I’m sure that many who are now home from Catalyst are reflecting on the aspects of this event. The photo above doesn’t show the choreographed trampoline gymnasts wearing snowboards and skis, and doing flips, while a rock band hung suspended in air over the stage! A combination of adrenalin, hype, worship, and empassioned preaching and teaching, Catalyst offered many opportunities to hear God speak, even in the noise of 13,000 worshippers and eardrum-splitting music. But as with any event of this kind, the real impact will be measured in changed attitudes and actions.
The impressive array of speakers included Christine Caine from Hillsong Church in Australia, speaking on her involvement in human trafficking. Her concern is shared by those of us at New Hope Publishers and WorldCrafts where we are working with our parent company WMU to tell the story. We are providing ways for believers to respond with care, prayer, and action. And we are partnering to develop microenterprise businesses around the world where there are few options for women seeking to gain their freedom.
Catalyst began as an event for Christian leaders under 40, but after eleven years, it seemed that the attendees have aged with the event. Wherever I sat there was a mix of 20s, 30s, 4os, 50s, and up. The hunger for a cause, and to connect with Christ and other believers, seems to bridge generations. Even so, I agree with the statement of one of the speakers that today’s generation is energized like none other to bring hope to the world. During one session a 29 year old young man was seated next to me. In getting to know each other, I learned he serves on a church staff. Both of us were moved to tears by a presentation we had just heard, and discussed our shared experience that brought us both grief and conviction.
WorldCrafts is the reason a few of our team attended Catalyst. Our WorldCrafts exhibit was a hit with everyone who came by. 
They expressed appreciation for our fair trade commitment and our mission to bring hope to impoverished people around the world. We spoke about our mission, our artisans, and our products. We were highly pleased by the response to the craftsmanship of the jewelry, bags, and other items on display.
Our adorable booth was in the Connection Cafe’ where young adults drank fair trade and direct trade coffee as well as explored church planting and short term missions. Most of the time a massive crowd was moving through our area looking at our exhibits and gathering any free items available. I was surprised to discover that an app company with a small exhibit near the WorldCrafts booth belonged to the son of a friend of mine, so we had great fun talking about the people and ministries we were both knew.
But also of interest was discovering Tom’s Shoes had an exhibit straight across from us. They were giving away coupons for money off on a pair of shoes and lots of people were getting their coupons. I noticed they had a pair of glittering gold shoes on their display shelves like the ones I purchased last year. Here they are–I haven’t worn them out of the house yet, but they really are glittering!
You may have heard of this shoe business that gives away a pair of shoes for every pair that is purchased. Like WorldCrafts, Tom’s Shoes offers a tangible way for people to respond to the world’s needs.
Today I saw Secretariat, the new movie about the greatest race horse to ever run. You probably remember he won the Triple Crown. I remember watching the Belmont Stakes the day Sectretariat won. The director of this movie, Randall Wallace, was a surprise guest speaker at Catalyst. He was screenplay writer and director of movies such as Brave Heart, Pearl Harbor, and We Were Soldiers. The prominent song in the movie Secretariat is the spiritual, “Oh, Happy Days.” Randall Wallace explained why he used this song during the movie and in the closing scene. When you see the movie, let me know why you think the song is included. I’ll reveal this at another time.
Whatever else might be said about Catalyst, God spoke to me. He is at work in our world and through people willing to let Him lead, He is fulfilling His mission. The tension of following God in a broken world forces us to depend on Him, and when we do, He allows us to see the divine in every aspect of our lives. Where are you seeing Him today?
