Travis and Melissa Seilhan, both from Jennings, LA, were married in 1996. Travis served in the United States Air Force & Air National Guard for 6 years after which he worked for the oil and gas industry. Melissa taught at the local Catholic school for 12 years before being called to homeschool their four children, Isaac, Philip, Emily, and Olivia. Both Travis and Melissa worked with the youth group of their parish in for over 14 years and were active in various prayer and retreat groups in their Diocese before hearing their call to spread the Gospel message beyond their local community.
The Seilhans served their first three years of missions in the Philippines where they were once again called to youth ministry in their new parish as well as to the children of their new neighborhood. They were also involved in other ministries of the parish and helped to bring many in their community to the Sacraments of Baptism, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Matrimony. While bringing the Gospel message to those they meet is most important, the Seilhans also helped their community through the corporal works of mercy such as feeding the kids in their neighborhood, visiting the sick and helping them get medical care they needed, and visiting the local city jail each week.
The Seilhan family welcomed their son Luke in April 2015 and in June 2017 finalized the adopt of Joshua, a young boy from the Philippines who stole their hearts. Melissa is now working stateside at the Big Woods office coordinating FMC’s short-term mission trips. The entire family is still actively involved in the mission in the Philippines as well as with helping staff short-term trips to other mission posts around the world and right here in Abbeville.
You can follow the Seilhan Family on their blog below or on their family’s Facebook page. SALAMAT! (Thank you!)
Read from the Seilhan’s Blog
- Never Too Young by Emily
- Power of Prayer by Olivia
- When You Get Out of God's Way
- Change Isn't Always Better
- Meet Mark Neilson
