The End of the Road

Join host Cathy Herholdt and Karess Linzer as they share a riveting story of transformation of a young girl whose life was halted when she was sent to Dhaka to work in a garment factory to help with her family's income. Hear how her desire to continue her education and become a teacher was the driving force behind her determination to ask for help and explore all of her options to reach her goals.

Join host Cathy Herholdt and Karess Linzer as they share a compelling story of transformation of a young girl whose life was halted by a potential arranged marriage. It was the determination and perseverance of her mom that made a way for her to continue following her dreams of becoming an engineer. Hear how she uses her experience of almost becoming a child bride to help families keep their children in school and no longer have to turn to child marriage due to financial hardships.

Join host Cathy Herholdt and Karess Linzer as they share a story of the transforming power of God's love that led to reconciliation between two sisters. From uncertainty and being uncomfortable approaching one another to being willing to allow God to move in their hearts, this transformation was unforgettable and moving. Hear how their families and entire community had front row seats to witness the powerful reconciliation after the 45-year feud.

Join host Cathy Herholdt and Karess Linzer as they share a story of the transforming power of the Gospel that changed two people from the inside out. Hear how they both began to live lives that were in direct opposition of what they'd ever seen before and how they began helping others by sharing the Gospel and hope with them in their own community and beyond.

Join host Cathy Herholdt and Karess Linzer as they share a story of hope, healing, and transformation in Bangladesh and shine a light on the realities of human trafficking in the area. Hear how one woman used her experience with human trafficking to teach women and children in her community about human trafficking, various forms of child exploitation and how to protect children creating hope for the future.

How much do you know about Myanmar? Join guest Mark Estes for a virtual journey into the mountains and rural villages of this fascinating southeast Asian country. With 135 different distinct ethnic tribal groups, and a landscape dotted with Buddhist temples, Myanmar's mystifying culture has been shaken by decades of political unrest, conflict, and poverty. Hear how God is moving in the midst of turmoil and people are finding the peace and hope they've long searched for.

The End of the Road looks different around the world, but there are similarities when it comes to the excitement that happens when communities move from extreme poverty to hope and change. Not far outside the small, bustling city of Pakse, Laos, the tropical mountainous landscape is dotted with tiny, rural villages—some only accessible during the dry season by motorcycle, as muddy terrain cuts them off when it rains. Listen to the stories (and even a special song!) from those who live and work in Laos.

Some call the Democratic Republic of Congo a forgotten crisis. Conflict has held this lush, beautiful, mysterious land captive for decades. Most who live here have never known peace—especially women. From within the walls of their own homes to the hills surrounding them, women face constant challenges here. Venture into the remote corners of DRC with Irene Nyambura, who dedicates her life to elevating the role of women in a historically patriarchal culture.

Join Ali Angobona as he takes us on a virtual journey to his home country of Chad, deep in the heart of north-central Africa, where Sahel temperatures can reach over 120 degrees and people have faced conflict, war, and extreme poverty for generations. But there is reason to hope. Listen as Ali shares how he is seeing seeds of change spring to life in one remote village, where women, children, and men are charting a new a course of transformation.

You can hear the weariness in Efanor Nore's voice as he talks about the violent gangs that control the streets and neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. But there's also a calmness in his voice. Hear how he remains unafraid and even hopeful as his beloved country dissolves into utter chaos. When the storms of life hit hard, we can learn from those, like Efanor, who keep their eyes on the One who remains in control.

Jump in the passenger seat with host Cathy Herholdt as she takes you on a tumultuous road trip to two places—Haiti and Bangladesh—and shines a spotlight on some issues that make life extremely difficult for those who live there. Hear how Haiti's proneness to natural disasters tests the limits of its resilience. And meet some women and girls in Bangladesh who are working hard to overcome cultural traditions and creating hope for the future.

What do you do when there is no water and most of the community you're trying to help packs up and migrates, leaving behind those who are too old or weak to walk? This is just one of the challenges the World Concern program team in Samburu, Kenya, are facing amidst a complex crisis like drought. Joseph Muigai and Faith Nasieku share how the need for innovative, long-term solutions—and prayer—are needed to help families survive.

People like Peter Mutua sacrifice so much, including having their hearts to broken for the things that break God's heart in order to help people in great need in really difficult places. Listen as Peter shares a first-hand update on the severe drought conditions in Somalia, and emotionally recounts heartbreaking stories of children lost to starvation. And then, please prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to respond to this crisis. If you feel led, you can donate here: https://www.worldconcern.org/road

Host Cathy Herholdt is sharing an exciting look back at the most memorable experiences from Season 2 on The End of the Road podcast. Hear about the missional connection of the stories at the end of the road and World Concern. Relive Raphael Leshore's unique story of how he was a Moran warrior and now he shares his faith with his community. Hear Joshua Bundi's heartfelt experiences about how he followed God's call despite roadblocks and challenges. And hear the personal experiences of CRISTA Ministries CEO Jacinta Tegman at the end of the road.

