Shandon Missions

05/22/2026

Meet Alana Paige 👋🏻✨

She is our first GenSend College Student we’ll be highlighting this month! Alana is one of six students from Shandon Baptist Church in Columbia, SC serving with us at Steel City for 4 weeks!

Check out her bio below and give her a warm welcome! ⬇️

💛Why Pittsburgh?
The reason I chose Pittsburgh was because when I originally started making plans for the summer, I was so excited about possibly doing an internship that aligned with my major. Then, it felt as though the Lord was leading me away from that idea and instead toward serving on a mission trip. I was unsure of what to do, but once I learned about Pittsburgh and the mission of the trip, it felt as though the Lord made it deeply clear where I was meant to be this summer.

🤩What are you most excited for?
I am most excited to see how the Lord’s plans play out this summer and who He has planned for us to reach, grow with, and serve!

🙏What are you praying for God to do in and through you this summer?
I am praying over how the Lord plans to work through me this summer. I pray that He uses me to reach lost people in Pittsburgh, that His light would shine through me for others to see, and that they would develop the same eagerness to know Him for themselves!

04/29/2026

First Baptist Church Columbia, SC, Shandon Baptist Church, and Spring Valley Baptist Church are partnering with Carolina BCM to host an evangelistic event for international students and teachers this Thursday, April 30, at the BCM building.

Additional CMBA churches and members are invited to join in the true purpose of this night of fun, which is to build relationships that lead to sharing the hope of the gospel in the days and weeks following the event!

https://columbiametro.org/evangelistic-internationals-event-at-carolina-bcm/

04/21/2026

“Reaching the Nations in Your Community” is happening May 16, 8:30AM–2PM at Lexington Baptist Church! Learn from ethnic pastors about Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Catholicism, Atheism, and how to build meaningful Gospel conversations with your foreign-born neighbors. Cost is $10 and includes lunch, snacks, and materials.

God has placed the nations right in our neighborhoods—this is an opportunity to grow in understanding, compassion, and confidence as you share the hope of the Gospel across cultures.

Join us for this impactful day and take a step toward reaching the nations right where you are! https://www.scbaptist.org/events/thenationsinyourcommunity/

04/02/2026

04/01/2026

👋📱Hey, Shandon Kids! Remember back in 2023 when we raised money to buy cell phones for gospel training in Cuba?

🇨🇺 Cubans are facing some really tough times right now, especially those who follow Jesus. But God is using those phones in a special way! Here's a praise report from Live School, our missions partner in Cuba:

🙏 "Food shortages, no public transport, widespread power blackouts, fear and anxiety...so many impossible situations, but God is at work in ways we cannot see or understand. Despite the obstacles, churches and classes are still meeting in some of the remotest parts of the country. In some cases, those phones are now the only way they can receive ongoing training and discipleship through Live School. That VBS offering was God providing in advance!"

🌎 Please pray for our friends in Cuba, register now for Kids Summer Blast (Jun 15-18), and stay tuned for this year's missions partner and offering goal!

02/28/2026

Missions Month comes to a close tomorrow—but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook!

Come ready to apply for a short-term trip and meet trip leaders, add your photo to our 2026 Commitment Wall, add your own response to our Live/Learn/Work/Play display, and write a note to encourage church planting pastors and staff.

Kids, don’t forget to pick up your final Mission Adventure kit and turn in your project checklist for a special prize!

Where will you plant a seed? 🌱

02/27/2026

10/22/2025

So thankful for George and his many years of faithful service to our community, our church, and Providence Home-Columbia—one of our local partners!

Ready to find YOUR place to make an impact? Contact Local Missions Director Allison Miller.

🌟 Staff Spotlight: George Rice 🌟
If you’ve ever called or stopped by Providence Home, chances are you’ve been greeted by the friendly voice or warm smile of George Rice, our Front Office Assistant. George is often the first person our residents, visitors, and supporters meet — and he brings encouragement, humor, and heart to everyone who walks through our doors.

George joined the Providence Home family first as a volunteer, then officially came on staff in November of last year. His days are full — answering calls, welcoming guests, assisting potential residents with applications, and helping manage donations. His steady presence and caring spirit make him a true blessing to both staff and residents alike.

Before coming to Providence Home, George spent 35 years in public service — a remarkable career in Emergency Management as an instructor and advocate. That dedication to helping others is still evident in all he does here.

George and his wife Gena have two sons — Andy (Marissa) and Chris (Ali) — and two beloved grandchildren, Marshall and Reynolds. They also enjoy time with their loyal border collie, Tanner.

When he’s not at Providence Home, you’ll likely find George playing trumpet in the Shandon Baptist Church orchestra, cheering on the Gamecocks, or following his favorite Pittsburgh teams.
We’re so grateful for George’s servant heart, professionalism, and the joy he brings to the Providence Home community every day. 💙