James Project

Summary

In this conversation, Bryon and Tiffany Applegate, co-directors of the James Project, share their journey of becoming Christians and their first trip to the James Project in Guatemala. They discuss the challenges they faced living in Guatemala, including language barriers and cultural differences. The Applegates also talk about the support they received from the Wilson family and their boards, as well as the importance of relying on God's word for encouragement. This conversation explores the importance of finding identity in Christ rather than in work or roles. It also discusses the opportunities and growth of the ministry in the States, as well as the implementation of new programs and ideas. The conversation highlights the importance of obedience and taking the next step in following God's direction. It concludes with a discussion on future dreams and goals, as well as ways to support and partner with the ministry. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the power of saying yes to God's calling and living a life of purpose.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 Becoming Christians

06:13 First Trip to the James Project

10:13 Challenges and Transformations

14:13 Moving to Guatemala

18:13 Becoming Directors

25:13 Challenges of Living in Guatemala

29:13 Leaving Friends and Hobbies

35:13 Moving Back to the States

38:13 Navigating Family and Travel

41:13 Finding Encouragement

41:38 Identity in Christ

42:21 Avoiding Identity in Work

43:45 Avoiding Identity in Roles

44:19 Opportunities in the States

45:18 Following God's Direction

47:25 Implementing New Programs

49:49 Uniting Local Churches

51:31 Implementing New Ideas

52:41 Combination of Plans and Obedience

58:34 Future Dreams and Goals

01:03:03 Ways to Support and Partner

01:08:33 Advice for Those Feeling Called

Summary

In this monthly update, Tiffany and Bryon discuss the progress and developments in the James Project. They talk about the groundbreaking for a new daycare and the completion of the conference center. They also address the challenges faced by house parents and the opening of a transition home in Guatemala City. Education opportunities in the city and the independence of transition girls are also discussed. Other topics include team season, a postponed birthday party, the purchase of new vehicles, the expansion of staff, and prayer requests and specific needs.

Takeaways

The James Project is making progress with the groundbreaking for a new daycare and the completion of the conference center.

House parents and staff face challenges due to the fast-paced reunification process of children with their families.

The opening of a transition home in Guatemala City provides more opportunities for girls to pursue education and employment.

The James Project is expanding its staff and acquiring new vehicles to meet the growing needs of the project.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Groundbreaking for New Daycare

00:38 Completion of Conference Center

01:25 Challenges with House Parents

02:22 Opening of Transition Home in Guatemala City

03:26 Education Opportunities in Guatemala City

04:03 Independence for Transition Girls

05:00 Team Season and Postponed Birthday Party

05:57 Purchase of New Vehicles

06:55 Expansion of Staff

07:26 Prayer Requests and Specific Needs

08:33 Conclusion

Summary

In this episode, Carroll Bishop shares her journey of faith and her work at the James Project of Latin America in Guatemala. She discusses her background, including her upbringing in Montana and her conversion to Christianity. Carroll explains how she felt called to missionary work and the challenges she faced in moving to Guatemala. She also shares the story of how the James Project was founded and the various roles she has had within the organization. Throughout her journey, Carroll emphasizes the importance of faith, relying on God's guidance, and finding encouragement from others. Carroll Bishop shares her journey of discovering her calling to help others in Guatemala. She discusses providing counseling and support to girls in need, opening her home for Bible study and hosting visitors, and her involvement in prayer and ministry. Carroll also talks about the sacrifices and adjustments she made in moving to Guatemala and the support she received from her family and friends. She shares stories of the impact the James Project has had on the lives of children and team members. Carroll concludes by offering advice for those feeling called to serve and emphasizing the importance of obedience and faithfulness.

Takeaways

Faith can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths in life.

Stepping out in faith often requires leaving behind comfort and security.

Challenges and doubts are normal, but relying on God's guidance and seeking support from others can help overcome them.

Finding a community of like-minded individuals can provide encouragement and strength in pursuing God's calling. Discovering and following your calling can lead to a fulfilling life of service.

Support from family and friends is crucial when making sacrifices and adjustments to pursue your calling.

Small acts of kindness and love can have a significant impact on the lives of others.

Trusting in God's plan and being obedient to His calling can lead to unexpected blessings and life-changing experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:32 Discovering Faith and Leaving the Catholic Church

04:25 Finding a New Church and Developing a Relationship with God

05:35 Feeling Called to Missionary Work

08:01 Moving to Guatemala and Starting Work at the Missionary School

10:09 Involvement in Community Service and Ministry

13:39 Challenges of Living in Guatemala

16:25 Starting the James Project of Latin America

20:54 Overcoming Doubt and Stepping Out in Faith

29:06 Finding Courage and Encouragement

37:14 Roles and Ministry at the James Project

42:41 Discovering a Calling to Help Others

43:37 Providing Counseling and Support

44:33 Opening Home for Bible Study and Hosting Visitors

45:53 Involvement in Prayer and Ministry

46:49 Sacrifices and Adjustments in Moving to Guatemala

49:04 Support from Family and Friends

49:53 Impacting the Lives of Children in the Project

51:11 Trusting God's Plan for the Children's Future

51:49 Facing Fears and Overcoming Challenges

58:09 Formation of Teams and Ministry Expansion

01:03:56 Life-Changing Experiences for Team Members

01:07:28 Handing Off the Leadership to Bryon and Tiffany

01:15:20 Choosing to Stay in Guatemala

01:17:26 Advice for Those Feeling Called to Serve

Here's our first monthly update to share new news and prayer requests for the project. Spoiler alert: we met the $100,000 match!! Check it out for more details and to hear about the latest prayer needs and updates directly from our directors, Byron and Tiffany Applegate.

In this episode, Cathy interviews Joanne Hartley, one of the co-founders of the James Project of Latin America (JPLA). They discuss Joanne's journey to knowing God and her previous ministries before starting the JPLA. Joanne shares the challenges and costs of following God's call to Guatemala, including leaving family behind and adjusting to a new culture. Despite the difficulties, Joanne emphasizes the joy and fulfillment she has experienced through her work with the JPLA and the deepening of her relationship with God. In this part of the conversation, Joanne Hartley discusses the importance of trusting and depending on God in times of need. She highlights the lessons she learned from the people of Guatemala, who rely on God for their daily sustenance. Joanne also shares the challenges she faced as a parent and the weight of responsibility that comes with it. She recounts the process of acquiring land and building the first home on it, as well as the overwhelming support they received during the grand opening. Joanne emphasizes the importance of scripture and supportive people in navigating difficult times and staying connected to God. She also discusses the transition of leadership and finding new directors for the organization. Finally, Joanne shares her experience of entering a new season in her life and the importance of finding balance amidst busyness. In this conversation, Joanne Hartley and Cathy discuss the importance of finding quiet and stillness to hear the voice of God. They emphasize the need to learn to discern God's voice amidst the noise and distractions of life. They also explore the process of discovering one's calling and the significance of serving others. They highlight the joy and fulfillment that comes from blessing and uplifting those in need. Additionally, they discuss the power of faith, obedience, and sacrifice in making a positive impact on the world. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of family and community in living out one's faith.

Takeaways