Paradise Mountain Ministries

Paradise Mountain Ministries Paradise Mountain Ministries provides a loving and supportive home away from home for college-age young people whose parents are serving overseas.

Paradise Mountain Ministries (PMM) is involved in fulfilling Jesus’ Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) as they care for the college-age young people whose parents are serving Christ overseas. Because these young people are in a caring environment as they build their own life and faith in the U.S., parents can remain on the field with peace of mind for their children. More than 300 young people, r

epresenting 200 families from 64 countries have resided at Paradise Mountain. Because of God’s provision, most of these young people have graduated with little or no debt and have been able to quickly assume full-time ministry. More than 60 former residents now live and serve in 34 countries. The college-age children of those serving in ministry overseas often have no home-base in the US. Time with extended family has been brief. The cultural nuances of personality and practice that have been instilled in these young people while growing up overseas are sometimes not understood or accepted by family members that would provide a base of support. Paradise was originally founded as a place where these young people could go for summer or winter breaks when college dormitories were closed and family options were not available. Once established, the ministry began housing the third culture kids (TCKs) year round. This provides the opportunity to afford college as there is no cost for room and board and also provides a welcome spot during the breaks when other dorms are closed. Paradise is generally home to approximately 30 young people during the school semesters. During breaks, some of these will travel and many short term young people move in from all over the country – happy to find a welcome spot while their dorm room at school is not available. Young people usually stay at Paradise for up to three years while in school or working to move to the next phase of their lives. Residents do not pay for room and board, but work around the property maintaining the facilities and helping with meal preparation and cleanup. This helps develop work ethic, prioritization, and a sense of responsibility. God’s faithfulness, through the gifts of faithful supporters, enables the work of Paradise Mountain to continue.

She stood on tiptoe, gently reaching up. “This is my first time decorating a Christmas tree,” she whispered.As a Third C...
12/02/2025

She stood on tiptoe, gently reaching up. “This is my first time decorating a Christmas tree,” she whispered.

As a Third Culture Kid, her Decembers looked different. No twinkle lights. No peppermint cocoa. No ornaments passed down through generations.

But today? A spark of wonder. A moment of belonging.

At Paradise Mountain, we create space for these sacred “firsts.” First snow flurries. First ornaments. First holiday that feels like home.

When a college-age Third Culture Kid whose parents are serving overseas with mission, relief, or service agencies returns to the U.S., they often come home to a foreign land. They are supposed to be home, but the sights, sounds, and feelings are unfamiliar. They may have an American passport, but th...

So neat to represent PMM at ICOM 2025! A Highlight is finding “our kids” representing their ministry as exhibitors as w...
11/21/2025

So neat to represent PMM at ICOM 2025! A Highlight is finding “our kids” representing their ministry as exhibitors as well! How fun to watch a TCK from Japan helping a Japanese navigate the convention. Also great to meet reps from BFA - a high school many of our PMMers have attended.

We are at ICOM 2025 International Conference on Missions through tomorrow. Come see us at booth 149l.feathr.co/PMMLearnM...
11/21/2025

We are at ICOM 2025 International Conference on Missions through tomorrow. Come see us at booth 149
l.feathr.co/PMMLearnMore

This year Granny (Carolyn Eckman Ballard) turns 90! She asked for a fundraiser for Paradise Mountain Ministries! Join u...
11/12/2025

This year Granny (Carolyn Eckman Ballard) turns 90! She asked for a fundraiser for Paradise Mountain Ministries! Join us and help us celebrate Granny and 35 years of faithfulness to PMM!

This year our founder, Carolyn Eckman Ballard, turns 90! We are celebrating God's faithfulness to her and to Paradise Mountain by raising $90,000 for the ministry she founded!

https://givebutter.com/PMM35yearsHelp us celebrate 35 years of God’s faithfulness to Paradise Mountain Ministries and to...
10/18/2025

https://givebutter.com/PMM35years
Help us celebrate 35 years of God’s faithfulness to Paradise Mountain Ministries and to every Third Culture Kid who has walked through our doors here in Northeast Georgia. We’re excited for what lies ahead and we’d love for you to be part of it. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!

