Miriam Dutra

If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness -St. Therese of Lisieux

Where I serve

God has called me to be a Red Raider! I’ll be serving the college students of Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Wreck ‘Em! 

My Story

A beloved priest friend of mine once sent me a wooden whistle shaped like a bird from Poland. He said, “this is you Miriam, always chirping the good news everywhere you go”. Now, I know that some may perceive birds to be annoying, and many get irritated by their whistling. But the birds do what they were made to do, and they do it joyfully. 

In Greek, Gospel means “good news”, and the Name of Jesus is used nearly 1,000 times. Yet, we live in a world where saying his name can be considered “disrespectful”. But since Jesus is the good news, “the way and the truth and the life”, then how much more disrespectful is it to rob our brothers and sisters of Him out of fear to share? My story is that I am a bird for Jesus Christ, I always have been. I find myself chirping The Name above all Names in buses, Ubers, restaurants, prisons, classrooms, airports, bars, even public bathrooms! And if my story is being a bird, then I have stories within my story for all these specific encounters that I’ll call songs. The Lord composes the best songs. A bird’s song is a complete gift for the rest of the world because they gain nothing by doing it. However, they actually gain everything by simply being the creature God made them to be. This is their identity. It is natural to them, and they would be miserable doing anything else. A bird without its song is a soul without its vocation. Their song is received by those with open hearts, and they go about their days living as a free self gift for those who want to receive it. 

My story is simple: I wear my heart for Jesus on my sleeve, because my Jesus wore His whole precious self on that Cross for me. And for you. I do not have a lightening bolt God moment, or conversion story for you. God created me to be like a bird, so I’ve been chirping since day 1 for Him. And now, Faithful Jesus is taking my song to the souls in Lubbock!

Your Impact

When I answered the call to join FOCUS, I made the decision to rely on the spiritual and financial support of mission partners to help me spread the good news to starving souls. If you are interested in partnering with me, please let me know of the best way to reach you, and please tell your friends! I am incredibly honored to share this mission with you, it is not possible without your generosity. Thank you for helping me grow missionary disciples! They are thirsting for the Truth. 

[email protected] 

(210) 875-9576

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FOCUS brings the joy of the Gospel to colleges and parishes across the United States (and beyond)!
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