MercyCast

Buen Camino, fellow pilgrims! Welcome back to MercyCast. Last week, we talked about the Call to the Camino. Today's episode discusses the trials you will face as you walk the Camino.

Amidst the high altitudes and rugged terrain, I met Kiko, a fellow pilgrim. Together, we navigated everything from challenging mountain trails to interpersonal relationships. We learned that the path to self-discovery often involves the support and friendship of others.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Gift of Being Present
• When Strangers Become Friends
• Walking your Camino
• The Need for Other People

Follow Kiko on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Greetings, fellow pilgrims, and welcome back to the MercyCast! Whether you have gone on the Camino De Santiago, are interested in going, or have no idea what it is, this series is for you! Today's episode is a beacon of guidance for those preparing to walk the sacred path of the Camino de Santiago. Join us as we discuss what it means to be called to the Camino.

In this episode of the Mercy Cast, two-time guest Reverend Jacob Smith and I discuss our experiences on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. We explain the history of the Camino, tracing its origins to St. James and the evangelization of northern Spain. We also highlight the transformative nature of pilgrimage, emphasizing prayer, communion with fellow pilgrims, and the profound impact on the life of the Pilgrim.

Highlights from the conversation:

• King Alphonso and the Long Journey: A History
• Getting rid of your baggage
• The Pilgrim Community
• The Beauty of the Camino

Follow Jacob’s podcast, Same Old Song, on Twitter and follow Jacob on Instagram.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Marisol Maldonado Rodriguez, founder and Executive Director of Renew Life Center and author of the new book, Beyond Her Yes: Reimagining Pro-Life Ministry to Empower Women and Support Families in Overcoming Poverty, shares her experience as the client services director of a pregnancy resource center and how a transformative email from a client highlighted the overlooked vulnerabilities and complexities surrounding the pro-life movement. This fresh conversation highlights the need for a holistic approach involving churches and volunteers to provide ongoing support, mentorship, and friendship to women facing pregnancy, Poverty, and parenting challenges.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Email that Changed Everything
• The Importance of Recognizing Root Causes
• Poverty and Decision-Making
• The Relation Between Economics and Vulnerability

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Marisol on Instagram and Renew Life Center while you’re at it. Learn more about the work of Renew Life Center and the resources available here. Finally, please pick up a copy of her new book, Beyond Her Yes.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Helen Taylor drops by the MercyCast. She is the Vice President of Impact at Exodus Cry, a nonprofit organization committed to abolishing sex trafficking and breaking the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation. Helen shares her journey of passion, perseverance, and faith in the face of adversity.

Due to visa restrictions, she had to serve on a volunteer visa for the first three years and raise her support from England since she couldn't be paid in the US. Despite the hurdles and the constant uncertainty, Helen felt a deep calling to serve those vulnerable and exploited in the sex industry.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Visa: An Origin Story
• Disappointments and entitlement
• Cultivating Faith in God's Goodness
• Burnout and the Need for Resiliency
• The Work of Exodus Cry
• The Danger of Pornography
• An Encouragement to Those Trapped in Shame

If you enjoyed this conversation, you can follow Helen on Instagram and Exodus Cry while you're at it. Learn more about the work of Exodus Cry and the resources available here.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Enter Matt Popovits. Matt is a pastor, speaker, and podcaster whose approach to life is characterized by a desire for simplicity and relatability. He drops by to discuss navigating complex topics with grace and hope. Matt shares his origin story in a sense, where he discovered his calling through comforting a friend in a time of tragedy, highlighting the importance of being present and empathetic during challenging moments. In our talk, we emphasize the need to connect the finished work of Jesus with people's unique situations and pain.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Death and Life: Matt’s Calling into Ministry.
• The Art of Simplicity.
• Addressing Pain Points with the Gospel.
• Making Things Relatable.

If you enjoyed this conversation, learn more about Matt’s various ministries. Follow Matt on Instagram and X. Also, you can listen to his podcast, Making Things Simple.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, Rachel Lohman joins the MercyCast to discuss her pregnancy and infant loss journey and her mission to bring healing and hope to others. Rachel is the author of Miscarried Hope and the founder of Hope Again Collective. This handmade jewelry line beautifully shares the stories of mothers who have experienced the pain of pregnancy loss. Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the Power of sharing our stories.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Truth about Secondary Losses: Rachel’s Story.
• The Five Stages of Hope.
• Navigating Infant Loss as a Family.
• The Power of Sharing Your Story.

