and depraved generation in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." (NIV) Amanda reminded us as she left for the field January 5, "Everyone is a missionary. Take every opportunity to share the good news with your family and friends and everyone around you."