Slovakia 2025 Updates
Our Slovakia 2025 Team - Anna & Jordan Christiansen and Peter Pelto - have arrived in Slovakia and are spending the weekend training. This coming week they'll be working with students in partnership with Josiah Ventures. They'll provide opportunities for students to work on their English language skills, play games, enjoy all the fun of camp, and get to know the incredible story of God's love for them.
Update #6 (July 26)
The theme of the camp this year is “Real Life,” we explored the life of the apostle Paul, how he was successful in his own eyes but not in God’s, how Jesus meet and save him and his conversion. We also talked about his later life and how he suffered for the gospel. We invited the students to the good, but not always easy, life of following Jesus. From the stories we’ve heard, many moved further down this path.
This afternoon we packed up all the stuff from camp and sent the students home. The American team returned to Prešov and were greeted by our host families for the next two nights. They refreshed us with showers, naps and meals before we returned to the city center to meet anyone from the Slovak team and students who wanted to hang out. We wondered the city center, ate gelato and enjoyed each others company.
On Sunday morning we’ll worship with the church in Prešov. We’ll then have some time with our hosts and in the evening we’ll attend the KECY Camp Afterparty—this is one more opportunity to connect with the students and invite them into the community of believers to continue their journeys to and with Jesus. We begin our journey home early Monday morning.
As we go, please join with us in praying that the students will stay connected. Many have said they want to, pray the seeds planted are in fertile ground. Pray too that the team in Slovakia will continue to make the Gospel real and compelling. They already are.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We’ll be home soon and are excited to continue the work of making new disciples.
Peter Pelto
The theme of the camp this year is “Real Life,” we explored the life of the apostle Paul, how he was successful in his own eyes but not in God’s, how Jesus meet and save him and his conversion. We also talked about his later life and how he suffered for the gospel. We invited the students to the good, but not always easy, life of following Jesus. From the stories we’ve heard, many moved further down this path.
This afternoon we packed up all the stuff from camp and sent the students home. The American team returned to Prešov and were greeted by our host families for the next two nights. They refreshed us with showers, naps and meals before we returned to the city center to meet anyone from the Slovak team and students who wanted to hang out. We wondered the city center, ate gelato and enjoyed each others company.
On Sunday morning we’ll worship with the church in Prešov. We’ll then have some time with our hosts and in the evening we’ll attend the KECY Camp Afterparty—this is one more opportunity to connect with the students and invite them into the community of believers to continue their journeys to and with Jesus. We begin our journey home early Monday morning.
As we go, please join with us in praying that the students will stay connected. Many have said they want to, pray the seeds planted are in fertile ground. Pray too that the team in Slovakia will continue to make the Gospel real and compelling. They already are.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We’ll be home soon and are excited to continue the work of making new disciples.
Peter Pelto
Update #5 (July 25)
Many people were impacted by the labyrinth last night. We created a reflective atmosphere for the students. We know of 3 students that gave their lives to Christ and many more opened up to having deep conversations on topics of faith.
Today was the last full day of camp. There have been lingering conversations about the night before. The staff shared how they have clearly seen God working all week. There is energy in the air despite the tiredness felt by all.
Tonight the topic will be on the importance of having a community around you while you journey through your life and faith. We pray that students would see the value in this and desire to take part in the local church youth group.
Thanks!
Anna Christiansen
Many people were impacted by the labyrinth last night. We created a reflective atmosphere for the students. We know of 3 students that gave their lives to Christ and many more opened up to having deep conversations on topics of faith.
Today was the last full day of camp. There have been lingering conversations about the night before. The staff shared how they have clearly seen God working all week. There is energy in the air despite the tiredness felt by all.
Tonight the topic will be on the importance of having a community around you while you journey through your life and faith. We pray that students would see the value in this and desire to take part in the local church youth group.
Thanks!
Anna Christiansen
Update #4 (July 24)
Thursday night is a key moment at Josiah Ventures camps every year. On Monday and Tuesday, the evening program had a short talk that started to touch on deeper topics with the hope that we will lead students into spiritual topics in one-on-one discussions. On Wednesday night, the speaker left us with a heavy thought: the world is broken, filled with war, broken relationships, and death. If God exists, why doesn't he remove all evil from the world? Because if he did that, he would have to remove all of us. We are all selfish and hurt other people.
