Institute of World Mission Podcast

In this special Christmas episode, Gary Krause, General Conference Adventist Mission director, interviews Pat Gustin, former Institute of World Mission director and a veteran missiologist in the Adventist Church. They discuss the challenges and the vision for global mission today. Most importantly, they draw lessons from the past, from a life lived for the purpose of mission.

In this episode, Alex Ott interviews Craig Ott, director of the Ph.D. in intercultural studies program at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Craig Ott is a professor of mission and intercultural studies and a chair of mission at ReachGlobal. The conversation centers on the challenges missionary teachers face while serving abroad.

God has a special place in His heart for missionaries, especially returning missionaries. He understands their unique needs, their inter-continental hearts, their fears, and their sorrows. He hears them when they cry—even when they demand things. And no matter where you live, it turns out that God lives nearby.

In this episode, Marcos is joined by Cecilia, a psychologist and AVS coordinator in Central Asia. They discuss the "no dating during volunteer service" rule and bring up the volunteer reality, the why and the how this rule should be followed. Are you a volunteer? Do you know any volunteers? Listen and share this episode.

In this episode, Millie Castillo interviews Nilde Itin, administrative assistant at the General Conference. Nilde shares some ideas for how to support our children in college while remaining in the mission field.Show Notes:Watch our last live event on Digital Outreach here.Listen to other podcast episodes now.Have you taken a look at our courses? Take me to them.Interested in Witnessing & Discipleship? Check out our updated page.

En este episodio, Nilde Itin (Asistente Administrativo en la Asociación General) nos comparte algunas ideas de como apoyar a nuestros hijos en la etapa de colegio y universidad mientras servimos en el campo misionero.

In this episode, we continue our CELEBRATIONS series with Katia Reinert. This episode addresses the letter O for Optimism. As missionaries, we may face extremely difficult experiences, such as illness or even death. Is it possible to maintain our optimism, even when faced with the grimmest trials life brings? Listen and learn three habits that can help you become a more optimistic missionary.Show Notes:Missionary Health on IWM WebsiteCELEBRATIONS Previous EpisodesCELEBRATIONS by Health MinistriesCELEBRATIONS Book by Health MinistriesFlourish - BookMind, Character and Personality - Book

Have you ever faced difficult ethical decisions while serving cross-culturally?How did you deal with them?In today's episode, Alex Ott interviews Gerson Santos, associate secretary at the General Conference. Pastor Gerson presents five examples of cultural practices that can often cause ethical problems and that you should deal with carefully.Toward the end of the episode, he presents three steps that can help you prepare for and face such challenges.Click play and enjoy the interview.Show Notes:Upcoming Live Event: Re-thinking Digital Outreach: A Strategy for Adventist MissionariesHibbert & Hibbert, Training MissionariesEthics in a Multicultural Context, Sherlon Pack-Brown & Carmen Braun WilliamsEthics in counseling and psychotherapy, Elizabeth R. WelfelConflict or connection: Interpersonal Relationships in Cross-Cultural Settings, Levi O. Keidel

Have you (or a loved one) ever faced trauma during a missionary assignment?In this episode, Ann Hamel, a clinical psychologist serving on the Missionary Care Team, shares an inspiring connection between the promises in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 4:16. She paints a picture of the challenges and traumas that life can bring and how you as a missionary can grow through them.Listen to the episode to discover her thoughts on missionaries and post-trauma growth.Show Notes:- Upcoming Live Event: Re-thinking Digital Outreach: A Strategy for Adventist Missionaries- Missionary Health Page- More on Mental Health

In this episode, Dr. Erich Baumgartner, director of the adventist leadership center talks about the importance of being a culturally sensitive leader. This presentation was originally recorded for the Adventist Virtual Global  Campmeeting, and we are bringing it to you in the audio format.Show Notes:Latest on IWM TVPeace in the Pandemic: How Missionaries Can Navigate Vaccine Fears and QuestionsUpcoming Live EventRe-thinking Digital Outreach: A Strategy for Adventist Missionaries

