Ryan Brisnehan

Hey there! My name is Ryan. Thank you for visiting my support page. I became a FOCUS missionary to help share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with college students and would love for you to join me on this mission!

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God s will is his good, pleasing and perfect will ~ Romans 12:2

SUPPORT Ryan

Where I serve

After two years serving at the Colorado School of Mines and San Diego State University, I am now serving my second year on the Digital Outreach Team! Jesus has transformed my life, and I’d love to share that with you—let’s talk! Digital Team (1)

My Story

Romans 12:2 captures both my journey and my calling as a missionary. Though raised Catholic, I spent years chasing success, approval, and fulfillment in academics and work, only to find myself restless and isolated. In college, a simple internet search led me to FOCUS, where I encountered a missionary who invested in me as a friend. That encounter—and an invitation to SEEK2019—helped me rediscover God’s presence and the power of authentic, virtuous friendships.

Balancing my faith and engineering career aspirations was difficult, but seeing missionaries before me surrender their plans to God—and thrive—helped me trust Him. In 2021, after much prayer, I said “yes” to becoming a FOCUS missionary. It has been the most challenging and rewarding decision of my life, proving that true fulfillment comes from following God’s will.

Today, my greatest joy is leading others to Christ, just as others led me. Jesus invested deeply in a few to change the world, and I strive to do the same, walking alongside students in their faith journey.

Family & Mission
In November 2023, I married my best friend, Abby, and in September 2024, we welcomed our beautiful daughter, Pia Lumen. Our growing family reminds me daily of God’s faithfulness and deepens my desire to serve others through this mission.

Your Impact

As a missionary, I rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners. Your generosity allows me to serve and share Christ’s love with students searching for meaning. If you’d like to partner with me, I’d love to connect—please reach out!

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)!

GET STARTED

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