Modern Day Missionaries

Have you ever looked back on a really hard season on the field, a huge thing God asked you to do, or a big unexpected change and thought, Wow, I’m SO glad I didn’t know that was coming? Because I would have run for the hills!

In this episode, we sit down with Vonna Laue, author of the upcoming book Glad I Didn’t Know, to discuss life’s unexpected twists and turns in the world of missions. Vonna shares her journey, from unplanned moves and family challenges to the unique pressures and joys that missionaries face when God’s plans unfold in surprising ways.

She offers wisdom and concrete ways to live fully in the moment while trusting God with what’s to come. Whether you’re on the field or supporting others who are, this conversation will remind you of the resilience and hope that carries us through, even when the future feels uncertain.

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can find peace in the unknown, even when life surprises us
• Why it’s okay (and even good) to be glad we didn’t know everything ahead
• How our personal journeys strengthen our calling in missions
• Practical ways we can stay grounded, no matter what life brings
• Tips for balancing structure with flexibility in our daily lives and ministries

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Where in my life have I felt grateful not to know what was coming?
• How do I usually respond to unexpected twists—am I open or resistant?
• What stories from my past show God’s faithfulness through surprises?
• How can I stay flexible and trusting when plans suddenly change?
• In what ways might God be calling me to release control right now?

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

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How do you handle team conflicts when your cultural values clash? What’s the secret to building trust in a team of people from very different backgrounds?

You may have learned about the culture you are going to serve, but did you learn about the cultures of the people you are serving with? Missions is much more complex and beautiful than we could ever know!

The makeup of teams serving overseas are changing. If you don’t already serve with people from various countries, you likely soon will. This is an exciting challenge, and one we need to know more about.

In this episode, we’re joined by cross-cultural expert I’Ching Thomas, who gives excellent advice on how to build strong relationships among culturally diverse teams.

With real-life examples and strategies, I'Ching helps us explore how to bridge cultural gaps, deepen trust, and build a unified team that reflects the love of Christ. Don’t miss this conversation on creating stronger, more resilient cross-cultural teams!

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can bridge cultural gaps on diverse mission teams
• Practical ways to build trust and unity among teammates from different backgrounds
• Tips for handling team conflicts when values and communication styles clash
• Why it's essential to approach our teammates with humility and openness
• How we can create a strong, Christ-centered team culture

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• How do I usually respond when misunderstandings arise with teammates from different cultures?
• What cultural biases might I bring into my team interactions?
• Am I intentional about building relationships, or do I focus mainly on tasks?
• How often do I pause to truly listen and learn from my teammates' perspectives?
• What steps can I take to create a more inclusive and understanding team environment?

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

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Do you ever wonder if your prayers are really making a difference? Or feel frustrated when you don’t see results? If you pray and something doesn’t happen, was it worth it or a waste of time? Does God already have planned out what he’s going to do anyway?

In this episode, we talk with missionary Peter Warren, a leader in YWAM, who brings a fresh take on how prayer works and why it matters. We dive into what it means to co-create with God through prayer, if prayer can actually change things, and what role persistence plays. If you've ever struggled with prayer or questioned its impact, this conversation will encourage you and give you a whole new perspective!

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can partner with God through prayer to impact real outcomes
• Why some prayers take time and how persistence plays a key role
• How to align our prayers with God’s will and desires
• What it looks like to persist in prayer, even when we feel discouraged
• What it means to co-create with God

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Do I really believe my prayers can change things, or do I feel like I’m wasting time?
• How do I approach prayer—am I expecting God to respond, or just checking a box?
• Am I praying for what God wants, or am I trying to steer things my own way?
• What does it look like for me to partner with God through prayer?
• How can I keep praying when it feels like nothing’s happening?

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

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What does surrendering to God mean? Can someone be walking in faith and be surrendered to God? Is surrender giving up? How do we balance the reality of suffering with believing in God as our provider and healer? How can we know when we’re using faith as a way to try and control God versus having faith that pleases him?

Uff. Suffering brings up SO many questions. In this week’s episode, we wade into the waters of suffering, surrender, faith, and hope with former missionary, member care veteran, and ordained Anglican priest Scott Shaum.

This conversation is rich, challenging, comforting and discerning. You’ll receive fresh insights and new ways of seeing whatever difficulty you may be walking through.

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can navigate the tension between faith and surrender in difficult times.
• Practical ways to walk through pain while still holding onto hope and faith.
• How suffering can be a key part of our spiritual growth and maturity.
• Insights on how our view of God shapes how we handle suffering and hardship.
• How we can trust God’s presence even when we don’t get the answers we want.

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Am I truly surrendering to God, or am I trying to control outcomes with my faith?
• How do I see God as both my healer and provider, even in seasons of suffering?
• What does it look like for me to hold onto hope while walking through pain?
• How can I embrace surrender without feeling like I’m giving up?
• Am I allowing God to use my challenges to shape me, or am I resisting His work?

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

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Have you ever wondered why people respond to trauma in such different ways? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trauma with Dr. Jamie Aten, a leading expert in the field. We explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, breaking down why people's experiences and reactions to it can be so widely different.

