Meet the TCK: Tobi Childs

Meet Tobi! Tobi grew up as a TCK in Niger, West Africa and now lives in Boone, North Carolina. Read his story about the ways his TCK experiences have showed him the ways God has uniquely made everyone. Learn about how his experiences have influenced the work he is doing now with Samaritan's Purse.

Can you briefly share your TCK background (where you grew up, your parents' nationality, and where you currently live)?

"I grew up in Niger, West Africa. My parents are both American and I currently live in Boone, North Carolina."

What's one TCK experience or memory that really defines your TCK journey?

"I think just the need for the gospel in underdeveloped countries."

How has being a TCK shaped the way you see identity, home or belonging?

"It has shaped me greatly. Who I am today is because of how I grew up. I know that my identity is in Christ and not the culture I grew up in. While it feels like I don't belong to one specific culture fully, I have learned to embrace many aspects of certain cultures. I have learned to see how God has uniquely made everyone uniquely for His glory."

What has been the hardest part of growing up between cultures?

"I think just the aspect of not being able to see where you're from exactly."

What has been the greatest gift or strength you've gained from being a TCK?

"My love for people and cultures."

How do you stay connected to the cultures that shaped you?

"I continue to visit where I grew up and I get to work in the culture I grew up in."

What advice would you give a fellow TCK?

"Embrace your upbringing and try to take the positive aspects of culture."

If your life were a movie, book, or playlist, what would it be called?

"Tobi's Adventures"

What is it like working in some of the cultures you grew up in at your job with Samaritan's Purse?

"It's very rewarding and I feel like I'm at home. It comes naturally for me to work in environments outside of my own culture."

Tobi works for Samaritan's Purse in Boone, North Carolina as the regional manager for Operation Christmas Child in West Africa. His focus is on training volunteers in the region to facilitate gospel opportunities and discipleship through the Christmas shoeboxes. If you would like to learn more about Operation Christmas, go here.