Fruits of Fall Outreach: Stories from FOCUS Campuses

Every fall, colleges and universities across the United States welcome an influx of young men and women to their campuses for the new academic year. At 84 of these campuses, FOCUS missionaries will be moving in right alongside the students. Some of these missionaries have been with FOCUS for several years, and some of them are fresh college graduates. Like the students on campus, FOCUS missionaries all come from different backgrounds. They bring with them a great vision for the year – as well as a heart for Christ.

During this critical time in which young men and women, especially freshmen, are making the friends and forming the habits they will carry with them through their adult lives, FOCUS missionaries are coming up with creative ways to make sure Christ is the foundation of those habits and friendships. We wanted to share with you some of the stories from this year’s Fall Outreach efforts:

Montclair State
The FOCUS team kicked off fall outreach with a bonfire that was attended by 150 students. Team Director Perla Garcia began a conversation with a girl who professed to be Christian but didn’t follow a religion. They had a long conversation before continuing the night with s’mores, and two days later the girl was at Mass. After their conversation at the bonfire, Perla said, “things clicked for her. She was excited about the faith again and ready to partake in it. The girl had left the Catholic faith 14 years ago, when her mom passed away, but now she is seeking to go deeper, and is part of a Bible study!”

Ball State
In central Indiana, missionaries opted to hold a bike giveaway, and students could enter to win the bike at different FOCUS welcome week events Team Director Joanna Brady said the boost in attendance at these events seems to have paid off. So far, 353 students have expressed interest in Bible studies.

The team is especially excited to be holding Bible studies in LaFollette, the largest freshman dorm on campus. This is the first time they have established a presence in that dorm, said Rachel Holmes, a first year missionary. They met students by volunteering to move freshmen in to the dorms during the first week of school – and interest was so high that at least five full Bible studies will be held right in the dorm building.

Mount St. Mary’s University
At Mount St. Mary’s University, the FOCUS team continued a history of holding a fall house party, bringing in a frat-party appeal with Christ-centered zeal. It has been one of the most fruitful ways of meeting new freshmen on the campus. Team Director Luke Reetz hosted a foam party at his house, which around 120 students attended.

Northern Arizona University
At NAU, missionaries have a creative way of remembering how to share the Gospel, using what they call “The Four R’s.” Beginning with telling students about a God who desires Relationship with them, they engage students in conversation about how the relationship is Ruined by sin, and Renewed by Christ’s life, death and resurrection, but requires Response to the opportunity to trust him and follow him in a new way. Team Director Andy Norton said this has opened up awesome conversations with students on campus.

University of North Texas
At UNT, missionaries have met over 200 new students during Fall Outreach. There will be 8 women’s Bible studies and a gathering for the men almost every night.

FOCUS missionary Elijiah Thomson encountered a common evangelization experience – some students he met began making fun of the Catholic faith when he told them he worked for the Catholic Center.

“Elijiah was able to compare some of the brokenness within the Church to his own brokenness,” said Megan Mroczek. “He shared the gospel with them and by the end of the conversation their demeanor had completely changed. They were absolutely engaged, and were asking Elijiah if they could join one of his Bible studies.”

Many of our FOCUS campuses have a campus website, where you can learn more about the missionaries at the colleges and universities we serve, as well as what’s happening with FOCUS on those campuses. For more information about the campuses we serve, and links to campus websites, visit our Campus Map.

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