Now beginning my fifth year as a missionary, the Lord brought me onto a team I never anticipated: the Digital Outreach Team! I always thought I would stay on campus for awhile, and the four years I have were a blessing. But I also love my new team! They are full of wisdom, experience, conviction, and fun.

Digital Outreach is what I like to call a “hidden gem” of FOCUS. We specifically serve students on campuses all over the U.S. and Europe that don’t have a FOCUS missionary team. We lead virtual small groups with a big focus on discipleship. We don’t want a lack of resources or a missionary team to be a hindrance to the Gospel, so we bring the resources directly to students on non-FOCUS campuses!

Our digital team L to R: James, me, Mike (Manager), Sidney (& her newborn!), Ryan, Amanda (& Edward), Augustine, Maggie (& Peter), Brenda

“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14)

Jesus has continually brought these words to the forefront of my life and my prayer. As my walk in mission and growth continues, I have taken to heart more and more deeply what this means.

In an address to the youth of Berlin, Pope Benedict says, “A candle can only give light if it lets itself be consumed by the flame.” He exhorts them, “Allow Christ to burn in you….Do not be afraid.” Being a light for the world means to let ourselves be totally and utterly consumed by Jesus and letting His Magnificent Love fan the flame of unshakable faith.

As a missionary, I desire to be consumed by the love of Christ myself, but also that each students might burn brightly and strongly with the light, mercy, and love they find in Christ. Hopefully, by investing deeply in just a few of the students on campus, they can then invest deeply in others and “go set the world on fire!” (St. Catherine of Siena)

When I gave my “yes” to join FOCUS, The Lord provided me with an army of spiritual warriors who accompany me in prayer and financial support for mission on campus: YOU! I’ve been blessed to fight the good fight with you and have seen tremendous impact from your efforts! Over the past few years, through your prayers we’ve seen two students enter the Church in 2021, two more in 2022, eight at Easter in 2023, six students apply to be FOCUS missionaries, five accepted their offers, a student who we never thought would join Bible study become our most faithful member, several other students become more involved in the Newman community, and having the financial ability to sponsor students signing up for the SEEK conference! I am so excited to see the fruits still growing. Praise Him from Whom all blessings flow!