We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.
Hi:) My name is Abbey. I’m a new FOCUS missionary at Grand Valley State University.
As a new Michigander, I have learned that I will be living below my pinky finger about half way down the palm of my right hand. This year, I will be serving at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. If I had to guess, you’ll probably find me in a local coffee shop meeting new people or going on long walks and chasing sunsets with students.
I grew up in a very loving Catholic home, going to Catholic school, and participating in all sorts of youth ministry retreats and activities. I remember having a very powerful experience in adoration at NCYC as a high schooler and knowing my faith was something I wanted to keep as a priority going off to college. During my time at Iowa State University, I had my ups and downs with prioritizing my faith. Keeping a very long story very short, the FOCUS missionary on my campus met me where I was at my junior year and walked with me until I decided I was ready to go all in on a life with Christ. Through many coffee dates, a sorority bible study, an Antioch Retreat, and the SEEK conference my senior year, Jesus slowly became the center of my life and truly my best friend. After graduating from Iowa State, I attempted to pursue my dreams of van life and took an epic road-trip through the Pacific Northwest while working as an online health coach. After a few incredible months of travel, I took a job as a youth minister in my hometown and let the adventure continue in a whole new way. After two years with the high school and middle school students, I felt the Lord calling me here, to serve college students and help be Christ to them the way my missionary was to me.
As a missionary with FOCUS, I have chosen to rely on the generous gifts of others, both spiritually and financially, to allow me to pursue this call from the Lord. I have been blessed with an incredible support system my entire life, and am continuously blown away by the way they continue to support me in this next chapter. If you are interested in joining my support team in any capacity, spiritually and/or financially, send me a message and I would love to chat!
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.