PMPod

"I long to see the body of Christ have a very high view of marriage and a very high view of singleness." To order the book with that 25% discount, follow this link https://pmpod.org/the-practice-and-theology-of-single-and-married-on-the-field/

I could see the stress having a real wear on his health. Six months before he passed away, I said to him, “If you don't slow down, I sense that you won't be here next year.” He prayed about it and said to me, “I don't sense the Lord telling me to change anything.” And I wept. I just wept. Read more https://pmpod.org/missions-death-widowhood-starting-over/

"In that moment I went into shock. I was so puzzled that I didn't know how to respond, what to say, I just started to cry…There was no room for questions, for discussions, for emotions. It was horrible. I was just the rebellious single woman who was not submitting to leadership." Read more https://pmpod.org/spiritual-abuse/

No interview today, just a fantastic quote from Calvin about what Christ has done for us! pmpod.org

When we hear stories from the field, we usually get the highlights, the “missionary stories.” But spending forty years on the field and raising a family there means there's a whole lot of normal as well. Over working. Conflict with other workers. Marital issues. Questions about kids' education. Rhythms of rest and work. Today on the Pod we follow a family through 40 years of life on and off the field. read more here https://pmpod.org/god-is-doing-something-better/

“The year and a half after coming back from the field were so difficult that at some point I thought, I don't know if I would have gone out if I would have known how much it could cost to come back” Read more https://pmpod.org/the-hard-reality-of-reentry/

Today on the Pod, we talk about calling and the need to reinvent yourself over and over on the field. We talk about the future of missions, Marketplace, and Cloud Worker, the vital need for purity and integrity, the negative draw of social media and entertainment, as well as discipleship, member care, and sending out well-equipped workers.  Click here to read more https://pmpod.org/missions-is-never-what-you-expect/

Today on the Pod, I have a fascinating conversation with a couple to came to the Middle East just six months after they got married. They have incredible insight into the culture, value systems, relationships, and how to get used to being married while on the field. read more here https://pmpod.org/newly-married-and-moving-to-the-field/

Today on the Pod, I talk to a guy who has over 30 years of experience ministering in one city. In the late 80s, he planted a church that is still thriving today. Not an easy task in any country, let alone in one of the most unreached countries in the world. My guest shared his thoughts on giving to locals, how to overcome cynicism, and how to deal with conflict with local MBBs. I found our conversation refreshingly deep and mature. I learned a lot and I hope you will too. https://pmpod.org/the-joys-and-pains-of-missions/ Find and sign up for those courses my guest is running from the Institute for the Study of Religion in the Middle East at ISRME.org

Take women seriously as spiritual beings. Today on the Pod, I talk to one of the most insightful people I know about all things relating to missions and women. We talk about everything from how to give better training to our women on the field to the challenges that arise from women being more restricted in Arab countries...continue reading here https://pmpod.org/missions-and-women/

In this Pod, I talk to a couple who address the challenges of moving countries and people groups during a season of high success. We also talk about the toll and stress missions has on the body, what kind of boundaries you need to get rid of and which ones you need to keep. And finally, we have a very interesting conversation about mixed motives on the field and how pride and pure desires are mingled together in the heart of the worker. Read more here https://pmpod.org/missions-takes-a-toll-on-the-body/

Our task is for all believers to integrate into something new and better. Today on the podcast, I talk to a guy who has been in the Arab World since 1987. God called my guest out of drugs and jail, to give his life to the expansion of the Gospel in the Middle East. He has a very humble, and mature view of how both Muslim background believers and Christian background believers should...read more here https://pmpod.org/missions-and-the-arab-church/

Just a little bit of encouragement for you today pmpod.org

Today on the Pod, I walk to a woman who I've been learning from for the past 15 years. So much of my ministry has been shaped by what she has taught me. I'm very excited for you to learn from her as well. We talk about Islam and why Muslims love both the religion and Mohammed so much. We also talk about my guest's experience sitting in on home Quran study groups with Muslim ladies and what we can learn about leading meaningful bible studies. https://pmpod.org/the-human-side-of-missions/

Today on the pod I talk to a guy who is using his professional background to help train some of the poorest and most marginalized people in Africa. Every county, region, and people group comes with its own unique needs, and my guest today explains what some of the Gospel needs are for the church in Africa. He brings a Christ-centered, Gospel-saturated passion to missions in Africa, which is saturated with a kind of prosperity gospel that leaves its people helpfulness and disillusioned. It's a fascinating conversation and I hope you enjoy it. https://pmpod.org/discipling-business-prosperity-gospel-africa/

Today on the Pod, I have a fascinating conversation with a guy who had a massive burnout while on the field. We talk about his time on the field, which was actually a very good time, and how, without warning, he burned out. We also talk about his long road to recovery and how he got through his burnout and depression. https://pmpod.org/burnout-on-the-field/

Today in the Pod, my guest and I cover a ton of ground. We talk about ministry after 70, leading silent retreats, Afghanistan, humility, challenges in ministry, the many positive things going on in missions to Muslims, and so much more. I have a feeling you are really going to love today's podcast. pmpod.org

In this Pod, I talk to a master storyteller. He has literally written a small book on the subject, which you can download on our website. Together we tell thirteen different stories which each help build a bridge into deeper conversations as we share with our friends. I hope you find this format helpful as we all do our best to share the Good News with our friends. https://pmpod.org/thirteen-bridge-stories/

