In 2016, God arranged a fleeting but divine appointment that would ultimately lead the Caldwells to their calling as international missionaries. While stationed in Montgomery, Alabama, Collin and Jen, along with three of their children at the time, met a family on a mission, Erik and Bridget Martin. Though the Martins tried to explain the missionary lifestyle to the Caldwells during the brief, post-Mass parking lot encounter, the concept seemed so completely whimsical and radical to Collin and Jen that they were speechless. The joy that the Martins radiated in that short moment, however, subtly inspired the Caldwells to smile politely, agreeably slip the Family Missions Company business card into their pocket, and say a prayer with them before continuing with life as planned. Little did they know a seed was planted that day.

Five years and several military relocations later, the Caldwells felt that seed sprout as the Holy Spirit guided them and their growing family towards the international mission field. They found themselves poring over copies of FMC’s SERVE magazine, excitedly reading through the blogs of active FMC missionaries, consuming Genie Summers’ books, and praying deeper with Sacred Scripture. Through these materials and several miraculous God-sightings, including the “random” discovery of the Martins’ FMC business card from years past, God’s voice seemed to be as clear as ever, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21).

After a family mission trip to Costa Rica in 2022, and attending FMC’s discernment week that same year, the entire family was on fire, thrilled at the possibility of their own mission. Now, eight years after Erik and Bridget originally introduced them to Family Missions Company in the parking lot of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, and after numerous other joy-filled God-sightings, the Caldwell family is finally beginning their own international journey in service to the Lord. Along with James, Kadiatu, Zachary, Mariatu, Isaac, Maria, Emma, Benjamin, Kateri, and Joseph, Collin and Jen are ready to share God’s joy, encounter the poor, and proclaim His Gospel to the ends of the earth!

“We will bless the Lord at all times; praise shall always be in our mouth! Our souls will glory in the Lord that the poor may hear and be glad!” – Psalm 34:2-3

Please consider partnering with the Caldwell family as they begin this new and exciting mission serving the Lord!

“Magnify the Lord with us; let us exalt His name together!” – Psalm 34:4