Martin V.

Hi! My name is Martin, and I have been a devoted Catholic for the past year and a half. Before encountering Jesus, I lived a worldly lifestyle, often feeling lost in my low moments. But in one of those moments, I experienced His presence in a way that changed my life forever. That encounter sparked a deep desire in me to grow closer to God. I started by going to mass with my parents, and by chance, I found some old friends there, and they invited me to the Catholic Christian Outreach (CCO) group at Mount Royal University. From that moment on, my life took a new direction, and I have been blessed with opportunities to deepen my faith, listen to the Holy Spirit, and share Christ’s love with others.

Since joining CCO, I’ve taken on leadership roles that have challenged and strengthened my faith. In the fall of 2024, I was invited to lead a faith study, where I built meaningful relationships with other university students seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. I’ve also helped organize Men’s Ministry, a fellowship hangout where we discuss scripture and support one another in our spiritual journeys. Attending Rise Up 2024 was a pivotal moment for me. It reaffirmed my calling to live boldly as a Catholic man and to raise the standard of living out my faith. That experience led me to renew my dedication to Christ, striving to love and serve as He does each day.

Why do I want to be on Mission?

I feel deeply called to sacrifice my time and comfort to serve the people of Malta. Over the past year, the theme of sacrifice has been a recurring lesson in my prayer life. I’ve realized that Jesus’ moment of greatest glory, His suffering on the cross, was also a moment of immense love and joy. By denying Himself, He gave life to all of humanity. While I know I can never match the depth of His sacrifice; I want to offer what I have in service of spreading the Gospel to both believers and those who have yet to hear it. This mission is an opportunity for me to step outside my comfort zone and give of myself for the sake of others, trusting that God will work through me.

I am participating in Exodus 90, a Catholic Lenten challenge that focuses on prayer, asceticism, and fraternity to prepare for this mission. Through this, I have learned to embrace sacrifice, deny bodily comforts, and grow in discipline, whether it’s taking cold showers daily or choosing discomfort for the sake of spiritual growth. These practices have strengthened my trust in God’s providence, and I believe that if I am called to preach the Good News in Malta, the Holy Spirit will provide the courage I need. I am eager to take this next step in my faith journey, and I would be deeply grateful for your support in making this mission possible. Thank you for your prayers and generosity!