Matthew Russell

Hey! My name’s Matthew and I’m a FOCUS missionary!

Where I serve

God has called me to serve college students and student-athletes at Benedictine College, where I recently began my new role as Team Director. After three transformative years serving at Texas A&M, I’m now leading a team of missionaries here in Atchison, Kansas – equipping them to share the Gospel and walk with students in deep, life-changing relationships with Christ.

Benedictine has a rich Catholic identity and a vibrant student culture. It’s a gift to be here – investing in future leaders, accompanying students in their faith, and building up our team in mission. Outside of campus life, you’ll find me going for long runs, reading, or catching a local sporting event. I’d love to share more about what God is doing here – feel free to reach out!

TAMU – FOCUS 2024 3

My Story

I grew up in a faithful, loving family with two younger brothers and parents who passed down the richness of our Catholic faith. After nearly 15 years in Catholic schools, I headed to the University of North Dakota to study electrical engineering and kinesiology – and to compete in track and field and cross country.

College was a turning point. I quickly realized I was spiritually adrift and searching for more. It was at the Newman Center – through authentic friendship and deep invitation from a FOCUS missionary – that I encountered Jesus in a personal and transformative way. That experience radically changed the direction of my life.

That encounter changed the trajectory of my life. For the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of walking with students as a missionary – helping them discover the same joy, healing, and freedom that only Jesus can offer. As I step into this new leadership role, I remain anchored in the model Christ gave us: to invest deeply in a few, just as He did.

Your Impact

When I said “yes” to becoming a FOCUS missionary, I also said “yes” to fully trusting God with my financial and spiritual support. This mission isn’t something I can do alone – it’s build on the generosity of people like you who believe in the power of the Gospel and the urgent need for evangelization.

I’ve been incredibly blessed by mission partners who walk with me through prayer, encouragement, and financial support. If you’re interesting in joining this mission, I would love to meet with you and share more. Please reach out – I’d be honored to have you on this journey with me!

Give Now

If you have any questions or need help setting up your gift, please contact us at [email protected].

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!

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Know, Love and Serve God

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

Build Virtuous Friendships

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

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Teach Others to Share Christ

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

Host	Retreat Type	Start Date	End Date
Tulane University	Way of the Disciple	09/05/24	09/07/24
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Sanctifier	09/13/24	09/15/24
Parish Outreach	The Father’s House	09/16/24	09/18/24
Kansas State University	The Father’s House	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of Delaware	Rec	09/20/24	09/22/24
University of South Carolina – Columbia	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24
St. Francis University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Nicholls State University	The Father’s House	10/04/24	10/06/24
Northwestern State University	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
University of Memphis	The Father’s House	10/11/24	10/13/24
Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
Ohio State University	The Father’s House	10/18/24	10/20/24
University of Dallas	The Sanctifier	10/24/24	10/26/24
Central Connecticut State University	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Universidad de Monterrey	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
California State University – Fullerton	The Father’s House	10/25/24	10/27/24
Sts. Anne and Joaquim, Fargo, ND	Way of the Disciple	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Krems	Men’s	11/01/24	11/03/24
University of Mary	The Father’s House	11/08/24	11/10/24
DePauw University	Rec	11/08/24	11/10/24
Philanthropy Engagement	Way of the Disciple	11/15/24	11/17/24
University of Passau	Rec	11/21/24	11/23/24
Texas A&M University	The Sanctifier	02/07/25	02/09/25
FOCUS Greek Southeast	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Midwest	The Father’s House	02/14/25	02/16/25
Worcester Polytechnic Institute	The Sanctifier	02/14/25	02/16/25
FOCUS Greek Southwest	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
Wayne State University	The Father’s House	02/21/25	02/23/25
University of Illinois-Chicago	The Sanctifier	02/21/25	02/23/25
Queens College of the City University of New York	The Father’s House	03/07/25	03/09/25
Nicholls State University	Way of the Disciple	03/07/25	03/09/25
Grand Valley State University	The Father’s House	03/28/25	03/30/25
University of Northern Iowa	Way of the Disciple	04/03/25	04/05/25
University of Nebraska Lincoln	The Father’s House	04/04/25	04/06/25
Arizona State University	Men’s	02/07/25	02/09/25
University of Nebraska at Kearney	Rec	09/27/24	09/29/24