The Students

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Meet the next generation of Christian Ministry leaders and their mentors

Current Students

Andrew Aramouni

Aspiration: Counseling refugees in the Middle East
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Clinical and Mental Health Counseling

Andrew’s father left Lebanon during the civil war and settled in San Antonio, TX. As a child, Andrew joined his father in ministry, started a homeless ministry at seventeen and participated in overseas missions. These life experiences inspired Andrew to want to one day help alleviate the effects of trauma on refugees, especially in the Middle East. Andrew spends his free time with his wife, Emma, and exploring Chicago with friends.

“222 Foundation offers so much more than a scholarship. The burnout rate is so high among seminarians, and they really help keep me and others on the path.”

Eric Bratke

Aspiration: Missions to families
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

As a high school student, Eric felt called to ministry after a mission trip distributing wheelchairs in Mexico. Since then, he has had ministry experiences that confirmed his calling in Peru, at summer camps, and within his local church. Eric hopes to serve children and their families through camp ministry with Agapé Ministries Global after seminary. In his spare time, Eric enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, travel and hiking.

"It’s vitally important for upcoming ministry leaders to be supported by those with experience and application of advanced theology. I am blessed to be part of a foundation with both!”

Feyissa Muleta

Aspiration: Equip pastors and ministry leaders in rural Ethiopia
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD, Educational Studies

Originally from Ethiopia, Feyissa served with Campus Crusade for Christ for ten years as part of the national leadership and regional leadership teams in Africa. He hopes to use his doctoral training to build a mobile theological training center for rural, African pastors who cannot leave their communities. Feyissa enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and two boys.

“I couldn’t have come this far without the multidimensional support of 222 Foundation. They fill in the spiritual, financial, and relational gaps.”

Chrystal Tang

Aspiration: Church planting in Southwest Asia
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Teaching English as Second Language

Originally from China, Chrystal came to the U.S to complete her Masters of Divinity degree. God then called her to earn an additional Teaching English as a Second Language certification. She hopes to use all her training to plant churches overseas. Chrystal currently lives in a highly Muslim-populated area of Chicago and actively hosts and ministers to her unbelieving neighbors.

“My mentor embraces me sharing both my ‘wonderful things’ and deep struggles; she gives me encouragement and affirms me for who I am.”

Gabe Puopolo

Aspiration: Missionary Teacher
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD Theological Studies

Originally from Italy, Gabe came to the U.S. to pursue a masters and later a doctorate degree in theological studies. He hopes to use his training to teach others as a faculty member and/or pastor one day. Gabe’s mentor describes him as focused, goal-oriented and wise beyond his age. Gabe enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and two young children.

“My mentor keeps me accountable and helps me realize I have to start thinking and preparing now about who I want to be in the future.”

Brooklyn Parker

David Ko

Minamond Kanokporn

Stefan Zander

Eli Brayley

Aspiration: Pastor/evangelist to Mormon community
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

After Eli spoke at a college campus in Utah, hundreds of Mormon students expressed interest in the Gospel. Eli felt called to the Mormon community and became a pastor of two small churches over nine years. Becoming a pastor at only 23 years of age, Eli felt he was in over his head under the many responsibilities of being a pastor and knew he needed more training and support. Eli hopes to return to Utah seeking opportunities to spread the gospel. Eli loves to play chess and spend time with his wife and three young children.

“Pastoring is one of the most difficult jobs on earth. There should be wisdom and experience that gets passed down from one generation to the next so that old mistakes aren't repeated, and new pastors can build upon the labors and successes of older pastors.”

JP Tegart

Aspiration: Pastoral
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

While serving as a Sunday School teacher to college students, JP felt called to full-time ministry. He served as a pastoral intern at his own church, and at the same time, as a church planting intern in partnership with other congregations. He is currently pursuing deeper theological training and plans to pastor, and train lay leaders who cannot attend seminary themselves. JP and his wife, Ashley, both enjoy reading and hiking.

“I share 222 Foundation’s vision of supporting those who want to enter the ministry. I'm humbled by the gracious financial support and mentorship that 222 offers, it truly is an answer to prayer.”

Abigail Wright

Caleb Nakina

Jonathon Page

Kun Ma

Paxton Bauer

Kun Ma

Michael McCarthy IV

Emily Bodjanac

Aspiration: Develop leaders and serve families through local churches
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Emily started undergraduate studies in counseling, yet later felt called to family ministry. Along with pursuing her degree, Emily has worked at Wheaton Bible Church for six years and currently serves as the full-time elementary and preteen director. She uses both her counseling and family ministry training to serve and develop additional leaders in the congregation. In her free time, Emily enjoys hiking with her husband and gardening.

“My mentor has given me the space to talk and explore my giftedness and consider how God might use that in my current and future ministry.”

