In this first episode of Grace at the Fray, Jim interviews “Steve K.,” an anonymous missionary who recently returned to the US after 15 years abroad. They explore how God is using this experience to stir his heart, deepening his longing for the future glory God has promised us and awakening a greater willingness to wait for it patiently. Their conversation helps us see that longing for home is not just experienced by cross-cultural missionaries; it is something within all of us, preparing us for our ultimate homecoming—being with God together in eternity.

In this episode, they discuss…

• How Becoming a Missionary Reveals Our Need and Stirs a Longing for Home [3:58]
• What It’s Like to Leave a Culture You've Lived in and a People You’ve Loved for Over 15 Years [8:23]
• Kinship with the Pevensie children and Other Reflections on Life After Returning from the Field [22:42]
• Being a Faithful Presence Where God Has Placed You [32:33]
• Longing for Home and the Power of Hope [37:28]

Through Jim’s conversation with “Steve K.,” we see that longing for home is not only experienced by cross-cultural missionaries but by all of us. It’s a longing given to us by God that prepares us for our real homecoming - when we are together in glory, with Him, for eternity.

Recommended Resources:

• Interested in learning more about our work in the 10/40 window? Check out Serge’s Business for Transformation work here.

You can find the full transcript of the episode here.

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation encouraging or helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Credits: 

• This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Anna Madsen and Sunny Chi. Music by Tommy L.

Our guest for this episode was “Steve K.” who has chosen to keep their identity anonymous in order to protect their own safety and the safety of those they serve. At Serge, we have many workers serving in closed-access countries around the world, and we prioritize this security, which is essential for the success of their mission.

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

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