The Team Is Complete!!

There are many things that are exciting about going on a short-term mission trip.  One if not the most important is who is on the team!  A short-term mission trip is a little different than other group ventures.  It is not made up of people with common interests, goals, skills, or age.  It is made up of people who are called together by God to carry out a task.  It is always amazing how each person that is needed for each task joins.  In 2009 the first team to carry out a summer camp for orphans and extremely needy children in Lebanon was formed.  Mimi Chan, the team leader, led a team of 7 to Lebanon.  At that time, we worked with the leadership in Lebanon who had a heart and vision for street children, orphans, and extremely needy children.  What a privilege to join them in carrying it out and helping to raise funds.  We learned the logistics of the camp.  We learned our dependence on God, supporters, and those who could interpret as very few spoke English.  We experienced battles & deliverance!  In 2010 a second team led by Kim Castner went to Lebanon.  Some members from 2009 returned.  A larger team of 9, there was more to manage.  However, relationships had started to form and the land was less foreign.  Hit by a number of twists, the mission was accomplished!  Then 2011 came, a year of great unrest in the Middle East.  A team of 7 with hearts for children led by Dr. Sarai Padilla journeyed to the new third campsite.  Now with several years of experience, new projects were considered and the camp theme, Fear Not, was conducted on amazing campgrounds with amazing children!  Pastor Joseph Kazzi and Gladys Haddad-Sebali with the Lebanese Baptist Children & Youth Ministry remain committed and welcomed us each year.  Each year we wait to see who God brings together.   This year it took place the fastest!   After just one informational meeting on November 13, 2011, all applications, interviews, and references were completed.  Our team came to be on December 18, 2011!  The team of seven is comprised of 3 new members & 4 returning members!

The members of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Lebanon 2012 short-term mission trip are:

Angelique Chapelle

Connie Grant

Candice Hubbard

Alisha Hunter

Valhalla McGaughey

Sarai Padilla

Khenan Paxton
Each member has a calling for children.  Each member has specific skills and experiences.  While we will all participate in the camp activities, each one of us has specific assignments.  And we must raise all our support to go.  The church link for online support will be up shortly.  Keep us in your prayers.  Follow our blog.  Be part of the journey!