A Virtual Cup of Coffee with Catalyst's Founder, Julie Ryan

Hi, all! This is a space for our founder, Julie Ryan, to share what’s on her heart over a virtual cup of coffee. So feel free to grab a cup of your favorite drink and read about what God is doing through Catalyst Ministries. 

Good morning, everyone! What’s in your cup this morning? Mine is full of steaming, vanilla hazelnut coffee with a bit of honey, and a splash of Sweet Cream creamer. Delicious! If I could, I’d love to sit across the table from you and share a cup of coffee and some words of encouragement. For now, I’ll share my heart here with you and a few of the things I’m excited about this month!

I’m excited to share Catalyst’s theme for June with you: PLANTING! God has been planting some wonderful seeds of gratitude in my heart. I can’t get over the miracle of his creation as I marvel at a gorgeous sunset, watch hummingbirds at our feeder or enjoy the brilliant blue colors as our hydrangea bush comes to life! These details remind me of God’s love for me and for all of us. He delighted in creating a world that would literally cause us to be in awe of him, as we go deeper and think of the creator behind it all. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is telling of the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)

Please Read Our Previous Blog Post Here: The Porn Pandemic: HOW PORNHUB IS USING COVID-19 TO CAPITALIZE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

I’m excited too at all that God is doing at Catalyst Ministries! Just today, a group of young adults from E-Free Church in Bloomington Illinois came together for what we call a “Work Day”.  They spent several hours assembling a playset at Catalyst Farms and tackling other needed jobs on the grounds. We’re so thankful for their great help, and for all those who work to make this a beautiful and inspiring place to be; a place that brings glory to God!  We’re excited too, to provide this place for children to safely play when they visit their moms at Catalyst Farms in the future. Some of our residents are single moms and are working hard in their healing journeys, not only for themselves but also for the health and benefit of their families as they are eventually reunited with them. Are you interested in helping with a Work Day this summer? Check out the contact information at the bottom of the page. 

Together we are seeing that HOPE is being planted at Catalyst Ministries! We look forward to the seeds that will be planted within the walls of our new Training Center, where women will gain needed tools and vocational skills to enjoy a sustainable living, as they graduate from Catalyst Farms. We listen to and care about their dreams for this and know that God has created each one with amazing gifts, abilities, and purpose. Sometimes we all just need opportunities to have our dreams watered and nurtured, in order for them to grow. Very often the resilient women we help towards healing and restoration at Catalyst Farms have not had anyone encourage their dreams before. We love getting to see the seeds of hope and love planted in their hearts, with God’s help and the wonderful staff and volunteers that walk alongside these women.  

As we look ahead to this month, please consider joining us in some way at Catalyst Ministries.  Help us to see seeds of hope not only planted, but also thriving! Here are some ways you can be involved: 

  • Support the Virtual Fundraiser that is currently taking place. You can join as a participant, financial supporter, or as a prayer supporter for the Catalyst Challenge. Find out more here

  • Sign up early for our Fall Fundraiser: Be a Catalyst Dinner. You can choose to be a table host, corporate sponsor, or invite a friend to attend this event with you. Check this out here

  • Volunteer with us in one of the many opportunities we have for you to join our team.

  • Use your voice to make a difference! Consider organizing a fundraiser this summer,  invite us to speak to your group, or share Catalyst Ministries on social media.

  • Contact us at info@catalystministries.net 

Thanks for joining me as I’ve shared my heart with you this morning! I look forward to what’s ahead as we do this good work together. 

On the Journey for Freedom with YOU, 

Julie

P. S. 

Our Summer Newsletter will be mailed soon! If you’d like to receive this, please click here to share your information with us. We’ll get one over to you right away!