Last year, the Paden family visited Palawan, where Julie and Gilmer first met years ago on a Teen Missions trip. The site had since transformed into a beautiful camp, where they stayed and reconnected with friends. During their visit, the idea of running a summer camp took root. Through prayer, they felt certain that God was calling them to pursue it.

This year, that vision became a reality as Gilmer and Julie's team launched a unique missions camp called Team 4:5. The name comes from 2 Corinthians 4:5, which says, "For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake." The program was designed to reflect the long-term process of missions work through an intentionally structured short-term experience. Over the summer, it hosted 13 Filipino and 16 American participants across three teams. Each member applied, received a recommendation from their pastor, raised support, and was commissioned by their church.

Through a week of intense training followed by 15-days of mission work, the teams served communities, shared the gospel, and encountered God in powerful ways. The goal of Team 4:5 is for each participant to return home as a disciple-maker, ready to share what they’ve learned with their own communities and churches.

Following training, the teams ventured out to their ministry locations. Two stayed in Palawan, and the international team went to Thailand:

• The Backpack Team  (9 total), led by Gilmer, traveled by van for 4-hours, stayed the night and then hiked for 8-hours (with all of their gear) up the mountain. They ministered to a tribal community, teaching basic literacy and building a multi-purpose structure to serve as both a school and a church.

• The Boat Team (13 total), led by Tom (president of our partner organization, Royal Servants), traveled 6-hours by land and 2-hours by boat to reach their remote island location. They visited different islands, evangelizing and leading Vacation Bible School programs. The second week, they moved to a new location, doing the same ministries and partnering with the local pastors. 

• The Thailand Team (7 total), led by Julie, flew from Palawan to Chiang Mai, Thailand. The next day they traveled another 8-hours by car to reach their destination. They ministered to the unreached Shan Tribe, teaching English in schools and communities and working with the children's home where they stayed.

Together, these teams witnessed God’s provision and answered prayer in countless ways—from safe travels and financial support to impactful ministry and deep personal growth.

One participant described the mission trip as empowering, commitment-renewing, and life-changing. "God empowered me to share the gospel with courage, boldness, and wisdom to the kids and some households in 11 villages." These individuals returned home with a passion to serve, inspired to be disciple-makers within their own communities. 

Because of your support, these young people experienced a life-changing summer that has strengthened their faith and sparked a fresh commitment to God's mission. Thank you for helping SEND train up and disciple the next generation of missionaries!