Today on the Pod, I interview myself about distinguishing between Law and Gospel in missions. We talk about how DBS and ZUME struggle to give the believer hope and comfort, and how we can recover a better understanding of how to use the Gospel in discipleship and Church planting. Timeline * 00:00 Intro * O1:23 Introduction to Law & Gospel * 02:30 Common misconceptions around Law & Gospel * 13:00 The Two uses of the Law. What is the role of the Law in the life of the believer? * 22:10 Where do you think missions gets the Gospel wrong today? * 30:50 The Passive and Active obedience of Christ for us * 42:50 Do you have enough faith? https://pmpod.org/getting-law-gospel-right-in-missions/

We need people reaching all segments of society In this Pod, I talk to a guy who grew up on the field, never really wanted to go back, but ended up getting called back by God, and is now serving in places and ways he never imagined. It's great to hear his story of growing up on the field, studying back in the West, and then heading back out to the Middle East. My guest shares with me some of the differences between being a missionaries kid and being a missionary, as well as some of the struggles he encouraged moving back to the region. We don't want to look at people's physical needs as just a gateway to their spiritual needs. There is a temptation to think that the only thing that matters is peoples spiritual health and everything else is just an excuse to get there. But Jesus himself valued people's physical health and he wanted them to be well. Timeline - 00:00 Intro - 01:00 What was it like growing up on the field? - 04:40 Transitioning from being an MK to living in the West - 12:50 Transitioning to go back out to the mission field - 18:30 Getting married and having a calling with your wife - 22:00 Returning to the field as an adult - 27:20 Did you have a team “storming” phase? - 37:10 What does community look like for you and your family? - 40:30 How do you and your wife minister together? - 46:00 What do you do for your quiet time? https://pmpod.org/healing-bodies-and-souls/

I've never wanted to quit….more than three or four times….a day. Today on the Pod, I talk to a guy who has been in missions for nearly 50 years. Some people get brittle and angry as they get older, but not this guy, he is genuine and humble and has a lot to teach us. Get out your notepad and pen, this is a great interview. "The natural vitality is slowly ebbing away. But I want to be as faithful as possible as long as I can. And it just means I have to hold on to Christ tighter." Timeline - 00:00 Intro - 01:00 How have missions changed over the last 50 years? - 09:10 Has there been a shift in the message of missions? - 18:44 What has the role of prayer been in your life? - 29:40 How have dealt with despair over your lifetime? - 34:55 What is the secret to your longevity? - 39:00 What kind of advice do you have for the worker who feels like a failure? https://pmpod.org/50-years-in-missions/

Discipling in an Honor and Shame Culture  Outside of Christ, there are not many ways to deal with shame or be restored In this Pod, I talk to a guy who shares his insights into honor and shame and communal vs individualist cultures. He shares some of his personal stories, struggles, and mistakes, while on the field in a way we can learn from them. We close off the conversation by talking about burnout and fatigue on the field, and what that looked like for him. The whole conversation is powerful and well worth listening to. "Shame only exists in a community. Shame is when you're doing something that is not in the best interest of the community or violates the ethos that holds the community together. So any shame within the community works to destroy something at the fabric of that community." Timeline -00:00 Intro  -01:03 What is Deep and Wide Discipleship?  -10:40 What did the process of forgiveness look like in discipleship?  -13:13 Is vulnerability seen as a weakness in a shame/honor society?  -20:40 How do we disciple through persecution?  -29:30 What blind spots do westerns have while discipling?  -37:00 What is cultural trauma?  -50:55 let's talk about burnout on the field https://pmpod.org/discipling-in-an-honor-and-shame-culture/

Pod # 27 The Radical Christian Life A lot of missionaries get a radical call to go to the field, but then don't live their lives radically once they get there In this Pod, I have a conversation with a guy who left the pastorate to move his family to the Middle East. He has had many humbling experiences both on and off the field but has kept his focus on following his calling no matter the cost. He is passionate about living the Radical Christian Life and has a relentless focus on God, the Gospel, and discipleship. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. "After 12 years in the Middle East, when everything was going well; we were being blessed, our ministry was being blessed, we were working in our '10', God called us back to our home country…And it was a deserter. I found myself at 50 years old going from the top of my game to being unemployed." Timeline 00:00 Intro 00:47 What is the Gospel and why do we struggle with this question?  10:46 Moving from Pastor to Missionary  17:30 Dealing with humbling experiences on and off the field  20:10 What's it like teaching the Bible in the Middle East?  28:10 Why is success so hard to measure on the field? 34:35 What is discipleship?  48:00 The Three Holiday Method  50:00 What do you do for your quiet time? https://pmpod.org/the-radical-christian-life/

If I can't remember what we read, how can I share it with others? In this Pod, I talk to a woman who has a lot of experience leading DBS groups and training others to lead them. We walk through the 12 questions of DBS, and my guest shares her insights on each one. Even if you've done DBS training in the past, this conversation will give you fresh and practical insights. "When I was living in the West, we would study books about the Bible that were very much leading to the answers. But through DBS, a new believer can discover the Bible for themselves." Timeline 00:00 Intro 00:50 What is DBS trying to accomplish? 5:31 Leadership and DBS 8:41 The first six DBS questions? 1. What are you thankful for? 2. What are your needs? 3. Do you remember last week's story? 4. Were you able to share last week? 5. What can this group do to meet the needs of others? 6. Did you obey the text from last week? 16:01 How would you treat an unbeliever differently than a believer in a DBS? 20:21 Reading the Text 26:25 The last six DBS Questions 7. What did you like about the text? 8. What did you learn about God? 9. What did you learn about humanity? 10. What does this text mean for you personally? 11. What do you change in your life? 12. Who are you going to share it” 30:07 What's the ideal number and length of time for a DBS group? https://pmpod.org/how-to-lead-a-dbs-group/

