St. Al's First FOCUS Team - Maria Ollis

Maria Ollis was a FOCUS missionary for two years at St. Al's. Afterwards she has continued on to do many great things. Maria was not expecting to meet her husband Ian in Houghton (MTU '16 grad) but as she puts it: God had better plans. 

Hear what she has been up to and a bit of life advice from Maria herself:

How have you been able to continue to serve the lord in your life since?
I've created and organize the "Monthly Adult Supper Club" at our church. Over the recent two years there has been an incredible influx into our Traditional Latin Mass community. We were only here a few months ourselves when the shutdown began. When everything opened back up again, our community needed more opportunities to meet and socialize.  I had a hard time remembering who we had already met, and who was new! So with some feedback and input from more seasoned members of the community, I created a Supper Club. Adults meet once a month on the 3rd Saturday of the month (babysitting is advised for quality adult conversation time) in each other's home for a potluck meal, with 6-10 adults per group.  Each month has a different theme, and I arrange a new mixture of people. There are anywhere between 1-5 groups each month.  The largest month was 5 groups = 50 people!  The main objectives are: introducing new members to our community, creating new friendship opportunities, practicing hospitality in our homes, and intentional conversation centered around a themed meal.

This fall we are planning the First Annual Ollis Barn Dance in our barn.  Two years ago we purchased an acreage and are renovating the home and giving the land some much-needed love and care.  We look forward to hosting good family fun through food, music, dancing, barnyard games, and a bonfire!

I also mentor women by partnering with The Woman School, which was founded by January Donovan, a Catholic mom of 8.  The program is meant for all women, whether practicing a faith or not.  I lead classes and offer private mentoring to help women first realize their God-given worth, irreplaceable value, and unique purpose and gifts.  Then we discover and pursue their unique callings and God-given dreams. It is real internal work with trainings, accountability, and skill development to improve their own lives and the world around them."

What advice would you give someone considering a missionary lifestyle?
"Get absolutely crystal clear on your "why."  If you don't have a strong "why" or do it out of someone else's expectation, that is a recipe for burnout and resentment.  There are so many "good things" we can do and no shortage of "needs" in the world around us.  Determine which needs God is calling YOU to meet.  Then, line up some mentors to help during the challenging times.  People you trust and admire who can provide outside perspective.  We were not meant to do life alone, or without good mentors and guides.  Seek role models in the type of mission work you will pursue, then study how you can emulate their great qualities.  Last, but not least, pray and rely on God, and constantly level up your prayer life and intimacy with God."undefined