Zack Jablonski

Why I became an SPO Missionary

Coming out of UCF in Fall 2025, I felt I was at a serious crossroad in my life. I had thought going into that final semester that I knew exactly what I wanted to do once I graduated, but I was quickly proven wrong. Once the semester ended, I found myself in a limbo where I was seeking full-time employment but still wanted to wait and see what God would provide me with. However, I still had leadership obligations with UCF's Catholic Ministry until April, so a part of me was not in a hurry to find employment. As the Spring progressed, I was contacted by SPO in regards to an open admin position. I knew I was looking for a job where I could use both my gifts and what I learned in school, but I was internally on the fence. I remember thinking multiple times in my job search that SPO (or mission work in general) is not what I wanted to do, and that I wanted to stay close to home in Florida. But, as my interview progressed into an offer to be a Regional Administrator in Kansas City, I felt God was truly calling me to serve Him in this way, even if it meant moving halfway across the country! I took on this role because it would allow me to continue what I loved doing with UCF CCM, and be able to put forward my gifts and skills as a part of a community that has felt so much like a family over my years at UCF.

Favorite SCRIPTURE VERSE

"My son, when you come to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for trials. Be sincere of heart and steadfast, undisturbed in time of adversity. Cling to Him, forsake Him not; thus will your future be great. Accept whatever befalls you, in crushing misfortune be patient; for in fire gold is tested, and worthy men in the crucible of humiliation. Trust God and he will help you; make straight your ways and hope in Him." ~ Sirach 2:1-6

Hometown

Gainesville, FL