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 7 - Lauren Koath

One of our staff members, Lauren, served as a missionary in Pittsburgh, PA. She helped start ministry in one of the neighborhoods from the ground up through walking up and down the streets, playing soccer, and learning names.

In this episode, Lauren shares how she fell in love with Jesus and her response to this love.

Watch All Episodes

young people see All

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.

Read Jeffrey's Story

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.

Read Jesus’ 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.

Read Egypt’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.

Read Maribel’s Story

Missionary See All

Featured

Nicole’s Story

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.

Read Nicole’s Story

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.

Read Matt’s Story

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.

Read Daniel’s 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.

Read Tomas’ Story