Hello! My name is Kaitlyn Stephan, and here is my story! 

I grew up with a Christian background and was always surrounded by the truth of who Jesus was! Being in a ministry family, I saw both sides of what it looks like to be in this line of work. I gave my life to Jesus when I was six years old at a concert, and I considered myself a Christian from that point on! As time went on, I began to struggle with a lot of anxiety. The Lord began to work in my life through counseling and set me free in third grade! Once middle school came, I had grown some resentment toward the church and was not interested in what it had to offer. Even though I called myself a Christian, I began to harden my heart and not live out what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. I fell into my fleshly ways like, finding my identity in the world, and I considered myself ‘better’ than other people. It was a time of being so lost and not truly knowing who I was in Christ!

The school that I had gone to for my whole life opened up a high school the year that I was going into grade nine, so my parents decided to send me there. Although I was upset with this decision, God truly had His hand over this! During this year, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. This was the most devastating news that I had ever received. I remember sobbing in our living room, crying out to God and begging Him to take it away. I just remember that this was my first real encounter with the man Jesus. I felt a peace that I had never felt before, and even though He did not take it away, He used it for good. This was the time that I decided that the way I was living was not honoring to God, and something needed to change.

As high school progressed, so did my relationship with God. I was planning on going to university, but the Lord had other plans. I had always known about YWAM because of my grandparents and mom, but I never considered it for myself until the Lord opened that door for me. I applied in fall of my grade twelve year, and got accepted that January. This was truly the best decision I could have ever made. My life was radically changed in my DTS (Discipleship Training School). I was set free, healed, and marked for full-time missions. It set me on fire for the Gospel in every nation. My heart burns for all peoples, tribes, and tongues to truly know the love of Jesus like I do.

This is why I am asking you to partner with me in two ways! First, prayer is VITAL to my mission. I have seen time and time again that the Lord has answered prayers and changed lives through prayer. So please, I ask that you would pray for me as I adventure with God and bring His name to wherever He may call me.

Second, I am asking that you partner with me financially! Since the Lord called me to be a full-time missionary, I need help with finances! Right now, I am on staff with Fire & Fragrance, and am planning on continuing my mission work even after this season ends! I am looking for monthly supporters to help me live a sustainable, mission-focused life! Thank you SO much in advance for your support!! 

Words cannot truly describe to you how grateful I am for your support! 

God bless!

Kaitlyn