Engaging Missions

Through Project Ignite Light, Pebbles Thompson shines a light in the darkness of severe child abuse. Listen to this week's episode to learn how buying pajamas and taking showers led Pebbles and her husband, Darin, from a comfortable position as youth pastors in a church they loved to a ministry that now helps 2,400 abused children each year. While the numbers are staggering, they believe that even one is too many.As you listen, you'll find how how their “burning bush” experience led them to child advocacy centers, where they discovered one way they could show the love of God and restore some dignity to children who so desperately needed it. You'll also hear a story of how Pebbles is able to deal with the emotional challenges of this kind of ministry. And, you may even some practical ways that you can be a minister of grace to those around you.Key ScripturesEphesians 3, vs 17-21Isaiah 43, vs 18-19ChallengeDuring the summers, giving often takes a dip. There was one summer where it was particularly challenging. Learn how God went over and above the minimum financial need and showed Pebbles that his provision is extravagant.RevelationAfter nearly a year of operation, Pebbles felt overwhelmed and ineffective. But God revealed something that put it in perspective.Current MinistryPebbles and her husband dream big and they serve a big God who rules and reigns. There are several things that are really exciting them, including things that are happening on their new property. They are also developing materials that could lead to exponential growth in serving victims of extreme child abuse.[bctt tweet="There are a lot of good ideas and then there are a lot of God ideas. We want the God ideas." via="no"]Level UpPebbles shares some insights into the simplicity of ministry that we can apply in ministering to others as well as supporting missionaries and other ministers.[bctt tweet="Ask that God would open your eyes to the needs of the people around you." via="no"]Speed RoundHindsight[bctt tweet="God’s provision is larger than we think. Just be willing to ask." via="no"]Best AdviceBuild a healthy foundation. You can’t expect a house to stand if it’s not built on a solid foundation.Support and EncouragementA mentor asked Pebbles a question that helped her clarify the value of Project Ignite Light and released her from fear in raising funds.Personal Success HabitPrayer all day long and journaling.Internet ResourcesGoogleBible GatewayBook Recommendation: Leadership PrayersNew PlacePebbles says that it depends on the kind of place. Find out what would be different if she was in a developing country rather than a “touristy” country.Parting Advice[bctt tweet="Don’t complicate things. It’s probably easier than you think." username="engagingmission"]Contact InfoProject Ignite LightResourcesBook: Leadership PrayersResource: Bible GatewayContact: Project Ignite LightRatings 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.”

I’ve been anticipating this interview with Corben Barber for a few weeks. He’s a recent graduate of a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with the Nashville base for Youth With a Mission (YWAM). After completing his DTS, Corben went on a two month trip to Uganda.Never lose sight of the Gospel, with Corben BarberCorben graduated from high school last year and went almost directly into Youth With a Mission (YWAM). After completing the study portion of his Discipleship Training School (DTS), he and the team he was on went to Uganda.His team just returned to the States a few weeks ago and I’ve been hoping to get him on the show ever since. In past weeks, we’ve heard from people currently on the mission field, some who have transitioned into the marketplace, or who lead missions-related organizations in the US. But Corben is our first guest who just returned from a short-term mission trip.Key QuoteHow far am I willing to go before the Gospel isn't real enough? - Corben BarberChallengesCorben shares with us what crutches and digestive problems have to do with a lady who wanted to receive the Gospel.I see other people and the Gospel doesn’t seem real to them. So why should it be real to me if it’s not real to them?RevelationTheir trip involved a service project with aquaponics but when they completed their project, they realized something that made them wonder why they were really there. Their discovery “destroyed” their plans for the rest of the trip but led to a personal revelation.Maybe our agenda isn’t God’s agenda.Current MinistryCorben has completed his time with YWAM and is seeking God for his next assignment. While he's in this time of waiting to see what's next, he wants to be focused on a couple of specific things. But he also realizes that just because he's in a holding pattern doesn't mean God can't use him right now.Level UpCorben mentions how just sharing lunch and having a real conversation as friends can encourage a missionary. That's something that we can do with anyone in our lives.Speed RoundHindsightCorben realized something when he returned that he wishes he would have known because it would have made re-entry easier.Best AdviceDon’t lose sight of the Gospel - Corben BarberSomething someone did to supportWhile random financial gifts are great, adding a pause and one simple word to, “How are you doing?” made all the difference.Personal Success HabitCorben has taken one practice that was mandatory while he was in Discipleship Training School and made it part of his life in a slightly different way.Internet ResourceFacebookNew PlaceCorben shares some advice that focuses differently on the first day than the final six.Parting AdviceNever lose sight of the Gospel, even upon coming home. There are people all around you who are hungry for the things you’ve learned but they don’t know what they’re hungry for.And, don't be afraid to look like a foolContact InformationFacebookEmail (listen to the interview for the address)Resources* The Bible on Audible (free if you try their service)* The Bible on Amazon* Facebook* Email (listen to the interview for the address)* Ratings Pinterest Board* Ratings on Engaging Missions