All of us sudden you realize that you're just doing life, and it's changing lives In this Pod, I sit down with a couple who are raising their seven children in the Middle East. They talk about giving up everything to follow Jesus, the power of hospitality, living by the Spirit, and the daily and weekly rhythms of their lives that make their house so enticing to others. I was challenged by their radical hospitality and I think you will be too. "I used to teach in conferences for four or five hours at a time. But there is nothing like the richness of eating a meal together." Timeline 00:00-00:43 Intro 00:44-4:38 From Cultural Christians to Surrendered Christians 4:39-10:41 What is the Spirit-Filled Life? 10:42-19:35 How did you end up on the field? 19:36-22:26 What is the emphasis of your ministry? 22:47-24:26 The daily practice of family devotions 24:27-26:05 Do you kids give you pushback? 26:06-27:52 Watch me eat and I'll tell you how it tastes 27:53-28:59 The weekly practice of rest 29:00-32:05 The daily practice of saying I'm sorry, and thank you. 32:06-32:59 The weekly practice of worship and communion 33:00-35:26 How much of what you do is by design and how much is just you? 35:27-37:17 What is discipleship? 27:18-47:50 Does constant hospitality ever drain you? 47:51-52:09 Why is what you do so attractive to people? Resources Mentioned in this Pod Andrew Murray: Absolute Surrender https://pmpod.org/missions-starts-in-the-living-room/

We felt stranded and didn't know what to do. But we saw how God was using us, and completely shifting the focus of the team and the year. In this Pod, I talk to two guys who share their story of how God worked through the pandemic to bring people to faith in Him. It wasn't always roses and sunshine though. My guests take us into their lives when they didn't love each other, struggled to get along, and how doubts about their faith. The Pod is equal parts encouragement and challenge. "The love that we grew for each other over time, was what prepared us to be a home and a family to our Arab friends." Timeline 00:00-00:41 Intro 00:42-06:02 What did you come out to do? 06:02-8:20 Tension between the team and leadership 08:21-10:07 Meeting people during the pandemic 10:08-16:00 Moving from Islam to Jesus 16:01-19:16 How did you disciple this new believer? 19:16-24:52 What was the process of coming to faith for this MBB? 24:53-31:25 was there a lot of conflict and dysfunction on your team? 31:26-35:29 What was it like to live together when you didn't like each other? 35:30-37:30 How did team conflict affect your relationship with God? 37:31-42:35 What did reconciliation look like? 42:36-47:18 Advice for those in difficult team situations https://pmpod.org/missions-during-coivd-19/

In this Pod, I sit down with a guy who grew up his whole life on the field and has rare insight into the life of an MK. We talk about the pressure MKs feel to perform, the lack of identity and belonging, being a “hidden immigrant”, the effect all this has on faith, and what the pathway to real connection and belonging looks like. "I don't know an MK who doesn't have a deep level of grief or bitterness or confusion about their experience." Timeline 00:00-00:43 Intro  00:44-3:10 Born on the field  3:11-6:31 Affects of Parents' attitude towards locals 6:32-9:12 How did you understand your own identity growing up a Third-Culture-Kind (TCK)?  9:13-11:12 The Hidden Immigrant Phenomenon  11:13-12:54 How children understand living between two worlds  12:55-15:30 Did you ever feel resentment for being raised on the field?  15:31-20:20 What is Relational Instability? 20:21-24:24 Struggling to find identity, connection, and belonging  24:25-29:50 Making the transition from the field to the West  29:51-32:34 What effect did your transition have on your faith?  32:35-37:16 The pressure on MKs to be meet unrealistic expectations 37:17-42:40 The path to finding belonging and connection  42:41-49:09 How did people cultivate an environment of acceptance for you? https://pmpod.org/growing-up-on-the-field-2/

In this Pod, my guest shares deeply, personally, and vulnerably about dealing with depression on the field. We also talk about marriage, children, and re-finding your identity when life changes. We close off our conversation with an insightful look at what it's like working with children with disabilities in underprivileged villages. "I battled with God and wondered how am I supposed to bring hope to unreached people when I'm sitting here in the darkness of despair." Timeline 00:00-2:10 Introduction 2:11- 6:09 Transition from single to married on the field 6:10-9:50 The community pressure to have children 9:51-12:36 Having more experience than your husband on the field 12:37-14:39 Was there a lopsided calling in our marriage? 14:40-18:39 The role of calling in the midst of depression 18:40-21:30 What it's like going through depression 21:31-23:24 Knowing when depression is spiritual and when it's medical 23:25-28:33 Do you know what triggered the depression? 28:34-36:25 What would you say to the person struggling with depression right now? 36:26-44:30 Re-finding your identity after having children 44:31-52:31 Working with children with disabilities in underprivileged villages 52:32-57:17 What would say to the critic who says social development isn't worth it? https://pmpod.org/pressed-down-but-not-crushed/

In this Pod, my guest has some amazing things to say about discipleship and what to do with a new believer. He also shares some interesting details about how his family is part of his ministry. Then we get down into the weeds of spiritual practices like solitude, fasting, and rest. Every word is worth listening to. "We shouldn't assume that every worker has a genuine, deep walk with Christ, that they are people of prayer, that they themselves are actually living by the word of God, feeding on it and being obedient to it." Timeline 00:00-49:00 Introduction 00:50-1:28 What is the main emphasis of your ministry? 1:29-9:47 How do you disciple someone when they first come to faith? 9:48-11:46 What do you read with new believers? 11:47-17:30 What are some things we absolutely need to know about discipleship? 17:31-23:13 What do you want locals to experience when they come to your house? Spiritual Practices 23:14-29:06 Sabbath 29:07-32:50 Fasting 32:51-35:28 Solitude 35:29-45:56 Prayer 45:57-53:47 Memorizing Scripture 53:48-1:01:20 Self-Denial (Surrender) 1:01:21-1:05:00 Helpful Resources Resources Mentioned in this Pod Andrew Murray: Absolute Surrender, Abide in Christ, With Christ in the School of Prayer https://pmpod.org/the-joy-of-surrender/

