Summary: <br> Alan Smith is a homeland missionary based in the US, just outside of Nashville, TN. He works with Community Servants, a local ministry that provides low-cost housing and education opportunities for refugees and low-income families. He's also the Assistant Missions Pastor at Springhouse Worship and Arts Center.<br> In today's interview, he shares some of his story – the challenges as well as the victories, including how he learned that being an authentic friend to other missionaries was one of the greatest ministry opportunities.<br> <br> <br> <a href="https://i2.wp.com/engagingmissions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Tychicus-will-tell-you.jpg"></a>In this interview, you'll learn<br> <br> * How Colossians 4:7-8 has shaped his ministry<br> * How Alan worked through a personal failure<br> * A story of God's faithfulness in the birth of their son<br> * One simple act of focus that Alan's Missions Pastor did to encourage missionaries (and how Alan used that to deeply encourage another missionary)<br> * What made Alan say, “Man, I'm not called to be a missionary but I can do that.”<br> * Some exciting life transitions that are opening up new ministry opportunities<br> * The best advice Alan has ever received<br> * Something that really encouraged Alan before he even started to raise support<br> * Internet resources: <a href="http://youversion.com">YouVersion</a> and <a href="http://godtube.com">GodTube</a><br> * A personal habit that has contributed to Alan's success<br> * Book recommendation: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1433681765/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1433681765&linkCode=as2&tag=emrs-20">The Sending Church: The Church Must Leave the Building</a><br> * The surprising thing Alan would do if he was in a new country with nothing but $500 and a laptop but didn't have to worry about food and shelter.<br> <br> <a href="https://i1.wp.com/engagingmissions.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Man-Im-not-called-to-be.jpg"></a><br> More resources:<br> <br> <br> <br> * <a href="http://coffeecupministries.org">CoffeeCupMinistries.org</a><br> * <a href="http://facebook.com/coffeecupministries/">Facebook.com/CoffeeCupMinistries</a><br> * <a href="http://springhousesmyrna.com/missions">SpringhouseSmyrna.com/missions</a><br> * <a href="http://communityservants.org">CommunityServants.org</a><br> * <a>Alan's email</a><br> <br> If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe in iTunes to make sure you get more of the great inspiring and encouraging stories from missionaries in the field and at home. And, it would really help spread the word if you'd take a minute to give us an honest rating and review in iTunes. It helps more than you know.<br> <br> <br> <br> Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s <a href="http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">16 CFR, Part 255</a>: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”<br>
