Meet the team

Sunday was a special day for our Ethiopia missions team. With one day to go before our journey, we were prayed for during both services at Cedar Ridge Christian Church. "Love God. Love People. Serve the World." That's the tag line for our church. We're all excited to be a part of something that includes all three calls to action. Below is an introduction to the 18 members of our team:

Amber Bailey

29

I work at Anthropologie and spend most of my spare time hanging out with people. I'm going on this trip because I just want to love on these people as much as possible. I'm also hoping to be able to see a few of the people who became like extended family to me after last years trip.

Nicole Bailey

I'm a 26 year old who owns my own small business doing portrait photography. For this year's trip I have the joy of experiencing Africa with my sister Amber. In scripture (Isaiah 58:5-8) it is written that true fasting is “... to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke to set the oppressed free ... to share food with the hungry, and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter — when you see the naked, to clothe him ... ”

I cannot think of a better way to break away/fast from my day-to-day life than to take part in this trip, and encourage some of my Christian brothers and sisters in Africa.

Melissa McGee

30

I'm a merchandise manager for a retail store, and in my spare time I spend time with my husband and miniature schnauzer. I enjoy gardening, crafts, dance, and just about anything creative.

One wonderful husband and one tiny dog! As well as the world's best mom, step-dad, and sister!

I would like to have a fire in my heart for God again. I think it's easy to live our lives here, and even when life is hard on a day-to-day basis, we can still eventually get comfortable/numb, and our passion for God can dwindle. I believe going to Ethiopia, serving and getting to know the local people there, and observing their faith and their lives will be a wonderful jolt of lightning to my heart. Ever since seeing the documentary "Invisible Children" a few years ago, I have been paying more attention to what is going on in Africa in general, and I have a special place in my heart for the children in Africa. I can't wait to be able to see some of them, talk with and get to know them, and let them know that they are not alone in this world, and that God loves them so much!

Dustin

I’m a 24 year-old engineer in Lenexa, KS. I spend a lot of time with the youth group and worship team at church, and like to do woodworking and other projects like that when I find spare time. My wife (Hannah) and I went to Africa last year, and by the end of our trip had convinced ourselves that there was nothing worth coming back home for, and that we should just stay in Ethiopia. I’m excited to go back and see some familiar faces, and try to give back a little this time, since last time I pretty much just absorbed the culture. My prayer request is that I would be fully engaged while in Ethiopia, and really concentrate on building meaningful relationships, and encouraging and empowering those who are serving with their lives in some of the most needy areas of the world.

Lana Davis

I am 45 in Ethiopia years and can’t wait to get back to Addis to see our Africa family. Those we met last year put a forever imprint on my heart. I am excited that Gary is getting to go this year and that we will now be able to experience Africa together. We have three children and two adorable granddaughters. My prayer is that they too will all get to experience mission work in Africa. I work part time selling cool stuff to gift shops. I enjoy traveling, hanging out with our family and my zany fun girlfriends.

Gary Davis

54

I’m an Industrial Contractor in Sales & Project Management. Love to golf, BBQ, duck and pheasant hunt.

We have three kids, Tom (30), Angie (25), Matt (21) a daughter-in-law Sandra and two precious granddaughters, Marin (5) and Stori (3-1/2).

Tom and Sandra live just south of Boston, Mass., Angie lives in Gardner, Kansas and Matt is a senior at Arizona State University.

I have wanted to do mission work for many years, but in order to raise my family, my job required me to travel, which I did so for more than 20 years. In my mid forties I was hit with some health issues that I am still fighting to this day, but because of that I have a new perspective on life. I am hopeful that God will use this brief time in Ethiopia that He through me may make a difference in someone’s life and to have faith that everyone life and fortune is held in the hands of God.

Rich Ronning

I am a child stuck in the body of a 30-year-old man. I work for a construction company that lets me play with lots of tools and big equipment. I am married to Allison and we have three amazing children. I love the game of soccer and have the pleasure of coaching for my kids. That's the only sport I'm skilled at so I "assist" with baseball and softball from time to time as well.

