Emily Kaufman

Hi! My name is Emily. I’m a FOCUS missionary.

I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly. John 10:10

Where I serve

I am serving my first year on mission at the University of Missouri! I am so blessed that God has called me to this place and to these people.

My Story

I come from a wonderful, faith-filled upbringing, but it was not until my junior year of college that I actually understood the truth of the Gospel message in my heart. After spending a few of my college years searching for happiness in everything the world had to offer, a FOCUS missionary at the University of Kansas befriended me during my junior year. She asked me one day, Emily, do you even believe that you are loved? Struck by her sincerity, I knew I could not hide behind a theologically correct answer or reiterate some Christian teaching I had memorized. I realized that no, I did not believe in my core that I was good or lovable. I truly believed that I had to earn love from God and from others.

It was a beautiful time in my life coming to know God s love for me in a personal way, a free gift of love that I could merely receive. No longer did I have to prove myself, earn the approval of others, or live out of self-reliance. By God s grace, I decided I wanted to make Jesus the center of my life and place my identity in Him, not in what others thought of me, the parties I went to, my appearance, my successes or failures, or any of the things that were leaving me so empty. I now know that my desires to be seen, known, cared for, and loved are all fulfilled by God.

Every day, I am revealed the truth of the Gospel in a deeper way through daily prayer and the sacraments: In our brokenness, Jesus came to earth to pursue our hearts through his life, death, and resurrection. Life with Jesus at the very center is the way to a free, abundant, and happy life on earth and eternal joy in Heaven.

None of my deeper conversion would have been possible without the FOCUS missionary s presence in my life. Yes, I was well-formed in the faith, but what led the truth of Christ to sink deeply into my heart was friendship. I learned to receive God s love for me because of I felt chosen and loved by the missionary. I believe God changes lives with this mission because it first happened to me!

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 for God.

Your Impact

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 have been blessed with the most amazing people who have journeyed with me as I serve on campus. 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!

SUPPORT Emily