Tonight there will be a clear presentation of the gospel. Students will have time to reflect quietly about everything they have heard, and we will be available to pray with them. I pray that the students will engage and each make a decision for themselves. I pray that they will think about this more over the coming weeks and ask talk to members of the local church when they have questions. I pray that they will choose Jesus.
Jordan Christiansen
Thursday night is a key moment at Josiah Ventures camps every year. On Monday and Tuesday, the evening program had a short talk that started to touch on deeper topics with the hope that we will lead students into spiritual topics in one-on-one discussions. On Wednesday night, the speaker left us with a heavy thought: the world is broken, filled with war, broken relationships, and death. If God exists, why doesn't he remove all evil from the world? Because if he did that, he would have to remove all of us. We are all selfish and hurt other people.
Tonight there will be a clear presentation of the gospel. Students will have time to reflect quietly about everything they have heard, and we will be available to pray with them. I pray that the students will engage and each make a decision for themselves. I pray that they will think about this more over the coming weeks and ask talk to members of the local church when they have questions. I pray that they will choose Jesus.
Jordan Christiansen
Update #3 (July 23)
It's just after midnight as I stop to write this note home. It's the end of the 4th day of camp and the days are packed and flying by. I'm grateful for our sisters and brothers from Five Oaks. Their faith, care, openness and youthful energy add to ours and the Slovak teams. This year at camp there are 40 students, about 20 in English classes, and the rest in volleyball or fitness classes. Our days are filled with lessons, team building exercises, competitions, arts & crafts, meals, skits, programs with talks, discussions, dozens of conversations and more fun activities.
Returning this year I've met people and picked up relationships from last year and have heard how God is moving in people's lives. One of the students shared that he was baptized during the year between camps. We don't always see the result of the work God has for us, but it is good to see faith growing and developing and new people knowing Jesus.
Just before coming in I stood under the clear night sky, framed with pine trees rising on the foothills around the camp. The stars were so bright I could see the Milkyway and I was stunned by God's glory-in the sky above me and my sisters and brother around me. I pray that those that don't yet know this all encompassing goodness will someday. I'm grateful to be a part of helping them see that goodness.
As we enter the last two days of camp we ask that you pray for energy (the days are long, packed and beautiful!), and that God will speak through us and that more will know the complete and total goodness that's found us. We're praying the same for you back home.
Your Brother in Jesus,
Peter
It's just after midnight as I stop to write this note home. It's the end of the 4th day of camp and the days are packed and flying by. I'm grateful for our sisters and brothers from Five Oaks. Their faith, care, openness and youthful energy add to ours and the Slovak teams. This year at camp there are 40 students, about 20 in English classes, and the rest in volleyball or fitness classes. Our days are filled with lessons, team building exercises, competitions, arts & crafts, meals, skits, programs with talks, discussions, dozens of conversations and more fun activities.
Returning this year I've met people and picked up relationships from last year and have heard how God is moving in people's lives. One of the students shared that he was baptized during the year between camps. We don't always see the result of the work God has for us, but it is good to see faith growing and developing and new people knowing Jesus.
Just before coming in I stood under the clear night sky, framed with pine trees rising on the foothills around the camp. The stars were so bright I could see the Milkyway and I was stunned by God's glory-in the sky above me and my sisters and brother around me. I pray that those that don't yet know this all encompassing goodness will someday. I'm grateful to be a part of helping them see that goodness.
As we enter the last two days of camp we ask that you pray for energy (the days are long, packed and beautiful!), and that God will speak through us and that more will know the complete and total goodness that's found us. We're praying the same for you back home.
Your Brother in Jesus,
Peter
Update #2 (July 20)
We’ve arrived at camp! By the time you see this update the students will have arrived and the programs will have begun. We completed training with the teams from other American churches on Saturday and travels to the camp just outside Bardejov in the northeast part of Slovakia. The training was beautiful as we and the other churches prepared for our part in the five camps Joshua Ventures is supporting in Slovakia this week.
We met the team from the Presov church Saturday afternoon and spent the evening and Sunday morning getting to know each other and preparing the camp site. As the students arrive, please pray for:
We’re grateful for your prayers as we continue our mission.
We’ve arrived at camp! By the time you see this update the students will have arrived and the programs will have begun. We completed training with the teams from other American churches on Saturday and travels to the camp just outside Bardejov in the northeast part of Slovakia. The training was beautiful as we and the other churches prepared for our part in the five camps Joshua Ventures is supporting in Slovakia this week.
