• How he found Jesus through Young Life

Great quotes form Matt:

Realizing that God created me in that way, and is excited when I utilize that creative side was just a real gift to me.

Lectio davina helps us be with God.

Resources Matt mentioned (affiliate links):

• Matt’s FREE email course for Halfway There listeners! Sign up now.

The post Matt Rhodes Blends Spiritual Formation and Creativity appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Rob Burns is a pastor in Detroit at Detroit Chinese Alliance Church and has also served as a missionary in the Balkans. Today, Rob shares his story of his calling into cross-cultural ministry both overseas and in the United States. Rob and I go way back to his seminary days. At the time, I was in college and we worked together. He remembers my wife bringing us brownies. I remember him as an astute critic and observer of events and one of the best conversationalists in the world. To have a conversation with Rob means you’ll walk away smarter and with much to think about.

Hope you enjoy his story and the conversation!

Stories Rob shared:

• The missions trip God used to awaken a cross-cultural calling

Great quotes from Rob:

“God’s too big to be held in a book.” quoting Bruce Cockburn

Christ speaks to every culture and belongs to every culture.

When I’m in those [hard] moments, I respond to duty.

Don’t be bashful about following Him.

Resources mentioned by Rob:

• Eric Ortlund’s blog

The post Rob Burns and Crossing Cultures appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Sarah Koontz is a passionate storyteller who enjoys using illustrations to communicate deep spiritual truths. Sarah writes to inspire women of all ages to explore the beauty of God's design at SarahKoontz.com. Sarah lives on 13-acres in South Dakota with her husband, two daughters and a rowdy flock of 30 chickens. She revels in their simple, uncluttered life.

Sarah impressed me with her go-getter attitude about everything she does. As she describes that passion and how it relates to her ministry, you will be impressed and ready to hear more, too.

Stories Sarah shared:

• How she stumbled on blogging and discovered her calling

Great quotes from Sarah:

God sometimes sneaks up on me.

Most of the things that scare us that we don’t want people to know about us are pretty common.

There’s only one you. You are not her. You are not him. The world may not appreciate your gifts.

I don’t need to change the world. I need to change my world.

Don’t forget to sign up for Sarah’s daily Bible study in Ephesians, Worthy of the Calling  which begins October 16, 2017. And, if you sign up in the month of October 2017, Sarah has many giveaway for you!

Finally, a way to dig deeper into God's Word in those precious few moments before the kids wake up and start making demands while you are stuck in the drive-through line at school at the end of the day when you've just got enough energy to lay in bed and scroll through your phone.

And with all the free goodies packed into this study, you'll be excited to open your inbox and click on the daily e-mails.

The beautiful truths of Ephesians will teach you

• How to Root your life in God's Word

As Sarah dug into Paul's letter to the Ephesians, she discovered so many powerful truths meant to equip all Christians to walk Worthy of the Calling.

I invite you to join for this 31-day journey through the book of Ephesians. Come as you are, but expect to be transformed by the radical love of your gracious Heavenly Father.

I just signed up for the study myself so I hope to see you there.

The post Sarah Koontz is Changing the World One Person at a Time appeared first on Eric Nevins.

• The difficulty of his family life and why he gave up on God

Great quotes from Rodney:

I knew my life was changed. If this was true why wouldn’t I pour everything into it?

I can honest say there are moments when I’ve been angry with God and I didn’t understand why or what was going on or the purpose behind it all but He’s come through everytime.

What we have before is such a blessing, if we just use it the right way, we can reach the ends of the earth.

Resources Rodney mentioned:

• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret (Moody Classics)

The post Rodney Pennington Shares His Mountain Tops, Rebellion, and Mission appeared first on Eric Nevins.

Jimmy Jones is a youth worker to underserved children in Denver and Sheridan, CO. Today, Jimmy shares his heart and calling to serve those children. He traces his story from being one of those kids in the Five Points neighborhood of Denver, being drawn to the Gospel, giving his life to Christ at camp, and embracing his call to minister to his neighborhood. Jimmy’s life proves the value of giving a little time to share the Gospel or to disciple a new believer is time well spent.

Hope you are encouraged to offer what you’ve received through Jimmy’s story.

Stories Jimmy shared:

• Growing up in the Five Points neighborhood in Denver

Great quotes from Jones:

I wish I had a testimony to share how my life has changed.

I believe in giving back that which you have received, it doesn’t matter what that is.

Our job is to sow the seed.

The goal was to let these kids know that they are valued.

You don’t have to be what everyone says you’re going to be.

Resources mentioned by Jimmy:

• Sex in Marriage: God’s Blueprint for the Christian Family

The post Jimmy Jones and the Value of Giving a Little Time (and Cookies) appeared first on Eric Nevins.