Colin’s Renewed Purpose After Near-Death Experience
April 2025
Before his freshman year of high school, Colin was in a car accident that resulted in a broken leg and hands, and three brain bleeds with a severe concussion. While definitely traumatic, that experience gave him a new perspective on life while infusing it with purpose. “A lot of times I believe that I shouldn’t have made it through that experience,” Colin says. “The fact that He kept me alive shows me that God has a plan for my life.”
He says, “I'm here for a purpose, and I believe I was given a second chance at this—so I need to make the most of that. And part of that is doing what He calls me to do.” That’s what led Colin to ask what God might have in store for him this summer as he finishes his junior year at Millersville University. God answered Colin’s prayer by asking him to go on an exploratory mission trip to Japan this summer. He says, “This is going to be a totally new and growing experience for me and I'm super excited for it!”
While this will be Colin’s first time traveling overseas, he is no stranger to ministry. Since the age of 15, he has volunteered at a Christian summer camp, where he disciples students. Last year he got to lead the camp’s training program! And for the past year and half, he’s also volunteered with a youth ministry where he has seen God transform middle schoolers through discipleship.
One of his middle school students, Tyler,* arrived at a retreat high, and covered in vulgar Sharpie “tattoos.” Despite this behavior, Tyler actively participated in the discussions and lessons, and by the end of the retreat, wanted to give his life to Christ—but he felt held back by his imperfections. Colin encouraged him that God meets people where they are, which led to the student coming to Jesus. Since then, Colin has witnessed a significant change in Tyler’s life, including his baptism a few months later. “That’s just a beautiful story of how God is faithful to us and was faithful to Tyler,” Colin says, smiling.
Not only will this trip be a growth opportunity for Colin, but it will also give him chances to reach new people in new ways. On the trip, he and his team will meet up with our global workers and partner with local churches to reach out to communities that are less than one percent Christian.
We love how purposefully Colin lives his life, and we’re encouraged by the ways God has already been actively working through him. We know that his trip to Japan this summer will be such a great next step. “God calls us to go to the ends of the earth, so I want to do something that’s going to allow me to grow,” he says.
As Colin prepares for his mission to Japan, he invites you to partner with him. Your support will enable him to embrace this opportunity to pour into others, experience personal growth, and live fully surrendered to God.
*Name changed for privacy
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