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. We want to see passionate followers of Jesus Christ with a vision to reach and disciple their generation for him. This podcast is about sharing life-changing stories from on-the-ground missionaries and the local people they work with to inspire and fuel the movement of God in Central and Eastern Europe.
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Short-term Missions and Long-term Impact with Jonathan Norton
08/04/2026
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, and Charlotte. He serves as an elder at his church and volunteers in the High School ministry. He loves walking alongside students and pointing them towards Christ. He describes preparing mission teams for trips to Latvia, cross-cultural moments, bilingual worship, and camp highlights such as students engaging deeply with the “Outside The Box” curriculum and a gospel-focused Labyrinth night. Jonathan explains how his internship experience shaped his view of discipleship and full-time ministry, though he did not become a full-time JV missionary. He also encourages anyone considering serving on a short-term mission team to just go! "Thinking about a mission trip? You get to know missionaries, support them, and build relationships with them. There are so many positives and reasons to go, so if the Lord is nudging you, like you just gotta go.” -Jonathan Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Review & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Inside Fusion Celje and Navigating Ministry Change with Urh and Doroteja Kolar
07/21/2026
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 together as interns in Celje, Slovenia, and continue to serve there to this day. Married in 2018 and now parents to two daughters, Iva and Mila, they are living on mission together as a family. Deeply grateful for how God transformed their own lives, they count it a privilege to help students in Slovenia discover the hope of Jesus for themselves. In this episode, they share what drew them to Fusion—music, acceptance, and genuine care—and describe Fusion Celje’s impact, including a former student returning to faith after years away and two young women discipled through church community who remain active believers. They recap this year’s Fusion Camp and discuss ending Fusion Celje Camp after 14 years. Tune in for an inspiring episode as Urh and Doroteja recount their journey with Fusion Camps. Hear about the lives changed and the hope they continue to sow in Slovenia! Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Recruiting Gen Z Interns for Ukraine with Kendra Patty
07/07/2026
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 Josiah Venture internship and then to full-time ministry. Now living in Irpin, Kendra leads the internship program in Ukraine and serves as a youth leader, carrying both grief and joy while trusting God’s work amid war. She shares how being a third-culture kid shaped her identity in Christ and her heart for Europe, describes recruiting interns despite wartime barriers, and celebrates having 14 interns from five countries. Kendra highlights bonding through the Amazing Race and Intern training, and asks for prayer for an end to the war, encouragement for weary leaders, and for many young people to come to faith. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Outside the Box" with Daniel Harcar
06/23/2026
"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 leader of both the high school youth group and the English camp outreach ministry called KECY. In 2013, he passed the leadership role of the local youth group to the next generation and later joined the Training Center Kompas (Josiah Venture’s partner organization in Slovakia), where he now serves as the KECY coordinator. He married his wife Denisa in the fall of 2012. Together, they share a heart for making disciples who make disciples. They currently live and serve in Drienovská Nová Ves, Slovakia, along with their daughters, Luna and Mila. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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A Summer on Mission: Meet the 2026 Interns
06/09/2026
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 Central and Eastern Europe. Hosted by Julia Budd, this episode features conversations with interns serving in Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Latvia, and Estonia. They share how God led them to Josiah Venture, what they learned through the Amazing Race and Intern Training, and what they are hoping God will do in and through them this summer. From returning interns continuing relationships with students, to Ukrainian interns serving their home country in the midst of war, to young adults discerning long-term missions, each story points to a shared desire: to make Christ known and serve the local church. We invite you to pray for all the interns as they begin summer ministry — for bold gospel conversations, unity in teams, strength for Ukrainian leaders, wisdom in cross-cultural ministry, physical endurance, spiritual rest, and students across Central and Eastern Europe to take steps toward Jesus. Specific prayer requests for each intern can be found in our Online Prayer Room, linked below. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Eric Mayer's Extended Summer Internship Journey
05/26/2026
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, where he participated in a Fusion Camp. Though not a musician himself, he quickly discovered a passion for building meaningful relationships with young people and sharing the hope of Jesus through conversations, mentorship, and teaching advanced English. Recently, Eric has been focusing on the EDGE Sports ministry in Estonia and will help lead the Estonian intern team this summer. Having played sports his entire life, he loves using athletics, competition, and team-building experiences to connect with students and point them toward Christ. Eric is passionate about creating spaces where authentic relationships and Gospel conversations can thrive. As he returns for another summer of ministry, he’s especially excited to continue growing relationships with students he met last year, step into greater leadership opportunities, and prayerfully discern what long-term ministry with Josiah Venture in Estonia could look like. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Inspiring Hope Through Music with Nadiya Vorobyova
