Engaging Missions

Like many of us, Steve VanDyke didn’t grow up in the church. He was born in Michigan, grew up in Southern California, and became a believer at age 20. At the time, he was dating his wife and they both became believers.They moved to the Nashville, Tennessee area in 1998 and joined LifePoint church in 1999. Then, in 2007 the moved to India and began their missionary journey. Most recently, God called them to Bangkok, Thailand in 2011.In our time together, we talked about:How God called him into full-time ministrySome challenges he hadSpecific encouragement for people who think God isn’t able to use them anymoreOne thing that challenges missionaries that people often forget aboutInternet Resourceebible.comContact [email protected] you’re interested, ask to be on their newsletter

While on a mission trip to Laos, Troy Cooper was convicted about how a "successful" ministry wasn't impacting lostness. What happened between him and God has shaped his ministry going forward.

After 17 years in full-time ministry, Anthony Ferriell discovered FieldUSA and God led him in a new direction. As we talked, Anthony shared what he's discovered about finding time and doing things of lasting value.

Scott McClelland is a business owner who is involved in short-term missions. In our chat, he shared how short-term missions can be valuable and transformative. Listen to discover what God's done in his life.

After taking a Children's Pastor position, Mary Ann Adams's world was rocked by a child's death. That sent her into a tailspin that only God could correct. But now she's teaching and loving children in Indonesia.

Selena Headley is a teacher and leadership developer in South Africa. Her focus on training young leaders to apply Biblical principles to crush the practical ravages of Apartheid will bear fruit for years to come.

Dr. David Garrison is a missionary and a researcher. Recently, he looked into how God is drawing Muslims around the world to faith in Jesus Christ. What he uncovered was encouraging and valuable as we share our faith.

Lee Wood was abandoned as a child and trapped by cocaine until he connected with God through a New Testament on a boat. Now he is an apostolic church planter who loves Jesus and trains others to do the same.

John Key is the President of Community Servants, a ministry serving in Smyrna, TN. Throughout the course of each year, hundreds of people come from all around the United States to invest time in helping the poor. For many teens, this might be their first experience tangibly ministering the love of Christ to the poor.

Beau Burnham was raised in church but it was never very important to him until God stepped in during a time of struggle in his marriage. Now he is reconciled to God and his family and shares God's love with others.

John Stephenson was the son of an atheist and a drug addict. Like many in his family, he was likely destined for prison until God got ahold of him. Now, he gives life to those around him.

Bruce Coble spent 3 years teaching the Bible in Zimbabwe and is now a Missions Pastor in the US. He encourages and supports missionaries, leads missions trips, prepares people for missions, and disciples Believers.

About 5 years ago, Christ's command and promise - follow and I'll teach you to fish for people - took on new life for Steve Addison. Listen as he shares his journey and how God is ministering through their network.

Aaron Palmquist grew up in a Christian home, he faced some dark times. Even when Aaron was running from God, He showed Himself faithful and rescued Aaron. Now Aaron has a heart to make disciples wherever God has him.

Gabby Oechsle is a freshman at Lee University. Last summer, she went on a missions trip to Kenya with her youth group. While we talked, she shared several deep insights God has revealed to her over the years.

After a career in ministry, Wendell Rovenstein thought he was nearing retirement but God had different plans. On a trip to China, he saw the need for Bibles and a way to get them into the hands of the Chinese legally.

Joshua MacLeod of Picture the Nations is a real renaissance man. He runs several non-profit ministries and is using photography to help break the cycle of poverty. Listen as he shares his story.

Caleb and Tracy Lorensen moved to Thailand when their son was young. They chose to honor his as a gift from God and God honored their efforts as they live in community and minister to their neighbors.

This week I have a special treat for you. We’re taking a break from our normal format of interviews to ponder briefly on Advent and Christmas.Christmas was always one of my favorite holidays. As a child, I loved the songs, the family, the friends, the snow (really), and of course, the presents. As a college student I learned about Advent, the season of preparation where we remember the Messiah’s incarnation and look forward to His immanent return.This week I pray that your heart is full, yet wanting for more of God. Join with the millions as we say, “Maranatha!” Come Lord Jesus.Along with my short monologue, I’m sharing a special treat – a new recording of the ancient, O Come O Come Emmanuel. The copyright and licensing information is below. Enjoy!Audio Credit: O Come O Come Emmanuel by IKOS David Clifton with the choirs of Peterborough Cathedral from the album Christmas Carols and Songs / CC BY-NC-ND 3.0

Lee Heyward came to Christ at a military academy. Today he shares from his time as a pastor and, now, as the president of BrookLink, a global leadership development ministry. - http://engagingmissions.com/39

Curtis Sergeant has a wealth of experience discipling and planting churches. But it's not always been easy. As you listen, you'll learn how God turned an obvious spiritual attack into a breakthrough.

