Introducing Intake 2024, Part 1
We are pleased to introduce you to the missionaries of Intake 2024. They are currently in training at our home base in Louisiana and we are so excited to have them. We’ve asked them to share some things about themselves so that you can get to know them a little. Please keep these new missionaries in your prayers.
Faith Lewis
From Crown City, Ohio
Her story
My family discerned missionary life with Family Missions Company during my teen years, and we went on two mission trips. Though they did not become missionaries, that experience stayed with me and I did an internship with FMC when I was seventeen. This later inspired me to return two years later to become a full-time missionary.
What excites you most about missions?
The thing that excites me most about the missionary vocation is probably the chance to connect with and help my brothers and sisters in Christ while growing in my personal relationship with Him at the same time.
Is there a particular message you cannot wait to share with those you will serve?
I guess my main message to the people I’m going to serve is pretty simple: “Jesus loves you, and so do I.”
How has a relationship with Jesus and the Church radically changed your life?
As I dive deeper into my faith and into a relationship with the Lord, I find every aspect of my life, including things that are seemingly disconnected, improving. My whole outlook on life is shifting as I grow closer to him.
Is there a missionary who has had a particular impact on your life? What about them inspired you?
So many FMC missionaries have inspired me in so many ways, it’s hard to choose one to talk about. But my friend Madelyn made a special impact on my view of childcare, with her gentleness and patience with the kids we looked after together. That was two years ago, but I still try to emulate her example with my siblings.
Motto to live by
“Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow.” – Vincent Van Gogh
Is there a book, podcast, or hobby that you’ve been excited about recently?
I recently read Healing the Original Wound by Father Benedict Groeschel. Amazing book!
Before being a missionary with FMC, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
Before coming back to FMC I worked as a technician at an eye clinic. The human eye is fascinating, and I was able to learn a lot about it and even help with some of the scans and special testing.
Favorite saint(s)?
My favorite saint is currently St. Francis Xavier. His story is incredible, and for anyone wanting to learn more about him, I would recommend one of my favorite books of all time, “Set All Afire” by Louis De Wohl.
Read more about Faith on her bio page.
Madelyn Weaver
From Edgefield, South Carolina
Her story
During group prayer at the end of a short-term mission trip to Mexico, a supernatural peace and anticipation replaced my previous sense of tiredness as the Lord placed on my heart the invitation to serve the poor and share His love internationally. Images of the trial-worn, lined face of a mother and the hungry, longing eyes of her child at their small home guarded by a blanket door appeared vividly in my mind’s eye. The Lord shared with me a piece of His longing heart and with it a call to serve and share His love with such people in need who have no one else to go to them.
What excites you most about being a missionary?
I am excited to get to meet, build relationships with, and share the Good News with those in need.
Is there a particular message you cannot wait to share with those you will serve?
I want to share the message of the personal, and particular love of Jesus and help those who I encounter to grow in an awareness of their belovedness and to love our Lord in return.
Is there a missionary who has had a particular impact on your life? What about them inspired you?
Many missionaries have had a significant impact on my life. One in particular, Esther, was a missionary at my college. She walked with me as a friend, encouraged me in my relationship with the Lord when I had few others to do so, and helped me to strive forward in my desire to share the Gospel. Her friendly love, joy, and companionship were a beacon of light and of God’s love in a season with some isolation and challenges.
How has a relationship with Jesus and/or the Church radically changed your life?
My relationship with Jesus has enabled me to see the purpose in life, to live in joy and freedom, and to know true peace and love.
Your personal motto to live by
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”
Is there a book, podcast, or hobby that you’ve been excited about recently?
I really enjoy spending time with friends/community and have recently been excited to get to practice guitar more often.
Before being a missionary with FMC, what was the most unusual or interesting job you ever had?
Before becoming a missionary, the most unusual or interesting job I ever had was working as Childcare Coordinator and Hospitality and Community Life Coordinator in the office at FMC, before which I had worked at local restaurants in South Carolina.
Do you have a favorite saint?
My favorite saint is either St. Pope John Paul II or St. Veronica.
Read more about Madelyn on her bio page.
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