Engaging Missions

Anthony Petrillo, the founder of TEN3 returns to share what God laid on his heart. He shares the key to effective ministry, how to grow in your relationship with the Lord, and how to deal with overwhelm. - http://engagingmissions.com/36

After college, JennyBeth Alford felt called to missions but it seemed like it wouldn't happen. Rather than throwing in the towel, she persevered, finding a place with TEN3. Now she's planning to go to Zambia. - http://engagingmissions.com/35

God called Joe Gallop from Engineering to Missions work with nomads in Niger. Now he's the CEO of the Transformational Education Network (TEN3). He shares one reason Western institutions often fail in Africa. - http://engagingmissions.com/34

http://engagingmissions.com/33 - Anthony Petrillo has developed a series of astoundingly effective textbooks for teaching computer skills that work in any culture. He's based in the US and commutes to Africa to train educators and administrators.

http://engagingmissions.com/32 - Liz Carmichael moved to Eastern Europe shortly after Communism fell. Early in her time there, she had an astounding experience that reminded her of how big and powerful God is. Listen to hear her share what God did.

I'm excited to share James Harvey and David Kaufmann with you today. Together, they lead City Church Network. City Church Network focuses on starting small churches within unreached and unengaged people groups. Then, they invest in helping those churches multiply by planting more churches. Life in Ministry Both David and James start their week with a Sabbath to rest and to focus on prayer, worship, and family. While they are committed to being out in the community, they are also committed to their wives and children. David orders his days by spending the mornings with his wife and children. Then, in the afternoons and evenings he's in the community, working with 2-3 leaders per day. When they meet, they answer 4 simple questions. James mentioned that he uses a calendar tool that helps him break his days and weeks into 2-3 hour blocks. He then fills those blocks with the specific things he wants to do. Further, he tends to focus entire days on specific areas of ministry. * Mondays are his Sabbath * Tuesdays are focused on Apostolic things * Wednesdays through Fridays are flexible with meetings, prayer walking, and office time * Saturdays find him out in the field with house church leaders * Sundays are when he opens his home for a church meeting and then in the afternoon he'll be out in the community meeting people and preparing for the next week Key Scripture But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7 [Tweet “Seek the welfare of the city… – Jeremiah 29:7”] [Tweet “Leadership is influence – John Maxwell”] The difference between a leadership and a follower is more than knowledge or perspective. It's that a leader intentionally tries to influence others towards a specific vision or set of tasks. Challenge David shared the story of how he moved to Nashville to take a specific position at a church. But by the time he'd arrived, that church had merged with another church and the position had been taken by another pastor. He discovered that he'd been brought in as the “backup player.” By walking through that time taught him one really big lesson. [Tweet “God is sovereign. God is in control. God WILL make a way.”] [Tweet “God, I’m going to honor the process.”] Revelation James shared how he “staff hopped” for quite some time while he was looking for a ministry he could really invest his heart into. Then, at the right time, he re-connected with David. Over lunch at the China Pan Buffet, James heard about a whole new ministry. The idea of reaching Nashville through a church planting movement excited him. [Tweet “We have to do this so we can model it for others.”] Significance in the Marketplace [Tweet “All of life is for God's glory.”] [Tweet “Work as unto the Lord.”] [Tweet “The calling of your life is to make God known in the marketplace.”] Go to work every day for the glory of Jesus and look for ways in which God is working all around them. Realize that you have influence and opportunities that staff pastors will never have. Be aware of where God is moving around you.

Dr. Patterson is the originator of the Church Planting Multiplication movement. He's an innovator in discipleship and church planting. Many have been effective using the methods he teaches. You might recognize that both Sean Steckbeck and Jay Judson referenced some of the principles that he teaches. In fact, it was Jay who connected me to Dr. Patterson. I’m excited about this interview because I suspect God is up to something. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] George started out as a traditional missionary. After Bible school, he went to Honduras to teach in a Bible institute. It was during that time that an experience with one of the pastors showed him teaching correct doctrine wasn't enough. That experience led him to look more closely at how Jesus and the apostles trained disciples. Key Scriptures And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 The 7 Commands of Christ * Repenting (involves faith, the Holy Spirit, being born again) * Being Baptized * Observing Lord’s Supper * Love * Giving * Prayer * Making Disciples (in general) Two Life-Changing Experiences George shared two more of the experiences God used to shape his life. One involved teaching at a Bible institute, where he realized his lesson was not relevant to his students. The other involved a discussion about baptism and drunkenness. Challenge One of the biggest challenges George faced was people proselytizing from other churches. They didn't evangelize themselves. Instead, they would follow and look for things that were wrong. When they found something they would begin criticizing and creating division. How George and the other leaders responded was very interesting. And very effective. Current Ministry George's current work excites him. He's helping established churches create what he calls a Second Track. These Second Tracks provide a place for people who are frustrated and passive to step into ministry. Yet it gives grace and flexibility for the established church to function the way it does. They way they do it doesn't threaten the church and doe...