Donna King looks back over years of God's faithfulness in her life, in her husband's life, and in their ministry to disadvantaged boys in Ecuador. She highlights how God's moved and taks about her husband's new book.

Anthony Petrillo, the founder of TEN3 returns to share what God laid on his heart. He shares the key to effective ministry, how to grow in your relationship with the Lord, and how to deal with overwhelm.

After college, JennyBeth Alford felt called to missions but it seemed like it wouldn't happen. Rather than throwing in the towel, she persevered, finding a place with TEN3. Now she's planning to go to Zambia.

God called Joe Gallop from Engineering to Missions work with nomads in Niger. Now he's the CEO of the Transformational Education Network (TEN3). He shares one reason Western institutions often fail in Africa.

Anthony Petrillo has developd a series of astoundingly effective textbooks for teaching computer skills that work in any culture. He's based in the US and commutes to Africa to train educators and administrators.

Liz Carmichael moved to Eastern Europe shortly after Communism fell. Early in her time there, she had an astounding experience that reminded her of how big and powerful God is. Listen to hear her share what God did.

David Kaufmann and James Harvey disciple and train leaders to expand the Global Church through multiplication. In this interview they share encouragement and insights into discipleship and God's heart

George Patterson is an innovator in church planting and discipleship. Discover what an over-prepared lesson and baptism have to do with what he's doing now to help churches develop a much simpler Second Track.

Kurt Coble is excited to see worship grow in the Church. He's passionate about different cultures inspires musicians, worship leaders, and technicians to share what God has given them for the good of Christ's body.

Geoff and Breanna Butterworth encourage you to find out where God wants you and go. They live in Nashville, Tennessee and recently ministered to worship leaders in Latvia by teaching, encouraging, and experiencing God.

Amy Learn was on a path with her life. Leaving a farm in Iowa to attend school in Minnesota led her to the East Coast of the United States while her twin sister went West. But her journey didn’t end there.Now she’s working with Iris, Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Their focus is helping stop abuse and trafficking of young boys.They partner with other non-profits in the area and build relationships. They also help connect children with the education that could break the cycle of poverty. And they minister the love of Jesus to the women who work in the bars.ResourcesBook: Compelled By LoveFeedback: [email protected] Resource

Pavo Ivanov is a missionary living in the US who is originally from Eastern Europe who's traveled shared that the face of world missions has changed. He also provided a framework for forming intentional relationships.

During his two years of working with young people in South Africa, Chris Morgan learned about cultural differences and effective ministry, and he saw God's provision in an amazing way. You'll be inspired as you listen.

Samara Murtaugh has been teaching English in Thailand for two years. In that time, she's come to love her students and has seen both heartbreak and breakthrough. Listen as she shares what she's learned.

Jordan Boom is a videographer who is moving from the US to Honduras for a year. With just a few days left in the US, she shared what God has done in the past few months. If you're worried about money, you want to hear her story.

Steve Bremner is a missionary, blogger, and podcaster who has serving in Peru for about five years. Something shifted in the last few months and they saw a lot of fruit quickly. Listen to find out what changed and why.

Caleb Suko and his family are returning to Ukraine after ten months back in the US. Discover how God called them to Ukraine, how they prioritize ministry opportunities, and distance learning in Russian-speaking countries.

Erin Paul is a 20-year-old college student who is investing her life in cross-cultural missions at home and abroad. She ministers as an intern at Community Servants and takes short-term mission trips while on school breaks.

Two years ago Seth Brooks left Nashville, TN to join YWAM in Perth, Australia. Since that time he's launched a ministry and helped create an entirely new Discipleship Training School.

Returning from his first two years in Kenya, Curt Bryson shares some of the challenges and victories he's seen. Along the way, he also shares how God has led him to impact whole families by investing generationally in education.

