May Update from Julie

“They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, a planting of the Lord, for the display of his splendor.” (Isaiah 61:3) 

Our theme at Catalyst Ministries this month is PLANTING. I’ve always found the process of planting to be such a miraculous thing. A tiny seed is pushed down into the dirt and with a little water and sunshine, a new living, green plant emerges. It takes some faith on the part of the planter, who doesn’t know for sure what will come of their efforts. However if they never try, never trust the waiting process, they’ll never get to experience the miracle! 

At Catalyst, we plant in many ways! One way we plant is to  plant seeds of hope and love in the hearts of the women we work with. We get to water those seeds with prayer and perseverance, and so often we get to see the miracle of growth and life! It certainly doesn’t happen overnight but with time, we can see that roots are taking hold. Old ways of thinking and living can gradually change to new ways- that bring lasting  joy and strength. 

Thank you so much for YOUR part in this planting process! Through your prayers, your generous giving and your volunteering and advocating for the work and mission of Catalyst Ministries, you too are part of the miracle of planting and also reaping. 

This month, I’ve asked our Area Director for Illinois, Nancy Bollegar, to share a few thoughts with you on where she’s seen God at work within Catalyst and how she’s experienced the joy of seeing amazing miracles happen herself. 

As Area Director of Catalyst Illinois, I am on the ground, watching miracles happen every day as God is opening doors for our ministry to create awareness of human trafficking in our community. So far this year, we have spoken to over 315 people, including our Catalyst Volunteer Information nights, church small groups, high school students in our local Christian school, charge nurses at one of our local hospitals, Tazewell County Republican Women's Club, an Illinois State University sorority, and partnered with CRU (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) to have an information table at one of their 5k walks. We have speaking engagements booked throughout the year.

In addition, I see miracles happening as we continue to have connections to and build relationships with national agencies, officers from the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and local law enforcement, as well as restorative homes nationwide, all of whom are coordinating efforts to rescue and bring women out of a life of exploitation and sexual abuse and into one of restoration and healing.

Finally, I've seen miracles happening in the lives of our residents as they are touched by the gifts and talents of our dedicated and skilled team and volunteers at Catalyst. Working with them on the ground, watching a resident heal with therapy, overcome addictions, get a job, open a savings account, and integrate back into society is my biggest thrill, and evidence of our loving God changing hearts and restoring lives.

As a team, each of us feel we have been called to dedicate our time to these courageous women who are survivors of sex trafficking and being part of their individual healing journey.

God has put this passionate fire in my heart.  Being a part of the Catalyst team is the opportunity of a lifetime!

(Nancy Bollegar)

Please check out our website this month to see how you can be involved with the joy of planting- along with us at Catalyst Ministries! 

Seeing Miracles with you, through the power of Jesus Christ!

- Julie