On The Journey Conversations

The Cooperative Program Stage provides an opportunity for messengers to the SBC Annual Meeting to hear firsthand reports about a variety of SBC missions and ministries. Listen to a panel discuss making disciples of Jesus who live on mission at the CP Stage in the exhibit hall of the 2022 Southern Baptist Convention. You will be inspired by their testimonies. Joining Sandy on the CP stage are Mark Bethea, senior pastor for First Baptist Church in Montgomery, AL; Liz Encinia, executive director-treasurer for Kentucky WMU; Chris Martin, executive director for the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention; and Tamiko Jones, executive director-treasurer for WMU of Texas.For information on getting missions discipleship started in your church, visit https://wmu.com/missions-discipleship.

Today's conversation is with Mark Stevens who serves with the International Mission Board. In March of 2003, terrorists placed a bomb at a small airport in the Philippines. The explosion took the lives of 23 people including our missionary, Bill Hyde. Bill's widow, Lyn Hyde, placed flowers and a sign at the airport that said, “Filipinos are worth dying for.” That courageous gesture galvanized Southern Baptists in the Philippines. Filipinos began saying they wanted to be missionaries to unreached people groups. Mark talks about his experience that day and the miraculous things he has seen God do since that tragic event.

We don't live in a fixed time in history. We are always pressing forward to the future God has for us. The stories of our past help propel us. The vision that motivated women 134 years ago is the same today because it is God's vision to make disciples of Jesus who live on mission. Every generation must find their place in God's plan. In this podcast, Sandy Wisdom-Martin will share the circumstances which gave birth to WMU and celebrate milestones through the decades.

Author Julie Busler says, “Depression doesn't always look like lying in bed crying all day.” From an outsider's point of view, Julie's life would have seemed picture perfect, even remarkable to those who knew she had experienced the death of her mother and the suicide of her father. Unresolved issues, significant trauma, and her own mental health struggles led Julie down the path of considering suicide as well. Follow the journey of this courageous woman to the mission field, as a patient in a psychiatric hospital abroad, and home again.

Missie Branch, director of graduate life and assistant dean of students to women at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary shares how to get beyond your own space to make relationships with people that are different than you. Look for opportunities to have conversations outside your bubble. Missie says, “When I was a kid, my mama was on the corner with her tracts. She had her speech; she loved the people in her community and so she wanted to see our community captured by the gospel.” We need that same passion for the lost of our community today. Overcome fear and be intentional about sharing the hope within you.

Join Sandy as she visits with Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board as well as Connie Dixon, president of Woman's Missionary Union. Discover who influenced them for missions. Hear their passion for the nations. Celebrate what God is doing even in the midst of a global pandemic. Learn how to be an advocate for the global work of Southern Baptists.

In the last episode, Harper* discussed how missions discipleship throughout her life nurtured a desire to follow God's call and how that led to her serving in international missions. Now hear the rest of her story, including blessings along the way and candid insights about the types of challenges many missionaries experience while serving. Learn how you can better pray for these faithful Christ followers and be challenged in your own faith journey as she shares from her heart.*name changed

Harper* describes herself as introverted, someone who enjoys being home, and comfortable in her small home town. Yet she followed God's call to serve as a missionary on the other side of the world. Hear her journey—from her introduction to missions as a child in Girls in Action, then later as a member of Acteens, both WMU missions groups for girls—to a church with a focus on discipleship and reaching the nations for Christ. You will be inspired by how God used faithful mentors and parents coupled with a lifetime of missions discipleship experiences to prepare this faithful servant for Kingdom work.*name changed

Many sources offer insight to the benefits of being grateful, such as improved sleep, feeling hopeful, reducing stress and increasing resilience. But an attitude of gratitude is more than self-help, it is an intentional mindset to focus on God—His goodness and His grace—and be thankful each day. Like the apostle Paul when he was imprisoned, we are to be grateful despite our circumstances or life's challenges. Listen in as Kelly King, women's ministry specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources, and Sandy discuss how to cultivate a grateful heart.

Ron Harvell felt called to serve in foreign missions at the age of 17. In college, he met his future bride and continued to prepare by seeking out courses on cross-cultural ministry and church planting. But halfway through, to their surprise, the Lord redirected their minds and hearts to chaplaincy. After retiring as a one-star general in the Air Force and serving all around the world, Ron reflects that God allowed he and his wife Marsha to essentially be foreign missionaries with their people group being the Air Force. Be inspired by this Christ follower who risked everything to follow God.

