We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.
Hi, my name is Matthew, and I’m a FOCUS missionary.
“The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” – Pope Benedict XVI
The Lord has called me to serve at IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY! I’m excited to bring the gospel back to campus while finishing my degree! Keep team Iowa State in your prayers!

When I arrived at Iowa State, my faith, with sand for support, quickly crumbled. I then turned to what the world said would make me happy, including parties, academics, and fraternity activities. While trying to fit it, I lost who I was. Then, by the grace of God, I was invited to return to confession, and a FOCUS missionary invited me to join a Bible study. I had no clue then that this would become a complete redirection of my life. I soon became more involved with the Catholic community on campus, and, even more importantly, I began growing in my relationship with Jesus, rooted in my identity as a beloved son of God.
In this time of learning how to pray, I discovered a peace and joy that would have been beyond selfish not to share. I realized that I was not the only lost sheep from the Good Shepherd’s flock, and that so many of my classmates and friends were in the same place I had been before I began living in a relationship with Christ.
Over the past year, I was very involved in Greek outreach at Iowa State, which ignited a love for mission within me. Through prayer and the grace of God, I answered the call to serve with FOCUS, the ministry that Jesus used to change my life. Now I’m beyond excited for the opportunity to be a laborer in God’s abundant harvest!
“Above all, let your love for one another be intense, because love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
When I joined FOCUS, I decided to rely on the financial and spiritual support of mission partners. I hope that you prayerfully consider joining the mission to change the lives of college students. Your support will have a direct impact on this mission. THANK YOU so much from the bottom of my heart.
If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know the best way to reach you, and I would love to schedule an appointment.
If you have any questions or need help setting up your gift, please contact us at [email protected].

We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.

By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level.

We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on.