Shows
Josiah Venture StoriesYoung People in Europe Loving the Bible Part 1 of Fall Conference interviews! Please enjoy getting to know these guests: Valere from Montenegro/France, interviewed by Gwynne Tom from the Czech Republic, interviewed by Gwynne Adka from Slovakia, interviewed by Gwynne Kate from the USA, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia Amazing things happen when 400+ youth leaders from 21 countries come together to dive into God's Word! The Josiah Venture annual Fall Conference, which took place at the end of September, is always a highlight of the year. The theme for our 2024 Fall Conference was "Word Formed," and we focused on the significance of scripture. What do you feel when you...2024-10-2921 minJosiah Venture StoriesUnexpected Journeys and God’s Timely Provision with Lauree AustinIn this special 100th episode of Josiah Venture Stories, host Gwynne Gardner interviews Josiah Venture alumni Lauree Austin. Originally from Boring, Oregon, Lauree now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, working as a DJ for K Love radio. During the conversation, Lauree recounts her unexpected journey from the U.S. to serve with Josiah Venture in the Czech Republic, her diverse roles and experiences, and her impactful moments in ministry. Lauree's story touches on themes of personal growth, cultural immersion, navigating challenges in singleness, and recognizing God's provisions and guidance throughout her missionary journey. Lauree also discusses the importance...2024-09-0357 min
Josiah Venture StoriesLiving on Mission With God with Dorka KlausDóra Klauz, known to many as Dorka, was born and raised in Hungary. She serves in a youth group in Győr and has been a Hungarian Summer intern three times. A Formission graduate, Dorka now works part-time with the new Research Institute of Josiah Venture and manages the JVHungary Instagram account. She loves traveling and learning about new cultures and is constantly seeking new experiences and knowledge. In this episode, she shares her faith journey, about her three summer internships, her experience with the ForMission Program, and more. More Summer Ministry Resou...2024-07-0235 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSummer Internship Experiences in Central and Eastern EuropeSummers are always exciting throughout the 16 Central and Eastern European countries Josiah Venture is located in as local churches prepare for camps and missions teams to arrive. Another cause for all the excitement is our summer internship program. Each summer, we invite college students and young adults who love Jesus and want to share the gospel with others to join us to help impact the next generation. This episode, hosted by Ruthanne Chadd, features nine of the 35 2024 interns. We encourage you to listen to the entire episode to hear all of the different stories and perspectives, but...2024-06-1856 min
Josiah Venture StoriesMaking Disciples Through Edge Sports with Ranno SeppelRanno Seppel has worked with Koma, Josiah Venture’s partner organization in Estonia, since Fall 2017. He has been the Edge Sports Director there for four years and has been involved in soccer camps for eight years. He recently accepted the Director of Edge Sports International role, which is very exciting! He desires to equip churches and leaders to use sports as a tool in their youth ministries. Ranno is married to Kristiina, and they have three beautiful sons, Noah, Benjamin, and Joosep. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com...2024-06-0447 min
Josiah Venture StoriesEdge Games International TestimonialsThis episode is all about Sports! The first-ever EDGE GAMES International sports tournament was recently held in Rumburk, Czech Republic. 340 people from 9 Central and Eastern European countries gathered to compete in floorball, football, or soccer for all Americans listening. The EDGE SPORTS ministry currently involves 1000 young people and tends to impact teenagers more deeply than typical traditional church programs. Our hope with EDGE GAMES was that lives would be changed, and momentum would be created for this ministry. Enjoy listening to this episode, featuring: 🇪🇪 Ruuben from Estonia - Student 🇷🇴 Dome from Romania - Coach ...2024-05-2130 min
Josiah Venture StoriesPlan "A" Discipleship in Poland with Bartek WilkoszBartek Wilkosz has been a Josiah Venture missionary in Poland for three years. His first involvement with Josiah Venture was in 2014 when he participated in a camp called Growth Academy, organized by El Dorado—one of JV Poland’s national projects. El Dorado’s activities aim to help young people discover Christ and his calling for their lives and equip teenage leaders to serve in their local youth ministries. Bartek’s service with the project has continued to grow, and in 2019, he became a part-time Coordinator. In July 2021, he became a full-time JV missionary and now serves as the Director...2024-05-0741 min
Josiah Venture StoriesExit Tour in Romania with Tino PesteTino Peste and his wife live and serve in Constanta, Romania. Tino met and married Cristiana while they were studying theology in their country’s capital and attending the same church. After finishing their education, both felt God’s calling to serve the young generation in Constanta. They have two girls, Amanda & Haria. They believe that the best way to serve the church of today is actually to serve the church of tomorrow by ministering to the young generation. Together, they are implementing and leading Exit Tour in Romania while actively serving in their local church. Tino...2024-04-2352 min
Josiah Venture StoriesBringing the Gospel to Today's Online Public SquareThis episode features three individuals who are bringing the gospel to today's public square of social media and powerful online platforms. Alex Ralevic is a 16-year-old Serbian with over 40k followers on TikTok. He made his first video on a broken phone, using an orange as a stand. Janči Máhrik is a pastor in Slovakia and has a podcast in Slovak called "Zabudnuté Cesty," which translates to "Forgotten Ways." He and his co-host, who is also a pastor, use this podcast to show people how Bible truths apply to the modern world. A...2024-04-0933 min
Josiah Venture StoriesResting in God's Calling with Paul WilliamsPaul Williams serves as the Vice President of Finance and operations for Josiah Venture. In this capacity, he works alongside the President and other executive team members to provide leadership, support, and strategic thinking in JV's operations. Paul lives in the Czech Republic with his wife, Molli, and their daughter Mae. They have three additional young adult children (Tate, Claire, and Grant) who all live in Texas. In this informative episode, Paul shares how God called him to move from the business world into serving as a missionary, the humbling journey of support raising, his philosophy of...2024-03-1948 min
Josiah Venture StoriesLiving with a Heavenly Perspective with Zuzi DzubakovskaZuzi Džubakovska decided to follow Jesus when she was 10 years old at a camp organized by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Since then, her life has been one big adventure. During her management studies, she started working in business and continued in marketing and customer success for a few years. Meanwhile, she served in her home church—Bratislava City Church—where she became a member of the worship band and helped out with the Josiah Venture young adult ministry called EXIT. In 2019, she answered her calling to join full-time ministry. The Lord directed her to TCKompas (Josiah Venture Slovakia’s partner...2024-03-0545 min