We met the team from the Presov church Saturday afternoon and spent the evening and Sunday morning getting to know each other and preparing the camp site. As the students arrive, please pray for:
- The four other camps happening in Slovakia this week.
- Unity among the American team (us and Five Oaks) and the team from Slovakia and that our love and care for each other will reflect the love God has for us.
- That God will move among us as we remind each other of the good news and share it with those who have not heard it.
We’re grateful for your prayers as we continue our mission.
local partnerships
together for good
Together For Good is an organization that works to ensure that vulnerable families and children never walk alone. They do this not only by meeting tangible needs of families, but also by providing respite care for children and loving, supportive relationships for moms.
There are several ways that Catalyst partners with Together For Good. You can find out more by clicking here.
There are several ways that Catalyst partners with Together For Good. You can find out more by clicking here.
the hospitality center
The Hospitality Center connects international university students to the local community by offering programs which give a platform for friendships to form, students to find a “home away from home,” and authentic communities to develop.
They also provide opportunities for interested students to discuss life, faith and worldview and offer invitations for students to attend bible studies, various workshops and church services. To read a recap of a Celebration Meal we joined in hosting, click here.
They also provide opportunities for interested students to discuss life, faith and worldview and offer invitations for students to attend bible studies, various workshops and church services. To read a recap of a Celebration Meal we joined in hosting, click here.
Central Park Elementary
Central Park Elementary in Roseville is a neighborhood school rich in cultural and linguistic diversity nestled within the heart of Roseville, Minnesota. Our students join us from a variety of cultures and diverse backgrounds and each child brings a unique and valuable set of skills and talents to school.
Catalyst has opportunities to partner with students and staff in meaningful ways throughout the academic year. If you'd like to know about upcoming opportunities, please contact us.
Catalyst has opportunities to partner with students and staff in meaningful ways throughout the academic year. If you'd like to know about upcoming opportunities, please contact us.
Global Missions
We are fortunate to partner with several different missionaries who are serving God's Kingdom in many different ways. Below you can learn a bit more about some of our missions partners.
Brooke & Cory Jackson
The Jacksons are pursuing a ministry focusing on training and discipleship in Thailand. They arrived in the fall of 2022 and are currently in language school while also helping their girls acclimate to a new culture and building relationships in their community.
Ultimately, their prayerful goal is to see a gospel movement happen in Thailand that would impact not only the Thai people, but the surrounding unreached people groups as well.
For their latest ministry update, click here.
Ultimately, their prayerful goal is to see a gospel movement happen in Thailand that would impact not only the Thai people, but the surrounding unreached people groups as well.
For their latest ministry update, click here.
Heather & Aaron Jones
Aaron and Heather first got involved with Cru as students at St. Cloud State University. God used the ministry to transform their lives. After getting married, God led them to spend a year in the Middle East with Cru. After returning to the US, they spent 10 years ministering on several campuses in Northwest WI. After adopting Liv and Tate, they felt the Lord calling them back overseas, and they moved their family to Brisbane, Australia for two years. Upon returning to the US, they moved to Minneapolis in 2016 and work to care for hundreds of Cru staff in eight US states and several locations overseas, primarily in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia.
To learn more about the Jones' ministry, click here.
For their latest ministry update, click here.
To learn more about the Jones' ministry, click here.
For their latest ministry update, click here.
In July 2024, we had the privilege of sending a team to Slovakia. During their time there, they partnered with Josiah Ventures to run an English-language camp for Slovak teenagers. Over the course of the camp, Josiah Ventures staff and Catalyst volunteers were able to build relationships with students, help with language lessons, play plenty of games, and engage in many conversations about faith and following Jesus.
Looking ahead, we are planning to continue the partnership by sending another team in July 2025. If you would like to learn more about our continuing partnership with Josiah Ventures and our 2025 trip, please contact us.
Looking ahead, we are planning to continue the partnership by sending another team in July 2025. If you would like to learn more about our continuing partnership with Josiah Ventures and our 2025 trip, please contact us.
church plants
Since the beginning, we’ve committed ourselves to helping launch other new churches. We have enthusiastically initiated and participated in the launch of Renovation Church in Blaine (2009), Ignite Church in Oakdale (2012), Hope Bridge Church in Plymouth (2012), Revision Church in Des Moines, IA (2015), and Catalyst White Bear (2021). These churches have since multiplied into even more church plants! We've also commissioned an area developer for Young Life in the greater Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.