Hannah Bridge

Aspiration: Missions
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

Hannah felt called to missions as a teenager. Her calling was further shaped during a semester abroad and working in the international student ministry in college. After the Covid-19 pandemic waylaid her plans to study overseas and minister there, God led her to pursue theological training in the U.S. before heading to the overseas mission field. For fun, Hannah enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with friends.

“I am very excited to learn from my mentor’s wisdom, asking and being asked tough questions, and learning what it looks like to be a woman faithful to God’s mission in the world.”

Peter Harris

Aspiration: Missions
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

Peter grew up in Africa and felt called to full-time ministry after God delivered him from drug addiction and saved him. In seminary, he met his wife and they both felt called to full-time ministry in South Africa. He is active in his church and hopes to return to Africa to pastor, plant churches, and train pastors. Peter enjoys spending time with his wife, Jana, cook and spend time with friends.

“222 bridges a necessary gap between the local church and the academy which is very much needed today. I trust the Lord will use 222 in order to launch myself and all those involved as those who are better equipped to go into full time ministry.”

Kyle Luck

Kyle Luck

Aspiration: Pastor
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Kyle felt called to ministry in high school. After earning a bachelor’s degree from Moody Bible Institute, he served as a youth pastor for seven years. Kyle is currently pursuing additional education to “dig the well a little deeper,” as he says, and prepare for further and longer-term service in the Church. Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife, four children, hiking and cycling.

“I'm excited for mentorships that catalyze depth in ministry. Faithful shepherding requires more than head knowledge or a degree.”

Andrew Lu

Carlo Cicero

Jordan Davis

Lal Thang

Roberto Martinez

Jonathan Boynton

Aspiration: Pastoral Ministry
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

While working in roofing, Jonathan, alongside other lay leaders in his congregation, was given additional theological and shepherding training from church leaders. Though his ministry was a construction site, Jonathan felt equipped and inspired by the experience. After much prayer and counsel, he pursued formal theological studies and hopes to grow spiritual formation in others. Jonathan enjoys golfing, biking, and visiting national parks in his spare time.

“I’m excited to jump into my experience with 222 Foundation, to be shaped by it and further formed toward long-term faithfulness and fortitude in local church ministry.”

Matt Henning

Aspiration: Missions
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.

Matt served with Campus Crusade in college and spent over five years ministering to Muslims in Bosnia after graduation. Knowing he needed more education to build deeper relationships with Muslim clerics, Matt is pursuing seminary education in hopes to deepen his impact in the missions field. When he’s not studying, Matt enjoys gardening, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and three children.

“I know the challenges of the mission field first hand. 222 Foundation is helping prepare me in the areas I need to excel.”

Prasanna Monditoka

Aspiration: Pastoral Training
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv, Biblical and Theological Studies

Originally from India, Prasanna served as a Field Development Department Coordinator and Prayer Coordinator in Union of Evangelical Students of India (UESI) and youth leader at his local church. He saw the need for better equipped leaders and pastors in India and plans to return to India to work with and train local pastors to strengthen the worldwide Church. When he is not studying, Prasanna is serving at his local Louisville church. He also enjoys watching football and playing cricket.

Danielle Thevenaz

Aspiration: Evangelist to immigrants in Southern France
School: Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

Brett Reichwein

Caroline Rook

Joshua Grunden

Marcus Rothell

Walter Castro

222 Alumni

Zachary Adams

Aspiration: Vocational ministry
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Originally from California, Zachary felt called to ministry as a volunteer worship leader at his home church. After graduating from Moody Bible Institute with a B.A. in Biblical Languages he currently serves as a youth minister. He is responsible for recruiting and training leaders, mentoring students, and leading the ministry. He hopes to continue serving the church and helping people of all ages love God and their neighbors. Zachary enjoys spending time with his wife, making music, and birding.

Luke Young

Aspiration: Pastor
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Luke felt called to be a pastor in high school and served his hometown church in southern Illinois as an intern, mission trip leader, and bible study teacher. Now in seminary, he is completing an internship at The Orchard Evangelical Free church. Luke enjoys spending time with his wife, running, playing chess, and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals.

“Because of 222 Foundation, I have a realistic view of the difficulties that will come my way in ministry and have the confidence, network, and tools to persevere.”

Tobi Adwodu

Aspiration: Pastoral
School: Moody Bible Institute
Degree: MDiv

Jonathan Gallardo

Aspiration: Pastoral
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Richard Trca

Aspiration: Multiplying leadership communities within global church planting movements
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.

Richard has 33 years of church multiplication and leadership development experience in the U.S. and Europe with the Evangelical Free Church. With his return to the U.S. he desired to focus on research of flourishing organizational cultures within new church communities and missional organizations. Richard hopes to return to Europe to continue multiplication ministry within global contexts.

