Bismarck, ND – John: I serve as a campus missionary at the University of Mary. There I teach students what an authentic life with Christ is like. Fran: I work as a Program Director for National staff, where I am of support to the missionaries on campus.

John’s Story: Throughout my time in college at the University of Nebraska, I believed that I was simply not good enough to be loved by God. I only thought I could receive love from God if I accomplished things. I believed God did not want to be my Father or have an intimate relationship with me. I believed this lie until I encountered His son Jesus in a real and radical way in front of the Eucharist, in the midst of suffering and despair. Through prayer, the sacraments, and a community of men who loved Jesus and His Church, I began to realize that my identity was not found in what I do, but solely found in my sonship of God the Father. God sees me as his son and he sees me as a GOOD son. As a FOCUS missionary, I can’t wait to share with others this message so that together, we can live in this reality and share in the joy of Jesus Christ and His Church!

Fran’s Story: I was baptized into the Catholic faith at the age of three and sent to a Catholic school growing up. I knew there was truth to our Catholic faith, but I lacked a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, something I desired so deeply, and constantly prayed for authentic friendships that would help me to know Him more intimately.

In His Providence, I went to college at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and met FOCUS missionaries who changed my life. Their joy and love for our Lord were so contagious. I wanted to know more about what life with Christ looked like. They invited me on a mission trip to Ireland, and it was there that the Lord revealed to me the desire to be a missionary. I had never experienced so much peace, joy, and freedom knowing that, with His grace, I could help other college students fall in love with a God who died and rose for them. I then decided that I would spend the rest of my life serving others and showing them that a life following Christ and His commandments is a life that will set us free.

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’ve 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’d be honored to share this mission with you.

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