Elizabeth & Yi Gao

Elizabeth and Yi Gao met as students in Mizzou Chi Alpha and were married on May 21, 2021. After feeling a call to missions during her time as a student in Chi Alpha, Elizabeth became a missionary with Chi Alpha in the fall of 2015 and was blessed to serve Chi Alpha not only at Mizzou, but at Columbia College and Stephens College. She currently serves as the director for Chi Alpha in Columbia.

After meeting the Lord through Chi Alpha, Yi decided to serve the community that welcomed him and introduced him to Jesus. In addition to his research and studies in computer engineering, he volunteers with Chi Alpha on our campuses in Columbia. Yi and Elizabeth both desire to see Jesus touch the lives of every student at Mizzou, Columbia College, and Stephens College

In their free time, Elizabeth and Yi enjoy hanging out with friends and taking their sweet puppy, Coco, on adventures!

Blaz’ & Julie Barton

were married on May 19, 2019. During their time as students at Mizzou each felt a call into full-time missions and now serve as full-time staff with Mizzou Chi Alpha.

Both have a deep desire to raise up the next generation to serve God wholeheartedly.

Blaz’ is currently serving as the ServeMU Director and Julie as the Discipleship Coordinator. Another big focus of both is discipling students and serving the worship/sound team. God also continues to open up doors for MXA Worship to serve beyond XA. Their heart is to inspire and equip the Church to worship with a new level of sincerity and freedom.

Blaz’ loves working on cars, going to the shooting range, drinking sweet tea, and eating Mexican food any chance he gets. Julie loves to sing, drink tea, play games, and just chill. Above all, they both love hanging out with people and making new friends!

Briley Eilers

Briley graduated from Mizzou in May of 2020 with a dual degree in International Studies and Journalism. She got involved in Chi Alpha her freshman year, stepped onto leadership the next year, and then served as treasurer of Chi Alpha her senior year. She felt a call to missions during her freshman year and, after serving in the Give-A-Year program for two years, stepped onto staff in the Fall of 2022.

Briley loves meeting new people and making tons of friends! Her mission is to engage, teach, and equip college students to become transformed disciples of Christ. In her free time, Briley loves reading, being outside, sports, eating sweets, and plants.

Kaitlyn Litchfield

Kaitlyn graduated from Mizzou in May of 2020 with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. She got involved in Chi Alpha her freshman year, stepped onto leadership the next year, and felt the Lord call her to stay and serve at Mizzou Chi Alpha her Junior year. She served in our Give-A-Year program for two years and stepped onto staff in the Fall of 2022. 

Kaitlyn is passionate about empowering students through their faith and understanding of Jesus. Some of Kaitlyn’s favorite things to do are watching sitcoms, playing her Switch, and swapping new music with friends! 

The Give-a-Years 

This year we have four Give-a-Years on our team (ask us what that means)! Jordan Milewczik, Hayden Maddox, Miranda Frankenbach, and Makayla Mann.