Kayla Mangrich spent most of her childhood in Louisville, NE but since then has not only broadened her horizons but worn many hats. Having earned three associate degrees and two certificates, she has used this education to gain experiences that have brought her closer to God. She has served in the inner-city of St. Louis for two and a half years prior to then pursuing and receiving her Bachelor's Degree at Asbury University in 2009 double majoring in Missions and Christian Ministries with a minor in Bible-Theology. The Lord then used her talents in a group home for over two years working with delinquent youth. Soon after, she became a student at Perkins School of Theology and lived in Dallas for three years in order to attend seminary. She is currently in her fourth and final year of school, participating in her internship year at Colby UMC. The Foundation's scholarship program has helped support Kayla on her journey to serve the Lord. 

Kayla feels blessed to be a recipient of scholarships administered by the Foundation. "The Foundation's scholarship program has benefitted me in allowing me to continue my seminary studies. Without their assistance I would not have been able to finish my academic work to fulfill the call of God on my life in the Church. The generosity of the donors and the board members have helped me more that I could express into words," says Kayla.

In her free time, you may find Kayla crocheting, riding her bike, reading or swimming. However, she also keeps herself very busy through volunteering. Kayla recently spent some time in Honduras, working in a rural village to bury a water line to provide clean water to the men, women, and children who live there. She has also spent time volunteering to teach ESL on a weekly basis to African refugees. You will also find Kayla spending time at CUMC's preschool, teaching life skills and God's love to little souls eager to learn.

When asked about the significance of the Foundation's scholarship program and the donors who contribute to it, Kayla has this to say: "Without their generosity, students such as myself, who did not receive the full amount of financial assistance from their academic institutions, would not be able to complete their studies without going into drastic debt. The Foundation has helped me to put into practice the skill I need to ask for help when I cannot complete something on my own. We live in an independent society, but when the body of Christ needs assistance to finish a task, we should not be afraid to rely/lean on/trust one another to accomplish the goal for the greater good."

To find out more about how you can help support seminary students like Kayla, please call the Foundation at 877-495-5545.