Campus Missionary of the Year: Katie Long
By Amber Weigand-Buckley
Katie Long
During the Wednesday night OrlandO9 service, Katie Long from Faith Assembly of God in Joplin, Missouri, was recognized by Student Missions Director Steve Pulis by being named Campus Missionary of the Year for her dedication to reach her school for the cause of Jesus Christ. Long was chosen for her effort to actively engage the five Commitments of a Campus Missionary to Pray, Live, Tell, Serve and Give to reach students with the gospel. Amber Weigand-Buckley, editor of ONCOURSE, recently spoke to Long regarding her commitment to reach her campus.
ONCOURSE: When did you and what made you decide to become a campus missionary?
Long: I became aware of Youth Alive (YA) the last semester of my 8th grade year, when I felt the need to start a Bible club at my school. I was 13 at the time. My previous years of middle school were spent in the “in” crowd, pretending to be someone that I was not. Those are 3 ½ years that I regret. At that time, I was faced with the decision to either continue walking with what I’d always held on to, or walk to the place I knew I needed to be. My heart opened and filled with love for my school. I had no idea what I was doing, but I did know that campus missions was the very purpose of my life.
OC: What has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome as a campus missionary?
Long:Definitely starting the YA club up for the first time was very challenging. I had to speak with the principal, superintendent, find a classroom and a teacher to sponsor it. After everything was set up, we began our meetings. Everything started to flow pretty great after that! After our first year, I decide to have an end of the year lock-in for YA students. We had games, lots of snacks and a little service. It cost a lot of money, but the Lord provided the funds and the people to help out. I am so thankful for that night and everything that God did for us.
OC: What has been your most valuable resources as a campus missionary?
Long: Of course the Youth Alive Web site, yausa.com, has been am amazing resource to use. The Fire Bible’s Fire Starters are my secret weapon, wonderful tools. As a Campus Missionary it is vital to have people who are supporting you, if not, it is very challenging to do your every best. My church staff is a huge help. They order Bibles, books and snacks for our School Club. Bradley Keller, Southern Missouri Youth Alive missionary, has always encouraged me along with my youth pastors.
OC: Why is being a campus missionary an important part of your everyday life and how do you see it framing your future?
Long: Campus Missions is not just being a missionary during weekly meetings, but everyday in front of everyone. Every morning during the school year is my chance to look sin the face and not be afraid. Being a CM has made me realize that I will forever have a heart for schools, even after I graduated. God has called me into full-time vocational ministry. My passion is to encourage and challenge students wherever God takes me.
OC: Any other thoughts you’d like to say to this generation in regards to campus missions?
Long: I do not claim to be anyone besides a girl who lives in a town where cows overrule the population of people. My school is a total of 300 students. My heart is for my school, and I only pray that students will see the need in their schools and take a stand.
For more information on how to become a campus missionary, visit www.yausa.com.