I am excited to start my first year on mission at Fort Hays State University in Kansas with my teammates Anthony, Jessie, and Donovan.

When I was in preschool I got an assignment to pick one line from a passage in the bible and learn to memorize it with my parents at home. Every night before bed from that day 18 years ago until now, I relied on the voice of the Divine Shepherd saying “in green pastures you let me graze, to safe waters you lead me” (Psalm 23:2). This simple and unseen habit developed into a deep devotion to the Lord when my life took a turn in college.

Having years of Catholic schooling under my belt, I could defend my faith logically, but I did not meet Jesus personally until being a student at Colorado State University. From day one of showing up to the Newman center there, I was drawn to the FOCUS missionaries because of the way they radiated Christ’s joy. I walked with them in fellowship for years, developing a daily prayer life, learning to lead a bible study, and knowing what it is to have a personal relationship with Christ. However, during my junior year as a Zoology student, my mental health declined, and I was left feeling isolated and alone every day, even though I had many close friends. It truly felt as though I was “walking through the valley of the shadow of death” (Psalm 23:4), too afraid to call out for help. One of the FOCUS missionaries on our campus walked with me unceasingly during this bleak period of time, and always brought me back to Jesus’s Sacred Heart. I began to unite my suffering daily to Him, and soon enough I experienced healing. Through relationship with Christ and reliance on the sacraments, I began to know just how precious my life is and how the Divine Shepherd had never left my side.

During my interview weekend with FOCUS, I received a clear call to go on mission and save souls on campus that are experiencing the same crushing loneliness I once was, and to bring them close to the healing power of the Sacred Heart. Everyone is invited to “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6), through deep relationship with Christ and his church.

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. I am excited to have the opportunity to not only go on mission, but to also be able to invite many others to go on mission with me and become fellow workers in the truth. Just as some give by going on the mission, some go by giving to the mission. If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know of the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment. I would be honored to share this mission with you! My cell is 720-498-6366, and my email is [email protected]