In Episode 39, Mike interviews Tolya (Tolik) Deminko, the National Campus Ministry Leader for CRU in Ukraine, about how God is working among university students during the ongoing war. This episode gives a ground-level look at Christian ministry in Ukraine, the spiritual hunger emerging on campuses, and how young people are responding to the Gospel in the middle of crisis.

Tolya shares firsthand stories from Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa—cities deeply impacted by the war. He explains how internally displaced students are finding Christian community, how CRU volunteers are serving sacrificially, and why the war has actually increased spiritual openness among many Ukrainian students.

You’ll hear:

If you care about missions in Ukraine, CRU/Campus Crusade, student evangelism, or want to know how God is moving during the war, this episode will inspire and challenge you.

Learn More About Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Support & Learn More:

Support Our Work in Ukraine – Partner with us to make a difference.

Episode Summary

Today on the Storyline Podcast, Mike sits down with Zahara, current CEO of Children of Grace — a remarkable ministry rescuing and empowering orphans in Uganda.

Born into hardship and raised as an orphan herself, Zahara’s journey is one of courage, faith, and purpose. From surviving poverty to leading a movement that has provided education and hope to over 20,000 Ugandan children over 25 years, her story is a living testimony of what God can do through a life surrendered to Him.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Whether you’re in ministry, leadership, or simply in need of inspiration, this episode will move your heart and remind you that God redeems every story for His glory.

Guest: Zahara, Founder & CEO of Children of Grace
Host: Mike Krieg, Storyline Missions
Connect with Children of Grace: childrenofgrace.com

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

In this episode, Mike explores the often-overlooked but deeply practical doctrine of the imminent return of Jesus Christ — the truth that He could come at any moment. Drawing from Jesus’ own words and the writings of the Apostle Paul, Mike shows how this teaching is not meant to stir fear or speculation, but to produce holiness, urgency, and hope in every follower of Christ.

He also references William E. Blackstone’s classic book Jesus Is Coming (1878), highlighting how Blackstone argued that neglecting this truth leads to spiritual complacency — a Christianity that becomes comfortable, self-focused, and detached from the urgency of mission.

Matthew 24:42–44 – “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

Luke 12:35–40 – The parable of servants who stay awake for their master’s return.

1 Thessalonians 5:1–4 – “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Revelation 3:3; 16:15 – Jesus: “Behold, I am coming like a thief.”

Philippians 3:20–21 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior.”

— William E. Blackstone

Blackstone taught that belief in Christ’s imminent return is “the true incentive to a holy life.” When believers lose sight of this hope, they easily settle into comfort and self-interest rather than watchfulness and obedience.

Imminence shapes mindset — When Christ’s return feels near, it transforms how we live today.

Watchfulness over worldliness — A ready heart resists apathy and comfort.

Hope that purifies — The blessed hope is meant to make us holy, not anxious.

Urgency for mission — Knowing He could come at any time calls us to share the gospel and live purposefully.

Ask yourself: If Jesus were to come today, would He find me faithful?
Live, give, and serve as though He could appear at any moment — because He can.

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Episode Summary:
Mike shares updates revealing how Storyline’s vision is multiplying—from Latin America’s expanding youth movement to a sustainable model in Romania and a new campus initiative that’s raising up young mobilizers worldwide.

Latin America – The Multiplying Effect

Campus Ambassadors – The Next Generation

Key Quote:
“When you give people a clear story of God’s mission and a way to live it out, they don’t just attend a program—they become mobilizers themselves.”

Resources:

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

In this episode, Mike sits down with Mason Smith, Storyline’s Asian Partnership Director, currently based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Mason shares about the challenges and opportunities in mobilizing churches across Asia, the spiritual condition of Thai youth, and how God is opening new doors for the gospel in the region.

Role: Asian Partnership Director, Storyline Missions

Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Focus: Developing partnerships, training mobilizers, and equipping local leaders across Asia

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Summary:
In this special 10-year anniversary episode, we celebrate all that God has done through Storyline and share a vision for the days ahead. From equipping churches in Spain, Vietnam, Ukraine, Romania, and across Asia, to creating fast, free digital resources in multiple languages, we’ve seen the Lord open doors for frontier mobilization.

We’ll reflect on why our strategy is so powerful, how it empowers local churches to reach unreached peoples, and why we believe the best days are still ahead—even as we wait for peace in Ukraine and prepare for new opportunities across Europe and Asia.

Highlights:

Scripture References:

Quotes Shared:

“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” – William Carey

“The future of missions is in the hands of the global church.” – Samuel Escobar

Call to Action:

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Today Mike talks with one of Storylines Ukraine partners about the ministry called Wise Carpenter. This ministry is reaching young boys who are fatherless from the Ukraine war.

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Today we talk with Steve about his ministry in Asia. He is seeing amazing results from training national workers, missionaries and pastors the fundamentals of Biblical support raising.

To contact Steve you can reach out to [email protected]

To learn more about Via go to vianations.org

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. It is the most significant event in world history.

In this short episode, Mike shares an encouraging short message reflecting on the importance of Easter and the resurrection.

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.

Today we’re talking with Mason Smith, the Asia Director for Storyline. He shares his story about how God called him into mobilization and his vision to help mobilize local churches in Asia.

If you’d like to learn more about Mason and his ministry you can go to www.storylinemissions.org/staff. Mason can be reached at [email protected]

Explore Storyline Missions:

Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision.