Journey Connection

This episode of Journey Connection is the second part of a fascinating two-part series interview held with a woman we will be calling “Anne” (to protect her identity), Anne lived immersed in the Muslim culture of the mid-east for over 25 years while serving as a missionary. She shares very eye-opening insights regarding the differences between the Western and Mid-Eastern cultures and how doing Journey Groups in that region of the world brought change and freedom to so many.

This episode of Journey Connection is the first of a fascinating two-part series interview held with a woman we will be calling “Anne” (to protect her identity), Anne lived immersed in the Muslim culture of the mid-east for over 25 years while serving as a missionary. She shares very eye-opening insights regarding the differences between the Western and Mid-Eastern cultures and how doing Journey Groups in that region of the world brought change and freedom to so many.

Don't miss part-2!

II. Introduction to Spiritual Warfare

Sandy Burdick's "Spiritual Warfare" teaching begins with a personal testimony of a two-year spiritual battle she experienced decades ago, an experience that began with invasive thoughts like "I hate Jesus." This personal struggle led her to Dr. Victor Matthew, a "pioneer" in spiritual warfare, who discipled her on "the truth of who God is, who I am in Christ and how to resist the enemy." This foundational experience shaped her understanding of spiritual warfare and the practical steps to overcome it.

 true listening stems from a "listening heart" characterized by curiosity, a non-judgmental approach, and holding vision for the other person's well-being. The episode outlines practical tactics for effective listening, such as asking open-ended questions, avoiding immediate advice, and reflecting what is heard, all aimed at keeping the conversational focus on the other individual while stressing the importance of understanding people as complex individuals. Ultimately, a listening heart is described as a transformative shift of focus from self to others, leading to deeper connection. 

How zoom was used to co-lead a local group and interviewing Erika about her journey with story work and OHM.

This episode discusses the significance of engaging with others' stories for deeper relationships, explaining that understanding someone's experiences is essential for genuine connection and support. It is emphasized that while there are teachable skills involved, qualities like humility, courage, and curiosity are fundamental to this process, which are fostered through a growing relationship with God. Connection is the ultimate goal of engaging another's story.

This episode presents a conversation and reflections on the topic of Woundedness by looking at its core, how it shows up, and why it is so hard for to see it in ourselves and the need for connection and community.

This episode features an interview with Pat Keller, the OHM ministry director. She recounts the origins and development of Open Hearts Ministry. Pat describes how her own experience of abuse led to attending a small group with Sandy Burdick and subsequently, with others, developing a 12-week curriculum for groups. The ministry, which started with 20 women, has since grown and spread internationally to over 60 countries. Pat reflects on the life-changing impact of the ministry, the challenges of spiritual warfare.

This episode features an interview with Sandy Burdick, the founder of Open Hearts Ministry. Sandy shares the origins of the ministry, detailing its start as a women's small group for sexual abuse victims. She explains how the ministry expanded organically, driven by the needs they encountered, eventually including men and addressing broader forms of abuse beyond sexual abuse. Sandy reflects on the challenges and personal costs of leading the ministry for nearly four decades, emphasizing the transformative power of witnessing Christ redeem lives and the importance of following God's leading for the future.