In this episode, the IWM Team joins together to tackle an important question: How can Adventist missionaries understand and experience success in their missionary assignments? The presenters review a biblical understanding of what ministry effectiveness and success are, explore the idea of success and how it is measured in different cultures, present a leadership approach to negotiating expectations in a church organization, and underscore the family dimension of a missionary's true well-being.  This presentation is taken from a live event that took place on September 23. The link to the full video recording is in the show notes below.Show Notes:Re-thinking Digital Outreach: A Strategy for Adventist Missionaries - Upcoming Live EventWhat is Success in a Missionary Assignment - Live Event Recording

In today's episode, Oscar Osindo, our very own director, interviews Pastor James Astleford, director of ADRA Kenya. They discuss hiring and living with a domestic worker. This is part of a larger theme addressing patron-client relationships.  Providing an employment opportunity for someone in the local community is oftentimes expected and regarded as a way of giving back. It's important to know the best way to go about this particular relationship. This episode is part of the Mission in the African Context series.Show Notes:Live Event: How Missionaries Can Navigate Vaccine Fears and QuestionsPrevious episodes of the series:86, Ministry in the African Context – Introduction (With Oscar Osindo and Charles Ed II Aguilar)91, Ministry in the African Context — Through the Eyes of a Missionary Administrator (With Oscar Osindo and Jean Pierre Mulumba)104, The African Worldview Explained (With Oscar Osindo and Andrew Mutero)111, The African Worldview Explained, Part 2 (With Oscar Osindo and Sampson Nwaomah)

This episode is number four in the series on multicultural teams. Ron Kuhn is back to talk about the importance of a clear understanding and unified vision to a multicultural missionary team's success.Show Notes:Our new website URL: instituteofworldmission.orgGlobal Search on our websiteUpcoming Live Event: Peace in the Pandemic: How Missionaries Can Navigate Vaccine Fears and QuestionsPrevious episodes on this series:94, How Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping Affect Intercultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)109, How Individualism and Collectivism Affect Adventist Missionary Teams (With Ron Kuhn)122, Emotional Bonds in Intercultural Teams (With Ron Kuhn)

Today's episode is brought to us by Ken Osborn. As many of you know, Ken serves as missionary pastoral care provider, together with his wife, Ivanette. In this episode, Ken interviews Karen and Steven Nicola, authors of the book Comfort for the Day: Living Through the Seasons of Grief. They talk about the many aspects of grief and focus especially on the importance of going through a healthy grieving process.Show Notes:comfortfortheday.comAll IWM Podcast EpisodesWhat is Success in a Missionary Assignment - Live Event Recording

This episode is the second in the Theology and Missions series, with our special guest, Andrew Tompkins. We invite you to consider the following questions: Why is thinking biblically about mission so important? How do you consistently think biblically? What biblical stories speak to the experience of being a cross-cultural missionary?In this episode, Andrew Tompkins is joined by Jerome Skinner. They discuss the topics of creation, the mission of God, and the image of God.101, A Taste of Mission in the Old Testament (With Andrew Tompkins)

This episode is installment #3 in the Faithful Witness series. In this series, Gabriela Phillips helps Adventist cross-cultural disciple-makers and missionaries follow in the steps of Jesus in their outreach activities. In this installment, Gabriela discusses critical entry points that should be kept in mind, including:* What to know about the local community before entering it.* What a missionary's social identity is all about and why it can make or break one's ministry.* The importance of an identity that makes sense.* Who to talk to when entering the local host community.Don't miss the previous episodes in this series:99, God's Job Description for Himself and for Us (With Gabriela Phillips)110, How to Be a Faithful Witness: Surveying the Territory (With Gabriela Phillips)

In today's episode, Alex Ott interviews Oscar Osindo, our new director at the Institute of World Mission. You will get to know a little bit more about his family, ministry trajectory, studies, cross-cultural experiences, and vision for the future of the Institute of World Mission specifically and Adventist cross-cultural missions in general.

