Three years ago the Lord called me to serve the students of Columbia University in New York City.  I have had the privilege of serving there the past three years and was blessed to serve as the Team Director last year. While it is tough to say goodbye, I am very excited to step into a new role as the Team Director at the University of Vienna, in Austria (not Virginia).  Jesus has completely changed my life, come find me and I’d love to share my story.

Growing up, the faith played a very important role in my life. My father worked for our parish and my mother taught at Catholic schools. While I always believed, there was never a desire to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. Throughout high school, I began turning to worldly things to find my identity. This lead to me rely on my successes in the classroom, in athletics and in my social life to bring me happiness. This lack of identity often caused me to choose sin over virtue. As I entered college, I expected to continue living this life of pleasure and allow college to be a four year party.

This all changed when my first day on campus I encountered a FOCUS missionary who invited me to join his bible study. Carl seemed like a normal guy except he was extremely joyful. I agreed to join his bible study because I wanted that same joy. Through bible study and friendship with the FOCUS missionaries I was able to discover my true identity as a son of God. The joy that this brought me was something I desired to share with others. I began leading bible studies and other students in discipleship.  Seeing the fruit that this was bearing in my life and the lives of the students I was working with inspired me to apply to become a missionary.  I said yes to FOCUS because I know that there are many students like me that are just waiting to encounter the joy and the hope of the Gospel.

This past year, on May 11, I married my beautiful wife Zoe.  Zoe currently serves FOCUS as a Regional Director, overseeing mission on four campuses in Austria and Germany.  I was blessed, to meet Zoe when we served together for two years at Columbia University.  We are so grateful that we have been given the opportunity of serving campuses in Europe as we start off our marriage.  These are some big transitions for us and so we ask for your prayers as we begin this new chapter together.

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.