Mission Post: Do you feel stuck where you are? Do you think that God might want you to do more? Jeffrey Bush interviews John Flowers, a missionary to Taiwan, about the need for the gospel in Taiwan and around the world, as well as John's testimony of God's leading in his life.

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

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John Flowers shares his testimony, highlighting his journey as a young man who felt a strong calling to serve in Taiwan, and shares key lessons from his experience. Growing up in a pastor's home, the love for missions was instilled early through interactions with missionaries visiting their church and home. Later, during college, he felt a clear calling to serve as a missionary. A pivotal moment came while researching missions at a library, leading to a focus on Taiwan—a place with vast spiritual needs and few Bible-believing churches.

He emphasizes the need to obey God’s command, even when the fruit is not immediately visible, and underscores the importance of maintaining perspective in ministry, especially during trials.

Key principles include:

Adaptation to Culture: Balance immersion in a new culture with creating a home environment that feels comfortable and familiar. For families, prioritizing quality time and cultivating strong family bonds is essential.

Maintaining Zeal: Stay faithful to evangelism, recognizing that success is measured by obedience to God rather than visible results.

Overcoming Challenges: Understand that trials often accompany blessings, as spiritual growth and gospel work face opposition.

Focus on People: Missions is about loving people as Christ does, bringing them from spiritual darkness into the light of the gospel.

John Flowers’ reflections remind us of the immense spiritual needs worldwide and the joy of serving God and knowing His will. His testimony concludes with an encouragement to embrace missions wholeheartedly, focus on making disciples, and trust God to guide and sustain the journey.

Mission Post: Ministry life can be difficult and busy. Listen in as Jeffrey Bush discusses with James and Rosie Miyashita about balance family, ministry, and schedule. If you would like to find out more about the Miyashita's ministry, click here: https://reachingjapan.com/

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

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Jeff interviews James and Rosie Miyashita as they navigate cultural integration, parenting, and ministry in Japan. James and Rosie discuss their experiences raising their three young children while learning Japanese and engaging in their community. Rosie shares how she balanced language school, ministry, and parenting, emphasizing the importance of adjusting priorities based on the stage of life and trusting God’s guidance. James highlights his role in supporting his wife and ensuring she isn’t overburdened with ministry responsibilities, focusing instead on their shared family mission. They reflect on their challenges, from cultural adjustments to finding harmony in their marriage and ministry, underscoring faith, teamwork, and perseverance in their journey.

Mission Post: Do you want to make a greater impact for Christ but struggle to discern your next step? Listen in as Jeffrey Bush talks with Shawn Bateman about his journey to serve the Lord with a greater impact. To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

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Today's podcast is a conversation between Jeffrey Bush and missionary Shawn Bateman, who discusses his journey in ministry, his experiences in Argentina, and the impact of his work. Shawn shares his background, including his early ministry in South Carolina, the calling to missions that led him and his family to Argentina, and the challenges of starting their work in Rosario, a city with significant crime and social issues.

He describes planting Victory Baptist Church in a community known for its struggles, transforming a warehouse with a dark history into a beacon of hope through the gospel. Shawn also talks about acquiring a four-acre camp for ministry and launching Faith Baptist Church in another town. The conversation highlights Shawn's faith, determination, and how God’s guidance orchestrated his path and ministry successes, including training local leaders to continue the work.

This inspiring narrative reflects the resilience and transformative power of faith in difficult environments.

Mission Post: If you have gone on a mission trip and you think the Lord may be leading you into full-time, vocational mission work, an internship might be right for you. If you are a missionary serving on the foreign field, Mark Coffey and Jeffrey Bush take a deep dive on the value of hosting and participating in internships for missionaries in training. If you would like to find out more about an internship with Vision Baptist Missions, click here: https://visionmissions.com/intern/

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

Mark Coffey and Jeffrey Bush discuss the importance and structure of mission trips and internships within Christian missionary work. The conversation features Mark Coffey, African field director for Vision Meadows Missions, discussing the differences between mission trips and internships, their purposes, and how they prepare individuals for missionary life.

