Derek Birkemeier

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort, you were made for greatness.”

-Pope Benedict XVI

Where I serve

I am serving my first year as a missionary at Dickinson State University in North Dakota.

My Story

Growing up, I always had an appreciation for my faith, yet as I got into college, I came to realize that there was something missing from the way I was living. I had begun to just go through the motions, going to church without really having my heart in it. I found that there were many aspects of my faith life where I had become complacent, having a “That’s good enough” attitude. I was putting myself and my desires before my family, friends, and my faith. As time went on, I found myself continually needing more things to feel satisfied. The more I strived for material things and success, it became apparent that I was missing something.

Through the involvement of FOCUS at Ohio Northern University, I came to grow in my faith and relationship with God in a way that changed my life. I met a missionary who truly wanted what was best for me and someone who could be an excellent example of what it means to live a life for Christ. I became a FOCUS missionary so that I could share with others the true freedom that we can have by choosing to follow Christ in our everyday life, and to help students foster the desire to grow in relationship with God throughout and after college.

Growing in my relationship with God has changed my life in a way that I never would have expected. Finding my identity rooted in Christ has given me confidence and joy that I never even knew I was missing and I am excited to go out and share that joy with the college students I meet on campus.

Your Impact

As a part of being a FOCUS missionary, I rely on mission partners for spiritual and financial support, which is what allows me to go out and serve others in this way. Without the generous support of others, I would not be able to do what I do now. If you are interested in joining me on this mission, please feel free to reach out to me at 419-615-2751 or [email protected] and I would be happy to set up an appointment to meet in person!

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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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