Josiah Venture StoriesTwo Years of War in Ukraine with Liudmyla RubtsovaLiuda Rubtsova has served at her church in Lviv for 10 years and recently joined Epokha, JV’s national organization in Ukraine. She currently coordinates the work of the Communication Team in Ukraine and strives to capture and tell the stories of God's amazing work, even amidst the war. She is one of the key youth leaders at her church, serves on the worship team, and participates on the church council. Liuda especially enjoys organizing large Christian events, meetings, and conferences for young people. Mentoring teenage girls has a special place in her heart. In this epi...2024-02-2051 min
Josiah Venture StoriesIntentional Self-Leadership and Coaching with Ben RobertsonBen Robertson and his family have lived and served in the Czech Republic for five years now. Ben met his wife, Sarah, in 2012 while they were both serving as Josiah Venture summer interns in the Czech Republic. During that experience, they developed a deep desire to serve full-time in Czech as they witnessed young people being deeply impacted by Jesus. Ben and Sarah now live in Ústí nad Labem with their children, Phoebe, Jadon, and Khloe. They serve on the regional team, helping to equip, train, and disciple youth leaders in their city and the northwest region of t...2024-02-0642 min
Josiah Venture StoriesBoundaries, Vulnerability and Q&A with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank you for listening, and ple...2024-01-3035 min
Josiah Venture StoriesDepression, Anxiety, and Suicide with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank you for listening, and ple...2024-01-2646 min
Josiah Venture StoriesKingdom Resources with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank you for listening, and ple...2024-01-2317 min
Josiah Venture StoriesGuides to Suffering: Job and Jesus with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank you for...2024-01-1945 min
Josiah Venture StoriesActive Listening and So Many Questions with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank you for listening, and ple...2024-01-1647 min
Josiah Venture StoriesWilderness First Responders with Dr. David Van DykeFor the month of January, we invite you to listen to the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." We brought in Dr. David Van Dyke, a marriage and family therapist, and professor at Wheaton College, to speak and train us all in what it looks like to be like Jesus for people in need. Our goal was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. Thank yo...2024-01-091h 07
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Anxious Generation with Dave PattyHappy New Year! For the month of January, we will be sharing the main talks from our annual 2023 fall conference. The theme was "Lifeline: First Responders and the Anxious Generation." Dave Patty kicked off the conference by talking about the anxious generation and ways we can respond. Our goal for this conference was to equip youth leaders across the region with practical tools to respond to the ever-increasing mental health issues among the youth in their ministries. We invite you to join us for this teaching podcast. Learn more about Josiah Vent...2024-01-0231 min
Josiah Venture StoriesAnd with That the 2023 Season Comes to an End with Gwynne GardnerMerry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank you for tuning in to this special Christmas end-of-year episode! This will be short and sweet as host Gwynne Gardner recaps the year, remembers God's faithfulness, and gives you all a few important announcements for the year ahead. Consider this your audio Christmas newsletter from Josiah Venture! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Instagram: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com Josiah Venture Prayer Room Josiah Venture Prayer Room APP Summer Internships If you are interested in knowing more about ForMission, you can email: formission@josiahventure.com How to leave a rating & written review on Apple Podcast: 1. Go to the “Josiah Venture Stories” show p...2023-12-2025 min
Josiah Venture StoriesGerman Christmas Traditions with Kilian SpießKilian Špiess grew up in Germany, and during his childhood, he attended an Evangelical Lutheran Church where he heard about God and faith. At the age of 12, he discovered the heart of the gospel and God's love at a camp, and since then, he has desired to follow Jesus. After years of serving at camps and being discipled, Kilian explored his heart for missions during internships in Manchester and Chemnitz, Germany at the age of 19, leaving him with the desire to reach people for the sake of the gospel. In 2020, he started studying Theology, Mission, and Min...2023-12-0537 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThankful in 2023 with the Josiah Venture FamilyHappy Thanksgiving from the JV family! This episode features 12 of our missionaries serving across Central and Eastern Europe (Diana “DU” Anton - Romania, Wendi Rumbold - Slovakia, Ermal Bimaj - Albania, Katie Humerian - Ukraine, Ross Nielsen - Bulgaria, Ellie Mouchet - Poland, David Kingdon - Latvia, Sarah Ward - Czech Republic, Indrek-Eliel Tambek - Estonia, Trisha Wynn - Slovenia, Kilian Spieß - Germany, and Judita Kočiš - Croatia). They share what they're grateful for this season, their favorite Thanksgiving foods, and a meaningful Bible verse about thankfulness that holds a special place in their he...2023-12-0121 min
Josiah Venture Stories30 Years in Poland with Dan and Laura HashDan and Laura Hash are founding members of Josiah Venture and have served in Poland for 30 years. They live in Mikołów, Poland, and are blessed with a son, Jacob, and his wife, Becca, and granddaughter, Clara, who also serve in Poland with JV. In this episode, you will hear their faith journeys, how they were first connected to Josiah Venture, what life was like in Poland during those early years of ministry, what they are involved in now, words of wisdom, and so much more. They are now on the member care team responsible for marriages, counseling, and co...2023-11-0757 min
Josiah Venture StoriesMental Health and the Ministry of Presence with Dr. David Van DykeDr. David Van Dyke, or DVD, serves as Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program and Associate Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Wheaton College. His areas of expertise are working with adolescents and their families and integration of Christian faith and systems thinking. He's a Fulbright Scholar in Hungary, and he's also started "With U Projects" with his wife Tara. It aims to strengthen the understanding of life's big transitions and learning better skills for healthy connection. DVD has spent time each year in Prague, where he supervised, trained, and consulted with mental health...2023-10-1741 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Spirit Filled" Spring Conference Talk with Dave PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still work. During t...2023-10-0348 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Transformed" Spring Conference Talk with Dave PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still wo...2023-09-2649 min
