Alan Johnson
I was first connected to MPM about a week after Labor day. I reached out to them by using Facebook and emails off of their webpage. I did this because at this stage in my life at 20yo I wanted friends that didn’t drink or smoke(particularly Weed) and that was a difficult task among my age group especially in and around college. I originally asked my dad where to find friends like that and he suggested Cru, finding out later that MPM is a sister ministry partnered alongside each other. I really wanted nothing to do with a ministry or faith based organization, at first.
It was really neat that as much as I didn’t want to be at meeting or events, I was truly desperate fro friends and community where I could be myself and didn’t have to change or be someone else. After multiple weeks of being very standoffish and in some ways trying to push people away to see that these younger aged Christians were just being nice because thats what they are told to do. Well over about three weeks, people that I still consider close friends are people that were persistent in inviting me, welcoming me, and most of all LOVING me even in my weakness or jerk like state of mind. This was something that I had truly never experienced on a personal level.
The retreat was the pinnacle of understand that no matter how hard I try to push back or turn the other way. God still is a Good, Good, Father and will still be there in the details in the most intimate ways that you cannot always place words to, but that you know are not coincidence.
I volunteered to drive to the retreat at the end of September, still being very skeptical but also loving to drive and have fun on a small road trip I figured signing up was the least I could do and at the end of it, worst case scenario is I listened to a few sermons or messages but was still against the Truth behind it all. I remember leaving for the retreat having a general idea of where we were all headed, after getting dinner in Idaho Springs at the subway there we returned to I-70 instead of paying attention, all 4 or 5 of us in the car were lost in conversation and missed the Highway 40 exit and kept driving. Well an hour or so later realizing this we were way, way past where we were. Everyone laughed and we decided we could go another 20 or so minutes off course and make an entire loop to get back to Granby, Colorado instead of retracing our same path. This was incredible at one point in the back mountains we stopped the car and stepped out and looked up at the sky. I still remember to this day all of us in silence and awe of what we were seeing. This was just the beginning. Through making impulsive and fun decisions I spontaneously decided while near Granby Lake to run and jump in, because why not? After making a few other funny memories. The true reason I share all of this is because it was the heart of these students and adults involved with MPM that relentlessly loved and showed they loved not just told me they loved me, but greater that I am loved through Jesus Christ by his sacrifice on the Cross for all my sin! I saw this love through others and my life was changed, I accepted Christ later that Sunday actually after leaving the retreat early o go watch a Green Bay Packer Game ("Go Pack GO!”) and spoke to a lady at that bar, and realized things in my life needed to change. I went home Sunday afternoon and called one of my friends from that retreat and told them you are never going to believe it but I Believe in Christ thank you for listening to my pain and heartache. (Proverbs 3:5-6 were the first verses I took to heart and memorized after accepting Christ.)
This was just the beginning of my story with Jesus leading it and being fully surrendered to His ways rather than mine. I later that fall learned that there is rap music that preaches the gospel? I didn’t know that existed. Trip Lee and his album Rise are something I truly recommend for you to listen to the lyrics and the songs even if you may be more inclined to other genres of music. I attended Passion Conference 2012 with brothers and sisters through MPM, which was incredible. Later this school year I was continually discipled and loved by Austin himself, turning me back to wisdom and truth through the Bible, I had never applied to my life before. This pushed me to go on a 12 week Summer Project with Cru. Later I realized that so many times it seems that life will all be better if you just believe in Jesus, and yes the state of your life, hope and eternity will forever be changed. Although I know that doesn't mean life will be easy. For instance I have been a type 1 diabetic for 25+ years, I am 26 now and was diagnosed at 11months old. About a year after becoming a believer 2 weeks after finishing my first year in a nursing program I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle home and awoke 6 days later in the hospital. (2nd Corinthians 12:7-10)
Well my family through MPM was there too, each day different people would come visit, including Austin and his kids. As well as Luwam a dear sister of mine through a lot of different seasons of life. I had a very long recovery with very extreme injuries, although because of my faith I chose to turn more into Jesus during this time instead of turning away and becoming angry. There has been a lot that has occurred since that accident 4 years ago. The Lord has led me to move to Atlanta where I currently am in my Senior year of an RN or bachelors degree! I also just returned from a 3 month long Mission trip to North Africa in the 10°40° window. (Exodus 33:14).
