Modern Day Missionaries

How do you handle team conflicts when your cultural values clash? What’s the secret to building trust in a team of people from very different backgrounds?You may have learned about the culture you are going to serve, but did you learn about the cultures of the people you are serving with? Missions is much more complex and beautiful than we could ever know!The makeup of teams serving overseas are changing. If you don’t already serve with people from various countries, you likely soon will. This is an exciting challenge, and one we need to know more about.In this episode, we’re joined by cross-cultural expert I’Ching Thomas, who gives excellent advice on how to build strong relationships among culturally diverse teams.With real-life examples and strategies, I'Ching helps us explore how to bridge cultural gaps, deepen trust, and build a unified team that reflects the love of Christ. Don’t miss this conversation on creating stronger, more resilient cross-cultural teams!✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:How we can bridge cultural gaps on diverse mission teamsPractical ways to build trust and unity among teammates from different backgroundsTips for handling team conflicts when values and communication styles clashWhy it's essential to approach our teammates with humility and opennessHow we can create a strong, Christ-centered team culture💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:How do I usually respond when misunderstandings arise with teammates from different cultures?What cultural biases might I bring into my team interactions?Am I intentional about building relationships, or do I focus mainly on tasks?How often do I pause to truly listen and learn from my teammates' perspectives?What steps can I take to create a more inclusive and understanding team environment?Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected] · YouTube · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn

Do you ever wonder if your prayers are really making a difference? Or feel frustrated when you don’t see results? If you pray and something doesn’t happen, was it worth it or a waste of time? Does God already have planned out what he’s going to do anyway?In this episode, we talk with missionary Peter Warren, a leader in YWAM, who brings a fresh take on how prayer works and why it matters. We dive into what it means to co-create with God through prayer, if prayer can actually change things, and what role persistence plays. If you've ever struggled with prayer or questioned its impact, this conversation will encourage you and give you a whole new perspective!✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:How we can partner with God through prayer to impact real outcomesWhy some prayers take time and how persistence plays a key roleHow to align our prayers with God’s will and desiresWhat it looks like to persist in prayer, even when we feel discouragedWhat it means to co-create with God💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Do I really believe my prayers can change things, or do I feel like I’m wasting time?How do I approach prayer—am I expecting God to respond, or just checking a box?Am I praying for what God wants, or am I trying to steer things my own way?What does it look like for me to partner with God through prayer?How can I keep praying when it feels like nothing’s happening?Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected] · YouTube · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn

What does surrendering to God mean? Can someone be walking in faith and be surrendered to God? Is surrender giving up? How do we balance the reality of suffering with believing in God as our provider and healer? How can we know when we’re using faith as a way to try and control God versus having faith that pleases him?Uff. Suffering brings up SO many questions. In this week’s episode, we wade into the waters of suffering, surrender, faith, and hope with former missionary, member care veteran, and ordained Anglican priest Scott Shaum.This conversation is rich, challenging, comforting and discerning. You’ll receive fresh insights and new ways of seeing whatever difficulty you may be walking through.✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:How we can navigate the tension between faith and surrender in difficult times.Practical ways to walk through pain while still holding onto hope and faith.How suffering can be a key part of our spiritual growth and maturity.Insights on how our view of God shapes how we handle suffering and hardship.How we can trust God’s presence even when we don’t get the answers we want.💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Am I truly surrendering to God, or am I trying to control outcomes with my faith?How do I see God as both my healer and provider, even in seasons of suffering?What does it look like for me to hold onto hope while walking through pain?How can I embrace surrender without feeling like I’m giving up?Am I allowing God to use my challenges to shape me, or am I resisting His work?Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected] · YouTube · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered why people respond to trauma in such different ways? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trauma with Dr. Jamie Aten, a leading expert in the field. We explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, breaking down why people's experiences and reactions to it can be so widely different.Dr. Aten gives practical, effective strategies that those of us who work in high-stress and emotionally charged settings can use to work through trauma in our own lives while also giving compassionate care to those around us who have experienced it.This isn't just an academic discussion; the episode is laden with real-world applications. Dr. Aten shares tools from his spiritual aid toolkit and gives a sense of hope for anyone grappling with the challenges of trauma. Whether you're a missionary, a caregiver, or someone looking to better understand the human experience, this episode is a must-listen.✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:Why people experience and respond to trauma in such different waysPractical tips for missionaries to recognize and manage their own traumaHow to provide compassionate care for those facing trauma in high-stress environmentsReal-life strategies for building emotional resilience in your daily lifeThe importance of self-care when working in challenging, trauma-filled settings💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:How do I typically respond to stress or trauma in my life?What strategies have I used to help others cope with difficult experiences?In what ways can I improve my emotional resilience as a missionary?How might understanding different trauma responses help me care for those around me?What role does self-care play in managing my own emotional well-being in tough environments?Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at [email protected] · YouTube · Facebook · Instagram · X · LinkedIn