Following a career as an entrepreneur, Tony Evans began helping support the National Missionaries in rural India. Over 80% of 1.2 billion people are in rural areas where they have never heard the name of Jesus Christ.

Jay Judson spent 12 years ministering in a closed country. He’s really good at jump-starting and multiplying networks of churches among historically bible-less people groups.I want to share some statistics with you because they’re astounding: Jay has trained 7 people. That may not sound ground-breaking but Scripture reminds us that we shouldn’t despise the day of small beginnings.Those trainees report nearly 42,500 people baptized in nearly 1,050 house churches across 10 previously unreached people groups. Additionally, he’s also worked with several groups jump-starting ministries in southern Asia.In this week’s interview he shares some astounding numbers of baptisms that all started by him finding ways to decrease so that God could decrease. And the strategies Jay and others use will work in any culture – even the US.Life in MinistryJay shares a little about himself and his ministry. When he started ministering, he found few allies in pastors. Instead, God brought him “common” people to disciple and send out, starting networks of churches in homes.He met them on their turf.He focused on the key elements of discipleship and let his key partners help him make it culturally relevant.He asked, “How can we help Buddhist-background people feel comfortable worshiping Jesus?”In the middle of oppression and suffocating poverty, they were able to ask, “Would you like to hear about hope?”Key ScriptureI must decrease so that He can increase. (See John 3:30) Click To TweetChallengeIn 2004 he started seeing tremendous breakthroughs among the Buddhist people. Almost immediately he experienced total kidney failure and had to return to the US. He was on dialysis for a couple of months.In that time, the 7 churches he had planted grew to 11, and then to 30 in the following 3 months. The churches kept multiplying while he wasn’t there, which is the whole point.RevelationMeeting Dr. George Patterson totally changed how Jay approaches ministry and discipleship. Through the training he received, he learned effective ways to plant churches and to approach strategic ministry. He also learned that his focus on decreasing so that Christ could increase was critical. HeCurrent MinistryHe’s received reports of over 20,000 baptisms over the last 4 months. As you’ll hear Jay explain, he’s intentionally under-reporting that number until he’s been able to verify it even though he’s personally trained and trusts the people who have given that report.Significance in the MarketplaceJay shared how one of his friends in Oregon owns a construction company and is totally about God’s business in and through his business. He said that his friend (and trainee) has literally baptized people in a front-end loader and is really seeing God’s Kingdom advance.Level UpJay suggested that we do two specific things to “level up” our giving. First, focus on giving to the missionaries that we already know and love rather than giving to an organization. And, second, he provided two resources – foundations that will take seed money and invest it for the purpose of giving even more for the advancement of the Kingdom.If you’re interested in that, check out both of the links below. Check them out thoroughly before you consider using them to ensure that their goals and requirements align with what you believe God would have you do.Foreign Mission Foundation, Dr. Gene DavisNational Christian FoundationSpeed RoundBest AdviceI must decrease and Jesus must increase through other leaders who are multiplying.Personal Success HabitGet on people’s turf who are far from God.Internet ResourceJustObeyJesus.comBook RecommendationChurch Multiplication Guide Revised: The Miracle of Church ReproductionShifts in SocietyIf we don’t obey the Great Commission, God will bring it to us.We have to think like missionaries like those who are coming in.Ministering to NeighborsPractice telling the story of the Prodigal Son. Then, just tell the story and ask if they like the story. If they do, ask who they will share it with.New PlaceSpiritual antennas would be up, actively looking for the person God is already talking to – the person of peace. There are multitudes of people who are ready and responsive to the Gospel right now but we need to find them, get on their turf, have Bible studies in their homes, and let it multiply.We don’t have to argue people into the Kingdom.Trust the Holy Spirit; that should be a mantra we chant to ourselves.Contact InfoJustObeyJesus.comResourcesJustObeyJesus.comChurch Multiplication Guide Revised: The Miracle of Church ReproductionJustObeyJesus.comRatings on PinterestRatings on Engaging MissionsBe a Fully Funded Missionary

Brent and Temple Cundall are raising support to go to an unexpected missions destination. Their mission is to raise up indigenous worship leaders to write the "heart songs" of their culture.http://j.mp/emrs015