Josiah Venture StoriesWaiting for a Heart Transplant with Jonathan RosenJonathan Rosen began serving full-time with Josiah Venture in October 2012 after many summer internships in the Czech Republic. He and his wife, Veronika, and their daughter, Hailey, live and serve in the city of Ostrava, where they help lead their local church's high school and young adults' ministries. They also focus on encouraging and equipping youth ministry leaders throughout the city of Ostrava. Currently, Jonathan is waiting in the hospital for a heart transplant. He shares about his health journey, how he and his family are doing, and how you can pray for them as they are...2023-09-1951 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Clear Seeing" Spring Conference Talk with Dave PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still work. During t...2023-09-1547 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Bride Loving" Spring Conference Talk with Josh PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still work. During t...2023-09-141h 01
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Greek Like" Spring Conference Talk with Dave PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still work. During t...2023-09-0855 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Secure" Spring Conference Talk with Ben WilliamsThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still wo...2023-09-0559 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Be-Steadfast" Spring Conference Talk with Dave PattyThis episode features one of the seven talks from our annual Spring Conference that happened back in May. The theme of this year's conference was "Missional Be-Attitudes." After three years of Covid and an ongoing war in Ukraine, you may feel a bit like a passenger on a plane that has flown through some turbulent air or a sailor on a ship that has sailed through a challenging storm. After all the shaking and rocking, you may need to pause and make sure all the ropes are tied down and that your key instruments still work. During t...2023-09-0136 min
Josiah Venture StoriesFusion Camp and Ministry in Latvia with Liam GasparLiam Gaspar recently celebrated five years of service with Josiah Venture in Latvia. He first visited Latvia in 2007 and participated in his first Fusion camp in 2010. Subsequently, Liam returned to Latvia many times and now lives and serves in Liepāja, Latvia. Liam understands the hopelessness experienced by the youth of this region. His heart is to live life with them and share the good news of the gospel! Enjoy this conversation and get to know Liam as he offers his experience of Latvian culture, shares his testimony, and details his journey to Latvia. In this ep...2023-08-2937 min
Josiah Venture StoriesAn Extended Intern Experience in Latvia with Kate RankinKate Rankin is originally from Glasgow. She is currently serving as an Extended Summer Intern in Latvia, a country she first visited in 2015. Kate has since served on many missions teams and interned for the first time in 2019. In this episode, you will hear Kate’s journey of faith, how she got connected to Josiah Venture, her heart for the young people of Latvia, what the rest of her internship holds, and more. Enjoy getting to know Kate through this episode! Learn more about Josiah Venture: Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josi...2023-08-1539 min
Josiah Venture StoriesServing at Soccer Camp in Estonia with Jonathan MullinsJonathan Mullins is 21 years old and originally from California. He is currently studying Finance at California State University, Fullerton. He has served twice on Missions Teams to Estonia with his home church, Chino Valley Community Church. In this episode, Jonathan shares his faith journey and his heart for the young people of Estonia. He reflects on the highlights and challenges of Soccer Camp and offers advice to those considering serving on a Missions Team. If you know someone who has served on a missions team or is considering serving, pass this episode to them. Thanks for...2023-08-0130 min
Josiah Venture StoriesStorytelling through Video with Nick MarkhamNick Markham is currently serving as a video intern with Josiah Venture's International Communications Team for the summer. He is originally from Massachusetts and recently graduated from Gordon College with a degree in Communication Arts. In this episode, Nick shares his faith journey, how he got connected to Josiah Venture, and when he discovered his love for video. Enjoy this conversation with Nick as he reflects on his internship experience thus far and shares his hopes for this summer and beyond. Learn more about Josiah VentureWebsite: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: ...2023-07-1828 min
Josiah Venture StoriesUsing Social Media to Share the Gospel with Erin BowmanErin Bowman is originally from Northern Ireland, and this summer, she is serving with the International Communications team in the area of social media. She currently attends Durham University in England and is studying History. She is excited that the UK is one of Josiah Venture's mobilizing countries and for her unique voice and experience to be heard. You will hear her share her faith journey, how she first became involved with Josiah Venture, what young people in the UK think about the gospel, why she decided to intern, and more. Enjoy this episode and get...2023-07-0432 min
Josiah Venture StoriesPart of God's Redemptive Plan with Josh DietzJosh Dietz has lived in the Czech Republic since 2017 and currently lives in Prague with his wife, Anežka, and son, Krištof. He shares about his experience with Fusion, the summer camps ministry, his faith journey, his current role as a regional worker in Prague, and more. Josh and Anežka seek to mentor and lead young leaders in the churches of Prague. Ever wonder who writes the camp talks for all the evangelistic camps we do across Central and Eastern Europe? This year's theme, "Part of the Plan," is about the grand narrative of the...2023-06-2036 min
Josiah Venture StoriesInterviews with Young People at Fusiondary InternationalThis episode is about Fusiondary, an international music festival that gathered 700 young people from 13 different countries to a weekend festival at the end of April, with music, art, and powerful messages about a personal relationship with Jesus. Those participating were young people who are involved in 25 Fusion choirs. While at Fusiondary, I walked around with a microphone and recorded what some attendees had to say about Fusion. I asked them, "What is your favorite part about Fusion?" and, "What was your life like before Fusion?" I talked to people from seven different countries, and...2023-06-0622 min
Josiah Venture StoriesCaring for Women in Leadership with Amy EllenwoodAmy Ellenwood and her husband, Mel, have been serving with Josiah Venture in the Czech Republic for 25 years. She shares how she never thought she would be an overseas missionary and about the ups and downs of ministry. She loves being with, serving, and investing in people. One of her passions is caring for and shepherding the women on the Josiah Venture team. She speaks about how it is vital that women are poured into and entrusted with significant work. During the 12 years they spent working in stateside youth ministry, their hearts were continually challenged by the...2023-05-1643 min
Josiah Venture StoriesEdge Sports in Estonia with Kuldar KaljusteKuldar Kaljuste is a national missionary in Tallinn, Estonia. He and his wife Margaret joined Josiah Venture in September 2009. God gave Kuldar a vision to reach young people in his country, and then he responded to God’s calling and moved to the university city of Tartu to reach the lost by training young leaders in a soccer ministry. As of fall 2014, God has called their family back to Tallinn to lead the Josiah Venture Tallinn team and be part of a new local church plant. Kuldar and Margaret have two sons, Albert and Samuel, and two da...2023-05-0236 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Fusion Community in the Czech Republic with Dan BlažekDan Blazek is from Písek in South Bohemia, Czech Republic. In high school, he got involved in Fusion, came to faith, and accepted Jesus into his life in 2018. He shares his love for coffee, how Fusion was a vital part of his coming to Christ, and the upcoming International Fusiondary event happening at the end of April. He is thankful for the opportunity to be there for Czech teenagers and, with God's help, provide an environment and a perspective that he himself was able to experience for the first time when he was not a believer. ...2023-04-1836 min
