Modern Day Missionaries

In this episode, we explore a topic every missionary needs to know about—the incredible potential of end-of-year giving. We sit down with fundraising expert Russell Cooper to look at why December is such a big deal for missionaries and how they can make the most of it.

Did you know some missionaries raise up to 30% of their annual budget in just one month?

Russell's shares incredibly practical tips on how to get ready, communicate effectively, and make the most of your year-end efforts. He’ll cover everything from crafting the perfect letter to following up without overwhelming your supporters, and even how to create that sense of urgency—without sounding desperate. Whether you’re a seasoned missionary or just getting started, there’s a lot to take away from this episode to help you finish the year on a high note!

✍️  In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why December is such a big deal for nonprofit fundraising and how it can boost your financial support.
2. Simple tips to help you prepare and communicate better before year-end giving.
3. How to write a donation letter that really connects with your supporters.
4. Smart ways to follow up with donors that build urgency without feeling pushy.

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

1. What specific actions can I take this week to ensure I’m fully prepared for year-end giving and that my supporters feel appreciated?
2. How can I create a clear, actionable message that motivates donors to give without making them feel pressured?
3. What kinds of letters do I find compelling? What makes them connect with me? How could incorporate those element into a letter that would deepen my relationship with supporters and encourage them to give generously?
4. How can I plan my follow-up process to keep donors engaged and appreciated without overwhelming them?
   
   

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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How long have you been on the mission field? Did you know that the challenges you’re facing and the perspective you’ve developed are likely more similar to others at your stage than you might think?

In this episode, authors and missionaries Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter share the five stages of the missionary life cycle they’ve observed. They also share the potential pitfalls and opportunities in each stage. What stage are you in? We talk about the ups, downs, and everything in between. It’s so good to know that we are not alone in our feelings and experiences!

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. The five stages of the missionary life, as observed by Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter.
2. Common challenges and opportunities that arise in each stage of missionary work.
3. How to identify where you are in your own journey and what that means for your growth.
4. Great suggestions for handling the ups and downs of missionary life while staying hopeful and grounded.

✍️ Questions to Think About as You Listen:

1. How long have you been on the mission field, and how has your perspective shifted over time?
2. What challenges are you currently facing, and how do they compare to earlier stages of your journey?
3. Can you identify with any of the five stages of the missionary life the Trotters discuss? If so, which one?
4. Have you noticed patterns in your own experience that resonate with the stages mentioned in this episode?
5. What opportunities do you see in your current season to grow, connect with others, or find renewed strength?
   
   

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Have you ever felt caught between your faith and the political chaos around you? Are you unsure how to navigate conversations with supporters who expect you to take sides? Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the political headlines and wondering how to stay focused on your mission.

We dive deep into these questions and more with Dr. Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, as we explore how to navigate the complex intersection of faith and politics without losing sight of your calling. 


✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to process the confusion and overwhelm that comes with engaging in the political landscape, especially from abroad.
• Practical ways to stay grounded in your faith and calling when politics feel chaotic.
• How to navigate divisive politics as a missionary without losing focus on your mission.
• How to handle political pressures from supporters back home who expect you to take sides.
• Strategies for avoiding cynicism and maintaining hope in a world that feels increasingly divided.
• How to lean into your unique missionary strengths, like cross-cultural communication, to navigate political tensions more effectively.

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

1. What steps can I take to navigate political conversations without losing focus on my mission?
2. Have I ever felt pressure from supporters to take a political stance? How do I currently handle that? What is a better way?
3. What are some specific ways living abroad changes my perspective on the political climate back home?
4. What is one thing I can do to stay grounded in my faith when political issues feel overwhelming?
5. Do I feel cynical about politics? How might God be calling me to engage or pull back from politics in this specific season?
6. In what ways can my skills as a missionary help me better navigate cross-cultural political tensions?
   
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Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Are you looking to connect with business leaders to partner with you financially in your missions work? In this episode, we sit down with Lee Domingue, the visionary behind Kingdom Builders, a movement that's revolutionizing how missions are funded around the world.

Lee shares how you can effectively engage with business leaders and churches to accelerate your impact and fund the work God has given you to do.

💡 Discover how to:

• Build strategic partnerships with business leaders.
• Communicate your vision with confidence.
• Unlock resources to propel your mission forward.

Lee's wisdom and passion will inspire you to think bigger and bolder about the possibilities for your ministry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand, this episode is packed with practical advice and spiritual encouragement that you don't want to miss. Get ready to forge new relationships that will further Kingdom growth!

Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• How can I demonstrate the impact of my work to potential supporters in a variety of ways (numbers, story, etc)?
• How can I ensure my passion and confidence come through when I present my vision?
• Am I aware of the specific needs and passions of the people I’m approaching for support?
• How can I discover the expectations of my donors?
• Am I prepared to share my vision concisely if given only a short amount of time? What are my 5 minute, 15 minute and 30 minute versions?
• How can I make sure that I’m speaking the same ‘language’ as the business leaders I’m engaging?
• What are two powerful stories I could share that would best illustrate the work we are doing?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Sammy Wanyonyi, a passionate missionary and evangelist who’s not only spreading the Gospel but staying grounded in his faith despite a very active and ever-changing schedule.

Sammy shares powerful insights on maintaining intimacy with Jesus, even when life is pulling him in multiple directions—whether he's in the U.S., Ethiopia, Kenya, Korea, the Netherlands, or anywhere in between.

Discover how Sammy prioritizes his relationship with God over everything else, and how that decision has transformed his ministry. If you're struggling to stay connected to God in the midst of overwhelming demands, you won’t want to miss this conversation. Lean in to glean some practical wisdom on grounding your faith and thriving in your missions work and life!

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Do you ever struggle with the need to control others? Have you noticed how easily offenses can build up, even to the point of making you question your calling? 

What if the key to lasting leadership isn't about keeping everyone in line but about something much deeper?

In a day and age where scandals are shaking the church and leaders are dropping like flies, how can we become healthy leaders who last? In this episode, we hear from Andrew McMillan, long-term missionary and founding pastor of Comunidad in Medellín, Colombia, on how to become a leader that lasts!

As you listen to this episode, consider asking yourself:

• Am I creating an atmosphere where people feel empowered by the Holy Spirit, or am I inadvertently taking His place by trying to manage everything?
• What is one area where I need to lay down my control and trust God more deeply?
• What are some ways I have allowed fear to drive my decisions in leadership? How has that affected my relationships with those I serve?
• Do I trust the Holy Spirit to guide others, or do I feel the need to micromanage every detail?
• What kind of atmosphere am I creating within my ministry or team? Is it one of freedom, joy, and trust, or one of pressure and control?
• How do I handle offenses? Am I quick to forgive, or do I let them build up?
• What wells am I digging in my ministry? Am I focusing on keeping people in, or providing a source of life that draws them closer to God?
• How can I cultivate more “sweetness” and joy in my leadership, reflecting the heart of Jesus?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Do you ever wonder if your past or struggles with your identity are holding you back in your mission work?

In this episode, Tom Hallas opens up about his journey of discovering what it really means to be a child of God. From the struggles of his upbringing to the lessons learned in Youth With A Mission, Tom shares how letting go of false identities—whether tied to nationality, education, or gender—can set you free.

We look at the most common false identities missionaries take on and how to break free from those. Tom shows how understanding who God truly is can dramatically reshape your life, your leadership, and your calling as a missionary.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself as you listen:

• What false identities might I be holding onto?

How might I be defining myself by my nationality, education, or other external factors rather than by my identity as a child of God?

• How do I perceive God's character?

Do I truly see God as compassionate, gracious, and abounding in love, or am I projecting negative experiences from my past onto Him?

• How do my past experiences influence my relationship with God and others?

Are there unresolved issues or false beliefs from my upbringing that might be affecting how I see God, myself, and my mission?

• What steps can I take to embrace my eternal sonship in Christ?

How can I live out my identity as a child of God more fully in my personal life and ministry?

• Am I leading and disciplining others from a place of love and compassion?

How can I reflect God's character more accurately in my leadership and interactions with others?

• How can I better align my actions with the true nature of God?

What areas of my life and ministry need to be reshaped to reflect God's compassion, grace, and faithfulness?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Have you ever felt puzzled by how differently Christians experience and express their faith? How can we walk in unity when we sometimes see things so differently?

In this episode, member care and missionary veteran Harry Hoffmann shares five unique spiritual worldviews, all rooted in the Bible and the dogma of the Christian faith. From the warrior-like approach of spiritual warfare to the nurturing Father Heart of God, Harry shows us how these different perspectives, can complement and enrich our spiritual journeys, and help us to understand one another better!

Which worldview is yours? Which one is hardest for you to connect with? After listening to the five worldviews, what aspect of God’s character might he be inviting you to learn more about? How can you use this new understanding to connect with someone you know?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

Website · YouTube · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn

This episode is packed with so much wisdom from the electric Lou Engle. He shares on the powerful topics of dreams, prayer, fasting, and the unique call God has on women's lives. Lou also shares some very specific things God has put on his heart that he believes God is calling women into in this season. Get ready to be deeply energized in your faith!

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected]

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