Paul Yoder was a full-time missionary for 9 months. After leaving, he created DonorElf, simple online software to help missionaries manage their support so they can focus on their most important work.http://j.mp/emrs014 

After returning from a short-term missions trip, Laura Beth Harbin was ready to settle back into "normal" life but God had different plans. Find out what God showed her in a 9 month world mission trip.http://j.mp/emrs013

Denise and Oswaldo Piñeiros are missionaries to the over 200,000 orphans in Ecuador. They provide resources to orphanages. They also provide support and pastoral care for adoptive families and advocacy with the government.I connected with them through Autumn Kerr of Visiting Orphans, who we heard from in Episode 3. I'm really thankful for this connection.As we talked, Denise shared how God called them to this ministry. They've walked through some challenges. Now they are working on some things that should really set them up to minister more freely.Key ScriptureReligion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27As Denise shared her heart, she also shared how she and Oswaldo are trying to focus on the often-forgotten part of that verse. As they've started caring for orphans, it's shaped how they approach ministry in and to orphanages.ChallengeOften missionaries leave family and friends behind. When they do, they can miss out on significant life events. Last year Denise had one of those experiences but God did something special that gave her an overwhelming sense of His affection for her.RevelationAs Denise and Oswaldo were just learning about orphan care, God began to birth a desire to see the kind of ministry that they now have. Still, they were uncertain whether they were supposed to be the ones to do it.One day, Denise had a “mirror” experience that sealed the deal in her heart”[bctt tweet="I said, 'God, you have to raise up someone to do this.' Then I knew that person was looking back at me in the mirror." username="engagingmission"]Current MinistryThrough Visiting Orphans, they have seen volunteers coming down for longer assignments, sometimes up to six months. And they are working on changing the legal status of their ministry in ways that will open more doors.Level UpDenise reminded us that being a missionary can be lonely sometimes. Often the best thing we can do to “level up” our support of a missionary is just to be a friend. Send that letter. Make that call. Connect via Skype. Focus on being fully active in their lives and building a long-term relationship.[bctt tweet="Be fully active in their life." username="engagingmission"]Speed RoundHindsightDenise wishes she would have known how long things can take to accomplish.Best Advice[bctt tweet="H.A.L.T. Never make a decision when you are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired." via="no"]Support and Encouragement[bctt tweet="Be loyal, connected, and committed." via="no"]Personal Success HabitDenise has built some key relationships that allow her to learn from those who are more experienced.Internet ResourceDenise gave us three:Constant ContactDonor ToolsMessenger FellowshipBook RecommendationLove Does by Bob GoffAudible – available free for trying their serviceAmazoniTunesNew Place[bctt tweet="Walk the streets and pray." via="no"]Parting Advice[bctt tweet="Always jump when God says, 'jump.' Never take an opportunity He gives you and waste it." via="no"]Contact [email protected] Book: Love Does by Bob Goff: Audible, Amazon, iTunesResources:Constant Contact, Donor Tools, Messenger FellowshipContact: [email protected]: Pinterest, Engaging Missions WebsiteFeedback: [email protected] of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This week we're talking with Amber Barron, the founder of Freedom's Promise. Hear her heart and the focus of Freedom's Promise is to prevent human trafficking by partnering with indigenous groups in Cambodia. Through a variety of individualized programs that include elements such as education, resource availability, and the creation of “Safe Zones.”As you listen, you'll discover how reading a single article started Amber in a direction she'd never considered. You'll also learn how her husband helps bring balance and how the board of Freedom's Promise stepped up, saved her from burnout, and breathed new life into the organization. Key Scripture & QuoteReligion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.James 1:27[bctt tweet="There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root." via="no"]ChallengeAmber shares with us the challenge that many non-profits and their founders face after just a few years of operation. Thankfully, her board stepped in and the organization has new life. And, as a result of their efforts, Amber is able to focus more on what she's really good at.RevelationAmber shares the story of how reading an article started her in a new direction. It was one of only a couple times in her life when God made His plans so clear to hear.Current MinistryAmber is really excited about recent additions to the board of Freedom's Promise. It's clear that God is really building up the board to be able to shepherd Freedom's Promise into its next phase. They took several years to work on due diligence, then to get projects up and running. Now they're moving into a phase of refining.One