Site 1: Guatemala

Jeff Maeck

Jeff likes to think of himself as a modern day Rocky. But minus the whole boxing thing. And the ‘Yo Adrian!’ thing. And he isn’t from Philly...Ok, so maybe nothing like Rocky, but he’s been to a boxing match once.

Jeff believes God has a plan for each of us, a perfect plan that he reveals to us in His own time, and that God uses our past experiences for His future purposes. God used Jeff’s four year involvement with YoungLife, a high school ministry organization, to instill a love for people on his heart. Then, as a flight attendant for nearly a year, God gave Jeff the opportunity to explore His kingdom, and instilled a passion for travel in his heart. And finally, as a personal trainer, God showed Jeff there are more important questions in life than ‘are we putting another weight on the bar today?’ and could not deny God’s call back to His work.

Jeff felt God calling him to Outtatown, an incredible program that will no doubt challenge you in your journey with Him. God continues to amaze and surprise Jeff every day, and he can’t wait to see what surprises God has up his sleeve in his second year as a leader with Outtatown.

Natalie Drake

After many years of dreaming and preparing to serve on the Outtatown team, Natalie Drake is elated to be part of a team going to Guatemala.  Having grown up in the French bilingual school system, she is excited to expand her linguistic skills into the Spanish spectrum!  

An urban girl at heart, Natalie spent many years working at different camps in Ontario as a counselor and as a waterfront director.  It was during those summers that she developed a strong relationship with Christ as well as great friendships and a love of God's gift of nature.  

After earning a BA in English at the U of Windsor, she worked as a child and youth worker in Windsor.  Having a strong desire to get out and see more, she decided to go to Korea and teach for a few years.  Living in Asia gave her a broader perspective on life and God's plan and deepened a desire to learn about other cultures.  She is looking forward to going on a mission trip to Cambodia this summer.  

Labeled a ‘Tomboy’ on more than one occasion, Natalie enjoys a range of life's thrills including playing soccer, discovering 'Indie' music only to find out it's been popular for a few years, listening to K-pop and heartfelt Korean ballads, playing the piano, traveling and deep talks usually with coffee in hand.  She is looking forward to the exciting year ahead and all that God has to reveal of himself.

Jenilee Forgie

Once described (by herself) as a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a vest, Jenilee is not nearly as mysterious as her name implies, and she wants you to know a little bit about her!  
 
Grown in Mississauga, Jenilee’s formal schooling (if you’re into that) includes a Bachelor of Commerce, Economics major. Partway through her degree God threw a wrench in her plans for corporate domination and sent a couple her way to introduce her to a friend of theirs named Jesus. Naturally Jenilee’s priorities (and life) changed from there! One day she hopes to use her understanding of economics for good not evil. Or maybe she’ll become a teacher…or laundromat proprietor, or drifter, or care for orphans...or all of the aforementioned (a girl can dream). She doesn’t know really…she wants to keep herself available for suggestions from God. 
 
Jenilee’s experience with Outtatown South Africa these past two years was a time bursting with stimulating community, unexpected friendship, inspirational landscapes and thought-provoking encounters. However she didn't feel right moving on before having tried Guatemala, so she begged the office staff to let her stay and they took pity on her.
 
A simple lady, Jenilee enjoys listening to and playing music, bare feet, reading, chocolate milk, travelling, frolicking out-of-doors and quoting The Simpsons. Her favourite book, movie, and food is Fried Green Tomatoes. 

James Cuthbert

James Cuthbert’s permanent address is in London ON, but he is known to wander from place to place. Since graduating from Redeemer University College in 2009, with a Major in Kinesiology and minors in both Business and Religion, he has held 5 different jobs, from ice-cream factory worker to canoe trip instructor, and has lived everywhere from a little town in Belize, Central America to a cabin on a lake near Huntsville, ON.

His most recent adventure is a 7 week stay in South Africa to experience the World Cup of Soccer. You can look for him, at some of the games, sporting the Canadian Red and White or Brazilian/Australian Yellow (his dad being an MK from Brazil and mother a MK from Australia). Apart from traveling, canoeing, and eating ice-cream, his hobbies include playing sports, instruments, video games, board games and anything else that can be played.

Having grown up with both sets of grandparents being missionaries, and his father being a pastor, he has spent most of his life being involved in different ministries and looks forward to helping others find the gifts God has given them, and at the same time playing in God’s wonderful creation.