Brian and Alyson Rockhold met in high school and were friends for 15 years before they got married in 2017.  From the moment they started dating, Brian and Alyson knew they wanted a missional marriage. Their desire to serve God together, first took them to Haiti and now they are thrilled to commit to serving with CMMB in Zambia!

Read on to learn more about this dynamic duo.

Where is home: Born in Houston, Texas; currently living in College Station, TX

Education:  

Brian: Bachelor’s in Sociology, Master’s in Theology

Alyson: Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in missions and biology, Master’s in Public Health, Master’s in Physician Assistance

CMMB volunteer post: We will be working at Mwandi Mission Hospital in Zambia. Brian will be a program and operations support officer and Alyson will serve as a clinical officer.

If you were asked to sum yourself up in two words, which two would you choose?

Brian: Faithful friend

Alyson: Compassionate adventurer

Why CMMB? We were attracted to CMMB’s commitment to sustainable and locally-led initiatives. We were also searching for a faith-based organization and were impressed with CMMB’s reputable history.

What are you most proud of?

Brian: I had the honor of baptizing my brother into the faith. In early 2019, I will have the privilege of performing his wedding ceremony.

Alyson: The first time I went to East Africa was in 2005 and I very strongly felt God’s call on my life that I would return to serve longer. By God’s grace and thanks to my encouraging and supportive family and my wonderful husband I have kept my focus on this goal and it’s happening.

Imagine you are stuck in an elevator. Who would you most like to be stuck with? And why? 

Brian: Honestly, if I’m going to be stuck with anyone I want it to be with my lovely wife! Can you tell we’re newlyweds? But honestly, there’s no one else I’d rather be with.

Alyson: I would choose Mother Teresa. After working with nuns in her order in Tanzania I become intrigued with her spirituality and order of life. I loved reading her book and learning more about her. It would be amazing to hear it from the source!

You are featured in the NY Times or your national newspaper. What’s the headline?

Brian: Visiting fan booted out of Yankees-Astros game.

Alyson: Avid reader found camping out in the New York public library.

What would be your theme song?

Alyson: “Call me Al” by Paul Simon

Brian: “The Luckiest”, Ben Folds

Imagine you were an animal or instrument- which would you be and why?

Brian: I would be a polar bear because they cuddle and they love sleeping in and seafood, but they are also fierce and protect what they love.

Alyson: I would be a giraffe because I’ve always admired their grace and how unique they are.

What is your hope for your experience volunteering with CMMB?

Brian: Use my knowledge skills, education, and experience to serve the Lord and be a guest and student of the Zambian people and culture.

Alyson: Love God, love people

Favorite quote:

Brian: “God’s will is not a tight rope, it’s a river. So jump in!”

Alyson: “When it’s over, I want to say all my life I was a bride married to amazement. I was the bridegroom, taking the world into my arms. When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder if I have made of my life something particular, and real. I don’t want to find myself sighing and frightened, or full of argument. I don’t want to end up simply having visited this world.”

What book should everyone read? Why?

Brian: The Brothers Karamazov because it’s a masterpiece that shows the profound impact, for better or worse, that normal people can have on one another in the course of normal life.

Alyson: The freedom of simplicity by Richard Foster. Simplicity is powerful and much needed.

Who would you like to play you in the movie of your life?

 Brian: Myself

Alyson: Myself

What is your hope for the future?

That Jesus would come back soon!

If you could solve one world problem, what would it be?

Brian: A lack of meaningful dialogue and listening between people.

Alyson: I would find a way for the excess of the rich to supply for the need of the poor.

What are the three things you are most grateful for?

Brian: My wife, my health, my family

Alyson: My husband, my nephews, yoga

Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?

Brian: Eugene Peterson because of the simplicity and authenticity of his approach to ministry.

Alyson: Susan Vinton who co-founded the ministry that I went to Tanzania with the first time. She has remained faithful in her calling to serve the undeserved despite challenges and setbacks. Her compassion seems endless and she’s greatly influenced my life.

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