Drawing from 30 years of personal experience in missions, Carol Ghattas helps guide cross-cultural workers and others through a variety of obstacles one can face in ministry. While she has seen the Lord at work in amazing ways as He's opened doors, she also has seen doors close and how that can result in times of discouragement and questioning God's call. Listen to this episode for first-hand accounts of navigating closed doors and how you can also do so with grace. Carol is author of When Doors Close: Changing Course in Missions Without Losing Your Way.

Of the 50,000 or so churches in the Southern Baptist Convention, roughly two-thirds have fewer than 75 in attendance on an average Sunday. Most of these smaller attendance churches are led by bivocational pastors who have additional work to supplement their income. While ministry for a bivocational pastor and his wife has great rewards, it can also be lonely and exhausting as they work tirelessly in ministry. In this episode, Joe Wright, executive director of the Bivocational and Small Church Leadership Network (BSCLN), provides a personal and inside glimpse into the challenges of bivocational pastors—many who are church planters or replanters—and ways you can encourage and pray for them and their families.

Evelyn Tully's passion for missions began as a very young child. She vividly recalls a world map hanging on the wall and finding the location where missionaries were serving as she prayed for them daily using the missionary prayer calendar. From her early days of being active in Girls Auxiliary to a career in WMU in which she served in many roles, her heart for mentoring girls and teens and connecting with women of the world has fostered lasting relationships and transformed lives. Listen in as Evelyn shares reflections on leadership, influence, and God's call.

Three of WMU's Compassion Ministries are celebrating 25 years of ministry! Through Christian Women's Job Corps, women across the US and beyond gain job skills and self-confidence as they engage in Bible study and are paired with a mentor. WorldCrafts, a fair-trade ministry, offers hope to impoverished artisans around the world. And through Pure Water, Pure Love, water filters are provided to missions personnel and missions teams and wells and water filtration systems transform communities with access to clean, safe water. Listen in as Lena Plunk of national WMU tells how God is transforming lives through these ministries and you can be a part. Learn more and join in the celebration at wmu.com/cm25.

How do you figure out what God wants in your life? How do you discern His will? In this episode, entrepreneur John Herring, CEO of Iron Stream Media, talks about how to determine God's next best thing for you. He shares fours steps to work through when considering new opportunities or situations to enable to you discern God's direction.

Little did Anna's grandfather know when he followed God's call to short-term medical missions that his love for all peoples of all nations would continue for generations to come. Anna Daub, a self-described lifelong learner, is currently pursuing a PhD in applied theology with a concentration in missions. She also works in the Office of Global Theological Initiatives for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and teaches classes. Hear how her family's legacy continues today through her commitment to get theological education to women in areas such as Latin America and Africa and along the way, catch some great insights for how to share your faith right where God has planted you.

Debbie was just 17 when she knew for sure that God was calling her to work in another culture in another country. Desiring to be obedient to God's call, she said yes, but as the time grew near to go, there was a significant problem – Debbie would have to overcome her extreme fear of flying, as well as some other fears. Hear how this Christ follower—who currently serves as executive director of Arkansas WMU—not only overcame her fear and shared the gospel faithfully for years in Africa, but also met many other Christians there who served the Lord with great joy despite challenges and hardships. Note: Due to safety concerns, some names mentioned in this conversation have been removed.

Diane was serving in Baptist collegiate ministry when she accompanied four students on a missions trip to Haiti, an experience that changed her life. There, they helped minister to 65 orphaned children whose parents were killed by a hurricane. When Diane returned to the US, she realized there were countless opportunities to serve children in her immediate area and answered God's call to serve in foster care. Listen in as Diane shares her personal journey as well as practical ways individuals and churches can support foster care ministries, encourage those who provide care, and be a part of helping the more than 400,000 children in foster care in the US.

It was decades ago, but Becky Bruns can still vividly recall the feelings of grief and loss when it came time for a baby boy to leave their home. Even though the Bruns were providing interim care and never intended to be an adoptive family, she said this infant leaving their home was overwhelming. It was also the beginning of now more than 25 years of Becky's journey ministering to both couples yearning to adopt a child and expectant mothers as they explore what is in their child's best interest. Hear more about the life-changing ministry of adoption and how Becky and the team at Arkansas Baptist Children's Home and Family Ministries are seeking to innovate the process.

