Josiah Venture Stories
Josiah Venture is a non-profit mission organization that equips young leaders in Central and Eastern Europe to fulfill Christ's commission through the local church. The podcast shares life-changing stories from on-the-ground missionaries and the local people they work with. Its goal is to inspire listeners and fuel the movement of God in Central and Eastern Europe.
Episodes
*like Jesus: 2030 Vision with Dave Patty and Ben Williams
In a world full of endless possibilities and constant distractions, how do we decide what matters most? As the Josiah Venture team has prayed and sought God's direction for the next four years, one priority has risen above the noise: becoming more like Jesus. In this episode of Josiah Venture Stories, guest host Rob Chestnut, Director of the International Communications Team, sits down with Josiah
Guarding Unity & Peace with Dave Patty
We are excited to share the main talks from Spring Conference 2026, which was "Divide and Conquer: Reclaiming Lost Ground when the Enemy Turns Allies into Adversaries." Every year, we focus on a theme that addresses current needs in youth ministry across Central and Eastern Europe. At Fall Conference, the topic was "Victorious," with a focus on standing strong in the Spiritual fight. Our Spring Co
Taking Back Lost Ground, The Battle AROUND You with Dave Patty
We are excited to share the main talks from Spring Conference 2026, which was "Divide and Conquer: Reclaiming Lost Ground when the Enemy Turns Allies into Adversaries." Every year, we focus on a theme that addresses current needs in youth ministry across Central and Eastern Europe. At Fall Conference, the topic was "Victorious," with a focus on standing strong in the Spiritual fight. Our Spring Co
Taking Back Lost Ground, The Battle INSIDE You with Dave Patty
We are excited to share the main talks from Spring Conference 2026, which was "Divide and Conquer: Reclaiming Lost Ground when the Enemy Turns Allies into Adversaries." Every year, we focus on a theme that addresses current needs in youth ministry across Central and Eastern Europe. At Fall Conference, the topic was "Victorious," with a focus on standing strong in the Spiritual fight. Our Spring Co
Anatomy of Divide & Conquer with Dave Patty
We are excited to share the main talks from Spring Conference 2026, which was "Divide and Conquer: Reclaiming Lost Ground when the Enemy Turns Allies into Adversaries." Every year, we focus on a theme that addresses current needs in youth ministry across Central and Eastern Europe. At Fall Conference, the topic was "Victorious," with a focus on standing strong in the Spiritual fight. Our Spring Co
Divide & Conquer: Unmasking the Enemy's Plans with Dave Patty
We are excited to share the main talks from Spring Conference 2026, which was "Divide and Conquer: Reclaiming Lost Ground when the Enemy Turns Allies into Adversaries." Every year, we focus on a theme that addresses current needs in youth ministry across Central and Eastern Europe. At Fall Conference, the topic was "Victorious," with a focus on standing strong in the Spiritual fight. Our Spring Co
Short-term Missions and Long-term Impact with Jonathan Norton
Meet Jonathan Norton, a former 2003 Josiah Venture summer intern and current short-term mission team member to Latvia. His church, Red Mountain Community Church, has been involved with the ministry in Latvia since 1998 and has sent multiple short-term mission teams every year for the past 15 years. He lives in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife, Karyne, and their four children: Silas, Garrison, Lydia, a
Inside Fusion Celje and Navigating Ministry Change with Urh and Doroteja Kolar
Journey with us through 14 years of impactful ministry as Urh and Doroteja Kolar share their emotional farewell to Fusion Celje. Urh and Doroteja both grew up in Slovenia, but in very different families. Neither of them believed in God growing up, but came to know Jesus through Josiah Venture's Summer camps. Their paths first crossed at a Fusion Camp in 2013, and two years later, they served toget
Recruiting Gen Z Interns for Ukraine with Kendra Patty
"The Lord used prayer to open my heart to Ukraine." Discover how a heartfelt prayer journey led Kendra Patty to make an impactful difference as a full-time missionary. Kendra, a missionary kid who grew up in Slovenia with Josiah Venture, studied economics and international relations at Wheaton College. She moved to Ukraine after the 2022 invasion prompted a year of daily prayer, which led her to a
"Outside the Box" with Daniel Harcar
Growing up wasn't easy for Daniel Harcar, but choosing to believe in Jesus led to a life dedicated to making disciples. "I want to make disciples. I want to see the fruit of my ministry, but I want that fruit to last." -Daniel Daniel accepted Christ as his Savior when he was 16 years old. A year later, he began serving at his local church in Prešov as a member of the youth group, and soon became
A Summer on Mission: Meet the 2026 Interns
