by Sarah Mummert, Student Public Relations Writer
Home is where the heart is, and while Dr. Beth Cappelletti now lives in Ohio, Asia will always be her second home.
Cappelletti, assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University, is returning to her roots in March along with six Cedarville students as part of a global outreach experience. Their goal is to share the gospel with people from the place she once called home.
After earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Temple University, Cappelletti worked as a clinical pharmacist in hospice and palliative care before moving to Asia to teach in various public universities. While there, she put her pharmacy career on hold, as her license doesn’t cross international borders.
“One of my prayers was that God would show me how to be a friend to the Chinese people, and he did,” said Cappelletti. “Fluency took a lot of intention and stepping out of my comfort zone, but it completely changes the way you develop friendships and can help people.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic made international travel difficult, Cappelletti returned to the United States. Still, her love for the Chinese people remained strong.
It was on a mission trip to the Philippines that Cappelletti met a couple who connected her with the Cedarville University School of Pharmacy. Six months later, Cappelletti came on as a full-time professor.
Now, in her first year at Cedarville, she is planning on a return trip to Asia.
“I was so eager to get plugged in with missions at Cedarville when I got here,” she said. “I love the students, and so I’m excited to share Chinese culture with them on the mission field.”
The trip will involve conducting outreach and evangelism with university students. Leading up to spring break, the group has undergone regular training on culture, faith-sharing and trip logistics.
“You never know what God is preparing you for and the ways he will use your skills,” said Cappelletti.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio’s largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.