In this episode Sandy continues her reflection on the power of words from Episode 43, in particular, how we are to respond as Christians when words spoken to us sting. Maybe they were harsh or critical. Maybe they were spoken in a moment of anger or frustration. Regardless of the circumstances, they hurt. What's our response to be? Listen in as Sandy shares some practical insight from godly women, along with how extending grace and forgiveness—just as Jesus has to us—is the answer.

In this episode Sandy reflects, “It seems what defines our culture today is perpetual outrage at a fevered pitch, and it has affected and infected God's people. Instead of being salt and light, instead of displaying the grace and love of Christ, we've taken our disagreements public, especially through social media, demanding that we be heard. We jump to dark places, assigning hidden agendas, and wondering about motives.” The Bible has a great deal to say about the power of our words. Today's episode imparts many Bible passages to support seven helpful hints to control our words.

It all started with one insightful question. Pam asked her husband, “If you could do anything you wanted to, what would that be?” Trennis replied he would love to return to his roots in Christian journalism . . . to tell compelling ministry stories . . . and WMU immediately came to mind as a partner. God continued to confirm this calling to sell their home and travel the US time and time again. Nearly three years later, they have visited around 30 states and captured stories ranging from the value of children’s missions organizations, to life skills gained through Christian Women’s Job Corps, to ministry to refugees, and much more. Hear more stories from the road in this episode.

Pastor Morris Johnson and his wife Derry thought they were ready to retire and had already envisioned their many travels across the country in a Winnebago. But God had different plans for the Johnsons, and led them to plant a church. After more than 20 years in traditional ministry, the Johnsons followed God’s call and completed all the paperwork to plant a church. After they received approval, they held their first service about two weeks later in a funeral home. You will be captivated by the ways they’ve reached their community over the past six years and how God has provided for their congregation’s every need as they continue to step out in faith.

Have you ever thought life was supposed to be going one way, yet found yourself on a very different road? One wrought with disappointments and discouragements that seemed to stack up and take a toll? Liz Encinia, executive director of Kentucky WMU, can relate and shares how she found encouragement and freedom through courageous conversations with godly women.

Three years ago, Mitzi Patton discovered the ministry of Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) and it quickly became her passion. Now serving as the executive director of CWJC in Lindale, Texas, Mitzi shares, “When these women walk in that very first day, they look at us and they think that we have it all together. But every single one of us that’s a mentor or that is on staff now, has been broken, just like these women are.” Through more than 200 sites across the country, God provides hope through this ministry as CWJC/CMJC participants gain skills, in a Christian contact, for life and employment. Be inspired by stories of God’s faithfulness in today’s episode.

Sometimes change is by our own choosing and sometimes it is thrust upon us . . . as has been the case for the past year. But either way, all change brings a sense of loss. During these times of profound change—in church life, work styles, culture and so much more—these losses are real and can mount up. A healthy perspective and keen insights can help. This episode with Dr. Jeff Iorg, president of Gateway Seminary, offers exactly that and more.

Phenomenal. That is how Wendy describes the pivotal moment when she first knew God was calling her to be a missionary at age 12. “Then and there, that day, I made a commitment to mission work whatever that was, whatever that would mean in the future. That began to shape what would now become my career.” Wendy and her husband, along with their five children, serve with the International Mission Board with a desire to reach people who have never heard the gospel. You will be inspired by her candor about serving cross-culturally and encouraged to draw close to Christ and sow seeds in your own mission field.

Dr. Travis Kerns recalls a much younger version of himself who couldn’t wait to be an “ambassador for Christ” as he moved from Mission Friends to Royal Ambassadors. Decades later, that same commitment to live his faith and make disciples is evident as you hear his enthusiasm for training up church planters at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. In the years between elementary school and today, you will be captivated hearing the ways his family (especially his grandmother) and church family nurtured his love for missions and how God called Travis and his wife, Stacy, to serve for six years with the North American Mission Board in Salt Lake City, Utah.

As a psychotherapist and counselor in international missions, Mark Whitworth has helped countless missionaries navigate phases of change and adaptation to different cultural norms, traditions, communication, environment and more. In many ways, these challenges can lead to times of frustration and fatigue, similar to navigating the unknowns of a global pandemic. Today’s episode offers keen insights on perspective and a healthy outlook on your journey.

