Our theme this month at Catalyst Ministries is Stewardship.
John 15: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
Since the beginning of our work with Catalyst Ministries, it’s been a priority to manage well what God has entrusted to us. We have sought to “abide” in Him, as a ministry. He has been so faithful to continue to entrust much to us in terms of wonderful staff, volunteers, board members, direction, changed lives, and financial resources. What a blessing to watch the Lord work! And so many of you have gotten to be in the “front row seat” with us in watching Him work as well. We’ve tried to report back and share the blessings, miracles, and answers to prayer often.
Here is a new recent story that I’d like to share with you. Not long ago, a resident of one of our safehouses decided to throw a surprise party for one of our residents. She worked hard on this, sent out invitations to some of our team, planned the menu, and decorated and cleaned the house (while the resident was away). She worked hard and the result was that this dear friend was so surprised and blessed that she could hardly believe it when she came in the door. This was the first time anyone had given her a surprise party. She enjoyed the lovely meal, opened gifts from beloved team members, and expressed her deep gratitude to everyone, especially her friend who planned the whole thing.
This beautiful night demonstrates so much healing and many miracles on the part of both of these precious women. They are learning to give and receive love and kindness more and more all the time. So much has changed since they arrived! They are experiencing healing from their wounds, and hope is replacing despair. God has shown them what healthy relationships and love look like, in part through the loving and skilled team of staff and volunteers that surround them. They are being enfolded!
This story is representative of the kind of transformations we see regularly at Catalyst. God uses the resources of His people to provide a safe place for Him to do His work in transforming lives through the ministry of Catalyst. At Catalyst, we see the care of the survivors of human trafficking that we work with every day as a sacred trust. In a sense, this is stewardship for us, and we take it seriously.
In order to keep our focus and core mission sharp and central, there are times we need to make changes and add or change existing programs and worthy efforts. In a sense, this is a pruning process, and we have made difficult decisions in the past in order to manage well what’s been given to us. It’s been said that “the good is the enemy of the best,” and our desire, as wise stewards, is to keep our focus on the best and chiefly on what God is leading us to do as a ministry.
With all this in mind, our leadership team has made the decision to centralize our operations in the Dallas, Texas area, and maintain this as our headquarters.
There are many reasons for this, but it comes back to obedience and wise stewardship.
We want to do what is most cost-effective. We are continually mindful of the responsibilities we have to manage the resources provided so generously through faithful donors. We hope this is appreciated and understood.
As a result of these much-prayed-over decisions, we will be planning to sell some of our properties in 2025. Wherever possible and helpful, some items will be given to other local ministries and community organizations to continue the blessings and giving in the community.
Our core mission and key verse, from the very beginning of Catalyst Ministries, is this:
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
(Proverbs 31:8-9)
This is still our focus and mission. We seek and desire the ongoing support of past, present, and new donors, who will continue to make an impact in the lives of precious women. These women desperately need help to not only survive but to thrive.
We have served adult women who are survivors of human trafficking from all over America – and beyond – for over ten years, with your help. Thank you! Let’s continue this legacy of seeing precious lives transformed together!
If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to me. Thank you so much for your hearts and generosity! Lives ARE being changed because of this!
With gratitude and trust,
