Growing up, I was blessed to be raised in the Catholic faith and given every opportunity to know Christ. But for most of my life, I saw the faith as something that happened for one hour on Sunday rather than something meant to transform every moment of daily life. I knew the teachings and rules of the faith, but I never truly understood the “why” behind them. Instead, I searched for my worth in academics, sports, and achievements. No matter how much success or affirmation I found, something always felt missing.

Everything began to change when I came to Drake University for college. God drew me into a real and personal relationship with Him through faithful friends and FOCUS missionaries who challenged me to pursue Christ more deeply and showed me what authentic Christian joy and discipleship looked like.

As I began growing in my faith, one verse remained on my heart, Matthew 22:37. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” That verse changed my life because it forced me to ask myself: Was I truly loving the Lord with all my heart, or was I only giving Him one hour on Sunday?

Through Bible studies, mission trips, daily prayer, frequent reception of the sacraments, and especially daily Mass, God transformed my life in ways I never thought possible. I came to realize that Christianity is not simply about following rules, but about living in a real relationship with Jesus in every moment of every single day.

Because of the people who invested in me and walked with me in my faith journey, I now feel called to spend my life helping others encounter Christ in the same personal and life-changing way that I did in college.

College students today are searching for meaning, identity, and purpose in many of the same places I once did. FOCUS missionaries meet students in the middle of that search, walking with them personally and inviting them into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. Through authentic friendship, Bible studies, discipleship, retreats, and everyday encounters, students are discovering the hope and joy found in Christ.

This mission is only possible because of faithful mission partners like you who choose to be part of it. By supporting this mission, you are doing far more than helping send a missionary to campus, you are helping reach souls, transform lives, and build up the Church for generations to come. Every conversation, every student invited deeper into the faith, and every life changed by Christ is made possible through your prayers and generosity. Together, we can bring the hope and light of Christ to a world that deeply needs Him.

If you are interested in hearing more about how you can partner with me, please let me know the best way to reach you, and I will be sure to schedule a time for us to talk!

Feel free to contact me at 651-245-3523 or [email protected]

Peace and Blessings