Key highlights include:

Mission Trips vs. Internships:

Mission Trips: Short-term, introductory experiences for anyone interested in missions (7-10 days). Participants get a glimpse of missionary life and field challenges.

Internships: Longer-term commitments (3-6 months) for individuals seriously considering a missionary calling. Internships are designed for deeper preparation, equipping participants with practical skills and insight into full-time missions.

Benefits of Internships:

1. Help participants assess their compatibility with missionary work before committing fully.

2. Provide cost-effective testing grounds for churches and individuals, preventing potential setbacks when deploying unprepared missionaries.

3. Equip participants with essential skills, from language acquisition to church ministry involvement.

Intern Activities:

1. Engaging in local ministry, church services, and community outreach.

2. Learning the local language and culture.

3. Taking leadership roles, such as teaching or participating in youth and camp ministries.

Advice for Missionaries Hosting Interns:

1. Ensure adequate time and resources for mentorship.

2. Create structured programs, including language learning, practical training, and exposure to the mission's philosophy.

3. Be prepared to invest heavily in intern development, delegating tasks when necessary to manage workload effectively.

The discussion emphasizes the value of internships in fostering informed, prepared, and committed missionaries while ensuring sustainability and efficacy in the mission field.

Mission Post: Jeffrey Bush interviews a VBM Missionary serving in Taiwan and a Creative Access Country. How do you feel about being bold? Listen as they discuss the source of boldness in the Christian life. =

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

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Jeffrey Bush and his guest discuss the challenges and blessings of a church plant in a densely populated urban area. Initially, the church was located in a less desirable area but moved to a more visible location on the fourth and fifth floors of a building. This new location, with its prominent sign and proximity to a busy street, has attracted more people to the church.

The speaker also shares personal stories about their journey to becoming a missionary, including a humorous anecdote about preaching at a Hindu temple and facing the police. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion and zeal for the gospel, even in the face of challenges and discouragement. The speaker encourages missionaries to stay focused on Jesus, to prioritize prayer and Bible study, and to actively engage in ministry to allow the Lord to work in and through them.

Mission Post: Is fear griping you? Do you often let feelings of fear dictate what you intend to do for the Lord? Jeffrey Bush talks with Tyler Ellis, Chase Southard, Emilee Coffey, and Luke Coffey (also known as the "Coffey Clan") about life as kids in a sometimes dangerous place. There is joy, courage, and safety to be found in letting God's perfect love cast out fear.

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

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In this candid and lively podcast episode, host Jeff sits down with friends and family known as the 'Coffee Clan' to share stories, laughs, and reflections on their experiences as missionaries and members of a close-knit community. The conversation shifts from light-hearted anecdotes about playful encounters and humorous challenges to gripping tales of faith and resilience, including moments when they faced danger and unexpected adversity. Through it all, they recount their journeys with warmth, camaraderie, and a deep sense of gratitude, highlighting the theme of enduring faith and divine protection amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

Mission Post: Have you hit a point of burnout? John Walz and Jeffrey Bush discuss burnout and how we can face it with the Lord's help.=

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

This discussion between John Walz and Jeffrey Bush centers on the topic of burnout, especially in the context of missionary work and ministry. John Walz emphasizes that burnout affects people across various roles, even if they generally enjoy their work and feel fulfilled by their mission. Unlike midlife crises or dissatisfaction with one’s job, burnout is recognized as a multifaceted challenge—spiritual, mental, and physical. The conversation underscores the importance of developing personal disciplines, such as consistent Bible study, prayer, and rest, to maintain resilience. Jeffrey Bush shares the need for a “date night” or a “family day” to unplug and recharge.

Scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, is cited as a reminder of the importance of discipline and taking care of oneself holistically to avoid being “cast away” from one's calling. John and Jeffrey note that burnout often surfaces as people age and take on more responsibilities. Delegation and adjusting workloads can be vital strategies to manage pressures, and there's a reminder that sometimes responsibilities must adapt as people age to maintain both effectiveness and well-being.

