Followed By Mercy

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As we venture into the heart of God's calling for His glory to envelop the earth, I, W Austin Gardner, invite you to stand shoulder to shoulder with believers who are responding to this call with vigor. Numbers 14:21 isn't just a verse; it's our battle cry in the mission for world evangelism. In today's episode, we tackle the hard truths of aligning our lives with our values and the teachings of the Bible, while embracing the qualities that every missionary needs: empathy, transparency, and the agility to adjust to ever-changing mission fields. Prepare to be emboldened to take up the torch and spread the Gospel, as we dissect the urgent global vision that should pulsate through every church and the heart of every leader.

Brace yourself for a stirring narrative, woven with the threads of Brazil's societal fabric, imprinted with struggle but drenched in hope through earnest intercession and the transformative power of the Gospel. We delve into stories of relentless faith and divine purpose, from the life of Mr. Pensotti to the influential teachings in "The Master Plan of Evangelism" by Robert Coleman, which has notably sculpted my ministry approach. These tales are not mere echoes of the past; they are the fuel that ignites the spirit of our youth, urging them to immerse in Scripture, prayer, and church life, readying themselves for the extraordinary ways in which God seeks to write them into His grand narrative. Join us, as we share these profound journeys and reflect on how they shape our continuous mission to reveal God's glory across the globe.

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Possible tweets or shares

A mentor's commitment is like a foot race, where you teach your mentee, help them grow, and strive to stay ahead to guide them - it's a remarkable journey of learning and progress. #MentorshipCommitment #LifeLongLearning

Establishing a positive and trusting relationship is crucial. It's about building trust, effective communication, and actively listening to your mentee. #TrustBasedMentorship #EffectiveCommunication


Embrace the push to constantly grow and learn from your mentee, acknowledging that mentoring is a two-way street - a journey of mutual enlightenment and enrichment. #PersonalGrowth #MentorshipProgress

Mentorship is not about using your mentee to build yourself. Instead, it's about preparing them to surpass you - nurturing them to become the best they can be. #NurtureFutureLeaders #EmpowerOthers

Clarify your motivations for becoming a mentor and be willing to let your mentee go when they're ready to spread their wings and become all that they were meant to be. #MentorshipMotivation #LettingGo

Mentorship is not about achieving personal fame or building a big church. Instead, it's about how well your mentee learns to walk with Jesus, love their family, and contribute to their community. #PurposefulMentorship #ImpactfulLeaders

Learn how to handle it when your mentee doesn't take your advice - it's part of the mentorship journey and the process of letting go for them to find their own way. #AdviceandGrowth #LettingGo

Measure success by how well your mentee learns and grows rather than personal gain. It's about nurturing their spiritual and personal development. #SuccessInMentorship #NurturingFutureLeaders

The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman

The Training of the Twelve: How Jesus Christ Found and Taught the 12 Apostles; A Book of New Testament Biography

Mentoring is life on life, investing in others and helping them grow into leaders.

Availability is key. Determine how much time you're willing to invest in mentoring.

Building a positive and trusting relationship is vital for effective mentoring.

Actively listen and communicate with your mentee to ensure they understand what you're teaching

Recognize your limitations and be prepared to help your mentee seek additional guidance from others.

Mentor with the intention of helping your mentee surpass your own success.

Consider your motivations for being a mentor 

Be ready to handle possible conflicts and challenges.

Measure success by how well your mentee learns and grows in ministry, not by their achievements benefiting you.

Support your mentee even when they choose a different path than the advice you provided.

Be willing to accept that your mentee is God's person, not yours.

Embark on a transformative journey with m

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Embark on a transformative voyage with me, Austin Gardner, as we explore the ancient roots of world evangelism and unveil the sacred duty bestowed upon God's followers. Discover insights that illuminate your purpose as a 'kingdom of priests' from Exodus 19:6, and grasp the profound significance of this role in our contemporary missionary endeavors. I also share the delicate art of time management for those laboring on the mission field, weaving personal anecdotes with practical strategies to maximize your impact without sacrificing your well-being.

This episode also celebrates the pivotal influence of church leadership in igniting a passion for global evangelism, while offering a heartfelt tribute to the inspiring legacy of John Paton. You'll find a treasure trove of wisdom in the church's mission to share Christ's love worldwide, along with a resourceful checklist to gauge your readiness for missionary work. Finally, I extend an invitation to affirm your faith and salvation, challenging you to take definitive steps toward the mission field and engage with our community on social media to advance the cause of world evangelism.

