Krista Young

Serving the Lord in Ethiopia

Bio

Krista Young serves the Lord through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as a career missionary in Ethiopia, based out of Addis Ababa. Krista is a volunteer coordinator, working with local leaders to identify and open opportunities for short-term volunteers and teams to support the work of the church. She coordinates these visits and makes the needed arrangements to help them be successful. Together, Krista and Joel host people coming into Ethiopia and help connect them to the resources they need. Through these interactions, they share the love of Jesus with these individuals new to this country. They also are active in local congregations.

Krista is a “missionary kid” who was born and raised in Papua New Guinea. She claims Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest, N.C., as her home congregation. She received her director of Christian education (DCE) certification from Concordia University, St. Paul, St. Paul, Minn. Before serving in Ethiopia, she served as a DCE at three churches in Missouri and at Hope Lutheran Church, Wake Forest, N.C. She also had the privilege of working with young women as the spiritual life director at Voelkerding Village Maternity Home. Krista enjoys reading, gardening, laughing, watching good movies and traveling.

Joel was born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., where his home congregation of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church is located. He received his education degree from Saint Louis University. He has served as a social studies teacher in schools in Missouri and North Carolina. He has also served as a youth volunteer for 22 years. Joel enjoys reading, watching movies, canoeing, camping, cooking and connecting with his Native American heritage. Joel hopes to teach in Addis Ababa after their family gets settled into their new home. Krista and Joel have two daughters, Sydney and Grace, who join them on the mission field.

Prayers

Pray for Krista and Joel as they serve in Ethiopia. Pray God gives the entire Young family strength and peace as they transition to life overseas, learning the culture and the language. As they prepare to deploy to the mission field, ask God to work out all the details with selling their house. Ask Him to be with Sydney and Grace as they finish their school year. Ask God to comfort their extended families as they adjust to them moving to another country. Pray for their safety as they travel to build their support network. Pray for the hearts of people here in the United States who will partner with the Youngs in prayer and financial support so they can participate in the Kingdom work with this family.

 Download prayer card
 

Special dates

• Birthdays:
  • Krista - May 12
  • Joel - May 31
  • Sydney - May 14
  • Grace - June 5
• Wedding Anniversary: Aug. 21
• Home District: Southeastern

Partner with us