Josiah’s love for and interest in serving in Cambodia began with his family heritage. His mom was a Khmer refugee that moved to the US in the wake of the Khmer rouge. Her family was among the first Christians in Cambodia. During Josiah’s childhood, he and his extended family visited Cambodia and he experienced firsthand the needs of the people. This instilled in him a desire to pursue an education that would be effective in serving the people there one day. Since then, God has impressed on him the call to serve in Cambodia long term.
Becca’s interest in international missions began with short-term trips in high school and, after graduating, she decided to make a longer commitment to serve for four months in Peru. She felt that living overseas was God’s plan for her life and prayed for a husband that shared this interest and was called to a specific location.
Josiah and Becca met while attending Oregon State University and serving on the worship team at Grant Avenue Baptist Church. After many years of singing together and learning about each other’s heart for international missions, the two got married in 2016. While planning to eventually move to Cambodia, Josiah spent 3 years gaining experience in Oregon as a Geotechnical Engineer while Becca taught High School Spanish. During this time they discovered EMI and felt that this was the perfect fit for how God was calling them to serve overseas. They moved to Cambodia in January 2021 with their oldest son, Malachi, and Isaiah was born the following year.
Josiah is now working full time as a staff engineer with EMI Cambodia. Becca also had the opportunity to join staff as Early Career Programs Coordinator, facilitating the internship and fellowship programs.
Thank you for your partnership with the Bakers as they follow God's call to serve the people of Cambodia.