This week I’m really happy to bring you Brent Bazler (alias), who works with the Nashville base for Youth With a Mission (YWAM). In our time together, he shared some amazing stories of God’s faithfulness and offered a two-part framework for encouraging, supporting, and blessing missionaries in unconventional ways as well as the “M.L.P.” framework for making ministry decisions.Before becoming a missionary, Brent spent time as an educator, living for the summer mission trips until it finally became clear that he and his family needed to step into full-time ministry in order to be obedient to where God was leading them. Since that transition they have faced challenges and also seen amazing examples of God’s faithfulness.I so enjoy the way Brent delights in The Lord and trusts so fully. I’m sure that you will enjoy this interview.Key ScriptureThe LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore. Ps 121:8ChallengesHow a 16th floor apartment, and angel, and a roll of film are part of the same storyWhat happened just before a dentist appointmentHow God confirmed that Brent’s children had the right idea when it came time for a significatn life change (and investment)RevelationHow God used a group of ladies from a church in California to challenge Brent and his family. And how that led to a new direction in their ministry.Are you preferring to be a martyr when you’re supposed to be a multiplier?One ThingThe one thing that Brent wishes he would have known when he just started out. And how he’s seen God’s faithfulness.Current MinistryHow ministry and children fit together for Brent and his wife.A fun way that YWAM Nashville is supporting their community (hint: you can find out more and even be involved if you sign up here before May 10, 2014)Some other exciting things that involve both Brent and YWAM NashvilleWhat’s special about YWAM Nashville?There are a number of different missions organizations. Each tends to have their own focus and I believe that all are valuable. In our discussion, Brent offered up some things that he believes make YWAM unique.YWAM is an extremely flexible organization, willing to move on short noticeYWAM Nashville is good at building and maintaining relationships.Find out what an umbrella and a C.U.P. have to do with worship and the ministry direction of YWAM Nashville.The “M.L.P.” framework for making ministry decisions.Ministry (What should I do?)Location (Where should I go?)People (Who should I be involved with?)Level UpBrent offers some great “outside the box” ideas for what people can do to encourage and support missionaries. He shares a couple of ways that people have helped him and his family in the past. And he offers a framework for being able to discover those unconventional ways to support and encourage missionaries.What is a heart need that a #missionary might be too embarrassed to ask for help in?Speed RoundBest AdviceRead the proverbs every day and do what they say.Something someone did to supportHow Brent’s parents made a financial sacrifice that has paid dividends for the rest of their lives.Personal Success HabitBrent says that a key for him has been reading God’s word and praying some very particular kinds of prayers.Internet ResourceTNTmpd – donor relationship software that not only tracks donors, but also helps build long-term relationships between missionaries and their supporters.BooksThe Permanent RevolutionReframing Your MinistryNew PlaceWhat Brent would do first if he found himself unexpectedly in a new place is based on prayer and experience. He knows that the first week is critical. He would focus first on the things that are most critical but would also put a laptop to good use doing…Parting AdviceTake steps to finish the last thing you remember God telling you to do.Ask God what is the one thing you should do right now.Contact InformationEmail (listen to the interview for the address)ResourcesYWAM NashvilleThe Permanent RevolutionReframing Your MinistryRun for the Nations 5kTNTmpd (dontation software)Ratings Pinterest BoardRatings 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.”

I’m excited to bring you a special guest this week – my wife, Katherine Entzminger. Ordinarily, she wouldn’t be interested in something like this but she’s really felt God moving her to share some of the stories from her time as a missionary.Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary, use words.Right now Katherine is a full-time homemaker but she spent about 4 ½ years as a missionary with Youth with a Mission (YWAM). While in YWAM, she traveled to Mexico and Central America, Africa, India, and Central Europe. She also spent time as part of the support staff on a YWAM base.After her time with YWAM, she went back to school and re-entered the marketplace. And that was all before she and I ever met.In this week’s interview, you’ll discover:One often-misattributed quote that has shaped how Katherine approaches both friendship and ministryHow Katherine ended up lost on a street, faced with armed military and how God brought her and another missionary back to where they were safeOne thing that God showed her that has released forgiveness in her lifeWhat’s exciting Katherine right now and what she’s looking forward toOne thing you can do to encourage a missionary todaySome advice Katherine was given that sets her up to receive helpOne thing that someone did to support her while she was a missionary and even while she was transitioning back into the marketplaceInternet Resource: FacebookBook Recommendation: No CompromiseAmazoniBooksWhat Katherine would focus on for the first seven days in a new country and what she would do to ensure she wouldn’t be distracted from it.Best contact: email (listen to the episode)ResourcesFacebookNo Compromise: The Life Story of Keith GreenLeave a rating and reviewRatings on PinterestRatings on Engaging MissionsKatherine’s email address (listen to the episode)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.”

