Happy Thanksgiving! It's that time of year to express gratitude. This is the third year that we have released a special Thanksgiving episode of the Podcast. It is encouraging to hear from Josiah Venture missionaries, who live across Central and Eastern Europe, sharing what they're grateful for in this season. Get ready to discover their favorite aspects of this holiday, including a meaningful Bible verse about thankfulness. These 11 missionaries are featured in this episode. 🇦🇱 Suela Muhameti, Albania 🇨🇿 Justin Holden, Czech Republic 🇱🇻 Lelde Keice, Latvia 🇲🇪 Noah Ellenwood, Montenegro 🇭🇺 Aubrey Kroeker, Hungary 🇷🇸 Andelko “Gale” Trninic, Serbia 🇵🇱 Tanya Miller, Poland 🇸🇰 Alex King, Slovakia 🇸🇮 Christena Werdebaugh, Slovenia 🇪🇪 Fred Lausvee, Estonia 🇺🇦 Kendra Patty, Ukraine We hope these inspiring stories of God's goodness and provision will encourage you, ignite your passion, and deepen your understanding of how to pray for God's movement across Europe. If you'd like to join us in prayer, we invite you to visit the Josiah Venture online Prayer Room on our website or through the Prayer Room App. This year, Giving Tuesday, an annual global day of generosity, falls on Dec. 3rd. As you plan your end of year giving, will you please keep our Josiah Venture missionaries in mind? Consider giving a one time gift to one of our missionaries or you can donate to the general fund. We pray you have a truly amazing Thanksgiving wherever you may be celebrating. This holiday is a beautiful time to cherish the presence of loved ones and to reflect on our blessings and God's unwavering faithfulness. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Part 2 of Fall Conference interviews! Please enjoy getting to know these guests: 1. Diana from Ukraine, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 2. Lote from Latvia, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 3. Katka from Slovenia, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 4. Adina from Romania, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 5. Andre from Romania, interviewed by Kate from the USA 6. Nia from Bulgaria, interviewed by Kate from the USA 7. Dorka from Hungary, interviewed by Kate from the USA Amazing things happen when 400+ youth leaders from 21 countries come together to dive into God's Word! The Josiah Venture annual Fall Conference, which took place at the end of September, is always a highlight of the year. The theme for our 2024 Fall Conference was "Word Formed," and we focused on the significance of scripture. What do you feel when you read God's Word? A recent study of Gen Z youth in Germany found that while over 70% of responders felt loved when they read the Bible, 50% also said they felt guilty; that is a huge contrast! Our hope for this conference was to look at scripture in a new light and use that new reality to be "Word Formed." We hope that as young people come to love the Word more completely, their attitude towards scripture shifts from seeing it as an obligation to embracing it as a source of light and life. This change in perspective encourages consistent and thoughtful engagement with the living Word, allowing them to see their world and choices differently. While at the conference, we set up the podcast equipment in a vintage trailer parked inside a hang-out area where people mingled, ate dessert, and engaged in conversation. With the help of Tadej from Slovenia and Kate from the US, we interviewed various attendees to hear their thoughts about the conference, being Word-Formed, what their daily time in the Bible looks like, and more.
Part 1 of Fall Conference interviews! Please enjoy getting to know these guests: Valere from Montenegro/France, interviewed by Gwynne Tom from the Czech Republic, interviewed by Gwynne Adka from Slovakia, interviewed by Gwynne Kate from the USA, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia Amazing things happen when 400+ youth leaders from 21 countries come together to dive into God's Word! The Josiah Venture annual Fall Conference, which took place at the end of September, is always a highlight of the year. The theme for our 2024 Fall Conference was "Word Formed," and we focused on the significance of scripture. What do you feel when you read God's Word? A recent study of Gen Z youth in Germany found that while over 70% of responders felt loved when they read the Bible, 50% also said they felt guilty; that is a huge contrast! Our hope for this conference was to look at scripture in a new light and use that new reality to be "Word Formed." We hope that as young people come to love the Word more completely, their attitude towards scripture shifts from seeing it as an obligation to embracing it as a source of light and life. This change in perspective encourages consistent and thoughtful engagement with the living Word, allowing them to see their world and choices differently. While at the conference, I set up the podcast equipment in a vintage trailer parked inside a hang-out area where people mingled, ate dessert, and engaged in conversation. With the help of my friends Tadej from Slovenia and Kate from the US, we interviewed various attendees to hear their thoughts about the conference, being Word-Formed, what their daily time in the Bible looks like, and more.
