When Silvain and Carolyn took their seats at the Missions Weekend event hosted by their Pennsylvania church, they were excited to learn more about the church’s involvement in global missions and how they could support these ministries from the United States. As the event began, the guest speaker prompted the congregation to open their Bibles to Matthew 28:16-20—a passage about the Great Commission.
“Then the 11 disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
The speaker read the verses aloud, then paused, letting the congregation reflect on the passage.
“Most people are willing to go but are planning to stay,” he said. “I challenge you to be planning to go but willing to stay.”
This message deeply resonated with Silvan and Carolyn.
“That challenge given during the Missions Weekend spoke to us—to be more prepared, equipped, and available, whatever the outcome would be” Silvain said.
To explore opportunities in global mission further, the couple had lunches with their mission’s pastor who invited them to upcoming training and informational sessions. In these sessions, the couple learned more about cross-cultural ministry and met other missionaries.
Eventually, the sessions led Silvain and Carolyn to SIM USA, an organization with a rich history of partnering with churches to equip and send Christians for cross-cultural ministry.
“It was just a matter of taking that next step. For us, that was meeting with the mission’s pastor. That led to the next step of signing up for missions training. Then to the next step of signing up
for the Perspectives class on World Missions. And that led us to the next step of looking into SIM,” Carolyn said.
Years before their introduction to SIM USA, God had already given Silvain and Carolyn a desire to serve Him in Europe, which has a smaller Christian presence than in the U.S. Silvain, originally from France, often thought about returning to Europe with Carolyn to serve the local church while working a 9 to 5 job.
When they heard about specific needs at SIM France, which were aligned with their gifts and passions, they wondered if that could be the opportunity God had been preparing them for?
“When the idea of potentially going back to France, to work for SIM came up, it resonated with us—with wanting to strengthen the French church at large, in regards to being more missional minded,” Silvain said. “It seemed to be a good next step in our journey, to live in France as a transition to serve at the SIM office. We could also serve French churches, by helping them to mobilize and send global workers to where Christ is least known.”
Silvain and Carolyn now live in France, where they each serve at the SIM France-Belgium office in roles uniquely suited to their gifts. Carolyn uses hospitality and welcome ministry to serve at the Guest House. She warmly welcomes global workers coming for debriefing or candidates in training, and she prepares meals, and organizes lodging for SIM events. Meanwhile, Silvain walks alongside candidates as they prepare to serve God cross-culturally. After field placement, he provides pastoral care from a distance and through visits. He journeys with them from their initial application to field placement encouraging them with prayer and friendship.
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
As they considered cross-cultural ministry, Silvain and Carolyn faced a unique challenge: raising special needs children overseas. Throughout their journey into global ministry, the couple sought to discern the best location for their family, and they especially considered their special needs children. They did not know if their children would receive the necessary support and services.
Moving to France meant navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system, enrolling their children in a new school, and finding the specialized therapists they needed. Although it was daunting, God
abundantly provided. As they followed God’s leadership and stepped into the unknown, things fell into place beautifully.
“With good and open communication, we found the staff at the public school very accommodating and supportive for the needs of our children, as well as with medical providers and therapists,” Carolyn reflected. “We are amazed at how they are thriving in France in their different venues!”
Their story is a testament to God’s faithfulness. He opened doors for their ministry and ensured their family’s needs were met.
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
SIM USA played a vital role in this journey by offering Silvain and Carolyn the flexibility to explore various ministry locations and, ultimately, choose a place to accommodate their family’s unique needs. Every SIM USA global worker receives this same care and compassion, ensuring they can serve God while meeting their families’ needs.
Although France proved to be a suitable option for Silvain and Carolyn’s family, every global worker’s situation is different. Across the world, families are raising special needs children in diverse cultural and geographic contexts—and God continues to provide for them.
To read more about how God provides for families raising special needs children cross-culturally, check out this story from SIM International about life in Mozambique with a special needs son!
Reflecting on Silvain and Carolyn’s journey is a truly beautiful picture of God’s faithful leadership. He walked alongside them through it all and prepared every step. Each moment was part of God’s larger plan and faithfulness.
How might God use your gifts and passions for His Kingdom? If you are interested in serving God cross-culturally, consider exploring options with SIM USA! Attend an upcoming Connect event to learn more about how you can get involved in global ministry.