04/21/2026
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 years of involvement, her heart opened to the youth in her city. Seeking new ideas for ministry, she attended a Fusion camp in the Czech Republic and, inspired by its impact, launched Fusion at her church in 2014. In 2017, she helped JV Ukraine establish the Exit Tour ministry, and, after its success, joined Josiah Venture full-time to support youth outreach in churches and schools. As the Fusion Ukraine country leader, she supports local leaders, provides music resources, and oversees four choirs. She discusses Fusion’s impact, stories of students growing into ministry, the challenges of serving during war, and prayer requests and hopes for the upcoming Fusiondary music festival. Learn more about Fusiondary: Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Dare to Believe! Music and Relational Ministry with Shelby Hlavsa Flowers
03/24/2026
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 back. After serving two summers as an intern, Shelby moved to Ostrava and has lived there since 2014, serving locally and internationally. In 2018, she became the director of Fusion International and has helped to establish and support Fusion choirs across eleven countries. She and her Czech husband, Radek, married in 2023 and serve together at their local church in Ostrava. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Gifts and Talents for the Kingdom with Amanda Snyder
03/10/2026
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 in the summer of 2012 at the first Fusion camp in Slovenia. During this experience, she developed a strong passion for using music as a platform to share the gospel and sensed a clear calling to invest in the youth of Slovenia. On her third trip, this calling was confirmed, and in 2016, she moved to Celje, Slovenia, to serve full-time. Amanda served on the Fusion Slovenia team for 5 years, including 3 years as team leader. Following this season, she transitioned into broader leadership, providing national-level support for Josiah Venture Slovenia. Today, Amanda continues to live in Celje, where she is actively involved in her local church. She also serves on the National Ministries Division, working alongside the Josiah Venture council to help advance ministry initiatives and support the continued growth and effectiveness of JV across all 16 of our countries, utilizing her strengths in execution and leadership. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Called to Ukraine with Hayley Arnold
02/24/2026
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., where she became a teacher and earned a master’s in education with a focus on trauma-informed practices. After the full-scale war began in 2022, she returned to Ukraine in 2023 for an English camp, which renewed her sense of calling. Haley moved to Ternopil in February 2025 and describes living in a country at war, including air attacks, distinguishing sounds of drones and explosions, power outages, and winter challenges. She explains her role as director of schools ministry: partnering local churches with schools by offering English lessons and clubs, and by translating and rolling out trauma-informed trainings for teachers. Hayley also shares personal stories about working with Ukrainian youth, including the story of a camp attendee from a family she has known for years who went from being silent to speaking English, translating, and asking faith questions amid her brothers' mobilization. Join us in praying for: Open doors in schools Transformed lives through church partnerships Strength and safety for Ukrainians and soldiers For God to end the war For more stories about Ukraine, read this blog post, by Ukraine Team Leader Sasa Dubovyk. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Valentine's Wedding: A Cross-Cultural Love Story with the Kaspars
02/10/2026
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 of communication and support in their marriage. Towards the end, they reflect on their current ministry efforts, including training young leaders and participating in mission trips to Ukraine, and provide insights on the impact of their work. Their story is a testament to how God brings people together from different backgrounds to serve a greater purpose. As they approach their 18th wedding anniversary (this Valentine's Day!), they reflect on their journey and offer advice and inspiration to others. This heartfelt story showcases the power of love, faith, and dedication in both marriage and ministry. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Stand Firm for Our Nation" with Ben Williams, Victorious Teaching
02/02/2026
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this last episode of our Fall Conference teaching series, "Stand Firm for Our Nation," Executive Vice President of National Ministries, Ben Williams, shares how we can stand firm for our nation and commissions us for the battle. During this "Victorious" teaching series, we have considered these three moves (see, stand, fight) in the context of our personal lives, disciple-making relationships, our church or team, and our nations. A battle is happening across Central and Eastern Europe for the hearts of the next generation. We pray this teaching series on spiritual warfare has equipped you and reminded you that Jesus is victorious. We don't have to wonder how things will turn out. We know with confidence that Jesus wins! Thank you for standing with us in the battle and for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. If this series has been a blessing to you, please consider sharing it with others. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Worship as a Weapon" with Korban Miller, Victorious Teaching
