Karenda Swain, affectionately known as Enka to family and friends, grew up in a musical family on a small island where music was everywhere. She began lessons at age four, sang in her church choir, and played in her Pathfinder band. Music has always been a part of who she is.

Karenda holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialty in music and a minor in science. She has spent the past several years teaching and directing music at K–12 schools in Canada, where teaching has been one of the ways God has used her to connect with others.

While praying for God’s guidance and longing to serve where her gifts could be useful, she learned about AFM’s Peace Music Academy in Thailand through a friend. When the field directors reached out, she chose to trust God with this opportunity.

In Thailand, Karenda will be teaching piano, flute, violin and possibly voice. More importantly, she hopes to share Jesus in a country where less than two percent of the population is Christian. Her prayer is that through music, she can build relationships that reflect Christ’s love and hope.