Though just a young girl when construction began at the Kathleen Mallory Center in Baltimore, Joyce Rogers describes it as a building that God used to change her life forever. Growing up in the inner city in a predominately Catholic neighborhood, Joyce said everything she learned about the Lord from the time she was a child to a college student, she learned there. Hear about the faithful women who invested in Joyce as she grew in her faith, became a pastor’s wife, and continues to “pay it forward” through missions involvement in WMU.

This is often the response Dr. Doug Derbyshire hears in Thailand when sharing the gospel because being Thai is closely connected to being Buddhist. When Doug was in high school, a missionary told his Sunday School class that the saddest thing he’d seen is children sick and dying because there was no one to care for them. Then and there, Doug said his calling to be a missionary and doctor happened at the exact same time. Now having served 28 years on the mission field, hear from Doug about God’s providence and provision in Thailand, a place where people are known by how much they smile.

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Is your heart heavy with anxiety and concerns? No matter what is going on, God knows your situation, and He is waiting to wrap His arms around you. Take heart, and be encouraged by the Word of God as Sandy encourages each breath as a prayer. This episode will remind you of many Biblical truths for your journey. You can trust your heavenly Father is working for your good and His glory, and as we breathe in His promises, we are being renewed . . . day by day.

Dr. Rebekah Naylor said God impressed upon her a love of medicine and of missions at a young age. In 1973, she was appointed as a surgeon in Bangalore, India. Decades later, you can hear the joy in her voice reflecting on stories of God’s faithfulness as she formed relationships and saw individuals come to know Jesus, thousands of house churches started, and continued growth of the hospital. Now back in the US, she continues to serve with IMB and as a professor, mentoring students and encouraging them to integrate their faith and profession, wherever God leads. Her wisdom and missionary heart will bless and inspire your journey.

In last week’s episode, Kellie Franklin shared insights from her childhood. Now years later as a wife and mother of three, she shares insights learned as their youngest child, Briklyn, struggles with a medical condition. The prayers of a strong family of faith have offered encouragement through years of testing, treatments and surgery. Kellie shares, “For reasons I may never know, God has a purpose of allowing this . . . if there is one person who sees Briklyn’s sweet spirit and comes to Christ as a result, it will be worth it all.” Hear her journey of getting to this point.

Family dynamics can be messy and complicated. Misplaced priorities, abuse, addiction, divorce, blended families . . . these and so more challenges can strain or even shatter a family. Being sensitive to the struggles of others and entering their circumstances, offering encouragement and the hope found in Christ is a missions call for all believers. Kellie Franklin serves at national WMU; hear her heart on the impact of perspective, prayer and forgiveness as she recalls difficult circumstances in her childhood and practical ways to encourage and minister to children. You will be inspired by her story and her faith.

God is always working for our good and His glory, but sometimes we can get consumed by our circumstances and fail to see His faithfulness. Amy Boone, executive director of WMU of North Carolina and former IMB missionary, attests to God’s miraculous provision through some challenging times on the field. Reflecting on God’s faithfulness and goodness can help with perspective and strengthen our faith. Be encouraged on your journey as you listen in today and are reminded that nothing is too big for God.

On today’s episode you will hear from the Director of the Historical Archives for the National Baptist Convention of Mexico. Rubi Barocio Castells will share stories of pioneering Baptist missionaries in Mexico. Missionary Sarah Alicia Hale was accused of being a witch because people heard strange sounds coming from her home. The unknown noise was from a typewriter. One man plotted to disperse a protestant gathering by throwing fireworks in the middle of the meeting. Did he succeed? You will have to tune in to find out.

Through serving the homeless and those in difficult situations in New York City for more than 40 years, Taylor Field knows the value of being relentless. While there are times when life’s circumstances can be overwhelming, the truth is God brings hope to those who relentlessly hold fast to Him. Taylor asserts, “God is developing us so that trouble doesn’t trouble us anymore.” Hear more about the importance of being relentless and knowing when to relent as Taylor shares insights on persistence and patience, as well as his inspiration for writing a creative perspective on biblical characters in his book, Relentless.

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. Or at least that’s how it often feels. Sometimes we anticipate things that end up nothing like we think. Other times the most difficult of circumstances can bring about the greatest blessings. As a continuation of episode 24, today’s conversation with Kristy Carr illustrates God’s faithfulness and grace through hardships such as mental health concerns. Listen in for encouragement on your journey today.

