Engaging Missions

Engaging Missions

By Bryan EntzmingerReligion & SpiritualityChristianityEducationSelf-Improvement
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Engaging Missions episodes

  • EM018: Bible-Based Environmental Education in Kenya with Curt Bryson

    I'm really excited to bring you Curt Bryson today. Curt is a former roommate of mine, a good friend of mine, and he was able to join me in the studio.
    He's been in Kenya for the past two years and is planning to return in a few months. Over the last two years he's been working with Suba Environmental Education of Kenya (S.E.E.K), which was founded by Don and Nancy Richards. With his involvement in S.E.E.K. he's been able to offer training programs in schools, minister to widows and orphans, and has started a few things that we discussed in this interview.

    Life in Ministry
    Curt shared that his life in ministry isn't all that different from having a job. In fact, he has a job – ministering at S.E.E.K. He teaches environmental studies in schools every day and leads Bible studies. He has days off and regular work hours just like the rest of us. It's just that his work is a little different.

    Key Scripture
    Curt said that the entire time he's been in Kenya, this scripture has guided his perspective and his actions. When times are tough or when things seem to be going well, he remembers Christ and Him crucified.
    Challenge
    For Curt, one of the most difficult things he went through was his transition during the first month. During that time, he had a hard time because he was accustomed to being surrounded by friends and family but went to Kenya alone. The cultural and language differences were made it hard for him to connect at first and he instantly realized he no longer had the support he used to enjoy.
    During that time he had to focus on his time alone with God. Incidentally, that also shaped how he approached challenges during the remainder of his time there.
    Revelation
    Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
    James 5:16
    During on a ministry trip to one of the villages, Curt felt like the Holy Spirit led him to focus on the “prayer of a righteous man availeth much” part of James 5:16. Because of that, he took the opportunity to pray for a pregnant mother, which led to the story he shared.
    Current Ministry
    Curt has a heart to help students in Kenya who are unable to afford education. Unlike the US and many nations where high school education is compulsory, it is expensive for Kenyans to continue their education. So much that in the county where he lives, only 11% of children attend high school.
    And, without that education, most are destined to a life of driving a motorcycle, fishing on Lake Victoria, or prostitution.
    However, unlike many aid programs, they do not give resources to the children. Rather, they disciple them and give them jobs so that they can have the dignity of paying their own way.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Many who are called to the marketplace are missionaries even though they've never been on a mission trip. When you carry the light of Christ, everywhere you go you're somewhat of a missionary.
    “Anybody who carries the light of Christ anywhere they go and tells people about Christ is doing missions.”
    Level Up
    Two things that could really help missionaries are to pay attention to what they're doing and help get the word out. In a world where most of the news is negative and focused on hate and fear, we need people whose perspective allows them to share the Good News of the Kingdom across the globe.
    29 min
  • EM017: Supporting National Missionaries with Tony Evans of Mission Voice Network

    I'm really excited to bring you this week's guest, Tony Evans. I connected with him through Brent Bazler, who is a former guest of the show but we're not here to talk about Brent today; Tony is our featured guest.
    Following a career as an entrepreneur, Tony Evans began helping support the National Missionaries in rural India. Tony is now the US director for Mission Voice Network, which is primarily a church planting ministry with indigenous missionaries in the remote villages of India. They come alongside these missionaries who are already faithfully proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    With 80% of India's 1.2 billion people living in rural areas, the need is great. Only 20% of the missions focus in India is on these 800 million people who have never heard the name of Jesus Christ. And the harvest is plentiful.
    Key Scripture