We'd all like to think we know how our lives should go. We chart our course, plan our careers, and chase our dreams. But when Tracy Minke set out to pursue her dreams, God led her on a journey that traversed continents and countries, leading her through some fascinating, life-changing, and challenging experiences. As she shares in this episode, these places, and the people she met there, became ingrained in her heart and ultimately led her to the fulfillment that comes from finding true purpose.

Filmmaker Jeff Arnold and two other videographers trekked for miles through the mud during South Sudan's rainy season to capture stories of young evangelists who are overcoming tremendous challenges to reach others in their community—and beyond—for Christ. Long days and spotty internet made communications difficult, but we managed to connect with Jeff briefly over WhatsApp to hear his description of this remote part of South Sudan.

Hear about the lives, stories, and communities behind the faces and places in Daryl Finley's amazing photographs, captured in some of the world's toughest places. As a former firefighter, Daryl's unique background and experiences enabled him to step into disaster zones, like the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and Haiti, after Hurricane Matthew ripped through the island. Hear how he connected with people and documented their stories through the lens of his camera.

If you've ever wondered what your calling is, you'll want to hear how Joshua Bundi, World Concern's South Sudan Country Director, knew with certainty that he was called to serve in one of the most challenging places on the planet. Despite major obstacles and challenges, he also shares the blessings he's reaped by following God's call on his life. Don't miss part 2 of our conversation with Joshua.

It has been three months since Joshua Bundi has seen his wife and three children face-to-face. But despite his calling to work in South Sudan, he makes it his top priority to ensure his family stays connected between visits home to Kenya, which often means spending up to three hours nightly together online. In part 1 of our conversation with Joshua, you'll hear about this, as well as the miraculous birth stories of two of his children – one of which took place as he was fleeing violence in South Sudan.

CRISTA Ministries CEO Jacinta Tegman is no stranger to remote, challenging places in our world. But hardship, and even danger, have not deterred her from relentlessly pursuing God's calling on her life and her commitment to the mission of CRISTA, World Concern's parent organization. Hear her personal experiences in places like Chad, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as she shares her heart for those we serve at the end of the road.

Vanessa McElroy felt led to move to Ukraine 21 years ago, following several years of ministering to women in Russia. She now believes she was called to the war-torn nation “for such a time as this,” and has been actively welcoming and serving those who have fled the current conflict. She shares what life is like in Ukraine right now and how she is able to care for those who have lost everything.

From the time he was a little boy, James Francois has faced many of the hardships that come with living in a place like Haiti. From poverty and political unrest to earthquakes and hurricanes, Haiti is a place where the resilient people who call the island nation home have struggled for decades to make a better life for themselves. Hear how James found hope and survived—and now thrives—in one of the world's toughest places.

Raphael Leshore has lived his entire life in the remote region of Samburu, Kenya. As a child, he walked for a day and a half – one way – to his boarding school, where he was introduced to Jesus. He spent his youth protecting his community as a Moran warrior and is now a young elder in his village (as well as a World Concern staff member), giving him a unique opportunity to share his faith and disciple other Morans and members of his community, whom he knows so well.

Host Cathy Herholdt is joined by guest host Karess Linzer for an exciting look back at the most memorable experiences from Season 1 on the End of the Road podcast. Relive Harun Ringera's heartfelt return to South Sudan after fleeing an attack in the middle of the night. Be reminded by Katie Toop and Maggie Konstanski of what it really means to be “brave” in the face of fear, knowing God is with you. And feel what it was like for World Concern President, Nick Archer, to land on an airstrip where animals grazed near an abandoned airport in Somalia in the early 1990s. Don't miss these highlights from Season 1 and the exciting things in the works for Season 2, as we journey to new frontiers at the end of the road.

As a mom, Mindy Lee Irvine has raised her kids to have hearts of compassion and generosity towards others. She herself has been an example to them and to others in her life – especially when she set out to raise $40,000 on her 40th birthday to protect children in poor countries from trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. Hear her incredible dedication to the vision she had for making an impact, and how a chance encounter with a little girl in a remote village in Sri Lanka solidified her calling.

Alderwood Community Church Executive Pastor of Care, Steve Brooks, has traveled extensively and been in ministry for many years, but his perception of “missions” changed dramatically when he found himself in the wilderness of South Sudan. Hear his extraordinary experience of preaching in a village where traditional healers chanted outside the local church in an attempt to deter him. Through this and other interactions with people in South Sudan, Steve's realization that we're all connected as brothers and sisters changed his ministry.

