April Update
Happy Spring! Spring has to be my favorite season. For one thing, I love gardening and the new life that pushes its way up through the ground, though it looked impossible a month ago, seems miraculous. Spring speaks of hope and new beginnings and for this reason, our theme at Catalyst Ministries this month is New Life.
When I think of the correlation between New Life and Catalyst Ministries, I think of tiny evidence we regularly see of change and hope in the lives of those we work with. These precious women take small, courageous steps each day to move away from destructive habits and ways of thinking, things drilled into their minds as part of their trafficking experience, and towards a new way of thinking and living. We support them as they move forward through prayer, reminders of what’s true, and lots of encouragement. New Life. It’s a beautiful thing and it’s doable, through the power and love of Jesus Christ and caring people. We’ve seen this to be true at Catalyst Ministries.
As we celebrate Easter this month, we’re reminded that Jesus took our place on the cross for us. He suffered and died to open a door of New Life for us, one free of condemnation. Then He rose from the dead in the most amazing example of New Life ever, to show that He indeed is God’s beloved Son who came to die as the Savior of the world. A New Life is available to ALL of us because of this!
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die." (John 11:25)
We want to offer this hope and New Life to more women, who are longing for help. Just this week, I was reminded of this again when I heard this statement:
92% of those trapped in modern day slavery say they want to leave but they have no place to go. Housing is the most requested service for victims of human trafficking.
Our desire and plan at Catalyst Ministries is to double our capacity at Catalyst Farms in Illinois and purchase a facility that will serve as a Restorative Home in Texas. This facility we’d like to call Catalyst Ranch.
I’m wondering as I write this, how many of you would like to help. The need is great and I believe we can accomplish SO MUCH together, as we open more doors of New Life for more women. Would you be willing to pray for these two objectives to become realities this year? Would you be willing to give towards these projects? If so, please email me at julie.ryan@catalystministries.net. I’d love to hear from you!
Serving Joyfully with YOU!
Julie
Please join us for these upcoming events!
Illinois & Texas:
May 1st - May 31st—Catalyst Challenge
Illinois:
April 12th—Cafe Night Film Viewing (6:00-8:00 pm)
April 16th—Catalyst Farms Work Day (9:00 am-12:00 pm)
For more information or to register, please contact us at ILinfo@catalystministries.net