Catholic Evangelization Outreach: Catholic Witness Stories

As a former Methodist minister and youth director, Keith spent many years inspiring others and leading them to Christ. His passion for truth and his love of the Lord will inspire you to believe in the plans God has for you!

David Harris’s life was filled with heavy drinking, self-centeredness, and emptiness. He finally asked God for help. “God, I don’t even know who you are, but please help me.” Listen to David share his journey to Catholicism, about the power of prayer, and the strength that comes when we surrender to Christ Jesus.

God’s grace is with us always. We have enough for the moment. We don’t get tomorrow’s grace today. Sheri Springman has had her share of challenges including times where she felt God was carrying her. It was through these difficult times where she became aware of God’s loving grace.

Dr. Patrice Winkel is a wife, mother, teacher, and SURVIVOR. She has journeyed through thyroid cancer, three “freak” car accidents, a traumatic brain injury, a branchial cleft cyst, and most recently a rogue wave that tried to extinguish her life in the Pacific Ocean. How has her faith been affected?

Renée Bondi had a beautiful singing voice, a thriving career as a music teacher, and a loving family. But then one night a bizarre accident shattered her spine and left her quadriplegic. Her life changed forever.

Looking back, Emily Logan can see how different people spoke the word of God into her life. But at the time, it seemed like God was silent.

College student Noelle Resse will share her story how she learned to give herself grace and is learning to love herself with the help from God.

While still newlyweds, Emily and Jordan Meyer were expecting their first child. However, life didn’t go as expected. Born with Trisomy 13, against the recommendations of doctors and against the odds, their son, Bennett, was their little miracle. See Emily share how the power of prayer, the sacraments, and love, transformed her son and her heart.

Angela's faith journey began in the Catholic Church -- led her to explore many different denominations -- and ultimately she returned to her roots. “God carried me some days and held my hand always.”

Despite a childhood filled with constant moves, 16-year-old Zach Gaubert’s faith, family, & friends have been the constants that have guided him in following God’s plan. In this world where faith isn’t always popular, Zach shares his journey of navigating through life’s options, and realizing that his life is based on the choices he makes. Whether you are a teen or an adult, Zach’s story will challenge you to deepen your faith as he reminds you that everything is part of God’s plan.

Please enjoy Archbishop Kurtz' story of how family has impacted his faith journey and life.

Bill was a back pew Catholic, who struggled with making a full commitment to his faith. God gently nudged him forward to the front pew and a deeper relationship where his light would shine. “I was far from being a light for my family or anyone else for that matter and soon I would fail to be a light for my own kids.”

As a child, Lou loved Jesus & going to church, but as she grew older, her relationship with God disappeared as her pursuit of worldly desires led her further and further away from her faith. After a life-changing moment, she discovered who she really was. “I thank God not only for the grace to see myself as I was, but more importantly, to understand who I was called to be!”

Mistianna Barnes had a strong faith-filled upbringing that continued well into her adult life.  However, nothing could have prepared her for the near-death experience a few years ago that absolutely changed her life. “I was begging to get back into heaven… I had seen what few get to see… I wasn't ready to let it all go.” Please listen and enjoy her story about her journey to Heaven and back.

Through divorce, annulment, and remarriage, Debby learned that God was always with her, beckoning her to come closer through the many “God Moments” that she experienced. “My faith journey has been in taking small steps. I know God was there all along waiting for me.”

"I remember lying on my bed as a teenager, listening to popular music and wondering, is this all there is to life? What's missing? That emptiness continued into my adult years, and I looked to externals to fill that void." After many years of searching and questioning, Donna Lang experienced a conversion of heart that has absolutely transformed her life.

Born & raised Catholic, Lisa Bellafato found herself turning her back on the Church in her young adult years. Even though she maintained her relationship with God, she questioned the need for the very institution that had meant so much to her as a child. Through God’s grace, & after many years of searching, Lisa discovered the relevance that the Catholic church still holds for her today. Please listen to and enjoy her story of how our Blessed Mother Mary, gently guided her home.

From all outward appearances, Michael Bartley lived a charmed life, complete with a praiseworthy academic & professional career & a storybook marriage. However, for years Michael battled personal demon & interior struggles that prevented him from embracing his faith & the call to discipleship.