01/27/2026
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Worship as a Weapon," worship leader and missionary to Poland, Korban Miller, teaches that worship music is a vehicle for the weapons of spiritual warfare. Music connects, unites, and trains us to remember. He teaches that “Music is not a logical choice when it comes to fighting battles, but it actually changes the spiritual world, and barriers like walls, doors, or chains transform into places of freedom.” Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Stand Firm for the Body" with Flaviu Coman, Victorious Teaching
01/20/2026
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Stand Firm for the Body," the country leader to Romania, Flaviu Coman, and his translator, Tino Peste, share how love is the most powerful weapon against spiritual attack, and he implores us to fight for unity among believers. He reminds us that "Love for God and people is the foundation of unity, and unity makes us unbreakable." And now, enjoy listening to this teaching episode of the podcast and join us in praying for the unity of believers! Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Living in the Ongoing Battle" with Kristy Williams, Victorious Teaching
01/13/2026
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Living in the Ongoing Battle," Kristy Williams, a missionary in Ukraine, shares about how we find victory in a battle that seems like it will never end. She reminds us that suffering is never for nothing in the spiritual realm and that the mature in Christ know how to both mourn or lament the battle and take action to exercise faith in God and his ultimate victory. As you hear these stories, please pray for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine and pray that the war will end. February 24th, 2026, marks four years of full-scale war. Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day! *We had to take the clip out that Kristy used from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. It is the scene where Saruman is talking to Grima Wormtongue just before they witness the vast Uruk-hai army marching to war. It sets the stage for the massive battle that will happen at Helm's Deep.
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"Stand Firm for Youth" with Diana Anton & Timo Mahrik, Victorious Teaching
01/06/2026
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Stand Firm for Youth," you will hear from two Josiah Venture missionaries: Diana Anton from Romania and Timo Mahrik, the country leader for Slovakia. They share how we can stand firm as leaders while making disciples. They encourage us to pray for courage and strength when trying to understand the battles that youth and youth workers are encountering. And now, enjoy listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Take up the Weapons of Power" with Kuba Vejmělka, Victorious Teaching
12/30/2025
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Take Up the Weapons of Power," you will hear from Kuba Vejmělka, the country leader of the Czech Republic, as he shares about the personal aspect of spiritual warfare and how we have the Spirit and God speaking to us as we fight. Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Weapons of Power: Faith and Salvation” with Bartek Wilkosz, Victorious Teaching
12/23/2025
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Weapons of Power: Faith and Salvation," you will hear from Bartek Wilkosz from Poland. He shares how holding the shield of faith makes our devotion to Christ immune to anything that could negatively affect it. Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Weapons of Power: Truth and Righteousness” with Jenny Llamas
12/16/2025
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "Weapons of Power: Truth and Righteousness," you will hear from Jenny Llamas from the Czech Republic. By putting on the armor of God, we activate the strengthening power of God, and we are able to stand firm. Enjoy listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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“See the Unseen" with Josh Patty, Victorious Teaching
12/09/2025
“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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode, entitled "See the Unseen," Josh Patty shares what he has learned while studying the enemy. We have a real enemy, and we are in a real battle. However, God has won the victory over the enemy and has a purpose for us in this fight. Thank you for listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Victory in Christ" with Dave Patty, Victorious Teaching
12/02/2025
"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 fellowship. At the 2025 gathering, we learned to see the unseen, stand with authority, and fight with spiritual power—anchored in Christ’s ultimate victory. We invite you to join us in being equipped for the battle. In this episode entitled "Victory in Christ," our president and founder, Dave Patty, talks about the battle behind the battle and how we are victorious because of what Jesus has done. And now, enjoy listening to this teaching episode of the podcast. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Thanksgiving Reflections: Stories and Blessings from Central and Eastern Europe
11/18/2025
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 Hunnicutt / Slovenia 🇺🇦 Hayley Arnold / Ukraine 🇵🇱 Caleb Tedder / Poland 🇱🇻 Katka Roney / Latvia 🇪🇪 Garrett Haas / Estonia 🇨🇿 Daniela Dickson / Czech Republic 🇭🇺 Maggie Bella / Hungary 🇦🇱 Ioani Dhima / Albania 🇷🇴 Adina Oaie / Romania 🇭🇷 Mark Krupa / Czech Republic & Croatia We invite you to reflect on what you are thankful for in this season, and we ask you to join in praying for God's movement across Central and Eastern Europe. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Jonathan Ogden on Music, Art, and Serving the Kingdom
