Paul and Kristin Mathias, a beloved couple at Valley ForgeChristian College, recently announced that they are answering the next exciting call in their lives – to serve the unreached Muslim people of the Middle East. Paul and Kristin have worked at VFCC since 2004, Kristin as Arts and Sciences faculty member, and Paul as the Library Director of the Storms Research Center. 

About a year and a half ago, after a week-long trip to Thailand, God released their hearts to begin thinking about leaving Pennsylvania to serve in the Middle East. Both Paul and Kristin were Third Culture Kids growing up, having lived in several countries overseas, so the idea of adapting to a new culture isn’t completely unfamiliar. They will work with the Live Dead Arab World initiative to join teams focused on investing in the lives of millions of people in 300 unreached Arab people groups.

As they begin to raise financial support, their goal is to be overseas by the summer of 2013. For the first few years, they will spend several hours each day in language and culture study. Following these studies, they will be part of any number of projects, even possibly helping to coordinate a semester study abroad program in connection with Assemblies of God schools in the United States.

Along with the excitement about experiencing an entirely new culture and cuisine, the intrigue of getting to know a new nation of people, and maybe even someday scuba diving in the Red Sea, Paul and Kristin’s focus is clear: “[To serve] Muslims in the Arab world…as Christ’s love compels us.”

Their beautiful little girls, Elliana (6) and Jolene (4), are looking forward to their chance to ride a camel.

To learn more about the Mathias’ journey or to find out how you can support them, email or call them at 610.620.3043.