In this episode, Gorden Doss, professor at Andrews University, gives a presentation entitled “What is Adventist in Adventist Mission?” This presentation is strongly based on Doss's book Introduction to Adventist Mission. This presentation was originally recorded for the Adventist Virtual Global Campmeeting, and we are bringing it to you in the podcast format.Show Notes:Introduction to Adventist Mission - Book by Dr. Gorden DossWhat is Adventist in Adventist Mission? - Video Presentation

In this episode, we are continuing our series called “Stories from the Mission Field,” in which Enid Harris asks a missionary to share stories and lessons from their experience. In this episode, Enid interviews Daisy Jung, a Korean missionary who has served in India for the last 11 years. She shares her son's difficulties in adapting to and accepting the host culture and her struggles with loneliness and depression. I am sure that hearing her story will be a blessing to you today.Show Notes:87, I will be a Missionary or I will be Nothing (With Esau Dominguez)92, How to Overcome Fear - A Missionary Story (With Joanne Kim)96, Land of Many Waters (With Marvin Hembrom)102, In the Eye of the Storm (With Sherlin)

Culture shock is one of the biggest issues or problems that missionaries face when entering a new country and trying to adjust to the new culture and the new host community. Sometimes it can lead to the premature return of the missionary family. In less severe cases, it can significantly affect the missionaries' early adjustment. Most of the time, there are implications for their well-being. In this episode, Alex Ott takes up the subject of culture shock. He looks at what it is, how it manifests itself, and how best to deal with it when in the thick of its assault.Show Notes:Passport to Mission Book

In this episode, we continue our CELEBRATIONS series with Katia Reinert. This episode addresses the letter I, for Integrity. As missionaries, we may face moments when the principles of our host culture clash with our biblical principles, and we have to choose between acting with integrity or making the mistake of being hypocritical.Show Notes:Missionary Health on IWM WebsiteCELEBRATIONS Previous EpisodesCELEBRATIONS by Health MinistriesCELEBRATIONS Book by Health Ministries

In this episode, we continue our series on missionary families with Cheryl Doss. This episode addresses something all missionaries encounter — Living in a Fishbowl. As missionaries, we may look, sound or act differently than do most people where we live and work. We are visible because of our differences and because, at least initially, we are obviously foreigners and outsiders. People are naturally curious about new people and foreigners in their community. Our response to their curiosity impacts how we build relationships, set boundaries and witness for Christ. Today's episode will look at the benefits and challenges of this visibility for missionary singles, couples and families.Show Notes:19, Are We as Missionaries Keeping Our Extended Family Relationships Strong and Healthy? (With Cheryl Doss)35, Family Adjustment in Cross-Cultural Mission Service (With Cheryl Doss)50, How to Navigate Family Roles and Expectations in a New Culture (With Cheryl Doss)77, Do Your Spouse and Children Have a Missionary Call? (With Cheryl Doss)95, Educational Options for Missionary Kids: What Parents Should Know (With Cheryl Doss)114, Negotiating Family Life Cycle Transitions in the Mission Field (With Cheryl Doss)

In this episode of the Intercultural Teams series, Alex interviews Ron about the importance of emotional bonds when building healthy intercultural teams. With examples from our team and practical tips from Ron's experience, learn how you can emotionally bond with your team and what benefits it can bring to all participants.Show Notes:How Individualism and Collectivism Affect Adventist Missionary Teams (With Ron Kuhn)How Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping Affect Intercultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)How You Can Be a Part of a Safe Missionary Team (With Ronald Kuhn)The Challenge of Multicultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)

In this episode, Ann Hamel gives an educational presentation on mental health. We are living in very challenging times, and now more than ever, people are talking about mental health. What is mental health really?Show NotesIWM Blog on Mental HealthIWM Webinars on Mental HealthIWM Podcast Episodes on Mental Health

In this episode, Erich Baumgartner gives a presentation on dealing with something every missionary faces — cross-cultural conflict. This presentation was originally recorded for the Adventist Virtual Global Campmeeting, and we are bringing it to you in a podcast format.Show Notes:Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in Honor-Shame Cultures, Part 1 (With Gabriela Phillips and John McGee) - IWM Podcast Episode 54Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation in Honor-Shame Cultures, Part 2 (With Gabriela Phillips and John McGee) - IWM Podcast Episode 55The Intercultural Conflict Style Inventory: A conceptual framework and measure of intercultural conflict resolution approaches - ArticleIntercultural Style Inventory - Website

