What’s a Bible verse or quote that’s shaped your life recently?
The Bible verse that has shaped my life recently is Matthew 11: 28-30 “Come to me all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light”. There is never a shortage of things that can become burden to us unless we rest in the arms of Jesus!
My Name is Teddy Schauer
Where are you from, and what’s something everyone should know about your hometown?
I am from a small town in Minnesota called Lake Park. One thing that everyone should know about my hometown is that it is very small (around 700 people) and is called the “Gateway to the Lakes” because of how many lakes are in the area!
Where did you go to college, what did you study, and what’s one unexpected thing you learned outside the classroom?
I went to college at North Dakota State University and graduated with a degree in Agriculture Economics. I learned a lot during my college experience but one of the most unexpected things I learned outside of the classroom was leadership skills and the importance of sharing the gospel with others.
What’s one thing students should definitely ask you about when they meet you?
One thing that students should definitely ask about me when they meet me is my experiences thoughts or pumpkin pie or what the weirdest thing I have eaten is!
What’s your favorite memory from your time serving in Duluth?
My favorite memory from my time serving in Duluth was our opening welcome week event called the “Chicken Party.” It is an event where we served fried chicken and have yard games for the student who are starting school. The best part was that I was dressed in a giant chicken costume as I was introducing myself to all of the student for the first time!
What led you to say “yes” to becoming a missionary? Was there a specific moment, person, or experience that influenced your decision?
I was led to saying yes to being a missionary slowly by the examples of FOCUS missionaries at NDSU. These men and women softened my heart through the ways that they loved and served and they inspired me say yes to going on an interview weekend with FOCUS. It was on the interview weekend that I asked the Lord if he wanted me to be a missionary with FOCUS and he put it on my heart to say yes!
What does your ideal Saturday look like?
My ideal Saturday would be spent at the lake with my family and friends. We would eat simple meals and be out tubing, skiing, and swimming all day. The day would end with a bonfire and an outdoor movie.
My Name is Kloe Kapsner
Where are you from, and what’s something everyone should know about your hometown?
I am from a small town in central MN called Pierz. Something everyone should know about my hometown is that we are known for having the best bacon and sweet corn. Thielen Meats and Janson Sweet Corn would be the two places to stop if you are ever driving through.
Where did you go to college, what did you study, and what’s one unexpected thing you learned outside the classroom?
I went to college at NDSU. I studied Elementary Education and Human Development & Family Science. One unexpected thing I learned at NDSU was the importance of my faith. I often say if I never use my degree a day in my life every penny was worth how I encountered the Lord during my time there.
What led you to say “yes” to becoming a missionary? Was there a specific moment, person, or experience that influenced your decision?
I would say my “yes” to becoming a missionary came from many little moments not just one moment. I did have an incredible missionary, Fabiola, who impacted me in a very special way. She was a part of many of those moments that led to my yes!
What’s still on your travel bucket list, and what draws you there?
One place at the top of my travel bucket list is Africa. I grew up loving safari animals, especially elephants, as a young girl. The wildlife out there has been what attracts me the most! I would especially love to do a mission trip out there one day.
What’s one thing students should definitely ask you about when they meet you?
One thing students should ask me about when they meet me is my family. I get talking pretty easily about my parents and siblings. I love them all lots and love sharing about them!
If you had a walk-up song every time you entered the Newman Center, what would it be?
Detroit Rock City by Kiss from Mall Cop.
My Name is Bella Pavlis
Where are you from, and what’s something everyone should know about your hometown?
I am from Flandreau, South Dakota which is home of the Flandreau Fliers! I’m a big sports girl so school pride is my strong suit!
Where did you go to college, what did you study, and what’s one unexpected thing you learned outside the classroom?
I attended University of South Dakota (go yotes) in Vermillion, SD (aka the Miami of SD) and studied Business Administration and Accounting. When I wasn’t studying of working for the track team, I was at the Newman Center and I learned that people are what make a place home!
What’s one thing students should definitely ask you about when they meet you?
Ask me about my family and I could talk for hours! I also get married in July of 2027 and love to talk wedding planning!
What led you to say “yes” to becoming a missionary? Was there a specific moment, person, or experience that influenced your decision?
Upon getting to college I was excited to leave my Catholic life behind me. Things changed when I encountered a FOCUS missionary whom never gave up on pursuing me. I was invited (forced by her) to attend SEEK my freshman year and I was completely transformed by an encounter with Christ’s mercy in confession. I had been away from the Confession for about a decade. The priest laughed in my face after I spilled every sin I had for the past ten years, and he told me “I never was supposed to do anything alone.” My heart completely changed in that moment, and I couldn’t resist bringing others to this truth. Through leading a Bible Study, and disciples later on, my heart only grew for mission. By my senior year, it was a no brainer for me to become a FOCUS missionary.
What’s a Bible verse or quote that’s shaped your life recently?
John 21:15-19 has been on my mind because I love Saint Peter because of how relatable he is. Saint Peter’s life is great evidence of Jesus loving us through our failure and actually using our failures as the cornerstone for greater works!
What’s one thing students should definitely ask you about when they meet you?
Sourdough. I have built a small army of students who are now sourdough fanatics. I have a private YouTube video teaching people how to make bread, which is iconic. Iykyk.
My Name is Katie Baldus
Where are you from, and what’s something everyone should know about your hometown?
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO, home of toasted ravioli, Nelly, the waffle cone, Jayson Tatum, and Budweiser beer.
Where did you go to college, what did you study, and what’s one unexpected thing you learned outside the classroom?
I graduated in 2022 from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a degree in Geography. Outside the classroom, the best lesson I learned was how to detassle a stalk of corn. Not helpful whatsoever in my current life, but a fun fact to share with people?
What does your ideal Saturday look like?
My ideal Saturday would be some combination of a walk by Lake Superior, ice cream from the Malt Shoppe, watching an episode of Survivor, and ending the day with pizza and a game night at my house.
What’s one thing students should definitely ask you about when they meet you?
You should ask me about my coffee journey!
My Name is John Baldus
Where are you from, and what’s something everyone should know about your hometown?
I am from Grand Meadow, MN and you NEED to look up what my school looks like. I promise I’m not an alien.
Where did you go to college, what did you study, and what’s one unexpected thing you learned outside the classroom?
I went to college here at UMD, I studied Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, and the one thing I took away most outside of college was to take initiative in the things I found most interesting! I found myself working a couple different jobs that I had little experience in, but showing genuine interest and seeking answers will take you far!
What led you to say “yes” to becoming a missionary? Was there a specific moment, person, or experience that influenced your decision?
I knew I needed healing in my life, and allowing myself to commit a season of my life to a missionary organization like FOCUS has allowed space to seek that healing out from Jesus in a very intentional way! And I hope to bring others along the same path of healing!
