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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Danely’s Story
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.”
Elijamere’s Story
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.
Dante’s Story
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.
Gwen’s Story
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.