In this episode, Jim and Teena talk with Andy Littleton about his quest to rekindle friendships after a devastating loss. This conversation is full of life and the tensions and joy that accompany it. If you've ever lost a friend or have (lost) hope for more meaningful friendships- welcome to the conversation.

If you want to join Andy on this unfolding journey you can follow along through the links below!

Patreon & Website-

www.patreon.com/AndyLittleton

andylittleton.com

Instagram-

@2000MilestoWrigley - Instagram

@andygramz - Personal Insta

@alittlemission - Ministry Insta

Episode Summary:

In this moving episode, Teena Dare is joined by Clint Leavitt and Bikonzi Moise to explore the redemptive power of story and relationship. Bikonzi shares his family’s miraculous journey from the Congo, surviving a concentration camp, and ultimately resettling in the United States. Together with Clint, who co-authored a book about Bikonzi’s life, they discuss the importance of telling stories that humanize and connect us, especially in a world often divided by single narratives and stereotypes. Bikonzi also describes some of the people in the US who loved him and his family in transformational ways simply by seeing through the barriers to the wonderful gift they are.

You can read more of Bikonzi’s story and Clint’s artful writing in: Cockroaches, God, Death, and Mangoes: https://www.theleavittlens.com/book

Learn more about Bikonzi’s work with Mission One: https://mission1.org/meet-bikonzi/

Explore the Surge Network: https://www.surgenetwork.com/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share :)

In this conversation, Jim sits down with Juan Chavez, a leader of both a non-profit organization and for-profit business, to have a conversation about seeking to be a kingdom preview in the community of South Phoenix. Together, they discuss the transition from non-profit to profit, the importance of shared leadership, taking the small steps to big dreams, and how to find both rest and drive directly from the Lord.

We have the privilege to share a conversation originally recorded for Redemption Tempe's All of Life Podcast: (https://tempe.redemptionaz.com/podcasts)

In this conversation, Pastors Jim Mullins and John Crawford sit down with Ty Wince, a passionate technology leader working at the intersection of AI and healthcare, to engage emerging realities related to Artificial Intelligence through a biblical worldview.

Together, they discuss the practical uses of AI in daily life and work, the hopes and fears Christians may have about new technology, and how AI can both enhance and challenge our creativity, relationships, and sense of responsibility. The conversation dives deep into the gifts of creation, the dangers of idolatry, the importance of human connection, and the ethical questions believers must wrestle with as AI becomes more integrated into our lives.

We hope this conversation can be a starting point for continued prayer, dialogue and discernment as we seek to be faithful to follow Jesus in an ever-evolving world.

If you are interested in Ty's writing related to product management, technology, leadership, climate, energy, and healthcare, you can find it here at www.tylerwince.com

In this episode, Gavin Linderman shares his passion for mystery, authentic relationships, and reimagining the boundaries between church, business, and community. He discusses his work with Banquet, a business dedicated to revitalizing neighborhoods by fostering “kingdom ecosystems” that blend entrepreneurship, art, and spiritual life. Gavin explores the importance of breaking negative narratives in communities, supporting artists as missionaries, and embracing the unknown—using Bigfoot as a metaphor for curiosity and the spiritual realm. The conversation also touches on the value of reconnecting with mortality, transforming everyday spaces into sanctuaries, and practical ways listeners can bring light and meaning to their own communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on living out faith beyond traditional walls.

Explore Gavin’s work with Banquet: https://www.projectbanquet.com/saymore

Discover Axiom: https://axiomchurchaz.com/

Learn about the Surge Network: https://www.surgenetwork.com/

In this special episode, co-hosts Teena and Jim kick off the new season with a unique twist: instead of interviewing a guest, they dive into a reflective exercise designed to help them—and listeners—learn to delight in the often-overlooked aspects of life. Drawing from Jim’s creative practice, they each choose something they typically resist or undervalue (for Teena, restoring order at home; for Jim, baseball) and walk through a six-step process to cultivate appreciation and gratitude.

The conversation is rich with personal stories, honest struggles, and thoughtful insights about attention, creativity, and the hidden gifts in everyday routines. Along the way, Teena and Jim explore how their perspectives have been shaped by past experiences, how they see echoes of the divine in mundane tasks, and how embracing new disciplines can lead to deeper joy and connection.

Watch this episode on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U19mMC9jwE&t=36s

Here is the exercise for you to try out! Let us know what you choose and how it goes.

Learning to Delight in God’s World (Especially the Overlooked Parts)

There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world, that is not intended to make us rejoice. - John Calvin

There are many aspects of God’s world that we often overlook or even resist delighting in. But with intentionality and attentiveness, we can cultivate a deep appreciation and gratitude toward God, even for the things we typically ignore or don’t typically value.

Here are six practices to help you cultivate delight in God’s gifts and see the overlooked goodness in God’s world:

1. See it through the eyes of someone who loves it. Borrow someone else’s affection for and let their appreciation awaken your own curiosity.

2. Learn its context. Explore its history, purpose, or ecosystem. Understanding often unlocks awe.

3. Truly experience it. Don’t just observe it from afar. Step into it. Try it. Engage your senses.

4. Prayerfully Contemplate. Pay attention to the intricacies of it, who is impacted by it, and hidden brilliance within your things. Let that detail lead you into worship and thanksgiving.

