In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, we consider how the first step toward sharing the Gospel can begin with something as simple as a glass of clean water. Host Dennis Wiens talks with Michael Ryer of Amigos Internacionales about how practical compassion can open doors to relationships, trust, and lasting spiritual transformation across East Africa.

In communities in northern Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond, the needs are immediate – clean water, education, medical care, economic opportunity, and hope. But Michael explains why simply meeting an urgent need and moving on isn't enough. Through the MissionPoint model, Amigos Internacionales takes a long-term approach that brings together clean water, schools, healthcare, local churches, skills training, agriculture, and community leadership. The goal isn't dependency; it's helping families and communities move toward dignity, sustainability, and flourishing.

You'll hear how water wells can improve children's health, safety, and school attendance; how sewing, soap-making, gardening, livestock, and other skills create pathways toward self-support; and how years of building trusted relationships have opened unexpected opportunities for ministry and community transformation.

Drawing from his own years of ministry and sustainable community development in Africa, Dennis explores an important question for every church and ministry leader: What happens when we stop looking for quick ministry results and commit to staying long enough to build trust?

If you care about global missions, church partnerships, community development, child sponsorship, or integrating practical compassion with Gospel ministry, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

The unconventional ministry lesson for all of us: Don't just ask, “What can I give someone?” Ask, “How can I build the kind of relationship that creates lasting change?”

In this episode, Host Dennis Wiens SAT-7 USA sits down with the father-son team behind And-Associates, the communications firm formerly known as A. Larry Ross Communications. The conversation unpacks how ministries and nonprofits can align their message, strategy, identity, and public presence so their mission actually moves people to action.

A. Larry Ross brings more than 50 years in Public Relations at the intersection of faith and culture, with experience helping shape communications for major ministries and Christian leaders. Richard Ross adds a brand-building perspective for today’s digital landscape, showing how feeling, visuals, and channel consistency shape whether people trust what they see.

Together, they make the case that public relations in ministry is not about manufacturing an image – it is about projecting an identity people can actually recognize, remember, and respond to. We explore the difference between timeless principles and changing methods, the role of grace and truth in public witness, and why every ministry leader should think beyond just getting into the news. If your organization wants to reach more people without losing clarity, this conversation is essential. Perfect for pastors, ministry leaders, nonprofit communicators, and anyone trying to make their message land in a crowded world.

 You’ll discover:

In this episode, learn what 3500 Christian killings in Nigeria reveals about global persecution. Christian persecution is accelerating in places most Western believers barely hear about, and the reality is far more severe than lost privileges or cultural pressure.

Shawn Wright, president of International Christian Concern, reveals what persecution actually looks like today. Host Dennis Wiens, Senior Impact Catalyst at SAT-7 USA, frames the urgent question underneath it all: what does it really cost to follow Jesus when faith can mean losing your job, your home, your freedom, or your life? Shawn shares sobering updates from ICC’s 2026 Global Persecution Index, including the rise of organized violence in Nigeria, state-sponsored pressure in Nicaragua, and the hidden suffering of believers in China, India, the Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan. You'll discover:

Shawn also explains how collaboration across ministries is becoming essential, with organizations prayerfully working together instead of operating in silos. From quarterly prayer gatherings to shared training and field partnerships, the conversation points to a bigger vision for helping the persecuted church not just survive, but thrive. If you care about religious freedom, global missions, or what it means to live with real faith under pressure, this episode will challenge your perspective and move you to action. Essential listening for pastors, church leaders, intercessors, and anyone who wants to stand with brothers and sisters who are suffering for the name of Christ. Shawn Wright is president of International Christian Concern, where he leads global advocacy and support for persecuted Christians. International Christian Concern works to aid, advocate, and awaken the church on behalf of believers facing hostility around the world.

Ever wonder if your church truly knows the stories behind the global workers the church sends out? For years, many churches have relied on bulletin boards, printed photos, and prayer cards in forgotten corner and narrow hallway to share updates. In a world where people expect information to be immediate, interactive, and accessible, static displays struggle to keep the Church informed.

