With the end of Global Missions week, students may wonder, “What do we do now?” I am here to tell you that there is something you can do. Last fall, students started seeing a new couple on campus. They are often spotted with Mu Kappa, and they spend a lot of time in the Ministry Center. They came a long way to be here, and they are helpful for anyone else who comes from afar as well. They also studied medicine before they came to Cairn. Any idea who this couple is?

They are Guy and Carolyn Eshelman! These two are Cairn’s missionaries in residence, working with the University Ministry Center. They work with Mu Kappa to support and encourage the missionary kids, third culture kids, and international students. They are also members of the Global Mission Board, which oversees mission teams and Global Mission Week. Guy and Carolyn support Cairn’s global initiatives by helping to plan short-term trips and train their leaders. They serve as a resource to any international student as well as those considering pursuing missions, and they enjoy having students stop by their office in the UMC to chat.

So why should students talk to Guy and Carolyn about missions? Because they spent several year together with their family serving in missions around the world. They spent the most time serving with Christar’s mission agency in Albania, 14 years to be exact. They spent the first few years studying the language and culture. Then, when Guy thought he would be part of a church planting team, God used him to help develop a primary health care ministry. Guy helped train Albanian healthcare professionals who needed practical experience and a model of healthcare which included a biblical worldview. Carolyn worked with team members who planted a church among the Roma, or Romani, people group. She also taught science at an international Christian school for 10 years. This led Carolyn to Cairn, where she received her Master’s in education.

When asked for their biggest piece of advice for students travelling or considering missions, Guy and Carolyn had a lot to say. They both agree that a willingness to learn is key. They encourage students to set aside their assumptions on how things should work and spend time observing and learning instead. They urge students to be FAT, that is, Flexible, Adaptable, and Teachable. Especially for those considering missions, they hope that students will take the time to learn a language, appreciate the differences in other cultures, and get involved now, wherever God has placed them. Time to prepare now means time to grow, time to develop your spiritual gifts, and time to learn.

Now that you know a bit about the new couple on campus, be sure to stop by and welcome Guy and Carolyn  Eshelman to Cairn! Especially if you missed out on some of the ministries this past week, stop in to ask about any aspect of missions. They are a fantastic resource for all students, even if those students are Americans without any intention of becoming missionaries. They have plenty of experiences that allow them to share some wisdom with students from all walks of life as they head in all different directions.