    Challenge
    When Tony looks back at the wake of his life, he sees many instances where God has intervened. But one of the most poignant was the loss of their 9-year-old son to leukemia. Even in that difficult time, God was faithful.
    Revelation
    During Tony's career as an entrepreneur, there was a time when he was called in to consult on a problem. While there was a group that had been working on the problem for days, he had no information at all. So, on the way, he prayed for wisdom. When he arrived, he had the answer within minutes.
    But that's not where the story ends. God showed him something after that.
    Current Ministry
    Tony's purpose is to raise prayer and financial support in the US for the ministry that's happening in India. He's continually amazed by what they accomplish with so few resources.
    He also suggests that we connect with the ministry's founder, Brother V when He's in the US. You can find out more by visiting their website at MissionVoiceNetwork.org.
    Significance in the Marketplace
    Level Up
    Speed Round
    Hindsight

    * Tony prefers to live the adventure in the moment. He wouldn't change anything.

    Best Advice
    Personal Success Habit

    * Tony's strength is in organization and the efficient use of resources.

    Internet Resource

    * Bible.is One App. 997 Languages (so far)

    Book Recommendation

    * The Insanity of God: A True Story of Faith Resurrected

    Shifts in Society
    Tony isn't sure that God's behind what we see happening but he says that there's a real opportunity there. We tend to not associate with people who aren't like us but we should.
    Cross-Cultural Ministry
    In a phrase, love them. We want a step-by-step plan in the US but that's not how it works.
    New Place
    Pray and fast. Without God's direction, without Him going with us, our best laid plans mean nothing.
    Parting Advice
    Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
    Colossians 3:12-14
    34 min
  • EM016: Church Planting Multiplication with Jay Judson

    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 Ministry
    Jay 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 Scripture
    Challenge
    In 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.
    Revelation
    Meeting 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. He
    Current Ministry
    He'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 Marketplace
    Jay 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 Up
    Jay 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.
    29 min
  • EM016: Church Planting Multiplication with Jay Judson

    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 Ministry

    Jay 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 Scripture

    I must decrease so that He can increase. (See John 3:30)

    Click To Tweet

    Challenge

    In 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.

    Revelation

    Meeting 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. He

    Current Ministry

    He’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 Marketplace

    Jay 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 Up

    Jay 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 Davis
    • National Christian Foundation

    Speed RoundBest Advice

    I must decrease and Jesus must increase through other leaders who are multiplying.

    Personal Success Habit

    Get on people’s turf who are far from God.

    Internet Resource
    • JustObeyJesus.com

    Book Recommendation
    • Church Multiplication Guide Revised: The Miracle of Church Reproduction

    Shifts in Society

    If 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 Neighbors

    Practice 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 Place

    Spiritual 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 Info
    • JustObeyJesus.com

    Resources
    • JustObeyJesus.com
    • Church Multiplication Guide Revised: The Miracle of Church Reproduction
    • JustObeyJesus.com
    • Ratings on Pinterest
    • Ratings on Engaging Missions
    • Be a Fully Funded Missionary