Moreover, biblical figures like Elijah and Moses are brought up to illustrate that even prominent leaders faced exhaustion and weariness, and such feelings don’t imply a lack of spirituality. Burnout, they argue, could serve a divine purpose, highlighting that sharing one’s struggles may help others feel more prepared and less isolated in their challenges.

Mission Post: Are you going through hardships? Do you feel the pain of discouragement? Missionary Nate Wilkerson and Jeffery Bush discuss how to walk with God in times of difficulty. To follow the Wilkersons in Benin, click here: https://westafrica4christ.com/

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

In this interview, missionary Nate Wilkerson discusses his experiences in West Africa, focusing on how he and his wife navigated challenges like water cuts, power outages, political instability, and cultural shock while maintaining their faith and family life. Nate emphasizes relying on God's Word, encouraging his wife to spend daily time in prayer and reflection, and guiding her to compare her emotions with biblical truth. He also shares practical steps they took to stay grounded, such as fasting from social media, going on regular dates, and being involved in their children's lives and ministry. Nate talks about managing discouragement by staying focused on Jesus and encouraging one another through scripture. He also highlights the importance of family support, explaining how he helped his wife be active in ministry despite having young children. Additionally, Nate reflects on his upbringing, mentioning how his parents balanced family, faith, and ministry, and how he strives to replicate those values in his own family. He encourages listeners to stay rooted in their faith, love their family, and stay engaged in ministry, no matter the challenges.

Mission Post: Jeffrey Bush and Dennis Blankenship talk about 2 Timothy 2:2 and what training leaders and disciple believers means. From church planting to disciple-making, you will be encouraged by this discussion.

To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

The conversation features Pastor Dennis and Karen Blankenship, who are recognized as the first independent Baptist missionaries to South Sudan. Currently pastoring in Sacramento, they discuss the significance of 2 Timothy 2:2, emphasizing the importance of disciple-making and passing on teachings to faithful individuals who can further teach others.

Dennis reflects on his missionary journey, highlighting the need for strength through grace and the strategic, strenuous, and sacrificial nature of disciple-making. He shares a personal story about meeting a faithful man named Joshua in South Sudan, illustrating the importance of finding committed individuals for effective ministry.

The discussion also touches on the challenges of ministry, likening it to a soldier's commitment, an athlete's dedication, and a farmer's patience. Dennis stresses the necessity of living according to God’s word and maintaining faithfulness in order to experience spiritual rewards.

Overall, the conversation underscores the core principles of mission work, the value of disciple-making, and the importance of nurturing one's relationship with God to overcome life's distractions and challenges.

Mission Post: Are your personal finances affecting your relationships? Is debt overwhelming you? Pastor Tim Tidwell discusses the second part of managing your personal finances. Find encouragement as we continue to look for biblical, commonsense ways to handle money. To follow along in the study guide, click here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gour7m7wkm2q9jvkc3val/1.-Outline-Realize-Your-Responsibility.pdf?rlkey=v79phv6a5x4x0o0poj4e3qgts&st=11ewlpq2&dl=0 For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/ Pastor Tim Tidwell and his wife, Julie, pastor at Oakside Baptist Church in LaGrange, Georgia. If you would like to know more about their ministry, click here: https://www.facebook.com/oaksidebaptist/

In a discussion led by Pastor Tim Tidwell, the focus is on the relationship between finances and well-being, specifically whether they cause frustration or freedom. The conversation begins with a series of probing questions about common financial struggles, such as arguments about money, feelings of disorganization, and the burden of debt. They highlight how financial issues can impact relationships, particularly in marriages.

Tidwell introduces false philosophies surrounding money, addressing extremes where some believe that money is unimportant or that faith alone will solve financial issues. He emphasizes the importance of balancing biblical principles with practical financial wisdom.

Statistics are shared, revealing alarming truths about financial independence and the role of money in marital conflict. The discussion concludes with a promise to explore biblical principles in future sessions, encouraging listeners to reflect on their financial stewardship in light of their faith.