It’s Not Too Late to Submit: How Last Year's Winner Amanda Made It Count

With the Leave Your Mark Contest deadline approaching on September 13th, it is easy to assume you don't have enough time to put together a solid application.

If you are hesitating or waiting until everything feels ready, take a look at Amanda Kline, one of our 2025 individual grant recipients.

Amanda’s work with Adventures in Missions comes down to a simple approach: show up and serve. For over ten years, she has organized teams, trained leaders, and worked in communities facing economic hardship, natural disasters, and ongoing needs.

When Amanda sent in her application last year, she did not know how much it would shift her upcoming year. Her story shows how taking a chance on a quick application can open major doors.

Building Impact That Expands

Working full-time with Adventures in Missions, Amanda trains and sends volunteers to serve across the United States. As a mission coordinator, mission leader, and assistant to the Director of Mission Leaders, she spends much of her time mentoring new leaders who go on to run their own teams.

She plans week-long schedules for youth groups in South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia. These trips focus on practical help, including home repairs, supporting local organizations, and working directly with neighborhood families.

Where She Works

• Appalachia: Amanda manages sites throughout the Appalachian region, serving communities that carry deep strength despite economic challenges.
• North Carolina: Working with the AIM Disaster Relief team in Black Mountain, she helps families rebuild after Hurricane Helene destroyed homes in late 2024.
• Across the Country: Her assignments include working with unhoused individuals in Alaska, supporting cultural connection programs in New Mexico, and facilitating youth events in Colorado.

A Shift in Perspective

Amanda did not start in full-time ministry with a theology degree or years of institutional background. She left a stable position as a full-time school teacher—giving up a predictable schedule, salary, and benefits—to pursue mission work full-time.

During a moment of uncertainty about her qualifications, a pastor offered advice that stuck with her:

"God cares about your ability, but He cares even more about your availability."

That mindset carried her forward into work she never expected to lead. One example she likes to share: she received a C in middle-school woodshop, yet today she regularly directs home repair crews in disaster areas.

Support Right When It Was Needed

When Amanda found out she won a Leave Your Mark Grant, she was out in the field on a mission trip.

The $1,000 award came at a critical moment as she approached her annual funding goal. The funds covered the remaining balance she needed to maintain financial stability and keep her health insurance active, letting her stay focused on running programs and training her team.

Get Your Application In Before September 13th

You do not need a massive audience or a flawless presentation to apply—just an honest look at the work you are doing and a willingness to share it. Whether you write a short 500-word essay or record a 3-minute video, your submission could win funding this year.

Applications close on September 13th.

• 📝Submit your entry: Head over to the Leave Your Mark Contest page to apply before September 13th.
• 🤝 Support Amanda’s ministry: Learn more about her projects across the U.S. or contribute directly on her Adventures in Missions Donation Page.