Mary Melcher

“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13

Where I serve

I’m currently serving at Kansas State University as a December grad hire, as I finish my bachelor’s degree in Food Science. The Lord was intentional in calling me here, and I’ve already seen His hand at work in the hearts of the students I’ve encountered. It’s been a gift to share the Gospel with sorority women, walking with them as they grow in faith and learn to live as lifelong disciples.

My Story

Born and raised in Iowa as a cradle Catholic, I was blessed to attend Catholic school all my life. At Dowling Catholic High School, I had my first real encounter with the Lord through a weekly Bible study group called Ut Fidem. It was there that I began to discover the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith and realized there was so much more to explore.

After graduation, I went to Kansas State University and joined my sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. I quickly got caught up in party culture and placed my identity in school, my sorority, status, and appearance. But underneath it all, I was longing for something more—something deeper—a real relationship with my Heavenly Father.

During my sophomore year, I was invited to SEEK, a conference hosted by FOCUS. Sitting in one of the talks, I heard the words, “Sometimes you might have to be the one to show others there is another way to live your life.” That moment sparked a deep conversion. Through prayer, I was intentionally pursuing a relationship with God, I began to experience healing and the freedom of living as His beloved daughter.

My decision to say “Yes” to mission came during a FOCUS mission trip to Peru. While there, the verse “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:3) kept resonating with me in prayer. I saw the people in Peru, and their deep longing to receive Jesus in the sacraments, and I recognized that same longing in the college students and sorority women back on my campus. I was convicted to go on mission to share the Gospel, especially with sorority women, to show them that they don’t have to live a life of constant longing and help them discover that the Lord’s abundance is within reach!

Here is a peek at some of the Lord’s blessing while on mission at K-State!

Just a few of the amazing, faith-filled women from my sorority at our Greek Night event this spring!

This is Paige, my sorority “little sis,” whom I had the joy of sponsoring in her Confirmation this Easter!

A group of women from our ADPi bible study on the Father’s House retreat!

Your Impact

It’s the greatest joy of my life to walk with women toward Christ and remind them they are deeply known, loved, and made for more! But I can’t do it alone. Through your prayers and financial support, we can bring the Gospel to campuses and raise up lifelong disciples.

As a FOCUS missionary, I fully rely on God’s providence through generous mission partners like you. You’re not just supporting me—you’re stepping into the mission. Know that I’m praying for you.

Let’s set the world on fire!

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