In this episode, Ann Gibson, CFO at ADRA International, gives a presentation about where mission offerings go. This presentation was originally recorded for the Adventist Global Virtual Campmeeting, and we are bringing it to you in a podcast format.Show Notes:Where do My mission offerings go? - Video PresentationFamilies in Transition: Adjusting During War and Emergencies - Upcoming Webinar

In this episode, Kleyton Feitosa, a former missionary to Egypt who had to return home due to a health issue, shares an inspirational message on passing through the Marahs (trials) of life.Show Notes:Our Website

In this episode, Alex interviews Claude Richli, associate secretary at the General Conference. The conversation centers around how culture strongly influences leadership. Learn why no Adventist missionary leader should ignore the fact that leadership is culture-bound.Show Notes:A Missionary in the Land of My Forefathers - Webinar RegistrationClearly Cultural - WebsiteLeading with Cultural Intelligence: The Real Secret to Success - BookErin Meyer articles on Harvard Business Review

In this episode, Marcos interviews Larissa, a volunteer serving in Denmark. The conversation centers around one of the biggest issue missionaries face during adjustment — learning the language. When faced with the difficulties of learning Danish in a short period of time, Larissa found that focusing on perfecting her English was a better way to make a difference.Show Notes:Language Acquisition Guide on the IWM BlogHow to Learn a Foreign Language IWM WebinarHow to Learn a Foreign Language IWM CourseHow to Learn a New Language IWM Podcast Episode 46

In this episode, Gary Krause, director at the Adventist Mission office, interviews Kelvin Onongha, recently appointed president of the Adventist University of Central Africa. The conversation centers around educating young people for cross-cultural mission and a vision for mission that goes far beyond local evangelism.Show Notes:LearnMission.org

In this episode, Cheryl Doss, the Institute of World Mission director, takes us through the stages of the family life cycle. She presents each stage, talks about issues families face when transitioning from one stage to another, and most importantly, applies these stages to the life of a missionary. Don’t miss the 4Ps of a successful transition, which she shares toward the end of the episode. Show Notes:Adventist Virtual Global Campmeeting

In this episode, Ronald Kuhn, associate director for the Institute of World Mission, interviews Elder Juan Prestol. Elder Prestol talks about his cross-cultural ministry, discusses the impact of the COVID pandemic on church finances, and shares his perspective on mission opportunities.Show Notes:Upcoming Webinar, May 6 - Five Things That Will Help You Better Adapt to a Foreign Culture

This podcast episode is an excerpt from a recently held webinar hosted by Enid Harris, who specializes in cross-cultural education for children at the Institute of World Mission. Enid brings “on stage” several young adults who themselves are third culture kids (TCKs). Together, they explore examples of TCKs in the Bible and consider lessons that are important for modern TCKs.  If you are a parent of a TCK, a TCK yourself, a missionary educator, or anyone who has the ability to positively touch the life of a third culture kid in your midst, this excerpt is for you. Show Notes:WEBINAR Lessons from Four Biblical Third Culture Kids Adventist Church Leaders Elect Erton Köhler as New Secretary

This is the second episode on the topic of the African worldview. The host of the Ministry in the African Context series is Oscar Osindo, an associate director at the Institute of World Mission. In this episode, Sampson Nwaomah, professor of New Testament and applied theology at the Adventist University of Africa, describes the traditional African worldview, its critical elements, and the challenges of sharing the gospel within the traditional African religious context.Show Notes:104, The African Worldview Explained (With Oscar Osindo and Andrew Mutero)Learnmission.org

Crossing a border and entering unknown territory can mean many different things — moving to another country, visiting another part of your town or simply making friends with neighbors from a different cultural background. With this episode, we are taking the next step in understanding how to disciple people for Jesus in cross-cultural settings. Gabriella Phillips, the North American Division Adventist Muslim Relations coordinator, will focus on two main questions: What does it mean to survey your new territory, and how do you do it?Show Notes:Episode 99, God's  Job Description for Himself and for Us (With Gabriela Phillips)

