After Yes

In this episode, Howe Rice shares the importance of taking action and embracing discomfort in order to fulfill God's plans. He reminds listeners that it is the missed opportunities and actions that we should be concerned about. Howe encourages the audience to prioritize God and His plans over personal comfort, echoing the call of the Great Commission to spread the gospel to the nations. Through personal anecdotes and quotes, Rice highlights the power of belief and faith in overcoming obstacles and achieving what may seem impossible. By embracing a transformed mindset and having faith in God's ability, listeners are empowered to say yes to God's calling and make a lasting impact in the world. Join Howe and Michael as they talk about the inspiring journey of saying yes to God's calling. 

The daily disciplines of prayer, scripture, and small acts of faithfulness are just as important as the big things. They help build our belief that God can do great things through us. - Howe Rice

In This Episode:

On this episode, TJ and Cherie Evans, share their experiences and insights from saying "yes" to Niger. One of the key themes that emerged from their conversation was the transformative power of saying yes to God's call. TJ initially hesitated to go on a missions trip but eventually went and realized that God qualifies those who are called. Cherie also emphasized the importance of the yearly missions trip as a reset for what is important in life. Their stories highlighted the need to keep the fire and passion from missions trips alive in everyday life. They also talked about the change in perspective they experienced after witnessing the poverty in Niger, leading to a greater appreciation for what they have. 

Only God can take something within us that's silly, really, and make it beautiful. It was just so Him, His presence there. - Cherie Evans

Play your role. Just do your part in it. Even if you feel unqualified, do it with excellence and God will do the rest. - TJ Evans

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Roger Novak, a musician and teacher, shares his transformative experience on a missions trip to Niger in this episode. Roger's decision to say yes to the opportunity deeply impacted his life and strengthened his faith. During his time in Niger, Roger was surprised by the joy he witnessed in the people, despite their difficult circumstances. He recalls visiting orphanages and seeing children who, despite being hungry and dirty, still had smiles on their faces. This experience taught him the importance of finding joy in life, even in the midst of challenges. A defining moment for Roger was participating in the rooftop gatherings during the trip. These gatherings allowed the team to process and reflect on their experiences each day. It was during these times that Roger felt a deep connection with God and had profound moments of prayer and introspection. Saying yes to Niger has had a significant impact on the way Roger thinks about the world, his faith, and how he lives his life today. 

God's heart is a process of growth. Seek to grow in compassion and love, even if it takes time. Trust in God's plan to continue shaping you in those areas. - Roger Novak

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Missions trips are currently listed through 2025.

In this episode of the After Yes podcast, Michael talks with Fred Michaux, a pastor at City Life Church in Newport News, Virginia. The conversation revolves around the impact of mission trips on personal growth and perspective. Fred shares his own experiences with mission work, particularly his trips to Niger, which have profoundly impacted his worldview. During the podcast, Fred emphasizes the importance of saying yes to God's opportunities and encourages listeners to consider going on a mission trip. He shares his own personal journey and how mission trips have deepened his faith and relationship with God. Fred also highlights the positive impact of mission work on his church's congregation and how it has opened their eyes to new perspectives. This conversation is highly relevant for individuals seeking personal growth and a broader perspective on life. It offers insights into the transformative power of mission trips and encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences.

Contentment and peace have nothing to do with wealth and amenities. People in third-world countries have found that secret. - Fred Michaux

With a heart for missions and serving others, Fred Michaux has a unique perspective on personal growth through his work in Niger. His role as a pastor at the City Life Church in Newport News, Virginia, has given him many opportunities to engage in vocational ministry, but it's his involvement in international missions that offers a multifaceted perspective on self-improvement and global understanding. Fred's wise reflections on the impact of cultural diversity on personal beliefs and ideologies offer a thought-provoking viewpoint on embracing a broader human experience. His stories are rooted in humble beginnings and a deep commitment to service, marking him as a remarkable and reflective individual.

Missions trips are an opportunity to disconnect from the norm, practice spiritual disciplines, and experience a spiritually enriching environment that leads to growth and transformation. - Fred Michaux

In this episode:

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Missions trips are currently listed through 2025.

Interview Recorded: May 31, 2022

Rod Parker's journey from a Maryland farm to serving as a Navy pilot in Vietnam to passionately pursuing Bible study and mentorship is an inspiring tale of selfless love and giving. Driven by his faith in the transformative power of grace and peace, Rod has made numerous trips to Niger, where he has witnessed firsthand the power of following God's call. Through his tireless dedication to helping others, Rod embodies the spirit of saying yes to God and embracing the abundant life that results from that choice. His story is sure to inspire and resonate with anyone looking to make a lasting impact through their faith.

