Join Mark Turman, Executive Director of Denison Forum, as he sits down with Jason Pieratt, President of Children's Relief International (CRI). In this episode, they discuss the mission and work of CRI, which focuses on meeting both physical and spiritual needs in some of the world's poorest regions. Learn about Jason's personal journey from reluctant teacher to dedicated missionary, and the incredible impact of CRI's programs in areas like child nutrition, education, shelter, and more. Discover how you can get involved, whether through prayer, sponsorship, or mission trips, and be inspired by stories of transformation and hope in communities across the globe.

• (00:43): Exploring biblical righteousness
• (02:22): Introducing Jason Pieratt
• (04:37): The founding of Children's Relief International
• (08:22): Jason's transformative experience
• (13:21): Core mission and distinctives of CRI
• (18:32): Living bridges: A unique approach
• (22:27): Addressing global poverty
• (25:39): The power of education
• (29:08): Integrating physical and spiritual needs
• (31:38): Raising local leaders
• (33:52): Sponsorship and personal connections
• (36:03): Encouragement for aspiring missionaries
• (39:24): Future vision for CRI

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Dr. Jason Pieratt grew up in Iowa and Brazil, the son of missionaries, and began his career as an elementary school teacher. In 2002, he took his first trip with Children’s Relief International (CRI)- an experience that stirred a deep sense of calling. After several years of discernment, Jason said yes to the missionary vocation and joined CRI full-time in 2010.

He holds a Master’s in Cross-Cultural Ministries from Dallas Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Intercultural Studies from Western Seminary. Since joining CRI, Jason has helped shape programs, mentor missionaries, and deepen global partnerships. In 2020, he was named CRI’s President.

Jason and his wife, Lindy, live in Rockwall, Texas, with their three children—Keller, Cannin, and Merit. He enjoys time with family, working in the yard, and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Mark Turman, DMin, serves as the Executive Director of Denison Forum, where he leads with a passion for equipping believers to navigate today’s complex culture with biblical truth. He is best known as the host of The Denison Forum Podcast and the lead pastor of the Possum Kingdom Chapel, the in-person congregation of Denison Ministries.

Dr. Turman is the coauthor of Sacred Sexuality: Reclaiming God’s Design and Who Am I? What the Bible Says About Identity and Why it Matters. He earned his undergraduate degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, and received his Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He later completed his Doctor of Ministry at George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco.

Before joining Denison Forum, Mark served as a pastor for 35 years, including 25 years as the founding pastor of Crosspoint Church in McKinney, Texas.

Mark and his high school sweetheart, Judi, married in 1986. They are proud parents of two adult children and grandparents to three grandchildren.

Denison Forum exists to thoughtfully engage the issues of the day from a biblical perspective through The Daily Article email newsletter and podcast, The Denison Forum Podcast, as well as many books and additional resources.