Catholic Lay Witness Talks
Watch video of past CEO events. Witness talks are given once per month at a different Cedar Rapids area Catholic church. Sort by church, date or subject of witness talk. Video provided by Blue Sky Productions. If you would like to order a DVD of any of our witness videos, please contact: blue.sky@blueskypd.com.
Nov. 15, 2020 – Jerry Brown
As a child, Jerry had a dark secret that he could not reveal to anyone. For years, his family suffered abuse at the hands of an alcoholic father. It was his mother who inspired him to have faith, even when there seemed to be no hope. One night in particular, Jerry would rely on that…
Oct. 19, 2020 – Bill Basler
Bill Basler, a married father of six children, speaks candidly about significant life events that moved him from a quiet, sideline follower of Christianity to an awakened and outspoken believer of Jesus Christ – while always believing his faith journey is a work in progress.
Sept. 28, 2020 – Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers – known around the world as the “Dynamic Deacon” – is one of the most sought-after speakers in the Church today. He is a powerful and passionate evangelist and preacher, whose no-nonsense approach to living and proclaiming the Catholic faith will challenge and inspire those who hear him. He co-hosts the Eternal…
Feb. 17, 2020 – Jenny Chadima
Jenny Chadima found herself lost, hopeless and in the dark after her father’s death. She turned to drugs and alcohol to cope, only to find things getting worse. After hearing a whisper from God, she realized she needed to come back to church for help and healing. It was through helping others and finding time…
Mar. 12, 2020 – Gineal Schrunk
Gineal Schrunk is a history teacher at Xavier High School. She will share how God has guided her in answering one of the most pressing questions of youth: “What will I do with my life?” Through her fumbling’s, she learned to perceive God’s guidance in discerning her vocation and career. God used her thirst for…
Jan. 16, 2020 – Justin Roberts
Surviving a head-on car accident lead Justin Roberts to a closer relationship with God and his family of faith. And how being in the wrong place at the right time brought him closer to Christ and how it continues to shape his life almost five years later.
Dec. 3, 2019 – Meredith Maki
Meredith Maki is a senior at Mount Mercy University who chose to follow God’s calling to be a traveling missionary this past summer. She will share her experience on the road working for a summer youth catechesis program called Totus Tuus.
Nov. 17, 2019 – Sean McVeigh
As a senior in high school, Sean experienced a serious accident that nearly took his life. He began to hear the voice of God and being called to reflect. He began searching for the truth. Despite several adversities that followed, Sean persevered and followed his heart. Come hear him share how he pushed through adversity…
Oct. 7, 2019 – Sister Mary Lechtenberg, OSF
Faith How often we find ourselves at the edge of a decision. Some are insignificant; many are very important. We’ve all been there. Sister Mary served as the Pastoral Associate at Saint Ludmila Parish for 15 years. In this powerful talk, she shares some thresholds she has crossed during her life as a Sister…
Sept. 12, 2019 – Matt and Teresa Baumann
Trust Matt and Teresa Baumann were expecting their second child two years after the birth of their daughter, Anne. One month before the birth of their son, John, there were complications due to Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Come hear how Matt and Teresa, by God’s grace, grew spiritually and personally through the gift of John’s life with…
May 9th, 2019 – Cynthia Gunsolly
One Day at a Time “Didn’t Cause It, Can’t Control It and Can’t Cure It.” A story of a loved one’s chemical addictive disease. Cynthia Gunsolly, OFS – had three children (the youngest being 3 months old) when she admitted her husband into treatment. Come hear how Our Lord’s grace worked in Cindy’s life and…
Apr. 9, 2019 – Keith Nester
A Call to the Catholic Faith Keith Nester shared his amazing journey to the Catholic faith at Immaculate Conception church. 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…
Mar 14, 2019 – David Harris
The Power of Prayer 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…
Feb 11, 2019 – Mike Goldsmith
Do I Really Matter to This World? Mike Goldsmith seemed to have it all…a great family, a faith community and a job as a teacher at Xavier High School that he loved. Then he found himself almost inexplicably at a level of spiritual depression he had never before experienced. The joy of his faith was…
Jan. 17, 2019 – Dr. Patrice Winkel
My Lifeguard walks on Water 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 effected?…
Dec. 6, 2018 – Noelle Resse
No Story Is Ordinary 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. A CEO Witness Talk given at Mt. Mercy University, Busse Chapel on Thursday, December 6 at 7:00pm.
Nov. 11, 2018 – Emily Logan
When God Seems Silent, Trust Him 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. CEO Witness Talk given Sunday, November 11, 2018 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Marion, Iowa.
Oct 18, 2018 – Sheri Springman
A Quiet Walk With God 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. Sheri…
Oct 1, 2018 – Renée Bondi
Persevere 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. CEO Witness Talk given Monday, Oct 1, 2018 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hiawatha, Iowa.
