Wolfgang Knapek

“Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.”

Romans 10:17

Where I serve

Hey, I’m Wolfgang! God has called me to serve at South Dakota State University along with my four teammates. I’m thrilled to be working with the students at SDSU and helping them to find the true love and freedom which our Lord desires for them. Go Jackrabbits, baby!

 

My Story

I’d be delighted to get to know each of you more personally, but for now, here is a little about me. I was blessed to be raised in a Catholic family who taught me about Jesus Christ and the value and dignity of human beings from a young age. Unfortunately, I began to stray from this path as I journeyed through high school and entered college. During my sophomore year of college I ended up getting injured and then developing a chronic neurological condition (I later discovered it to be called “neuroplastic pain syndrome” or “tension myositis syndrome”) which many doctors lacked answers for. Over the course of a year and a half, I lost the ability to perform basic functions without pain, such as holding utensils, walking, speaking and moving my eyes to read or watch things. I had been previously living a selfish lifestyle for my own enjoyment, and once all of that was taken from me, I questioned the point of living and if there was meaning in any of my suffering. I hit rock bottom, and began to search desperately for God, because I knew even then, that He was the only one who could bring meaning into this pain and heal my soul and body. I began to listen to a “Bible in a year” podcast and any other talks or debates about God that I could find. I started to pray the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Memorare Chaplet and all sorts of great prayers asking for help for myself and others. I learned about various world religions in order to confirm my beliefs in Jesus and prayed to God as I tried to find Him. Given the fact that I now have this missionary support page, you can guess how things turned out. I encountered God and rebuilt my relationship with Him like it had never been before. Soon after this change of heart took place, I encountered a doctor who was able to diagnose my condition and I’ve made a full recovery since then. Praise God!  I then returned to school at the University of Colorado in Boulder and found myself searching desperately for companions who shared my values and newfound worldview. I ended up finding those companions in a number of FOCUS missionaries who led me deeper in my relationship with God and taught me more about what it means to live generously for others, to follow a moral code, and to be a leader and a servant. As I developed my relationships with many other students and missionaries during my time at CU, I realized the undeniable necessity of genuine companionship on college campuses. The guidance of those around me has built a firm foundation of faith, responsibility, selflessness and love in my heart. Now it is my deep desire to lead the next generation towards God, so that He may bless them as He has blessed me.

Your Impact

There is a crisis of meaning taking place all around us, especially on college campuses. Millions of young adults find themselves battling with this aching desire for love and in recent years, nearly two thirds of students struggle with anxiety, anger, fear or depression. At FOCUS, we wish to show students that there are people who truly do love and care about them and that Jesus desires to fill that void in their heart and lead them to greater heights.

In saying “yes” to this mission, I have made the choice to rely on the spiritual and financial support of others to go out and serve. I would love to invite you to partner with me and help in bringing truth, love and meaning to a world that sorely needs it.

Please contact me if you are interested in learning more. I’d love to schedule an appointment with you!

(303-819-6762)

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