The Kingdom and Its Stories
A Podcast hosted by
Bob Moffitt
We do what God is calling us to do in Ukraine
Julian Gibb interviews Doug Landro with One Collective in Ukraine. Doug says, “I lead an alliance called the Transform Uzhhorod Alliance here in Ukraine. It’s made up of 14 churches and Christian organizations, plus another 26 local churches, and we all work together. I got on the phone with our different partners, and said, ‘Would you open up your place to refugees?’ And that’s what we’ve been doing.” Doug goes on, “I was once told by a Sunday School teacher in the 5th grade, ‘God can steer a moving car’. The lesson he was teaching us young people was just follow Jesus and he will steer you in the direction He wants. That’s what happened is that we opened centers, started getting them food and taking care of humanitarian needs. Then medical needs with medical teams, and transportation needs to drive them to their contact on the other side of the border without them getting trafficked.” Doug tells many stories in Ukraine, including trauma care, caring for families and single men. Doug says, “We’re seeing people coming to Christ, and racism coming down…” www.ukrainecollective.org
We do what God is calling us to do in Ukraine
Published September 19, 2022 6:30 PM
Worship God by doing what He asks us to do with no agenda
Julian Gibb interviews Bob Moffitt of the Harvest Foundation, Phoenix. Bob Moffitt recounts the history of the Harvest Foundation in empowering local churches around the world. “This idea ran counter to the idea that resources for relief and development should come from the outside. I felt it would be a more powerful witness of the gospel if the churches who were coordinating that gave from their own resources, rather than using resources from the outside world. One of the key foundations of Harvest was to challenge those local churches to sacrificially give what they already had to do the relief and development work. It was not only to equip them to minister in their own communities, but to encourage them to see what God would do as they sacrificially gave of the much smaller resource base than was coming from the outside.” Bob continues, “In Isaiah we read that God takes our weakness and He turns it into strength. It’s a miraculous intervention of God to multiply the resources that we have, even though they’re very small, and we feel they may not be enough to support ourselves in terms of our own needs. It’s an act of God’s supernatural intervention to our obedience to give what we have.” Bob also shares part of his personal testimonial, “It’s in my relationship with Jesus that means more to me than anything else because of what He’s done for me. And I love him. And that love doesn’t always perfectly express itself, but when I meditate and realize that Jesus is the sovereign God of the universe, and He not only created me, he loves me. Because of His love for me, I want to honor Him and when I do, He supernaturally changes the selfish gene. The power doesn’t come from me; it comes from God that is incarnate in me.” www.harvestfoundation.org
Worship God by doing what He asks us to do with no agenda
Published September 12, 2022 6:30 PM
Leisure and amusement vs using your gifts to the very end
Bob Moffitt interview Dr. Phil Burgess of Bonus Years Productions. Phil says, “I’m hoping that by the work that I do, and others do, that people will come to the view that using their gifts to the very end is the way. In fact, it’s best to wear out than to rust out.” Phil continues about using gifts well into the senior years, “We have a full statue of life that we don’t have experience with”, he states, “that is an extra 25-30 years that exists today that didn’t exist at the end of the last century.” Phil recounts, “There’s no place in scripture that says that there’s a time in your life after 50 that you can forget your gifts and retire to a life of endless pleasure. We’re called to love God and love others.” Phil shares many stories of life after 50.
Leisure and amusement vs using your gifts to the very end
Published August 1, 2022 6:30 PM
Helping individuals identify skills, talents among Native Americans
Julian Gibb interviews David Thomas. Regarding Native Americans living on reservations, David Thomas says, “We help individuals identify their gifts, talents, passions, skills, and help them go to a university or community college. Many people will return to their communities and make a positive impact.” David says, “It’s not trivial for a young person to go away to college. We help them understand what they’re skilled at, and what they’re good at.” David continues regarding his organization Open Door AZ; “We have identified two areas in particular that are of real need: first, getting to college. We have an Adopt a School Program; we’re focused on secondary education to resource teachers, principals, and community leaders so they have everything they need to do their job, and encourage students to make the transition into university or community college.” David continues, “Second, we’re focusing on college retention. Retention is the one of the highest metrics of student success. We’re looking to find Communities of Support… culturally relevant communities where people feel that they’re at home; they have a family, mentors, tutors, faith-based groups who are willing to come alongside and help that student make it all the way to graduation.” https://www.opendoorsaz.org/
Helping individuals identify skills, talents among Native Americans
Published June 13, 2022 6:30 PM
The first 72 hours on college campus sets the entire spiritual trajectory
Bob Moffitt interviews John Decker. “There’s so much emotion tied with the student going away from home, and wanting to bond with somebody, like their roommate, their friends, those bonds are so strong that it often trumps their good sense of what they really want to do.” John continues, “It really starts in 10th or 11th grade. In their searching for college, you want to give students a vision or appetite for how good it can be serving Jesus on the college campus… we do that with stories. Mom, Dad and the student are searching for colleges… now they can go on any college in the US and find college ministries and churches and get to know them personally and become part of a social group that are all freshmen heading that future college.” www.everystudentsent.org
The first 72 hours on college campus sets the entire spiritual trajectory
Published May 31, 2022 6:30 PM
Detergent opened doors, and they asked, “Please pray for us”
Julian Gibb interviews Prakash Namede. Prakash tells stories of training Pastors and leaders to train members of their congregation on how to meet the needs of the community, not only on a spiritual level, but also in wisdom, physical and in a social way. For example, Prakash says, “We provide solar lamps for school students; in most rural areas they still don’t have electricity. Without that, the students can’t study at night.” Prakash continues, “In poor areas, we taught women how to make detergent for very low cost at home, so they can maintain hygiene in the slums. They said, “We also can help ourselves and sell it cheaply.”” Prakash continues, “This has opened up doors for us to do ministry, because the next time we went there, they came up with prayer requests, “Please pray for us. Somebody is sick.”