I continue to look to the Lord for guidance and to lead my life. I truly am so blessed that for me my journey with Christ walking with me in life began 6 years ago on MPM and a lot of what I learned through staff and friends involved are still aspects of my life today. Life is not about the challenges or obstacles that we will encounter, it all is dependent upon the attitude we take towards them, thus trusting in the Lord that Isaiah 55:8-9 is so vital to remember as well as Psalm 23 (https://passioncitychurch.com/series/psalm-23-the-rhythm-of-the-shepherd-and-the-soul/)(might have to copy and past) is a great foundation to have.
I chose Nursing as my degree because I wanted each day to look different at work and wether people are on cloud nine or in the trenches of life, I enjoy just being by their side and if able to help, help and if not just be there with them and love hopefully in a way that deeply connects with that person individually. I have worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for about 4 years one year in a prison and the other 3 in Hospice care and it has changed my life on so many accounts. I thank the Lord for as much as I wanted to turn away from nursing after my accident that he kept showing me why it can be a foundation for ministry to other patients by loving them through action and also to the other staff and nurses around me, by the way of living life for God’s Glory alone (Isaiah 26:8).
Prayer requests for me right now would be, This research course that I am in is very undefined and very complicated, more than it could be. And is one of the last obstacles as I continue through november and this program at school. Pray that in the midst of having such a busy life and schedule I choose to take rest and restoration with the Lord and physically. I also pray that even when doing good things or serving, but not being asked by God to do those things at that time because of what he has asked me to focus on (Nursing School first) I don’t loose sight at that and choose other things that may be great but distracting from where the Lord wants my focus on Him!
It was really neat that as much as I didn’t want to be at meeting or events, I was truly desperate fro friends and community where I could be myself and didn’t have to change or be someone else. After multiple weeks of being very standoffish and in some ways trying to push people away to see that these younger aged Christians were just being nice because thats what they are told to do. Well over about three weeks, people that I still consider close friends are people that were persistent in inviting me, welcoming me, and most of all LOVING me even in my weakness or jerk like state of mind. This was something that I had truly never experienced on a personal level.
The retreat was the pinnacle of understand that no matter how hard I try to push back or turn the other way. God still is a Good, Good, Father and will still be there in the details in the most intimate ways that you cannot always place words to, but that you know are not coincidence.
I volunteered to drive to the retreat at the end of September, still being very skeptical but also loving to drive and have fun on a small road trip I figured signing up was the least I could do and at the end of it, worst case scenario is I listened to a few sermons or messages but was still against the Truth behind it all. I remember leaving for the retreat having a general idea of where we were all headed, after getting dinner in Idaho Springs at the subway there we returned to I-70 instead of paying attention, all 4 or 5 of us in the car were lost in conversation and missed the Highway 40 exit and kept driving. Well an hour or so later realizing this we were way, way past where we were. Everyone laughed and we decided we could go another 20 or so minutes off course and make an entire loop to get back to Granby, Colorado instead of retracing our same path. This was incredible at one point in the back mountains we stopped the car and stepped out and looked up at the sky. I still remember to this day all of us in silence and awe of what we were seeing. This was just the beginning. Through making impulsive and fun decisions I spontaneously decided while near Granby Lake to run and jump in, because why not? After making a few other funny memories. The true reason I share all of this is because it was the heart of these students and adults involved with MPM that relentlessly loved and showed they loved not just told me they loved me, but greater that I am loved through Jesus Christ by his sacrifice on the Cross for all my sin! I saw this love through others and my life was changed, I accepted Christ later that Sunday actually after leaving the retreat early o go watch a Green Bay Packer Game ("Go Pack GO!”) and spoke to a lady at that bar, and realized things in my life needed to change. I went home Sunday afternoon and called one of my friends from that retreat and told them you are never going to believe it but I Believe in Christ thank you for listening to my pain and heartache. (Proverbs 3:5-6 were the first verses I took to heart and memorized after accepting Christ.)
