This year marked the 18th anniversary of Catalyst Leadership Academy (CLA)—our signature leadership and discipleship intensive that has impacted more than 10,000 leaders, ages 15 to 30, over nearly two decades.

What began as a small leadership training program 18 years ago has become a powerful movement of multiplication, equipping this generation to lead in their churches, schools, communities, and nations.

CLA is more than a training—it is a transformational experience that shapes character, deepens faith, develops leadership skills, and releases purpose.

This year's Academy brought together almost 350 individuals all in training and service: Over seven intensive weeks, participants experienced a journey of discipleship, leadership development, freedom, service, missions, and personal transformation.

 GOD YOU ALWAYS HAVE MY YES.

This CLA 2026 theme was “discipling the nations” and throughout many sessions what emerged was the phrase ‘God, you always have my YES.” based on a message by Ps Amy. CLA was a time of saying YES to God throughout our whole lives.

Anointed worship, powerful teaching, team-building, discipleship, resilience development, and servant leadership all are part of the carefully crafted CLA curriculum.

One of the most transformational weeks focused on freedom and healing, empowering participants to overcome fears, limiting beliefs, and personal barriers while stepping into greater freedom in Christ.

Catalysts also developed practical skills in camp facilitation, ministry, communication, creative arts, photography, drama, and team leadership.

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

A major highlight of the Academy was Conquest Youth Adventure Camp, held in partnership with local government agencies and churches. CLA students served as leaders and mentors to nearly 250 campers who spent 5 days growing through discipleship and adventure.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

During Missions Week, students were deployed on a 24-hour mission challenge into 4 selected communities where they preached and ministered both in the church and in house to house visits.

They experienced firsthand the excitement and power available to each believer when we rely on God’s infilling to send us into new, unreached territories.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES

CLA does not end at graduation. Through mentoring, leadership opportunities, and the Growing Circles Movement, we remain committed to helping these leaders continue growing and multiplying their impact for years to come.

THE LONG TERM IMPACT of CLA:

THE STORY OF JAE

When Jae joined Catalyst Leadership Academy in 2011, he discovered purpose, community, and a deeper relationship with Jesus. As a student, team leader, and now staff member, CLA equipped him with leadership and teamwork skills that later empowered him to excel during a season in the corporate world.

Yet the greatest impact was spiritual. As Jae shares, "The fire God ignited in me as a Catalyst never went out." Though his faith journey faced seasons of challenge and testing, the seed remained. Through God's faithfulness and healing, his passion for Jesus has come back even stronger. Today, he serves on the CLA Praise and Worship Team, helping lead others into God's presence and investing in the next generation of leaders.

None of this would be possible without the faithful partnership of our donor who faithfully sponsors CLA. We are so grateful!

We also thank those who donated to the Conquest Camp as well as all of our church and government partners in the implementation of CLA.

Because of your generosity, more than 350 established and emerging leaders received leadership training, spiritual formation, practical ministry experience, missions exposure, and life-changing discipleship this year alone.

As we celebrate 18 years of Catalyst Leadership Academy, we are reminded that investing in leaders remains one of the most powerful ways to transform communities and nations.

Amy Muranko

Founding Director and Pastor Of Ministry

This season at Living Pearl has been filled with renewal, growth, and moments that remind us why this home matters. Our children took part in a community Easter outreach, our staff refreshed rooms and grounds, and we welcomed several new children—each arriving with fear and uncertainty, yet slowly discovering safety, stability and love. We also celebrated two birthdays, including one little boy experiencing his very first party.

Beyond our home, God continues to open doors for impact. A stadium in central Ukraine—once filled with thousands during Pastor Amy’s first Ukraine ministry outreach—will again become a place of hope as we host a summer children’s camp in conjunction with the local church’s anniversary celebration. After years of war and instability, this outreach will give kids moments of joy, normalcy, and the opportunity to experience God’s love.

It’s a summer full of opportunities to invest in their lives: a three-day children’s camp for 300 kids, a youth camp for our older Pearls at the Black Sea, and preparations for the fall school year. Your generosity matters making it possible for every child to know they are valued and not forgotten.

Partner with us this summer 

It is so easy to compare our real, everyday journey with someone else’s carefully selected highlight reel.

Real vs reels!

We see their success, opportunity, relationships, platform, or progress—but we rarely see the hidden process behind it.

The waiting.

The disappointment.

The stretching.

The private battles.

The years of preparation.

Comparison can make us feel behind when we are actually right where God is working in us.

Your journey does not have to look like anyone else’s, and in fact it shouldn't.

God is writing a unique story with your life—using your experiences, your gifts, your healing, your lessons, and even your detours for a purpose that belongs specifically to you.

Celebrate others without minimizing yourself.

Stay faithful to your own process.

Honor your own pace.

Keep becoming who God created you to be.

Your story is still being written by the Author and Finisher of your faith.

With love to each of you.

~ Amy

HOW TO GIVE