Whom shall I send?

I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I; send me.

 -Isaiah 6:8

In just a few weeks, our team of nine will board a plane headed to Zambia, Africa.  We come from three states on two coasts.  We are male and female, young and not-as-young.  For some of us, this is our first international mission trip; for some, this is our first time flying.  We each have our own reasons for traveling to Zambia, our own expectations, and our own unique gifts we bring to this team. 

Carol - Team Leader

My heart is in missions whether local or distant. I have been on two mission trips to Haiti and this is my sixth to Africa: 3 to Kenya, 1 to Tanzania to visit friends in the mission field and work with them, and 1 previous trip to Zambia. I especially love working with the children and sharing God's love through the mission work.I look forward to cuddling and rocking the babies, visiting the schools and taking soccer balls and school supplies to them as well as sharing a craft activity, and helping with the Milk Medicine program. I am exited about returning to Zambia!

Ron

This is my 2nd distant mission trip as I have been to Kenya previously. I’ve also worked with Manna House soup kitchen, Family Promise (the homeless program), with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in New Orleans and the MS Gulf Coast for Katrina rebuilding, and at the NJ shore for Sandy relief.  I look forward to working with the programs in Zambia in the children’s homes, the schools and the Milk and Medicine program in the compounds (slum areas).  Anyway I can help will be great.

Ryan

Last year, I followed the adventures of my 4th grade teacher as she traveled around the world on a year-long mission trip. It was awesome to see all of the places she went and the people she met. I think this mission trip to Zambia is perfect for me since I love to play with my baby brother, Caden. I am looking forward to playing with the babies in Zambia and to teaching the children about God’s word. I think it will be fun!







Sarah

I am so excited to be going to Zambia to help. I just want to see one baby or person smile. I want to know I am doing something good for them and sharing God's love because that is what I am going for. Ryan and I are also planning to go to the schools in the slums and will teach the kids how to make bracelets on a Rainbow Loom. This is my first mission trip, but I have worked at local missions like the Manna House soup kitchen and delivering meals on Saturdays to Meals on Wheels people.





Linda

As I looked through Carol's pictures from a previous mission trip, I saw the beautiful faces of the Zambian children. It was then I knew I wanted to take part in this wonderful opportunity to cuddle babies, do crafts with preschoolers, visit elementary schools and learn about another culture as well as share our love of God. I am dedicating my trip to my mother who taught me about love, compassion and God's love.







Jannean

To everything there is a season… It was my time to retire. I had been praying about how I could best serve God. He answered that prayer through my long-time friend, Linda. She offered me a chance to turn a new page by going to Zambia and I took it. I believe when I am serving others, I am nearest to Him. So I am advancing in faith and anticipating, as always, God's best!








Janet

"Bwanji!" – I am honored to be traveling to Zambia with your church. A year ago when Linda told me she was going on a mission trip to Africa, my first response was “Wow! That is something I have always wanted to do. I will be happy to support you with prayers and a donation”. When Linda contacted me in February to ask if I would like to join your group I could hear God saying – “Here you go – here’s your chance”. On top of that, our bible study group was studying the Nehemiah study by Kelly Minter “A Heart That Can Break” – which is all about missions. One part of the study that really cemented my decision to go was the following from Kelly – “Sometimes I shield myself from finding out what’s really going on with people for fear I’ll be held responsible. Because with information often comes responsibility; if we know, we might be required to DO something.” If that wasn’t a confirmation, I don’t know what was! I was generously supported by my family and friends – raising over $2000 for the House of Moses (Praise God!) so here I go! What a fantastic opportunity and privilege.

Sandra

I am a teacher, wife, mom, sister, friend who has spent my life surrounded by caring individuals. I am going to Zambia because I cannot wrap my heart or head around the idea of a child all alone in this world. I hope in some way, I can make a small difference in the life of another human being that will ripple out and change the lives of others in a positive way.





Suzanne

I am going to Zambia because I was invited by my lifelong friend, Sandra, who is Linda's sister. Linda is a member of FPCB. I see this as an opportunity to help at the orphanage. Being a retired teacher, I also look forward to providing an exciting lesson for students at the schools. It will be an honor to assist in taking gifts to the House of Moses that will be given directly to them to fit their specific needs. I am also excited about seeing the country "up front and personal" as opposed to being a tourist. Thank you for the opportunity to provide this service.