Meet the 2022 Mercy Missionaries!
As the year kicks off and we get into the swing of street ministry, we’ve also gotten to meet quite a few of our parishioners. For those whom we have only met in passing, we’ve put some questions to our Mercy Missionaries to satisfy your curiosity about their potential answers to such pressing questions as: Did you eat the crusts on your sandwiches as a child? And What are you most looking forward to this year?
Read on for the answers!
Mercy Missionary: Tim Smith
Hometown: Sandusky, Ohio
What did you dream of being as a child?
I don't know if I ever really dreamed of becoming something, but I did tell my dad once as a kid I wanted to become an inventor. He asked me what I was going to invent and I responded "I don't know; I haven't invented it yet."
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
I really enjoy running along the waterfront. You can see the downtown all lit up at night and often the mountain during the day if it's clear. I always feel better after I finish than before I started.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
I'm looking forward to getting to know some of the people we minister to in a deeper way that can only happen through meeting them over a longer period of time.
MM: Ariel Lewin
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
What is your favorite spiritual text/reading?
The Story of a Soul - St. Therese’s autobiographical account of God working throughout her life, from childhood to her death at 24. I first read this book before my confirmation this past Easter, and can definitely say that the phenomenon of saints seeking us out to guide us is real!
I also love to pray with the psalms, especially Psalm 63.
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion!
What have you enjoyed about street ministry so far? What has been a challenge?
I’ve enjoyed connecting with someone over how shy we are; I’ve enjoyed hearing someone excited to tell me that they’ve gotten a way to put their music on CDs so that I can listen to it; I’ve enjoyed building lighthearted conversation with my street partner, Sam, and inviting people we meet on the streets into that rapport.
I’ve been challenged to go deeper in conversations with those we meet, to a place where I’m vulnerable but where true connection and encouragement happens—where we can show one another the hope we have in our hearts of Jesus’ mercy.
MM: Laura Parker
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
What’s your favorite spiritual text/reading?
Loved As I Am by Sister Miriam James and the Gospel of St. Matthew.
When you were a child, did you eat the crust of your sandwiches?
Yes, I did eat the crust of the bread. It was my favorite part.
What have you enjoyed about street ministry so far? What has been a challenge?
One thing I enjoy about street ministry is the honesty of our friends on the streets. They want us to listen and I'm happy to do that for them. One challenge is figuring out how to continue relationships and carry the conversations to Christ.
MM: Sam Stucki
Hometown: Mossyrock, Washington
What’s something that can instantly make your day better?
Being able to win a laugh out of somebody makes me know that if that was all I accomplished in my day, it was well spent. I love to bring joy to places I'm at.
When you were child, did you eat the crust of your sandwiches?
The crust of the sando is without a doubt the best part of the experience. If all parts of the bread could be crusty the world would be a better place. But, I would like to dispel the myth that the crust is healthier for you. It's just better.
What’s your favorite spiritual text/reading?
My Grandma always said you can open up The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis to any page, and learn something about Christ and yourself. It helps that I have her copy of that book she received for her High School graduation.
MM: Alex Maynard
Hometown: Bend, Oregon
What is your favorite spiritual text/book?
The Philokalia. The title is Greek for “love of the beautiful”. It’s a collection of writings from the Eastern Church, going back to the Desert Fathers, on prayer of the heart.
What are you most looking forward to this year?
Holy Week! I can’t wait for God to take us through the culmination of His incarnation while we're in the midst of this missionary life of prayer and ministry.
What's the most intriguing street name you've heard on the streets so far?
“Grumpy, like the mood.”
MM: Julie Spencer
Hometown: Centralia, Washington
Share a verse from scripture that encourages you.
“Nevertheless I am continually with you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will receive me with honor. Whom have I in heaven but you? There is nothing on earth that I desire other than you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” - Psalm 73:23-26
What's one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Entering a forest with no agenda.
One thing you enjoy about street ministry so far?
I enjoy showing up to a place where I’m sure God is to surprise me in the encounter. I love meeting people where they’re at and having a meaningful interaction that can further us both along the journey to heaven.
MM: Connor Hennessy
Hometown: Corvallis, Oregon
Which saint do you most relate to?
Saint Paul.
Share a verse from scripture that encourages you.
Luke 8:22-25: One day he got into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us cross to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A squall blew over the lake, and they were taking in water and were in danger. They came and woke him saying, “Master, master, we are perishing!” He awakened, rebuked the wind and the waves, and they subsided and there was a calm. Then he asked them, “Where is your faith?” But they were filled with awe and amazed and said to one another, “Who then is this, who commands even the winds and the sea, and they obey him?”
What did you dream of being as a child?
Like my dad.
MM: Anais Urias
Hometown: Washougal, Washington
What’s one thing that can instantly make your day better?
A strong hug.
Which saint do you most relate to?
I relate most to St. Francis of Assisi because of his love for creation and specifically for his love of animals.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
Total Eclipse of the Heart and Jolene.
We’ll be updating this blog every few weeks with reflections on street ministry, community life, and prayer, as well as practical tips for how you can help support our mission!
Also follow our Instagram page for more frequent updates, or look out for features in the weekly email newsletter.
Our next blog post will feature a story of one of our friends from last year, testifying to the sometimes-hidden impact of the Mercy Mission.