Hey there! My name is Jessica Rutkowski and I am PUMPED to serve as a team director at Wright State University in Dayton, OH! Go Raiders!

After two years serving students in both Michigan’s Lower and Upper Peninsula, I get to come back home to where it all began: Ohio. The Lord makes all things new.

My new teammates: Nick, Grace, and Thomas! Look at their joy. I am excited to walk with them on their journey of discipleship with the Lord and others.

While attending Ohio University, I couldn’t shake the feeling I was made for something more. After spending multiple years chasing the dreams I had for myself, only to find fleeting satisfaction upon achieving them, I was fed up; I felt hopeless. 

The everlasting joy and truly abundant life I longed for seemed nowhere to be found – that is, until I met the FOCUS missionaries who came to OHIO that year. It is because of their intentional friendship – walking with me in the ordinary, everyday moments of life – that I was able to see the Gospel come alive in the most extraordinary ways. These missionaries inspired me to pray and share my own life with others, and then taught me how. By striving to seek Jesus in every moment, I was able to see the Teacher Himself inspiring me to be fully alive. 

I believe living fully alive is a gift Jesus wants to give each and every person. As His missionary, I desire to share this gift with the world – particularly college students – so they may know what it means to “have life and have it more abundantly.” (Jn. 10:10)

I am convinced that some of the greatest evils in our society, especially on college campuses, are loneliness, isolation, and shame. I have been called to combat those evils with friendship, accompaniment, and the love of Jesus Christ. 

Since becoming a missionary, my dependence on God has increased exponentially. By saying, “Yes!” to serving as a missionary, I also said “Yes!” to fundraising 100% of my salary in order that I may be radically available to the souls in front of me.

It is often said that, “Some give by going, while others go by giving.” That’s where you come in. I have a team of mission partners who “go by giving” financially and spiritually. I would love to connect over coffee or lunch (virtual or in-person!) or send you a quick email about how to become part of my mission serving and connecting with the students at Wright State University.