Episode 46 - Young adult project at 12,500 feet in Peru: Catalyst 2026

Maranatha’s re-launched mission project designed specifically for young adults aged 18–28 landed in the high-altitude landscape of southern Peru in July 2026, where 40 volunteers faced the physical challenges of working at 12,500 feet, and the bitter cold to build a new church for the congregation in Calapuja. Two young adult participants, Maranatha’s new communications coordinator, Victoria Smith Alvarez, and project co-leader Corbin Weiss, share personal insights on why this age demographic is at a unique crossroads in life and how a mission experience can help navigate those transitions.From the hands-on reality of laying block walls for the first time to the rewarding moments of hosting medical and children’s programs, the panel reflects on what it takes to balance demanding project logistics while fostering a deep spiritual experience and social connections. Whether you are curious about the mechanics of a Maranatha mission trip or interested in the transformative impact of service on young adult growth, this episode offers a candid look at the memories, challenges, and lasting connections made during the Catalyst project in Peru.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show.Visit maranatha.org for more info on the work of Maranatha Volunteers International.Text us! Let us know what you thought of this episode and the show in general!On September 19, 2026, join us in Sacramento, California, for our annual convention, Mission: Maranatha. You’ll be inspired by volunteer testimonies, stories from the mission field, and updates from Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders around the globe. Plus, be blessed by Oakwood University's award-winning choir, The Aeolians.Learn more at https://maranatha.org/media-events/maranatha-convention/