Why Go on a Saving Susan Trip?

Traveling to Guatemala and Cambodia is part of Saving Susan’s mission to build relationships with the children and in-country staff we serve. We take a few teams each year to see the work we do in person, get to know the children and house parents better, and grow deeper with God. Each trip is rewarding and unique, giving trip members a chance to experience firsthand how we’re impacting the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.

Even though these trips are fun and impactful, a lot of work goes into making them happen. From planning and fundraising to buying supplies and eventually traveling hundreds of miles to a different country, there are a lot of logistics involved in building a successful trip. These short-term trips aren’t meant to fix the deep-rooted problems in the children’s homes. Instead, they give us a chance to help where we can, build relationships, and learn from those we’ve come to serve.

So, it brings up the question: Why go to a different country for a week or so when you could just send money?

While that may seem like the easier and more beneficial option, we don’t think it’s the best one. Financial support is essential to any ministry, but Saving Susan’s greatest resource isn’t our money or even our programs—it’s our connections with people.

““This has been a great experience. One thing that truly has blessed my heart is the moment I realized I was communicating with the children without using words! The universal language is Jesus, love, compassion, patience, and care!””

— Crystal Cooper, 2026 Casa Bernabé Trip

When our trip members choose to sacrifice not only their money, but also their time to go on a trip with us, it shows that they’re trusting God to use them. Time is one of the things our in-country partners are most thankful for—just as much as financial support. Simply being present, building relationships, and showing up matters.

Casa Bernabé, one of the children’s homes we partner with in Guatemala, says it this way:

““Our Casa Bernabé community genuinely enjoys welcoming teams. The children love having new people to play with, talk to, and learn from. A week that might otherwise feel like an ordinary week can suddenly be filled with new games, crafts, sports, activities, and experiences. For children who aren’t able to simply leave campus for a trip to the zoo, an amusement park, or another off-campus activity, these experiences can be especially meaningful.””

— Casa Bernabé

The time trip members spend with a child or their caretaker shows more of the love of Jesus than a dollar does. Spending your time builds deeper connections and empathy towards those we serve, and the memories created are often the best souvenirs of the tip. There’s a famous saying, “It takes a village,” and that’s especially true in ministry. Our “village” of trip members help to leave a lasting mark on a child’s life, even if it’s a small one. Whether they come for one trip or are repeat travelers, each interaction helps to shape lives.

““And it’s not only the children who benefit. Our house parents and staff are deeply encouraged when teams come. Several of our house parents have told us how meaningful it is to know that someone was willing to give up a week of their job, their family, their routine, and their comfort to come alongside them in the work they do every day.””

— Casa Bernabé

There are countless visible ways sending a team benefits the children and caregivers, but there are also so many impacts we may not fully see for years to come—or even on this side of Heaven. Your “yes” to going on a short-term mission trip can turn into something far greater than you ever expected. In fact, that’s how Saving Susan Ministry itself got started.

If you’re interested in learning more about our team trips, check out our 2027 trips at the link below.

Next Steps Cambodia 2026 Footprint

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, o lord, will keep me safe.” PSalm 4:8 nlt

Written by Carmen Hanson

Carmen and Pastor Sihok with a few of the Next Steps students in the capital, Phnom Penh.

It was an opportunity to spend time with the people I love most, the Next Steps students. I flew to Cambodia in August for 10 days with one purpose, to hear the hearts of college students. I love listening to students. Hearing their stories, hopes, and dreams. And talking through the stress and struggles of becoming adults. We met together as a group to talk about stress as part of the Emotional Care Program. And I sat down with each student one-on-one to talk about their lives and stresses. We laughed and we cried. We had many powerful conversations together. 

But of all the conversations of those 10 days, the most impactful conversation for me happened in the Dallas airport on my way home. I sat down with some lunch while awaiting my last flight and was joined by a young man nearby. As he finished his plate of buffalo wings, I noticed he was in serious need of napkins. What began as sharing my napkins led to sharing our stories. And a powerful heart lesson. 

My new young friend grew up in a refugee camp in Uganda. And following the death of both of his parents, he found himself alone with his siblings. By God’s grace, the local NGO took notice of his gifts and hard work in school and awarded him a college scholarship to study in Kenya. Now graduated, he works in the US and sends support back to his siblings so they also can attend school.