of the things that plays into that refining phase is to focus on metrics. They know that they must measure what they're doing in order to know if it's making a difference and also to share wins with their donors.Level UpOne of the biggest ways people can help a ministry such as Freedom's Promise is to help them network. To share what they're doing with people we know as well as to help connect people who want to help with them.Freedom's Promise provides opportunities for people who like to work on clean water projects, education, trafficking prevention, and more. Because they're striking at the root of the problem, there's a place for anyone who wants to help improve the situation, regardless of the kinds of projects they prefer.Speed RoundHindsight[bctt tweet="Learn how to lead in the small things."]Best Advice[bctt tweet="Look a man in the eye, shake his hand, and mean what you say." via="no"]Support and EncouragementThe sabbatical that Amber's board offered her really helped Freedom's Promise and helped her to be able to continue, avoiding burnout.Personal Success HabitFor Amber, it's not so much a habit as maintaining the mindset that Freedom's Promise was never hers. It has always belonged to God.Internet ResourceBible GatewayOne other thing that's not really an internet resource has really helped her: a white board.Book RecommendationAnything by Bodie and Brock Thoene.Amazon.comAudible.com (free just for trying their service)iTunes.comNew PlaceAmber has been running so hard, if she found herself in a new and unfamiliar place, she would take advantage of the opportunity to rest.Parting Advice[bctt tweet="Don't be afraid to follow God; He will take care of you." via="no"]Contact InfoFreedom's PromiseResourcesBook: Amazon.com, Audible.com, iTunes.comResource: BibleGateway.comContact: Freedom's PromiseRatings on PinterestRatings on Engaging MissionsDisclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This week we're talking Rich Frazer, the president of Spiritual Overseers Service, International. Over the years, SOS International has provided training to thousands of leaders in 87 countries through more than 800 training assignments.Their specific ministry style is to serve organizations who ask them to come and provide specific training for church leaders. They search for and send the most qualified people they can find to invest deeply in the local church, wherever they go. And while they are there, they serve the vision and agenda of the organization that invited them.Rich has been providing this kind of training for indigenous leaders around the world for over 20 years and has seen the exponential value of investing in the global church in this way.I'd also like to give our mutual friend, Mike Priebe of MemoryPeel a hat tip for connecting us.Key Scriptures1 Timothy 2:3-5Matthew 9:36-38Ephesians 4:11-122 Timothy 2:2[bctt tweet=“Why not teach a man to TEACH a man to fish?”]ChallengeRich points out that more than 100,000 people receive Christ every day and that more than 2,000 churches are planted every week. However, 90% of the pastors, whether volunteer, full-time, or bivocational, have little to no training. The challenge SOS International has is getting to those leaders to help them know how to study Scripture, show them what Christian leadership is all about, and to invite them to adopt a Christ-like model.RevelationRich shares the surprising story of one of his early prayers about whether he should go into missions.[bctt tweet="Don't ask God if you should go. Ask God if you should stay." via="no"]Current MinistryRich shares a little about the people SOS International is sending out over the course of this year to invest in the global church.Level UpRich encourages us to consider our investments in missions based on the long-term impact of financial and prayerful impact.Speed RoundHindsight[bctt tweet="The greatest among us is a servant. Not a partner or a patronizing visionary leader. A servant." via="no"]Best AdviceBe flexibleSupport and EncouragementMany people encourage RichPersonal Success Habit[bctt tweet="Ask the question, 'What can I do for you?'" username="engagingmission"]Internet ResourceSOS International WebsiteBook RecommendationWestern Christians in Global Mission: What's the Role of the North American Church?We also discussed: When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor . . . and YourselfNew PlaceRich shares who he would go find and what he would offer them to support them.Parting Advice[bctt tweet="The fruit of a leader is not followers. It's another leader or an 'orchard' of leaders." username="engagingmission"]Contact InfoSOS International VideoWhen we were discussing Rich's book recommendation, he also mentioned this video of Steve Saint ministering at a church. It's definitely worth 5 minutes to see this.[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Oja-rnOlIM?version=3&rel=1&fs=1&autohide=2&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&wmode=transparent]ResourcesBook: Western Christians in Global Mission: What's the Role of the North American Church?Resource: SOS International WebsiteContact: SOS International WebsiteRatings on PinterestRatings on Engaging MissionsCheck out the Engaging Missions Online Radio Show #podcastCLICK TO TWEET Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”