May 14, 2018 – Russell Yount
Is God really calling me to be Catholic? 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.” Russell spoke at All Saints church…
April 26, 2018 – Fr. Chris Podhajsky
Fr. Chris Podhajsky graciously accepted our last minute invitation to speak when our original speaker had to cancel. Fr. Chris speaks on “The Porn Myth: Exposing the Reality Behind the Fantasy of Pornography”
March 8, 2018 – Ryan Jansa
Walking with blind faith… to walking with God 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. See the video…
Feb 20, 2018 – Dcn. John Winkel
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…
Dec. 7, 2017 – Kasey Kaimann
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.”
Nov. 12, 2017 – Ildi Kiss
Nov. 12, 2017, St. Joseph Church, Marion. Speaker: Ildi Kiss See 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….
Oct. 16, 2017 – Greg Stokesberry
Oct. 16, 2017, St. Ludmila, Greg Stokesberry: “It was only after I learned how to be quiet with God, that I found my purpose in life.”
Sept 12, 2017 – Greg Clauson
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.
Aug. 10, 2017 – Tony & Sue May
Tony and Sue May gave their story, “The Rosary Changed Everything” at St Patrick parish center on August 10th.
May 8, 2017 – Bill Hunter
Who am I…..In Christ’s eyes? 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.
April 4, 2017 – Michael Schmidt
Michael Schmidt was indifferent towards any particular faith tradition, but was met at the door of a Catholic church by a priest with a big hug. This hug came at the perfect time as the Holy Spirit was preparing to work in Michael in unexpected ways and provide answers to the faith crisis that was…
Mar 14, 2017 – Stephanie Evers
Stephanie Evers gave her personal witness on March 14, 2017 at St. Wenceslaus Church, “Strength through Weakness”
Feb 14, 2017 – Jesse Romero
Jesse Romero spoke at St. Matthew church on Feb 14, 2017 for Catholic Evangelization Outreach
Jan. 2017 – Archbishop Joseph Kurtz
Archbishop Joseph Kurtz gives his witness for a CEO event at St. Margret Mary Catholic Church in Louisville, KY
Dec 8, 2016 – Molly Pruett
Running the Race God Has Before Me 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…
Nov. 13, 2016 – Emily Meyer
Please God…Help me with my broken pieces. 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…
Nov 2016 – Angela Springer
Angela Springer shared her personal witness, “God Was Always With Me” at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Nov. 2016.
Oct. 2016 – Bill Burnham
Bill Burnham gave his witness, “Get me out of here!” at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Louisville, KY in Oct. 2016.
Sept. 2016 – Lou Steier
Lou Steier shares her witness, “Becoming my Truest Self” at St. Margret Mary Catholic Church, Louisville, KY in September 2016.
Oct 13, 2016 – George and Jen Erwin
How to Avoid a “Broken Marriage” See George and Jen Erwin’s witness from St. Ludmila’s church.
Sept 22, 2016 – Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow
Mary’s Meals – a simple solution to world hunger Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow spoke at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on Sept. 22nd. Hear how “one act of kindness” led him to found a worldwide ministry that currently feeds 1,101,206 children a day!
Aug. 10, 2016 – Carol Cross
Suffering as a Gift? 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…
May 2016: Debby Gonsoski
Coincidence or “God Moment”? 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.” Please enjoy Debby’s story of grace filled…
Apr. 2016 – Bill Roby
“A Life of Service” 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…
May 12, 2016: Sr. Stephanie Baliga
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…
April 14, 2016 – Zach Davis
“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. Zach gave his witness April 14, 2016 at Immaculate Conception church.
Mar. 2016 – Mistianna Barnes
“When Heaven Sends You Back” 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…
Feb. 2016 – Lisa Bellafato
“Coming Home” 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…
March 8, 2016: Cathy Soukup
Cathy Soukup gave her witness at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church on March 8, 2016. The Story of A Prodigal Daughter from Blue Sky Productions on Vimeo.
Feb. 16, 2016 – Mike Schulte
Mike Schulte gave his witness talk, “The Ultimate Rut Buster” at St. Matthew Catholic Church on Feb. 16, 2016.
Jan. 2016 – Zach Gaubert
“God’s Plan: It’s Up To Me” 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…
Jan. 17, 2016 – Kevin Holm
Kevin Holm gave his personal witness at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Jan. 17, 2016, “”We Weren’t Always this Happy”
Nov. 2015 – Michael Bartley
“The Call To Perfection & God’s Unlimited Forgiveness” 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.
Oct. 2015 – Donna Lang
“God’s Transforming Love” “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…
Kennidee DeVilbiss, Dec. 3, 2015
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…
Aaron Junge, Nov. 23, 2015
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!…
Denise Upah, Oct. 20, 2015
Denise Upah gave her personal witness of faith at St. Ludmila Catholic Church on Oct. 20, 2015. View her witness here, “Faith Molded by Adversity.”
Jason Hartwig, May 14, 2015
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. Listen now to his…
Ron Smith, April 23, 2015
“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!
