Josiah Venture Stories

Discover the heart behind the Josiah Venture Fall Conference, featuring insights from Rob Chestnut and Brooke Stevens. They share the significance and purpose of the annual training and equipping event, detailing its varied history and evolution over the years. They explore this year's theme, 'Victorious: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ,' and share their personal experiences and insights into spiritual warfare. "There's a spiritual shift that's taking place in this next generation, like in ways that we really haven't seen before." -Rob "Is Jesus getting the headline of the story that I'm telling right now when it comes to spiritual warfare, or am I giving the headline to the enemy? He doesn't deserve and should never have the headline. That's why this is "Victorious"." -Brooke We invite you to join us in prayer for this year's conference!  Pray for clarity and wisdom for our speakers. Pray that this conference would be Spirit-led! Pray for smooth and safe travel for everyone coming to the conference. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Summer Internships Mission Trips   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!   Sign-up for our new Monthly Podcast Newsletter!

In this episode of Josiah Venture Stories, Gwynne Gardner interviews Lelde Keice from Latvia. Lelde became a Christian at 14 through a youth camp and was introduced to Josiah Venture during high school. She later moved to England to pursue an Applied Theology and Youth Work degree at Moorlands College. Called back to Latvia in 2015, she now serves as the Camps Director for JV Latvia and coordinates mission teams.   Gwynne and Lelde discuss the impact of Christian camps on youth, Latvia's spiritual climate, and mission teams' role in local ministries. Lelde shares personal anecdotes and insights on how camps and mission teams foster significant life change and spiritual growth among young people.   Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Summer Internships Mission Trips   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!   Sign-up for our new Monthly Podcast Newsletter!

In this interview, Lee Humerian shares his journey from rock star to full-time missionary in Ukraine. Lee and his wife, Katie, led mission teams to the Czech Republic and then to Ukraine, which sparked their passion for youth ministry, leading them to join Josiah Venture in 2017. They have been deeply involved in various ministries, including Exit Tours and music camps. Due to the war in Ukraine, they have also led trauma-healing retreats. Lee now leads the evangelistic ministry programs team, while Katie handles human resources. They focus on supporting local church leaders and organizing camps for youth. This summer, the camp theme across our 16 Central and Eastern European countries was "Real Life," and Lee wrote the outlines for the evening talks, which focused on the life of the apostle Paul, for over 120 evangelistic camps.  "We can't have the theme 'Real Life' without having stories from our real lives. Your story is powerful. I always think of the verse in Revelation: "We will overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony." Our stories have the power to overcome the enemy, and so that was my proclamation." -Lee Despite the ongoing war and its impact, their ministry continues to thrive with a commitment to youth and their community. Please continue to pray for an end to the war in Ukraine, and for all of the after-camp follow-up events that are happening right now across all of the JV countries. Pray that young people will come to realize that real life is life with Jesus.    Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Summer Internships   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Summer is one of the most exciting seasons across the 16 Central and Eastern European countries where Josiah Venture serves. Local churches are gearing up for camps, short-term teams are arriving, and perhaps one of the most energizing parts of the season—our summer internship program—is officially underway. This program welcomes college students and young adults passionate about spreading the gospel. Interns share their experiences, starting with their Amazing Race team-building exercise and subsequent training in the Czech Republic. In this episode, interns Rosie Kaminski and Inita Gutmane recount their journey to joining the program, experiences during the Amazing Race, training sessions, and the impactful work they are involved in. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Summer Internships   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Summer is one of the most exciting seasons across the 16 Central and Eastern European countries where Josiah Venture serves. Local churches are gearing up for camps, short-term teams are arriving, and perhaps one of the most energizing parts of the season—our summer internship program—is officially underway. This program welcomes college students and young adults passionate about spreading the gospel. Interns share their experiences, starting with their Amazing Race team-building exercise and subsequent training in the Czech Republic. In this episode, interns Julie Weeks, Isaiah Martin, and Adele Tamberg recount their journey to joining the program, experiences during the Amazing Race, training sessions, and the impactful work they are involved in.   Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com Online Prayer Room Summer Internships   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Get to know Extended Summer Intern, Aidan Carson, in this episode. Originally from Chandler, Arizona, Aidan majored in civil engineering and worked as an engineer before feeling called to intern. After interning last summer, he's back for another season, eager to continue building friendships with students and missionaries, make new connections, and help others become disciples of Jesus. Aidan shares his desire to grow in understanding the Czech language and culture, as well as his passion for supporting Edge Sports leaders as they use ultimate frisbee to reach young people who don't know Jesus yet. In this episode, you'll hear: • Aidan's personal faith journey • What led him to serve on mission teams and apply for the summer internship • Why he returned for another internship • How you can pray for him this summer • And more! Join us as we welcome Aidan to the show and hear his heart for ministry in Central and Eastern Europe. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "LAUNCHED" and is the last of this series. Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "TROUBLED." Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Book referenced on this episode: Pontius Pilate: A Novel by Paul L. Maier   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "DRAWN." Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "IMPRESSED." Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "SATISFIED." Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader.  He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated.  He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more.  When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain.  Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ." We were led by Peter Mead, a gifted Bible teacher, author, and pastor from the UK. He guided us through six stories of Jesus from the Gospel of John. This specific talk is called "Alive." Prepare yourself to be surprised and changed through these "Jesus Stories."   Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Peter Mead is the director of Cor Deo and part of the leadership team of Trinity Chippenham, a church in the UK Peter helped to plant back in 2014. Peter shares his background, including being raised in a missionary family, his initial resistance to ministry and preaching roles, and how his faith journey led him to embrace these callings. He discusses the inspiration behind the ministry training program Cor Deo, his involvement in church planting, and his approach to preparing sermons and teaching. Peter also talks about his recent venture into podcasting with a focus on preaching and provides insights into his writing process. The episode concludes with Peter's message of hope for the younger generation, emphasizing the transformative power of Jesus. Peter was the main speaker at our annual Spring Conference and his teachings on "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encounters with Christ," will be released on the podcast over the next month. We invite you to listen to these teaching episodes and explore the gospel of John more deeply.  Get to know Peter More: pouredout.org www.cordeo.org.uk Biblicalpreaching.net The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Spotify The Biblical Preaching Podcast - On Apple Podcasts Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

In this conversation, Josiah Venture alumnus Susan Ellis shares her remarkable journey from a life-changing trip to Europe in 1985 to becoming a Josiah Venture missionary in 1995. She discusses her deep emotional connection with Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, where she served for 20 years. Susan's work spanned youth ministry, discipleship, marketing, and program development. In 2015, she returned to California to support her aging mother and now serves as the Director of Local Compassion Global Outreach and Congregational Care at her childhood church. Susan underscores the enduring impact of bold faith and discipleship, both of which are cornerstones of her life's work. She also shares insights on being single in ministry and encourages others to take steps towards missions, highlighting the transformative power of serving God full-time.   Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!

Get to know Baška Benešová from Slovakia and be inspired by her incredible journey of faith. She gave her life to Jesus at a youth church camp at the age of 13 and has been involved in ministering to teens and young adults ever since. She currently leads the English camp at her local church and works as the director of pointonline.sk for TCK (Training Center Kompas), providing resources and support for youth leaders. Baška also shares insights into her participation in KPM, the Annual Youth Leaders Conference, and her experience with the School for Youth Leaders.  The episode ends with a heartfelt message on trusting God's plan and the importance of community support. Connect with Us: Follow @josiahventure on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at josiahventure.com Contact: social@josiahventure.com   Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you friends, and have a blessed day!