After applying nearly 20 years ago, Danny and Melanie Eaton are fulfilling their calling to serve as missionaries.

Both Trevecca graduates, the Eatons applied to be Church of the Nazarene missionaries in 1998. Danny (Class of 1986) had just completed a missions-oriented MBA program at Eastern University, and the two aspired to serve using their combined backgrounds in social work and business.

“We felt called to serve in a cross-cultural setting in either an urban context in the United States or in an international context,” said Melanie Eaton (Class of 1985), who worked as the student success coordinator for Trevecca’s School of Graduate and Continuing Studies until recently.

The Eatons were asked to pray about serving in Haiti, but a few weeks into the process they were told money was not in the budget to appoint them.

“We had to look at this as a closed door,” Melanie said. 

Fast forward to February 2016, some 18 years later when Danny received a call from Marty Hoskins, the Global Mission personnel coordinator for the Church of the Nazarene. 

Hoskins had been on campus and spoke with Kathy Mowry, professor of intercultural studies and Christian education, about a specific need for a missionary who could work as a financial coordinator. Mowry referred him to the Eatons, who Hoskins soon asked to consider the open position.   

“A few days later after praying about whether we should find out more information, we called Marty and let him know that we did want to move forward,” Melanie said. 

The Eatons soon learned that the position was in the Church of the Nazarene's Eurasia Region. The two spoke with regional leadership and prayed about whether the move would be a good fit for all involved. 

“Danny would say that although it was not an expected call, he was not that surprised by it,” Melanie said. “He had been sensing that there might be a change coming.” 

Family, friends, and mentors confirmed the Eatons’ calling, especially since it was in line with their knowledge and passions. 

“When it comes down to it, we felt that we had been telling our students, friends, and children for many years that they should step forward in faith as God leads them,” said Melanie.

In late June, Danny and Melanie will do just that. The two will leave for the Eurasia Region, a Global Mission region that encompasses sovereign nations and areas across Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, North Africa, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. The Eatons will serve for 21 to 24 months, followed by a three-month home assignment.

Both will be employed by the denomination with Danny serving on the regional finance team and Melanie helping with office administration and serving as the regional secretary. She will work alongside the regional personnel coordinator on a member care program for the region. 

Though the two are sad to leave family, their home church, and the Trevecca community, they are excited to see what God has in store, Melanie said. 

“We have a range of feelings about it, but we do have a sense of peace and clarity about accepting the assignment,” Melanie said. “This move is the continuation of our journey with Christ.”

To follow Melanie and Danny in their new assignment, visit danandmelanieblog.wordpress.com.

--Trevecca Nazarene University