Josiah Venture StoriesCelebrating Two Years of the Podcast with Gwynne GardnerIt's time to celebrate! 🎉 🎙️ The "Josiah Venture Stories" podcast has been going strong for two years. Wow! In this episode, Gwynne Gardner, the host, reads some of the written reviews, gives some fun facts about the podcast, and shares some advice given to young people from past episodes. Thank you to everyone who has been a guest on the podcast and everyone who has listened, shared, and been a fan. Our prayer for this podcast is that God, the greatest storyteller and author of all time, would use these stories to inspire and encourag...2023-04-0420 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Kindness of Christ While Waiting to Adopt with Kelly LillpopKelly Lillpop and her husband Chris first experienced Josiah Venture when they served at an English camp during their high school years. They have now been serving as full-time staff since 2013. After almost eight years of living and serving in Poland on the JV Poland team, Kelly and Chris now serve in the US on the JV International team in the area of partner development. Kelly shares about the kindness and compassion of Christ in a long season of waiting to have a child. This adoption journey points to Christ and will encourage you in your...2023-03-2150 min
Josiah Venture StoriesYouth Ministry in Croatia with Ema KrekoEma Kreko has served in the local church in Zagreb, Croatia as a youth leader for over a decade. She first heard of Josiah Venture at an English camp in 2006. She was captured by the vision for young people. She didn’t know how God was going to work things out, but somehow God used her experience as a high school teacher and her passion for investing in a new generation of young believers and brought it all together. She desperately desires to see many lost young people come to Christ, find their hope in forgiveness and ne...2023-03-0743 min
Josiah Venture StoriesReflecting on One Year of War in Ukraine with Olena VolovykOlena Volovyk was born in Ternopil, Ukraine, and has lived there her whole life. She shares about growing up in Ukraine, how she came to know Jesus as her savior, five years of working with Josiah Venture and her passion for summer camps ministry, what life was like during the first few months of the war, and how because of the war she met her now fiance and is soon getting married. When she was eight years old, she started attending a church kids’ club and Sunday school through the invitation of a Christian elementary school teacher. The...2023-02-2139 min
Josiah Venture StoriesA Love Story for Valentine's Day with Johnny and Brooke Stevens❤️Happy Valentine's Day!🥰 Johnny and Brooke Stevens live and serve in the country of Slovenia, and they have an amazing story all about how the Lord brought them together. They share how they met, dated, got engaged, have been married for 15 years, and are now part of the JV marriage coaching team. Wow! In the fall of 2004, shortly after Johnny first joined Josiah Venture in Slovenia, he met Brooke, who was at that time a volunteer with the Church of the Nazarene in Slovenia. Even though Johnny and Brooke were both active in relational ministry in the capital...2023-02-1448 min
Josiah Venture StoriesDeveloping Ministry Leaders Through the Leadership Lab with Josh YatesJosh Yates is a new addition to the Josiah Venture USA team. He serves with a new initiative called the Leadership Lab, which involves training and equipping ministry leaders in North America. In this episode, he shares how he met his wife, Katie, while they were both students at Moody Bible Institute. Upon graduating in 2000, Josh accepted his first youth ministry pastorate, and they have been serving in full-time ministry ever since. Most recently, Katie has served as the Operations Manager and Josh as the Associate Director for Sonlife North America. They desire to use...2023-02-0752 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Equipping Messengers" Fall Conference Talk with Dave PattyFor the month of January, we have been changing things up a bit with the podcast. Instead of our regular interview-style episodes, we have been sharing the teaching from the main talks from our last Fall Conference. This is the last of this teaching series. We are kicking off the year with a big reminder that, as believers, we are Messengers of Hope. This past fall, around 400 youth ministry specialists from 18 Central and Eastern European countries came together after a two-year break for our “Movement Conference,” designed to fuel God’s work among young people across the region...2023-01-2456 min
Josiah Venture Stories"The Fellowship of the Lantern" Fall Conference Talk with Juli MuhametiFor the month of January, we are changing things up a bit with the podcast. Instead of our regular interview-style episodes, we will be sharing the teaching from the main talks from our last Fall Conference. This is the first time we are using the podcast platform to share teaching like this. We are kicking off the year with a big reminder that, as believers, we are Messengers of Hope. This past fall, around 400 youth ministry specialists from 18 Central and Eastern European countries came together after a two-year break for our “Movement Conference,” designed to fuel God’s work...2023-01-1735 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Fuel For the Flame" Fall Conference Talk with Paul BowmanFor the month of January, we are changing things up a bit with the podcast. Instead of our regular interview-style episodes, we will be sharing the teaching from the main talks from our last Fall Conference. This is the first time we are using the podcast platform to share teaching like this. We are kicking off the year with a big reminder that, as believers, we are Messengers of Hope. This past fall, around 400 youth ministry specialists from 18 Central and Eastern European countries came together after a two-year break for our “Movement Conference,” designed to fuel God’s work...2023-01-1044 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Messenger of Hope" Fall Conference Talk with Dave PattyFor the month of January, we are changing things up a bit with the podcast. Instead of our regular interview-style episodes, we will be sharing the teaching from the main talks from our last Fall Conference. This is the first time we are using the podcast platform to share teaching like this. We are kicking off the year with a big reminder that, as believers, we are Messengers of Hope. This past fall, around 400 youth ministry specialists from 18 Central and Eastern European countries came together after a two-year break for our “Movement Conference,” designed to fuel God’s work...2023-01-0341 min
