A Heart Full of Thankfulness

 Almost every day for the past six months, I have seen the faces of the residents at Catalyst Farms. Through these women, I have witnessed sparks of genuine laughter in the midst of unimaginable sorrow. I have borne the tears of another, who courageously chooses to face her pain, knowing that somehow, she will make it to a brighter tomorrow. I have beheld the beautiful eyes of those whom the Lord seeks to renew day by day with the glorious life that comes through Him. In these residents, I have seen the fingerprints of God, and I am thankful. 

During these past six months, I have seen the faces of the staff at Catalyst Ministries. Through this team, I have observed the unmatched force of unity and compassion. I have watched followers of Jesus rejoicing with those who rejoice, and mourning with those who mourn. I have gazed upon lives transformed by Christ, who seek to work as catalysts for life transformation in others. In this team, I have seen the fingerprints of God, and I am thankful. 

Throughout my time with Catalyst Ministries, I have seen the faces of donors and volunteers. Through these men and women, I have encountered lives connected to the Vine of Jesus Christ, who bear much fruit as a result. I have glimpsed hearts of generosity, seeking to die to themselves and live for Jesus. I have witnessed a desire for faithfulness in little and in much, always allowing the Holy Spirit an opportunity to speak and move. In these donors and volunteers, I have seen the fingerprints of God, and I am thankful. 

Read our previous blog post here: November Update

How grateful I am for Novembers, for each of them implore me to turn my heart towards thankfulness and remind me of the Lord’s constant faithfulness. This November, I am specifically thankful for Catalyst Ministries. The Lord has done much work, even in the few months that I have been privileged to serve Catalyst Ministries as an intern. Over and over again, God has supplied us with volunteers who step in at just the right time and place, or with donors, who generously and cheerfully give of their resources. If you serve with Catalyst Ministries in any capacity, whether through prayer, administrative work, direct care with the residents, labor on Catalyst Farms work days, or donations—thank you. Your labor is not in vain and each of your efforts are deeply appreciated by this ministry. Without the support of our volunteers and donors, Catalyst Ministries would not be able to serve our residents in a God-honoring way. Every contribution is confirmation of the Lord’s favor on Catalyst Ministries. As I reflect on the Lord’s goodness, I am reminded of Psalm 107:8-9, which says,

“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”

 Those of you who are connected with Catalyst Ministries in any fashion are some of those “good things” that the Lord is using to satisfy the hungry and the thirsty. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for your contributions. 

If you are not yet connected with Catalyst Ministries, but would like to participate in the work the Lord is doing, I encourage you to join us for Giving Tuesday on November 30th by considering making a donation of any size here in order to partner with us in becoming catalysts of life-change for our residents as we seek to point them to the true Catalyst, Jesus Christ.

—Mikayla 

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,

for the rights of all who are destitute.

Speak up and judge fairly;

defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9