FOCUS Missionaries fundraise for their mission

Carlos Carroll just got a Government and International Relations degree from the University of Texas at Austin. However, instead of searching for his first job, he embarks on a different adventure: he has committed as a FOCUS missionary, serving for two years at the University of Alabama.

The same for Gabi Aceves: She just graduated in Mechanical Engineering but will head for two years to serve in Campus ministry at the University of Florida. And while both have a place to stay, they need to fundraise their living!

What moves a 20-something to make that kind of decision? Carlos and Gabi grew up in Corpus Christi, but their encounter with FOCUS missionaries at the University of Austin was decisive for them – in different ways.

Carlos is a cradle Catholic, but he would call himself back then “lukewarm.” While in college, he got in touch with the Newman Center and participated in a Bible study group for young men run by FOCUS missionaries. There he encountered a deeper dimension of his faith.

Gabi’s family went to Mass every Sunday, but her grandmother passed away when she was 14. “We got disconnected, and we would not go anymore,” she says.

Once she started college, everything seemed to go well: she was good at her studies and had friends but was not happy - she felt empty inside. Talking to her on the phone, her mother asked her, “Have you been praying?” She was invited to a bible study group during this challenging time: “One missionary would walk with me through this difficult year, and so I found a much more fulfilling life through my faith.” And she wants to assist others to have the same experience.

Now both are committed to serving full-time for at least two years. The missionaries will attend daily mass, pray a Holy Hour every day, organize meetings and trips for students, lead small bible study groups and spend one-on-one time with students. Usually, the work is linked to the university’s Newman Center. “We will spend time on campus just connecting with students, inviting them for dinner, adoration and other gatherings,” shares Gabi.

FOCUS was founded in 1998 by Curtis Martin and Dr. Edward Sri to evangelize college students. Now around 900 missionaries are serving on 200 U.S. campuses. The Bible study groups are distinct for men and women. While men strive to take on responsibilities and develop a masculine spirituality, women try to find their femininity and freedom in God, not in a self-centered “do whatever you want” mentality.

For more information about their mission or to support them, contact Carlos at (361) 585-5554 and Gabi at (361) 549-5283.