Kaitlyn Sample, Youth Ministry Intern

Kaitlyn Nicole Sample was born in Upland, California, but grew up in the city of Hesperia all of her childhood. She attended Hesperia Christian School from kindergarten to 12th grade, until she went on to complete college at Pepperdine University. She remained undeclared as she tried to discover her passions and interests. After a Let’s Start Talking mission trip to Malindi, Kenya, Kaitlyn found her love of culture and reaching out to other people. This past spring she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intercultural Communication and a Religion minor.

Spiritual Journey: Kaitlyn grew up in a Christian home, consisting of her parents and younger sister, Hayley. Her parents were always supportive of her decisions and were intricate role models in her Christian life. In January 2001, she made the personal decision of starting her new life in Christ through baptism. However, her faith did not truly deepen and grow until her time at Pepperdine. Away from home and more independent in college, she realized that she had to deepen her personal relationship with Christ. During her sophomore year at Pepperdine, when most of her close friends went overseas she truly learned the power of prayer and the importance it was to her relationship with God. From that point on, she has used prayer as a way to guide her walk and decisions, and also growing closer with the Father.

Ministry Calling: When Kaitlyn made her first trip to Kenya in the summer of 2009, she discovered her love of seeing people come to know Christ. Through the Let’s Start Talking ministry, Kaitlyn had many conversations about Jesus’ ministry in the book of Luke. She came home exploding with stories and love for these people she had come to know in Kenya, and returned two summers later to Kenya (this time to the city of Mombasa). This last trip was truly special because she invited her dad, a recently retired police officer, to come along for the trip. Teaching alongside her dad was an incredible experience for the two of them, and their relationship grew through the things they saw and learned together. This passion for mission work continued as she served as the missions intern for Campus Ministry her junior and senior year at Pepperdine. Kaitlyn also participated on two service trips during her sophomore and junior year to Huehuetenango, Guatemala. This place still remains close to her heart as she will be returning there in December for ten months to teach the orphans who live there. Kaitlyn has no specific plans after her time in Guatemala, but trusts that the Lord will guide her so that she continue to share His love with others.

Fun Facts about Kaitlyn
Birthday: November 22, 1990 (she was born on Thanksgiving Day) Hobbies: Hiking, traveling, and having adventures with friends. Favorite Color: Loves every bright shade of green Favorite Things in Her Closet: Nike kicks and fanny pack