Detergent opened doors, and they asked, “Please pray for us”
Published April 25, 2022 6:30 PM
It’s the church’s vision that Ukraine would be without orphans
Bob Moffitt interview Tanya Machabeli in western Ukraine with Nehemiah Ministry. “My vision is to work with orphans and children”, says Tanya. “I started to visit state orphanages with my friends. One orphanage held 400 kids. People started to adopt and take children into foster care; we call it family orphanages with no more than 10 kids in each family.” Tanya continues, “We have 100 families, and we have a network; we are training them, and we work together with our local administration, and this work is all over Ukraine. The organization “Ukraine without Orphans”, we are part of that. It’s the church’s vision to meet the goal that Ukraine would be without orphans.” Tanya also shares about providing shelter for Ukrainians during the war. Tanya says “Resources are coming from God.” To contribute financially, https://2riverschurch.org/give please designate “Tanya Machabeli”.
It’s the church’s vision that Ukraine would be without orphans
Published April 11, 2022 6:30 PM
I treat people according to what God believes they are
Pastor Julian Gibb interviews Bob Fabey. “I treat people according to what God believes they are”, states Bob Fabey. He tells stories about daily bringing about the Kingdom of God. “You were made in God’s image; and you are His workmanship.” Bob continues, “If we can behave in such a way that other people can embrace their identity, then we’re onto something.” Bob tells powerful stories of worship among men at the Phoenix Rescue Mission and Teen Challenge. “Men were in various stages of life circumstances. The soul filled way that they sang… it changed me.” “When we decide to embrace our identity in Christ, being made in His image, it gives us the opportunity to do that for other people”, says Bob. His new book has the working title of “The Power of Dignity”.
I treat people according to what God believes they are
Published April 4, 2022 6:30 PM
Love draws me out to be here
Bob Moffitt interviews Yaro Rudenko. “The Lord has always been moving in my heart to do missions”, says Yaro Rudenko. “When there are very dark moments, Christians need to be the light and the salt of the earth, even when it’s hard.” Yaro continues, “I felt like Jonah; if I would have stayed in America, I would have walked out in disobedience, so it was a privilege to respond and say yes…to save those who can be saved.” Yaro shares stories of being on the ground in Kiev distributing food, and sharing the gospel with Ukrainian soldiers and their families. Referring to James 1:1, “When I accepted Jesus into my heart, I said, ‘Jesus, I want to be your bond servant, and so my life is not about advancing my kingdom, but advancing your Kingdom.'” Yaro continues, “And so it was a difficult task for me to come here; I felt I needed to be obedient to Jesus; In certain contexts, there is a lot of darkness. There needed to be light here.”
Love draws me out to be here
Published March 28, 2022 6:30 PM
They are not tired anymore, but fired for the Lord
Julian Gibb interviews Kristina Avanesyan. Kristina tells stories of caring for people in ministry through Joseph House, an apartment in Armenia where she and her staff provide a place of restoration for those ministering in the 5 countries around Armenia, predominantly Muslim countries. “In homes, they can’t have Bibles or pray.” One couple said, “Before coming to Joseph House, my wife and I made a decision to abandon the ministry. We are tired; we had been arrested many times, interrogated and threatened.” Kristina explains that when they arrive at Joseph House, “We feed them, and they return refreshed.” Kristina continues, “We pray for them, have a dinner, have conversations with them… they freely receive healing and restoration, and return refreshed and ready to continue their ministry.” Kristina says this about one couple who came for two weeks, and returned to their ministry, “They are not tired anymore; but fired for the Lord!”