Throughout his life, Bill Roby’s faith was constant. When he was sent to Vietnam and lost a friend to the war, he wondered if he too would meet the same fate. Bill eventually began to realize that he just might survive and return home. What was God’s plan for him, and how was he to fulfill that plan? “I prayed I wouldn’t be sent to Vietnam, but in a land faraway, God became my very best friend.”Please enjoy Bill’s inspiring story.

Hear the witness talk of Dr. Mary Ducey, Professor of Philosphy at Mt. Mercy University.  Feeling week and powerless, Mary found her cross in surviving disaster.

Steve was raised Catholic and slowly drifted away from his faith after moving away from home. After losing his wife in her mid 20′s and his parents shortly after, he became angry with God and drifted even further away. Hear his amazing personal witness of how God called him back to the Church.

Gary Smith needed to re-evaluate his life and his priorities.  His first step was to renew his relationship with God and everything else started falling into place.

Pete Mathison achieved success beyond his dreams as a founder and owner of a multi-million dollar athletic apparel company. But despite his success he felt anger in his heart and suffered from suicidal depression. See how hearing a fellow businessman’s witness put him on the track that would change his life

Chris and Dee Dee Scaffidi share the many challenges married life and how they have put “Faith” as the foundation of their marriage.

In his early years as a husband and father, Jim lived a selfish and irresponsible life. Only when he finally grew to know God, could he truly love Him and serve Him.

When John Harris was diagnosed with cancer in 2010 it deeply impacted he and his wife Phyllis. Hear their witness of how God was present to them in each other and those who cared and prayed for them

In 1992, Haley Scott DeMaria was a freshman and a member of the Notre Dame women's swim team when the bus carrying the team from a meet overtruned in a snow storm.  The accident left Haley paralyzed from the waist down.  After two emergency surgeries, Haley was told she would never walk again.  That was not acceptable to this swimmer.  Days later, drawing on the strength and training she learned as a swimmer, Haley began to wiggle her toes, and slowly began to unlock her body.  In October 1993, Haley returned to Notre Dame's swim team, competing again for the Fighting Irish and winning her first race back.   "It is the story of my faith, which was not yet defined at the start, but that was shaped by the goodness of others.  It is a story that has already touched the lives of those whom I have met, and a story that now needs to be shared with as many as possible." Haley Scott

International speaker John Pridmore is an ex-mobster from the streets of London’s east end who gave up violence, power and money for the love of Jesus. He has inspired hundreds of thousands to grow in their faith.

Come and hear how Lorrenne's son’s miraculous healing led her to follow a closer walk with the Good Shepherd.  "God whispers to us in our pleasures, but shouts in our pain." C.S. Lewis

Tony Philips, a lifelong Catholic, had a storybook childhood in Iowa.  After experimenting with alcohol and drugs throughout high school his substance abuse grew and his life spiraled out of control.  He lived in darkness for over a decade, in and out of homeless shelters, battling addictions, struggling with thoughts of suicide, in and out of jail until his faith was revived through a deep personal encounter with God.  Hear Tony's powerful testimony to how the touch of God led to his radically changed life.

Listen as Larry tells how God kept knocking at his door and what happened when he was finally willing to open the door.  In 1974, after living in the fast lane with work, family and life, Larry hit the dreaded wall and his batter was dead.  What happened next changed his life.

Kim Smith speaks about how she accepted God’s offer of a personal relationship with Him after participating in a life-changing study called “Experiencing God.” After spending years as a Catholic "going through the motions",  God invited her to join Him in His work, and she said Yes!  Ever since then, Kim has been "on mission for The Lord" within the Catholic community, and the fire is still burning.

A self-professed “anti-Catholic” evangelical professor of philosophy at a protestant seminary became disenchanted with his faith and his own teachings. Jason Reed tells how his investigation into the teachings of the Catholic faith led him to the last place he thought he’d call home…the Catholic Church.

Sidalia De Rego came to the United States from East Timor of the Indonesian Islands to earn a nursing degree so she can go back home to serve her people at the Bairo Pite Clinic.  Come hear her amazing story of faith and how she's impacting the people she meets here in the U.S.  She will inspire all to listen to God's call to serivce.     When my heart starts to move... I know it's you, Lord.

Hear Clark White’s witness of alcoholism, pain and suffering. Being lead to a retreat was a turning point in his life.

Kevin Holm came very close to losing his family.  In fact, he did lose it because of some bad choices.  Then something happened that changed his life.  This is a story of how God stepped in; a very powerful witness of what can happen when a person turns toward God.