In this Pod, my guest tells me about getting kicked out of the country he was serving in, which lead to meeting his wife. He also shares about the differences in being single and married in missions, homeschooling their kids, and what it's like in a massively cross-cultural marriage. At the end of our talk, he shares the driving passion that motivates his ministry. "We felt super spiritual. But there were things, as I looked back, and I think, oh, why did I do this, or why didn't I do that." Timeline 00:00-00:44 Introduction 00:45-13:53 What its like getting kicked out of a country 13:54-19:32 The massive differences going from single to married on the field 19:33-22:18 How did you decide to homeschool your kids? 22:19-30:29 Challenges of a cross-cultural marriage 30:30-40:49 What are the motivating passions that propel your ministry? https://pmpod.org/worshiper-of-god-first-2/

In this Pod, I talk with a guy who approaches missions from a Reformed Baptist perspective. We have a fascinating conversation about what the church is and isn't, the role of the local church in missions, what he thinks about CPMs and DMMs, how loneliness is apart of his experience, and much more. "People think working with the local church is a waste of time. But I want to see the local church became a model of what a biblical church could be." Timeline 0:00-1:00 Introduction 1:01-5:26 From Police to Missionary 5:27-8:06 Why the Middle East and not somewhere else? 8:07-8:52 Did your wife feel called to the Middle East? 8:53-13:20 What are the Reformed Baptist distinctions of missions and church? 13:21-17:05 Is the Reformed Baptist model too slow and heavy to be practical? 17:06-19:10 What does a church in the Middle East look like for you? 19:11-21:31 What is the importance of the Church for the spread of the Gospel? 21:31-22:20 What is your involvement in the church? 22:21-23:44 What role do international churches in missions? 23:45-25:25 Do you think there are healthy, biblical churches in the Arab World? 25:26-33:21 Why doesn't the Reformed crowd talk about discipleship very much? 33:21-36:50 What are some “Silver Bullet” traps workers fall into? 36:51-37:49 What is your Gospel hope in Missions? 37:50-39:19 Was it hard to go from “secular” work to missions? 39:20-44:08 Was it hard on your family to move to the Middle East? 44:09-45:25 Do you do ministry with your wife? 45:26-53:37 Is there something from God's Word that gives you hope, and what resources have been helpful for you? https://pmpod.org/a-reformed-missionary-2/

In this Pod, we talk about the increase of Arabs reaching Arabs, changes in training in missions, defining what discipleship is and why it's so messy. We talked about inconsistencies in our emphasis, sticking close to the Gospel, and some lies workers believe. We also talked about storytelling and why it's so hard for us to do it. "In the Arab culture, there is an amazing amount of distrust, and it is really hard for them to love one another and forgive one another. As expatriates, as Christians coming from cultures where we have already learned that, we can actually live that out with them, and help people really love one another, and be in fellowship with each other." Timeline 1:00-2:25 The changing nature of missions in the Arab world. 2:26-5:00 What kind of changes is training going through in missions? 5:01-7:44 Is there still a need for cross-cultural workers in the Arab world? 7:45-9:00 Are the Arabs you train mostly MBBs or CBBs? 9:01-10:17 What kind of training are Arab believers looking for? 10:18-12:33 What is discipleship? 12:34-17:50 Modeling the Gospel when discipleship is messy? 17:01-19:32 The challenge of connectivity 19:33-20:34 A lie workers believe is “I have to stay connected to everyone back home” 20:35-22:46 Lies Workers Believe #1 Language will come by just being on the field 22:47-23:33 Advice for people who have plateaued in language learning 23:34-27:54 Lies Workers Believe #2 If I just become like the culture I'll see fruit 27:55-32:27 Lies Workers Believe #3 The “If I just had…” lie 32:28-40:15 Lies Workers Believe #4 The Work/Rest lie. I need to watch more Netflix because I'm so tired. Or, I can't rest or take a break because I'm supported by other people. 40:16-42:27 The snare of compare 42:28-48-28 Story Telling: Why is it so hard for Westerners to tell stories? 48:29-53:01 Tips and tricks for telling stories to Arabs 53:02-54:44 What mistakes do we make when we tell stories? https://pmpod.org/keeping-close-to-the-gospel/

In this Pod, I talk to a woman who will blow your mind. We talk about the dangers of social media in missions, as well as the positive impact it's having. We talked about suffering and the cost of discipleship for Arabs, the challenges DBS leaves us with, the value of coaching for workers ministering in hard places, finding purpose and meaning in missions when not much is going on. And so much more. "They've started to do some really good work, they've opened up a great English center, maybe they're running kids clubs, a sports center. But they've lost the edge of the Gospel. The CP coach's goal is to keep the edge of the gospel sharp. We need platforms, we need ways to meet people. But if we lose our intentionality in sharing the Gospel and discipling people, we might as well just call ourselves English teachers or sports coaches." Timeline 1:00-7:08 Is Netflix destroying missions? 7:09-11:45 What is the positive side of media in missions? 11:46-14:52 The challenges to online discipleship 14:53-18:45 Do we overlook the cost of following Jesus in our discipleship? 18:46-24:16 Do we pursue rapid growth at the cost of good discipleship? 24:17-28:29 What is coaching for missionaries? 28:30-33:45 Common issues workers face when they seek out a coach 33:46-37:25 Discipling influencers vs marginalized people 37:26- Does our longing to see a movement harm our ability to see individuals? 38:18-39:25 What are the trends shaping missions today? 39:26-50:18 How do you stay long-term without getting bored or burning out? 50:19-55:48 Why do missionaries find it easier to share the Gospel than to experience it? Resources Mentioned in this Pod The Social Dilemma. Available on Netflix https://pmpod.org/totally-committed/