Thirty five years ago today, Carolyn Eckman signed papers to purchase the old farm house and land that is now Paradise M...
08/08/2025

Thirty five years ago today, Carolyn Eckman signed papers to purchase the old farm house and land that is now Paradise Mountain Ministries. The old farm house was renovated and filled quickly. A second house was built, making it abundantly clear why she needed all the land God wanted her to buy. Now a third house is being built to allow for His plan and purpose to continue. Carolyn's tremendous step of faith and obedience has resulted in providing a home away from home for 410 MKs/TCKs representing 294 Families working in at least 82 Countries with 20 + Agencies. THANK YOU, Father God for your faithfulness to already two generations of TCKs. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PARADISE MOUNTAIN MINSTRIES!

One of the best Paradise Mountain groups to stop by the booth at Council. This is our why!
05/29/2025

One of the best Paradise Mountain groups to stop by the booth at Council. This is our why!

We would love to see all our former residents who are at Alliance Council. Stop by booth #81. We have a special gift fo...
05/27/2025

We would love to see all our former residents who are at Alliance Council. Stop by booth #81. We have a special gift for you.

We are happy to be at C&MA Council in Columbus, OH. If you’re here, please stop by and see us at booth #81. Right arou...
05/27/2025

We are happy to be at C&MA Council in Columbus, OH. If you’re here, please stop by and see us at booth #81. Right around the corner from all the swag. We’d love to see you!

“Only one life too soon will pass only what’s done for Christ will last”* We are grieving the passing of Jim Gardner. “...
03/31/2025

“Only one life too soon will pass only what’s done for Christ will last”*
We are grieving the passing of Jim Gardner. “Uncle Jim” served along side his wife, Vicki, in the resident manager position at the Lily Louise Woerner House for 8 years.
Sam, one of the young men who lived in their home at PMM said it best:
“Uncle Jim left a profound impression on myself and my brothers at Paradise. My heart is broken. But I take heart, for he is lost to us for a short time, but because of Jesus, Uncle Jim leads the charge once again. He pointed me to Jesus always. I love you Uncle Jim! The reunion is gonna be epic ❤️”
Obituary information for "Jim Gardner"
*from a poem by Charles Thomas Studd

https://www.acree-davisfh.com/obituaries/James-Jim-Edmund-Gardner?obId=40064722

Our beloved "Food Dude" James Cox blessed us with his third visit this week, turning an ordinary afternoon/evening into ...
02/13/2025

Our beloved "Food Dude" James Cox blessed us with his third visit this week, turning an ordinary afternoon/evening into a spectacular feast. But it wasn't just about the amazing food - it was about the joy, stories, and love that filled every corner of our kitchen and dining room.
As we enjoyed the salmon, beef stroganoff, and something else I forget the name of, he shared his incredible journey and we spoke about God's love in a way that touched all our hearts. It was a wonderful change of pace for everyone, including our dedicated Resident Managers who lovingly prepare meals for us week after week.
James told us that these visits are a form of therapy. From the moment he heads to Paradise until he returns home, he forgets about his own to-do lists and challenges, finding pure joy in serving others. What a lesson for all of us!
Our doors and hearts are always open to friends - whether you're bringing a feast or just your wonderful self! These moments of fellowship and connection are one of the things that make our community so special.

We’re praising the Lord for His protection as Helene passed over Toccoa. While we lost 2 large trees on the front yard,...
09/28/2024

We’re praising the Lord for His protection as Helene passed over Toccoa. While we lost 2 large trees on the front yard, no buildings were damaged and no one was harmed. We worked all afternoon together and have cleared the driveway and have nearly half the 2nd tree cleaned up as well.

Address

P. O. Box 635
Toccoa, GA
30577

Telephone

+17062977499

Website

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