William Whitney

My name is William (Joe) Whitney. I’m a FOCUS missionary at the University of South Dakota.

Where I serve

God has called me to serve at the University of South Dakota for this coming school year along with my teammates Sam, Amanda, Kenna, and Samantha. Jesus has done some incredible things in my life and allowed me this opportunity to serve as a Catholic missionary on one of the best campuses in the world. I’d love to share just a glimpse of how Jesus has changed my life and why I said yes to serving with FOCUS. IMG 4713

 

My Story

As a missionary, my greatest desire is to lead all students to Christ. Jesus has transformed my life and I want nothing more than to bring this joy to others and introduce them to the life-changing message of the Gospel.

For two summers during college, I have had the pleasure of participating in FOCUS summer projects, a 10-week faith formation program that focuses on divine intimacy and authentic community. During my time at summer projects, I had the opportunity to attend a retreat focused on the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) where I began to realize that our faith is not merely about following rules and doing what we are told. As I dove into the story’s reality and its implications for my own life, I found myself in a place of outward obedience and inward resentment towards my faith, just as the older son responds to his brother’s homecoming. Recognizing that all the Father had was already mine and that he was calling me into an intimate and loving relationship, my world flipped on its head as I began to see my identity through the eyes of the Father.

IMG 1323I saw that God wants more than my obedience; he wanted my heart. I was not made just to walk in the orbit of God, I was made for relationship with God. It is one thing to say it, it is another to believe it and pursue it. This meant embracing my identity as a beloved son of God, who calls me in all my woundedness and brokenness, who comes chasing after me, and who never stops pursuing me, and who is always loving me.

I desire to share this same message with each person I encounter especially as I serve as a missionary on campus at Mines. In a world confused and broken, FOCUS is leading the charge in the new evagelization and has given me the opportunity to proclaim the truth about the Gospel with college students. This is why I have said “yes” to FOCUS, to respond to Christ’s call in the great commission, to bring Jesus to those on the college campus and to spend the truth of the gospel to all nations.

Your Impact

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me through this mission. I’ve been blessed with the most amazing people who have journeyed with me as I serve on campus. If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know the best way to reach you and I will schedule an appointment, (303-803-5366). I’d be honored to share this mission with you and look forward to seeing the fruits that will bear as a result of you joining me in this mission. God Bless!

Find other missionaries

FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!
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.

FOCUS Find A Missionary Build Virtuous Friendships Together

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.

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