11/04/2025
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 his extensive involvement in music and creativity from a young age, his passion for creating and storytelling, and how he combined his interests in animation, graphic design, and music. He also discusses the formation of his ministry, Magnify Studios, which aims to provide resources and build community for Christian artists, as well as the challenges and opportunities of using social media for promotion. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of authenticity, trust in God, and continual learning in the creative process. He answers questions from the audience on topics such as the role of the church in supporting creatives, overcoming creative blocks, and navigating the impact of AI on music. Jonathan concludes by underscoring the significance of staying rooted in faith and the community in the creative journey. Learn more about Jonathan: Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Discipleship and Miracles with Diana "DU" Anton
10/21/2025
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 journey to marriage at 34 and the miraculous birth of their son, Adam, after years of struggle with infertility. The interview provides deep insights into the spiritual climate of Romania, DU's faith-driven life, and her hope and encouragement for young people today. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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From New Age to True Faith in Jesus with Mateja Todorovska
10/07/2025
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 Christianity, even leading her former New Age followers to Christ. Mateja lives in Slovenia with her family, works with Josiah Venture, and is committed to helping others through her faith. Mateja also provides guidance on how to engage lovingly with those who are still involved in New Age beliefs. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Fall Conference: Strategies, Stories, and Spiritual Warfare with Rob Chestnut & Brooke Stevens
09/16/2025
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 insights into spiritual warfare. "There's a spiritual shift that's taking place in this next generation, like in ways that we really haven't seen before." -Rob "Is Jesus getting the headline of the story that I'm telling right now when it comes to spiritual warfare, or am I giving the headline to the enemy? He doesn't deserve and should never have the headline. That's why this is "Victorious"." -Brooke We invite you to join us in prayer for this year's conference! Pray for clarity and wisdom for our speakers. Pray that this conference would be Spirit-led! Pray for smooth and safe travel for everyone coming to the conference. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Camps Ministry and Mission Teams with Lelde Keice
09/02/2025
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 coordinates mission teams. Gwynne and Lelde discuss the impact of Christian camps on youth, Latvia's spiritual climate, and mission teams' role in local ministries. Lelde shares personal anecdotes and insights on how camps and mission teams foster significant life change and spiritual growth among young people. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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"Real Life" Story with Lee Humerian
08/19/2025
"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, they have also led trauma-healing retreats. Lee now leads the evangelistic ministry programs team, while Katie handles human resources. They focus on supporting local church leaders and organizing camps for youth. This summer, the camp theme across our 16 Central and Eastern European countries was "Real Life," and Lee wrote the outlines for the evening talks, which focused on the life of the apostle Paul, for over 120 evangelistic camps. "We can't have the theme 'Real Life' without having stories from our real lives. Your story is powerful. I always think of the verse in Revelation: "We will overcome the enemy by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimony." Our stories have the power to overcome the enemy, and so that was my proclamation." -Lee Despite the ongoing war and its impact, their ministry continues to thrive with a commitment to youth and their community. Please continue to pray for an end to the war in Ukraine, and for all of the after-camp follow-up events that are happening right now across all of the JV countries. Pray that young people will come to realize that real life is life with Jesus. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Inside the Summer Internship with Rosie and Inita
08/05/2025
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 gospel. Interns share their experiences, starting with their Amazing Race team-building exercise and subsequent training in the Czech Republic. In this episode, interns Rosie Kaminski and Inita Gutmane recount their journey to joining the program, experiences during the Amazing Race, training sessions, and the impactful work they are involved in. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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Summer Intern Insights with Julie, Isaiah, and Adele
07/22/2025
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 gospel. Interns share their experiences, starting with their Amazing Race team-building exercise and subsequent training in the Czech Republic. In this episode, interns Julie Weeks, Isaiah Martin, and Adele Tamberg recount their journey to joining the program, experiences during the Amazing Race, training sessions, and the impactful work they are involved in. Connect with Us: Follow on Instagram Learn more about Josiah Venture at Contact: Subscribe & Share: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or on your social media. Thank you, friends, and have a blessed day!
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