Rich Richardson - Team Leader

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
Looking back at my college career, my biggest regret is that I was not in a small group surrounded by a group of guys that truly cared for me, prayed for me and helped hold me accountable. A few years back I got involved leading a college guys small group at Ga Tech through NorthPoint Church which was great. Helping launch a college ministry is Estonia for Ristee church just seemed like a great fit for me, and after meeting Peep and Anna Saar (the leaders of Risttee Church) on their visit to NorthPoint, it just made sense. What is even more amazing is how God has brought each of us together to join what God is doing in Estonia. Its going to be AWESOME!!

What is your favorite movie?
I have to say BraveHeart.

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
Kristian Stanfill and his band, of course! Well, maybe I'm trying to suck up because they are going on our trip… Which is AWESOME!!! Do they even have a name? If not, we can make one up for them on the trip. :-)

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
That is a tough one to narrow down. FIDO… Forget it and Drive on!!! Also to Pray Big, I loved that message recently at church.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Current favorite verse… 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Favorite Quote – Andrew Carnegie “As I grow older I pay less attention to what men say, I just watch what they do.”

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Trust, Grace, Freedom, Abundance, Love

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Alex Nifong

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite movie? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group? Answer coming soon!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote? Answer coming soon!

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far? Answer coming soon!

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Bryan Waites

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
Because I have a heart for college students and I wanted to partner with the church in Tartu to show the love and freedom we have by putting our faith in Christ.

In the spring of 2004, I graduated from Auburn and moved to Atlanta. Since then I have attended Buckhead Church and truly feel fortunate to be a part of what God is doing there. Through the church I have been blessed with an amazing group of friends and have had the opportunity to listen to inspiring teaching that consistently reminds me of my need for Him. As I grow closer to Him, my desire to spread the name of Christ to the ends of the earth also grows. Through prayer and patience, I now have the opportunity to fulfill that desire as I join the team going to Estonia to share the gospel and love of Christ.What is your favorite movie?
Forrest Gump

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
Pearl Jam, Alan Jackson, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
1 Cor 4:16-18... "Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal."

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Humbling, hungry, passionate, thankful, ragamuffin.

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Catie Booher

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
I have heard such great things about the ministry in Estonia and when invited I jumped at the chance to be part of a team headed there.

What is your favorite movie?
hmmmm.....strange to say I really don't have a favorite movie. Can I say my favorite tv show? It is 'The Office.'

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
I like 70's and 80's classics. Right now, I listen mostly to Chris Tomlin, Michael Buble, Jack Johnson and Macy Gray on my i-pod.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Save up for quality instead of wasting money on quantity.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Bible verse: I'm bad about remembering exact wording, but I like James 1:5 that says (something like)-"let anyone who lacks wisdom ask of God who gives to all abundantly." I also like Isaiah 41:10 - "do not fear or anxiously look about you for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you and I will uphold you by my righteous right hand."
Quote: "You never know." That may not be a quote, more of a saying.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Stretching. Scary. Restoration. Gratitude. Hopeful.

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Chris Willis

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
I had the opportunity to serve with a team from Northpoint and Buckhead Church in Split, Croatia in October 2006 and really felt a strong calling to continue outreaching to college students overseas. There is such an opportunity to see Christ impact a culture for His glory through providing outlets for the next generation of leaders to be exposed to the Truth that God wants to provide them with a new, exciting, and guilt/fear-free relationship with Him through Jesus Christ; and the impact that the good news can have in revolutionizing the post-Communist culture in Estonia.

What is your favorite movie?
Braveheart. FREEEE-DOM!

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
When you forgive another, the prisoner that you actually free... is you.

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
I really love rock alternative (both Christian and secular), country, and praise and worship. My favorite band(s) are U2, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Chris Tomlin, Toby Keith, and Nickelback (as of now… this changes.)

What is your favorite Bible Verse? Favorite quote?
2 Peter 1:3-4. I love the truth in here that God has already given us everything we need for Holiness and enjoying the life that He desires for us.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Destroying paradigms. Embracing grace, (I am) Loved.

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Courtney Sams

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
I knew I wanted to work with students on a mission trip. I've volunteered with almost every age in between, but never college students. I really love knowledge and learning, so I'm excited to be around people who are surrounded by that kind of environment.

