Meet us

Meet our volunteers! We are so honored to have these three wonderful people here in our community and project. Here is a short presentation from each of them. 

Sarah Medhat – Current Volunteer 2026 

Hi, my name is Sarah, I’m 23 years old, and I’m from Egypt. I love photography, especially photographing the sky, singing, nature, and drawing. I finished my studies in Media in Egypt.

Even after finishing my studies, instead of becoming more social, I stayed as I am—I speak little and don’t like to share much. I want to improve my English, and I have many dreams, but they are scattered in my mind. That’s why I decided to volunteer here at EFS Church. I felt it was the right place to go to a new country and see nature I had never seen before—snow! In Egypt, it’s sunny almost all year, so seeing snow everywhere around me is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever experienced, and I love taking beautiful photos of nature wherever I go.

I also want to grow spiritually because sometimes the pressures of life distract you from connecting with God, and your conversations with Him can become only about your personal requests, forgetting the world around you.

Feeling a sense of belonging is something I’ve missed—belonging to a place or people, feeling like I’m part of it, that I have value and can contribute. I felt that from the very first day in the Luleå community.

This is my first week in Luleå, and I’ve learned some Swedish words, customs, and traditions. I’m also trying to improve my English every day. My excitement grows daily to learn more and continue growing spiritually and socially as well.

John Elhami – Current volunteer 2026 

Hej! I’m John, 21, from Ismailia, Egypt. You might wonder how someone from one of the warmest cities ends up in the Arctic. Well, I made the leap, and to me, it is proof that anyone can step out of their comfort zone. Going from the heat of Egypt to the cold of the North makes you stronger and more adaptable. It proves that no matter where you are, you can always change your way of living it is entirely doable.

My path to get here wasn't easy, wasn't smooth, and honestly, it wasn't even visible. It was just unexpected. I never thought things could change so fast, but I learned that when God wants something for you in life, it will happen even when you can't see it or plan it. It just happens.

When I found The Go(o)d Seed Project, it didn’t just look like a volunteer role it looked like the answer. It was the perfect mix of my dream to live in Sweden and my desire to get closer to God. Living here has been a childhood dream of mine, and I am proud to finally make it happen. Being part of a good cause like this gives me the purpose I’ve always wanted, and I am ready to do my absolute best to be an active part of it.

For the next nine months, this is home. I’m looking forward to simple things: learning to play the guitar, improving my chess game, and picking up enough Swedish to say hello. I’m just grateful to be here, and I can’t wait to see how this adventure shapes me.

Egle Davydovaite - Current volunteer 2026 

Hi thereMy name is Eglė I am 19 years old, and I come from Lithuania , one of the beautiful Baltic countries. I was raised in the Catholic tradition, which shaped a deep and loving connection to God in my life. I find great joy in spending time in nature, especially in snowy landscapes, where I feel a sense of peace and wonder.

I care deeply about ecology and sustainability, and I try to live in a way that respects and protects the natural world. This commitment influences many parts of my life from the choices I make daily to the projects I feel called to join.

I love being around children and growing alongside them it just feels meaningful and natural to me. I’m also passionate about exploring new cultures and languages, discovering both the differences and the unexpected similarities they share with my own.

Staying active is important to me as well. I enjoy many kinds of activities, games and sports. My favorite one is volleyball and I have been playing it for 6 years now.

My interest in Biology and Chemistry inspired me to pursue medical studies back at home in Lithuania. I also grew up in a large family with three sisters, so being part of this community already feels like home to me.

This is my first time experiencing Scandinavian culture, and I’ve been especially delighted to learn about traditions like fika and other local customs. I'm really exited to see and learn more new things about the swedish culture!

Finally to describe me I would say I am calm, gentle and a quiet person with a big heart and a curious mind, someone who wants to help others, learn new languages, integrate into new cultures, and share the love for God and faith within the community.

Palina Tupik - (Previous volunteer from November 2023 - June 2024)

Hej-Hej!

My name’s Palina and I’m from Belarus. I like herbal tea, flowers, doing yoga, reading poetry, singing folk songs and creating cozy atmosphere. I'm fond of different kinds of art and I plan to study music therapy in near future.

Few years ago I had a dream to go one day to another country to volunteer. I was really excited about this thought: helping to society in some sphere of life which is important to me, living in new culture, improving English. And after it I dreamt to use this experience to help my own country to grow up in some way :)

So, my dream came true and I turned out here in Luleå! When I found this project, I immediately wanted to apply for it, because it was maximum bingo! Scandinavia, Christian project, gardening, cooking, leadership - everything inside me resonated to go here. Especially I was excited about living in Christian community, practicing in sharing love, peace and compassion, and also about the opportunity to join worship team playing the cajon and growing in the faith.

My dream for now is to have such kind, full of love eyes which I see every day in people that surrond me. And I hope this project will help me with that dream too!

Mariam Tsutskiridze - (Previous volunteer from November 2023- June 2024)

Hey there!

I am Mariam Tsutskiridze, 23 years old, originally from Tbilisi, Georgia. Having grown up surrounded by the rich traditions of the Orthodox Church, I have recently embarked on a unique volunteering adventure in the peaceful town of Luleå.