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on high to accomplish the task. Acts 1:8 says, But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” We have the same need today because our strength will never be enough for the calling God has given us. During Spring Conference, we learned, discussed, and practiced the habits that can lead to greater empowerment in our lives and ministries. We invite you to study the Holy Spirit in Scripture and respond with faith and obedience so that you can experience more of his power and presence in your life. We pray this teaching encourages you. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
In this special 100th episode of Josiah Venture Stories, host Gwynne Gardner interviews Josiah Venture alumni Lauree Austin. Originally from Boring, Oregon, Lauree now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, working as a DJ for K Love radio. During the conversation, Lauree recounts her unexpected journey from the U.S. to serve with Josiah Venture in the Czech Republic, her diverse roles and experiences, and her impactful moments in ministry. Lauree's story touches on themes of personal growth, cultural immersion, navigating challenges in singleness, and recognizing God's provisions and guidance throughout her missionary journey. Lauree also discusses the importance of embedding oneself in the local culture as a missionary and the deep, transformative lessons she learned during her time with Josiah Venture. This episode is filled with inspiring stories, valuable advice for potential missionaries, and heartfelt encouragement for all listeners. Listen to Lauree on K-Love! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
Amy Moore has led and served on short-term mission teams to Slovenia for the past eight years. She lives in Nashville, TN, where she works as the Director of Connections for Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, TN. Amy's deep love for youth ministry and her extensive experience volunteering with her church's student ministry sparked her passion for Josiah Venture's vision and mission. In this episode, she shares how she got involved with going to Slovenia, stories from her years at camp, advice to someone thinking about serving on a mission team, and more. More Summer Ministry Resources "Two Thousand Camps" Blog by Dave Patty "Summer On Mission" Blog by Rachael Davison Summer Internship Opportunities Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
Josh Nelson grew up in Hawaii and was first connected with Josiah Venture through a trip with Moody Bible Institute. He has lived and served in the Czech Republic for 12 years and lives in Ostrava with his wife, Zuzi, and their daughter, Valentina. Josh and Zuzi serve together on the Camps team, equipping local Czech churches, mission Teams, and interns to reach out to their communities. In addition, Josh serves as a Ministry Partner Development Coach, while Zuzi serves as a StrengthsFinder coach. Josh has interned five times, run the Amazing Race ten times, and been to countless camps. In this episode, he discusses what he most enjoys about serving the summer camps ministry in the Czech Republic. More Summer Ministry Resources "Two Thousand Camps" Blog by Dave Patty "Summer On Mission" Blog by Rachael Davison Summer Internship Opportunities Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
Julia Budd has been the International Summer Ministry Coordinator for Josiah Venture since 2021. She first came to the Czech Republic in 2013 as an intern. That summer, she saw how camps could be a powerful tool for discipleship as young people encountered Jesus for the first time and young leaders grew as disciple-makers in their local churches. Her internship, semester in Lithuania, and short-term trips to Poland and the Czech Republic confirmed her desire to make disciples in Central and Eastern Europe. She is thrilled to live in the Czech Republic while serving locally and internationally. Julia shares her passion for missions, what her role on the international team looks like, details about our summer internship, and the camp theme “The Original.” More Summer Ministry Resources "Two Thousand Camps" Blog by Dave Patty "Summer On Mission" Blog by Rachael Davison Summer Internship Opportunities Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
Dóra Klauz, known to many as Dorka, was born and raised in Hungary. She serves in a youth group in Győr and has been a Hungarian Summer intern three times. A Formission graduate, Dorka now works part-time with the new Research Institute of Josiah Venture and manages the JVHungary Instagram account. She loves traveling and learning about new cultures and is constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. In this episode, she shares her faith journey, about her three summer internships, her experience with the ForMission Program, and more. More Summer Ministry Resources "Two Thousand Camps" Blog by Dave Patty "Summer On Mission" Blog by Rachael Davison Summer Internship Opportunities Learn more about Josiah Venture Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com
