Inès T.

I come from Ivory Coast, a beautiful tropical country, so I’m used to beaches, sunny weather, and warm days. Moving to Winnipeg two years ago was a big adjustment especially getting used to the long, cold winters. But despite the challenges, I’ve grown to love the city(when it’s not winter!).
I’m majoring in biology, but I have an interest in all science subjects, and my classes so far have been pretty diverse. I’m not entirely sure where I’m going with my degree yet, but I’ve been enjoying the ride and growing a lot along the way.
On my first day of school, I met a CCO missionary, and that encounter changed my life, it led me to invite Jesus to be at the center of everything I do. Since then, I’ve enjoyed being around other students on campus, learning about their faith and growing in my own.
Outside of school, I spend time with my friends, having random but deep conversations (sometimes talking a little too much), and listening to music. And despite what my siblings say, I think I’m pretty funny!

Why do I want to be on Mission?

Growing up Catholic, I was blessed to be exposed to faith from a young age. But as I got older, I began to question it. I often wondered if I truly belonged, or if I was only Christian because it was how my parents raised me. I enjoyed being Catholic, but my faith didn’t feel intentional until I had a personal encounter with God when I was sixteen. In that moment, Jesus opened my heart and showed me how deeply personal his love is.

Looking back, I believe that moving to Winnipeg and joining CCO was part of his plan for me to grow deeper in my faith and to start making decisions for myself. But I still struggled with the fear of sharing my faith with my friends, worried about rejection and judgment. I thought taking a faith study and leading one on campus was the best I could offer to God, but attending Rise Up in 2024 completely changed my perspective on what it means to be a Christian. I realized that being a missionary for Christ isn’t just an option; it’s necessary. The gift of salvation that Jesus gave us is too big to keep to myself, so I started sharing my faith with my friends with more conviction, asking the Holy Spirit to guide me.

I always believed that mission is an everyday calling, so I never seriously considered going on a CCO mission. But in January 2025, the Lord placed this desire in my heart to go further than I am used to, and I decided to trust in his plan. I believe that going to Rome during this Jubilee Year of Hope is my way of answering his call.