My journey here is not about legal work; This is the path that led me to volunteer at EFC Church. The decision to leave Tbilisi was influenced by a deeper calling, a desire to contribute to a society that values love, compassion, and spiritual connection.

In the heart of Lulea, between the sea and the forest, I found unexpected peace and a chance to care for people. Volunteering here isn't just about tasks; It is about people, society and the common pursuit of good.

At the age of 23, I ended up in a small town that I didn't even know existed. Each day reveals more about who I am, where I come from, and the spiritual journey I take as a volunteer.

Oussama Echchalim - (Previous volunteer from September 2023 - June 2024)

Hej! This is Oussama from Morocco. I finished university about two years ago, majoring in English Studies. I've always had a deep desire to volunteer in Europe, and I feel like this project is the perfect opportunity for me.

Coming from a Muslim background, I made the choice to leave the Islamic faith when I was 20. It was then when I decided to study more about Christianity. Most of my knowledge about Christianity came from the internet, and I reached a point where my learning peaked. Consequently, I decided to explore options for volunteering in a church abroad. This decision has proven to be one of the best I've ever made.

Not only am I getting to know God, but I am also immersing myself in a new culture and meeting inspiring people—opportunities that were limited for me in Morocco. I genuinely believe that this experience will shape my entire life and remain with me forever.

So far, I've spent two weeks here in Lulea, and even in this short time, I've managed to learn a great deal. I can now introduce myself in Swedish, I've gained some understanding of the Bible, and I've accomplished a personal milestone - I've learned how to ride a bike, something I'm very proud of.

These achievements have been accomplished in just two weeks, leaving me eager and excited for the journey ahead and the personal development that will undoubtedly come with it.

Maksym Kinash (previous volunteer January - July 2023)

Hej. My name is Maksym. I come from the city of Lviv. I am a student of Ukrainian Catholic University. It was my starting point: my values, interests, and beliefs come from there. Also, there I got the idea to go on a volunteering project. Thus, my dreams were realized 3 times more than I could expect, for I did not see UCU for precisely one year already.

Luleå community believed in my coming here, even though it was delayed for four months. I would say that me, who was applying for this project, does not exist anymore. But another me was born and came to Norra Sverige. This me was already amazed by the atmosphere of love and acceptance in and around the EFS Luleå community. I will try to become part of this love and sharing.

Living by the sea and near the forest, seeing snow and being cold, hearing and trying to talk Swedish, and having meals together bring me inner peace. Usually, I go out in the evening for a few minutes to feel nature and put aside my thoughts. But they come and what they say is that I have already seen this in Ingmar Bergman’s works…

 

Alicia Köhler - (previous volunteer September 2022 - June 2023)

“Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.”

Aside from starting university, I wanted to be a part of the Go(o)dSeed Project to experience something new. But who am I?

I am Alicia, nineteen years old and I am from Germany.  In my hometown, I enjoyed playing volleyball, going out with friends, and having social interactions. I enjoy being active and learning new things. One aspect of the project is working in the garden, but to be really honest, I have never actually worked in the garden before, so I am really looking forward to this experience. Then, perhaps, you started to wonder why I selected this project. The project Go(o)dSeed allows me to grow personally in different priorities. If you want to know which aspects, you are welcome to take a look at “About the Go(o)dSeed project” on the side of the blog. Additionally, I am 

able to discover the northern part of Sweden and improve my English as well as learn Swedish. But these are not the only things I can strenghten, my faith in God can also rise. 

Until now, it was the best decision I could have made.

 

Valeria Elsholz - (previous volunteer september 2022 - June 2023)

Hej! Jag heter Valeria och jag är arton år gammal. I live with my family and my cat in Germany. In my free time, I dedicate myself to these activities: Drawing, reading, skateboarding with my sister or friends and fencing. 

When I received the approval of the project in Luleå , I knew that it would be a hard goodbye for my family and me, and so it was. I am a pretty family-oriented person. Family is one of the most important things in life for me. So is the Nature, because it makes me feel closer to God. Those things are pretty much the main things that give me peace.

But on the other hand I was pretty much excited for my time in sweden: I was conscious that I would find these things in sweden too.

I knew my family would expand because I would be living in a community. I knew that I would get to know new natural areas (and maybe see some reindeers, lynx or moose).

And I also knew that this year would be a year in which I could strengthen my faith in God, the faith that I had been unconsciously abandoning for quiet a time. Furthermore, I´m eager to learn more about the swedish culture and language.

Those are the main reasons why I wanted to be here. And also because I wanted to do something good for other people who maybe might need an additional hand or a listener. So I am really looking forward for my time here in Sweden!

Josh Armfield - Project coordinator

HI! My name is Josh and I am the project coordinator for the Go(o)dSeed project. I am one of the lucky ones that gets to work alongside these amazing volunteers and see the all the positive things that come from this project. I truly believe that we all have a calling and a purpose in this world, and each of us has an important role to play in making this world a better place. I believe that the Go(o)dSeed project can have positive affects on social justice, environmental justice and youth ministry in Luleå. The Go(o)dSeed project is just what it sounds like, we are planting seeds of peace, compassion, justice and goodness, the seeds of God´s love that will spread like a wild mustard tree in first century Palestine! 
 

So please feel free to read and leave comments on our blog posts if you want to follow along on our adventure. We look forward to hearing from you!