My name is Angela Bilter, I may or may not have been called Angie since elementary school…
I’m 19 years-old, brunette, brown eyes, 5’9 (lol yes I played sports), a Public Health major, and a 2nd year college student at Appalachian State University.
3 very special places are considered home to me:
-Panama City, Panama. I was born in this vibrant city and lived here until I turned 12. This is where my siblings and I played in muddy rainforests alongside sloths and toucans, where we would wave to strangers on cruises passing through the Panama Canal, where I developed a deep love for Hispanic culture, people, and language, and where I found my passion for helping those in extreme poverty while also loving on the wealthy. Growing up here allowed me to witness the Lord’s physical and spiritual presence in the darkest of places as well as in the lightest, leading me to TRULY believe and witness that the Lord always provides and is always Good. This beautiful country raised and shaped me into the bilingual Panamanian/American Kingdom Worker that I am today and I could not be more thankful. (Part of my decision for choosing Route 4 is knowing I would have the chance to serve in Central America, specifically Costa Rica, again and I am so EXCITED!!)
-Naples, Florida. Let me tell ya, moving from Panama to America as a 7th grader was no joke. It was terrifying and such a culture shock, but gosh how I love love LOVE my beautiful beach town. Moving to Florida allowed me to be closer and develop stronger relationships with my dad’s side of the family. Throughout middle school and high school I found life-long friendships and a loving church family. Highschool, specifically sophomore year, is where I gave and recommitted my life to Christ. I found Phillipians 1:21 on one of my youth group mission trips and it is a verse I have leaned on since.These words from the apostle Paul are what I want my life to represent. Ready? Here it is. “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain”. During these years I really stepped away from having my “parent’s faith” and developed a faith of my own. I asked questions and the Lord delivered answers in my daily life and through His Word.
-Boone, North Carolina. I graduated highschool and thought I’d try living in the mountains for a change. So, I attended Appalachian State University, ROLL ‘NEERS! I moved to App without knowing a soul, getting a random roommate selection, and never having toured the college nor visiting the area before. All is good because the small town of Boone did me well, and yes, I absolutely loved the mountains! My college experience helped me grow immensely in my faith. Through my campus ministry (New Life) I discovered the power of worship and prayer, and got to authentically experience what it was like to have new and abundant Life in Christ. Finally allowing myself to freely and genuinely worship and pray took my relationship with the Lord to a whole new level! I was also given the chance to evangelize throughout campus. And believe me a college campus can be a very dark place for students. My faith was challenged by being surrounded with worldly temptations and norms. But alongside dearly loved brothers and sisters in Christ this environment allowed me to dive deeper into my biblical knowledge, controversial religious standpoints, and better prepared me for a crazy journey like the World Race!
I have felt called to the World Race and this is where I will try my best to put into words what the Lord is doing with me and through me:) Please pray that everything I say and do is to further His kingdom and radiate his love.
Simply put: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” -Philipians 1:21…
I am SO on fire and expectant to see what Christ reveals to me in this next season.
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me,
AB
