March Update from Julie

"God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.  As one psalmist puts it, he throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God." (2 Corinthians 9:10 MSG)

As I reflect on our theme for this month of Hope, I can’t help but think of the coming Spring. When our adult daughters were young, we’d watch for “Signs of Spring” at this time of year and keep a list as we’d see them. A robin hopping around the yard? It would go on the list. A hyacinth pushing up through the soil? It would go on the list too. After a long Illinois winter, it gave us hope for the warmer weather ahead to take note of these things. 

There’s such joy in seeing seeds that are planted coming to fruition, don’t you think? Whether it’s a beautiful flower or the hope of a vision realized. The Bible talks about faith being something that we don’t see. Hebrews 11 says this: 

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for.” 

At Catalyst Ministries, we press forward by faith with the work we’ve been called to do. Even for those things that Hebrews talks about- those things we do not see -YET. It’s by faith, we pray and ask the Lord to prepare us for those He’s bringing to Catalyst Farms and Catalyst Ranch in the coming weeks. By faith, we pray for and prepare to launch new graduates into a life of dignity and independence soon. By faith, we also pray for those God is bringing to join our team, those who will have an important role as they use their gifts, alongside us, to make a difference in the lives of survivors of human trafficking. Maybe this is speaking to one of you and if so, reach out to us to talk. Others of you are moved by believing with us for these miracles and breakthroughs.  Please join us in prayer. 

With confidence in what we hope for! 

- Julie