Meet the Team: Introducing Linda Taylor

When Rick and I joined First Baptist Atlanta, we made a major decision which changed the direction for our lives.  We prayed seeking God’s wisdom and sensed we were making the correct decision.  Since that time, our decision has proven to be in line with God’s will for our family. We’ve anchored on this verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Shortly after joining, we saw various places to serve.  God led us to be involved in serving with children.  and Rick began to teach fifth grade boys and I served with babies-ones in Preschool.  Later we heard an announcement about a missions conference and we decided to attend.  We heard testimonies of many people going on short term mission trips to various countries.  We made a comment …”if the right trip was presented, we might be interested in going sometime.”  

In 1993 God provided an opportunity for us to go to Johannesburg, South Africa, to focus on children’s ministry.  Our world view was broadened and changed.  We saw how God joined a team together and also were truly amazed how God provided financially for both of us.  After this initial mission trip, our spirit was changed regarding missions and we desired to go again.

Some years later, God provided another opportunity for us to travel to Kiev, Ukraine, specifically for puppet ministry to children.  God continued to open opportunities each year to Ukraine as well Jamaica, Japan and Alaska.  Our work involved construction and puppet ministry.   Since 1993, little did we know God would continue to lead us to be involved with many different mission teams.

We are now getting ready to go back to Alaska.   God gave Pastor Jeff a vision for Moose Creek Baptist Church and a passion for ministry in the community involving the Child Development Center, which is near completion.  Only God knows the potential of the number of children who will receive a spiritual foundation at this center.

What are my skills?  I can put mud on sheet rock, I’m a sweeper and like to clean up, run errands to Safeway grocery, etc.  However, my most important responsibility is being a “chef” and exercising my “culinary skills” along with “three other chefs” to provide healthy menus with a variety of foods for the team.  Our goal for the kitchen staff is ”whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God “…and have a lot of fun working together.  Also, to be an encouragement to the people of Moose Creek Baptist Church.

A Good-bye and a Hello

God moves in mysterious ways, but He always moves just the way He sees fit. Last Friday, William let Rick know that he had to pull out of the team for personal reasons. That left the team one man short at very late notice. But God knew the need long before we did and had already met it. Rick felt led to contact Steve Fowler, an electrician, who was able to join the team to handle our electrical projects. When the team found out about this on Sunday, we thanked God for his provision and asked Him to guide for William during this time. We will miss having William's energetic presence, but we look forward to having Steve join us.

Sunday Prayer

The team met for the last pre-departure meeting on Sunday. We took turns praying for each other as we lifted our concerns to the Lord for our trip. Please continue to pray for:
1. Encouragement for Pastor Jeff Baxter
2. Wisdom and guidance as Jack McCormick has arrived at Moose Creek and is getting our "to-do" list together
3. Team unity

Meet the Team: Introducing William Van Devender

After moving to Atlanta 3 years ago, I started becoming involved in FBA and ultimately ended up joining the church close to 2 years ago. Since joining, I've been drawn closer to the Lord and have felt compelled to spend more time living my life for Him. However, my job as a financial analyst significantly constrained my available time outside of work and didn't allow me to really fulfill my goal of spending more time living my life for the Lord. As a result, I recently decided to leave the financial world behind and to attend graduate school this Fall to allow me to pursue a career in a more flexible industry: forestry. I am very excited to be able to go on this trip and to have the time to be able to devote to the Lord and to serving others. While I don't have any specific expertise in construction, I have been put to good use as a "grunt" laborer in previous mission trips to Trinidad and Haiti. I also trust that the Lord will use me on this trip for a specific purpose, whatever that may be. Please pray for our entire team and for a successful trip in terms of physical construction progress as well as spiritual progress within the people of the North Pole area.

Meet the Team: Introducing Robert Davis

I tried to serve every year for short term missions but not always possible. I been to 6 short term missions. I been with FBA for past 5 years.  By profession, I am accountant and work for US Government for past 30 years which including 6 years of military service. I am willing to serve and I am sure He will provide directions and guidance. My prayer is that my focus is on Him and His mission.

Meet the Team: Introducing Suzette Powell

"I have been a member of First Baptist Atlanta for about 4 years now.  I went on my first mission trip to North Pole, AK, last year when I felt God leading me to become more involved with missions.  After returning, I sensed that God wasn't finished with the trip, but it certainly seemed that way from a human perspective.  When Rick called for the team to go again this year, I knew without a doubt that this was God's hand. 

Please pray that God will help the team to bring a sense of God's joy to Moose Creek Baptist Church. Also pray that the pastor, Jeff Baxter, will be encouraged in his ministry.  Pray that God will move the church to respond to his guidance and that the outreach ministry will bring people back to a right relationhip with the Lord."

Meet the Team: Introducing Charles Fowler

I felt led to go on this mission trip so that I can serve God. This is my 8th mission trip and my 4th to Alaska. I've been at FBA my entire life. [My skills include] basic construction skills, my rippling muscles, and a willingness to work. I'm not sure how God will use me, but I'm willing to be used in any way.

Meet the Team: Introducing Tina Penny

"I have been attending FBA for a little over 2 years. I have felt led to participate in missions for a long time. I decided last summer to get involved in a local missions experience. The group led a Vacation Bible School at an apartment complex in Atlanta. I really enjoyed the experience and wanted to go on another trip this year! I feel led to go on this trip because I love to serve others and would like to bring encouragement to the people of North Pole. Building a childcare center will open up an opportunity to have many children exposed to the gospel! I am so grateful for this opportunity and thank you to all for your prayers!

Could you add to the prayer list: Pray that the team is alert to opportunities and people that God places in our path. Listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit so that God can use us to accomplish his will on this trip. "

Meet the Team: Introducing Rick Taylor

"Approximately 14 years ago, after working 30 years for a bank, God created in me a desire to look at ways to serve Him more.  God caused two major scriptures to come into my life.  Those two scriptures are Jer. 29:11 and Jer. 33:3.  Through those two scriptures, God has set my life on a whole different course.  God has blessed and allowed me to become an Associate Pastor in First Baptist Church Atlanta.  I’ve been a part of sixteen Short Term Mission trips to South Africa, Ukraine, Jamaica, Japan, and State of Alaska.  Several years ago God lead me to Philippians 1:9.  With that verse, I believe God is saying “Keep on going until I call you home or I return”.  It is my desire to continue to lead and share with people every where that Jesus loves them and His desire is for them to trust Him as their savior.  I believe the best is yet to be.

It is my prayer that each team member will be called by God to continue seeking His face and be drawn closer to knowing Him with an intimacy that will make them into being the men and women God could use mightily in His kingdom. "

Team Picture

Here we are!  Well, at least in the picture below.  Now that we have the team picture, prayer cards will be available soon.  Continue to pray for team unity.  We leave out for Alaska in 14 days.
Front Row (L--R) Tina Penny; Renee Smith; Linda Taylor; Suzette Powell

Back Row (L--R) William Van Devender; Luke Fowler; Charles Fowler; Gary Howard; Robert Davis; Rick Taylor

Flight Itinerary

We now have our tickets!  here is our flight itinerary for June 30th.

Flight Information

DELTA  

Day Flight              City         Time

--- ----------- -------------------- -----

Thu Delta 1094  LV Atlanta, GA        715P

                AR Minneapolis/St Pa  858P

Thu Delta 1241  LV Minneapolis/St Pa  955P

Fri             AR Fairbanks, AK     1236A

As you can see, we don't have much time between our arrival at Minneapolis and our departure.  Pray that our luggage will make it to the plane on time and that we'll be able to move from arrival gate to departure gate in order to catch the connecting flight.