Josiah Venture StoriesMerry Christmas and a 2022 Recap with Gwynne GardnerMerry Christmas, everyone! 🎄⭐️ This episode, the last of the year, is all about taking a look back at 2022, remembering God's faithfulness, and sharing a few announcements for the year ahead. Consider this your audio Christmas card from us to you. Thank you for listening and making this podcast a part of your life. Truly, we are so thankful for each and every listener, and we would like to encourage you to please share your favorite episode with a friend or family member this holiday season. You can give them the gift of a good story! Lots of...2022-12-2018 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Psalm 95" by Shelby Flowers, Original Worship Series FIVEHere is the fifth and final installment of the special 5-part bonus series of the "Josiah Venture Stories" podcast featuring some original worship songs by Josiah Venture missionaries. These songs are connected to the theme we studied during our annual Spring Conference this past May. The theme was "Burden to Blessing: A Journey Through the Psalms." We learned about five soul paths highlighted in the book of Psalms: Lament, Sovereignty, Repentance, Wisdom, and Praise. During this series, each songwriter interviewed will share their musical background and songwriting process. Then at the end of the episode, you will...2022-12-0628 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Breathin There" by Mark Chase, Original Worship Series FOURThis Fall, we are doing a special 5-part bonus series of the "Josiah Venture Stories" podcast featuring some original worship songs by Josiah Venture missionaries. These songs are connected to the theme we studied during our annual Spring Conference this past May. The theme was "Burden to Blessing: A Journey Through the Psalms." We learned about five soul paths highlighted in the book of Psalms: Lament, Sovereignty, Repentance, Wisdom, and Praise. During this series, each songwriter interviewed will share their musical background and songwriting process. Then at the end of the episode, you will hear their original song. 2022-11-2923 min
Josiah Venture StoriesHappy Thanksgiving 2022 from the Josiah Venture FamilyHappy Thanksgiving from the JV family! This episode features 11 JV missionaries serving across Central and Eastern Europe. (Tiffany Short - Czech Republic, Elliott Phillps - Poland, Haley Patty - Albania, Liam Gaspar - Latvia, Juliana Law - Ukraine, Brittney Haas - Estonia, Zac Shepperson - Slovakia, Killyn Kanters - Romania, Marcus Mitchell - Hungary, Nadia Tsonchev - Bulgaria, & Jill Ellenwood - Montenegro.) They share what they are thankful for in this current season and what they enjoy about this holiday, including their favorite foods, and each of them shares an encouraging Bible verse. As you are preparing...2022-11-2218 min
Josiah Venture Stories30 Years of Youth Ministry in Ireland with Paul BowmanPaul Bowman has been doing youth ministry in Ireland for 30 years. In this episode, he shares all about his love for youth ministry, how he came to know Jesus as a teenager, and some amazing advice about how to "live your dash." Recently, he became the JV United Kingdom Director, serves as a Trustee of the JV UK board, and has over 30 years of experience in full-time youth ministry in the local church. He has served in a variety of settings throughout Ireland—both urban and rural—working with churched and unchurched young people. He is passionate abou...2022-11-1550 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Hear My Prayer" by Noah Ellenwood, Original Worship Series THREEThis Fall, we are doing a special 5-part bonus series of the "Josiah Venture Stories" podcast featuring some original worship songs by Josiah Venture missionaries. These songs are connected to the theme we studied during our annual Spring Conference this past May. The theme was "Burden to Blessing: A Journey Through the Psalms." We learned about five soul paths highlighted in the book of Psalms: Lament, Sovereignty, Repentance, Wisdom, and Praise. During this series, each songwriter interviewed will share their music background and songwriting process. Then at the end of the episode, you will hear their original song. 2022-11-0823 min
Josiah Venture StoriesWalking Humbly in Loss and Pursuing Purpose with Theresa KernsTheresa Kerns has been a part of Josiah Venture basically since the beginning. In this episode, she shares all about her role as the Human Resource Director, her love for relationships, how she lost her husband to cancer, and how she keeps on growing and pursuing purpose. Theresa’s first involvement with Josiah Venture was in 1996 when she and her daughters came to visit the Patty family in the Czech Republic. Her service with the ministry continued to grow, and in 2002 she became Josiah Venture’s Human Resource Director. Working out of the home office in Wheaton, Illin...2022-11-0136 min
Josiah Venture Stories"From This Shelter" by Korban Miller, Original Worship Series TWOThis Fall, we are doing a special 5-part bonus series of the "Josiah Venture Stories" podcast featuring some original worship songs by Josiah Venture missionaries. These songs are connected to the theme we studied during our annual Spring Conference this past May. The theme was "Burden to Blessing: A Journey Through the Psalms." We learned about five soul paths highlighted in the book of Psalms: Lament, Sovereignty, Repentance, Wisdom, and Praise."During this series, each songwriter interviewed will share their music background and songwriting process. Then at the end of the episode, you will hear their original song. 2022-10-2525 min
Josiah Venture StoriesHealed from Long Covid with Casey YormanCasey Yorman lives in the Czech Republic with his family. He is the Director of Edge Sports International and helps lead the entire International Team. In this episode, he shares about his journey to the field, his love for sports, and how God healed him from long Covid. He and his wife Kristin first heard about Josiah Venture in 2002 when a group of high school students from their church in California went to the Czech Republic to teach at a JV English camp. The following year, they were invited to become JV summer interns in Romania. This e...2022-10-2132 min
Josiah Venture Stories"Right Hand - A Corporate Lament" by Tyler Patty, Original Worship Series ONEThis Fall, we are doing a special 5-part series of the podcast featuring some original worship songs written by Josiah Venture missionaries. These songs are connected to the theme we studied during our annual Spring Conference this past May. The theme was "Burden to Blessing: A Journey Through the Psalms." We learned about five soul paths highlighted in the book of Psalms: Lament, Sovereignty, Repentance, Wisdom, and Praise." During this series, each songwriter who is interviewed will share their background in music, and the process of how they wrote the song, and then at the end of...2022-10-1329 min
Josiah Venture StoriesHow Deconstruction Deepened My Faith with Kuba VejmělkaKuba Vejmelka lives and serves in his hometown of Brno, Czech Republic. He grew up in a Christian home, but in high school, he went through a season of deconstructing his faith. "I came to a point where I needed to figure out if my faith was my own or my parent's." He began spending time with Monika, his now wife, and realized that she had something different. "I saw something in her that I didn't have, some kind of different light and beauty, and I realized that it was the presence of Jesus." In the spring...2022-10-0639 min
Josiah Venture StoriesHow to Pass Off the Baton of Leadership Well with Peter Hrubo and Timo MahrikThis year, TCKompas or Training Center Kompas, the Josiah Venture national organization in Slovakia, celebrated 30 years of operation. Alongside this momentous occasion, on June 3rd, a big leadership transition happened within Kompas. The baton of leadership was handed off from one national leader, Peter Hrubo, to another, Timo Mahrik. In this episode, the two of them share their personal testimonies about the team in Slovakia and the story of this leadership transition. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com 2022-09-2045 min
