My name is Josie Braddy and I’m a first-year student studying Engineering at NC State University. I’m passionate about the environment and am considering studying Biological Engineering to learn more about sustainability and applying that to clean water or forest management. I’m also passionate about spreading the love of Christ to those around me and making His name known through my actions. I’m curious to see what God will do in my life and how He will use my strengths and interests to further His kingdom. I’m excited to see what God has in store this summer with GCT and beyond to the rest of my college career!

My name is Jared Caroy, and I’m a rising sophomore at Gaston College, planning to transfer to UNC Charlotte for a Mechanical Engineering degree. I plan to work in robotics or a robotics-adjacent field, aiming for a position in Research and Development. I enjoy playing and listening to music and reading. Looking forward to GCT and growing in my faith as God uses opportunities like this to shape me into his image.

Hello! My name is Russell Cuthbertson, and I am ecstatic to be a part of GCT this summer. I am 19 years old, born and raised in Gastonia. I graduated from Piedmont Community Charter School last year and currently getting my associate’s degree at Gaston College. After school, I plan to pursue worship ministry serving in the church. I have served at Parkwood these past few years as a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, and in other facets. I have hobbies in music, sports, and, most of all, spending time with my friends.

Hello! My name is Lainey Gosnell, and I am from Belmont, NC. I just finished my associate degree at Gaston College and next spring I will be attending theUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte with hopes to obtain my bachelors in psychology. In the future, Idesire to attend seminary and achieve a degree in Christian Counseling. I currently serve at Parkwood on Wednesday nights leading sixth grade girls, and I have been heavily involved in the youth for many years! In my free time I enjoy being outside, going to coffee shops, and hanging out with my community.

Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Kincaid, and I am from Lincolnton, North Carolina. I currently attend Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and I am majoring in Biology on the pre-medical track with minors in Biochemistry and Spanish. I hope to become a medical missionary in the future, serving overseas in areas that have little no access to healthcare and ultimately are unreached with the Gospel. I attend Grace Church in Waco, and I am also a member at Parkwood, which is where I served in kids and student ministry throughout high school. I enjoy learning about theology, languages, science, and I also love music, drinking coffee, and having conversation with friends. I am excited to see how the Lord will work through me this summer, and I cannot wait to grow deeper in my faith and learn how to better serve others.

My name is Kenna Matheney, and I am from Gastonia, North Carolina. I am a freshman pursuing a degree in International Studies at NC State University in Raleigh. Go Wolfpack! With my degree I feel called to work with refugees in an international setting. While in Raleigh, I attend Providence Church, I lead eighth-grade girls in their student ministry and serve wherever they need extra help. I love learning, reading, community, and true crime podcasts. The Lord has truly blessed me with leadership at Parkwood. He has provided this opportunity of GCT to further lead me to step in faith in deciding the Lord’s calling on my life. Thank you for partnering with us in prayer for this summer!

My name is Vincent Smoot. I am getting my BA in Christian Counseling at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. With my degree I hope to work in the local church wherever the Lord takes me. I would love to be involved with the youth in some kind of way and help them grow closer to the Lord. This desire stems from when I was in high school, I did not know what it meant to be a follower of Christ, I struggled with depression and anxiety and I lost my older brother and it was the leaders and friends within the Church that helped me through those seasons of life. 

Hello! My name is Paige Thomas. I am a rising sophomore at UNC Charlotte. I am a Pre-Nursing major with a Biology minor. I plan to work as a Labor and Delivery nurse with the end goal of becoming a midwife. I enjoy meeting new people, reading, being out on the lake and traveling! I am excited to participate in GCT this summer. I look forward to how the Lord will grow and shape me as I seek to glorify Him throughout my adult life!

Please join me in praying for:
– Growth in knowledge and understanding of the Gospel and how it applies to my life
– Humility
– Fellowship with other members on GCT team

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the
day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6

My name is Finley Stiles, I am a first-year student at Gaston College, and I am interested in studying fine arts! 

I love to learn as much as I can about art, music, culture, and people. 

As all believers do, I have a command from the Lord to go and tell about the good news of his son: Jesus Christ, and I’m excited to be equipped to do that this summer in GCT! 

I can’t wait to see what all the Lord is planning for my summer and future! 

Hello, my name is Luke Whitted. I am eighteen years old. I graduated from Highland School of Technology. I am currently working and going to continue my schooling this upcoming semester. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be on the Great Commission Team at Parkwood Baptist Church and ready to see how God will use me for His Glory.

Hi, my name is Grayson Yancey and I’m a student at Belmont Abbey College. I am a Criminal Justice / Pre-Law major currently enrolled in the Honors College. My goal is to be able to work with corporate law firms and potentially take on pro bono cases for Christian organizations struggling with legal issues. I’m looking forward to learning how I can fulfill the Great Commission  effectively and biblically in my future career and in the real world!