I’ve been called to serve at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio along with my team (from left to right: Thomas, Allison, Ashley, Alex). Go Redhawks!

Growing up in a Catholic home and school system, I was intellectually aware of who Jesus was, thanks to my wonderful parents, siblings, and teachers who formed (and continue to form) me well in the faith. However, for a long time, I did not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus deep in my heart. As I was going into college, I was still grasping at many things to fill the emptiness I had experienced without Him at the center of my life, but He patiently placed the seeds of desire in my heart for something more.

Only through His grace did I end up on a FOCUS mission trip after my sophomore year, when I had been really struggling mentally. Here, I was encountered by many missionaries and students I had never met before, but showed me the abundant love and mercy of the Father. I also encountered Jesus in a radical way in the Eucharist and the poor that we served. In turn, Jesus showed me how I was experiencing a similar poverty, not physically, but rather in my heart, in how I was not fully allowing Him into my life and was trying to earn His love. After this time, I knew something in my life had to change and I could not continue to live the way I was, that was causing such a deep sadness. So, I finally opened my heart and made the space for Jesus in all parts of my life.

After these encounters, in my last two years at Saint Mary’s College, I experienced great joy, healing, and freedom with Christ at the center of my life. I connected with a FOCUS Digital Outreach missionary, which also changed the path of my life. Being invested in/walked with in forming daily habits of prayer and receiving the Eucharist opened my eyes to where the Lord was inviting me to grow. At Saint Mary’s, I found great beauty in being able to walk with other women towards Christ (only with the help of the Holy Spirit!) through forming authentic friendships and growing in relationship with Jesus in community with them. I am so thankful that the Lord is allowing me to continue to be a missionary disciple, not only during my time in FOCUS, but for my whole life by virtue of my Baptism.

As a missionary, my greatest desire is to lead all students to Christ. My life has been transformed by Jesus, and I want nothing more than to bring this joy to others and introduce them to the life-changing message of the Gospel. In His ministry on earth, Jesus humbled Himself to meet us on our level, taking on our humanity, and spent most of His time investing deeply in a few. I look to Jesus own example to find the best method of reaching the world.

“Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit” – Philippians 4:17.   

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. By joining me on mission financially and spiritually, we can change the lives of college students, make disciples of all nations and fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission. I’ve been blessed with the most amazing people who have journeyed with me in order to live out the Lord’s call for me to serve on campus. I would be honored to have you on mission with me as well! If you are interested in partnering with me or learning more about the mission, please let me know of the best way to reach you by contacting me at (309) 846-2328 or [email protected]. I would love to schedule a time to meet with you! I’d be so happy to share this mission with you.