Josiah Venture StoriesServing on Short-Term Mission Teams with Ryan PalmerRyan Palmer is originally from Seattle Washington and has been assisting with short-term teams for Josiah Venture since 2009. In Seattle, Ryan is a high school teacher who teaches astronomy and biology. In this episode, Ryan explores the mission behind "short-term teams" and why they are so essential to Josiah Venture's ministry in Central and Eastern Europe. He shares the joys and challenges that came with serving with short-term teams, along with what he has learned. At the end of this episode, Ryan explains what he hopes to see in future short-term teams, and emphasizes that there are m...2022-09-0649 min
Entrusting The FaithHow can we partner with churches in Central and Eastern Europe for the gospel? Gwynne Gardner - Josiah Venture Gwynne GardnerJosiah Venturehttps://www.josiahventure.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/josiahventureInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/josiahventure/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCypfKDLv787CoV3S4XuVc5gPodcast - https://www.josiahventure.com/podcastFree 30 Days of Covenant Eyes - Promo Code ETFTry Covenant Eyes free for 30 Days! Use promo code ETF at https://www.covenanteyes.com/Use it for yourself and protect your family.All of our podcasts are available on our website at:https://www.entrustingthefaith.com/podcastSign up to receive our...2022-08-2943 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSurrendering to God's Will with Damaris IordacheDamaris Iordache is an intern serving with the Communications team this summer as a videographer. Damaris is from Galati, Romania, and studies Marketing at the University of Bucharest. She is 21 years old and going into her final year. In this episode, Damaris shares her testimony, how she came to accept Jesus, and her experience as an intern for the C-team. At the end of the episode, she explains her hopes for her country and how people can be praying for Romania. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com 2022-08-1633 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSummer Internship Experience in Europe with Josh BenningJosh Benning is an intern serving in Germany this summer. Josh is from Brookfield, Wisconsin, and is studying Elementary Education at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He is the second youngest of five and is minoring in German and Spanish teaching at his university. In this episode, Josh shares how he first heard of Josiah Venture, why he decided to intern in Germany, and his time during this internship. At the end of the episode, he offers encouragement and advice to others considering a Josiah Venture internship and what God has been teaching him through his experience.2022-08-0229 min
Josiah Venture StoriesFamily on Mission in Romania with Darius and Bia BoscaDarius and Bia Bocsa are missionaries in Romania. Darius, who is from Romania, met his wife Bia, who is from Brazil, at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Both have a desire and passion for serving the Lord and making the name of Jesus known. After they were married, they decided to move to Romania and work with young people. Darius and Bia's passion is to communicate the gospel to Romanian youth so that they will understand it, live by it daily, and ultimately pass it on to others. Darius is the director of Josiah Venture's Summer ministries...2022-07-1936 min
Josiah Venture StoriesBeing a Parent of A Transgender Child with Geri FuerhingGeri Fuehring and her husband Dave joined the Josiah Venture Czech Republic team full-time in 2015. There, they worked as local missionaries investing in students and leaders in their local church and community in the city of Olomouc. In the summer of 2019, they relocated to Chicago and are now serving with Josiah Venture as Directors of Ministry Partner Development. Their role is to help equip both nationals and missionaries-in-training to develop teams that will invest in their ministry work. The Fuehrings love being involved in the broader Josiah Venture team. They feel blessed and encouraged to be able...2022-07-0537 min
Josiah Venture StoriesStudying Theology, Mission, and Ministry with Tyler Patty, Sean SmithTyler Patty and Sean Smith serve in the Czech Republic as facilitators and tutors with ForMission college on the Central and Eastern European campus. Tyler is the Campus Tutor and he leads the entire campus, facilitates classes, and takes care of all campus administration. Sean is the Formation Tutor and he facilitates classes, leads student support efforts, and leads a weekly cluster group. In this episode, you will learn more about what ForMission is, hear stories, get some great book recommendations, learn about the podcast they have on practical theology, and more. 2022-06-2143 min
Josiah Venture StoriesCelebrating Stories with Gwynne GardnerGwynne Gardner is the Social Media Manager for Josiah Venture and is usually the podcast host! That’s right, instead of asking the questions, Gwynne is the one to be interviewed this time. A big thank you to Rob Chestnut for being the host for this episode. After serving as an intern and then as a full-time missionary in Slovenia for 8.5 years and then Czech for a little over a year, Gwynne now serves from the states on the Josiah Venture International team. She desires to see the gospel advance through the media highway and storytelling. She use...2022-06-0737 min
Josiah Venture StoriesEmpowering Nationals in Hungary with Eric and Lindsay MelandEric and Lindsay Meland are doing amazing things in Hungary! Currently, along with language learning, local ministry, leading Summer interns, and directing Summer camps, they are supporting and mentoring 12 different youth pastors around Hungary, which is one of their favorite things to do. Their goal is to equip these pastors in making committed, passionate disciples of Jesus who will turn around and make more committed, passionate disciples! They share about their journey to the mission field, how they met, and life and ministry in the capital city, Budapest. Eric and Lindsay are eager and so thankful to...2022-05-1738 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSingle on the Mission Field with Christy OwenChristy Owen has served in Lviv, Ukraine, for the last eight years. She has been a part of the Fusion ministry there and has been highly involved in discipling young women. Christy shares about her journey to Ukraine, but mostly we have a conversation about being single on the mission field. She talks about some of the common joys and struggles of serving as a single. We recorded this episode back at the beginning of February before the invasion of Ukraine that happened on February 24th. Christy references how the tension between Russia and Ukraine has been...2022-05-0339 min
Josiah Venture StoriesUkraine Update with Ben Williams and Dave PattyBen Williams is the Josiah Venture country leader for Ukraine and Dave Patty is the JV President. In this episode they share an important and timely update on what's happening in Ukraine with our team, what we are doing to aid and support our local church partners in there, and how we are getting refugees out. The update and words of encouragement they have to share during this dark time are powerful. Please take the time to listen and then pass this episode on to others so more people will hear about ways they can pray, give...2022-03-1524 min
