Why NT365 Gap Year?? Adrielle speaks...

I had never heard about IMB's Nehemiah Teams NT365 until a month before the application deadline. I wasn't thinking about doing a gap year program like this & honestly didn't even really know programs like this existed! One day my grandparents, who are former IMB missionaires, received an email about this gap year opportunity and told me about it.

I prayed about it & decided to apply. I was a little nervous about my fundraising at first because I joined a little late. But God provided even more than I could have imagined! I went over my goal & even had a church family give me a check for funds that I had donated myself. One thing i learned from this process is that if God is calling you to something... He will provide!!

-Adrielle
Idaho

Why NT365 Gap Year?? Jessica speaks...

I initially heard about the Nehemiah Team gap year program from my friend, Grace, who had already signed up for the trip. I knew God was also calling me to pursue missions this next year. When Grace invited me to come with her, I was hesitant at first. I didn't want to intrude on what my friend was being called to. After praying about it, God confirmed that He wanted me to go too.

I began fundraising, trusting that God would provide what seemed to me to be an impossible cost. As August neared & our departure date got closer, I had less than a third of the money I needed for the trip. 

I am so thankful for the people God put in my life who helped me raise my support & who encouraged me in my doubt. Within the span of a week, I went from having less than a third of my funding to being completely funded. God had provided for me abundantly!

-Jessica

Colorado

Getting from "here" to "there"

I flew out of Nashville, TN, my local airport. Saying goodbye to my family was very emotional. Right before I walked through security, there was a new "realness" to the journey. That was not easy doing that along for the first time.

In Charlotte, I met up with Emma which was a real blessing! God got us to the right places from there on without much hassle.

In California, we met up with the rest of the team, which was great! They're so fun. That was the hug which would begin the 13 hour flight. I was seated between 2 Asian men and felt slightly deperate to get back with my team.. the "familiar people."

The rest of the travel was pretty smooth & I think God's hand was over it. We were able to get to the right places & stay together for the most part. I'm here and it's a blessing to me. It was definitely tiring but honestly... I can't complain.

-Camille
Tennessee

The Peace of God's Plan

Hugging my three little sisters goodbye on August 28th at the Charlotte City, NC airport was one of the hardest things I've ever done. Knowing that when I see them next, they will be taller,  wearing new clothes, having exciting new hobbies, new favorite colors, and so on. I remember after tearfully hugging them, I hugged my mom & dad. My parents, who have taught me, helped me & loved me so well for 18 years. It was so hard to part with my family! 

But I had to eventually commit to turning around & walking away- even thought, yes, it's sad... it's also so amazing to be stepping into the peace of God's plan.

When I met the rest of my wonderful team, my peace felt even more confirmed! And God blessed us with smooth & safe travels.

One of my favorite moments was on my shorter fight from Manila to Davao City. I sat next to the sweetest Filipina. She looked anxious about the flight, so turning to her, I asked if she spoke English. She responded, "Yes! Yes! A little bit!" I smiled & asked if she wanted to pray over the safety of our fight together and she immediately agreed. We joined hands before the plane took off. I said a simple prayer, asking for God's protection and peace. 

What a beautiful moment! A Filipina & an American girl, with nothing in common but united under the need for the Lord & His perfect peace. What a good Father we have! What an honor to be here in the Philippines, serving with IMB & Nehemiah Teams.

God has blessed me so much- and my heart is humbled to be here with this team, sharing and living out the Gospel together.

-Emma

North Carolina

the Adventure has Begun!

This past week has been a whirlwind of blessings. The moment I met my teammates in the airport, it is like we have been family & dear friends. We have already experienced so many adventures together! The bond we have is God given. I thank Him everyday for it.

Over this past week, I can already feel my spirit grow closer & closer to God. This time spent daily diving into God's word, having the time to be still before God, and gathering with believers has made an incredible impact on my life already. I cannot wait to see how God will grow me & my teammates during our training. 

Praise God... the adventure continues!

God bless,

-Julia

North Carolina

A day of "Goodbye" & "Hello!"

I said "goodbye" to my sisters, bother, Nana & my parents on August 28, 2024. I said "Hello!" to my new teammates, brothers & sisters and fellow missionaries that same day.

I hopped aboard a plane that took me 13 hours towards my new home in the Philippines. I have trusted Jesus with my life since I was 6 years old, and at 18, my love for Him, His grace & His love has only grown.

He was with me in the light of mornings and with me in the darkness of twilight. So, not-so-naturally, I followed the way He told me to go & now I find myself in the Philippines. The trip to get here was long, but it allowed a great amount of time for thinking, praying, and preparing for this trip & this moment. May God use me & my life for His glory & for His will!

To God be the Glory!

-Lydia

Alabama

Why NT365 Gap Year?? Grace speaks...

Three years ago I was at a youth camp where God put it on my heart to go into ministry. Six months later, I began to look into gap year program. I looked at many different programs but I didn't feel called to any. 

One day I was talking to my dad & he recommended I look into Nehemiah Teams. After looking through their trip description, I knew this trip was for me.

I love that we are spending 3 of our 10 months being poured into so we will be able to pout into others. I also believe God will use the training portion of this trip to equip me so I can faithfully work for His Kingdom.

In Christ,
Grace

Colorado