The Orchard Podcast

Do you ever find yourself saying, "Oh, I would be so much happier and my life would be so much better if I could just be someone's servant!" Probably not. And yet, Jesus said that if we want to gain the best in life, we need become a servant. In this episode, we will talk about how God uses service to transform us and our world.

During our conversation we mentioned some upcoming mission trips this summer and fall. We would love to have you join us in South Africa. Visit www.orchardafrica.org/orchard-journeys and scroll down to find upcoming trips.

We also have two open internship positions in our U.S. office. Are you interested in video and podcast production or are you a people person, excited about making an impact through donor appreciation? These internships could be a fit for you. Click this link to learn more: https://d1fdloi71mui9q.cloudfront.net/VVtZg0cEQSmwkWxjrb7u_Orchard%20Internships.pdf

Join the Orchard Podcast conversation by sharing a comment, story or question with us. Email us at [email protected]

Are you making ripples? God's grace working through our lives and churches has a ripple effect that has far reaching potential in the world. Join us as we talk about God's kingdom, missions and looking at our lives through the ripple.

Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Also, if you like this podcast help others find out about it by giving a positive rating on your podcast platform.

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be.

In this episode we will discuss what the prophet Micah meant when he said, "walk humbly." We will talk about the meaning of humility and the vital role it plays in missions. Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Also, if you like this podcast help others find out about it by giving a positive rating on your podcast platform.

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be.

In this episode we will discuss what the prophet Micah meant when he said, "love mercy." We will talk about the meaning of mercy, the difference between mercy and justice as well as discuss how we can become more merciful towards those in need in our world.

Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Also, if you like this podcast help others find out about it by giving a positive rating on your podcast platform.

Everyone pretty much agrees that our world is in need of some change. If you listen to this podcast, you probably want to be a part of that change. You may also wonder how to get started or what your next steps should be.

In this episode we will begin a conversation about 6 powerful words that can change the world. We will be discussing Micah 6:8, which may be one of the most quoted verses from the Old Testament these days. Join us as we dig deep into this gold mine of wisdom about life, faith and missions.

In this episode, we will focus on two words "do justice."

Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you.

Also, if you like this podcast help others find out about it by giving a positive rating on your podcast platform.

A common criticism of modern missions in the US is that it feeds what is commonly called a "white savior complex." This critique gives many people in the western church pause about mission trips and serving under-resourced parts of the world. How should Christians and church leaders address this critique? How do we reconcile Jesus' clear call to "go into all the world" with this issue?

In this episode, we will discuss what Jesus teaches and why it matters "how" we go. This is an important conversation for anyone wanting to serve or lead in missions in a way that is healthy and informed. It is also a great podcast to share with your mission team to start a conversation about healthy global missions.

Join the conversation by sending us a message, comment or question at [email protected]. Last month we had a slight technical issue that did not allow us to receive emails. That has been fixed and so if you sent a message last month, please resend it to us. We would love to hear from you.

What role should the church play in addressing oppression and captivity in the world? How do we even define those words? In this episode, we will take a deep dive into what it practically means to "set the captives free" as we explore ways we can courageously respond to the various types of oppression in our world.

We would love to have you join in on the conversation. Send questions, comments or topics you would like us to address to [email protected].

To learn more about the work of Orchard: Africa visit www.orchardafrica.org.

In this episode of the Orchard Podcast, Mike and Brian interview two South African pastors to get their perspective on the impact of short term mission trips on their church, community and even themselves as pastors. Our guest speakers are Pastor Patrick Mokgosi and Pastor Victor Motlhampe. They both have served as pastors of vulnerable communities for over two decades and during that time have hosted many mission teams from the United States. This is a truly fascinating conversation to hear what a mission trip is like from the standpoint of the host pastor. 

For nearly 20 years, Orchard: Africa has been hosting mission teams with a unified focus of partnering with local African pastors and churches already at work in vulnerable communities. Serving as partners on the ground, African churches and US mission teams have seen God at work transforming lives and bringing long term change in vulnerable communities. 

If you would like to learn more about scheduling a mission trip with Orchard: Africa, contact Brian LaMew at [email protected]. We look forward to talking about how your church, or you as an individual, can help encourage and support the African church as they care for the vulnerable in their community. 

Whether you are caring for the vulnerable in Southern Africa, planting a church in Eastern Europe, or reaching those in need in your own backyard, we all want to do the greatest amount of good as possible for the greatest number of people as possible. For this to happen, we must all hold two key truths in tension: "Do no one harm" and "Do good to all." Mike, Michelle and Brian will talk about the importance, challenge and practice of holding these two truths in balance as we serve a world in need.

We are all made in the image of God, but what does it take to reflect that image as we serve vulnerable people around the world? In this podcast, we will talk about the far reaching implications of being image bearers to a world in need. We will also talk about the purpose God had in mind when he made us in his likeness.