This week we’re spending some time talking with Garland Sam. Garland is the pastor of a church called Discover in the business district of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa and is the regional director of Scripture Union that spans from Pietermaritzburg to the region of KwaZulu-Natal

I’m excited to be bringing Autumn Kerr to you this week. She’s the executive director of Visiting Orphans, a Nashville-based ministry that partners with orphanages, schools, and ministries around the world that care for children and communities. They organize short-term trips for churches, schools, and other organizations to places like Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Ukraine. In our time together, Autumn shared several stories of God’s amazing grace in her life and ministry.[bctt tweet="Be an advocate!"]In this week’s interview you’ll discoverOne scripture that many people dislike but has been a key to Autumn’s lifeHow a job change turned into an opportunity for God’s provision and a new directionHow she was able to make it through the process of adopting a boy from Ethiopia as a single womanHow reading The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?set her up for her first mission tripWhat her team has done over the last year and how they are able to create ministry teams out of people who have never metWhere you can go to learn more and get involvedHow you can increase your support for a missionary or ministry without increasing your financial commitmentThe advice that has helped Autumn be available to do her best at the things God has called her to doThe significance of hundreds of painted tree leavesThe habit that has allowed her to start a personal blog and is the key to raising her adopted son as a single motherResources:Visiting OrphansMy Single AdoptionBook Recommendation: Sun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the ImpossibleHow she would take advantage of the situation if she found herself in a new country.Her recommendation for how to let God guide decisions[bctt tweet=“Consider it all joy..."]ResourcesVisiting OrphansMy Single AdoptionA Discipleship Journey: A Guide for Making Disciples That Make Disciple-MakersSun Stand Still: What Happens When You Dare to Ask God for the ImpossibleThe Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?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.”

I’m really excited to be able to bring you Darius Walker of Be a Fully Funded Missionary this week.Darius is a missionary and is the author of Be a Fully Funded Missionary and Money for Missionaries. I do need to say that “Darius Walker” is a pen name that he’s chosen to use for security reasons.I first learned of Darius while looking for some fundraising ideas for a couple friends of mine in Kenya and Australia. When I found Be a Fully Funded Missionary I checked it out and then recommended they check it out. It’s more than a book – it’s a complete guide to raising funds for long-term missions.[bctt tweet="Take a risk for the Kingdom! Ultimately you have nothing to lose - Darius Walker"]In this week’s interview you’ll discover:What’s unique about Be a Fully Funded MissionaryHow One step at a time has shaped his behavior and how it helped him in everything from learning languages to launching his websiteWhy one person’s counsel was proven right, but a year laterHow God used Paul’s letters to get Darius and his family through a difficult seasonHow thankful Darius is for the team he works with and why it’s important to ask questions before joining a teamFour specific things you can do today that will encourage and support a missionary without spending any moneyWhat D.A. Carson said that has shaped how Darius teaches and preachesWhat one person did that helped Darius and his family as they were raising supportOne thing that does every day that has helps him learn and growResource recommendation: Lift App (and how it’s helping Darius develop new habits)Book recommendation: Antifragile: Things That Gain from DisorderAudible.com (free if you sign up)Blinkist.com (summary, free)Amazon.comThe two things that Darius would do if he was in a new country with nothing but $500 and a computer that you can do at home right now (hint: it doesn’t involve using the computer)How you can apply “Take a risk for the Kingdom. Ultimately, you’ve got nothing to lose.” whether you feel called to missions or notHow you can get a free copy of Called or Crazy by Darius WalkerResources:Be a Fully Funded Missionary ResourcesBe a Fully Funded Missionary WebsiteBe a Fully Funded Missionary Newsletter (GREAT Stuff)Money for Missionaries: A Personal Finance Primer for MissionariesLift AppAntifragile: Things That Gain from DisorderDisclosure 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.”

Alan Smith is a homeland missionary based in the US, just outside of Nashville, TN. He works with Community Servants, a local ministry that provides low-cost housing and education opportunities for refugees and low-income families. He's also the Assistant Missions Pastor at Springhouse Worship and Arts Center.In today's interview, he shares some of his story – the challenges as well as the victories, including how he learned that being an authentic friend to other missionaries was one of the greatest ministry opportunities.[bctt tweet="I may not be called to be a #missionary but I can do that. - @coffeecupmnstry"]In this interview, you'll learnHow Colossians 4:7-8 has shaped his ministryHow Alan worked through a personal failureA story of God's faithfulness in the birth of their sonOne simple act of focus that Alan's Missions Pastor did to encourage missionaries (and how Alan used that to deeply encourage another missionary)What made Alan say, “Man, I'm not called to be a missionary but I can do that.”Some exciting life transitions that are opening up new ministry opportunitiesThe best advice Alan has ever receivedSomething that really encouraged Alan before he even started to raise supportInternet resources: YouVersion and GodTubeA personal habit that has contributed to Alan's successBook recommendation: The Sending Church: The Church Must Leave the BuildingThe surprising thing Alan would do if he was in a new country with nothing but $500 and a laptop but didn't have to worry about food and shelter.More resources:CoffeeCupMinistries.orgFacebook.com/CoffeeCupMinistriesSpringhouseSmyrna.com/missionsCommunityServants.orgAlan's emailIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe in iTunes to make sure you get more of the great inspiring and encouraging stories from missionaries in the field and at home. And, it would really help spread the word if you'd take a minute to give us an honest rating and review in iTunes. It helps more than you know.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.”