What is your favorite movie?
I have a lot of favorites. I would say right now my favorite movie is a 3 part series - The Bourne Identity, Supremacy, and Ultimatum. I haven't seen the last one yet, but I LOVE the other two... so I think it's safe to say it's my new favorite!

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
I love all music! I found a mixed CD I made a couple years ago, and it was a mix of rock, rap, oldies, country, disco... even some Broadway show tunes. Usually, my favorite artist is whoever sings my favorite song of the moment. My favorite song we sing at church is "From the Inside Out."

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"Not making a decision is making a decision."

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Bible Verse - John 16:33: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Quote - "Fight Apathy, or don't..." I know that's really dumb, but it makes me laugh every time. :)

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Challenged. Persistent. Maturing. Unconditional. Powerful.

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Daryl & Betsy Griswold

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
Daryl: Betsy and I have a strong heart for Europeans. We have several very close friends in Germany and have traveled extensively in Europe. Most people in Europe do not see the church as relevant to their daily lifes. They support the church only through their taxes. But through our German friends, we have seen that Europeans are open to God and having a relationship with Jesus. They need the relevant environments for that to happen. I believe that God has big plans in store for Europe. I see this trip to Estonia as my chance to be a part of that plan.
Betsy: Because Daryl and I have a heart for Europe and Europeans and want to help them understand what it is like to have a personal relationship with Christ, if they so choose.

What is your favorite movie?
Daryl: We don't go to many movies. Most movies that we see are on airplanes when we are traveling. If pushed, my favorite movies (those movies that I would watch any time they came on) would be 'The Shawshank Redemption' and 'Monty Python and the Pursuit of the Holy Grail'.
Betsy: The Way We Were.

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
Daryl: I like rock music. I enjoy the music at Buckhead Church a lot. I have a difficult time remembering who plays what song or the name of a song. But my favorite musician would have to be Kristian Stanfill, since he is going with us to Estonia.
Betsy: Jazz-Opera-Irish music-"Classics"; James Taylor and Diana Krall.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Daryl: Tithe. You will never miss it and its the best deal you will ever get.
Betsy: Have confidence in yourself. You can do anything you set out to achieve.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Daryl: Philippians 4:4-7. Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious for anything but in everything by prayer and petition with Thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of GOD, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Betsy: Bible verse - Philippians 4:13. Quote - Take time each day to build up others. When you build up others, you build up yourself and the whole organization. Jim Casey: Founder of UPS.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Daryl: Learning and leaning more every day.
Betsy: Strong, weak, consistent, inconsistent, hopeful.

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Jamey Gibson

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
I really enjoy building friendships with college students and helping them understand they don't have to give in to peer pressure, but can remain faithful to the Lord even in their college years. I am especially eager to do my small part to help with the launching of the College Ministry in Tartu, Estonia.

What is your favorite movie?
Caddyshack

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
70's and 80's Rock; The Eagles or Styx.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Take a chance, as it is better to find out if you will succeed or fail compared to always wondering what would have happened.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Steady, consistent, blessed, forgiven, pursuing. READ MORE ABOUT ME...

Joe Thibodeau

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
Because Kristian told me there was an opportunity for the band to go and be a part of it. I'm the drummer for the band.

What is your favorite movie?
That Thing You Do and Braveheart.

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
U2 is always a solid choice. Lovedrug is pretty killer.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don't know if I've heard it yet!

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Romans 8:1: "There is, therefore, now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,..." That's incredible.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Purpose, undeserving, blessed, learning, breaking.

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Kristian & Kerri Stanfill

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
Kerri: I chose the Estonia trip because I am excited about what God is doing in Estonia through Risttee Church and because my husband, Kristian, and I were asked to go on the trip to help out with the concerts that are part of this specific mission trip.
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite movie?
Kerri: One of my favorite movies is What About Bob. :)
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
Kerri: Well, I have to say that I listen to all different kinds of music, but mainly Christian music. Right now, I am really loving Tim Hughes new record.
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Kerri: I have always had a tendency to try and rush through wherever I am in life to get to the next exciting thing. My parents began encouraging me to enjoy where I am and to be happy with where God has me. I have really learned contentment through their advice.
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Kerri: A verse that has meant a lot to me this past year is Ephesians 1:18-19. "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." We put this verse over our son Isaac's crib as a prayer for him. It was the verse that we prayed over him before he was even born and have continued to do so ever since. As a parent, there is nothing I want more than for my son to have his eyes and heart be enlightened to know Christ and the hope that we have in Him.
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Kerri: Blessed, consistant, gracious, undeserving, journey.
Kristian: Answer coming soon!