It's exciting that missions can take so many different forms. There are opportunities to teach, to preach, to build, to love, and to encourage. Really, if God calls, there's something for everybody. Kurt Coble is uniquely talented and called to pour into worship leaders and he's grown it far beyond his own ability. Through World Music Mission, Kurt matches the needs of worship leaders around the world with the skills and talents of other musicians, technicians, and worship leaders. He travels widely within North America, sharing the stories of what God is doing. While he's traveling, he also gets to see the excitement of revelation as musicians catch the vision for what God is doing around the world. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] Life in Ministry Kurt's Christian heritage spans a wide variety of cultures and styles. He sees the value of other cultures and the beauty of their music. He's traveled to Spain and Mexico City but his experience is much wider than that. Kurt enjoys living in Nashville, Tennessee. Because there are so many musicians, producers, and engineers, there are many opportunities. He spends much of his time traveling. While he's on the road, he's able to share what he knows and inspire others to do the same. Key Scripture After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9 Challenge Of course, every day can be challenging but one of the most focused challenges has been funding the ministry. Kurt had hoped to run various businesses rather than raising funds through donations. Along the way, there were several difficult experiences. Revelation While Kurt was taking a class at Williamson Christian College, God began stirring some things in his heart. The idea of being accountable for all the things that God brought into his life challenged him. About the same time, Brent Cundall was experiencing some similar stirrings. That's what led them to co-found World Music Mission. Current Ministry Kurt's excited that it seems like he's on the tip of something big and he's expecting to see God move powerfully. He's meeting lots of people and is able to see them catch the fire and hear the ideas of what they can do to grow worship around the world. Significance in the Marketplace Kurt has several suggestions for how we can effectively live our faith in the workplace. Level Up

This week is a real treat; We have Geoff and Breanna Butterworth with us. You might not know them but I've been friends with them for some time and I'm so happy to hear about what God has been doing in their lives. Photo credit: Benjamin McCain Geoff and Breanna live in Nashville, Tennessee and both work in the marketplace. Breanna is a visual artist and Geoff is a songwriter, worship leader, and recording engineer. But that's not all. God's called them to go to places that can't afford them, leading worship and encouraging the worship leaders they find when they arrive. That's exactly how it was on their recent trip to Latvia with Paradigm Worship International. As you listen, I believe you'll be encouraged and challenged at the same time. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] Key Scripture Geoff spends time in private worship. One day this scripture really stood out. As he prayed, he began crying out for this generation. It's become his personal mission statement and the focus for the entire band. They are always asking themselves if what they're doing will call a generation to seek God's face. Challenge During their preparation for the trip to Latvia, Breanna lost her father unexpectedly. It was a really difficult time for her and she kept asking herself a question. As she prayed about this, God began to show her what He does to repair the broken pieces. That pointed her to a Japanese art form called Kintsugi. In this art form, the artist does something specific to repair broken pottery. The point of the way it's repaired is to bring emphasis to the parts that are mended. In the end, the piece is believed to be more beautiful because of how the broken pieces are put back together. Note: This reminded me of Isaiah 61:3. Revelation For Geoff and Breanna, God's revelation has been a process rather than a moment. Over the years He's showed them that they need to keep things as simple as possible. As artists and ministers, there can be so many things to keep track of. It's easy to be distracted and to make things more complex – to focus on the minutia rather than the big picture. God has been showing them that if they are obedient and diligent, He'll take care of the details. Current Ministry God has called Geoff and Breanna to minister in the “uncommon” places – often, places that can't afford them. They're finding that when they follow, the harvest is ripe. In their recent trip to Latvia, what God did encouraged them. They are excited about the connections they now have with God's work in East...