This was just the beginning of my story with Jesus leading it and being fully surrendered to His ways rather than mine. I later that fall learned that there is rap music that preaches the gospel? I didn’t know that existed. Trip Lee and his album Rise are something I truly recommend for you to listen to the lyrics and the songs even if you may be more inclined to other genres of music. I attended Passion Conference 2012 with brothers and sisters through MPM, which was incredible. Later this school year I was continually discipled and loved by Austin himself, turning me back to wisdom and truth through the Bible, I had never applied to my life before. This pushed me to go on a 12 week Summer Project with Cru. Later I realized that so many times it seems that life will all be better if you just believe in Jesus, and yes the state of your life, hope and eternity will forever be changed. Although I know that doesn't mean life will be easy. For instance I have been a type 1 diabetic for 25+ years, I am 26 now and was diagnosed at 11months old. About a year after becoming a believer 2 weeks after finishing my first year in a nursing program I was hit by a car while riding my bicycle home and awoke 6 days later in the hospital. (2nd Corinthians 12:7-10)
Well my family through MPM was there too, each day different people would come visit, including Austin and his kids. As well as Luwam a dear sister of mine through a lot of different seasons of life. I had a very long recovery with very extreme injuries, although because of my faith I chose to turn more into Jesus during this time instead of turning away and becoming angry. There has been a lot that has occurred since that accident 4 years ago. The Lord has led me to move to Atlanta where I currently am in my Senior year of an RN or bachelors degree! I also just returned from a 3 month long Mission trip to North Africa in the 10°40° window. (Exodus 33:14).
I continue to look to the Lord for guidance and to lead my life. I truly am so blessed that for me my journey with Christ walking with me in life began 6 years ago on MPM and a lot of what I learned through staff and friends involved are still aspects of my life today. Life is not about the challenges or obstacles that we will encounter, it all is dependent upon the attitude we take towards them, thus trusting in the Lord that Isaiah 55:8-9 is so vital to remember as well as Psalm 23 (https://passioncitychurch.com/series/psalm-23-the-rhythm-of-the-shepherd-and-the-soul/)(might have to copy and past) is a great foundation to have.
I chose Nursing as my degree because I wanted each day to look different at work and wether people are on cloud nine or in the trenches of life, I enjoy just being by their side and if able to help, help and if not just be there with them and love hopefully in a way that deeply connects with that person individually. I have worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for about 4 years one year in a prison and the other 3 in Hospice care and it has changed my life on so many accounts. I thank the Lord for as much as I wanted to turn away from nursing after my accident that he kept showing me why it can be a foundation for ministry to other patients by loving them through action and also to the other staff and nurses around me, by the way of living life for God’s Glory alone (Isaiah 26:8).
Prayer requests for me right now would be, This research course that I am in is very undefined and very complicated, more than it could be. And is one of the last obstacles as I continue through november and this program at school. Pray that in the midst of having such a busy life and schedule I choose to take rest and restoration with the Lord and physically. I also pray that even when doing good things or serving, but not being asked by God to do those things at that time because of what he has asked me to focus on (Nursing School first) I don’t loose sight at that and choose other things that may be great but distracting from where the Lord wants my focus on Him!
Hannah Stewart
When I was a student at Auraria one lasting thing I learned from hanging out with the Krokoses was to pursue the truth instead of letting emotions guide me.