Josiah Venture StoriesWar in Ukraine and How You Can HelpMany people around the world are asking how they can help the war in Ukraine. Here is how you can help! Pray, Give, & Share! Click here to Pray! Click here to Give to the Ukraine Crisis Fund! Listen and Share! Please join us in spreading awareness on how to help by sharing this short podcast on your own personal social media platforms. Every share, instagram story, and prayer helps and matters. Thank you for joining us! Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.jo...2022-02-2606 min
Josiah Venture StoriesUsing Social Media for Ministry in Serbia with Stojce NikolovStojce Nikolov is the Josiah Venture country leader for Serbia and he is doing creative and innovative things with his ministry through social media. Shortly after coming to faith, Stojce began asking God to provide a way for him to deepen his understanding and relationship with his newfound Savior. Within a few months Stojce, who was living in Macedonia, received the opportunity to move to Serbia to pursue a degree in theology. During this time he began to discover his passion for working with youth and became very involved with the local church in Bačka Topola.2022-02-1540 min
Josiah Venture StoriesAbiding in Jesus with Marta LoginsMarta Logins is a missionary, pastor's wife, and mom in her home country of Latvia. She and her husband, Raimonds, have been serving there, along with their three daughters, for seven years. Back in November some of the Josiah Venture women gathered over zoom and heard an encouraging message from Marta and we quickly realized that her story needed to be shared with a wider audience. Marta shares about how she fell in love with God's Word and is spending more intentional time abiding in him. Please be encouraged and inspired by her message. Something unique about t...2022-02-0132 min
Josiah Venture StoriesMerry Christmas from the International Team!This last episode of 2021 features 11 amazing missionaries (Shelby Flowers, Bara Filipová, Jacob Adent, Kseniya Dušek, Terry English, Mike Sullivan, Mel Ellenwood, Lauren Bozon, John Kloosterhuis, Martina, Pixová, Rob Chestnut) who serve with the Josiah Venture International Team in the Czech Republic. The International Team, or I-Team, as we like to call it, exists to serve, empower and equip all the Josiah Venture staff and national organizations as they fulfill the JV mission. You will hear these missionaries answer questions such as; What is your favorite Christmas Movie? What is it like for a single person to be...2021-12-211h 25
Josiah Venture StoriesFrom Muslim to Christian with Juli MuhametiJuli Muhameti is a national from Albania, and he believes in the God who saves. He was just 14 years old when he became a Christian after he was challenged to read the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, at the same time. Somewhere in the middle of Exodus and John, God opened his eyes. Juli put his faith in Christ and received the gift of eternal life. Juli grew up in a culturally Muslim household, and he speaks about how less than one percent of Albania’s 2.9 million people are evangelical Christians. Juli is married to Suela an...2021-12-0732 min
Josiah Venture StoriesBeing a Missionary and Pastor in His Hometown with Andrej LovseAndrej Lovše is a missionary and pastor in his hometown of Maribor, Slovenia, and serves as the Josiah Venture country leader. In this episode, you will hear all about Andrej’s love for his country, his family, and his three horses. He also shares his wild dreams and prayers he has for Slovenia. He met his wife, Nina, when they were teenagers. Nina was the first to accept Christ due to missionaries sharing the gospel with her outside her high school. A few years later, Andrej became a believer and left medical school to pursue Bible tra...2021-11-3035 min
Josiah Venture StoriesA Mental Health Journey with Eliza KobinEliza Kobin is originally from Latvia, but is currently living in Estonia with her husband, Vahur, who is serving as Country Leader for Koma, the national organization in Estonia. Eliza serves in Koma as the Media Team Leader. She first came to a JV Fusion camp as a Latvian student in 2009, putting her faith in Christ there. She then started serving in Latvian local ministries and as a JV summer intern. Eliza and Vahur are passionate about building up a community of believers in the local church that view themselves as “on mission” in Tallinn, Estonia. In...2021-11-1636 min
Sonlife Disciple-Making PodcastThe Power of Story with Gwynne GardnerWe're talking about the power of story with Gwynne Gardner today. We discuss how sharing stories of what God is doing in our lives is a powerful tool. We also learn about how Josiah Venture is using stories from their team and what God is doing in Central and Eastern Europe. Gwynne has served with Josiah Venture in Slovenia and Czech Republic since 2011 and is currently their Social Media Manager. She has a desire to see the gospel advance through the media highway and to use social media as a platform to tell young people across Central...2021-11-0432 min
Josiah Venture StoriesMaking Disciples While Being a New Mom with Olya MelandOlya Meland is a national missionary in her home country of Ukraine. She loves her husband, her country, making disciples, and being a new mom. She and her husband, Marc, met while both were serving in Josiah Venture. Marc had been in Hungary for four years, and Olya had been in Ukraine. Now, they serve together in the city of Lviv, Ukraine, with their son Enoch. Marc serves in the EDGE Sports Ministry, while Olya leads the Fusion ministry. God has put on their hearts a deep burden for the youth of Ukraine. They especially desire to...2021-11-0243 min
Josiah Venture StoriesUsing Music as a Tool to Build Relationships with Shelby FlowersShelby Flowers is the Director of Fusion International and is passionate about helping young people use their gifts and talents for the Kingdom. She first traveled to the Czech Republic in 2010 to serve at a Fusion camp with a short-term team. She quickly realized that her relationship with Czech would never be “short-term." The way music works as a tool to build relationships and connect people to Christ is Shelby’s passion, and in that sense, Fusion is basically a dream come true. She served as a Fusion intern in the Czech Republic in the summers of 2011 and 2...2021-10-1939 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Hero's Journey with Rob ChestnutRob Chestnut loves the hero's journey: Frodo and the ring, Luke becoming a Jedi, Harry Potter, the Avengers, etc. In this episode, he shares all about his journey of faith, his identity as a Josiah Venture missionary, what he is doing now with the Training Team, and his love for Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Rob and his wife Audrey served with Josiah Venture from 2011-2016, working with the English camps team in the Czech Republic. After moving back to the U.S. for several years, where Rob served on staff at a church in...2021-10-0552 min
Josiah Venture StoriesJosiah Venture Kids Share About Being Third Culture KidsSurprise! We have a special bonus episode of the “Josiah Venture Stories” podcast for you! This episode was recorded at the annual Josiah Venture Kids Camp that happened in August and features 6 JVK of various ages. Enjoy hearing the young JV voices of Gage, Kinsley, Caden, Tanash, Caleb, and Isabelle. They talk about what they love about being a JVK and what they enjoy about JVK camp. They share about family, friendships and how they came to know Jesus. Stick around for the end of the episode where some of the JVK take over and start interviewing thems...2021-09-2858 min