They are not tired anymore, but fired for the Lord
Published March 21, 2022 6:30 PM
Called to do something special with my life
Bob Moffitt interviews Eric Bryan. “Army Chaplains are known for being in combat with soldiers in garrison”, states Eric Bryan, a chaplain for the US Army, currently stationed in Germany. “I get to be with the soldiers as they are stationed overseas; we lead, teach, and equip.” Eric shares about being hospitable and using his home as a strategic place for current or former military. “Hospitality…I think it means having an attitude of welcoming, of using your home as a strategic place of ministry, doing with what you can, maybe one or two nights a week.” Eric explains, “When I was a young soldier stationed overseas in Germany about 25-30 years ago, there was a group of people who opened up their home to me. That made a huge difference in my life. Having a home cooked meal goes a long way.”
Called to do something special with my life
Published March 14, 2022 6:30 PM
We’re about to pray; is there anything we can pray for you?
Bob Moffitt interviews Jim Baugh. Jim Baugh talks about what he does with Global Training Network, “We find needs and we fill them.” He continues, “As a follower of Jesus, look next door.” “Too often we feel in-confident. But who lives inside of us? You have the Father, Son and Holy Spirit to equip us. Listen and be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. This is the beginning of building a bridge.” Jim asks the question, “I saw a lady at the grocery store trying to start her car. I’m 62, and I’m in OK shape. I asked God, “Is anybody going to help this woman?” God says, “How about you, Pal?”” Jim says, “God doesn’t need your ability, but your availability.”
We’re about to pray; is there anything we can pray for you?
Published March 7, 2022 6:30 PM
God has called us to look at the person who is directly in front of us today
Julian Gibb interviews Dan & Teresa Janzen. “God has called us to look at the person who is directly in front of us today. We’re not called to solve war, drought, floods, but we listen to the Holy Spirit and be the hands and feet of Jesus” in South Sudan. Speaking of the extreme humanitarian needs in the area, Dan asks, “How do we motivate people by the fulfillment of the Great Commission in imparting a vision for participation in giving themselves sacrificially… with the gifts and talents they have?” “If they were to steward the local resources, be they natural resources, spiritual, human, justice resources… all those things together in balance, when stewarded, change the trajectory of a family, a nation.” “We mentor and disciple and encourage people to move forward and fulfill their hopes and dreams.” Teresa says, “I was asked to do a training for 50 women in business…they need to be relation-ally empowered to restore dignity and hope.”
God has called us to look at the person who is directly in front of us today
Published February 28, 2022 6:30 PM
I’m not here for me
Bob Moffitt interviews Omar Gamez. “When I started going, I didn’t know what was inside of me, I didn’t know that I was a magnet to the kids. All of sudden I find myself playing with 10 people, with different backgrounds, different cultures”, Omar says referring to young people who gather at a community park. “As much as I like basketball, I started praying, ‘I’m not here for me. If you want to use me, use me, and open my eyes to see these kids the way you see these kids.'” He continues, “Everything is discipleship.” “We built a culture of honor. It can be very competitive.” Omar comments, “If I’m not doing what is significant, which is mentoring others, helping others, loving others… one way to start is being present in the community. If you start loving them and bringing the culture of heaven… it’s not about winning; friendship is more important than winning the game.”
I’m not here for me
Published February 21, 2022 6:30 PM
What they really want is an American friend
Julian Gibb interviews Bobby Cox of GoTen. Bobby Cox says, “Really, the nations were coming to us”, refugees from Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq or Syria. “Refugees are coming so that they can learn English, but they also want an American friend. It’s in that class that the relationship begins. It is a meeting place where the average Joe-Christian to meet a Muslim; where a friendship grows and develops even outside the class.” Bobby continues, “Once we get into their homes and connect with them, that’s where you really learn their story and you have the opportunity to speak truth into their life.” www.goten.org
What they really want is an American friend
Published February 14, 2022 6:30 PM
Engaging in conversations with people of different beliefs
“Ben Sanders and his wife, Sarah, are Directors of the Campus Christian Center (C3) at Arizona State University. He says, “We want to be very visible…” Ben continues. “We’re all about the desire to see students not only educated but to grow and mature in their life.” Ben says, “We don’t have our own student ministry, but we want to get students plugged into a ministry that really fits them. That’s the beauty of having diversity and different campus ministries.” “We as Christians have that opportunity to be really as Paul was in Athens, engaging in conversations with people of different beliefs.” Ben speaks about the upcoming Conference on Faith and Science, or COFAS, on February 11-12 cofasasu.org Ben states, “Science and engineering are a major part of ASU.” Ben continues, “We’re really focusing not so much on talks about sciences, but how do we live a life of virtue and faith in every aspect of life, whether you’re in science or not? How do you let faith in Jesus, but also the virtues of faith, really direct your work?” Ben answers the question, “How do you reach a large university? Well, you go small. That is, you really have to break this big university down into people groups where people are living, or where they are studying, and begin to pray for and love people in those contexts.”
