The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Moments before Jesus ascended into heaven he commissioned his apostles, and all people to: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Mt 28: 18-20) Personally, I am striving to live out Christ’s command at UW-La Crosse by witnessing to, and teaching about, the life, the promises, the kingdom, and the mystery of Jesus Christ. Along with God’s grace and a lot of prayer, much of this is accomplished through one-on-one mentorship and small group Bible studies. However, my family and I also seek to accomplish this by being involved in the student’s lives in various ways and by inviting the students to share in the life of our family. It is our hope and prayer that by witnessing to the students at UW-L many will come to know the truth and love of Jesus Christ and His Church.

I was not raised in the Church or in any particular faith background. As a youth I led a very sinful life. It was full of drugs, fighting, partying, and all else that goes with this sort of lifestyle. I had a powerful encounter with God when I was 19 and was soon after led by Him into the military. I was on active duty for almost nine years and got married to a beautiful, virtuous and faith-filled woman named Johanna during that time. God has blessed us with four beautiful daughters so far: Felicity, Lydia, Faustina, and Sophia. After my time of service, God led me to study theology and catechetics at Franciscan University of Steubenville. It was there that he called our family to full-time mission with FOCUS and brought us to UW-Platteville. After serving there from 2014 to 2016, I was invited to become the team director at UW-La Crosse. Thanks be to God, our three years on campus has been very blessed and fruitful so far. Two of the men I have worked with have entered the seminary and another, who I am working with now, is taking steps to do the same when he graduates. Three of the men I have worked with have joined FOCUS as full-time missionaries. And another, who was not even Catholic when I met him, entered into full-time ministry after graduating. It is truly amazing to watch students’ lives be transformed before our very eyes because they are encountering Jesus Christ in a powerful way!

You can join us in two ways: with your prayers and/or financial support. We appreciate your prayers so much because we can do nothing without God. And, as a FOCUS missionary, I fund-raise 100% of my mission budget, which includes everything I need to provide for my family as well as everything I need to reach students on campus. By joining our support team, you allow us to share the Gospel with the students at UW-La Crosse unreservedly! Thank you very much for your time and prayerful consideration!

“So do not be ashamed of your testimony to our Lord” (2 Tim 1:8) because “if you are what you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire” (St. Catherine of Sienna). Let’s set the world on fire!

God bless you,

Terry Bell and Family