Mike Schulte was just going through the motions as a cradle Catholic, until he discovered "The Ultimate Rut Buster".

While Jesus found Peter, James and John on the seashore, He found Aaron in the confessional in the sixth grade. Deacon Aaron Junge is a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Dubuque, studying at Mundelein Seminary. He is one of the many men in our country preparing for the priesthood. Hear the rest of his story!…

Kennidee DeVilbiss is a sophomore at Mount Mercy University. She grew up in a Catholic family where faith was a part of her everyday life. However, college has been an opportunity for her to make her faith…her own! Listen to her story and what it means to be a Christian through the eyes of a young adult in the Catholic Church.

Cathy Soukup's need for control arose from the broken path of abortion and loss.  She was able to surrender to God's loving Mercy, recieve His forgiveness and find peace in the Catholic faith.

Meet a TV junkie and an internet addict.  Meet a manipulator and a master of control.  Meet a liar and an arrogant jerk.  Meet Alec Seelau... and find out what happens when Alec faces God.

Melissa Ohden is the survivor of a failed saline infusion abortion in 1977.

Joshua's journey and his witness story is one to inspire us all.

“Break Through” Zach Davis was a student at Coe College. His life of video games, fornication and selfishness had brought him to despair. Hear how God sent Mary to reclaim his heart.

Mary Beth Helgens allowed the “Light of Christ” to help her heal from her brokenness. God’s Grace has helped her through some very difficult life challenges. Through these challenges she has encountered Christ in a very powerful way.

Molly Larkin gave her witness in front of a full house in the St. Patrick parish center on August 12, 2015.

Hear how Nicole Trapani listened to God’s gentle whispers, guiding her choice of who to marry and how God has helped her with some very difficult life challenges.

“Where is God in All of This?” With a big family and a demanding job, Ron Smith was overwhelmed, exhausted and struggling to fit God in his life. Then some powerful experiences turned Ron’s busy life upside-down. Hear Ron tell what changed him and why he began to put God first!

Mary’s Meals – a simple solution to world hunger Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow spoke on how “one act of kindness” led him to found a worldwide ministry that currently feeds 1,101,206 children a day!

Do we see suffering as a sign of punishment, a burden to avoid at all costs, or a situation to endure through gritted teeth? Through her conversion to the Catholic Church, Carol Cross came to see suffering as a gift from God. Come hear how the teachings of the saints and the example of the Blessed Mother helped her cope with the death of her son, life with her physically disabled daughter, and caring for her dying mother.

Drinking and other bad habits had taken their toll on Jason Hartwig’s marriage and he was about to lose his family. Then a series of people entered his life who led him on a dirrent path. Jason now believes this was no accident but were sent by the grace of God.

Sr. Stephanie Baliga is a sister with the Franciscans of the Eucharist at Mission of Our Lady of the Angels, who serve the poor on Chicago’s West Side. As a top national runner, she became obsessed with athletic performance. God took running away to force her to see He is Lord of her life. Only when she realized this did the Lord really give her running back. She is now a nun running for the glory of God.  If you want to know more about their wonderful organization please visit: http://www.franciscansoftheeucharistofchicago.com/

From his immigrant roots in Philadelphia, Tom Keating was raised Catholic. Tom shares after falling away as a young adult how he rediscovered his faith that eventually led him into a leadership role in Catholic education.  Mr. Keating is the principal of Xavier Catholic High School in Cedar Rapids.

Joan Hackbarth was raised in a faith-filled Jewish home. She was introduced to the Catholic faith by her husband, Dan. After the death of her daughter, Rebecca, she encountered Jesus through their church community and God continued to reveal Himself to her through many other life challenges.

Marriage is not easy. Actually, it can be very hard. Dave and Cindy Glynn’s faith helped them through the ups and downs of their marriage. They shared their story and how God is the key to this Sacrament

Mike Alt was very busy with work and life in general, but not hearing the whispers of God. Mike never left the church…just wandered with a shallow faith with little direction until some of life’s challenges opened his ears and heart and pointed him to true North. Hear how that call at 2:00 a.m. changed a life. God speaks in whispers. Are we listening?

Matt Selby grew up in a faith-filled home. He learned to love God and make his faith a priority at an early age. During college he decided to become a pastor. While serving as a missionary in the Middle East he encountered the truth, beauty and goodness in the Catholic church and his path was changed. His faith was taken to a new depth in a place he never expected: the Catholic church. Listen to his personal witness of how God is present in his life.