I faced my personal battle with seeking affirmation and identity from wordly measures of success and dating relationships during my time in college at Auraria, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today. I can't express how thankful I am for your sacrifice and investment in my spiritual growth. Laura, you sat down with me countless times for discipleship appointments and really listened as I poured out my heart. I was often confused about decisions because I was often letting feelings and circumstances guide me, but you always reminded me of what was true in a situation and challenged me to find specific scripture to stand on. Even though I was raised in a home where I learned about God and had been saved, the path I took off on when I got the college just lead to brokenness. God used you to gently help me see His love for me, and I experienced Him like I never had before. As I grew, I had opportunities to share my faith and experience the joy of introducing another student to Christ. After my first semester getting involved, I was so pumped up I joined you on a trip to minister to Russian students. God cultivated in me His heart for justice and defending the oppressed and I got to be part of a team helping serve a ministry in Cambodia with Austin. So many of the friendships that began in campus ministry at Auraria continue today. There is a lot more I could say, but I can't imagine where I would be without your work. Being a young adult in college is such a fragile and critical time where people make lasting ties and decisions about their lives. Thank you so much. I know God will be glorified in your ministry in Durango! |
Ryan & Carly Decker
When I was a student at Auraria, one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was the importance of being in God's Word everyday. Both amazing Kroki modeled and shared how to have a daily quiet time to transform your heart, becoming increasingly sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, and remain teachable through God's Word. It's a habit I still (try!!) to maintain even 5+ years graduated from their ministry. I also learned how to clearly and effectively share my faith in a variety of ways using different tools and conversation starters. Finally, I learned from their model of a godly marriage and parenting many personal goals that I would want to see true of my own family and marriage.
Today I am serving God as a Registered Nurse but am currently privileged to be a stay-at-home-momma to our curious, sweet son Gideon (aged 1) in part because of how Laura showed the myself and the other women she discipled that a home/children are incredibly valuable to God and that you can have an impactful ministry shepherding children and loving other momma's in your circle of influence. Today Ryan is serving God as a Water Engineer with a non-profit called Lifewater in part because of how God opened our eyes to caring and investing in the needs of the global community, especially the needs of children. Clean water and sanitation solutions open up vast possibilities for healthier lives, dignity, education, opportunities, and the gospel to be spread. A godly desire we grew in during our time as students in Denver was to fulfill the Great Commission, specifically in Africa because we were encouraged by Austin and Laura to care about what God cares about and to ask the Lord for a heart that reflects His passions in our work and life. We are pursuing that desire today by making an international move to Awassa, Ethiopia in 2017 to serve vulnerable children and families by implementing water/sanitation solutions, educational opportunities, and most importantly sharing the good news of the Gospel. We thank God for the instruments that Austin & Laura were in our lives and the example they continue to be for our young family! |
Tina Rea
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When I was a part of MPM at Auraria one lasting thing I learned from hanging out with the Krokoses, was essentially the Gospel and the value of God's Word. They were the first people who discipled me and taught me after becoming a Christian at the age of 20. They imparted me a solid theological foundation in Biblical Christianity that I am still very thankful to this day for, especially now heading into full time ministry. From the beginning of my walk with Jesus, I was shown a wholistic view of how the Gospel affects every aspect of life in the most beautiful way.
Today I am serving God by serving as a worship leader and accountant for Scum of the Earth church in part because of how I was discipled with an outward focus of evangelism and serving as well as I was given the opportunity to learn to lead others in worship when I was involved in MPM in Denver. |
A godly desire I grew in during my time with MPM Denver was to pursue full time ministry because I was encouraged to learn what it means to know God's will for my life, to understand my giftings and pursue how that works into the Great Commission. I am pursuing that desire today by raising support to enter in to full time ministry serving inner city Denver's homeless and marginalized population at Scum of the Earth Church.
I faced my personal battle with coming from a broken family with a history of alcoholism and how that affected me as a person during my time with MPM Denver, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today.
I faced my personal battle with coming from a broken family with a history of alcoholism and how that affected me as a person during my time with MPM Denver, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today.