Josiah Venture StoriesYouth Ministry and Life in Latvia with Joe BrooksJoe Brooks is an American missionary living in Latvia. He went on his first Josiah Venture mission trip to Latvia as a high school student back in 2001. Later, he came back three more times as a JV summer intern. These summer trips had a profound effect on his faith and changed the direction of his life. Consequently, after graduating from BIOLA in 2007, he decided to move to Latvia. Once there, he met Anna, who was born and raised in the capital city of Riga. They became friends and served together for years before getting married in 2011. We get into...2021-09-2145 min
Josiah Venture StoriesLife as a Third Culture Kid with Hannah HartmanHannah Hartman is a JVK alumnus and third culture kid! She just started her second year of college in Massachusetts at Gordon College. She is the oldest of four and moved to the Czech Republic with her family when she was nine years old. She has navigated learning a new language, attending school in her second language, and successfully graduating. In this episode you will hear her talk about the joys and challenges of growing up as a TCK and how being a TCK has shaped who she is today and she even gives advice to families w...2021-09-0741 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThird Culture Kids in Europe with Claire PattyDo you know what a TCK is? Claire Patty grew up in the Czech Republic with her family as a TCK, Third Culture Kid, and from a young age was impacted by being raised in a cross-cultural setting and seeing the gospel transform lives. After graduating from a Czech national school, she moved to Chicago to begin her studies in Children's ministry at Moody Bible Institute. During her years at Moody, God placed a passion in her heart for third-culture kids. Claire now serves on the Josiah Venture international team as the JV Kids Director. In this...2021-08-1849 min
Josiah Venture StoriesPioneering the Way in Montenegro with Noah EllenwoodNoah Ellenwood was only two years old when his family moved to the Czech Republic. He grew up as a JVK, a Josiah Venture Kid, more commonly known as a Third Culture Kid. He and his wife, Jill, were called to join the movement of God in Montenegro and moved there in January of 2020, yes, right before the pandemic hit. Noah is now the team leader there, and they are pioneering the way as they are the only JV missionaries in Montenegro. They have partnered with a local church and are doing contact ministry with the youth as they...2021-08-0344 min
Josiah Venture StoriesBuilding an EDGE Sports Ministry in Moldova with Ion MateiIon Matei is from Moldova, a small but beautiful country. He is a soccer coach and trainer and is developing a Josiah Venture Edge Sports evangelistic soccer league. Currently, he is the only Josiah Venture Missionary in Moldova. He became a believer at the age of 22 and joined a local church, where he found fellowship and community. He aspires to empower young people to make disciples and to connect with other churches throughout the country for a bigger influence through soccer. Learn more about Josiah Venture Website: www.josiahventure.com Social M...2021-07-2041 min
Josiah Venture StoriesHow Josiah Venture Started with Dave PattyDave Patty is the founder and president of Josiah Venture. He and his wife, Connie, have lived in the Czech Republic for 28 years. He is an incredible visionary, the author of the book "Father God", an inspiring speaker, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He is a man of deep conviction and passion and has seen the Lord work in awesome ways. In this episode, he shares his favorite movie, the books he is currently reading, the origin story of how Josiah Venture started, why he loves working with young people, and so much more. Enjoy...2021-07-0639 min
Josiah Venture StoriesLocal Church Ministry in Bulgaria with Lyubov ZhelevaLyubov Zheleva is an amazing woman of God and an inspiration as she serves as a youth leader in her local church in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria. She has served as a JV intern and is now on staff as the Summer Ministry Director in her country. She has a heart and passion to see young leaders reach their potential in Christ and is already a witness of how the movement of God is transforming Bulgaria. In this interview she talks about how she grew up as a pastor's kid and how she relates to her two younger sisters...2021-06-1536 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSummer Ministry in Lviv, Ukraine with Chris LouxGet ready for a fun interview with the one and only Chris Loux! He is originally from “the diamond of the South” - Arkansas, but has lived and served in Lviv, Ukraine, for the past five years. He has served as an intern multiple times, has led teams of interns, and now serves as the summer camps director for the team in Ukraine. He is also one of the most hilarious people and amazing story tellers. In this episode, he shares his language learning experience, his first time ever in Ukraine, which happened to be his first time out of A...2021-06-0148 min
Josiah Venture StoriesSummer Camps and Making the Czech Republic Home with Rachael DavisonRachael Davison is originally from Northern Ireland, but has called the Czech Republic home for the past eight years. She first heard about Josiah Venture from her youth pastor and came out on four short-term mission teams before serving as a summer intern leader in 2012. She now works on the JV International Team as the International Summer Ministry Director, so she knows all there is to know about summer camps and interns. She is also currently working on her Masters in Transformational Leadership with the Irish Bible Institute and she shares about how she is currently writing her dissertation...2021-05-1832 min
Josiah Venture StoriesJesus Changed My Life with Urh KolarUrh Kolar is a national missionary in his hometown of Celje, Slovenia. He was first introduced to Josiah Venture, camps, and Jesus in 2013. He has gone from unbeliever to on fire for Jesus. His testimony and the way the Lord has transformed his life is truly remarkable. He has been on staff for 3 years and is currently the Director of the Communications team in Slovenia and is highly involved in his local community. Fun fact: This episode was actually the first one we ever recorded back in Oct. 2020. Website: www.josiahventure.com2021-05-0439 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Online Prayer Room with Connie PattyConnie Patty is the wife of Dave Patty, the founder and President of Josiah Venture. She has lived in the Czech Republic for 27 years and has a deep passion for the Lord and is an incredible prayer warrior. She launched the Josiah Venture online Prayer Room 5 years ago, and now there is even a prayer room app that you can download right on your phone. Enjoy this wonderful conversation with Connie and afterwards, please check out the prayer room. Website: www.josiahventure.com Social Media: @josiahventure Contact: social@josiahventure.com ...2021-04-2038 min
Josiah Venture StoriesThe Vision and Mission of Josiah Venture with Mel EllenwoodFor the first-ever Josiah Venture Stories podcast, Mel Ellenwood, Vice President of Josiah Venture and missionary of 23 years, talks about how God called him and his family to the mission field. He shares about his experience with summer camps ministry, making disciples, and how to make the local church thrive. He also shares the Vision and Mission of Josiah Venture and our five Core Values. Vision: A movement of God among the youth of Central and Eastern Europe that finds its home in the local church and transforms society. Mission: Equipping young leaders t...2021-04-0643 min