Engaging in conversations with people of different beliefs
Published January 31, 2022 6:30 PM
Everywhere you put your feet is territory that I have given you
Bob Moffitt interviews Bonnie Mock of Fellowship of Companies for Christ International (FCCI) https://www.fcci-site.com/. Bonnie shares, “Whatever degree it is that God is calling you to minister, you’re a minister to where you are in this moment.” Bonnie says, “Nothing compares to that quiet time with the Lord where you are just still before Him, and His Word is alive, it’s active, it’s breathing, it’s for this moment…It is the living Word of God for now, for exactly where we are in this moment. My greater ministry was in this place of darkness. People were coming whether they were a customer or co-worker, and God gave me favor to pour into them without being preachy.”
Everywhere you put your feet is territory that I have given you
Published January 24, 2022 6:30 PM
Thankfully the Bible speaks to all that
Bob Moffitt interviews Zach Cann of Finisterre Vision. Zach says, “I don’t save people; I’m a witness and the Lord saves people if He pleases. My prayer is that the Lord would save many in our village. It’s just a natural process… after they hear that Jesus has saved them, that He is their hope, there is this immediate, “What do I do now? How do I live now? What about my marriage? What about parenting? How am I supposed to deal with my enemies?” Thankfully the Bible speaks to all that.”
Thankfully the Bible speaks to all that
Published January 17, 2022 6:30 PM
Start small, start soon, and start somewhere
Bob Moffitt interviews Jeannie Marie. Jeannie Marie shares about how she loves her neighbors, not as a special event, but as a lifestyle. “The nations are coming to us: international students, refugees…” Jeannie Marie continues, “They want you to come over for tea. I come over and then start talking about the common ground of our faith.” “You can go to a park and say hello to a Muslim mom, if you’re intentional about meeting friends.” Jeannie Marie states, “I’m a follower of Jesus, I love God, how can I help the refugees?” Jeannie Marie summarizes, “Start small, start soon, and start somewhere you already are.” Jeannie Marie has put together a book, and chapter one is free; she addresses the question, “Could ordinary me change the world?” https://www.jeannie-marie.com/acrossthestreetandaroundtheworld
Start small, start soon, and start somewhere
Published December 27, 2021 6:30 PM
Love jumps the gap between cultures
Bob Moffitt interviews Dr. Len Barlotti. Dr. Barlotti mentions an Afghan proverb: “If your hand is broken you can do some work, but if your heart is broken, you can’t do anything.” “Agencies need partners who say, “Hey, I’ll help you drive them to the school to register the kids, I’ll help be part of an English conversation class, or help them get their driver’s license.” Dr. Barlotti continues about living out life with the Spirit of Jesus, “Share a living Christ with our Muslim friends… they want to talk about God. With love, with respect, we can share about Christ who is alive in us; His Spirit is in us.”
Love jumps the gap between cultures
Published December 20, 2021 6:30 PM
We were foster parents for 8 years
Julian Gibb interviews Leonard Valencia with Christian Family Care. Leonard shares stories of personally providing foster care with his wife Tammy, “God calls us to take care of the orphans and widows”, Leonard says. “Over 8 years, we had 16 foster children come in and out of our house.” About Christian Family Care, Leonard says, “The agency will prepare you if you have any interest at all.” Leonard states, “God called my wife and I to do that.” Leonard continues, “How many times do you get to interface with a child who is hurting on the street that has nowhere to go?” Leonard says, “I think it’s a blessing more to the foster parent than the child… they really are a blessing.” For more on Christian Family Care, www.cfcare.org
We were foster parents for 8 years
Published November 22, 2021 6:30 PM
This gave me hope; someone cares for me – part two with Gil Moreno
Gil Moreno with Operation Christmas Child, in the second part of a two-part interview, shares, “Everything we do is for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We want children to have the greatest gift, to know Jesus. We call the shoeboxes “gospel opportunities” because when our partners in these other countries receive these shoeboxes, they have outreach events, and the children enjoy a child friendly presentation of the gospel. In addition, they are given a booklet called “The Greatest Gift”, currently translated in 88 languages, and that also presents the gospel to them that they can share with their family and friends. Then they’re invited to a 12-week discipleship program where they can grow in their relationship with Jesus. Everything we do is about fulfilling the great commission, and Jesus said, ‘Make disciples’, which opens the door for us to get into some communities where normally we couldn’t get into. A Pastor in Liberia said, “The shoeboxes are opening doors that they’ve never been able to open – in communities.” Gil shares a personal story about his work in Liberia with a Pastor who wanted to open a church in an area among Muslims.
