BJ & Carissa Kerstetter
Missionary serving
in Northern Virginia
BJ grew up in Brazil and met Carissa, a Jewish believer, at a Bible school in Wisconsin. Impacted by their experiences as missionary kids, they both passionately desired to reach unreached people groups with the gospel. At a retreat for Jewish believers in 2012, God burdened their hearts for Jewish people, who are actually one of the largest unreached people groups in the world.
The Kerstetters joined Chosen People Ministries in 2014. Equipped with a degree in Jewish studies from Moody Bible Institute, a zeal for evangelism, and the gift of hospitality, they now reach Israeli travelers with the gospel through hospitality.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Israelis travel around the world where they are typically more open to the gospel than at any other time in their lives. Seeing this strategic opportunity, in 2020, BJ and Carissa helped start Host Israelis—a global hospitality network of believers who host Israeli travelers in their homes to provide a positive witness of the gospel. The Kerstetters recruit and train new hosts in hospitality and evangelism, and BJ is the lead developer for the app and website. To learn more about Host Israelis, visit hostisraelis.com.
In 2024, BJ and Carissa moved to Arizona to start Camp Zula—a haven of hope for Israelis. Nestled in the breathtaking expanses of the Grand Canyon, this campground will offer Israeli guests a glamping experience that promises not only relaxation and fellowship but also a profound spiritual encounter. Thousands of years ago, God promised Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. As they gather under those very stars with those very descendants, they will proclaim God’s unending faithfulness across generations, and the good news of His long-awaited Messiah.
For more information about Camp Zula, please visit campzula.com.