I'm really excited to go on this trip to Ethiopia. My wife and I have talked about going to Africa for some time, but were never in a position where that was possible. Well, the time has come. The thing that I am most excited about is the chance to experience God in a whole new way. I've grown up in a place where God isn't "needed.” We have so many distractions here that God becomes an after-thought. I'm excited to encounter a people with a faith that towers above mine and a love for God that puts mine to shame. I'm excited to work with kids who just need someone to love on them because they've been ignored and forgotten. I'm excited to work with people who have HIV and AIDS because they are in need of hugs and prayer. I'm excited to reach out to the lost because deep down they thirst for something so much more and God is preparing them for an encounter with their creator. I'm excited because God is preparing me for the same encounter.

Allison Ronning

28

I have been married for almost seven years to Rich and we have three munchkins ages almost 8, almost 7, and almost 5. I am a stay at home mom/college student finishing my bachelor's degree. Africa has been on my heart since I was pretty young and my mom went on a trip there to visit some missionary friends. I have also known about the ministry of LIA since it started and have been waiting to be able to go and see all the things God is doing through it. I couldn't be more excited about the team that God has brought together to serve and join the work in Ethiopia!

Tina Bruner

43

Job: freelance missions mobilizer.

Family: single, love kids, especially my eight nieces/nephews.

I am a late addition to the team, and extremely thankful for the opportunity to return to Ethiopia and see how God has been working through the ministry of LIA.

Kent Broddle

46

I am a SW Engineer at Garmin during the day. During my free hours, I love to hang out with family and friends and just spend time getting to know people. I’m active in several sports, but especially love softball and basketball. And KU sports are definitely a passion of mine. But my biggest passion is serving Jesus. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was 10 years old.

I am married to Tonya Broddle, now going on 24 years. We have three kids — Jared, who will attend Savannah College of Art and Design as a sophomore this fall; Sarah, who will be a senior at Olathe Northwest High School; and Rachel, who is moving up as a sophomore at Olathe Northwest High School.

I am going on this trip to offer my service to Jesus. I’m excited by the work that LIA is leading in Ethiopia and surrounding countries. When Cedar Ridge was beginning, our family had the opportunity to worship for six months with Festus and Florence Muindi and their family. We know them well and know that God is working through LIA to accomplish great things.

Peggy Beddall

I'm a 57-year-old woman who is still working out her faith with fear and trembling! God put me on this faith journey some 23 years ago and it's been an adventure since day one with this trip being another exciting opportunity to GO! with God! I've done enough jobs in my life that you could say I'm a jack-of-all trades, master of none! Administration, production, teaching, cleaning, day care provider, PTA President, soccer coach, acting and, lately, Life and Fire Safety Clown (seriously!) are some of the things I've done! What keeps me busy these days are my family, friends and church ... I lead a women's bible study group and serve on our church's worship team in the production area. I'm so grateful for my husband, Ben, and our kids, Jason, Marcia and John, who are unbelievably supportive and encouraging about my adventures and for all the friends who've prayed for and encouraged me! This is my second trip to Ethiopia (I went last October) and I can honestly say that the love of Christ compels me ... I was humbled by these beautiful and generous people who are well aware of their plight and yet wear their joy as a garment of praise to our Lord! The ministry of Life in Abundance speaks to the core of my being ... equipping the local church to meet the greatest needs of the immediate community so that Christ is known as the One who provides! It's an honor to be a part of this team! I can't wait to see what God has planned for us!

John Duma

53

I am an attorney and in my spare time I try to play handball or just work out.

My wife, Bonnie, is going to Ethiopia in September on a medical mission trip. I am going on this trip to have God shake up my reality and change me into the person he wants me to be.

Lisa Gile

28

I'm a Speech-Language Pathologist. I work full-time for KCK public schools — mostly with children with autism. During my breaks from school and on the occasional Saturday, I also work for St. Luke's South Hospital and St. Luke's HomeCare providing speech therapy to individuals who have had strokes or any sort of brain injury.

Great, supportive parents, Terry and Nancy Gile, who live in Scandia, KS, where I grew up — Yes, it is as small as it sounds! ;) My brother Michael and his wife Sarah live in Shawnee, KS.