If you enjoyed this conversation, follow Rachel on Instagram and Hope Again Collective. Also, buy her book, Miscarried Hope. You can learn more about Hope Again Collective and purchase their products here.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Want more MercyCast? Here is a free episode of MoreMERCY, a bonus episode of the MercyCast. I reflect on the previous week's episode and how it connects to Scripture and this cultural moment. 

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore the concept of self-care. Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Neal embarked on a mission to India to train people to provide trauma care to those affected by a major tsunami. He expected to spend a year there but hit a wall shortly after arriving. Three weeks later, he had to come home.

Whether we know it or not, we need friends who see and support the authentic self, not just the performative self. It's not just about self-care; it's about being tended to by a loving, understanding community. 

If you liked this episode, click the link at the bottom of the show notes to sign up for the weekly bonus episodes. Thanks for listening!

In this episode, my friend Neal Salzman and I explore resiliency and discover the beautiful essence of vulnerability in the face of adversity.

Neal is a licensed therapist and the founder and executive director of the Rest Initiative. We discuss an essential aspect of life people often overlook: the ability to care for ourselves while tirelessly caring for others. It's a lesson I've learned the hard way, and Neal's story is nothing short of inspiring.

Neal embarked on a mission to India to train people to provide trauma care to those affected by a major tsunami. He expected to spend a year there but hit a wall shortly after arriving. Three weeks later, he had to come home.

Whether we know it or not, we need friends who see and support the authentic self, not just the performative self. It's not just about self-care; it's about being tended to by a loving, understanding community.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Three Weeks in India: Neal’s Story
• What is actual self-care?
• Is self-care biblical?
• A new perspective on resiliency and community.

If you enjoyed this conversation, connect with Neal on LinkedIn. If you want to learn more about his work and how to connect with the Rest Initiative, click here. Also, if you’re thinking, “I’ve heard about the Rest Initiative before. I think Raleigh has mentioned it before,” it’s because I share Neal’s story in my book, Vulnerable.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

Today, Jamaal Williams drops by discussing how our churches can reflect both our communities and the Kingdom of God. He is the lead pastor of Sojourn Church Midtown in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, and the president of the Harbor Network. He also co-authored the new book, In Church as It Is in Heaven: Cultivating a Multiethnic Kingdom Culture.

Together, we're exploring the world of creating a multiethnic church and all the trials and triumphs that come with it.

The episode explores the transformation in Sojourn Church, where they intentionally tried to bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive environment. They discuss changes in worship, greetings, staff representation, and community engagement to make the church a place where people from different backgrounds feel welcomed and valued.

Highlights from the conversation:

• The Need for Renewal and Fresh Perspective: Jamaal's Journey
• Creating a Tapestry of Welcome.
• Transformation at Sojourn Church.
• Biblical Foundation for Multiethnic Churches.

Jamaal mentioned three books you need on your shelf if you are curious about what we discussed today: Talking about Race by Isaac Adams, Redemptive Kingdom Diversity by Jarvis Williams, and How to Heal Our Racial Divide by Derwin Gray. Also, don’t forget to buy Jamaal’s new book, In Church as It is in Heaven. You can follow Jamaal on X.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend, Dan Darling, who opens up about a life-altering experience – being fired from his job in a very public way. Dan is the author of several books, including his newest book, Agents of Grace, How to Bridge Divides, and Love as Jesus Loved. He is also the director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement. He regularly contributes to World magazine and USA Today.

Dan's story is one of remarkable strength and resilience. Instead of succumbing to bitterness or revenge, he chose the less-traveled path guided by grace and forgiveness. Through his candid account, he shares valuable insights into the complex journey of forgiveness as a process.

Tune in to discover the three crucial levels of forgiveness: the release of bitterness, the possibility of reconciliation, and the challenging task of rebuilding trust. Dan's journey exemplifies the capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity and find healing through forgiveness.

Throughout this episode, the importance of faith, the unwavering support of friends, and the warmth of community are themes that shine brightly. It is a poignant reminder of the strength we draw from those around us when faced with life's most harrowing trials.

Highlights from the conversation:

• "Afghanistan, Covid, and Me": Dan's story.
• Understanding Love in the difficult times.
• A Formula for Forgiveness: Intentionality, time, and trust.
• Discovering the three levels of forgiveness.

Need more Dan Darling in your life? Buy Dan's new book, Agents of Grace. Listen to his podcast, The Way Home. Learn more about what he's doing this week.

Email us at [email protected]. You can follow MercyCast on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

You can follow Raleigh Sadler on Twitter and Instagram.

For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.