I am a first-year missionary serving at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana! #geauxpokes

For most of my life, I was raised in a non-denominational Christian family. While I believed in Jesus, I didn’t have a personal relationship with Him, so faith wasn’t a central part of my life. Everything began to change when my younger brother became seriously ill with an autoimmune disease. During this difficult season, my parents searched for strength and answers through their faith, which eventually led them to begin exploring Catholicism.

As my parents learned more about the Catholic faith, they found hope, peace, and a deeper trust in God. Throughout my brother’s sickness journey, we saw God’s hand over everything, and our family began to see that He was far more active in our lives than we had ever realized. Eventually, my family and I entered the Catholic Church together and was confirmed at the Easter Vigil, April 3, 2021.

However, although it was a beautiful experience, I still didn’t fully understand what my own confirmation meant.

When I started college at the University of Texas at San Antonio, I found the Catholic Student Association and quickly became involved. Through the community, I met faithful friends who helped me discover the beauty of the Catholic faith and grow closer to Christ. It was also through our center that I encountered FOCUS missionaries for the first time, whose lives and mission inspired me. Through participating in and eventually leading Bible studies and a discipleship pod, I discovered a deep love for walking with others in their faith and an even deeper love for Jesus.

Over time, I realized that God was drawing me toward evangelization. The more I invested in sharing my faith and helping others encounter Christ, the more convinced I became that this was what He was calling me to do. That call eventually led me to join FOCUS. Looking back, I can see how God used my brother’s illness, our conversion, and my college years to lead me to this mission. My ‘yes’ to FOCUS came years before I ever applied.

The mission God has called me to is not one I can accomplish alone. Every Bible study, discipleship meeting, spiritual conversation, and student who encounters Christ is made possible through the faithful partnership of people like you. By supporting this mission, you are not simply making a donation, but actively participating in the work of evangelization and helping bring the Gospel to students at a pivotal moment in their lives. While God calls some to go, He calls others to send, and both play an essential role in building His Kingdom. Your generosity allows me to invest deeply in students and help raise up disciples who will carry the faith into their families, workplaces, parishes, and communities for years to come. The impact of your partnership extends far beyond a single student or a single campus; it has the potential to echo into eternity.