    29 min
  • EM015: Uncommon Missions Destination with Brent and Temple Cundall

    Brent and Temple Cundall are raising support to go to an unexpected missions destination – The United Kingdom. Their mission is to raise up indigenous worship leaders to write the “heart songs” of the Hindi language and they’re currently in the States, raising funds to make the leap.
    Some people might be confused by a calling to a developed country. Especially a country such as the UK, the launching pad for the Wesley brothers and the home of C.S. Lewis, to name just a few. But their call is specific to the South Asian community of Southall, where it can feel more like India than England.
    As we talked and they shared their heart, it became clear that there is a huge opportunity in sharing the love of Christ in a community where people are in transition, assimilating to a new culture. We have similar opportunities all around us as our lives and communities become more diverse. Let's learn from what God is doing in their lives.
    Key Scripture
    After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
    “Salvation belongs to our God,
    who sits on the throne,
    and to the Lamb.”
    Revelation 7:9-10
    Challenge
    Temple shared one of the aspects of raising funds that emotionally drained her. In the end, though, God provided as she was obedient.
    Revelation
    Brent shared how he and Temple have approached this calling, always asking God for the right answer rather than the affirmative answer. From their first trip to Southall to the process of being approved by World Harvest (now SERGE), they have been submitted. They never went into something expecting a certain answer, they just wanted God to show them what they should see.
    As we chatted, they also shared their plan for approaching this assignment as servants, even though they're being brought in as experts. Their heart is to raise up other people, not to glorify themselves.
    Current Ministry
    They are really excited about the ministry opportunities. The church they'll be joining has 4 baptisms upcoming, each from a different major world religion. Brent said they know that this is just a taste of what is possible, knowing that only 2% of the Indian population is Christian worldwide.
    Temple shared a little about SERGE's ministry model. It's based on placing a community of believers in the middle of an otherwise non-believing community and allowing the contagion of the Gospel to spread.
    Level Up
    Brent and Temple are raising funds right now so they're very aware of the challenges and the value of that one-time and monthly donation. So, the easy answer is, “increase your giving.”
    There are other ways to give, though. Perhaps a gift card or offering a place to stay while they are on furlough could go a long way. Beyond that, communication is really important. That email letting a missionary know that you're there and paying attention can really mean a lot.
    Speed Round
    Hindsight:
    Best Advice

    Support and Encouragement
    Brent and Temple have had several friends who have really been cheerleaders and supporters. They've helped organize events, pray together, and raise funds. And they've had several older missionaries guide and mentor them through this process.
    Personal Success Habit
    33 min
  • EM014: Helping Missionaries Manage Their Support with Paul Yoder of DonorElf

    Paul Yoder was a full-time missionary with Word Made Flesh. During that time he was closely involved with the struggles missionaries have raising and tracking support and developed some software that helped them. Ultimately, though, he had to leave after only 9 months.
    After leaving, Paul entered the workforce full-time. Still, he couldn't forget the challenges he and other missionaries faced every day in managing their support. Finally, he decided to take what he'd already done and develop a new web application to help missionaries address the specific pain points he and others were experiencing.
    Out of that desire to take the headache out of tracking support, DonorElf was born. Paul's hope is that missionaries will be able to focus more on what's most important in their lives and ministries.
    In this week's interview, Paul and I talk a little about DonorElf. Through it all, though, as we focused on the story of God in his life, we saw so clearly how God has had His hand on Paul's life through all the twists and turns his life took.
    Key Quote
    Paul shared two quotes that are really meaningful to him.

    Challenge
    There was a time when shortly after the birth of Paul's first son that he was working full-time and working on DonorElf, too. It was becoming too much and Paul was about to burn out.
    It was exactly at that time God began to show him the other side of the Sabbath. It's not just about rest; Paul shares what God showed Him.
    Revelation
    There was a time when Paul was struggling with why God would have him move to be involved with a missions organization, knowing that he would fail at that and have to reenter the workforce. As he prayed about it, God revealed something very meaningful to him.
    Current Ministry
    Much of Paul's current ministry is tied to DonorElf. It's already doing great things for missionaries and he personally handles many of the things an IT department would handle for larger organizations. Still, he wants it to do more and he shared several things he's hoping to add to the software so that it can be even more helpful.
    Level Up
    Speed Round
    Hindsight
    Paul wishes he would have known how much work it would be. But he's glad he didn't because he might not have built DonorElf in the first place.
    Best Advice
    Support and Encouragement
    One very important person has believed in Paul and his vision for DonorElf since the beginning.
    Personal Success Habit
    Paul starts his morning very early (listen to find out how early) so that he can pray, read the Bible, and work on DonorElf before he leaves for work.
    Internet Resource
    Paul shared two internet resources

    * Boomerang for Gmail
    * Postagram

    Book Recommendation
    The God Ask by Steve Shadrach

    * Audible (free with trial)
    * Amazon

    New Place
    Paul loves the outdoors. Find out what he'd do if he found himself in a new place.
    Parting Advice
    Contact Info
    24 min

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