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Matt Melton

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite movie? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group? Answer coming soon!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Answer coming soon!

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote? Answer coming soon!

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far? Answer coming soon!

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Shannon Short

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
After an awesome experience volunteering last year as a family partner on a Lighthouse Family Retreat in Florida, I knew it was time to step out of my comfort zone and find a mission trip outside the United States. The next step was to decide where to go, but surely God himself would come down with a personal pronouncement as to where He wanted me to go, right? Of course, it didn't exactly happen that way! :-) I chose Estonia over other options for several reasons. I have never been to Eastern Europe, was drawn to the opportunity to work with college kids, and was excited about being part of producing a big concert event to launch the new college ministry for Risttee Church, among other things. I'm especially excited about working with these colleges kids who are the first living generation in Estonia to grow up outside Communist rule. They are like blank slates, open to ALL that life has to offer them. What a great opportunity!

What is your favorite movie?
It’s hard to choose just one. Savannah Smiles is about innocence and the fact that even the “bad guys” are good at the core. More recently Dreamer, which is about perseverance, hope and love – and victory!

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
I really like pretty much anything except Rap, Heavy Metal, and other really extreme genres. I probably have to say my favorite artist is Vince Gill but I like SO many others too.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
If you never risk, you’ll never know.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?
Bible verse: Psalm 37:4 - Delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. I just love the image of delighting in Him. That’s a big emotion!
Quote: Twenty years from now you’ll regret more what you didn’t do than what you did do.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Winding, True, Growing, Deepening, Gracious, Patient. I know...that's six. :-)

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Stacey McKissack

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
God had put the idea of doing a mission trip in my head, so I started looking into a few trips. I chose the Estonia College Ministry because God has broken my heart for outreach and I wanted a chance to work with college students.

What is your favorite movie?
I have way too many favorites, but I would have to go with Pride and Prejudice because it is the best story ever written.

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
Christian rock is my favorite type of music. I love Casting Crowns, Mercyme, Barlowgirl, and Chris Tomlin.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?All compliments and criticism are just advice; trust in God to tell you if you should listen.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote?The Gospel of John as a whole is my favorite. If I had to narrow it down...I love the last couple of chapters, because you can see the comical relationship he had with his best friend Peter.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Grace-filled, Privileged, Gratitude, Peaks and Valleys.

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Tim Gibson

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip? Answer coming soon!What is your favorite movie? Answer coming soon!
What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group? Answer coming soon!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? Answer coming soon!
What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote? Answer coming soon!
What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far? Answer coming soon! READ MORE ABOUT ME...

Wes Riley

Why did you choose the Estonia College Ministry trip?
I don't believe I chose the Estonia mission - rather, I think I was lead to it. And as a result, I look forward to working with the Estonians and our Heavenly Father to help in whatever way is revealed.

What is your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption

What is your favorite kind of music? Favorite artist or group?
I like a variety of music including Rock & Roll, Country & Christian; Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty, Creed, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, James Taylor, David Crowder, Chris Tomlin, Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, Jars of Clay, MercyMe… too many to list!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
In terms of faith: Put your trust in God.
In terms of finance: Diversify.
In terms of saving: Maximize your 401(k) contribution.
In terms of career vs. family & life: 50 years from now, most if not all at your company will have forgotten not just your contributions but that you ever existed. By contrast, in 50 years, the contributions you've made to your family will be remembered and reflected daily in the lives of your children.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Favorite quote? Galatians 5:22-23: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness & self-control. Against such things there is no law.

What are five words you would use to describe your faith walk thus far?
Personal, Growing, Enlightening, Enriching, Incredible. READ MORE ABOUT ME...