This is my second overseas mission trip — I went to Poland last summer. About two years ago, I listened to a team share what an impact a trip to Africa made on their lives ... I sat with tears streaming down my face thinking, “Perhaps I have a heart for Africa!” I decided to let God decide if I'd go to Poland or Africa that next summer. Due to scheduling issues with work it was clear I was to go to Poland. I was open to the idea of going to Africa this summer and God kept placing people or circumstances in my life making it clear that I was supposed to go! I'm anxious to see what's in store and get a better glimpse of Him through the hearts of the people in Ethiopia. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of this team and experience!

Jeff Prince

29

I work for Garmin in the Dealer Technical Support Department. If I’m not working, I am either spending time with my wife Leanne, daughter Lainey, and puppy Bogey or playing some sport outdoors.

I enjoy hunting, fishing, golfing, long walks on the cobblestones of Ethiopia and BBQs with friends.

I went to Africa last year with the team and fell in love with the people from LIA and the boys and at risk families that we met. I love seeing what God is doing in a country that doesn’t rely on personal gain.

Laurie Hess

Fifty something

I retired from DST Technologies after 20 years on July 16. I did a variety of jobs while at DST — most recently I worked as a project manager/product consultant. In my spare time, I like to walk my dog, garden, spend time with family, cook, shop, watch movies, and volunteer.

I am married to Jerry Hess. He is my life partner, funny guy, and great cook. We have been married for 17 years. We have a blended family of three wonderful sons: Jonah - 37, Kevin - 28, and Tyler - 21. All three boys will be going to college this fall. Kevin is engaged to be married on Oct 9!

I have a strong calling to make this trip. It started out as something that sounded 'like fun' when I heard about it from Lana. (She makes everything fun.) Lana and Bonnie (Duma) told me about their incredible experience of last year's trip to Ethiopia (meeting the 'boys of Merkato' and lots of wonderful people). It sounded interesting, but I wanted to find out more about LIA. I went to the LIA dinner, heard Dr. Florence speak, reviewed their hand outs, read her book, checked out their website, and then made a decision to sign up. I feel stronger every day that this is what I should do. I do not belong to Cedar Ridge Church, but feel a strong kinship with everyone that I have met in our group. I really want to serve God and I think this is one way that I can. Can't wait!

Kelly Steinle

29

I am a speech-language pathologist at Ridgeview Elementary in Olathe, Kansas. I am so blessed to work with the students, parents and staff at Ridgeview! Outside of my job, my first priority is my family. I love being the mother of my 1-year-old son and spending time with my husband, our pets and our family and friends. My husband and I are very fortunate to have so much support in everything we do. Going on this trip means a lot to me. I look forward to using any skills and strengths that I have to help in any way possible during this trip. I'm excited to learn and grow from the cultural, social and spiritual experiences. I'm interested in acquiring a different perspective on life and being reminded of what is really important. I hope this trip and these experiences will have long-lasting positive effects that I will be able to apply to my responsibilities with my family, friends and coworkers.

Elizabeth Selders

29

I am a wife and mother of three little people: Brendan, the creative, outgoing 7 year old; Aidan, the comedian, lover-boy 5 year old and Lola, the sweet, princess 1 year old. I am a florist, photographer and college student. I enjoy running, reading, cooking, gardening, anything crafty and spending time with my family and friends.

I became interested in going to Africa because of my husband’s passion for the people of Africa. My friends who went on the Ethiopia trip last year also inspire me and I have grown to be excited through their stories and many pictures. I am thankful for this opportunity to go and very excited for what the Lord will be doing through our team and the many people we will be meeting. My heart is open for His plan.

Kevin Selders

32

I'm an editor for Ascend Media in Overland Park, Kan. In my spare time I write for Relevant magazine, enjoy music and love spending time with family and friends.

I've been married to my wife, Elizabeth, for nearly eight years. We have three hilarious children: Brendan, 7; Aidan, 5; and Lola, 15 months.

I'm going on this trip because I've had an interest in Africa since college where I met several people from various African countries. I've heard great things about Ethiopia from my sister, Katie, and friends who’ve traveled there before, and I'm very inspired by Life In Abundance's model for helping the poor. I'm also looking forward to serving in Ethiopia with both my wife and my other sister, Kelly Steinle.