International Student Fellowship at MTSU

The Beckers

J.R., Carlita, Katie and Vira Becker have been involved in ministry at MTSU since 1995. J.R. and Carlita began the Chi Alpha ministry at MTSU as a ministry to two students from Family Worship Center in Murfreesboro. From there, the ministry grew, meeting regularly in their living room. The met with the students to lead them in worship and to prepare them for life after college through discipleship. During this time, they had a heart to reach out and help the international students on campus, as well.
In 1999, having left full-time employment as an elevator installer, the Becker's moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas to be part of the ministry at the University of Arkansas under Ronnie Hoover. During the year of their internship, they conducted Bible studies and mentored several students. They also helped the growing ministry to internationals there. During that time, their love for internationals grew. They knew when they returned to MTSU, reaching out to foreign students would be a major part of their ministry.
From 2000 to 2007, ministry to international students was a part of their ministry to the campus as a whole. It involved meeting internationals at the Tuesday evening Conversation Partner's Meal and building relationships with a handful of students each year. They wanted to do more. Then, in 2007, they had that opportunity with J.R.'s employment in the International Programs & Services Office on campus. With this appointment, they decided it was time to devote 100% of their ministry to international students.
Now, J.R. and family spend many evening and weekend hours helping and building relationships with international students. They make their home open to students, along with helping them with trips to Wal-Mart and taking them on trips to see a piece of America. J.R. also recruits families who want to do be similarly involved in the lives of internationals.

Personal Data
J.R. and Carlita have been married since Carlita's Freshman year at MTSU, 1989. During Carlita's college years, they lived on campus in what is now Womack Lane Apartments. Carlita graduated from MTSU with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 1992. J.R. spent the early years of their marriage working in the construction industry, mainly installing and adjusting elevators. Carlita taught Kindergarten for three years, until their daughter, Katie, was born in 1995.
Katie was born in Murfreesboro in February of 1995. She has lived most of her life in Murfreesboro and enjoys being homeschooled by her mother. She entered High School this year.
Vira was added to the family in November of 2005, at the age of 10. The Beckers traveled to Ukraine that year to adopt her. Upon her arrival in the US, Vira went to public school for two and one half years, while she was learning English. She has been homeschooled since. Vira is about to enter the eigth grade, and her birthday is in March, just two weeks after Katie's.