“God has been extremely good to us, so much better than we deserve... You can't outgive God. He supplies your needs.” - Rod Parker

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At just 16 years old, Ashley Kanlekou experienced a traumatic event on a mission trip to Honduras that shook her faith to its core. But it wasn't until a decade later that she found the courage to face her fears and return to missions work. In Niger, she found a community that welcomed her with open arms, helping her heal from past traumas and rediscover her purpose. Through her work in medical missions, orphanages, and schools, Ashley has not only built a fulfilling life for herself and her family but has also helped countless others. Her story is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there is hope for a brighter future.

Ashley is a remarkable woman whose life's mission has been devoted to serving others in Niger since 2011. From braving gunpoint robbery in Honduras to building strong bonds with the local community in Niger, Ashley has demonstrated unwavering commitment to her calling. Her dedication to helping others has led her on numerous mission trips and even marrying a fellow missionary, all while sharing her positive experiences and steadfast faith with those around her. Ashley's story of resilience and passion is sure to encourage and inspire anyone seeking to dive into the world of mission work.

Without Niger, I really don't know where I would have been or would be now without it. - Ashley Kanlekou

In this episode we talk about:

Timestamps:
(0:00) Introduction
(2:22) Getting to Niger
(3:53) Family in Niger
(5:34) Impact of Saying Yes
(7:47) Encouragement for Listeners

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Tommy Thompson is a Richmond native and an entrepreneur, teacher, author, podcaster, husband to Weezie, and father of 3. Tommy shares their story of losing their daughter Perrin to cancer, and how that heart-wrenching experience led him and Weezie to visit Niger and become a part of building the Perrin School there. Tommy found his purpose in helping others find their own unique purpose and calling. With a seminary degree and a passion for teaching, writing, and communicating, he continues to inspire those who cross his path. You can listen to Tommy's podcast Space for Life here.

There's such an ease in staying in our comfort zone. There's such an ease in doing the things that are normal and just going day after day. But that's not where joy and life are to be found... My encouragement for everybody would be to just pick at least one thing that is a little bit out of your comfort zone, that is a broadening and expanding of yourself. - Tommy Thompson

In this episode, we talk about:

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In this episode of After Yes, Michael interviews Stephen Jenkins. Stephen lives in Richmond, Virginia and works in end-of-life care. Stephen talks about his experience of saying yes to travel to Niger and serve the people there. He also discusses how this trip impacted his spiritual and emotional wellbeing, his familiarity of the desert landscape, and the profound connection felt with the people he met. Stephen shares about his emotional connection to the land & how he felt welcomed and comfortable at home. He says that the trip was healing for him, both emotionally and physically. He believes that Niger changed him profoundly, and he thinks that everyone who goes there is changed on some level. 

“God says, I'm not sending you anywhere, I'm inviting you to come with me.”

Topics discussed:

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In this episode, Michael Thaler interviews Josh Harper, who has said "yes" to Niger 10x. Josh, a roofing business owner, shares how saying yes to Niger has impacted his life and the lives of his family members. He also talks about his "Niger room" and how it serves as a daily reminder of the impact the country and its people have had on his life. Additionally, Josh discusses his role as a life coach for Effective Ministries and how he meets with LINK travelers upon their return to the US to help them examine what their next steps may be. Through Josh's experiences, listeners will gain insight into how saying "yes" to God can lead to incredible personal growth and impact on the lives of those around us.

"We're just helping you along with what God's already placing on your heart. And there's just a piece that helps you remember that God does have a plan and a purpose, but we have to line up with that. There's a part for us to do."

Topics discussed:

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In this episode, we are joined by Jonathan and Ashley, a couple with a busy household of five children, who share their inspiring journey of faith and adoption. They share their experience saying “yes” to Niger. Jonathan and Ashley open up about the defining moments that brought them closer to God, including adopting their daughter from Niger, and encountering the Holy Spirit while visiting an orphanage. They share their experiences with spiritual warfare, and how they learned to trust God's plan even in the face of doubts and challenges. Join us for this inspiring conversation about faith, family, and the power of saying yes to God's calling.

“Lean into the unknown, lean into God and let him just blow your socks off.”

Topics discussed in this episode include:

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