Summers are always exciting throughout the 16 Central and Eastern European countries Josiah Venture is located in as local churches prepare for camps and missions teams to arrive. Another cause for all the excitement is our summer internship program. Each summer, we invite college students and young adults who love Jesus and want to share the gospel with others to join us to help impact the next generation. This episode, hosted by Ruthanne Chadd, features nine of the 35 2024 interns. We encourage you to listen to the entire episode to hear all of the different stories and perspectives, but here is the time stamp for each interview. [2:30 - 10:07] Chloe Brandow, American, serving in Slovenia [10:08 - 16:18] Tadej Ogorevc, Slovene, serving in Ukraine [16:19 - 22:35] Jake Herrington, American, serving in Estonia [22:36 - 28:43] Nia Stoitseva, Bulgarian, serving with the Fusion International Team [28:44 - 35:09] Aidan Carson, American, serving in the Czech Republic [35:10 - 39:23] Vika Mamchur, Ukrainian, serving in Ukraine [39:24 - 45:40] Martin Toomet, Estonian, serving in Estonia [45:41 - 51:24] Mallory Neebes, American, serving in Poland and with the Fusion International Team [51:25 - 56:24] Jackie Fitzgerald, an American doing an Extended Stay Intern in Hungary Ruthanne has been on staff with Josiah Venture since 2014 and currently serves as the Intern Coordinator stateside. Each summer, she recruits, prepares, and sends college-age students from across the US, Canada, and the UK to serve alongside us. Enjoy hearing Ruthanne's passion for ministry as she guides the conversations with these interns. You will hear why they decided to intern, how they heard about the internship, what the amazing race was like for them, and more! Please also join us in praying for summer ministry. Our online prayer room has specific prayer requests for each of the 35 interns serving with us. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
Ranno Seppel has worked with Koma, Josiah Venture’s partner organization in Estonia, since Fall 2017. He has been the Edge Sports Director there for four years and has been involved in soccer camps for eight years. He recently accepted the Director of Edge Sports International role, which is very exciting! He desires to equip churches and leaders to use sports as a tool in their youth ministries. Ranno is married to Kristiina, and they have three beautiful sons, Noah, Benjamin, and Joosep. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
This episode is all about Sports! The first-ever EDGE GAMES International sports tournament was recently held in Rumburk, Czech Republic. 340 people from 9 Central and Eastern European countries gathered to compete in floorball, football, or soccer for all Americans listening. The EDGE SPORTS ministry currently involves 1000 young people and tends to impact teenagers more deeply than typical traditional church programs. Our hope with EDGE GAMES was that lives would be changed, and momentum would be created for this ministry. Enjoy listening to this episode, featuring: 🇪🇪 Ruuben from Estonia - Student 🇷🇴 Dome from Romania - Coach 🇱🇻 Linards from Latvia - Student 🇸🇰 Pali from Slovakia - Coach 🇭🇺 Daniel from Hungary - Student 🇪🇪 Mathias, 15, from Estonia - Student 🇵🇱 Magda from Poland - Coach *At the end of the episode, Filip Szturc, from the Czech Republic, makes a special appearance. He helped set up the stage, lighting, and sound during the event. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room: pray.josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP: josiahventure.com/prayer-room-app
Bartek Wilkosz has been a Josiah Venture missionary in Poland for three years. His first involvement with Josiah Venture was in 2014 when he participated in a camp called Growth Academy, organized by El Dorado—one of JV Poland’s national projects. El Dorado’s activities aim to help young people discover Christ and his calling for their lives and equip teenage leaders to serve in their local youth ministries. Bartek’s service with the project has continued to grow, and in 2019, he became a part-time Coordinator. In July 2021, he became a full-time JV missionary and now serves as the Director of El Dorado. Bartek's dream is that Poland will one day be known all over the world as a nation of followers of Christ that sends hundreds of thousands of missionaries to other countries. Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
Tino Peste and his wife live and serve in Constanta, Romania. Tino met and married Cristiana while they were studying theology in their country’s capital and attending the same church. After finishing their education, both felt God’s calling to serve the young generation in Constanta. They have two girls, Amanda & Haria. They believe that the best way to serve the church of today is actually to serve the church of tomorrow by ministering to the young generation. Together, they are implementing and leading Exit Tour in Romania while actively serving in their local church. Tino also leads the youth and student ministry there, and Cristiana works with children and teenage girls. As a couple, they believe that by communicating the great message of the Gospel in a relevant way, the church will be active in the lives of young people through discipleship. Give to Tino's ministry/donate to raising an Exit Tour Van Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP
This episode features three individuals who are bringing the gospel to today's public square of social media and powerful online platforms. Alex Ralevic is a 16-year-old Serbian with over 40k followers on TikTok. He made his first video on a broken phone, using an orange as a stand. Janči Máhrik is a pastor in Slovakia and has a podcast in Slovak called "Zabudnuté Cesty," which translates to "Forgotten Ways." He and his co-host, who is also a pastor, use this podcast to show people how Bible truths apply to the modern world. Abel Aronica is a Hungarian who lives in Romania. He uses his knowledge of all things technical to help churches livestream their services. Over 50,000 people have access to sermons through these live streams. We hope you enjoy these stories. Please pray for the Christian influencers across Central and Eastern Europe who are carrying the gospel to today's public square. @aleksa.ralevic on TikTok @zabudnutecesty Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP