Wycliffe Women of the Word Podcast

Please note this episode contains conversations about the loss of a child that may be difficult for some listeners. Vaneetha Risner has endured a lot of hardship throughout her life. But the truth she keeps returning to is God's goodness. In the season finale of the Wycliffe Women of the Word podcast, Beth and Jenn sit down with Vaneetha and discuss her story, how suffering can be a gift and why it's important for each of us to meet our loved ones in their struggle. You can read more about Vaneetha's life in her book, “Walking Through Fire: A Memoir of Loss and Redemption.” Recommendations from the episode: Jenn talked about taking a book or leaving a book at a Little Free Library. Vaneetha recommended “Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional” by Paul Tripp.  Ad: Wycliffe USA's 7-day devotional, “Searching for Significance” explores different parts of God's perfect plan for your life, and how he ultimately wants you to find purpose and significance through bringing him glory. Get the devotional today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women.

Ginny Owens is a singer and songwriter, speaker and author of the book “Singing in the Dark: Finding Hope in the Songs of Scripture.” Beth and Jenn sit down with Ginny to discuss her story, how she coped with isolation in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the difference between inner grit and inner strength, the power of Scripture and much more. Ad: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we've met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Get it today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women. 

Please note this episode contains conversations about sexual assault and suicide that may be difficult for some listeners. In this week's episode of the Wycliffe Women of the Word podcast, Beth and Jenn had the privilege to sit down with author, speaker and pastor Nona Jones. Nona talks about her various current ministries, discusses how her childhood trauma shaped the way she thought about herself and God, and speaks about how to find your identity in Christ. You can learn more about Nona at https://www.nonajones.com/, including her books “From Social Media to Social Ministry: A Guide to Digital Discipleship” and “Success from the Inside Out: Power to Rise From the Past to a Fulfilling Future.” Recommendations from the episode: Jenn mentions the book, “Faith Among the Faithless: Learning from Esther How to Live in a World Gone Mad.” Ad: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we've met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Get it today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women. 

Jenny Steinbach, the founder of her.Bible, talks with Beth and Jenn about her journey to faith and her work with Cru and The Jesus Film Project. Jenny also discusses what inspired her to create an audio Bible for women and the significant impact that hearing God's Word read aloud by women has on hearts and lives. Recommendations from the episode: “Esther: It's Tough Being a Woman” by Beth Moore. Danielle Coke and her artwork. Morgan Harper Nichols' art, as well as her books “All Along You Were Blooming: Thoughts for Boundless Living” and “How Far You Have Come: Musings on Beauty and Courage.” Ad: Wycliffe USA's fun, free e-book, “6 Sweet Ways to Study Scripture” is a great way to start or deepen your Bible study. Each Bible study method is paired with a flavor of ice cream (as well as learn some ice cream fun facts) to help you savor and crave Scripture. Get it today! In the interview, Jenny mentioned SIL International. SIL is a primary strategic partner of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. SIL connects with and serves language communities around the world in order to establish and support the research, translation, training and materials they need for sustainable language development. All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA's mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women.

In this Wycliffe Women of the Word episode, Jenn and Beth had the chance to talk to multiple Dove Award and Latin Grammy nominated artist Lucía Parker. They chat about how Lucía became a worship leader, how her childhood in El Salvador impacted her understanding of what it means to be part of the global body of Christ and much more! Learn more about Lucía and explore her discography: https://luciaparker.com/.   Ad: Wycliffe USA’s fun, free e-book, “6 Sweet Ways to Study Scripture” is a great way to start or deepen your Bible study. Each Bible study method is paired with a flavor of ice cream (as well as learn some ice cream fun facts) to help you savor and crave Scripture. Get it today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women.

Jenn and Beth sit down with their friend and Wycliffe USA colleague, Jannah Welcome. Jannah shares about her work with Wycliffe, how she came to know Jesus and the way that Scripture can help us heal from trauma. Recommendations from the episode: Beth recommends the CSB Ancient Faith Study Bible for a deep dive on church history. Ad: Wycliffe USA’s 7-day devotional, “Searching for Significance” explores different parts of God’s perfect plan for your life, and how he ultimately wants you to find purpose and significance through bringing him glory. Get the devotional today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women. 

Mental and emotional struggles are prevalent, even among followers of Jesus. That’s why this week on the Wycliffe Women of the Word podcast, Jenn and Beth chatted with Wycliffe USA counselor, Karen DeGraaf. The three women talk about why everyone — even missionaries — needs mental health care. Learn about the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depression, and how we can learn to build healthy relationships. Recommendations from the episode: Brene Brown’s research on shame, trust and collective vulnerability. Ad: Wycliffe USA’s 7-day devotional, “Searching for Significance” explores different parts of God’s perfect plan for your life, and how he ultimately wants you to find purpose and significance through bringing him glory. Get the devotional today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women.

Jenn and Beth sit down with Bible teacher, author and speaker Kristie Anyabwile about her life and ministry, how her experience as a black woman in the U.S. shaped her interaction with Scripture and why it’s important for all of us, no matter our backgrounds, to learn from women of color. Learn more about Kristie at https://kristieanyabwile.com/. You can also check out the book that Kristie edited, “His Testimonies, My Heritage: Women of Color on the Word of God.” Ad: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we’ve met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Get it today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women. 

To kick off season two of the Wycliffe Women of the Word podcast, Jenn and Beth talk with Gretchen Saffles, the founder of Well-Watered Women and author of the new book, “The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith.”  Gretchen shares her faith journey, and the women discuss the significance that Scripture plays in our lives as women.  Recommendations from the episode: Gretchen recommends the Verses: Bible Memory App to help with Scripture memorization. Ad: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we’ve met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Get it today! All guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s mission is to serve with the global body of Christ to advance Bible translation and work together so people can encounter God through his Word. Keep up with Wycliffe Women of the Word through interviews, articles and more at wycliffe.org/women. 

Please note this episode contains conversation about pregnancy loss that may be difficult for some listeners.Beth introduces us to two of the women in her personal community, Amber and Lindsay, each of whom has a child with special needs. They talk about clinging to the truth of God’s Word, seeking the Lord’s leading instead of the approval of others and having the courage to live out of your brokenness as it’s is being made whole. You also get to meet Catie, Beth’s 9-year-old daughter!Recommendations from this episode:“A Blossom in the Desert: Reflections of Faith in the Art and Writings of Lilias Trotter” on AmazonSteffany Gretzinger’s music including Blackout from Bethel Music “It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered” on Amazon A Heart For All Students is Lindsay’s consultant business where she coaches homeschoolers and parents of kids with special needs. Learn more at aheartforallstudents.comShameless Plug: “A Call to Community” is a 7-day devotional from Wycliffe Bible Translators USA highlighting the stories and impact of people in the Bible who embraced their cross-cultural community, even when they were in danger or enslaved. Discover your purpose in God’s global family and download your free devotional today!This episode brought to you from the blanket fort recording studio in Beth's living room!  

As an author, editor, and commercial fisherwoman in Alaska, Leslie Leyland Fields has a unique story to tell, but it took the Holy Spirit’s prompting for her to get up the courage to write it. In this episode she talks with Jenn and Beth about the power of sharing your story with others, naming your struggles and fears and telling your truth no matter how messy it is.Beth’s “Soul Bacon” recommendation:Music from Christy Nockels including albums ‘Thrill of Hope” (Christmas year-round!) and “Be Held: Lullabies for the Beloved)To learn more about Leslie, check out her memoir, “Surviving the Island of Grace: Life on the Wild Edge of America” and her newest book, “Your Story Matters: Finding, Writing, and Living the Truth of Your Life” at leslieleylandfields.comShameless Plug: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we’ve met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Check it out today!

Kelly Chesnut, creator of Wycliffe Women of the Word, talks with Jenn and Beth about “keeping it real” — resisting the urge to hide our brokenness from God and from each other —  and all the challenges and rewards that come with vulnerable relationships in the body of Christ.Jenn and Beth’s “Soul Bacon” book recommendations:“White Awake: An Honest Look at What it Means to be White” on Amazon“Be the Bridge: Pursuing God’s Heart for Racial Reconciliation” on Amazon “Beholding and Becoming: The Art of Everyday Worship” on Amazon Wycliffe Women of the Word is a treasure trove of devotionals and stories created to encourage women in their unique roles in God’s kingdom. Learn more at wycliffe.org/womenShameless Plug: “A Call to Community” is a 7-day devotional from Wycliffe Bible Translators USA highlighting the stories and impact of people in the Bible who embraced their cross-cultural community, even when they were in danger or enslaved. Discover your purpose in God’s global family and download your free devotional today!

Please note this episode contains conversations about the loss of a child and cancer that may be difficult for some listeners.Lyn Wake is a missionary with Wycliffe Australia in the ministry of Bible translation. She shares her family’s story of loss and grief at the passing of their teenage daughter, Bethany, and how God is teaching her the beauty of being present with others in their suffering. Lyn recommends:Bethany’s “Blue Box” fund for women suffering from obstetric fistula Wycliffe Australia’s ministry in Bible translationChristian Blind Mission - Australia (CBM)“I See You,” CBM’s docuseries about Lyn’s lifeSticky date puddingShameless Plug: “A Call to Community” is a 7-day devotional from Wycliffe Bible Translators USA highlighting the stories and impact of people in the Bible who embraced their cross-cultural community, even when they were in danger or enslaved. Discover your purpose in God’s global family and download your free devotional today!

Jenn and Beth talk with singer, songwriter and author Ellie Holcomb about fighting loneliness by prioritizing community even when we can’t meet face-to-face, the power of being fully known by others (even when it’s messy), and how God shows up in the hard, vulnerable conversations.Our conversation with Ellie Holcomb was recorded in January 2020. Her new children’s book, “Don’t Forget to Remember” and accompanying album, “Sing Remembering Songs,” celebrate creation’s reminders of God’s love for us. Learn more about Ellie and check out all her albums and books at ellieholcomb.com.Ellie recommends:“Every Moment Holy” by Douglas Kaine McKelvey on AmazonBrene Brown’s research on shame, trust and collective vulnerability Shameless Plug: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we’ve met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Check it out today!

Jenn and Beth talk with singer, songwriter and author Laura Story about both the sweetness and the struggle of God shaking up the plans you thought you had for your life. Laura talks about what it looks like to trust God when he doesn’t operate the way we think he should and the significance of community in hard seasons.Laura recommends:“Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy?” on AmazonPerimeter Church online and in Atlanta, GALearn more about Laura Story and check out her new book, DVD, and study guide called “I Give Up: The Secret Joy of a Surrendered Life” at https://laurastorymusic.com/Shameless Plug: “God in Full View” is Wycliffe Bible Translators USA’s interactive travel journal that explores 10 countries around the world. The free PDF features stunning photography, stories about people we’ve met in our travels in Bible translation, cultural recipes, greeting cards and other hidden treasures. Check it out today!

Meet hosts Jenn and Beth, and learn about what's in store for Season 1 as they chat with guests about the roles of community and Scripture in our lives.