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November 3, 2026

Together *like Jesus

Josiah Venture’s (JV) staff met for our first-ever staff-only Fall Conference at the end of September. We laughed together, confessed before the Lord, expressed our struggles as multicultural missionaries, and reminded each other of our commissioning.

This time of community with our staff alone was something new, as our annual Fall Conference has historically included inviting youth volunteers and pastors from local partnership churches to learn alongside our staff. The goal of this year was to invest in Josiah Venture team members and to enjoy a time of fellowship in a multicultural setting. Here is what several of our staff had to say:

“Honestly, my favorite part was just being with everyone. I know that probably sounds like the obvious answer, but it’s true. So much of my work involves people from different countries, and I don’t always get the chance to just sit down, catch up, laugh together, and hear how they’re really doing. I love these people, and every time we’re together, I’m reminded of just how thankful I am that I get to serve alongside them.” —Kevin Dickson, Director of Special Projects

“The conference was focused and centered on the needs of our staff. Everything felt relevant, practical, and directly intended for our team.” —Ben Robertson, Regional Work, Czech Republic

“We all spoke the same disciple-making language. Everyone at the conference was on our team and in full-time ministry. We bonded over that.”  —Mark Krupa, Croatia Country Team Leader

Halfway through the week, we spent the evening focused on the journey of JV. Each of our 17 countries shared their ministry goals for the next four years and explained why they have confidence that God will work.

“I always enjoy worshiping together with the international team of missionaries. With different accents or volumes, but with one heart—full of love for the One who saved us and gave our lives a purpose, I often think, it’s like a glimpse of heaven.” —Sara Kominek, Discipleship Training Team, Poland

“Wednesday night meant the most. Seeing the teams laughing and crying with them. And hearing their story and passion for their countries. That was magical.” —Kevin 

“We are not alone!” —Mark 

Mark is right. We are not alone! The Holy Spirit guides us in how we are to be *like Jesus. This is how our staff hopes to share this year’s Fall Conference theme of being like Jesus with those around them:

“Spend time together, open the Bible, ask good questions, and do life together. Let people see the real you, including the things you’re still working on. I want the people I’m discipling to see what following Jesus looks like in real life, with all the messiness that comes with it.” —Kevin

“It means to love others and desire for them to have a personal relationship with Jesus. … The best way of teaching it is by doing it and praying that it is contagious!” —Sara

“Keep your eyes out for the people around you. Listen well, challenge them, and speak truth where needed. Be involved in others’ lives.” —Josh Nelson, Intern Coordinator and MPD Coach, Czech Republic

This was a unique and beautiful time of joy for many of our staff. Each of us are living in different cultures, circumstances, and communities. We loved getting to learn TOGETHER, bear each other’s burdens, and simply have fun!

“It is important for us missionaries to have these moments of leaving our daily life and ministry, to stop, look at the bigger perspective, refresh our hearts, and get better equipped. … It was like a few days spent with my brothers and sisters in our Father’s house, and then we departed to various locations to build his Kingdom there.” —Sara

“I don’t expect we will often have a conference just for our team. It’s so wonderful to invite young leaders from the region to join us, and I wouldn’t change that. But this year was really special to be together as a team, all on mission.” —Josh

Please pray for the hearts of Josiah Venture staff as we have now returned to our churches and countries. We praise God for the week of unity that we had together, seeing a glimpse of what Heaven will look like one day! Pray that while still on earth, we may live like Jesus and show others how to do the same.

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