Ministry Focus
Garrett has served with Missions Door since 2013, reaching students through Campus Ambassadors. First at Willamette University, he now serves in ministry at Chemeketa Community College. Garrett’s ministry is focused on discipleship. He encourages Christian students to identify their own unique circles of influence both on and off campus, and equips them with the skills and confidence to share about the hope they have in Jesus.
Faith Story
Growing up, church was an integral part of Garrett’s family identity. In 2004, he moved to Vancouver, Washington to pursue a career in restaurant management. Shortly after, he was asked to get involved with the young adult ministry at a local church. It was at this point that he felt himself going beyond just “doing church” to living his life dedicated to fulfilling the Great Commission. During his college years, Garrett was involved with ministry in numerous ways. In 2012, he learned about a group of campus ministers serving at Willamette University. After being encouraged to visit campus and see the work God was doing through Campus Ambassadors, Garrett felt God’s call to pursue campus ministry. Jessica was brought up in a Christian family. She committed her life to Christ and was baptized when she was 13 years old. Her ministry passions include mentoring younger women and teaching Financial Peace University to young Christians.
Jessica was brought up in a Christian family. She committed her life to Christ and was baptized when she was 13 years old. Her ministry passions include mentoring younger women and teaching Financial Peace University to young Christians.
Family
Garrett and Jessica were married in 2012 and are grateful for their two children, Jason and Cole, who despite complications at birth, are both healthy.
In February of 2022, Jessica was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, causing Garrett to take a leave of absence to care for her and the boys. After surgery and seven rounds of chemo, she was given the diagnosis of remission, and is currently on maintenance therapies to help prevent recurrence. While it has been the greatest trial of their lives, it has also brought their family closer than ever, and has provided countless opportunities to receive blessings and support from the whole body of Christ, including their students on campus.
Education
- M.A. in Biblical Studies and Historical Theology, Multnomah Seminary (Garrett)
- B.A. in Bible/Theology, minor Biblical Hebrew, Multnomah University (Garrett)
- M.A. in Teaching, Willamette University (Jessica)
- B.A. in Psychology and Spanish, Willamette University (Jessica)
WAYS TO SUPPORT
Garrett and Jessica by making a financial donation using a Credit Card or by Direct Debit (ACH).
Learn more about where this ministry happens
In colorful communities and along scenic highways, diverse people and landscapes span coast to coast
Iconic American traditions include Thanksgiving dinner, jazz music and the Super Bowl. They meld with eclectic examples of multicultural heritage: numerous local Chinatowns, family-owned taquerias and even cowboy boots, which originated among the nomadic Huns of eastern Europe.
The nation's landscape shows just as many contrasts — sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, open plains and vast deserts, rugged mountains and winding canyons, and abundant rivers and lakes.
The ideals of life and liberty that founded the United States have made the country one of the world's most prosperous, though not without dark chapters and present troubles. Crime, discrimination and ethics violations make regular headlines, and many people live below the national poverty level.
Families view education as essential to the pursuit of happiness, if not also a path to wealth and power for the most ambitious. Yet Americans also demonstrate a charitable spirit of generosity toward neighbors and nations in need.
Freedom of religion grants opportunity for all faiths, but Christianity holds particular influence in country's history and daily life.
Your participation with Missions Door supports ministry in the United States among college students, including many international students, in collaboration local churches. It also enables social outreach, church planting and leadership development in a wide variety of communities — among Native Americans and other cultural groups, and in urban and suburban settings where growing and changing demographics create new opportunities for the Gospel.
Cultural Snapshot
Aside from the Native American, Native Hawaiian and Native Alaskan populations, nearly all Americans and their ancestors immigrated to the United States.
Faith Fact
In a 2013 survey, 56% of Americans said that religion played a "very important role in their lives” — a larger number than any other wealthy nation.
Country Profile
Population: 320 million
Major Religions: 47% Protestant, 23% unaffiliated, 21% Catholic, 6% other
Languages: 82% English, 11% Spanish, various others
Literacy: 99%
Poverty: 16%
Ministry service area:
Campus Ambassadors
Ministry location:
Oregon, United States