Lydia Barrows

Where I serve

IMG 5470 Original 2As a Hillsdale College graduate, I am now serving at the University of Toledo! Go Rockets!

My Story

Jesus transformed my life during college. Although my parents were great models of authentic Christian faith growing up, I didn’t really know what a personal relationship with Him looked like for me. To me, Christianity was just an ideology that influenced my moral beliefs. All I had to do was check the boxes- that’s it. Though when life got hard, I found no comfort in this impersonal, almost mechanical faith that I had. Fortunately, through the friendship and guidance of spiritual mentors, I learned how to pray and came to know Jesus as a person. I realized that God wants to talk to me. From there my life changed! I experienced such freedom, joy and strength the closer I became with our Lord. 

As a missionary, my desire is to guide students like me to come to know Jesus as a friend, and let Him transform their lives. Being a Christian is so much more than having a set of rules to follow. It is about knowing and being loved by our Creator. It is a life of abundance and freedom!

“​​God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved), raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”     Ephesians 2:4-7

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’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.

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!
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.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Build Virtuous Friendships Together

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.

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