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 1 - fr. josh johnson

"I wouldn't be an ordained priest today if someone didn't fight for me." Churches in the inner city often forget the young people that are in their parish boundaries. Often unchurched, they never meet someone who looks at them like Christ does. Fr. Josh shares about his ministry within his geographical boundaries in his Baton Rouge parish.

young people

Featured
Egypt’s Story
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
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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Antoine’s Story
Antoine’s Story

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’s Story
Jasmine’s Story

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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Missionary

Featured
Tomas’ Story
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
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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Mark’s Story
Mark’s Story

I said yes to the mission because I felt called by the Lord to do something radical with my life. Vagabond has significantly shaped who I am today, prioritizing and nourishing my faith daily through our rule of life. I met my wife while on mission, and now I have the incredible opportunity to raise a family while continuing this work. What I love most about Vagabond, aside from the amazing people I work with, is witnessing God perform miracles in the lives of teens in inner-city and urban areas, experiencing the Gospel in real and tangible ways.

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Emma’s Story
Emma’s Story

I felt called by the Lord to serve Him, love the poor and teenagers, and be part of a community that fosters my faith, all of which I found in Vagabond Missions. However, I didn’t anticipate how profoundly being a Vagabond missionary would transform my heart and relationship with Christ. I’ve learned to rely entirely on the Lord for guidance, hope for the teens amid their suffering, and trust that He will reveal Himself to them in His timing. This experience has taught me the true meaning of complete surrender to the Lord, embracing His will over my own.

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Big Ideas, Real Impact