“The financial help of 222 is very important. However, what the Foundation provides with ongoing practical mentorship is something that we ministers often don’t realize we need.”

Ajit Christopher

Aspiration: Pastoral ministry
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: PhD, Intercultural Studies

Originally from India, Ajit was diagnosed with a terminal kidney illness as a child. After God miraculously healed him, Ajit felt called to spend his life in vocational ministry. Ajit is pursuing his PhD while also serving as the executive pastor for 180 Chicago Church, a church plant in Chicago’s South Loop. Ajit's passion in ministry is to help people dive deeper into the word of God and to wholeheartedly pursue Jesus alongside the community of believers.

“222 Foundation is such a blessing. It allows me to graduate without debt, hone my pastoral skills through one-on-one mentorship, and learn to apply my academic knowledge to real-life situations.”

John Oliveras

Aspiration: Pastoral Ministry
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

John became a Christian as an undergraduate student studying teaching. After conversion, John says he has an almost immediate desire to share the Bible with others. He quickly enrolled in seminary. He hopes to one day become a pastor-teacher and continue sharing the gospel. In his spare time, John enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and playing basketball.

“So many young leaders have gifts and callings on their lives but do not have someone to help guide them. 222 is faithfully working to solve this problem in the Church. Glory to God!”

Tyler Carrera

Aspiration: Vocational ministry
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

A Chicago native, Tyler felt called to ministry as a teenager. He hopes to become a seminary professor while also serving the local church one day. As a third-year seminary student he’s already teaching Greek. When Tyler is not reading, he enjoys playing board games, watching the Chicago Cubs, and spending time with his wife.

“222's financial support is a huge blessing, but even more valuable than that is the personalized mentorship for seminarians.”

George Aidoo

Aspiration: Train pastors in Ghana
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Originally from Ghana, George came to the U.S. to pursue theological training and bring it back to rural pastors serving near the country’s gold mining fields. George is currently serving in a pastoral residency program and will soon partner with the congregation to both plant a church in Ghana and provide basic needs and medical care in the area. George enjoys spending time with his wife, Emily, and their young son.

"Thank God for 222 Foundation. I would have been a lone ranger going through these challenges all by myself. Because of my experience with my mentor, I now desire to pour into more leaders."

Kendra Macris

Aspiration: Missions
School: Moody Bible Institute
Degree: MDiv

Micah Howard

Aspiration: Youth Ministry
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Micah hopes to serve as a youth minister, which he views as an overlooked area of ministry. Micah has spent four years as a student life staff member at Shepherds College teaching the bible and working in the resident life program for students with intellectual disabilities. Micah enjoys spending time with his wife and playing video games.

“My mentor picks up on things I would never have thought to dig into and I know this experience will help me in future ministry.”

Kyle DiGiacomo

Aspiration: Worship Pastor
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: Master of Arts, Biblical Studies

After a friend asked Kyle to serve at a local church plant, Kyle went on to serve at two different churches and felt called to full-time ministry. Though he had over nine years of experience as a worship pastor, Kyle wanted deeper training and mentorship to better serve the church long-term. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree and hopes to follow God’s leading for next steps. Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 children, and mountain biking.

Stephen Drew

Aspiration: Pastoral
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Manikanta Sai

Aspiration: Pastoral Training / Academic
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D.

Jonathan Elliott

Aspiration: Pastoral
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Jeewan Rai

Aspiration: Training Nepali pastors
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: MDiv

Originally from Nepal, Jeewan came to the U.S. to complete seminary training. He hopes to strengthen Nepalese believers through pastoral ministry. When he’s not studying, Jeewan enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children.

“My mentor understands what I’ve been through and helps me cast vision for where I’m going. He helps me consider how what I am learning will work in real life.”

Liz Woody

Aspiration: Professor in Theological Education
School: Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
Degree: Ph.D., Theological Studies

Liz longs to invest in future leaders of the Church. She hopes to equip others to understand Scripture and encourage them to apply it to all aspects of their lives. Liz has experience teaching in church, camp, and academic settings. Liz loves spending time with her husband, outdoor activities, and traveling.

“My mentor tunes into the real needs of the moment—she knows how to dive into the details and challenge me when needed. I'm thrilled we have more time ahead of us.”

Lauren Jackson

Aspiration: Women’s Ministry Leader
School: Moody Theological Seminary
Degree: MDiv

Kyle felt called to ministry in high school. After earning a bachelor’s Lauren’s interest in ministry came from serving in her home church in Texas. Since moving to Chicago to pursue her degree, Lauren has led women’s ministry and found that she is passionate about serving women. Lauren hopes to continue this work after she graduates. When she is not studying or working, Lauren enjoys spending time with her husband, Zack, or cooking a new recipe.

“I can fully focus on my seminary training and serving where God calls me now because of 222 Foundation.”

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