Hear how three teens from St. Joseph’s Parish began their connection with the movement of the Holy Spirit in their lives. So many messages are being sent to our young people today. Living a life in relationship with God is not prevalent in those messages.

Archbishop Michael O. Jackels gave his personal witness to an overflow crowd at St. Matthew church on Feb. 10, 2014. He tells us that he had begun studying Buddhism and was washing dishes at his job at a country club when an encounter with a Protestant co-worker helped put him on the road to having what he called “intentional” faith

Invited on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2009, Diana Richardson expected the trip to be a wonderful site seeing tour of the historical sites in the bible. God had other things in mind however. Her visit to Mt. Tabor, the Mount of Transfiguration, would trigger a series of supernatural life changing events that would transform her faith and her life forever and bring her to a new understanding and appreciation of the Sacraments of the Catholic Church.

Jacob Stewart was introduced to the power of the Holy Spirit at a Healing Mass. The amazing healings he saw changed his life at the early age of 13. Hear Jacob’s personal witness, “Believing is Seeing” at the first CEO gathering on the Mt. Mercy University campus.

Michael DeClerck turned to God while still in grade school in a most unusual way. Hear what led him to the Catholic faith as a freshman college student. While sitting in the back pew, trying not to be noticed as a non-Catholic, he had an amazing encounter with Christ.

New York Times bestselling author and popular Catholic speaker, Immaculee Ilibagiza shared her witness of faith at the Sept. 22nd Gathering at St. Pius X church in Cedar Rapids. She is a survivor of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Immaculee’s talk was based on her book, Left to Tell, where she shares how her Catholic faith guided her through this awful ordeal and the eventual forgiveness of her family’s killers. More than 1,000 people came to hear her story.

Talk 3 of 3 featuring Deacon Mark Sanderfeld at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Talk 2 of 3 by Archbishop Michael Jackels at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Talk 1 of 3 by Archbishop Michael Jackels at our Annual CEO Evangelization Retreat

Ryan Jansa’s life was forever changed when a fun night out with friends turned into a tragic accident. His renewed faith and the strength of his family saved him from a destructive path and inspired him to walk with God…one step at a time.

Russell Yount was content and comfortable in his spiritual life… and then a conversation with a neighbor sparked his interest in the Catholic faith. His investigation became a journey that led him home to the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.”

Fr. Chris speaks on “The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography”

John Winkel wanted the FAME of playing professional football. As a star wide receiver at Peru State, John was approached by 10 teams and told by many he would be drafted. Disappointingly he was not drafted, because God had a different plan. He became a school teacher, coach, and mentor in Rockford, IL. Hear how he used his talents for many!

Stephanie used to equate academic success and worldly achievement as the measure of self-worth. As control over her success started to slip, so did her confidence. It was during this time that the Lord showed her identity as a daughter of the King. Finally, after years of struggling, she surrendered herself to Him and He started the healing process.

Jesse Romero delivered a dynamic witness and easy to remember ways to evangelize to others.

Running has always kept me grounded in my faith. It helped me learn humility and companionship and how it related to living a Christian life. But when the thing you once had so much joy from suddenly is the root of anger and disappointment, how can you bounce back? This is a story of embracing change and learning to trust in God’s plan.

A deeply personal and inspiring story of great faith, hope and love in the face of tremendous danger and against all odds. Ildiko Kiss shares her riveting account of growing up in Hungary during the Soviet Occupation, her family’s escape and their journey to freedom in the United States.

In a near death experience, Greg Clauson had a 24-minute encounter with Christ. What did Jesus say? What did He look like? What did His voice sound like? See Greg, with some help from his wife Kathi, share his faith experience at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.

“It was only after I learned how to be quiet with God, that I found my purpose in life.”

Kasey Kaimann experienced a miraculous encounter with Jesus at a Steubenville Conference that changed her life. She shared her faith journey of following Jesus’ call as a Mt. Mercy student on Dec. 7th. Watch the video of her testimony, “Who You Follow…Determines Who You Become.”

Tony and Sue May gave their story, “The Rosary Changed Everything” at St Patrick parish center on August 10th.

Gary Smith shares about Catholic Evangelization Outreach on the Terry and Jesse Show.

Bill Hunter’s life has been one of broken relationships, addictions, fear, lost identity, self-hatred, insecurity and shame. Hear Bill tell his story of living a Catholic life, while living with the guilt of same sex attraction.