Alec Seelau, March 18, 2015
Alec Seelau gave his witness of faith March 18th at St. Wenceslaus church. Hear his witness, “Can you Face a Life without God?”
Mary Beth Helgens, Feb. 17, 2015
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. See her witness, “God Shines Through Our Broken Places.” Please share this video with…
Nicole Trapani, Jan. 18, 2015
Prayer Practicing the Presence of God Nicole Trapani gave her witness on Sunday, Jan. 18th at St. Joseph Church. 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. It’s nice to share!
Jacob Stewart, Dec. 2, 2014
Do We See God in Everything and Everyone? 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. …
Joan Hackbarth, Nov. 4, 2014
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. Listen to her witness, “From Judaism to Catholicism.”…
Tom Keating – October 15, 2014
Video: The Fall and the Call 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. Video…
Immaculee Ilibagiza – Sept. 22, 2014
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…
Diana Richardson, August 13, 2014
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…
Matt Selby, July 13, 2014
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…
Dave and Cindy Glynn, May 13, 2014
Marriage is not a 50/50 proposition: It is 100/100! 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 at All Saints church.
Michael DeClerck, April 29, 2014
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.
Mike Alt, March 20, 2014
In Mike Alt’s personal witness, he tells how God has spoken to him in “whispers” throughout his life. God doesn’t always shout from the mountaintop to get our attention. We need to be listening.
Archbishop Jackels, Feb 10, 2014
Archbishop Jackels gave his personal witness to an overflow crowd at St. Matthew church on Feb. 10, 2014. As a young man he had begun studying Buddhism when a co-worker helped put him on the road to having what he called “intentional” faith.
Teen Witness, Jan. 19, 2014
Hear 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.
Lorrenne Mulherin, Nov 18, 2013
Listen to Lorrenne Mulherin give her witness at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton church, “From Farm Mom to an Evangelizer for Christ.” Hear how her son’s miraculous healing led her to follow a closer walk with the Good Shepherd. At. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
Sidalia De Rego, Oct 21, 2013
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 Bairo Pite Clinic. Hear her story of how family and prayer has influenced her life and how she’s impacting the people she meets here in the US. At. St. Ludmilla Parish.
Haley Scott DeMaria, Sept 17, 2013
Haley Scott DeMaria was paralyzed from the waist down in a fatal accident when a bus carrying the Notre Dame women’s swim team skidded off the road on a snowy night in 1992. Less than two years later Haley returned to Notre Dame’s swim team, winning her first race back. Listen as Haley tells her remarkable story of faith and triumph. At. St. Pius X Parish.
Jason Reed, Aug 8, 2013
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. At St. Patrick Parish.
Larry Hunter, May 15, 2013
Larry Hunter gave his personal witness to 266 people at All Saints Church on May 20, 2013. Listen as Larry tells how God kept knocking at his door and what happened when he was finally willing to open the door.
Kim Smith, Apr 18, 2013
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.” At Immaculate Conception Parish.
Chris & Dee Dee Scaffidi, Mar. 21, 2013
Chris and Dee Dee Scaffidi give a heart-felt witness. See how they came to the Catholic Church and worked through the challenges of marriage, career and family. At St. Wenceslaus Parish.
Melissa Ohden, Feb 18, 2013
National speaker, Melissa Ohden gave her witness at St. Matthew Church on Monday, Feb. 18th. A big crowd of 519 people came on a drizzly night to hear Melissa talk about her life after surviving a failed abortion at a Sioux City hospital in 1977.
Steve Freemon, Jan 15, 2013
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. At St. Joseph Parish.
John & Phyllis Harris, Dec. 3, 2012
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. At. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish.
Deacon Jim Berger, Oct 29, 2012
In this video, Gary Smith interviews Deacon Jim Berger about his conversion experience. 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. Witness talk was at St. Ludmila Parish.
John Pridmore, Sept 24, 2012
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. At St. Pius X Parish.
Tony Philips, Aug 22, 2012
Like the prodigal son, Tony’s family welcomed him back after years of alcohol and drug addiction. Tony credits the power of prayer for pulling him out of the depths of despair. At St. Patrick Parish.
Mary Ducey, May 15, 2012
Mary spoke about the fear and anxiety she felt after losing her home to the flood of 2008. Through the “miracle of generosity” of so many friends and strangers she endeared the crisis. At All Saints Parish.
Joshua Casteel, March 21, 2012
In Joshua’s witness talk, “Combat, Cancer and the Cross,” he shares how his service as a U.S. Army interrogator at Abu Ghraid prison in Iraq and dealing with his father’s battle with cancer and now with his own cancer battle has shaped his faith.
Gary Smith, Feb 28, 2012
Gary Smith gives his personal witness at St. Matthew Parish
Clark White, Jan 10, 2012
Hear Clark White’s witness of alcoholism, pain and suffering. Being lead to a retreat was a turning point in his life. At St. Joseph Parish.
Pete Mathison, Oct 24, 2011
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. At All Saints Parish.