Perspectives Unsettled

Prepare A Way by Uncharted International

In this episode, we unpack Uncharted's theme for 2024: Cannot be Hidden. What does that mean? Why does an organization have an annual theme? And how does it relate to the stories of our Field Partners in North Africa, Central Asia, and beyond?

Also, get an update on Myanmar from our friend and Partner David Lian.

Burnout is the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged mental, physical, or emotional stress. While everyone goes through seasons of stress, the relational aspect of ministry heightens its difficulty. And when you are also shouldering the burdens of a community or dealing with culture shock or caring for desperately needy people on top of your own personal life, tiredness can lead to exhaustion pretty quickly.

In this episode, we’re talking to James Grout from One Child and we’re asking questions like: What are things specific to ministry and missions that can cause burnout? What happens when something we feel we’re called to seems impossible and overwhelming? And when is it okay to walk away from ministry?

NOTES:

Outpost: https://outpostnetwork.org/

One Child: https://onechild.org/

2021 Barna study: https://www.barna.com/research/pastors-well-being/

Tim Bolsinger on disappointing people:: https://bolsinger.blogs.com/weblog/2010/04/disappointing-leadership-the-core-competency.html

According to the World Watch List from Open Doors, more than 360 million Christians are persecuted for their faith, which is one in seven believers. At Uncharted, 3 out of 6 of our Locations are rated as experiencing either Very High or Extreme levels of persecution. And the experiences of our Field Partners there ranges from being rejected by friends and family, difficulties finding work or acceptance in a community, to even threats of violence or death.

The boldness and courage of these Christians is admirable, but they also need support. And we, as their family, need to stand with them.

In this episode, we’re asking questions like: What actually is real persecution? How do we stand alongside our brothers and sisters experiencing it? And where can we find hope?

RESOURCES:

-Exponential article on multiplication amidst persecution: exponential.org/multiplication-face-persecution

-Send a message to Uncharted Field Partners: unchartedinternational.org/write

-Support Uncharted’s 2023 end of year fundraising campaign: unchartedinternational.org/give

Part of Uncharted’s vision as an organization is to continue to grow and come alongside new Partners in more Locations. This year, we’re launching our fifth Location and taking steps on identifying regions in which to pursue more partnerships. It takes a lot of work, and a lot of discernment, and we want to bring you guys into the process with us.

In this episode we’re talking to our VP of International Programs and asking questions like: how are our Partners in low-access Locations dealing with the increased persecution? Why does Uncharted continue to go to these kinds of places? And where might Uncharted go next?

We can see the process of discernment as having a choice between A and B, and doing everything we can to figure out which one is the right choice and which is the wrong choice. And while discernment can include seeking guidance in a specific situation, but it’s much broader than that.

In this episode, we talk with with Sara Walsh, Uncharted’s Director of Intercession and Care, and we’re asking questions like: what actually is discernment, and how does Scripture tell us to pursue it? What does it mean to practice discernment, and how do we do it in community?

RESOURCES:

Pursuing God’s Will Together by Ruth Haley Barton: https://bookshop.org/book/9780830835669

Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership by Ruth Haley Barton: https://bookshop.org/book/9780830846450

practicingtheway.org

When it comes to vocational ministry, and especially global missions, you hear a lot about whether or not someone has been 'called.' And it can pretty quickly become something that feels weighty, especially if you aren't sure you'll be called to something you want.

In this episode, we’re talking with Uncharted’s Development Director Colleen Cooper, and we’re asking questions like: how do you know when God calls you to something? Does he call us to do things we don’t want to do? And is a call to missions always a call to be a missionary?

In terms of identity, Gen Z is the least religious generation yet. More than one-third of them consider themselves ‘religiously unaffiliated’. But young adults and teenagers who do consider themselves to be engaged Christians, are way more likely to be involved and open to service than older generations.

In this episode, we’re talking to Steven Pettus from Highlands College and asking questions like: what barriers to ministry do young adults face, what kind of encouragement do they need, and how is the next generation changing the mission field?

Resources:

The Future of Missions, Barna group: https://shop.barna.com/products/the-future-of-missions

Generation Z and the Future of Faith in America: https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/generation-z-future-of-faith/

CNN article on demise of the church: https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/08/us/christianity-decline-easter-blake-cec/index.html

It can be easy to assume that a meaningful relationship with someone from a different country, living in a different culture, speaking a different language, is just not really possible.

But when the only thing that’s actually necessary for a meaningful relationship is one shared vision, you find that it’s totally possible to connect with people that might seem ‘too different’ to relate to. And it’s encouraging, and it’s good, and it’s fun.

And, in the context of international ministry, it’s important.

In this episode, we’re talking about why it’s important and we’re asking questions like: what role does friendship play in ministry and international missions? What are the risks of involving personal relationships with ministry, and are they worth it?

Join us at 7:30pm CDT on November 17 for Global Day: Embark. This is a webcasted event for the Uncharted family to learn about and participate in global missions. Watch live for updates from our Field Partners and join the community of believers in lifting up and encouraging the workers around the world who boldly advance the Kingdom of God.

Sign up today: unchartedinternational.org/globalday