In this Pod, I talk to someone who clearly knows a lot about doing missions in the Arab World. We talked about forgiveness in the Arab context, seeing groups of people come to faith, some keys to longevity, and bringing the Gospel to the least reach women in the region. We also take an important look at raising children on the field. "We both have a very strong sense that we're not leaving unless God calls us to something else. We don't have the attitude that, well, we're staying here until we feel like it's not fun anymore and then we go on to something new." Timeline 1:00-2:13 23 years of on-field learning 2:14-5:55 What are your gauges for success? 5:56-11:12 What stirs your heart, and what are the mundane parts of missions? 11:13-16:00 What struggles do you face bringing the Good News to women in rural villages 16:01-19:59 How hard is it for a woman in a rural Arab setting to come to faith? 20:00-22:59 How do you last long-term without becoming cynical? 23:00-26:57 What character qualities are you looking for in people coming out to the Middle East? 26:58-30:32 What does Islam look like in rural communities? 30:33-32:33 How much superstition do you see in the villages? 32:34-34:18 What does the Gospel look like for women in rural settings? 34:19-37:31 Making the switch from Guilt/Innocence to Honor/Shame 37:32-43:40 The Story of the Parodical Son for an Arab 43:41-48:11 Raising Children in the Middle East 48:12-53:54 Thinking through education for your children on the field 53:55-57:12 Dealing with children becoming young adults on the field https://pmpod.org/called-to-something-great/

In this Pod, we talked about the lack of women leadership in missions, as well as the lack of resources and strategies that take women's issues in mind. We also take a deep dive into surviving reentry, as well as a very honest conversation about sexual harassment on the field. "A lot of the language is so gendered, and I struggled to see myself in that whole methodology. How do I work in that – in a way that is reproducible, and values indigenous leadership, and those things that are really great, how do you do that if you're a single woman?" Timeline 1:00-3:26 Working with vulnerable people groups 3:27-6:40 The lack of resources for women in missions 6:41-11:32 Recommendations for those working with women or vulnerable peoples. 11:33-12:52 Is it easy to undervalue strategy on the field? 12:53-18:02 What was reentry like for you? 18:03-21:06 Are there ways to mitigate reentry struggles? 21:07-25:05 Dealing with the highs and lows of reentry 25:06-29:19 Re-understanding identity after reentry 29:20-31:52 Trying to re-contextualize the Gospel after leaving the field 31:53-33:12 What was your organization's role in re-entry? 33:13-34:17 Why do workers find it hard to go to church after leaving the field? 34:18-37:35 When should someone start to think about serving again after they leave the field? 37:36-40:22 What's it like being a single woman in the Middle East? 40:23-47:55 Dealing with harassment on the field 47:56-51:00 Dealing with loneliness on the field 51:01-52:54 Dealing with the blurry lines of ministry, friendships, and time off 52:55-58:04 Sharing the Gospel in an Honor and Shame context https://pmpod.org/rethinking-missions/

In this Pod, I have a great conversation with a man who knows God well and knows Him personally. He talked with me about dealing with anxiety on the field, the feeling of lack of identity after reentry, his dramatic conversation to Christ, his desire for the lost to be saved, and so much more. "My biggest problem was that my objective was to do things for the people around me. But I realized that God is not requiring you to do things. He's requiring you as a person, not what you are doing." Timeline 1:00-14:42 How did you come to faith and end up in the Middle East? 14:43-17:31 The gap between expectations and reality on the field. 17:32-22:08 What are some characteristics of a healthy cross-cultural worker? 22:09-27:00 How do the values of the West differ from the Middle East? 27:01-32:59 Anxiety on the field 33:00-36:24 How did you measure success and deal with comparison? 36:25-41:22 Were you able to find a healthy rest/work rhythm on the field? 41:23-47:34 What did reentry look like for you? 47:35-52:56 Was your faith shaken during reentry? 52:57-1:02:4 Did you struggle as you moved back into a secular context? https://pmpod.org/knowing-god-personally/

In this interview, I talk to a good friend of mine who left the field several years ago. He speaks very vulnerably and honestly about his post re-entry doubts, anxiety, and depression, and how he managed to hold on to his faith. Re-entry is an underdeveloped area in most organizations and churches. This interview helps to give us a clearer picture of what it's like. “I could either believe blindly, leave it all behind, or lean into it.” Timeline 1:00-5:40 Being an introvert in missions 5:41-7:10 Dealing with comparison on the field 7:11-11:59 Re-entry: 100% chance you will struggle 12:00-14:14 Re-entry: Its header going back home than going to the field. 14:15-17:20 Re-entry: I hit a wall of anxiety, doubt, and depression 17:21-20:15 Re-entry: What was causing the doubts and anxiety? 20:16-23:18 Re-entry: What did your depression look like for you? 23:18-32:09 Re-entry: Turning the corner and getting healthy 32:10-40:50 Re-entry: The challenges of moving from a Muslim context to a secular one 40:51-53:25 Re-entry: What advice would you give to the person struggling in re-entry? https://pmpod.org/pod-3-re-entry-challenges/