Summer ministry is underway across the 16 countries where Josiah Venture serves, and this episode introduces several of the 2026 summer interns (Rachel Langley-Slovenia, Vince Johnson-Czech Republic, Aaron Connors-Ukraine, Anya Mediakovska-Ukraine, Isaiah Jackson-Latvia, Ryan Kepler-Estonia, Talitha Bowman-Ukraine, & Masha Horova-Ukraine), who are stepping into a season of service across Centra
Eric Mayer's Extended Summer Internship Journey
Eric Mayer, a 25-year-old extended summer intern with Josiah Venture serving in Estonia, is from Southern California and a Grand Canyon University marketing and advertising graduate with a minor in Christian studies. He shares his background in sports (especially soccer), faith journey, and church involvement. Eric's journey with Josiah Venture began with a two-week Mission Team trip to Ukraine, w
Inspiring Hope Through Music with Nadiya Vorobyova
From launching youth programs to inspiring leaders, Nadiya Vorobyova's journey amidst the war in Ukraine will move you. Join us for insights on leadership, faith, and the power of community. Find out how she's using music as a tool for transformation in trying times. Nadiya first connected with Josiah Venture in 2008 through an English camp at Christ Fellowship Church in Lviv, Ukraine. After many
Dare to Believe! Music and Relational Ministry with Shelby Hlavsa Flowers
Dare to be inspired! Discover how Shelby Halsa Flowers has helped grow Fusion International and the powerful role music plays in spreading joy and faith. Shelby first traveled to the Czech Republic in 2010 as part of a mission team serving at one of the very first Fusion camps. She was immediately inspired by the way Fusion connects young people to the gospel through music, and she never looked ba
Gifts and Talents for the Kingdom with Amanda Snyder
"There's no sweeter place than being right in the will of the Father and what he has for you, and I don't wanna live outside of that." Amanda Discover how Amanda Snyder's passion for music, young people, and missions led her to incredible adventures and leadership roles with Josiah Venture. A must-listen for those chasing their call with purpose. Amanda Snyder first served with Josiah Venture
Called to Ukraine with Hayley Arnold
Haley Arnold shares about her long journey to serving with Josiah Venture in Ukraine. Haley, originally from Anaheim, California, first encountered Josiah Venture through her church's missions emphasis, led a short-term team to Ukraine in 2013, and later completed an extended internship. Although she wanted to return full-time, student loans and years of life circumstances kept her in the U.S., wh
Valentine's Wedding: A Cross-Cultural Love Story with the Kaspars
In this heartwarming episode, Brad and Lucie share their unique love story that began through their involvement with Josiah Venture. Brad, originally from Chicago, and Lucie, from the Czech Republic, recount how their paths crossed in ministry, leading to an unexpected but beautiful marriage. They discuss their first impressions, the challenges of a cross-cultural relationship, and the importance
"Stand Firm for Our Nation" with Ben Williams, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Worship as a Weapon" with Korban Miller, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Stand Firm for the Body" with Flaviu Coman, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Living in the Ongoing Battle" with Kristy Williams, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Stand Firm for Youth" with Diana Anton & Timo Mahrik, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Take up the Weapons of Power" with Kuba Vejmělka, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Weapons of Power: Faith and Salvation" with Bartek Wilkosz, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Weapons of Power: Truth and Righteousness" with Jenny Llamas
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"See the Unseen" with Josh Patty, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
"Victory in Christ" with Dave Patty, Victorious Teaching
We are excited to release the main talks from our last Fall Conference, which was "VICTORIOUS: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ" and focused on spiritual warfare and the unseen battle for the next generation across Europe. Our annual Josiah Venture Fall Conference is designed to equip our team for the year of ministry ahead. Every conference includes amazing teaching, worship, and fel
Thanksgiving Reflections: Stories and Blessings from Central and Eastern Europe
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Josiah Venture Stories, host Gwynne Gardner shares reflections from Josiah Venture missionaries across Central and Eastern Europe. They express gratitude for God's faithfulness, share favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and highlight meaningful Bible verses. Stories include experiences from the following missionaries: 🇸🇰 Darina Malá / Slovakia 🇸🇮 Kingsley Hunnicut
Jonathan Ogden on Music, Art, and Serving the Kingdom
