A little about Megan and Daniel…
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Name: Megan Gearheart
From: Afton, Michigan, USA
Name: Daniel DeVries
From: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
Megan’s Interview
Well hello! I’m Megan Gearhart. I was born and raised in the small town of Afton which is located in the “tip-of-the-mitt” of Michigan, USA. I have a mum, dad, and younger brother named Kurt as well as a few dogs. We own a Christmas tree farm – so yes, I’m a country gal through and through!
I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, skiing, hunting, and the like. One of my favourite enjoyments is spending time with great friends watching movies, eating, or just chatting away life. Another favourite past time of mine is reading a great book next to a camp fire or under a pile of blankets on a chilly evening. When not too busy I also like to crochet or do cross-stitch. Back home I also loved playing piano and most card games. (Sorry all those who are athletic, I am awful at physical sports – though I love to have fun in non-competitive games of basketball and such.)
While in America I worked for the family business and a small bookstore when studying at university. Previous to joining the Crew, I finished my bachelor’s degree in theological and biblical studies at Kuyper College. I was currently studying at Calvin Theological Seminary before coming to Kilkeel. One day I hope to have my Master’s of Divinity – with which I hope to be a chaplain among young people.
How did I come to join the Crew? Great question…I actually came over for two weeks this past summer (2007) for SWITCH. Through this time I was introduced to the wonderful community of Kilkeel and fell in love with the young people I was working alongside and serving. I came this summer with intentions of returning to seminary…I suppose that God knew differently – seeing that I am back for a year! God guided me to bring about my travel to Kilkeel in just four weeks time.
I look forward to sharing life with the young people here at JIMS and outside of Kilkeel. There is much excitement in my heart for what God is going to do while I am here in Northern Ireland!
Daniel’s Interview
Hello! I’m Daniel DeVries, and I’m here in Northern Ireland all the way from Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’m 20 years old and love singing and fiddling around on the guitar. I’ve come to Kilkeel to spend a year serving on the CREW here at JIMS. It’s a beautiful place, and I’m thrilled to death to be here.
I’m the youngest of four in my family. When I was younger my parents were missionaries in the Philippines where I spent about nine years, so being overseas is nothing new. Being away from my family is also something I’ve done before; I spent two and a half years boarding at a small missionary school away from home while in the Philippines. I had never been across the great Atlantic, however, but being tucked here between the mountains and the sea, well. . . I won’t complain.
Back in Michigan I had finished high school, graduating in 2006, and spent some time studying music in university. During that time, I began to feel a yearning and a calling to get out of what I was doing and do voluntary ministry work, particularly with youth. Through a previous CREW member (Chad Marsman!), I was put into contact with the folks down here at JIMS and got myself all applied and accepted. Before I knew it, I was here.
Since arriving in Kilkeel, I’ve been blessed on a daily basis, particularly by the young people and the passion they show for their faith. I have no reservations in being confident that this will be a fantastic year for JIMS and the CREW. I’m very excited to see the way God’s work unfolds throughout my time here.