The cultural dimension of individualism vs. collectivism is certainly part of Adventist missionary team dynamics. There are four dimensions of individualism vs. collectivism: one’s relationship to self, relationship with groups, relationship with society at large, and relationship with individuals.In this episode, which is a part of the series on missionaries and multicultural teams, Ronald Kuhn, associate director of the Institute of World Mission, discusses the cultural value of individualism vs. collectivism and how it is applicable to Adventist missionary teams. Show Notes:94, How Ethnocentrism and Stereotyping Affect Intercultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)81, How You Can Be a Part of a Safe Missionary Team (With Ronald Kuhn)73, The Challenge of Multicultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)26, Are You a Part of an Effective Multicultural Team? (With Ron Kuhn)

The Adventist Church is a global movement in its vision and mission, yet it faces particular issues and challenges along the way. In this episode, Artur Stele, General Conference vice-president, identifies current mission challenges, the impact of the global pandemic on how we perceive these challenges, and how the I Will Go strategic plan reflects our current experience.Show Notes:Learnmission.orgEpisode 93, From Missionary Kid to GC President (With Ronald Kuhn and Ted N. C. Wilson)Episode 85, The SDA Church in Post-COVID-19 Times. What Changed About Our Mission? (With Ronald Kuhn and G.T. Ng)

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the global community on many levels, including socially and psychologically. The pandemic has also impacted marriages in many ways. Missionary families are affected no less than any other.In this episode, Ann Hamel, a practicing psychologist who serves on the General Conference International Service Employee support team, examines the three biblical functions of marriage, presents studies on the impact of the pandemic on the general population and on missionary marriages, and gives recommendations for strengthening marriages during this difficult time.Show Notes:IWM Upcoming WebinarsAdventist Virtual Global Campmeeting 2021

The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a history of and a commitment to community service. It has been an important part of the church’s ministry strategy. Often, community outreach is at the center of cross-cultural ministry, with the goal of demonstrating the love of God to people who are in need.In today’s episode, Ken Osborn, who serves on the General Conference Missionary Care Team, interviews Sung Kwon, the North American Division Adventist Community Services department director. Sung Kwon shares his personal testimony and explains the purpose of Adventist Community Services (ACS).Show Notes:IWM Upcoming WebinarsSung Kwon's BioBurst the Bubble: Finding Your Passion for Community Outreach.

Jesus ministered to people, and he set the example for us to do the same. Following his mandate, we organize mission activities and distributing recourses according to our mission vision and strategy.  In today’s episode, Gary Krause, director of the General Conference Office of Adventist Mission, and Rick McEdward, who serves as president of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission, discuss Christ’s mission strategy, perspectives on different cultures and religions, and look at some mission examples from the New Testament.Show Notes:The Upcoming Webinars

With this episode, we continue to explore ministry in the African context. The host and designer of this series is Oscar Osindo, an associate director at the Institute of World Mission. He speaks with Andrew Mutero, who is serving as an education department director at the East-Central Africa Division, about the specifics of the traditional African worldview and how it is different from other worldviews.Show Notes:Ministry in the African Context - Introduction (With Oscar Osindo and Charles Ed II Aguilar)Ministry in the African Context - Through the Eyes of a Missionary Administrator (With Oscar Osindo and Jean Pierre Mulumba)

Parenting wisely in the complex setting of the mission field is one of the top priorities for missionary parents. This role, not something they take lightly. Millie Castillo, education and communication coordinator at the Institute of World Mission, spent many years in the mission field with her husband, Edgar. They have two adult daughters now. In today’s interview, Millie speaks with Anita Sabot, who was a missionary mom herself. Both Anita and her husband, Luke, together with their kids, spent a number of years in the mission field.Show Notes:IWM Upcoming Webinars

Wherever we serve as missionaries, we are faced with storms, both physical and spiritual. Just as in the eye of a hurricane there is calm, in the midst of the storms in our own lives, Jesus is present to give us peace.This episode is part of the Missionary Story series with Enid Harris, an assistant director at the Institute of World Mission. In this interview, Sherlin, a missionary, shares about her walk with Jesus during a difficult time a few months ago, when her entire family contracted COVID-19, and the lessons she learned during this “storm” in her life.Show Notes:How to Prepare for a Looming Transition Webinar

