Get to Know Ari Nonnenmacher

Ministry Description

I will be working full-time for one year in South Africa with Word of Life team. My primary role will be focused on using media to share the Gospel and tell stories of what God is doing in South Africa. By managing social media and sharing stories of what God is doing - from camps, mission trips, church outreaches, and street evangelism to behind-the-scenes work in media and marketing, I’ll not only get to use my gifts in creative ways but also help expand the ministry’s reach so more people can see how the Gospel is transforming lives in South Africa. Another opprotunity I have is to build and invest in relationships and come alongside youth ministries to encourage and equip others in their walk with Christ. All of this is to make Christ known and help others experience the hope that is found in Jesus.

Learn more about the ministry in South Africa.

About Ari

My name is Arianna Nonnenmacher, and I’m from Northwest Ohio. I’m the third of five siblings, blessed with two parents who love and support each of us. I grew up going to church and knew about Jesus, but I didn’t fully grasp the depth and power of what He had done for me. That began to change in middle school when my family connected with a new church, and God placed people in my life who intentionally invested in my walk with Christ. I praise God for His faithfulness and attention to detail — because without the influence of the body of Christ and close family friends who first introduced me to Word of Life, I wouldn’t be where I am today in my faith and relationship with Him.

Even though I grew up in church and knew the story of Jesus, I hadn’t yet experienced the life-changing power of what He accomplished for me. As I got into middle school my relationship with God began to decline. Before I truly knew Christ, I struggled with my identity, my purpose, living in God's design of purity, and by middle school I was searching for identity and purpose in everything but Him, which left me broken, bitter, and empty. Everything changed in March 2020 at Word of Life Snowcamp. During worship, God opened my eyes through the words of a song that reminded me I was never alone. That there was so much more to life than what I was living and what I was missing was a life with Jesus. That night I surrendered my life to Jesus and experienced His forgiveness and love in a real way.

Since then, the Lord has continued to grow and stretch me through many life circumstances and opportunities — from going on Word of Life Student Fusion mission trips (2022 & 2025), to attending and graduating from the Word of Life Bible Institute in New York (2023), interning at Lifeline Youth Ministries in Indiana (2023–2024), and serving in various ministries within my home church. Through each of these experiences, God has taught me the importance of leaning on Him and trusting His leading. While there were many subtle moments where I sensed His call toward missions, it was during my internship at Lifeline that I felt the Lord clearly tugging on my heart to pursue ministry. Shortly after, through the loss of a family member, the Lord deepened my perspective, teaching me the weight of eternity and impressing on my heart that every person — young or old — needs Jesus. Now, He is leading me into full-time missions, beginning with a year in South Africa where I will serve through media, discipleship, and youth ministry. My desire is to use my story and gifts to help others see that Jesus is enough, that He is faithful, and that His love changes everything.

"My heart and flesh may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:26

Contact Information

ariannanonnenmacher@gmail.com

Address:
Ari Nonnenmacher
Word of Life South Africa
PO Box 600
Schroon Lake, NY 12870