Luwam Teame
When I was a student at Auraria, one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was what it looked like to live and raise a family unto the Lord. Austin and Laura were also very strong in their faith and I learned how to be bold about my faith in Christ in my classes and life.
Today I am serving God by working on a Cancer unit as a nurse assistant at a hospital in part because of how we worked with people and served others on campus from all walks of life when I was involved as a student in Denver. God taught me how my spiritual gift was largely revealed to me in college and I found that I serve others through the gift of mercy. A godly desire I grew in during my time as a student in Denver was to help others see Jesus and His heart for the lost men, women, and children in human trafficking because I was encouraged to take part in a mission trip and multiple conferences revolved around how to help rescue and restore lives hurt by the sin that is greed. I am pursuing that desire today by being a part of a growing human trafficking ministry with my home church and using my creativity to help get the message of the gospel to people and advocate for them as well in practical ways. I faced my personal battle with being accepted and affirmed by my family and friends (at times this was at the expense of my relationship with Jesus) during my time as a student at Auraria, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today. |
Patrick & Kaylee Stoll
When we were a part of MPM at Auraria one lasting thing we learned from hanging out with the Krokoses was how to live for Christ daily, what it means to be part of the Great Commission and further God's kingdom.
Today we are serving God by joining staff with Master Plan Ministries (Denver Team) in part because of how we felt called to share the Gospel with college students when we were involved in MPM in Denver. Austin and Laura were instrumental in laying down the foundations of being a Christ follower for both Kaylee and I. Through their leadership and discipleship, we learned the skills to win, build, and send other students on campus as well as strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ. |
Rachel Dawkins
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It is my joy to fill these statements out. You and Laura have made a huge impact in my life. I had the pleasure of writing a paper on mentorship.I used Laura as an example because she welcomed me in her life and showed me how to be godly not just told me. She listened and did not judge but also pushed me to live for God.
When I was a part of MPM at Auraria one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was how to make lasting disciple making disciples for, through, and with Christ . Today I am serving God by seeking to live a godly life in part because of how we took the Bible seriously and did not compromise the truth when I was involved in MPM in Denver. A godly desire I grew in during my time with MPM Denver was being a missionary to the unreached because I was encouraged to reach unreached people groups to finish the task God set for us by ushering in His return. I am pursuing that desire today by living in East Africa and sharing the love of Christ with an unreached people group here. Also teaching East African Christians how to evangelize to unreached people groups in their own country. |
I faced my personal battle with insecurities and not embracing my identity in Christ_during my time with MPM Denver, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today!
I can say so many things about the Krokos family. I am grateful for the impact they have made in my life. God used them as one of the biggest tools in my life thus far to get me where I am today.
I can say so many things about the Krokos family. I am grateful for the impact they have made in my life. God used them as one of the biggest tools in my life thus far to get me where I am today.
Nick Oliver |
*Ariel |
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When I was a student at Auraria, one lasting thing I learned from hanging out with the Krokoses was that "our" things such as houses, cars, time, and wisdom (which were all freely given to us by God) should also be given freely to those who can benefit. The Krokoses constantly opened their house, leant their cars and donated their time to the students in MPM.
Today I am serving God by spending half of each year in Uganda, working to equip and empower Ugandan leaders. This is in part because of how we were inspired and encouraged to see what God can do on the other side of the globe when I was involved as a student in Master Plan. A godly desire I grew in during my time as a student in Denver was to create a space for other students to drop the act and be honest with what is going on in their lives and hearts. I am pursuing that desire today by being open with others about how I'm doing and breaking down the stereotype that Christians have to have everything figured out. During my time as a student at Auraria, I faced my personal battle with seeing the big picture of the body of Christ and seeing value in people who are different from myself. I am making a strong effort to walk in the light and encouraging others in that area today. |
When I was a part of MPM at Auraria one lasting thing I learned from hanging out with the Krokoses was how a Jesus-loving family interacts. The Krokoses modeled true love, patience, friendship, discipline, and fun by how they loved and served their family. I didn't grow up in a Christian home, so seeing a family love well modeled the gospel to me in ways that I couldn't have seen otherwise. They became a second home and second family for me. They challenged me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and loved me in ways that my own family didn't.
