Chris and Josie come to Kids Alive International from Valparaiso,
Indiana. They are sent by Calvary Church in Valparaiso, where they have
faithfully served with the youth for over 11 years. Josie attended
Cedarville University where she majored in Speech Communications, and
Chris has his M.A. in Applied Behavioral Science from Valparaiso
University. Chris and Josie are the parents of two kids, Chelsea, who is
13, and their son Caleb is 10.
Before joining the Kids Alive family, Chris worked as the Clinical
Supervisor at Bowen Center for Mental Health, and as a Counselor at
Calvary Church. Josie has also balanced two jobs, working at her
family's business, Erwin's Marine, and as the Student Ministries
Coordinator at Calvary Church. Aside from keeping busy with their
multiple jobs, their family has had the opportunity to participate on
multiple missions trips, and has sought out ways that they can minister
to those around them.
The Oxendale family began service with Kids Alive in February of 2006,
and are committed to serving the children in the Dominican Republic for
as long as the Lord would lead them. Chris is responsible for developing
growth plans for the children in the ministry as the transition out of
the homes, as well as serving as a counselor for the kids. Josie assists
Chris with his responsibilities, along with helping with child
sponsorship and hosting service teams. Both Chris and Josie have full
plates as they are also busy raising their two kids.
When asked why working with this ministry is important to their family,
they replied that they have felt the Lord calling them into full-time
missions for several years. They wanted to work with an organization
that would put a priority on caring for children holistically, and that
is what Kids Alive does. They have felt their calling to the Dominican
Republic confirmed in their hearts over and over again as God goes
before them and prepares the way. They are excited to be instruments to
share God's love with the children in the Dominican Republic.