5. Examine your story about it. What’s your personal narrative around this thing? Identify the ways your personal narratives prevent you from seeing the hidden goodness. Even if there are some truly broken aspects of your “thing,” God’s grace is always at work and there are likely stories of people who are resisting that evil. Or it’s merely a good aspect of God’s world that has been twisted and is not being used the way God wants it.

6. Look for the echoes of God. What does this thing reflect about God? Where is His beauty, order, or creativity, or providence hidden inside?

Shownotes:

In our final episode of our series, “We Belong,” Teena sits down with Kaylah and Andy to talk about how the stories we bring to life can be the source of God’s hope in the world. They explore the power of Christians supporting one another on the entrepreneurial journey, the beauty of stories told that echo hope and redemption, and the awe-inspiring faithfulness of God to weave our lives in ways we could never imagine.

Explore Kaylah Rasmussen’s 2D-Animation work: https://thewindstudio.com/

And connect online: Patreon: kaylahr (patreon.com/kaylahr)

X: @TheWindAnimateS

Discover Infuse Tucson: http://infusetucson.com/about

Follow Andy’s Journey of friendship rekindled: @2000milestowrigley

And explore Surge Network: www.surgenetwork.com and the Global Faith and Work Initiative: www.globalfaithandwork.com

Gary is a believer, husband, father, and the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Major League Dad. Gary has worked with fathers and families in many capacities for almost two decades. His story with his father has helped build and support the fathers he serves through Major League Dad. His focus is on fathers in low-socioeconomic areas to strengthen the family unit and propel those fathers to lead in the home and community.

Website: https://www.majorleaguedad.org/

Watch this conversation on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvM2tIUtv0o

Learn more about the Surge Network: https://www.surgenetwork.com/

Discover the work of the Global Faith and Work Initiative: https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Gary Freeman wades into deep waters, starting with an honest reflection on the terrifying reality of becoming a father. Teena and Gary continue into greater depths as they navigate conversations around what is truly required to champion the fullness of life for families- with special attention to fathers on the margins of society. This conversation does not shy away from tensions, but leans into the gray spaces that our polarized conversations often refuse to touch. This episode is an invitation for us all to consider what belonging to the family of God means for how we can create and embrace belonging- through our everyday work and rest- for those often left out of the conversation.

00:00 Introduction to the Series

02:10 Brokenness and Redemption in Becoming a Father

07:24 The Beautiful Gift and Terrifying Responsibility of Children

12:58 Major League Dads

18:33 Supporting Men to Become Phenomenal Fathers

24:21 How Jesus Supported the Twelve

27:25 Growth in Ministry

32:41 From Local Pregnancy Centers to a National Organization

41:16 How Distance Breeds Self-Righteousness

46:09 How Different Industries Can Connect to This Topic

55:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Teena is joined by Esau McCaulley, PhD and John Onwuchekwa, DMin to talk about the narratives that shape our life and faith and the power of narrative in hospitality, business and theology. John shares his journey with Portrait coffee and then into his time curating conversations around grief and hope, connected with his book, We Go On. Esau opens up his story with Reading while Black and the shift into writing a much more personal narrative, How Far to the Promised Land. They also chat about their favorite coffee beans, Esau’s new church plant and the elusive nature of “success”.

Watch this conversation on our youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShHjeH27DZ0&t=3678s

Explore more from Esau McCaulley: https://esaumccaulley.com/

Explore more from John Onwuchekwa: https://www.johno.co/

Discover the Global Faith and Work Initiative here: https://www.globalfaithandwork.com/

Learn more about the Surge Network here: https://www.surgenetwork.com/

00:00 Introduction to the Series

01:24 Meet the Guests: Dr. Esau McCauley and John Onwuchekwa

06:32 John's Coffee Business Journey

13:56 The Impact of Narrative on Business

22:45 Esau's Journey and Reflections on Ministry

34:39 The Provocative Nature of the Book

35:02 Unexpected Success and Public Attention

35:37 Navigating Fame and Personal Boundaries

37:05 Embracing the Impact of 'Reading While Black'

38:38 Family Dynamics and Hometown Recognition

40:03 Intentional Church Leadership

45:02 The Role of Liturgy in Personal Faith

47:03 Diverse Church Experiences

51:46 Writing and Touring: The Emotional Toll

01:03:57 The Power of Storytelling and Grief

01:07:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Erick Goss shares his profound journey of following the Spirit into new territories of his life and vocation. From his beginnings at the Naval Academy through his time at Amazon and into nearly facing bankruptcy while building a Christian Children's media company, Erick discusses the importance of carefully listening to God and to those he works alongside. When he introduces us to Minno Kids, he emphasizes the critical yet often overlooked need for investing in children's spiritual education and family formation. Through personal highs and lows, Eric reveals how his deep reliance on God's guidance and collaboration with others has shaped his approach to creating impactful content that communicates the gospel to young hearts and minds.

Discover Minno Kids: www.gominno.com

Find more about Erick here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickgoss/

Learn more about the Surge Network: www.surgenetwork.com

Explore the Global Faith & Work Initiative: www.globalfaithandwork.com

Timeline

00:00 - Introduction

02:20 - Discerning God's call

07:52 - Getting into Children's Media

11:50 - The Why Behind the What

16:07 - The Humility of Collaboration

18:25 - Navigating Power Dynamics in Collaboration

25:01 - Curiosity in Leadership

27:22 - Wisdom from the Mouths of Babes (And Everyone Else)

31:49 - Kingdom of God as Joy in the Workplace

33:54 - Flipping the Corporate Ladder

49:32 - Formation through Content