Life has a way of throwing us curve balls. Or at least that’s how it often feels. Sometimes we anticipate things that end up nothing like we think. Other times the most difficult of circumstances can bring about the greatest blessings. Today’s moving episode with Kristy Carr illustrates God’s faithfulness and grace as written in Romans 8:28: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Surrendering to God’s call led DP Smith to serve in West Africa and South Asia. Today, she continues to minister to and encourage students as an adjunct professor at Mississippi College. Using poignant examples, DP reminds us to use our spiritual gifts, be the hands and feet of Christ in everyday interactions, and lift others up in prayer. Today’s podcast might just be the prompt you need to consider new ways to share the love of Christ.

Even though it was decades ago, DP Smith vividly recounts surrendering to God’s call as a teenager while at a summer camp. Answering that call led her to obtain a degree in art, continue her education in seminary, and serve on the mission field. Hear more about her journey, from being nurtured in missions as a preschooler to serving across the globe, and consider how He may be calling you on today’s podcast.

Perry and Tonya Hancock provide a place where children feel loved and safe … an environment where moms and their kids can learn God has a purpose for their life. In one of the most impoverished areas in the US, the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home is impacting generations through residential child care and transitional housing. They also equip women with job and life skills through Christian Women’s Job Corps, and started a WorldCrafts artisan group where women learn new skills and even how to start their own business. Learn more on today’s podcast.

In her role as hospital chaplain, Haley Seanor cherishes the long-term relationships she’s developed, and still remains amazed at how quickly a conversation can go very deep very quickly, and result in a meaningful connection. As a part of holistic patient care, chaplains have the unique opportunity to help others during a time of need and often see transformation take place from the time they enter a room until departing. Hear more about Haley’s ministry on today’s podcast.

Perseverance and patience are valuable attributes for a Christian seeking to follow God’s call. Lori Spikes learned this first-hand serving in international missions for more than 20 years. From the age of 14 when she first heard God’s call to missions to decades later serving as executive director of Baptist Nursing Fellowship, Lori shares stories of God’s faithfulness, provision and perfect timing.

Daryl and his wife, Kim, had prayed about his new employment opportunity; they were confident God was leading them to accept the offer and move. From the outside looking in, Daryl had it all . . . a strong marriage, great career, beautiful home . . . yet anxiety and depression soon gripped him to the point he couldn’t look ahead and was on a downward spiral. If you can relate, or know someone struggling and in despair, know there is hope. Today’s episode tells a story of grace, humility, redemption, and answered prayers.

Though racial injustice may be a difficult topic, we must truly understand we are all Imago Dei – made in the image of God. Racism is in direct conflict with the Great Commission. How can we share Christ with someone of a different race or ethnic background if we don’t love them with a Christ-like love? Hear insights on the value of relationships, community and extending grace as Adrianna Anderson, women’s ministry leader at Hunter Street Baptist Church, shares from her heart.

Allyson was just 51 and had a successful career when her family started to notice some communication challenges in 2012. Over the years, symptoms progressed and a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s was confirmed. Yet through this difficult journey, God’s faithfulness has been apparent. In today’s poignant episode, hear how you can be the hands and feet of Christ to someone in a similar situation as David George, president of the WMU Foundation, shares his story.

Ernest was a university chaplain and Cecile was completing her residency in internal medicine in the Philippines when they pursued God’s call to the United States. Leaving family, friends, and the life they knew, they followed with no regrets. Hear Ernest and Cecile Dagohoy’s account of how stepping out in faith brought the gift of peace and the joy of investing in others through their ministry at First Philippine Baptist Church in Houston.

A commitment to go wherever God calls to her serve led long-time WMU leader Carrol Kelly to prison ministry more than 15 years ago. The women in the faith-based dorm in the prison have made a commitment as well. Each woman is in a one-on-one discipleship relationship as volunteers consistently go there to teach Bible study and life skills. Hear ways Carrol has seen God’s transformative power at work.

Building relationships while building a home for a family from the ground up. That’s what happens when a group of all women with various gifts and abilities come together and make themselves available to serve God for His glory. Hear longtime WMU leader Carolyn Porterfield recount how lives and communities are transformed and volunteers learn lifelong leadership lessons at a women’s build.