Here, There, and Everywhere: Part II

3 Students: Multiple Destinations

Trinity Bible College has always prioritized sending teams of students to serve and represent the school at youth camps across the nation and this year is no different. This summer the school has sent out two teams and Pack Your Bags has 5 alumni serving with them! Not only have these young adults said yes to 8 months of discipleship and serving across the world with PYB during the school year— they’ve gone the extra mile and sacrificed their summers to make sure more young people know about all that TBC&GS has to offer.

Anina McKnight is one of those 5 students serving on TBC’s summer teams. She is a 2021-2022 Pack Your Bags alumna and returning sophomore majoring in Intercultural Studies. Her team has traveled to camps in Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, and Idaho and they will finish out the summer in Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Dakota.

Anina McKnight

Serving on TBC’s traveling summer teams.

“This year I have the opportunity to serve in the Trinity summer teams. I have seen lives radically affected by the Holy Spirit and been able to receive and give words of life. I never expected to dedicate my summer to pour into the next generation, until PYB. “

“Despite all the growth I’ve experienced, there are times when I am still afraid of how people view me. Public speaking, talking to strangers, and openly being Christian have been my personal roadblocks. In PYB, I was placed outside of my comfort zone— the love I received during those moments had significant effects on my relationship with God and with others. Whether or not I felt too “exposed”, I would act how God called me to. It created courage for me to speak God’s words into the lives of those around me and make room to hear His voice better. Instead of desiring acceptance from others, I have begun to source my purpose and identity from God.”

Chicago 2021

“PYB prepared me for this summer by emphasizing the need for prayer. Growing up, I heard about the power of prayer, but never truly relied on it as the first and final defense. It is easy to feel helpless when seeing lives overwhelmed with poverty, cultural and racial expectations, shame, and personal sins. This past year, I continuously asked, “God, how can I help?” However, His answers always ended with “Pray.” The solution never called for my personal performance, but, instead, full reliance on His hand in His people’s lives. In PYB, there was morning prayer each week, in my second semester. It was a reminder to stop “doing” and “going” and to just sit and listen in God’s presence. God knows the burdens and needs we have for ourselves and others. He is the only one who can and will bring change, peace, and opportunities. However, He desires us to work with Him by allowing His voice to precede our actions.”

Honduras 2022

“The growth God gifted me with allowed me to act further in my role in Summer Teams. Talking in the lunch line and playing games with kids. Serving as a cabin leader. Working in recreation teams. Setting up food and helping in the kitchen. Representing Trinity and Pack Your Bags. These are all roles I am allowed to thrive in to a higher extent because of my time in Pack Your Bags.”

Israel 2022

Come back tomorrow to hear from Skyler Bennyhoff about his summer serving in a sensitive country!