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"A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you than you see in yourself and brings it out of you." - Bob Proctor

"Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction." - John Crosby

"If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else." - Booker T. Washington

"Advice is like snow - the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon and the deeper it sinks into the mind." - Samuel Taylor

Key Take Aways

• It's not really just about teaching trade secrets. It's about caring about the person, knowing their weaknesses and strengths.
• We're not users, we're givers. We're not taking advantage, we're trying to help others.
• Being transparent is vulnerable. It lets people see you as you really are.
• Communication is not what I said, it's what they heard.
• Help them know it's safe to ask you questions. Let them know they can feel comfortable being vulnerable in front of you.
• Ask questions, don't make assumptions, because everybody's journey is unique.
• In 2 Timothy 2, the apostle Paul told Timothy: now, Timothy, what you've heard me say in front of a lot of people, I want you to go find some other people that you can say it to, and I want you to find people that can tell others what you're saying. So I'm going to teach you to teach others.

Have you ever glimpsed the untapped potential in someone, itching to guide them towards realizing it? Join me, Austin Gardner, as I recount the transformative experiences of mentoring, from young men in Peru to the leaders in the States. This episode is an intimate look at the reciprocal enrichment of both mentor and mentee—where seeing and fostering hidden promise nurtures a legacy that transcends generations. I lay bare the cornerstone of mentorship: mutual growth, a journey we embark on together, challenging and supporting each other to be our best selves. It's about more than just advice; it's about forming connections that forge stronger individuals and communities.

We also unravel the threads of authenticity and vulnerability that are essential to building lasting mentor-mentee bonds. Let's learn from the trials of Charles Spurgeon and draw inspiration from "The Dream Giver," understanding how to balance encouragement with the necessary push beyond comfort zones. Throughout our dialogue, we recognize the role of an active listener and probe the depths of what it truly means to stand by someone's side as they confront and conquer their fears. This is more than a podcast—it's a guide to becoming an indispensable pillar in someone's life, where the act of mentoring becomes a symbiotic dance of growth and fulfillment. So, come along and find out how you can leave an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those you guide, shaping a support system that resonates through the ages.

Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes into Stepping Stones for Success

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Key take aways

"God is a missionary God, and the entire Bible talks about it."

 "There's a job for you in getting the gospel to the world."

"Time alone in prayer, time in meditation, time listening to the Holy Spirit - that's what it's going to take to last as a missionary."

Country of the Week, Pakistan
Book of the Week, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya
Verse of the Week, Genesis 9:17
Person of the Week, John and Betty Stam

Embark on a journey through the heart of world evangelism, where the promise of God's covenant from Genesis stretches out to the furthest corners of the Earth. As we traverse the challenging yet fertile fields of Pakistan, a nation thirsting for the Gospel amidst severe persecution, we uncover the profound need to spread God's word. Drawing on Ruth Tucker's "From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya," we delve deep into the rich tapestry of Christian missionary history, offering both insight and inspiration. The personal story of my friend David Maddox's solo mission trips serves as a stirring example of the individual impact one can have in fulfilling the Great Commission.

Feeling that tug on your heartstrings, that call to serve? This episode is a treasure trove of encouragement and guidance for those discerning a life in ministry. My booklet "Are You Called?" provides a navigation tool for young people to evaluate their readiness across personal, financial, and spiritual spectrums. It is more than just a conversation; it's a lifeline for those who yearn to train others in the ministry and find their identity in Christ. Join us, share your faith journey, and be part of a community that's passionate about igniting a global spiritual awakening. Together, let's celebrate the transformative power of sharing Jesus's love across the world.

John and Betty Stam

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Have you ever pondered how the vast cultural tapestry of the United States impacts the mission of spreading the Gospel? Our latest episode takes you on a journey through the unique challenges and bountiful opportunities for evangelism within America's borders. With an eye on the diversity that defines this nation, we dissect how the wealth and resources at our disposal can magnify our efforts to fulfill the Great Commission. We offer prayers for our leaders and churches, and we confront the tension between cultural Christianity and the authentic message of Jesus, guided by the powerful narrative of Exodus 9. Discover the profound implications of God's sovereignty and His desire for His name to be proclaimed globally, amid a world teeming with man-made idols.

The path of a missionary is often misunderstood, paved with expectations and misconceptions. In this heart-to-heart, we extend a hand of understanding and grace to those brave souls, affirming that they are not just bearers of faith, but learners and nurturers amidst the fields of diverse cultures. We address the joys and pressures of their calling, the sustaining power of prayer, and the wisdom to be harvested from historical figures like Zinzendorf and transformative principles such as the Treasure Principle. Join us in a respectful and loving tribute to the missionaries and their supporters, as we underscore the importance of sowing the seeds of the Gospel with a spirit of joy and unity.

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When the unimaginable happens and we're left navigating the dark waters of grief, finding a beacon of hope can be a formidable challenge. Bridgette Young, a missionary with a heartrending story of loss, joins me to share how therapy became that beacon for her, illuminating a path through the pain. Bridgette's candid discussion about her virtual therapy journey from Colombia, and the profound effect grief had on her physical health, underscores the often-overlooked necessity of professional support during such times. Through her story, we're given an intimate look at the intricate process of healing, and how prioritizing one's well-being can make all the difference.