Amy Learn was on a path with her life. Leaving a farm in Iowa to attend school in Minnesota led her to the East Coast of the United States while her twin sister went West. But her journey didn't end there. Now she's working with Iris, Cambodia in Phnom Penh. Their focus is helping stop abuse and trafficking of young boys. They partner with other non-profits in the area and build relationships. They also help connect children with the education that could break the cycle of poverty. And they minister the love of Jesus to the women who work in the bars. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] Life in Ministry Amy said that living in Phnom Penh is similar to living in a city in the US. It's not exactly the same, though. The traffic is crazy but the people are open; you can build a relationship with a smile. Key Scripture I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the Lord. Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, who does not turn to the proud, to those who go astray after a lie! Psalm 40:1-3 Challenge Helping pioneer the base in Cambodia has been challenging. It's hard to be patient – to go low and slow. And it's especially difficult to develop relationships without speaking the language. However, one Halloween, during a time of worship, Amy felt like it was time for the team to go out and minister. They planned to go to a bar they'd been to before but it was full. So, instead, God directed them to another place. There, Amy connected with a lady who had prayed for help that morning. Revelation Current Ministry The story Amy shared was how they were able to connect two girls from a poor family with an organization who can give them the education their family can't afford. Significance in the Marketplace Level Up Speed Round Hindsight Best Advice Personal Success Habit Book Recommendation Compelled By Love: How to Change the World Through the Simple Power of Love in Action Cross-Cultural Ministry Remember that people are people. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to learn what their life is like. Be open and don't judge. New Place Parting Advice Contact Info

An atheist from Eastern Europe encounters the Living God. He comes to the US to enter full-time missions. What happens next? Amazing things! Get ready to hold on for the ride! Join us this week as Pavo Ivanov (pen name for security reasons) shares the grace of God in his life and his 13 years of experience in missions. Right now Pavo is in a US city and is the program director for City Church Network. They make disciples among unreached and unengaged people groups. Their focus is on training individual disciples to make more disciples. I learned a lot in just a few short minutes from Pavo and I think you'll experience the same. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] Key Scripture For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16 Challenge There was a time when Pavo and his family were just getting started in ministry and were going on an outreach. They didn't have the funds to cover the trip but someone loaned it to them. When they returned, God provided all they needed and more in a surprising way. Revelation When Pavo was on an outreach in the Middle East, God revealed something to him as he was studying Genesis. And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation. Genesis 17:20 When God reminded him that He'd blessed Ishmael and his descendants, Pavo's heart opened up to the Arabs and the Muslims. He reminds us that it's easy for our hearts to become hardened but that's not God's plan. Current Ministry Pavo is living in a US city, surrounded by the Nations of the world. There are ministry opportunities all around but it's not that the face of world missions is changing. We have a unique chance to minister when they come here that we wouldn’t have if we visited them in their home countries. With today’s communication, what we share here will spread to family friends. Significance in the Marketplace We must wrestle with the ideas of the Levitical Priesthood and the idea of being a Kingdom of Priests. If we are present, the people around us are not among those who lack access to the Gospel. They have access to the Gospel because we are there. A Little About City Church Network Like it or not, there is segregation, even in our cities. Cultural and religious barriers make it hard to engage unreached people. The question is, how can we reach them all? City Church Network engages international people with the Gospel. They look for people who are already have a cultural heritage and are open to the Gospel and begin discipling them. They encourage them to share, to start house churches,

In 2010, Chris Morgan finally landed what he thought was his dream job. Little did he know that God was going to send him to South Africa for two years to work with children in elementary and high school. But, as God led him, he joined up with Scripture Union in Pietermaritzburg. While he was there, God revealed some amazing things to him and showed that He was faithful in everything, including Chris's financial situation. It was during his time at Pietermaritzburg that Chris met his wife and worked with Garland Sam, who was a previous guest on the show. In fact, it was Chris who first introduced me to Garland. [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”1″ margin_bottom=””] [wc_row][wc_column size=”one-third” position=”first”] [/wc_column][wc_column size=”two-thirds” position=”last”] Engaging Missions Online Radio Show A podcast for people who care about missions. TO SUBSCRIBE: Search for “Engaging Missions” in iTunes or use one of the links below. [/wc_column][/wc_row] [wc_divider style=”dotted” line=”single” margin_top=”0″ margin_bottom=”1″] Life in Ministry During Chris's time in South Africa, he worked with Scripture Union. In addition to summer camp programs and VBS, they also ministered in public schools. They were able to offer courses on “good citizenship,” covering topics such as morality, peer pressure, values, and sex education. Then, with the permission of the class, they could also share Scripture and Christ-based learning. Chris said that, while he's an introvert, he would gladly dress up like a pink buffalo if it would help him share the Gospel with children. I appreciate that (and I'd kind of like to see it). Key Scripture Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 Challenge Chris, like many missionaries, was supported entirely by donations. While his support was sufficient for his normal needs, God really showed up when a medical problem started costing some significant money. God gave Chris some really specific instructions and it was amazing how it all worked out. Revelation Chris nearly fell victim to “self-deception in leadership” until he realized one specific thing while he was coordinating groups for a VBS with the Salvation Army Children's Home. It was during that time that he realized that his “American” perspective could be a real liability and that everyone around him (and “under” his leadership) was more qualified than he because of one thing.