In this insightful session, Jonathan Ogden, a Manchester-born singer-songwriter with a background in graphic design and former lead singer of the band Rivers & Robots, shares his personal and creative journey at Media Academy in the Czech Republic. He reflects on his upbringing in a large Christian family and how his faith became a personal commitment during his teenage years. Jonathan discusses h
Discipleship and Miracles with Diana "DU" Anton
Diana "DU" Anton serves in Bucharest, Romania, alongside her husband Bogdan. DU shares her spiritual journey from a young age and her calling into full-time ministry with Josiah Venture. She recounts her initial resistance to ministry, her supportive family, and her life's work in discipling young women and promoting the gospel. DU also details her personal challenges and triumphs, including her j
From New Age to True Faith in Jesus with Mateja Todorovska
In this podcast episode, Mateja Todorovska shares her remarkable journey from growing up in a Catholic church to becoming deeply involved in New Age practices and the occult. After believing she was serving God through these practices, Mateja's life changed dramatically in December 2018 when she encountered Jesus while watching a YouTube video. This revelation led her to repent and fully embrace C
Fall Conference: Strategies, Stories, and Spiritual Warfare with Rob Chestnut & Brooke Stevens
Discover the heart behind the Josiah Venture Fall Conference, featuring insights from Rob Chestnut and Brooke Stevens. They share the significance and purpose of the annual training and equipping event, detailing its varied history and evolution over the years. They explore this year's theme, 'Victorious: Equipped for the Battle, Anchored in Christ,' and share their personal experiences and insigh
Camps Ministry and Mission Teams with Lelde Keice
In this episode of Josiah Venture Stories, Gwynne Gardner interviews Lelde Keice from Latvia. Lelde became a Christian at 14 through a youth camp and was introduced to Josiah Venture during high school. She later moved to England to pursue an Applied Theology and Youth Work degree at Moorlands College. Called back to Latvia in 2015, she now serves as the Camps Director for JV Latvia and coordinate
"Real Life" Story with Lee Humerian
In this interview, Lee Humerian shares his journey from rock star to full-time missionary in Ukraine. Lee and his wife, Katie, led mission teams to the Czech Republic and then to Ukraine, which sparked their passion for youth ministry, leading them to join Josiah Venture in 2017. They have been deeply involved in various ministries, including Exit Tours and music camps. Due to the war in Ukraine,
Inside the Summer Internship with Rosie and Inita
Summer is one of the most exciting seasons across the 16 Central and Eastern European countries where Josiah Venture serves. Local churches are gearing up for camps, short-term teams are arriving, and perhaps one of the most energizing parts of the season—our summer internship program—is officially underway. This program welcomes college students and young adults passionate about spreading the go
Summer Intern Insights with Julie, Isaiah, and Adele
Summer is one of the most exciting seasons across the 16 Central and Eastern European countries where Josiah Venture serves. Local churches are gearing up for camps, short-term teams are arriving, and perhaps one of the most energizing parts of the season—our summer internship program—is officially underway. This program welcomes college students and young adults passionate about spreading the go
Extended Summer Intern Spotlight: Aidan Carson
Get to know Extended Summer Intern, Aidan Carson, in this episode. Originally from Chandler, Arizona, Aidan majored in civil engineering and worked as an engineer before feeling called to intern. After interning last summer, he's back for another season, eager to continue building friendships with students and missionaries, make new connections, and help others become disciples of Jesus. Aidan sha
LAUNCHED "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
TROUBLED "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
DRAWN "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
IMPRESSED "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
SATISFIED "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
ALIVE "Jesus Stories" Teaching with Peter Mead
Jesus was more than just a good teacher or an amazing leader. He embodied all he taught and put flesh on all he communicated. He was (and IS) the Word, Light, Life, and so much more. When people encountered him, they were changed in a manner that was hard to explain. Can we be transformed today in similar ways? The theme of our 2025 Spring Conference was "Jesus Stories: Transformative Encount
Peter Mead on Ministry Life and Biblical Preaching
Peter Mead is the director of Cor Deo and part of the leadership team of Trinity Chippenham, a church in the UK Peter helped to plant back in 2014. Peter shares his background, including being raised in a missionary family, his initial resistance to ministry and preaching roles, and how his faith journey led him to embrace these callings. He discusses the inspiration behind the ministry training p
20 Years on the Field and beyond with Susan Ellis
