Youth

Hi! My name is Daniel Geil. I am a rising sophomore at Samford University in Birmingham, AL with a major in Health Sciences. I have grown up both in North Carolina and Georgia and have been blessed to come to Topsail Beach almost every summer I can remember. During the school year, I love hiking, being with my friends, and playing any intramural sport that comes my way. During the summer you can usually find me hanging on a sandbar or bodysurfing!
Growing up as the son of a pastor and surrounded by the body of Christ, I have found how important it is to have a Christian community to build my own faith upon. I believe having mature and older Christian examples to look up to, learn from, and relate to are critical to growth for young Christians. Coming to Topsail Beach and Emma Anderson Memorial Chapel as I’ve grown up has shown me that a community of believers, even as young as elementary kids, can truly impact my life and others. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to disciple and lead my younger brothers and sisters in Christ this summer!

My favorite verse comes from Psalm 27:1“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Hi, my name is Seelybanks Brock. I am a rising sophomore at UNCW. I grew up in Raleigh NC but have spent my summers on Topsail Island for as long as I can remember. During the school year you can either find me on the beach or walking the Wrightsville Beach loop. My favorite thing is to be outdoors. As soon as summer rolls around you can either find me on the boat or waiting on the dock for my next chance to go out for a ride.

I attended a Christian school and grew up being involved in my church where I learned the importance of a Christian community and the value of friends who share the same values as you. And as I grew in my relationship with the Lord, I learned the emphasis he puts on serving him in order to further his kingdom. I am super excited about the opportunity to work an additional summer at Emma Anderson! The youth cottage holds some of my fondest memories and I am so excited for what is to come. My prayer is that this summer would be one filled with friendships, new memories, but most of all Jesus! I can't wait to serve alongside Daniel and to hopefully bring the youth of Topsail closer to Jesus in the same way the program has been doing for me for so many years.

My favorite verse is Romans 12:12 “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”