In this episode, host Dennis Wiens visits with Paul Douglas who shares about the interactive technology of Mission Display. This interactive technology uses touchscreen displays that offer missionary profiles, videos, prayer requests, websites, and QR codes that make it easy to engage in real time. This turns mission awareness from a passive glance into an active experience.

Listen to this episode to learn the following:

This is essential listening for pastors, missions leaders, and church tech enthusiasts eager to harness technology for meaningful ministry impact. If your goal is to energize your congregation around missions and foster authentic global partnerships, this episode shows you how to leap into the future of church communication.

Most people imagine Middle East as a conflict zone, but behind the headlines, God's movement is unstoppable. In this episode, Dennis Wiens interviews John Cerniglia of SAT-7, who shares extraordinary stories of faith and resilience, and how innovative ministry models transforming lives in some of the world's most restricted regions. Discover how Christian media, especially satellite television and digital platforms, is becoming one of the most effective tools for spreading the Gospel where traditional Christian work faces barriers.

Why is media more vital now than ever? Because governments can't block a satellite signal or censor a smartphone. This episode dives into the revolution in how faith is being cultivated in closed nations, and why every believer can be part of this global movement.

The stories of transformed lives, dangerous circumstances overcome by God's power, and innovative ministry models will leave you inspired and ready to engage in this new wave of global ministry.

As suggested, please join in praying for the ministry.

While many assume the Gospel has little opportunity to spread in Iran and the Persian-speaking world, God is writing a very different story. Across Iran, Afghanistan, and among millions living in the Persian diaspora, people are searching for truth and finding hope through innovative Christian media.

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Omeed Jouyandeh from SAT-7 PARS to explore how satellite television, the SAT-7 PLUS streaming platform, and social media are reaching millions of Persian speakers with the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. Despite internet shutdowns, censorship, and the challenges of living in one of the world's most restricted regions, SAT-7 PARS is providing biblical teaching, worship, live prayer, and discipleship to believers who often have no local church to call home.

In this episode, you will learn how thoughtful, culturally relevant programs like Is God to Blame? and Sanctuary of the Heart are helping Persian viewers wrestle with life's deepest questions. You'll also discover the remarkable story of the Iranian Church, a movement that has grown from just a few hundred believers in 1979 to well over a million today, demonstrating that God is powerfully at work even where faith is costly.

Learn how your prayers, encouragement, and financial support can help SAT-7 PARS continue broadcasting hope beyond borders and bringing the Gospel to Persian-speaking people who are hungry to know Jesus. Join the Prayer Team!

Previous Podcast Episodes About SAT-7:

EP#207 Broadcasting Hope in a Changing Middle East and North Africa with Rami Al-Halaseh: Political upheaval, economic instability, and shifting alliances have altered the region’s landscape, creating both uncertainty and unprecedented ministry opportunity. Rami shares how SAT-7 has strategically pivoted, expanding digital engagement and strengthening its Arabic programming to accompany viewers through crises.

EP#206 The Cost of Faith in Iran with SAT-7 PARS Behind the headlines of protests, government crackdowns, and deepening economic crisis in Iran, a quieter story is unfolding – one rarely told. It is the story of a resilient and growing community of Jesus followers who live under constant pressure, isolation, and surveillance, yet continue to cling to hope. In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry podcast, we go beyond the news cycle to hear what everyday Iranians are truly facing and how faith endures when public worship is impossible and gathering as the church can be dangerous.

In this episode, learn how Thrive Ministry provides life-transforming spiritual resources, retreats, and authentic community tailored specifically for women in cross-cultural ministry around the world. In cross-cultural ministry, women often serve quietly, tirelessly, and sacrificially, yet they frequently go unnoticed when it comes to receiving the care they need. Who is caring for them?

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Abigail Doust, Development Director at Thrive Ministry, to share how this remarkable organization is coming alongside women serving around the world. Through life-giving retreats, biblical encouragement, and authentic relationships, Thrive creates safe spaces where women can rest, process life's challenges, deepen their relationship with God, and rediscover joy in their calling.

