Darrell and Kimberly’s story is a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness and perfect timing.

They met in 2010—Darrell, a widower, and Kimberly, a single mother—both carrying a calling God had placed on their hearts long before they ever met: a desire to serve Him in the Caribbean, where poverty is among the highest in the world. When they realized they shared the same specific passion and calling, they were in awe of how intentionally God had brought their lives together.

In November 2011, they were married and chose St. Lucia for their honeymoon. It was there that God began to open their eyes to the deep needs on the island. Over the next four years, they traveled to various Caribbean islands, prayerfully seeking where the Lord was leading them to serve.

By the end of 2015, their search had narrowed to three islands, including St. Lucia. With hearts surrendered, they asked God to clearly open the door He wanted them to walk through. In faith, they revisited each island, seeking His direction.

St. Lucia was the first stop. Eight days into their 16-day trip, they still had no clear answer. It seemed as though this might not be where God was calling them. But on the ninth day, everything changed.

While Kimberly was working and speaking with her assistant, Shirley—who knew they were seeking God’s direction—she shared that they hadn’t received clarity and were likely crossing St. Lucia off the list. Shirley immediately responded that she would go to her knees in prayer, asking God to make the path clear.

Shortly after that conversation, God moved.

As Kimberly returned to their room, Darrell struck up a conversation with a local carpenter named Martin. Though it was against workplace expectations for employees to engage with guests, Martin felt compelled to speak. He shared that his pastor and church had been praying for nearly ten years for missionaries to come and help.

In that moment, God answered prayers on both sides.

Kimberly walked up mid-conversation, amazed at what was unfolding. Martin quickly connected them with his pastor, and the next day they met Pastor Hilton and his wife, Una. They were welcomed with open arms, and when Darrell and Kimberly attended church that Sunday, it was clear—God was doing something special. In faith, Pastor Hilton and Una had even built an addition onto their home, preparing for missionaries they believed God would one day send.

That confirmation changed everything.

Before returning to Texas, the Beckums were invited to come back the following year to help lead a Vacation Bible School. After prayer and counsel from their church leadership, Hillside Community Church sent a team in 2016—and that trip marked the beginning of a lasting mission. Through the relationships formed and the overwhelming need they witnessed, Darrell and Kimberly knew without a doubt that God had shown them where they were called to serve.

Since then, they have faithfully led mission teams, returned multiple times each year with Bibles and resources, and poured into the communities of St. Lucia through teaching, outreach, and discipleship. Their heart has always been to raise up strong leaders—disciples who make disciples—with a Kingdom mindset.

In 2017, God opened the door for them to purchase land, and by August 2018, that promise became reality. In early 2019, they stepped out in faith and moved to St. Lucia full-time, living among the people they had grown to love and serve.

That same vision led to the founding of Sea of Hope Ministries in 2018, creating opportunities for others to partner in sharing the Gospel. Through this ministry, they have helped establish youth programs, children’s outreach, and discipleship efforts across multiple communities.

In 2022, God continued to build on that foundation by leading them to plant Sea of Hope Bible Church in Marigot Bay—one of the first Bible churches on the island. Since then, the church has been growing through weekly Bible studies, youth gatherings, young adult ministry, and Kids Club.

Through every step, Darrell and Kimberly’s journey has been guided by the Lord’s hand. Their mission remains simple and steadfast: to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, teaching others to do the same.

All glory goes to God, who made a way, opened every door, and continues to transform lives in St. Lucia through His love.