In this interview, I talk to a man who has over 20 years' experience in four different countries in the Middle East. I asked him about doing ministry as a couple, how the church in the ME has been shaped by the culture around it, and what are some helpful trends he sees in missions right now. We also talk about leading MMBs, being catalysts for organic growth, and the relationship between MBBs and CBBs. Timeline 1:00-39:00 How my guest got into missions. 20 years experience. Kicked out of three countries. Serving the last 13 years in one place. 39:15-46:50 Whats it like getting married after you've been on the field for years? 46:51-52:00 Doing ministry with your wife 52:00-57:00 How the history of the Middle East shaped the church 57:40-62:30 How different is it for MBBs vs CBBs to reach muslims? 62:31-64:00 Do CBBs and MBBs mix well? 64:00-68:30 Helpful trends in missions right now 68:30-1:11:014 What does it look like to empower local believers? 1:11:15-1:14:50 How to move an MBB from consumer to leader https://pmpod.org/pod-2-20-years-experience/

In this podcast, the tables get turned, and your host gets interviewed. The guy who interviewed me is one of my best friends, and together we talked about how the Middle East has changed us, and differences between the church in the ME and in the West. We covered some important topics like the Underground Church, Evangelism, Dealing with conflict, Folk Islam, and even a little bit about Folk Christianity. Note: CBB = Christian Background Believer. MBB = Muslim Background Believer Timeline 1:00-3:50 What would you be doing if you weren't a missionary? 3:51-10:20 How has 12 years in the Middle East Changed you? 10:21-18:14 How do Arab believers differ from Western believers? 18:15-23:47 The seen church and the underground church in the Middle East 23:48-27:45 What has surprised you about evangelism or discipling on the field? 27:46-32:50 What does the underground church in the Middle East contribute to the Body of Christ? 32:51-48:50 Dealing with conflict with Arabs 48:51-55:35 What is folk Islam? 55:36-62 What folk Christianity looks like? https://pmpod.org/pod-1-your-host-gets-interviewed/

Pod # 4 What I do does not give me my value In this interview, I sat down with a very dear friend who spoke with amazing insight into what it's like being a wife and mother on the field. There is not one dull moment in this interview. We covered many topics, including growing up an MK, the value of mentors, taking days off, balancing family life and ministry, getting overwhelmed, and giving money to locals. "You came equal with your husband. You were equally sent out. You both had passion and vision to reach the locals. And then suddenly you're just working with your kids, in your house, doing laundry." Timeline 1:00-2:00 Taking a sabbath year and dealing with COVID-19 2:01-5:10 Growing up as an MK 5:11 -7:27 Did you ever think you would end up back in missions? 7:28-10:00 Getting married to a guy who had a different calling 10:01-11:50 Did you ever get a sense of “calling” to the Arab World? 11:51-14:30 What is ministry like for a married woman with kids? 14:31-15:55 Does your role bring you enough purpose? 15:56-17:25 Does having kids make it easier to do ministry? 17:26-18:36 Do you see big differences in Muslims and Christian families? 18:37- 24:35 The importance of mentors on and off the field 24:36-25:37 How do you “submit” to the local Arab church? 25:38-28:22 What is the value of attending a local Arab church? 28:23-29:01 What role does the organization play in your need for fellowship? 29:02-32:12 What are common struggles missionary mothers face? 32:13-35:11 What were the challenges moving from single to married on the field? 35:12-41:41 How does the Gospel inform your marriage on the field? 41:42-43:49 What have you learned from local families? 43:50-47:49 Navigating honor and shame with giving to poor local families 47:50-51:00 Dos and don'ts when giving money to locals 51:01-53:05 Do you ever feel overwhelmed? 53:06-55:24 What does rest look like for you? 55:25-59:14 What do you do as a family to rest? https://pmpod.org/missionary-mother-of-three/

It's clear my guest loves the work, loves the people, and loves the region. Every answer he gives is dripping with optimism, passion, and pride for the ministry and what God has enabled him to see and do over his 12 years in the Middle East. We talked about sustainable ministry, black magic, marriage, mentors, the difficulty of calling, time management, and much more. "I met some of the wealthiest people in the region, and some of the poorest. And realizing through conversation that their circumstances looked very different, but their root problem, sin, was the same. And that really struck me." Timeline 1:00-7:33 An insane first six months in the Middle East 7:34-12:32 What his calling looked like 12:33-18:29 How do you maintain a passion for the work over the long term? 18:30-20:36 How do you deal with MBBs falling away from the faith? 20:27-22:10 What patterns do you see in those that lose faith? 22:11-24:34 What as it like going from single to married on the field? 24:35-27:46 What do you wish you would have known about being married on the field before you were married? 27:47-33:14 What was it like for your wife to move to the Arab World with you? 33:15-36:46 How has having three kids on the field changed what ministry looks like? 36:47-38:59 How do you balance your time between work, family, ministry, marriage? 39:00-40:56 What advice do you have for someone wanting to do missions in the marketplace? 40:57-42:38 What Spiritual rhythms do you have in your family? 42:39-43:39 Getting time away from the kids with my wife 43:40-47:39 Have you ever wanted to quit missions? https://pmpod.org/the-joy-of-missions/

In this pod, I talk to a very close friend of mine and we take a deep dive into the realities of re-entry. My guest talks about his frustrations going home, and how he has overcome them and how he has kept his faith strong. We also cover things like finding good routines, make sure you don't isolate, getting into community, and the value of member care after you've returned home. "I felt like people were saying, ‘Reach out if you need anything.' But I didn't even know what I needed." Timeline 1:00-1:30 What was your role on the field? 1:31-4:25 How did you end up in the Middle East? 4:26-7:00 Starting in the Middle East without an organization. 7:01-8:06 When expectations don't match reality 8:07-11:49 The power of reaching out for help 11:50-15:11 The value of Member Care and Mentors 15:12-23:00 What frustrations did you have with the home office during re-entry? 23:01-24:25 How can we do re-entry better? 24:26-27:15 Being asked who you are sharing your struggles with 27:16-29:05 How do we start a culture of better re-entry? 29:06-38:25 What did the stages of re-entry look like for you over the first year? 38:26-42:00 How are you going to prevent your faith from dying during re-entry? 42:01-45:41 What's it like going from full-time ministry to not having any ministry? https://pmpod.org/doing-re-entry-better/

