​

Once upon a time, I was ready to save the world in Papua New Guinea. Then I met Mark and thought, “You know what sounds even better? Family.”

I’ve always loved inspiring missionary stories—but living a quiet suburban life felt more like watching paint dry than changing the world. That shifted on a birthday trip to Boston with my daughter, when I learned it was considered one of the darkest cities in America. My heart leapt and I whispered, “Challenge accepted.”

We moved to Boston in 2018, diving into the city with open hearts and open doors—hosting gang members, lost kids, neighbors, and anyone who needed a safe place to land. We didn’t realize it then, but we were living as full-time missionaries.

Today, for the first time in history, America is considered a post-Christian nation. Churches are emptying out, not because of lack of truth, but because of disillusionment, disappointment, and deep wounds caused by moral failure in leadership. People are still searching—but they’re not walking into churches. They're looking for spiritual answers in all the wrong places.

America has long sent missionaries to the nations—but in doing so, we’ve often lost sight of the hurting souls in our own backyards. Our greatest division now? It’s not politics—it’s a rejection of absolute truth and the Word of God.

That’s why Kairos Life Institute ordains and commissions Urban Missionaries—to be a bold light in the darkest corners of our cities. These are not casual volunteers. These are people who have walked through fire, wrestled with God, and still said yes. They are equipped with both calling and character.

I’m honored to be one of them.

As an ordained Urban Missionary and Community Chaplain, I’ve been called specifically to the youth and communities of Boston. My late husband Mark and I sowed into this city long before Covid, opening our home to kids from all walks of life—some from good homes, some with ankle monitors fresh out of jail. We welcomed them all, spoke truth, hosted open mic nights, shared meals, and shared the love of God freely.

During Covid, when the world shut down, we stayed open under the promise of Psalm 91. And the kids kept coming.

After Mark passed away, I returned to Texas for a time with our five kids and a broken heart. But I couldn’t shake the call. So here we are—back in Massachusetts, boots on the ground, burning with love for the very people most would overlook.

Boston is often seen as a stronghold of elitism and intellectualism, but I see something different. I see a city ready for revival. A generation waiting to encounter the real Jesus. And I believe the tide is turning.

If you’re looking for a place to sow into revival, to support real frontline missions, or just to be part of a movement of hope—welcome.

This is Kingdom work. And just like any missionary, I depend on prayer and financial support from those who believe in the mission.

Come be a part of the transformation. Let’s light up this city—together.

—Jen Weir
Urban Missionary + Community Chaplain, Kairos Life Institute