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 9 - JR Lewis
JR was in high school when he met Vagabond Missions. You can see the Lord at work in his life as he shares his testimony.
JR also gives insight to the life of a young person growing up in the inner city and how the Church can lead those young people to Christ.
young people see All
Amari is a young person living in Steubenville. She has a strong mix of loyalty and anger that has resulted in some serious consequences. She was willing to confront that issue head on, and through it, encountered the peace and love of Jesus.
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.
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.
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.
Missionary See All
Nicole originally joined as a college volunteer, hoping to gain experience working with young people in poverty, but the relationships she formed led her to become a full-time missionary instead of pursuing teaching right away. Through simple conversations, shared activities, and constant encouragement toward prayer, she has witnessed young people experience healing, openness, and deeper faith. Nicole especially loves walking alongside teen moms and other youth in everyday life, showing them Christ through friendship and consistency. What began as a career goal has become a lifelong mission centered on community, evangelization, and helping young people encounter God.
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.
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.
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.