Worlds apart, he shares many similarities with the Next Steps students I serve in Cambodia. But what stood out to me the most was when he shared about the sleepless nights. In the last 10 days, several of my students had shared about their struggles with sleep. My new friend experienced the same in the refugee camp, often awake worrying about his future. But he encapsulated the experience so poignantly, 

“We lay awake worrying because we know that no one else is thinking about our future.”

This is a weight Next Steps students can also feel. And why ministry with Saving Susan is so important. Because the heart of God and this ministry is for students to know they are not alone. The stress students feel is also a motivating reason for the Emotional Care Program. An opportunity for Saving Susan in partnership with Hope for the Heart to create a safe place for every student to talk about their struggles and receive Godly encouragement, support and tools to navigate the challenges of life.

Maybe you can relate to sleepless nights or worry for your future. Maybe you have a story of how God came through for you. And maybe your story of God’s faithfulness is the encouragement someone else needs to hear. Would you consider walking alongside a college student as they navigate the big decisions of life? Please consider becoming a Next Steps sponsor or a supporter of the Emotional Care Program. A listening ear and an open heart may offer students a peaceful night’s sleep knowing they are not alone.

Next Steps group meal.

Saving Susan Ministry | Q2 2026 Impact Report

Midyear Update

Atlanta, GA — July 8th, 2026 

The year may be halfway done, but God isn't done moving. Saving Susan Ministry and all of our champions continue to make a big impact. We have many more exciting things on the horizon.

Here are some exciting updates and opportunities ahead:

Emotional Care Program

Earlier in the year we started our partnership with Hope for the Heart! This collaboration strengthens our Emotional Care Program, equipping us with biblically grounded resources to better serve vulnerable children who have experienced trauma. 

In April, we launched small-group topical studies with our students, creating safe spaces for deeper emotional and spiritual growth. Each group began with the topic of Hope. The groups all reported meaningful and successful conversations. One advocate shared that she was “surprised by how deeply they wanted to engage
with the topic.”

Our team trip to Guatemala allowed us to implement some of the tools Hope for the Heart gave us and to do a therapeutic art project with the students centered on the theme of hope. Each child created a scrapbook-style poster highlighting what they were grateful for, what they hope for, and the things they enjoy. It was a beautiful experience to see their creativity come to life through Scripture verses, meaningful images, personal dreams, and simple everyday blessings that bring them joy.

Kids from Manos show off their art projects they did with the team.

Manos de Compasión Trip

The Manos team being commissioned at Mars Hill Community Church

Our first team trip went to Guatemala in June to serve at Manos de Compasión. This was a group of diverse ages from all over the US who used their different gifts to serve the kids and caregivers at Manos during the week. The team led an art therapy project, played sports, cooked a meal for the house parents, and had a lake day with the kids.

Oliver Returns to Cambodia

The Music Academy is a vital expression of our mission, and we couldn't do the work in Cambodia without our music director Oliver. He returned to Cambodia in May to teach the students at Bileg and Imparting Smiles. The kids are growing in their skills, learning new instruments, diving into music theory and the musical history of Cambodia, and using their skills during Sunday services.

Oliver working hard with the students as they practice and perform during Sunday service worship.

Impacting Lives

At Saving Susan Ministry, we believe caring for vulnerable children sometimes means standing in the gap for their families, too. One family of children were reunited with their mother, and thanks to their faithful Parent Partners, they continue to be known, loved, and supported through our Advocate Program.

Their mother who is their sole provider, urgently needed surgery after years of worsening health that has left her unable to work. The children's Parent Partners were able to help fund her surgery and aftercare so she can now recover and have a better quality of life to continue providing for her children.

Save the Date: Rally for Susan 

August 13, 2026
Marietta Country Club

Our annual ladies-only Tennis & Pickleball fundraiser is back!

•Open to all skill levels

•Includes a luncheon open to everyone (fan passes available!)

Together, we will:

• Play

• Gather

• Be inspired

• Encounter God

• Help orphaned children experience the love of family and a brighter future

2026 Championship Ball Gala 

This year’s annual Gala—our “Championship Ball”—will be hosted at Truist Park November 12th.

Get ready for an unforgettable evening as we come together to celebrate the impact of Saving Susan Ministry and rally around the children we serve. What began with one life—Susan—has grown into a mission reaching hundreds of orphaned and vulnerable children, and this night is all about stepping up to the plate to do even more.

Thank you

None of this is possible without you—your prayers, your generosity, and your heart for vulnerable children around the world.

Together, we are bringing healing, restoring identity, and sharing the love of Christ—one child at a time.

We’re excited to see what God still has planned for the rest of 2026.