Living and sharing the gospel in a closed Muslim country in part because I first understood the gospel while I was involved with MPM in Denver. Between my time as both a student and staff, serving alongside the Krokoses, I saw God's heart for the lost around the world, I grew in my ability to communicate the gospel message, and was encouraged to follow God no matter what. There are some people whose influence in your life is so big and so deep that it seems like there aren't parts of your life they don't touch. That is how I feel about Austin and Laura. They are and have always been a place of comfort and security, a place to process life and to be challenged to grow. They are family in the best sense of the word. They've taught me more about Jesus, family, relationships, marriage, ministry, conflict resolution, parenting, and myself than I could ever imagine. They are two of the greatest people I've ever known. The legacy that they've left in Denver runs wide and deep. Because of their faithfulness to the Lord and the students at Auraria, God was glorified. It is an honor to know Austin and Laura Krokos |
Melanie Grosjean
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When I was an intern at MPM at Auraria one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was the importance of relentlessly pursuing God's calling no matter what life throws at you..
Today I am serving God by working to rescue, empower and employ women from Bangkok's sex industry in part because of ministry skills I learned and honed when I was involved in MPM in Denver. A godly desire I grew in during my time with MPM Denver was a desire to take the gospel to the nations because I was encouraged to see God's heart for the world and pursue his calling. I am pursuing that desire today by serving God in Thailand. |
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When I was a student at Auraria, one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was perserverance in hard trials. I was homeless for 8 straight months and the Krokos encouraged me.
Today I am serving God by Serving at a home for mentally disabled people in Denver. I share the Gospel, the love of Christ and the love of the Father and listen to their stories as well as serve in the youth group at church in part because of how I was involved as a student in Denver. A godly desire I grew in during my time as a student in Denver was to attend seminary because I was encouraged to atttend by Austin Krokos. He influenced me to attend seminary. I am pursuing that desire today by God’s grace and I am in my third semester and no longer homeless. I am on fire for God. |
When I was a student at Auraria, one lasting thing I learn from hanging out with the Krokoses was how simple outreach and sharing your faith can be. I appreciated them encouraging me and going with me to share my faith with other students on campus and showing me different ways that I could do this.
Today I am serving God by working at a school for girls who are survivors of sex trafficking in part because of the mission trip I went on with Master Plan Ministries to Cambodia when I was involved as a student in Denver. A godly desire I grew in during my time as a student in Denver was trusting God with sharing my faith with others because I was encouraged to do this during my time with Austin and Laura when I was part of Master Plan Ministries. I am pursuing that desire today by helping to plant a church in Denver. I faced my personal battle with depression and anxiety during my time as a student at Auraria, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today. |
Aaron Drebing
When I was a part of MPM at Auraria one lasting thing I learned from hanging out with the Krokoses was faith is a journey.
Today I am serving God by connecting people in part because of how we interacted when I was involved in MPM in Denver.
A godly desire I grew in during my time with MPM Denver was finding peace and not focusing on money because I was encouraged to pray and walk strongly in a relationship with God. I am pursuing that desire today by being resilient and living for others.
I faced my personal battle with self-gratification during my time with MPM Denver, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today.
Today I am serving God by connecting people in part because of how we interacted when I was involved in MPM in Denver.
A godly desire I grew in during my time with MPM Denver was finding peace and not focusing on money because I was encouraged to pray and walk strongly in a relationship with God. I am pursuing that desire today by being resilient and living for others.
I faced my personal battle with self-gratification during my time with MPM Denver, and am still walking in the light and encouraging others in that area today.
* not real name for safety purposes.