An important theme for cross-cultural missionaries to explore is the portrait of mission in the Bible. The Bible is our ultimate guide. It is God’s voice in our lives and ministries.In this episode with Andrew Tompkins, we will take another glimpse at mission in the Bible. Andrew Tompkins is an associate professor at the World Missions Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. He was a missionary kid who also served cross-culturally as an adult.Show Notes:The Mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's Grand Narrative Hardcover by Christopher J.H. Wright#47, The Old Testament as a Grand Narrative of God's Mission (With Gorden Doss)#8, Why Thinking Biblically About Mission Benefits Every Missionary? (With Gorden Doss)Upcoming Webinar Page

In Part 8 of the CELEBRATIONS series, Katia Reinert discusses the seventh letter – T – in the CELEBRATIONS acronym: Temperance. Does the term temperance apply to missionaries’ lives? How do we achieve and sustain a healthy balance in our habits and behaviors? This conversation about the various aspects of temperance is brought to you from the perspective of an Adventist cross-cultural worker.Show Notes:Youth Alive PortalAdventist Recovery Ministries GlobalThe Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction by Justin Whitmel EarleyCELEBRATIONS seriesMissionary Health Theme PageWinter-Spring 2021 Podcast Season Overview Page

Missionaries do many things. Ultimately, they are instruments of the Holy Spirit who work to transcend major cultural and religious gaps and share the gospel. It is our goal to see cross-cultural witnessing as a trademark of Adventist missions.With today’s interview, we are launching a series on cross-cultural witnessing called Faithful Witness. Your presenter and subject matter expert in this series is Gabriela Phillips, who currently serves as the North American Division Adventist Muslim Relations coordinator. Gabriela is a missiologist and long-time missionary. Show Notes:Six Stages for Faith Development in Muslim Contexts PDFWitness - Intro PPTHonor and Shame Podcast SeriesFaithful Witness SeriesPodcast Winter-Spring 2021 Season Overview

With this episode, we begin a series of interviews designed specifically for Adventist young adult missionaries. Many of them are serving through the Adventist Volunteer Service. Marcos Lopes, who is serving as an AVS at the Institute of World Mission, is the host of this series.In this interview, Marcos’ guest, Sue, shares about her walk with God as she prepared for mission service and the lessons she learned after 16 months in the mission field.

This is the last podcast episode of 2020 — we will resume broadcasting on January 15, 2021. In this episode, the Institute of World Mission team came together to reflect on the undoubtedly unusual, difficult, yet blessed year 2020 has been. As you listen to this episode, let’s count our blessings together!

Today’s missionary story comes from the country of Guyana, which in a native Amerindian language means “Land of Many Waters.” It is not only a land of many waters but also home to many different cultures and nationalities. It is currently the place of service for Marvin and Meghna Hembrom. With this episode, we continue our Missionary Story series with Enid Harris, an assistant director at Institute of World Mission. Her guest, Marvin, shares with us how God has led him and his family in their missionary journey.

Missionary kids are privileged in so many ways. When they see the world with its needs and challenges, their horizons are widened. They are part of God’s mission from very early on. This shapes their outlook and impacts how they perceive reality. And yet, kids are more vulnerable and impressionable than we adults are. In this episode, Cheryl Doss — Institute of World Mission director — shares with us multiple options that missionary parents have when it’s time to send their kids to school. We cover possibilities for early and middle school education, and touch a little bit on options for high school.Show Notes:Previous Episodes on Missionary KidsFrom Missionary Kid to GC President (With Ronald Kuhn and Ted N.C. Wilson)Digital Safety for Missionary Children (With Ernest Staats) Do Your Spouse and Children Have a Missionary Call? (With Cheryl Doss)The Challenges and Joys of Homeschooling in the Mission Field (With Millie Castillo)Transition and Adjustment Through a Teen's Eyes (With Millie Castillo)

With this episode, we continue our series on intercultural teams. The primary contributor to this series is Ronald Kuhn, associate director of the Institute of World Mission. In this interview, he talks about ethnocentrism and stereotyping in intercultural missionary teams. Show Notes:IWM Podcast LibraryIWM Facebook PagePrevious episodes on intercultural teamsThe Challenge of Multicultural Missionary Teams (With Ronald Kuhn)How You Can Be a Part of a Safe Missionary Team (With Ronald Kuhn)