In this conversation, Josiah Venture alumnus Susan Ellis shares her remarkable journey from a life-changing trip to Europe in 1985 to becoming a Josiah Venture missionary in 1995. She discusses her deep emotional connection with Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, where she served for 20 years. Susan's work spanned youth ministry, discipleship, marketing, and program development. I
From Youth Camp to Youth Leader with Baška Benešová
Get to know Baška Benešová from Slovakia and be inspired by her incredible journey of faith. She gave her life to Jesus at a youth church camp at the age of 13 and has been involved in ministering to teens and young adults ever since. She currently leads the English camp at her local church and works as the director of pointonline.sk for TCK (Training Center Kompas), providing resources and suppor
Christian Content Creators and Digital Missions
In today's special episode of Josiah Venture Stories, we're live from the Digital Missions Summit in the Czech Republic! This incredible event brings together content creators, influencers, and storytellers from Central and Eastern Europe who are passionate about sharing the gospel in the digital space. Joining me are three amazing guests who are pioneers in using their creative gifts to advance t
Youth Ministry and Christian Coaching with Mark Krupa
Mark Krupa has been a Josiah Venture missionary for 26 years. He currently works as a Christian coach to young people and youth pastors and serves as the Josiah Venture country leader for Croatia. He discusses his ministry work dedicated to youth ministry and church leaders in the Czech Republic and Croatia. Mark shares his passion for seeing spiritual growth among youth and church leaders, emphas
From "Mistake" to Miracle, Music Inspiration with Faith Child
Faith Child is a multi-award-winning rapper, presenter, and one of the UK's top Contemporary Christian Artists. Born and raised in South London, his music is an eclectic blend of Rap, Electro, and Pop. Putting his life experiences into music, Faith Child has a remarkable story that dates back to his birth. His consistent message is, " You are not a mistake. God has a plan and a purpose for every s
Living Through War in Ukraine with Kristy Williams
How do you hold onto hope in the midst of war? In this episode, Kristy shares how the team in Ukraine is doing after three years of full-scale, active war. At the end of the episode, she also shares specific ways you can continue to pray as we ask the Lord to bring peace and end the war. You can also support Ukraine by clicking on the following links: Help Ukraine - General Fund Get to Know Our
Media, Ministry, and Mission with John and Erin Kloosterhuis
In this episode, John and Erin Kloosterhuis share their journey into missions, starting from their college years, where they felt called to a life devoted to missions and relational evangelism. They discuss their move to the Czech Republic and later to Slovakia to support Josiah Venture's international communications team. John, an assistant communications director and UX design director, and Erin
"Sacred Rhythms, Atomic Habits" with Landen Llamas
Get excited for new Podcast content in 2025! For January, we will take a break from the interview-style episodes to share the main talks from our last fall conference, "Word Formed." The fourth and final episode of our "Word Formed" conference series is "Sacred Rhythms, Atomic Habits" with Landen Llamas. In this episode, Landen explores ways to develop consistent, sacred habits of encountering God
"Word Formed Hope" with Tyler Patty
Get excited for new Podcast content in 2025! For January, we will take a break from the interview-style episodes to share the main talks from our last fall conference, "Word Formed." The third episode of our "Word Formed" conference series is "Word Formed Hope" with Tyler Patty, Director of the ForMission College EU Campus. In today's world, young people face a constant barrage of conflicting mess
"Meet and Listen" with Landen Llamas
Get excited for new Podcast content in 2025! For January, we will take a break from the interview-style episodes to share the main talks from our last fall conference, "Word Formed." The second speaker you will hear from in this episode is Landen Llamas, a teacher for the ForMission College EU Campus. In today's world, young people face a constant barrage of conflicting messages about identity, tr
"Pay Attention to Your Path" with Sean Smith
Get excited for new Podcast content in 2025! For January, we will take a break from the interview-style episodes to share the main talks from our last fall conference, "Word Formed." The first speaker you will hear from in this episode is Sean Smith. He is the Research Director for the Josiah Venture Research Institute and a Formation Tutor for the ForMission College EU Campus. Video clip Sean men
Shaped by Scripture and Theology with Landen Llamas