This gave me hope; someone cares for me – part two with Gil Moreno
Published November 1, 2021 6:30 PM
What goes in the box if fun; what goes out is eternal
Gil Moreno, SW Regional Manager for Operation Christmas Child, tells personal stories from Liberia and Rwanda, including refugees. “God is working in the hearts of children all over the world. Some are in very difficult situations.” Gil continues, “The needs are so great with these children.” Gil mentioned that hygiene items, toys and school supplies are so important. “A child in many countries cannot go to school without school supplies.” Gil continues, “Most of the children that we serve have never received a gift in their lives. Some are hard to reach geographically, others are hard to reach – religious reasons where countries would not want us to go because of the gospel of Jesus Christ. That’s why we do what we do. We want children not to just receive a gift, but the greatest gift, which is Jesus.” Gil mentions, “For some, this is the first time they heard the name of Jesus Christ.” Gil concludes, “That child will be connected to a local church, and that child is going to be invited to 12 weeks of discipleship to help them grow in their faith.” Gil says, “If you’re packing a shoe box, you’re participating in the Great Commission.” Gil says of one little girl, “Matessie received a picture of a family that gave her the box. She grabbed the picture, she held it up over her head to show everybody around her; these are the people that gave her these gifts.” www.samaritanspurse.org/occ
What goes in the box if fun; what goes out is eternal
Published October 25, 2021 6:30 PM
Through the prayers of other people, we see the nation changed
“Sharing lives, sharing conversations” is a summary of the emphasis of Mark D Rentz, Teacher and Administrator at Albany College in New York. “Many universities have 100 different nations on campus.” Mark says, “My wife and I invited them over for spaghetti dinner. Few internationals students enter an American home. When they did, they asked, ‘What is your story?’ while sharing food.” Mark tells about an Asian scholar who came to the USA for only four weeks. Mark says, “They wanted to be in an American family.” Mark asked the question, “What if we created weekend home stays and opened that up to the community? Some work in law firms, and others attend church.” Mark says of one family who provided a weekend stay for an international student, “They became lifelong friends, and visited them” in their country. The host asked, “Would you like a Bible in your own language?” Mark also shares how the people of the church prayed for him as a rebellious youth, “I believe through the prayers of other people, we see the nation changed.”
Through the prayers of other people, we see the nation changed
Published August 9, 2021 6:30 PM
You’re on a Dangerous Path
Julian Gibb interviews Michael, who shares about his life as a rebellious German teenager who had surrounded himself with friends and ideas, “focusing on everything that was wrong with the country, or the world… constantly; it feeds the hatred.” Michael says, “It’s a drug that made me addictive towards this. Every time I feel colder and more empty.” Michael states, “I watched certain people radically change, become so hateful, so cold, so nasty in their thinking.” Michael continues, “I felt the Lord knocking on my door: ‘You’re on a dangerous path.'” Michael shares, “I was at a march, and I saw people around me shouting, just being angry, and just how meaningless this really is.” Michael continues, “Almost audibly, God spoke to me, ‘You don’t belong here anymore. You need to get out of here.'”
You’re on a Dangerous Path
Published July 5, 2021 6:30 PM
You’re letting your wife do what?
Meg Crossman, early in her walk with the Lord, said, “Lord, take me; I didn’t know that you wanted me!” Meg, a visionary that helps people embrace their role in missions, says, “That’s what I do… I help people understand their roles, as goers, senders, welcomers, intercessors, or mobilizers.” She relates one of her conversations, “Meg, now I understand that we’re called to be senders.” Meg says, “I want everybody to find where their gifts and abilities” can be best used. Meg felt the calling of God on her own life as well, “It was totally the Lord who opened that door. We were not waiting for the prison to approve us; if the Lord approves us, everything will be OK.” Meg also tells the story about getting the opportunity to share in a closed country with underground believers, “It was challenging and marvelous!” and people would ask her husband, “You’re letting your wife do what?” to which Meg replied, “It wasn’t a sacrifice to go to China for the summer, it was a joy.”
You’re letting your wife do what?