This week's guest is Samara Murtaugh I connected with her through Paul Yoder of Donor Elf and it’s great to be able to talk with her. Samara is originally from the US but is currently teaching 1st grade in Thailand. While that may not seem like a mission to some, it’s a great opportunity to get to know people on their own turf. And it’s an amazing opportunity to share the love of Jesus with people. As you listen, I believe you'll be challenged by what she shares and inspired by her enthusiasm. Life in Ministry Prior to leaving for Thailand, Samara studied art and never really considered being a teacher. Now, about two years into her time in Thailand, she is heavily involved in ministering to young children in a lower-income part of town. Many of the students come from families in the mountains and would not have the same education opportunities if the school was not there. She lives about twenty-five minutes outside of Chiang Mai city in a house with several other people. Most everything they need is within walking distance and most “comforts” are available one motorbike ride into the city. Key Scripture Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6-8 Challenge After Samara had been at School of Promise for only a couple of months, two of the students had to relocate and were unable to find suitable housing. Because they needed a place to stay, they lived in the same house as Samara for over ten months. But then things took a surprising turn. Revelation Samara's call and commitment to her time in Thailand is to be a church planter. Not in the sense of creating congregations and buildings but by raising up believers and discipling them. Since so much of her time is taken by her job as a teacher, it can sometimes be hard to reconcile the calling on her life with how much time she spends with children. But God reminded her of something. In our chat, she shared the story of a time when that investment started to pay off. And what she shared reminded me of the time I spent talking with Jay Judson and Rich Frazer. Current Ministry One exciting change has been a recently formed small group for teenage girls. They have seen remarkable openness and vulnerability among the girls, which is very uncommon in Thai culture. Significance in the Marketplace Take the opportunity to offer prayer to people who are sick or in need. It's uncomfortable but it can really change things. Level Up

While Jordan Boom was on a short-term missions trip to Honduras, God began working on her heart. He’s called her to take a year to go help at The Cornerstone Foundation. She’ll be working with Dr. Jeff McKenney and the rest of the team. As you might have gathered, though, she’s currently in the US, raising support. In fact, she'll be leaving just a few days after this is published. Life in Ministry The main ministry of The Cornerstone Foundation is a hospital but it's so much more than that. In an effort to glorify God and serve the community around them, they also operate a bilingual school, a children's home, and are involved in an agricultural ministry. When Jordan arrives in Belfate, Honduras she'll be involved in producing promotional videos as well as training videos for the hospital there. However, like the rest of the staff, she'll be wearing multiple hats; she'll serve in multiple areas. She's really looking forward to seeing how God stretches her into new areas of ministry. Key Scripture Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 Jordan mentioned that it's common to return from a short-term trip refreshed but it was different knowing that she was going back for a year. She knew that she would need to start serving more where she was. To do that, she changed where she was living and began the practice of laying aside her desires so that God could use her to serve others. Challenge Preparing for this change, the process of renewing her mind has been challenging for Jordan. While we might all long for that immediate, easy change, that's not what it's been like. It's been a daily process of refocusing on Jesus. As she's been walking through this time, failure made her feel bad but one day she opened her devotional and God's direction for her was clear. DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF I bring good even out of your mistakes. Your failures can be a source of blessing, humbling you and giving you empathy for others in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure highlights your dependence on me. That reminded me of something Brent and Temple Cundall shared in their interview. Revelation It's normal to worry about the fundraising process but Jordan knew that God would provide. Even so, it was tough for her to not worry, especially about some specific bills that needed to be paid. What she didn't know, though, was that a simple Human Resources mistake was God's savings account for her to take care of those bills completely, extravagantly, with more left over. Current Ministry Jordan is really excited because when she goes to Honduras, she doesn't fully know what she'll be doing. She knows that she'll be involved in video production. Beyond that, as the team gets to know her skills and abilities, they will be finding new areas for her to serve. Significance in the Marketplace This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 1 John 3:16

Steve is a Canadian-born missionary to Peru who stopped off in Florida for his ministry education. He’s also a blogger, author, the host of the Fire on Your Head podcast. I first found Steve through his podcast and really enjoyed it. I loved hearing how God was using their ministry to bring people to know Christ and to advance the Kingdom.