Thailand '25 Mission Team
Greetings, friends of Stony Brook Church. Today, I'm pleased to announce that Stony Brook is headed to Thailand this summer! The team plans to visit Katie Mesias, who we supported through prayer and finances for many years, and who we have been blessed to be visited by in the past. We now have the chance to visit her, her husband, and the mission of Abundant Life Home in Thailand. This is an incredibly exciting opportunity, and we are so excited for what God has in store for this trip and the opportunity to serve and share His love with the world.
The team that is going to Thailand will be traveling halfway across the globe to experience this beautiful culture and get a rare chance to glimpse the ways God is moving in a place that is geographically, culturally, and spiritually distinct from ours. Sadly, I will not be attending this year, which breaks my heart because I love Katie and long to see first hand the amazing work God is doing in Thailand through our mission partners. Yet I am pleased today to introduce you to the Thailand 2025 mission team.
Note: This post will be updated as we add additional team members, so check back soon for the full list.
My name is Kendra Voelker...
...and I am married to James, together we have three amazing kids. I have to say my kids are my “why” for many things, they constantly show me ways I can continue to grow and do better.
I am going to Thailand on a short term mission trip because I want to experience Christ's call for us as evangelists. But, my kids are my driving force also. I read some missionary books to them last year and I think that lit something in us for the world God created, and having the opportunity to share a real life missionary experience with them is amazing. As they put it, "It's super hero work!”
I hope to gain the confidence in sharing the gospel, showing God’s love to others, and building relationships beyond the language barriers we will experience. I am excited to learn how to communicate with others when there are such barriers, and to learn about their culture so we can build relationships. I am most excited to grow as a missionary, and to be a part of God’s call for us to love everyone.
The experience of going on my first mission trip is going to be life changing, not just for myself, but for my kids as well. They are so supportive, and I can't wait to show them how God is working.
Kendra Voelker
Hi, I'm Amanda Dorsey...
...a member of Stony Brook Church. I am married to Vance, together we have two incredible kids.
Over the past 7 years at Stony Brook, my heart for service has grown tremendously. I have formed countless connections and learned much about the power of serving others. I believe that Jesus' teachings center on growing the kingdom, and I am eager to live out that commission.
I am particularly drawn to this mission trip and the opportunity to serve at an orphanage in Thailand. As an adoptive parent, my husband and I deeply understand the importance of care and belonging. I believe it is a communal responsibility to care for children, and I feel called to share the love of Christ with those who may not have had the chance to experience it.
My goal during this trip is to help the children feel adopted by God and build their relationship with Him. I’m hoping our group will be assisting with a vacation bible school event to achieve fun, Biblical teaching. I am committed to growing in empathy and understanding so I can reach these children’s hearts and help them know how loved they are by their Heavenly Father.
Amanda Dorsey
Hello! My name is Brittany Bachhofer...
...and I’ve been involved with Stony Brook for almost a year.
I’m excited to be part of this mission trip to Thailand, where I hope to broaden my horizons, build connections with others, and strengthen my relationship with God.
I’m also looking forward to stepping outside my comfort zone and discovering strengths I didn’t know I had.
I’m especially eager to help teach and care for the children we’ll be working with, and I can’t wait to see how God will use me to make a difference in their lives.
Brittany Bachhofer
Hello, my name is James Voelker.
I am married to Kendra and we have three crazy kids, Tucker, Braxton, and Evalyn. My why starts with Kendra. For years she has told me she wanted to go on a mission trip to which I promptly shut down. I'm not sure if it was leaving my comfort zone, or my own reluctance to see how much bigger God’s plans were for me, but as usual He was smarter than me and opened my eyes through Stony Brook and the people I met there.
God began to soften my heart and I began volunteering in Kid Life. Seeing kids on fire for Jesus will change a person. This helped me see how interacting with kids whether it's through games, lessons, or being a goofball that God makes amazing connections with Him happen. So when this opportunity came up I finally understood the fire that Kendra had and I was all in!
While in Thailand I hope to connect with the kids the same way I do here in Omaha, with fun and laughter that crosses any language barrier. I'm excited to be a part of the VBS we will be putting on and that we will have opportunities to play basketball, help with any repairs to buildings, and (with an open mind and heart) see where God can work through me.
I hope to learn more about how God can work in situations that are out of the ordinary for me. I want to come back with a better understanding of how He works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). What better way to do that than to fulfill the great commission and spread the gospel to the world!
James Voelker
My name is Leah Pikop.
I'm joining the mission trip with a group of amazing people from Stony Brook, but I'm also doing this trip with my mom Kristin and my brother Logan.
I would have to say my "why" is because when I went on my first international mission trip to Mexico , I learned how God can make things beautiful in so many ways, not just physically but mentally too.
I hope that when I go to Thailand, I can learn more about how God can use me and all the missionaries who are willing to go on this trip. I hope I can learn more about myself regarding what I'm capable of doing, and that it will teach me a great life lesson about others.
Leah Pikop
My name is Kristin Pikop.
I am excited to embark on a mission trip to Thailand with my kids, Leah and Logan, to work at an orphanage. We are eager to provide support and love to vulnerable children while also serving the dedicated adults who work there. This experience will not only allow us to make a positive impact but also help us grow and connect with the local community in meaningful ways.
During our time at the orphanage, I hope to contribute in any way that I can. Whether it’s cooking nutritious meals, cleaning the facilities, or providing basic healthcare support, I am ready to lend a helping hand. Additionally, I would love to offer massage therapy to both the children and the staff, as I believe in the importance of physical well-being and relaxation. My goal is to be as helpful as possible and make a positive difference in the lives of everyone at the orphanage.
I also hope to gain a deeper understanding of what it truly means to be a missionary. Engaging with the local community will allow me to learn about Thai culture, traditions, and values, enriching my perspective on service and faith. I am eager to discover how God is guiding my journey and what plans He has for my future. This experience will not only broaden my horizons but also strengthen my faith and commitment to serving others in meaningful ways.
Kristin Pikop
Hello! My name is Nisa Hanley.
I am 19 years old and currently a nursing student. I attend Stony Brook church and am super excited to be going on this mission trip! A few months ago, I had the opportunity to hear a missionary speak. His stories really tugged on my heart strings, and I fell into prayer about it, and I felt a calling to go.
I love working with kids and hope to do so on this trip! This is my first missions’ trip and I’m not sure what to expect but I do know God has a plan and I am excited to learn and help out where I can!
Nisa Hanley