Imagine showing up for a new job and finding your living accommodations consisted of a simple room, a single toilet shared by 15 households, and a weekly trek for water that was barely enough to last a few days. Humble humanitarian, Rose Ogolla, faced not only difficult living conditions, but spiritual opposition and cultural challenges during a life-changing season serving in Samburu, Kenya. Hear how spending her nights in deep prayer helped her and her team impact lives for eternity in this place.

Buckle up for this one! World Concern President, Nick Archer, takes us on a journey to the distant and mystifying land of Somalia. Step off a small plane into an abandoned airport in Hargeisa in 1991. Take in the vast, arid desert surrounding you, as you walk the path of hardship so many Somalis have traveled for centuries. Experience God here and meet the people in this place that challenged and changed Nick forever. You'll be surprised by the similarities we all share as people looking for answers to our own struggles.

If you've ever felt alone or abandoned by God, you'll want to hear what Jamie Winship, former DC police officer and founder of Identity Exchange, has to say about God's presence in trials, hardship, and even in the face of danger. He takes us on a journey to an island in Indonesia, where he, his wife Donna, and their three young kids, lived for 10 years. Through his experiences there, including being arrested and faced with years in jail, Jamie learned that no matter where you are in the world or what you're facing, you are never alone.

Tag along on a fascinating journey to a place that even hardcore humanitarian Merry Fitzpatrick considers the most remote place she's ever been. Through her detailed description of the days-long trek to get there, you'll be transported virtually to an isolated village in the Congo that's only accessible only by a 7-hour canoe ride. Hear Merry's heart of humility about being called to serve in places like this, as well as her encouragement to others to serve with this same attitude, wherever God has called you.

Journey with humanitarian relief and disaster expert Merry Fitzpatrick through the streets of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, in the days following the 2010 earthquake, and through total devastation in Eastern Chad, when armed rebels on horseback burned hundreds of villages to the ground. In both of these crises, Merry found ways to connect with people on a very personal level, seeing them through God's eyes. Hear what she believes most people really need when they've lost everything.

In this conversation with Nick Archer, he digs deeper into World Concern's calling to work in the world's hardest places and answers some important questions, like how World Concern decides where to work, why we don't respond to every crisis or disaster, and why we focus our efforts outside the U.S. Plus, he recounts a harrowing journey to a part of Kenya that is so remote, he didn't see another person for days on his trek through the desert, until he came across one young man who had a somewhat surprising request.

Why would someone walk into a potentially dangerous, difficult situation? Or intentionally step towards something they know will cost them a lot and potentially fail? In this episode, World Concern President, Nick Archer, shares why he feels the organization he leads is uniquely called to work in some of the hardest places in the world. Hear how Nick himself chose to move his family, including two young children, to the end of the road, and how it shaped his future and theirs.

Walk the city streets of Cairo, Egypt, and Kabul, Afghanistan, with Maggie and Katie, two women who spent years working and living in the Middle East and Asia. Hear what they loved and learned about these cultures from their loyal neighbors and faithful friends as they share their unique perspectives on what life is like for women in these parts of the world. You'll likely shed some tears with them, but don't worry, as they both learned, “You'll never cry alone here.”

Part 2 of our interview with Harun Ringera takes us to the wilderness of South Sudan as he describes his arrival in Warrap State more than a decade ago, with nothing more than a guarantee of some food, a place to sleep, and an opportunity to reach people living far beyond the end of the road. You will be captivated by his adventurous spirit, his heart to help, and his incredible stories, including escaping an attack on the town where he was serving.

Journey back in time with our guest Harun Ringera as he recounts stories of his childhood in a tiny rural village in Kenya and how his experiences and struggles there shaped his heart to help others. Imagine being a young child, running barefoot through rocky terrain to get to school each day, frequently cutting and bruising your feet on the sharp rocks, and then finally, at age 14, getting your first pair of shoes. Harun shares the story of his first pair of shoes, and what his father had to sacrifice to buy them for him. You'll hear how God placed a call on Harun's life that he has never strayed from – even when his life was in danger.

Hear host Cathy Herholdt's vision behind this podcast and get glimpses of some the people you'll meet and places you'll hear about in season one. Cathy shares some of the things she learned, personally, in her time at the end of the road – about herself, about people, and about God.“Mostly, I learned that I have a lot to learn. Even though I've traveled to some very remote places, I still know so little about the world, beyond my own familiar surroundings. I had no idea how mind and heart-opening it would be to visit places I thought would be scary, uncomfortable…” says Cathy. “My hope is that your mind and heart will be opened too, as you hear the stories on this podcast.” Buckle up! We're going to the end of the road.

Welcome to the End of the Road – a podcast that takes you on a virtual journey to places like South Sudan, the Congo, Myanmar, and the Middle East, through stories of people who have lived and worked there. Join host Cathy Herholdt for an experience that will open your heart and mind to what God is doing all over the world and stretch your faith. So buckle up! We're going to the end of the road.