Published June 28, 2021 6:30 PM
The worst of people liked to be around Jesus
Summary: “We generally love what we talk about, and talk about what we love”, says Nathan Lutz, a mentor of folks on the way to the people in the unreached world. Nathan says, “My dad began to share Christ with me… he would pick up people in the car and it was a long drive to Swaziland. That became a model for me. Watching my Dad set the pace for my life.” Nathan continues, “Talking is one way we show what had deeply affected us.” Nathan says, “How could you not talk about someone as precious as Jesus?” Nathan tells how he mentors, “In the internship, we think about ways, works, words, and the wounds of Jesus. How he treated women, what he was like before men. The worst of people liked to be around Jesus. They could tell he loved them.” Nathan tells of the love he has for neighbors, building relationships that are growing and deepening. “We are who we are, lovers of Jesus. You don’t build relationships to share; his love works through you.”
The worst of people liked to be around Jesus
Published June 21, 2021 6:30 PM
It wasn’t just the Priests, Vicars and Fathers that Jesus called
Bob Moffitt talks with Azeem David and his son Sharos; Azeem was a Vicar of a church in Pakistan, but recently relocated to London; while in Pakistan, Azeem encouraged his people to demonstrate the gospel to the community. Sharos explains how they met the needs of the community, “We invited people who were stressed, those who were depressed, some with problems and some who were demonized” and our prayer team prayed for them, and many were healed. Sharos continues, “It wasn’t just the Priests, Vicars, and Fathers that Jesus called to preach; every Christian is supposed to be a disciple of Jesus.” In another demonstration of being a disciple of Christ, Azeem’s church members raised funds to cook and serve poor people in the community, both Christians and people from other religions including Hindu’s and Muslims.
It wasn’t just the Priests, Vicars and Fathers that Jesus called
Published June 14, 2021 6:30 PM
Poverty is not a curse on me or the generations to come
Pastor Julian Gibb interviews Amanda Forbes, Co-Founder of Trinity Education who shares amazing stories about mentoring young adults to become disciple makers in communities around the world. Amanda states, “Education changes our mindset about why we’re on this earth and our really human potential to create and come out of poverty. We had a student in Kenya, and before going through our program, he didn’t realize that he was made in the image of God, and he thought poverty was a multi-generational curse that he would pass along to his children.” Amanda says, “Going through our course, he did come to understand, ‘I’m made in the image of God. Poverty is not a curse on me or the generations to come.'” Amanda tells another story, “Our first program was in an impoverished area outside of Nairobi, where there was a lot of addiction and poverty; we had a small cohort of all young men in the program that seemed trapped by lack of opportunities. One man had a dream of studying computer science; he didn’t have the money for fees.” Amanda explains how this program started in the area, “and a software programmer in CA took him under his wings in mentorship, and he was able to get a job with a company in IT in Nairobi; it transformed his life from the difficult situation he was in! He got married, and ended up mentoring a small group of students… a full circle, blessed to be a blessing.”
Poverty is not a curse on me or the generations to come
Published June 7, 2021 6:30 PM
We teamed up over 5,000 kids with one-to-one relationships
Pastor Julian Gibb interviews Bob Moffitt who tells his journey through ministry in many captivating stories. “When I was young, I wanted to see missions directly. I took my tape recorder and did extensive interviews of missionaries in the field, from Africa, Western Europe to India.” Bob continues, “Our connection before the throne on a regular basis is really crucial… it prepares us to be the hands and feet of Jesus.” Bob says, “It’s not only the time in the closet where I spend time alone with the Lord, but it’s also part of a lifestyle.” Bob explains, “That’s the goal… to be always conscious that I’m with Him and He’s with me. He’s always there, wanting to be in relationship with you.” Bob goes on to tell about being the hands and feet of Jesus with delinquent kids from broken families in Denver, CO in the late 60’s, teaming over 5,000 kids with one-to-one relationships. “What these kids needed most was a coping adult to love them and to walk alongside them.”
We teamed up over 5,000 kids with one-to-one relationships
Published May 31, 2021 6:30 PM
A little bit of faith and a great big God – Part 2
John Thomas, Executive Director of Living Hope in Cape Town, South Africa, in Part 2 of 2 tells amazing stories of God’s provision, “When God has his fingerprints over something, it’s not about skills development and strategic planning (although those are both good); it’s about listening to the voice of God.” John continues with several stories, “If God is in a thing, you walk through the doors with a little bit of faith and a great big God!” John says, “We’re here to impact the world for Jesus.” John confesses, “We find ourselves saying, ‘We definitely didn’t do this. Only God could have done this.'” John now has 4 Pastors on staff for a church of 350, and 230 Pastors on staff to reach those who do not yet know Jesus in the area around the church.