You'll hear inspiring stories of women who arrived at a retreat emotionally and spiritually exhausted, only to leave refreshed, renewed, and ready to continue serving with hope and purpose. Abigail also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the unique challenges women face in cross-cultural ministry and explains why intentional soul care isn't a luxury but an essential part of long-term, effective Kingdom service.

Whether you're a sent out cross cultural worker, pastor, church leader, missions committee member, or someone who faithfully supports global workers, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the women serving on the front lines of the Gospel. More importantly, you'll discover practical ways to encourage and strengthen those who spend their lives investing in others.

If you've ever wondered how we can better care for the caregivers, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Previous podcast episodes with Thrive Ministry volunteers:

What do Moses, Gideon, Esther, David, and Peter have in common? None of them looked like the obvious choice for leadership. Yet God used each of them to accomplish extraordinary things. Throughout Scripture, God has a remarkable pattern of calling ordinary, imperfect, and often reluctant people to lead His people and advance His Kingdom.

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, host Dennis Wiens welcomes Dr. Rex Rogers, author of Be One of God's Unlikely Leaders: Live With Focus, Get Things Done. Together they explore why God often chooses unlikely leaders, how biblical leadership differs from the world's definition of success, and what qualities truly matter in God's Kingdom. Dr. Rogers shares practical insights on overcoming self-doubt, staying focused in a distracted world, leading with humility, and accomplishing what God has called you to do without losing sight of your purpose.

Whether you're a pastor, missionary, nonprofit leader, business professional, volunteer, or simply someone wondering if God could use you, this conversation will encourage and challenge you. You don't need a perfect resume, a charismatic personality, or a leadership title for God to work through your life. You simply need a willing heart and a commitment to faithfully follow His calling.

If you've ever felt overlooked, underqualified, or uncertain about your leadership potential, this episode is for you. Discover why God still delights in using unlikely leaders to accomplish extraordinary things for His Kingdom.

Thirty years ago, many believed Christian ministry in the Middle East and North Africa faced insurmountable barriers. Churches were scarce, believers often isolated, and traditional ministry methods struggled. Yet a bold vision led by Dr. Terence Ascott gave birth to SAT-7, a pioneering satellite television ministry that would change the landscape of Christian ministry across the region.

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens explores how SAT-7 became one of the most influential Christian media ministries in the Middle East and North Africa. Broadcasting 24/7 in Arabic, Persian, Dari, and Turkish, SAT-7 uses satellite television, digital, and social media platforms to bring biblical teaching, worship, discipleship, prayer support, and hope directly into homes across the region. Discover how culturally relevant programming created by Middle Eastern and North African believers is strengthening faith, connecting viewers to local churches, and providing encouragement amid conflict, persecution, and uncertainty.

Learn how innovative media ministry continues to overcome barriers that traditional approaches often cannot. Whether you're a church leader, donor, missions advocate, or simply passionate about global outreach, this episode offers a compelling look at how courage, creativity, and technology are expanding access to the Gospel in some of the world's most challenging places.

Previous Episodes to learn more about SAT-7:

EP#207 Broadcasting Hope in a Changing Middle East and North Africa with Rami Al-Halaseh

EP#194 Music, Marriage, Media, and Ministry: A Story of Faithful Impact with Rawad and Marianne Daou

Are your workplace vibes healthy or toxic? Learn what to look for and how to turn things around. Most of us have experienced toxic environments that drain energy and crush morale. But what if you could build a curative culture – one rooted in trust, respect, and biblical values?

In this episode of the Unconventional Ministry Podcast, Dennis Wiens welcomes Doug Shaw, Founder and CEO of Douglas Shaw and Associates, to explore how organizations (churches, ministries, and businesses) can move beyond toxic environments to cultivate curative cultures. Discover practical steps and biblical principles for fostering trust, safety, and purpose at work.

In this episode, we discuss:

Stay inspired to lead with integrity, embody biblical values, and create environments where people flourish. Share this episode with your church, workplace, and nonprofit team to foster healthier, more curative cultures.