Engaging Missions

Engaging Missions

By Bryan EntzmingerReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Engaging Missions episodes

  • EM027: From Iowa to Ministering in Cambodia with Amy Learn

    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.
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    Engaging Missions Online Radio Show
    A podcast for people who care about missions.
    TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below.
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    Life in Ministry
    Amy said that living in Phnom Penh is similar to living in a city in the US. It's not exactly the same, though. The traffic is crazy but the people are open; you can build a relationship with a smile.
    Key Scripture
    I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie!
    Psalm 40:1-3
    Challenge
    Helping pioneer the base in Cambodia has been challenging. It's hard to be patient – to go low and slow. And it's especially difficult to develop relationships without speaking the language.
    However, one Halloween, during a time of worship, Amy felt like it was time for the team to go out and minister. They planned to go to a bar they'd been to before but it was full. So, instead, God directed them to another place.
    There, Amy connected with a lady who had prayed for help that morning.
    Revelation
    Current Ministry
    The story Amy shared was how they were able to connect two girls from a poor family with an organization who can give them the education their family can't afford.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Level Up
    Speed Round
    Hindsight
    Best Advice
    Personal Success Habit
    Book Recommendation
    Compelled By Love: How to Change the World Through the Simple Power of Love in Action
    Cross-Cultural Ministry
    Remember that people are people. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to learn what their life is like. Be open and don't judge.
    New Place
    Parting Advice
    Contact Info
    31 min
  • EM027: From Iowa to Ministering in Cambodia with Amy Learn

    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.

    Resources
    32 min
  • EM026: Don’t be Limited by What You Think You Can Do with Pavo Ivanov

    An atheist from Eastern Europe encounters the Living God. He comes to the US to enter full-time missions. What happens next? Amazing things!
    Get ready to hold on for the ride!
    Join us this week as Pavo Ivanov (pen name for security reasons) shares the grace of God in his life and his 13 years of experience in missions.
    Right now Pavo is in a US city and is the program director for City Church Network. They make disciples among unreached and unengaged people groups. Their focus is on training individual disciples to make more disciples.
    I learned a lot in just a few short minutes from Pavo and I think you'll experience the same.
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    A podcast for people who care about missions.
    TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below.
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    Key Scripture
    For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
    Romans 1:16
    Challenge
    There was a time when Pavo and his family were just getting started in ministry and were going on an outreach. They didn't have the funds to cover the trip but someone loaned it to them. When they returned, God provided all they needed and more in a surprising way.
    Revelation
    When Pavo was on an outreach in the Middle East, God revealed something to him as he was studying Genesis.
    And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation.
    Genesis 17:20
    When God reminded him that He'd blessed Ishmael and his descendants, Pavo's heart opened up to the Arabs and the Muslims. He reminds us that it's easy for our hearts to become hardened but that's not God's plan.
    Current Ministry
    Pavo is living in a US city, surrounded by the Nations of the world. There are ministry opportunities all around but it's not that the face of world missions is changing.
    We have a unique chance to minister when they come here that we wouldn’t have if we visited them in their home countries. With today’s communication, what we share here will spread to family friends.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    We must wrestle with the ideas of the Levitical Priesthood and the idea of being a Kingdom of Priests. If we are present, the people around us are not among those who lack access to the Gospel. They have access to the Gospel because we are there.
    A Little About City Church Network
    Like it or not, there is segregation, even in our cities. Cultural and religious barriers make it hard to engage unreached people. The question is, how can we reach them all?
    City Church Network engages international people with the Gospel. They look for people who are already have a cultural heritage and are open to the Gospel and begin discipling them. They encourage them to share, to start house churches,
    33 min
  • EM025: Focus on People with Chris Morgan

    In 2010, Chris Morgan finally landed what he thought was his dream job. Little did he know that God was going to send him to South Africa for two years to work with children in elementary and high school.
    But, as God led him, he joined up with Scripture Union in Pietermaritzburg. While he was there, God revealed some amazing things to him and showed that He was faithful in everything, including Chris's financial situation.
    It was during his time at Pietermaritzburg that Chris met his wife and worked with Garland Sam, who was a previous guest on the show. In fact, it was Chris who first introduced me to Garland.
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    A podcast for people who care about missions.
    TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below.
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    Life in Ministry
    During Chris's time in South Africa, he worked with Scripture Union. In addition to summer camp programs and VBS, they also ministered in public schools. They were able to offer courses on “good citizenship,” covering topics such as morality, peer pressure, values, and sex education.
    Then, with the permission of the class, they could also share Scripture and Christ-based learning.
    Chris said that, while he's an introvert, he would gladly dress up like a pink buffalo if it would help him share the Gospel with children. I appreciate that (and I'd kind of like to see it).
    Key Scripture
    Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
    For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
    Hebrews 12:1-3
    Challenge
    Chris, like many missionaries, was supported entirely by donations. While his support was sufficient for his normal needs, God really showed up when a medical problem started costing some significant money.
    God gave Chris some really specific instructions and it was amazing how it all worked out.
    Revelation
    Chris nearly fell victim to “self-deception in leadership” until he realized one specific thing while he was coordinating groups for a VBS with the Salvation Army Children's Home. It was during that time that he realized that his “American” perspective could be a real liability and that everyone around him (and “under” his leadership) was more qualified than he because of one thing.
    32 min
  • EM024: Insights from a Teacher in a Thailand Coffee Shop with Samara Murtaugh

    This week's guest is Samara Murtaugh I connected with her through Paul Yoder of Donor Elf and it’s great to be able to talk with her.
    Samara is originally from the US but is currently teaching 1st grade in Thailand. While that may not seem like a mission to some, it’s a great opportunity to get to know people on their own turf. And it’s an amazing opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people.
    As you listen, I believe you'll be challenged by what she shares and inspired by her enthusiasm.

    Life in Ministry
    Prior to leaving for Thailand, Samara studied art and never really considered being a teacher. Now, about two years into her time in Thailand, she is heavily involved in ministering to young children in a lower-income part of town. Many of the students come from families in the mountains and would not have the same education opportunities if the school was not there.
    She lives about twenty-five minutes outside of Chiang Mai city in a house with several other people. Most everything they need is within walking distance and most “comforts” are available one motorbike ride into the city.
    Key Scripture
    Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
    Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
    Philippians 4:6-8
    Challenge
    After Samara had been at School of Promise for only a couple of months, two of the students had to relocate and were unable to find suitable housing. Because they needed a place to stay, they lived in the same house as Samara for over ten months. But then things took a surprising turn.
    Revelation
    Samara's call and commitment to her time in Thailand is to be a church planter. Not in the sense of creating congregations and buildings but by raising up believers and discipling them.
    Since so much of her time is taken by her job as a teacher, it can sometimes be hard to reconcile the calling on her life with how much time she spends with children. But God reminded her of something.
    In our chat, she shared the story of a time when that investment started to pay off. And what she shared reminded me of the time I spent talking with Jay Judson and Rich Frazer.
    Current Ministry
    One exciting change has been a recently formed small group for teenage girls. They have seen remarkable openness and vulnerability among the girls, which is very uncommon in Thai culture.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Take the opportunity to offer prayer to people who are sick or in need. It's uncomfortable but it can really change things.
    Level Up
    43 min
  • EM023: Next Stop, Belfate Honduras with Jordan Boom

    While Jordan Boom was on a short-term missions trip to Honduras, God began working on her heart. He’s called her to take a year to go help at The Cornerstone Foundation. She’ll be working with Dr. Jeff McKenney and the rest of the team.
    As you might have gathered, though, she’s currently in the US, raising support. In fact, she'll be leaving just a few days after this is published.

    Life in Ministry
    The main ministry of The Cornerstone Foundation is a hospital but it's so much more than that. In an effort to glorify God and serve the community around them, they also operate a bilingual school, a children's home, and are involved in an agricultural ministry.
    When Jordan arrives in Belfate, Honduras she'll be involved in producing promotional videos as well as training videos for the hospital there. However, like the rest of the staff, she'll be wearing multiple hats; she'll serve in multiple areas.
    She's really looking forward to seeing how God stretches her into new areas of ministry.
    Key Scripture
    Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
    Romans 12:1-2
    Jordan mentioned that it's common to return from a short-term trip refreshed but it was different knowing that she was going back for a year. She knew that she would need to start serving more where she was. To do that, she changed where she was living and began the practice of laying aside her desires so that God could use her to serve others.
    Challenge
    Preparing for this change, the process of renewing her mind has been challenging for Jordan. While we might all long for that immediate, easy change, that's not what it's been like. It's been a daily process of refocusing on Jesus.
    As she's been walking through this time, failure made her feel bad but one day she opened her devotional and God's direction for her was clear.
    DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF
    I bring good even out of your mistakes. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for others in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on me.
    That reminded me of something Brent and Temple Cundall shared in their interview.
    Revelation
    It's normal to worry about the fundraising process but Jordan knew that God would provide. Even so, it was tough for her to not worry, especially about some specific bills that needed to be paid.
    What she didn't know, though, was that a simple Human Resources mistake was God's savings account for her to take care of those bills completely, extravagantly, with more left over.
    Current Ministry
    Jordan is really excited because when she goes to Honduras, she doesn't fully know what she'll be doing. She knows that she'll be involved in video production. Beyond that, as the team gets to know her skills and abilities, they will be finding new areas for her to serve.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.
    1 John 3:16
    0 min

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