In this Pod, I have a co-pilot hosting with me, and together we talked to a woman who has worked with Beduin in rural villages for nearly a decade. We had a fascinating conversation about Arabic music, Christian Arab hymns, why doing ministry in rural settings has meaning, the struggles of Beduin woman, being single on the field, and much, much more. "The Beduin have always fascinated me. When I realized I would be working with the Beduin, I knew this was the place where I wanted to stay. That's why I've stayed in one place for so long; because they take so long to trust because they watch, they see. They do sense things very quickly, but they want to see if it's consistent before they take it as their own. And then they are unstoppable." Timeline 1:00-9:38 How an Ethnomusicology degree led to nearly a decade in missions 9:37-12:44 What do you love about Arabic music? 12:45-14:58 What is the concept of music in Islam? 14:59-19:57 What characterizes Arabic Christian music? 19:58-25:38 What's the value of doing ministry in rural settings? 25:39-30:35 Knowing you work in a hard place, how do you measure success? 30:36-40:10 What's something that Beduin society really struggles with? 40:11-45:59 Where do you find your identity and value? 46:00-52:02 What is something from the Bible that touches the heart of Beduin women? 53:03-60:00 What is your experience with folk Islam? 60:01-64:30 What's one of your favorite things about Beduin dialects? 64:31-68:18 What is the strength of being an unmarried woman on the field? 68:19-73:13 When you feel like you have nothing left to give, what gets you through? https://pmpod.org/ten-years-in-rural-ministry/

In this Pod, I talked to a very dear friend of mine who is full of passion and insight. We talked about Arab friendships, sharing the Gospel, the power of mentors, and the difficulties of honor and shame culture. We also talked about the importance of humor, pray, Christian fellowship, and trusting God. If you've never been on the field, are new, or have been out for ten years, you will learn something from my guest. "I'm afraid I will say, “Look at this great kingdom I have built”, and then God will transform me into a wild beast and I will eat grass for seven years." Timeline 1:00-7:07 Who or what are you learning from right now? 7:08-9:50 Are people too timid when they share with Muslims? 9:51-12:03 Reading with a seeker vs a new believer? 12:04-14:11 What is the value of being part of a local church in the Arab world? 14:12-16:07 What are some differences between Arab Christians, and Arab Muslims? 16:08-17:47 The minority complex of Christians in the Middle East and will MBBs and CBBs ever get along? 17:48-21:38 What is the secret to having great friendship with Arabs? 21:39-26:32 What have you learned about honor and shame? 26:33-30:48 What are some of hurdles for westerner to share the Gospel in an honor and shame culture? 30:49-33:42 How does somebody start learning a new culture? 33:43-34:30 Are you afraid of anything in ministry? 34:31-35:31 The importance of prayer in our ministries 35:31-38:34 How do you measure success on the field? 38:35-39:40 Have you ever wanted to give up and go home? 39:41-42:02 Have you ever feel like you're not making an impact? 42:03-46:36 What role does enjoyment play in longevity on the field? https://pmpod.org/an-unwasted-life/

In this Pod, I talk to a guy who only spent one year in the Middle East but has incredible insight. He speaks openly and vulnerably about weaknesses, Arab friendships, managing expectations, sharing with supporters, and so much more. If you are looking to join missions in the Arab World or lead someone new to the field, this Pod is for you. "I try to give an honest review of what's going on. I don't want to pretend that I'm doing ok and if I'm actually feeling bad. If I'm struggling in my faith, maybe what I need is actually for someone to pray for me rather than to put on a fake smile." Timeline 1:00-3:30 What attracted you to the Middle East? 3:31-6:01 What sustains you in the Middle East? 6:02-7:28 The relationship between food and motivation levels 7:29-10:22 How to be motivated to Study Arabic 10:23-13:20 How did your expectations and reality clash when you came to the Middle East? 13:21-15:15 What was it like sharing the Gospel in the Middle East? 15:16-16:15 Did you have preconceived ideas of how people would receive the Gospel? 16:16-20:42 What's your relationship with your supporters like? 20:43-24:14 The unseen, unreported reality of missions. 25:15-26:38 How do you know when you've done what you're supposed to? 26:39-29:27 What have you learned about yourself since you came to the field? 29:28-30:59 Is living on the field lonely? 31:00-37:31 Was it hard making friends with locals? 37:32-42:32 How have you dealt with the reality that there is not much fruit? 42:33-47:03 What would you say to the person looking to join the field? https://pmpod.org/new-to-the-field/

In this Pod, we cover many topics from friendships with locals, sharing the Gospel, dealing with stereotypes, the value of language learning, and so much more. We go deep and cover a lot of territory together. My guest is authentic and honest with his thoughts and has a lot to teach us. "Maybe back home, when our relationship with God is going down, we're paying less attention to it, we're putting less energy into it, we can escape thinking about it. We can focus on our studies or focus on our work. Maybe attend a cool conference, get our faith challenged, pushed up, and get excited again. And that doesn't work here." Timeline 1:00-5:31 Friendships in the Middle East 5:32-8:17 Telling acceptable lies and Honor and Shame 8:18- 12:07 Dealing with Arab collectivism 12:08-12:59 Dealing with locals putting you into a box 13:00-14:54 Using locals assumptions to point back to Christ 14:55-18:11 Does living outside your home country change your relationship with God? 18:12-19:30 The link between your personal time with God and your ministry 19:31-22:08 How have you balanced training and doing on the field? 22:09-23:21 What are some of the biggest struggles you face on the field? 23:22-27:04 How do you not let the statistics bother you? 27:05-30:40 What data points do you use to gage success? 30:41-31:56 Do you find it hard to find a balance between being lazy and over-productive? 31:57-34:31 What is the value of learning the local langue? 34:32-35:39 What would you say to the worker who is fine just using English? 35:40-37:35 Sharing the Gospel and language issues 37:36-40:12 Sharing the Gospel to Arabs takes a shift in how you think 40:13-42:01 What's the value of listening as you share the Gospel? 42:02-44:47 Are there things from our culture you won't let go of? 44:48-46:45 What is the importance of enjoying the people you minister to? https://pmpod.org/deep-and-wide/

