Clayton Ulrey

You win one young man completely to Christ; you win his whole bloodline.

My Story

My wonderful parents raised me in a Christian household. I had all the intellectual knowledge of the faith but never applied it personally to my life. I had a lot of success in the academic and athletic world, so the world supported and praised my living. I went to college to wrestle at Virginia Tech and got a Computer Engineering degree. However, it was during this time that I had a breakup that I was left lost and confused. What went wrong and why did everything feel so shallow? Thankfully, my parents instilled into me that the Bible is the only book of truth, so I began to read his word. The Lord poured out his mercy onto me and revealed himself to me very tangibly so by the grace of God I said yes to Him.  

My journey was bumpy to Catholicism as I was trying to pursue the truth simply on my own intellect. After one question was answered about whatever doctrine I was trying to figure out, three new ones popped up. After breaking down on my knees a few times, I submitted myself to His will and not to my own powers. I was filled with the desire for the Eucharist and as of April 2026, I have entered the Catholic Church. 

Along the way, many faithful men helped build me up and guide me in the Christian life. None was as important as my graduate university’s’ (University of Northern Colorado where I wrestled my grad year and got an MBA) FOCUS missionary. I was full of questions and desires on how to grow my faith and deepen my relationship with Christ. Lucas met with me humbly and eagerly walked beside me, constantly pushing me. He helped me discern my calling to be missionary. Now I have the blessing to walk with men in the same shoes as I was. These men are yearning for the Lord and the tools to walk with Him in this chaotic world where everything is trying to deter them from their faith. 

Your Impact

When my wonderful fiancé Krista and I answered the call to join FOCUS, we made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners. Our boots may be on the ground, but your support is the only reason that they are. We are all called to reach souls and fulfill the great commission; we just do it in a different capacity. By your love and support, we can reach the beloved sons and daughters of God and bring them the good news of Christ. Thank you 

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

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