A little bit of faith and a great big God – Part 2
Published April 12, 2021 6:30 PM
We’ve all got our small part to play
John Cousins, in addition to a full-time job, helps widows and people in need with mechanical issues. John says, “We’ve all got our small part to play.” “It’s a peace to know that it’s done, it’s fixed.” John says this has been a God-given blessing, “I come in and take care of them; they’re not forgotten.” John continues, “There’s an element of companionship; I’ve grown in having conversations and letting them know they’re important.” John shares about another blessing: “I bring my son on a lot of these projects; I wasn’t bringing him with a thought that this is something he’d want to do, but rather a setting where he could learn how to maintain a house, fix things; I saw it as a teaching platform.” He continues, “My son will graduate college in 4 weeks and he said to me, ‘I’m looking forward to being done, so I can help you.'”
We’ve all got our small part to play
Published April 12, 2021 6:30 PM
If you wait until you’re ready to forgive, you’ll never do it; Marcus Doe Part 3
Marcus Doe, in his third of three broadcasts, upon returning to Liberia for 5 weeks, was amongst the warriors who were in the war when he was a boy. “They started telling me their stories, sleeping with alcohol to numb the pain.” In the barbershop, he was asked, “Why did you come back?” Marcus says, “I came back for people like you.” He comments, “If you have to wait until you’re ready to forgive, you’ll never do it.” Marcus continues, “Forgiveness affects every person in the world.” In Liberia, Marcus noticed something: “I saw a common thread, particularly among men; unforgiveness and fatherlessness.” “My work is to re-weave the fabric; in the prison system and the school system.”
If you wait until you’re ready to forgive, you’ll never do it; Marcus Doe Part 3
Published April 5, 2021 6:30 PM
I was able to say, “I forgive you.” Part 2 of 3
Marcus Doe, originally from Liberia, became a refugee in Ghana at age 12; when he started attending school he learned that his father had been murdered. A year later, “When I came to the States, I had a measure of trauma”, Marcus explains about the war and losing his father. “I had a blockage; when we took quizzes, and it was quiet, I had much more important things in my life than solving equations.” He would sweat at flashbacks. “A few years later a Pastor looked at me and said, ‘Whatever you have planned for your life, God is going to change it.'” Marcus explains how he would write one paragraph a day for 3 years, which eventually became his book “Catching Ricebirds”. Marcus wanted to get past this anger towards this man who had killed his father. “In the spring of 2010, I fly back to Liberia, and I was able to say the words, ‘I forgive you'”.
I was able to say, “I forgive you.” Part 2 of 3
Published March 29, 2021 6:30 PM
I still had hatred toward the man who made me an orphan
Marcus Doe, originally from Liberia, shares his story of reconciliation. Escaping the war in Liberia, he traveled by ship to America as a refugee. He learned at the age of 12 that his father has been captured, interrogated and murdered. He shares about his experience in a public high school. “My teachers assumed I had transferred from another school in the county.” Marcus continues, “I was too afraid and too ashamed to talk to my teachers, about the troubles I was having both in my mind and in academics”. In his first year in America, Marcus didn’t know if his siblings were still alive, and the war was still going on in Liberia. “I went to high school in a cloud of hatred, a cloud of sadness.” Marcus says, “At 24 years old, I read the Lord’s prayer… I had to face the fact that I needed to forgive the man who made me an orphan.”
I still had hatred toward the man who made me an orphan
Published March 22, 2021 6:30 PM
“I pick you, you’re mine”; we’ve adopted 11 of 14 children
Linny Saunders, mother of 14 children with her husband, have 8 children at home at 62. “God has called us to care for the orphans.” Linny says, “If I was sitting in an orphanage in another country, I would be really wanting a family to come and say, ‘I pick you, you’re mine’. With that as a motivation, and believing that God’s heart is for the orphan, we have adopted 11 of our 14 children.” Linny continues, “The church in America for the most part has bought the lie from the enemy that children are a nuisance and a bother…. God’s word actually says that the fruit of the womb are His reward.” Linny says about her home with special needs children, “The needs are so great all around us; between foster care and between the orphan crisis, there’s millions of orphans waiting. I could not see myself finding any satisfaction in anything but serving the kids that I have, and any other kids that God brings across our path.” She talks about honoring and treasuring her family, “People who meet our family just love our kids.”
“I pick you, you’re mine”; we’ve adopted 11 of 14 children
Published March 15, 2021 6:30 PM
Why is Walmart down the street more diverse than our church?
