Glory Stories

Making real impact for real people. Both our young people and our missionaries have been changed forever by their openness to Jesus.

VAGABOND MISSIONS PODCAST

Andy Churray interviews fellow Vagabonds about their experiences on mission and how it has shaped them as missionary disciples of Jesus Christ and His Church. New episodes out every other Friday. Listen and subscribe today!

Episode 4 - MIcah Spader

I want to say yes to the Lord and serve Him… But it’s scary to say yes.

Our Philadelphia area director, Micah Spader, shares about his journey to Vagabond, and how God works in the tough situations our young people face.

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Featured

Jeffrey’s Story

Jeffrey reluctantly attended a church camp after being encouraged by his mother, where he quickly connected with leaders and peers. Through testimonies, conversations about struggles like intrusive thoughts, and even witnessing a physical healing, he encountered God in a personal way. After camp, he gradually became more involved in youth events and grew more open about his faith and emotions. Over time, Jeffrey has deepened in faith and is emerging as a leader who now shares that transformation with others.

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Jesus’ Story

Jesus, a young man who had drifted from his Catholic faith reluctantly attended a conference due to family pressure. There, he encountered Jesus in a powerful way during Adoration, transforming his belief into a personal relationship. He returned home with a renewed commitment, attending daily Mass and changing his habits. Now, he is discerning a vocation to serve God despite outside doubts.

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Egypt’s Story

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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Maribel’s Story

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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Matt’s Story

After serving with NET Ministries in Ireland, Matt discerned his next step and felt called—through the image of a lighthouse—to join Vagabond Missions in his hometown of Pittsburgh. Saying yes to that call, he found mission both humbling and life-giving, encountering Christ through the young people he serves. Through simple relationships, like playing basketball at the YMCA, he has seen real impact as youth grow curious about faith and begin talking about God. Grounded in prayer and the Eucharist, Matt believes mission is about showing people they matter and trusting God’s persistent call.

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Daniel’s Story

Daniel felt called to be a missionary after SEEK 2015 but had to wait six years before joining Vagabond Missions in 2021, a time that helped him grow in empathy and life experience. He served in Pittsburgh from 2021–2023, building relationships with young people, witnessing moments of faith and transformation, and learning lessons in forgiveness and patience. In 2023, he moved to Oklahoma City, where he continues his mission by mentoring youth, fostering community, and sharing his faith through outreach, social media, and personal connections.

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Tomas’ Story

In my teenage years, I was involved in drugs, alcohol, and gang activities until I encountered Vagabond Missions. A male missionary in Wichita invited me and my cousins to the Underground, where I began attending Mass and Bible studies. Although I wasn’t fully committed at first, the love and consistency of these events began to change me. In spring 2018, I chose to get confirmed and committed to following Jesus. After high school, I decided to help other teens escape similar cycles in the inner city by dedicating my life to God as a Vagabond missionary.

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Solei’s Story

I chose Vagabond because it challenged me in many ways, despite my initial fears about relating to the teens due to my suburban California background. I realized that even helping one person encounter Jesus would make it worthwhile. This desire fueled my involvement with Vagabond and significantly impacted my faith journey. I’ve learned that there are experiences beyond my understanding, and while I may not be able to change their circumstances, my prayers and presence can still make a difference. I am grateful to be part of these teens’ lives, despite my imperfections.

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