Glory Stories

Egypt, an 18-year-old new mother with a painful and unstable past, unexpectedly gave birth to her son Jedidiah after a high-risk pregnancy and soon found herself searching for belonging and hope. Through the steady love and support of Vagabond Missions, Egypt encountered Christ in a new way, experiencing God’s personal love through the Mass, the Eucharist, and a welcoming parish community. That encounter led her to be fully initiated into the Catholic Church alongside her son, and she now draws daily strength from God’s grace to face life’s challenges.

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Before encountering Vagabond Missions, Maribel felt isolated and stuck at home in a life marked by conflict and emptiness. Through the support of the missionaries and the youth center, she found a safe and loving community, grew in her faith, and is now pursuing becoming Catholic as she seeks lasting joy and a deeper relationship with Jesus.

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Antoine first met Vagabond Missions in eighth grade on a neighborhood basketball court, where the missionaries’ unexpected kindness and presence made him feel seen and valued. As he formed deep, family-like relationships with them, Antoine began healing from past trauma, discovering belonging, and developing a more hopeful understanding of God. A powerful encounter with God during adoration at Life Teen Camp confirmed his renewed faith and solidified his sense that God had always been with him.

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Jasmine first encountered Vagabond Missions while spending time at the gym and was drawn in by the missionaries’ joyful witness to faith, both in person and on social media. Through Bible studies and trusting relationships with the missionaries, she grew closer to God, found a supportive spiritual family, and became more confident and joyful in her faith.

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Danely was first introduced to Vagabond Missions at a neighborhood block party and was drawn in by the loving, trustworthy relationships she experienced with the missionaries. During a season marked by bullying and the grief of losing her uncle to suicide, she felt trapped in a “dark hole” and longed for healing and hope. At a phone-free retreat in March 2024, Danely found space to process her pain, reflect deeply, and encounter God without the distractions of social media. Since then, she has continued attending Mass and retreats, learning to trust others and to “let go and let God.”

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Elijamere first came to Vagabond as a child and was drawn back again and again by the welcoming, wholesome community he lacked elsewhere. After losing his mother and facing instability and neglect at home, he struggled with trust, anger, and deep questions about his worth. Through patient relationships with the missionaries, Elijamere began healing from trauma, learning that he was loved, safe, and not feared. This growth led to a powerful encounter with God at summer camp, a desire for baptism, and a new role as a hopeful example to younger teens.

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After a childhood marked by abuse, foster care, and deep loneliness, Dante struggled to believe in God until he heard a quiet voice assuring him, “I’m here.” Years later, through relationships with Vagabond missionaries, he came to know that voice as God’s, and at his baptism he heard it again welcoming him as a beloved son.

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Gwen first encountered the missionaries at a rec center and was drawn to the sense of community, but health struggles, grief, and the pandemic kept her isolated for a long time. After reconnecting through a friend and the persistent care of a missionary, she slowly returned and began opening up about the pain she had endured. A retreat became a turning point where Gwen felt a strong desire to be close to Jesus and pursue baptism, leading her to learn more about the Catholic faith and receive the sacraments. Today, Gwen lives with renewed joy and hope, confidently sharing her love for Jesus and trusting deeply in God’s constant and faithful love.

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