In this Pod, I have two cohosts helping me interview a woman who has a lot of passion, perseverance, and faith in Christ. We cover many cultural issues facing cross-cultural women in the Middle East and issues local women face too. We take a deep dive into honor and shame, staying motivated, making friends, and sharing the Gospel. I learned a lot from this interview, and I'm excited for you to be a part of it as well. "If there is a situation where I need help, it's not because I'm a woman, it's because I'm a person." Timeline 1:00-6:00 Moving from thinking about missions to living in the Middle East 6:01-7:55 How was living in the Middle East vs how you thought it would be? 7:56-10:54 How did you deal with the loss of freedoms after coming to the Middle East? 10:55-12:08 How have your views of woman, honor, and shame changed since you have been on the field? 12:09-17:22 What did it look like for you to push back against injustice you saw in the culture? 17:23-18:30 Is respect hard to earn as a foreign woman in the Middle East? 18:31-21:12 How have you been impacted spiritually through seeing things through an honor and shame lens? 21:13-23:46 How does sharing your faith as a woman look like in the Middle East? 23:47-29:53 What are some of the biggest struggles local women are dealing with? 29:54-31:56 What is the role of local friends for you as a foreigner? 31:57-33:39 Do you ever struggle with the relationship between your mission and just being with people? 33:40-36:56 How would you counsel someone to make a friend in the Arab World? 36:57-42:21 Do you ever struggle with the motivation behind what you're doing? 42:22-46:30 What rhythms of life keep you going on the field? 46:31-49:43 What are things you hold on to more tightly and what are things you let go of living in the Middle East? 49:44-52:49 How do you trust God in the midst of loneliness and discouragement? https://pmpod.org/a-surrendered-life/

In this Pod, I talk to one of the smartest people I know. We have a very interesting conversation about recovering from being a people pleaser, dealing with reentry anxiety, friendships with Arabs, leadership, the importance of coaching, and so much more. My guest is well read, thoughtful, and taught me some very important life lessons. I'm excited for you to listen in on our conversation. "As Christians, we always have a good reason to do more. But we also need to make sure we make it to the end of the marathon." Timeline 1:00-6:00 Moving from thinking about missions to living in the Middle East 6:01-7:55 How was living in the Middle East vs how you thought it would be? 7:56-10:54 How did you deal with the loss of freedoms after coming to the Middle East? 10:55-12:08 How have your views of woman, honor, and shame changed since you have been on the field? 12:09-17:22 What did it look like for you to push back against injustice you saw in the culture? 17:23-18:30 Is respect hard to earn as a foreign woman in the Middle East? 18:31-21:12 How have you been impacted spiritually through seeing things through an honor and shame lens? 21:13-23:46 How does sharing your faith as a woman look like in the Middle East? 23:47-29:53 What are some of the biggest struggles local women are dealing with? 29:54-31:56 What is the role of local friends for you as a foreigner? 31:57-33:39 Do you ever struggle with the relationship between your mission and just being with people? 33:40-36:56 How would you counsel someone to make a friend in the Arab World? 36:57-42:21 Do you ever struggle with the motivation behind what you're doing? 42:22-46:30 What rhythms of life keep you going on the field? 46:31-49:43 What are things you hold on to more tightly and what are things you let go of living in the Middle East? 49:44-52:49 How do you trust God in the midst of loneliness and discouragement? https://pmpod.org/running-the-race-with-endurance/

In this Pod, I talk to an amazing man who left a well-paying job in the West to do missions in an unreached part of the world. He shares with me his philosophy of success on the field. We also talked about common pitfalls missionaries fall into, lies missionaries believe, observable results vs faithfulness, hospitality, marriage, and so much more. "Success can't be measured by something that is not in your control. Obedience is something that is on our side of the fence. We can choose to obey, we can choose to be faithful, we can choose to be unfaithful. We can choose to love one another. We can choose to hate one another. Results are not in our control at all. " Timeline 1:00-1:45 What's your favorite COVID-19 conspiracy theory? 1:46-8:42 How did you make the career change into missions? 8:43-9:36 Was your wife ok moving to the Middle East? 9:37-14:43 What does it mean to work in an unreached country? 14:44-21:44 The connection between obedience and success. 21:45-25:16 What is your philosophy of hospitality? 25:17-28:02 Is your hospitality pastoral care for others? 28:03-30:40 What do you and your family do for Christian community? 30:41-32:54 What pitfalls do you see in workers falling into on the field? 32:55-35:21 What are the differences between Asian and Arab versions of Honor and Shame? 35:22-40:29 How do you deal with the lack of accomplishment in missions? 40:30-44:49 A healthy marriage and the role of choice 44:50-46:17 Do you see a common thread in marriages that fall apart? 46:18-49:03 In marriage the highs are higher and the lows are lower 49:04-52:02 How do you and your wife deal with traveling separately? 52:03-58:16 What are the lies workers on the field believe? https://pmpod.org/true-success/