MISSION CANADA CAMPUS ASSISTANTMinistry Location: Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC
Ministry Focus: Campus Ministry
As a Vancouver Island University (VIU) alumni and baseball player (2012-2017), Austin Penner has lived out the student athlete experience before coming to know Jesus Christ in faith in 2021, after years of worldly striving and personal struggles hit an all-time low. Since coming to faith, Austin has been called to minister to the scene he was once deeply immersed in - the party scene. Fresh into a new and redeemed life in Christ, his heart is now geared toward his friends, and the young people in his context who are yet to truly encounter Jesus.
Austin is leaning into the work that God has already started in many lives in Nanaimo, BC. You may find him handing out water at VIU campus parties as UCM responds to the needs on campus through Red Frogs - an opportunity to provide a positive peer presence in alcohol-fuelled environments, educating young people on safe partying behaviours and promoting alcohol-free and/or diversionary activities that engages young people in these environments. Austin is excited to walk alongside students right where they are at, building meaningful relationships and sharing God's infinite love with them. Deeply valuing the role of a male mentor in his own life, Austin will be involved in discipling male leaders and students on campus.
Austin has a passion for music that's been expressed through playing drums, digital music production, DJing at various venues and promoting curated Spotify playlists. he also loves working with his hands - building, creating, and landscaping. With a deep passion for theology and a love for the Scriptures, Austin looks forward to one day getting his Mater of Divinity.