As our conversation unfolds, we explore the complex tapestry of trauma, identity, and faith. The narrative takes us through the emotional labyrinth of pregnancy termination due to medical reasons, a friend's empathetic response that became a cornerstone of healing, and the vital role of specialized counseling. We confront the cultural pressures that can obscure a woman's identity in Christ, discussing how to find true purpose that transcends the roles of wife and mother. Bridgette and I also tackle the transformative power of empathy and the liberating realization that our worth is deeply rooted in our relationship with God, not the societal constructs around us.

Closing this episode, we reflect on the enduring strength derived from faith and scripture amidst life's most harrowing losses. Bridgette and I share personal encounters with divine goodness and mercy, even when God's plans seem shrouded in mystery. Our discussion culminates with Bridgette's courageous step into authorship, driven by a desire to share God's transformative work in her life with others. As we celebrate the resilience of the human spirit and the solace found in shared stories, this special edition of the World Evangelism Podcast is a testament to the unwavering hope that comes from community and faith in the face of adversity.

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As a beacon of inspiration, our latest podcast episode unfurls the narrative of world evangelism, a story not of obligation but of elation in sharing salvation's joy. We weave through the rich tapestry of God's unending love, from the very blueprint of creation to the present day, beckoning a prayerful focus on global mission fields, like Indonesia's vibrant youth. The pages of "Christian Missions in Biblical Perspective" by J Herbert Kane await those yearning for a scriptural compass, guiding the missionary's heart amid the diverse landscapes of faith.

Amidst our profound discussions, we elevate the enduring spirit of Georgia Webb, whose legacy in equipping missionaries with Spanish whispers through the corridors of time, inspiring single women called to this sacred journey. Bridget Young, the poignant voice behind "Lost in the Gray," blesses us with her testimony, confronting the complexities of faith when life's hues blur. Together, we explore the essence of contribution in God's work—whether through giving or going—and invite you to join our ongoing mission to empower evangelism with your insights and stories, creating a fellowship enriched by the transformative message of Jesus Christ.

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Have you ever found yourself questioning the purpose behind life's most painful moments? Bridgette Young joins us, and with a voice that echoes the strength of the human spirit, she shares the heartbreak of losing two children to ectopic pregnancies, and the anger with God that followed. Her openness offers a guiding light to those who have felt lost in the shadows of grief and reinforces the lesson that faith can emerge stronger from the fires of suffering. We draw inspiration from biblical figures, finding solace in the stories of Joseph and Moses, as Bridget shares the poignant significances behind the names of her lost children.

Amidst the storm of sorrow, there's a tale of a mother's courage as she wrestles with depression while trying to keep life normal for her daughter, Willow. The dance between shielding her child and the eventual embrace of vulnerability within her marriage paints a raw picture of the familial ripple effects of loss. We also get an exclusive glimpse into her soon-to-be-released book, offering a beacon of hope for others navigating the murky waters of grief. The conversation shifts to a heartfelt account of how therapy, despite initial resistance, carved a path toward healing through the wise counsel of a retired pastor.

We round out our conversation by confronting the stigma of therapy and counseling within the Christian community. Bridgette and I share personal insights into the transformative power of seeking professional guidance, unpacking the false beliefs that can prevent many from accessing the support they need. By sharing the creation of a grief journal and discussing the benefits of therapy, we extend an invitation to find strength and solace in embracing our own emotional wellbeing. Join us for this deep and necessary exploration into the ways we can emerge victorious from life's most challenging trials.

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Discover the timeless calling that began with a man named Abram and the profound impact it has had on my journey of faith and service. As we navigate the story of world evangelism, I'm thrilled to share how the Jewish nation's role in bringing forth the Scriptures, the church, and the Messiah laid the foundation for a global mission that transcends all boundaries. The compelling tale of Bill Wallace, a medical missionary whose dedication and sacrifice in China have left an eternal legacy, has been a personal beacon of inspiration for me. Through these narratives, I invite you to consider how we, too, are called to be a blessing to nations far and wide, sharing the transformative love of Jesus with every corner of the earth.

Our adventure doesn't stop at ancient paths; it leads us to the vibrant and spiritually thirsty land of India, where the challenges and opportunities for Christian missions abound. Here, I recount the vivid experiences and the heartfelt longing for the youth to rise with passion for missionary work. We also honor the unwavering spirit of Bridget Young, who despite personal trials, continues to serve with steadfast faith in Colombia. This episode is a call to action, an encouragement for the church to equip the next wave of missionaries, and a reminder of the imminent hope in Christ's return. Join us as we explore the urgency of the gospel's reach and the shared commitment to glorify God in the tapestry of world evangelism.

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