Abbie Russman

“But how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!”

– Romans 10:14-15

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Where I serve

Hi!

My name is Abbie Russman, and I serve as a second-year missionary at the Colorado School of Mines (‘sko diggs!).

The Lord has given me so much freedom and grace during my time as a missionary, and I am so excited to continue serving in Golden, CO- a truly beautiful place. I have experienced great joy in developing friendships with both teammates and students, and I can’t wait to continue to experience what He has in store for me.

My Story

I grew up in a faithful family, went to Catholic school preschool-12th grade, and frequented campus ministry events. I came to know Christ more fully in relationship during my time as a college student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. A simple ask from a student to a coffee date led into my first experience in discipleship through FOCUS. After the Lord won my heart at a virtual SEEK conference, I began to experience life in a fuller way.

As I was drawn out of myself, I became a resident assistant at our Newman Center, which really sparked my heart for mission. I was planning events, fostering community, and developing deeper relationships with women under my care, and these roles set my heart on fire. I had a desire to drop out of school to become a missionary full-time, but I knew I needed to stay and finish my degree. A FOCUS pilgrimage to Medjugorje the same year really solidified my desire to be a missionary by helping me realize that applying to FOCUS is something realistic and achievable, and two years later, I was officially called through a ‘yes’ to FOCUS- my dream job. Praise be!

Your Impact

So many lives are changed by something seemingly simple- a meaningful friendship. I know my life has been greatly impacted by intentional friends, and I am deeply honored to walk with others in friendship to show them the love of Jesus.

My heart aches for those who are suffering, particularly in isolation and without a purpose. I want people to know that following Jesus is the greatest adventure and the most freeing way to live. Even though the suffering may not go away, we can experience deep intimacy and love in the places we hurt the most because we know that He has gone there before us and continues to go with us to those raw and painful places.

I deeply love the students the Lord has placed in my life at Mines, and I am so grateful for your generosity in going with me to co-labor in the vineyard with our Father.

As a mission partner, you are on mission with me. Your financial gift doesn’t just help me cover rent in Colorado, but gives me great freedom to pursue souls on campus with the love of Christ.

I also can’t do this mission without your spiritual support. Please pray for me, my team, all missionaries, and FOCUS as an apostolate. Know of my prayers and gratitude for you.

Give Now

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

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

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FOCUS Find A Missionary Know Love Serve God Monstrance

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.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Teach Others Share Christ Smiling

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