Landen Llamas is originally from California and now lives and serves in Olomouc, Czech Republic, alongside his wife, Jenny, who is a Czech national. They first met in 2005 at a Josiah Venture English Camp. He came to serve with his short-term missions team, and Jenny was the Czech translator and a summer intern with Josiah Venture. As their own relationship grew, so did their love for ministering
Fatigue, Suffering, and Learning to Lament with David and Katka Bordner
David & Katka Bordner share their profound experiences of suffering, faith, and community as they recount their journey through various health challenges while serving in Slovenia. Their story begins with a transformative trip to Slovenia that led to a lifelong commitment to youth ministry and missions. From David's persistent health issues starting in 2004 to Katka's own health struggles amidst t
Happy Thanksgiving 2024 from the Josiah Venture Family
Happy Thanksgiving! It's that time of year to express gratitude. This is the third year that we have released a special Thanksgiving episode of the Podcast. It is encouraging to hear from Josiah Venture missionaries, who live across Central and Eastern Europe, sharing what they're grateful for in this season. Get ready to discover their favorite aspects of this holiday, including a meaningful Bibl
Digging Deeper Into God's Word
Part 2 of Fall Conference interviews! Please enjoy getting to know these guests: 1. Diana from Ukraine, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 2. Lote from Latvia, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 3. Katka from Slovenia, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 4. Adina from Romania, interviewed by Tadej from Slovenia 5. Andre from Romania, interviewed by Kate from the USA 6. Nia from Bulgaria, inter
Young 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 Josi
"How to be filled with the Spirit" Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
"Spiritual Gifts" Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
"Your Will and the Spirit Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
"Your Mind and the Spirit" Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
"The Counselor" Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
"Empowered" Spring Conference Talk with Dave Patty
New teaching podcast! 🎙️ The theme of our 2024 annual Spring Conference was "EMPOWERED" - releasing the power of God in your life and ministry. Back in May, 300 2nd—and 3rd-culture missionaries gathered at Malenovice, Czech Republic, to be refreshed and encouraged. When Jesus gave his disciples the charge to spread his good news to the entire world, he told them that they needed power from on h
Unexpected Journeys and God's Timely Provision with Lauree Austin
In 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, an
Leading Short Term Mission Teams to Slovenia with Amy Moore
Amy Moore has led and served on short-term mission teams to Slovenia for the past eight years. She lives in Nashville, TN, where she works as the Director of Connections for Fellowship Bible Church in Brentwood, TN. Amy's deep love for youth ministry and her extensive experience volunteering with her church's student ministry sparked her passion for Josiah Venture's vision and mission. In this ep
Serving the Czech Camps Ministry with Josh Nelson
Josh Nelson grew up in Hawaii and was first connected with Josiah Venture through a trip with Moody Bible Institute. He has lived and served in the Czech Republic for 12 years and lives in Ostrava with his wife, Zuzi, and their daughter, Valentina. Josh and Zuzi serve together on the Camps team, equipping local Czech churches, mission Teams, and interns to reach out to their communities. In additi
"The Original" Camp Theme with Julia Budd
Julia Budd has been the International Summer Ministry Coordinator for Josiah Venture since 2021. She first came to the Czech Republic in 2013 as an intern. That summer, she saw how camps could be a powerful tool for discipleship as young people encountered Jesus for the first time and young leaders grew as disciple-makers in their local churches. Her internship, semester in Lithuania, and short-te
Living on Mission With God with Dorka Klaus
Dóra 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 kn
Summer Internship Experiences in Central and Eastern Europe
Summers 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 g
Making Disciples Through Edge Sports with Ranno Seppel
Ranno 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.
Edge Games International Testimonials
This 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 tradi
Plan "A" Discipleship in Poland with Bartek Wilkosz
Bartek 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
Exit Tour in Romania with Tino Peste
Tino 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 s
Bringing the Gospel to Today's Online Public Square
This 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 "Forg
Resting in God's Calling with Paul Williams
Paul 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)
Living with a Heavenly Perspective with Zuzi Dzubakovska
Zuzi 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
Two Years of War in Ukraine with Liudmyla Rubtsova
Liuda 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 c