Dr. Aten gives practical, effective strategies that those of us who work in high-stress and emotionally charged settings can use to work through trauma in our own lives while also giving compassionate care to those around us who have experienced it.

This isn't just an academic discussion; the episode is laden with real-world applications. Dr. Aten shares tools from his spiritual aid toolkit and gives a sense of hope for anyone grappling with the challenges of trauma. Whether you're a missionary, a caregiver, or someone looking to better understand the human experience, this episode is a must-listen.

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why people experience and respond to trauma in such different ways
• Practical tips for missionaries to recognize and manage their own trauma
• How to provide compassionate care for those facing trauma in high-stress environments
• Real-life strategies for building emotional resilience in your daily life
• The importance of self-care when working in challenging, trauma-filled settings

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• How do I typically respond to stress or trauma in my life?
• What strategies have I used to help others cope with difficult experiences?
• In what ways can I improve my emotional resilience as a missionary?
• How might understanding different trauma responses help me care for those around me?
• What role does self-care play in managing my own emotional well-being in tough environments?

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

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Do you ever struggle with knowing how to keep your team motivated? Especially when the work is hard, the stakes are high, and the pay is low (or non-existent)? How can you create a team culture of health from the top down?

In this episode, we sit down with Nic and Rachael Billman, founders of Shores of Grace. They have spent over 14 years leading missionaries and staff in Brazil. They open up about the challenges and rewards of managing complex teams, from balancing paid staff and volunteers to navigating the complexities of cross-cultural leadership.

You'll hear their practical tips on keeping teams unified, motivated, and healthy—plus some personal stories that are sure to resonate with anyone leading in ministry. Whether you're running a small team or a large ministry, this conversation will inspire you with fresh ideas for leading your team in an effective and healthy way.

✍️  In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to keep your team motivated, even when life gets tough
• Simple ways to build unity across different cultures and personalities
• Practical ways to set a sustainable pace for your team’s long-term success
• Tips for handling conflict and keeping relationships healthy
• Why focusing on relationships and care makes all the difference in ministry

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• What are a few ways we can help team members take ownership of their roles and responsibilities?
• How do we lead well when our team members have different expectations or backgrounds?
• What are some creative ways to motivate our team during tough seasons?
• How can we better support our team’s emotional health, especially in seasons of high stress?
• What steps can we take to foster deeper relationships and trust within our team?

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

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Being an MK––or parenting an MK––is a journey like none other! If you’re the parent of missionary kids or you grew up as an MK or TCK––or if you know MK’s and just want to understand them better––today, we dive into the wild world of growing up overseas!

What makes today’s missionary kids different than the MK’s who came before them? How can those of us who love them understand their world a little better so we can support them and help them flourish?

Today, Dr. Rob Hoskins, MK, TCK, parent of MK's, and President of OneHope, which has given away more than 2 billion Bibles to children and youth around the world, shares strategic ways to engage culture as a family and how to have fun in the process!

Join us for this vulnerable and powerful encore episode with Rob about MK’s as we dig into the great parts, the hard parts, and how we can help MK’s thrive.


✍️  In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Specific ways missionary parents can balance the demands of ministry while making their children's well-being a priority.
• What it’s really like to grow up as a missionary kid today, from adapting to different cultures to handling the unique dynamics of missionary family life.
• One of Rob’s keys to helping MK’s thrive in their unique circumstances.
• The ways the digital age is reshaping the challenges MK’s face today and what that means for their upbringing.
• Practical, relatable advice for parents on how to navigate the tension between their calling and raising healthy, happy kids.

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• How can we create a sense of belonging and inclusion for our kids while balancing the demands of ministry?
• What intentional steps can we take to ensure our children are thriving emotionally and spiritually, even in challenging environments?
• How is digital culture affecting our kids, and what can we do to help guide them through its challenges?
• How can we manage the tension between fulfilling our calling and making sure our children's well-being comes first?
• What are some practical ways to involve our children in the mission without overwhelming or isolating them from the joys of childhood?

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

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Are generational differences causing tension on your missions team? Do you find it challenging to bring Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z together in a unified way? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Tim Elmore, author and founder of Growing Leaders, to explore how to overcome generational clashes and turn those differences into strengths.

This conversation will give you tools to handle tensions, build trust, and create a more unified, effective team. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring different generations together without losing your cool, this episode is for you!


✍️  In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to bridge generational gaps for stronger teamwork.
• Strategies for turning generational tensions into strengths.
• Key differences between Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z, and how to leverage them.
• Tips for improving communication across generations.
• How embracing generational diversity can make your team more effective.
  
  

💡 Questions to ponder as you listen:

• What generation is most difficult for me to understand? What confuses/frustrates me about them? What did Tim share that is helping me see them in a new light?
• What are some specific ways generational differences are showing up on my team, and what challenges are they creating?
• What’s one thing I could do to help bridge the gap between older and younger team members?
• What strengths from different generations on my team might I be overlooking?
• What is one practical way I can encourage teammates of different generations to work together?
  
  

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

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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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