John Stim

John Thomas Stim

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” – Matthew 4:19

I love to fish; it has taken me across the country and introduced me to some of my closest friends, and I even had the opportunity to work as a fly-fishing guide during college. Like Peter and Andrew, the Lord has called me not only to be a fisherman, but to be a fisher of men!

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Where I serve

I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I begin my ministry this coming fall semester on campus, where I look forward to forming authentic friendships with students and sharing my witness for the gospel. Geaux Tigers!

My Story

When I arrived at college, I knew I wanted to pursue my faith, which led me to attend Sunday Mass at the University of Georgia Catholic Center. At first, I often went alone and left immediately after Mass. I knew I lacked a strong Christian community, so I prayed for friends who would help me grow in my relationship with God.

The Lord answered that prayer through the UGA Fly Fishing Club, where I met some of my closest friends. Many of them were involved with the Catholic Center and FOCUS, and through their invitation I joined a Bible study led by a FOCUS missionary. Through that community, my faith deepened, my sense of belonging grew, and my passion for the Gospel of Jesus Christ came alive.

Over the next several years, through Bible studies, discipleship, and countless opportunities at the Catholic Center—including a mission trip to Peru—I discovered the joy of living as a Christian and developed a desire to share that joy with others. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to lead a FOCUS Bible study, and through that experience, I realized that missionary life was the adventure I had been praying for after graduation.

I am excited for the opportunity to share the love of Jesus Christ and the joy of the Gospel with the students at LSU, helping them encounter the same life-changing community and relationship with Christ that I found during my time at Georgia.

Your Impact

When I responded to God’s call to serve with FOCUS, I committed to relying on the spiritual and financial partnership of others to make this mission possible. College campuses are one of the most important places for evangelization today, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this mission with generous Mission Support Partners who help bring the Gospel to students.

If you would like to learn more about how your support can impact the lives of college students, I would love the opportunity to connect with you. Please feel free to reach out, and I would be happy to share more about my mission and the difference your partnership can make.

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