This summer, you won’t find me walking the campus at Haskell Indian Nations University. You won’t see me in the Talking Circle or helping a student wrestle through Scripture over lunch. That’s not because I’m on break, and it’s not because I’ve stepped away from ministry.
It’s because InterVarsity has temporarily pulled me off campus so I can focus all my time on one goal: raising the financial support needed to return full-time in the fall.
And I’ll be honest. I would rather be with students.
But this is necessary if the work we’ve started is going to continue to grow.
The Vision: A Movement Rooted in Identity and Hope
At Haskell and across tribal colleges, something powerful is happening. Native students are discovering that they don’t have to choose between following Jesus and embracing their culture. They’re learning that they were made Native on purpose—and that Creator sets them apart for good things.
This past school year, we saw:
- Over 20 students consistently engaged in Bible study
- A team of student leaders step up to lead and disciple others
- First-time students attend the “Would Jesus Eat Frybread” conference and return hungry to go deeper
- Inroads with the athletic department and hopes to become team chaplains
- New relationships at other tribal colleges through the Catalyze Team
God is moving. And we’re only just beginning.
The Reality: Ministry Needs Fuel
While the ministry is growing, my current support doesn’t match the momentum. Right now, I’m only funded to serve part-time. That means I’ve been working 19 hours a week, even though the needs on campus—and across tribal communities—call for full-time presence.
To return full-time by fall 2025, I need to raise:
$75,000 in annual support
This covers:
- My full-time salary and benefits
- Student ministry expenses at Haskell
- Travel and coaching for tribal campus ministry through the Catalyze Team
- Resources, conferences, discipleship tools, and outreach materials
- Partner communication and ministry operations
As of today, $40,241 has already been committed. That’s a huge start. But I still need to raise $34,759 to get back to full-time ministry.
Why It Matters
This isn’t about hitting a number. It’s about reaching students like the ones I’ve walked with this year. Students who were told they had to leave their culture behind to follow Jesus. Students who carry grief, generational trauma, and questions the church rarely knows how to hold. Students who are discovering, maybe for the first time, that they are sacred, seen, and called.
Your partnership makes that possible.
When you give, you’re not just supporting me.
You’re helping to disciple the next generation of Native leaders.
You’re standing in the gap for communities the church has often overlooked.
You’re sowing seeds of healing and restoration.
Will You Join the Team?
If you’ve made it this far into the article, thank you. You care. You’re listening. And I want to ask you to consider doing one or more of the following to join in what God is doing.
Here’s how you can help:
🙏 1. Pray
Would you pray for me, for my family, and for the students I walk with? Pray for wisdom and discernment as I pursue full-time funding. Pray for protection over our home and encouragement during this summer fundraising season. And pray for the students at Haskell and across Indian Country who are trying to walk in two worlds and follow Jesus without abandoning who Creator made them to be.
🤝 2. Connect
Do you know someone who cares about Native communities? Or someone who may have a heart for ministry, especially with college students or underserved places? I would love an introduction. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, a pastor, or someone in your church who might resonate with this work, a simple email or text intro can go a long way.
💸 3. Give
Would you prayerfully consider giving financially? This can be a personal gift, a family decision, or even something your church or small group supports together. I’m currently seeking both one-time gifts and monthly partners to help me close the remaining gap. Every gift matters. Every donor is part of the story.
If you’re part of a church, a foundation, or a group that supports missionaries or ministries, I’d be honored to be considered as one of your supported partners. This work is long-term and strategic, and I would love to walk with you for the long haul.
Give Today:
Thank you for walking with me, praying for this ministry, and believing in the mission of reaching Native students with the hope of Jesus. This summer is not a pause: it’s preparation. And with your help, I’ll be ready to step back onto campus this fall with strength, clarity, and renewed calling.
