The Village Movement

Arbra grew up in Houston, TX. He has a passion for Christ, His Church, humanity, the poor, and racial reconciliation. He and his wife, Helena, along with their 2 adult children and teenage son, AJ, have been members of The Church Without Walls in Houston, TX for over 15 years under the leadership of Dr. Ralph D. West, Sr.

Arbra joined Compassion International in May 2016 and prior to that served as the Director of Ministry for The Church Without Walls. He is an M. Div graduate from George W. Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University with a concentration in Theology. He is a member of Theta Alpha Kappa, a recipient of Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities, the Robert Jackson Robinson Preaching Award, and the Dr. A.J. "Chip' Conyers Outstanding Male Student Award. He received his undergraduate degree from Trinity University, graduating with a major in Computer Science.

With over 20 years of service in ministry and consulting experience, Arbra is dedicated to the reconciliation of humanity back to God and itself by using the spiritual gifts and abilities God has given him. He enjoys listening to jazz, watching sports, playing tennis, and Friday night movie nights with the family.

“The Village Movement provides a platform for communities of African descent to herald a first person narrative of our Christian faith’s role and relevance in global disciple-making and missions.”— Arbra Bailey

Shelia is excited to join the African American Church Relations Team, an expansion of the Global Marketing and Engagement Department. Working directly with African American Churches nationally, Shelia will develop relationships and solidify partnerships with Compassion in efforts to release children from poverty in Jesus’ Name.

Shelia resides in Seattle, WA with her husband of 30 years Rev. Leslie D. Braxton. Dr. Braxton is the Organizing and Senior Pastor of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, Kent, WA. Shelia believes her absolute privilege in life is being a mother of Karissa Marie, 2014 graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC (B.A. Communications) and Samuel Leslie, 2016 graduate Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA (B.S. Kinesiology).

Prior to coming to Compassion International, Shelia served as Director of Discipleship and New Member Ministries at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship. In her role at New Beginnings, Shelia was responsible for shepherding persons through the New Member process. She was also responsible for all the children and youth teaching ministries (Early Childhood Center, Church School, Awana, and Vacation Bible Camp). Lastly, Shelia provided direct support to her husband as Executive Assistant to the Senior Pastor.

In her free time, Shelia enjoys taking in the sights of the Pacific Northwest, domestic and international travel, and listening to many different music genre.

“As Disciples of Christ, we are to follow His Commandments and teachings. The Village Movement provides collective opportunities for all to live out both the Great Commandment and Great Commission as we seek to grow Global Disciples together.”— Sheila Braxton

Daniel is excited to be working as teammate to generate, cultivate, and sustain long-term relationships with Senior Leadership of African-American churches, campuses, and communities to partner with Compassion to release children from poverty in Jesus' name.

"As a new teammate of Compassion, I bring 14 plus years of Youth Ministry experience serving in various sizes and denominations within the African- American church. I’ve served a year and a half working as a Teacher Assistant for Dallas Independent School District in a Title One (low economic rate) school. Last but not least, several years of corporate experience doing Inside Sales for IBM.

"I am a third generation preacher. My grandfather was a Pastor/preacher. Currently, my father Pastors in Orlando, Florida. I guess you could say I was in church from the womb. I’m licensed and ordained to serve God’s people. I was born in Dallas Texas, yet moved at least seven times due to great jobs afforded to my father. I’m a graduate of the Historically Black College named Morehouse College located in Atlanta Georgia. The only predominately all black male institution in the world. One of our famous alumni is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On the other hand, I’ m a humbled graduate of George W. Truett Seminary on the campus of Baylor University located in Waco, Texas with a Master of Divinity degree.

"I’m single, second son of three boys, and enjoy being with family. I’m an avid sports fan with ESPN as the channel to watch for everything. In my limited opinion, my friends overtime through life’s ups and downs have become brothers and sisters. Therefore, God has blessed me with significant relationships across the country for advice, support, and encouragement. Humor and desiring people to enjoy life’s moments regardless of the circumstances is a God-given ability I possess. In closing, I’m a lifelong learner with a zeal for books, movies, and gadgets."

“The Village Movement is a God-sized opportunity to engage in living out the Great Commission and Great Commandment focused on the least of these. In other words, growing global disciples together.”— Daniel White