Caleb Campbell, Senior Pastor at Desert Springs Church says he believes that “the street won’t change until the kitchen table changes.” Caleb says “Jesus loves you more than you can ever imagine; put it into action.” “As you read the New Testament, especially after the gospels, you see that the local church body is by design socioeconomically, chronologically and ethnically diverse.” Like the early church, Caleb encourages people to have hard discussions around the table talking about things that are hard to talk about. Caleb says that he loves partnering with what God is already doing with other ministries and non-profits that are further down the road in certain areas. “Jesus calls people into activity way before I think they’re ready. There’s not a perfect way to start serving. Start it, and trust that the Spirit of God will guide you in the process.”
Why is Walmart down the street more diverse than our church?
Published March 8, 2021 6:30 PM
We broke bread together & created relationship
Nathan Smith of Phoenix Rescue Mission talks about how God moves through him. He says, “My wife and I started reading the gospel in a different way. There was a lot of message about good news to the poor that for some reason I had ignored.” He continues, “All those experiences together led my wife and I on a Saturday to go to the worst parts of town to hand out sack lunches and get to know people. Eventually, I brought my entire church along we went out every Saturday for a while, and broke bread, created relationship with people living on the streets; got to know them, got to serve them; really tried to break those walls down and have a kingdom meal every week. Eventually I realized that what I wanted to spend all my time doing.” Nathan asks, “What is my lasting impact?”
We broke bread together & created relationship
Published March 1, 2021 6:30 PM
Somebody has to stand up for our neighborhood
Wendy and Jeff Schops, both motorcycle bikers, wanted to get more involved with their neighbors. Jeff says, “God put it on our heart to reach other people.” Wendy says, “We have the love of God in our hearts. That’s the biggest reason that we feel free to reach out to people of different religions and different skin color.” Jeff explains, “I’m 31 years clean of cocaine with a hard struggle when I came off. I’m rich with God’s love.” Wendy shares about a unique opportunity in her neighborhood, “One night after we heard gun shots, we didn’t think about the danger; we felt the strength to go and help someone who was clearly in distress.” Wendy says, “The people we get to talk to are living the same kinds of lives that we are, with the same kinds of struggles, family dynamics, and drama. We just need to be able to be friends and comfort those around us when they need it. How would we know that they need it if we didn’t open that dialogue with them wherever we go?” Jeff concludes, “Don’t cower, don’t hide behind the curtains. Come out and be strong.”
Somebody has to stand up for our neighborhood
Published February 22, 2021 6:30 PM
I won’t let you fail
Rick Johnson, owner of RC Fasteners, shares his journey to faith through some tough times in life when everything was falling apart, also accompanied with mental health issues. Rick shares, “When I started seeking Him, He was there every day.” Rick continues, “He is the ultimate comforter.” “We can look at adversity and count it all joy. Then we start experiencing love. It changes your perspective.” Rick states, “We asked God to close the door where He didn’t want us to go, and we dedicated the business to the Lord.” Rick says that now, “We see guys praying for vendors and suppliers.” “I made a promise to Him; I didn’t want to be disingenuous again.”
I won’t let you fail
Published February 15, 2021 6:30 PM
Help comes before hope
Marc Lucas, Local Ministry Director at AM1360 Faith Talk Radio, shares how “we were created not to do life in isolation, like a lot of us have been forced to do in the midst of the pandemic.” He shares how he has taken his family activities out into the front yard, into the driveway of his home, “to foster relationships in the midst of that need.” Marc says, “I remind them that God loves them…and I start hearing their story, connecting with them as they are parenting, and as a grandparent, just where they are in this season of life.” Marc states, “I think it’s the way that God designed us to be in our neighborhood.”
Help comes before hope
Published February 8, 2021 6:30 PM
We prayed for them to have children
Steve Chang shares about miraculous healings that God has done in him and his wife. As a result, he prays for God to heal people he meets. Steve says, “I travel quite a bit for work. When I come home, I pray, “God, give me a word to encourage and bless this person”, even to those of different faiths. Steve shares about one of his conversations with a cab driver: “God revealed that he wanted to have a son”, but couldn’t. Steve recounts, “I prayed for his back pain; he got better. And the next day he brings his wife to our living room to be prayed for. We prayed for them to have children. That was it. About a year later, I got a text from him; ‘Here’s the child that you prayed for!'” Steve summarizes, “Use your gifts; the more you use them, the more God is going to pour into you; you will see the fruits that await you; as you pray and perform miracles, as you heal the sick, you will see God move.”
We prayed for them to have children
Published February 1, 2021 6:30 PM
They are not strangers; they are my people
Ramiro Carbajal, who has walked with his people in the Honduras through two recent hurricanes and many landslides, shares how he, his family and his church are responding to people in love. “We try to share with the local church… If they receive 5 pounds of rice or 5 pounds of beans, they can make a little packet of food, and the local church can share it with more people. They multiply the food that they received. They are very thankful to share with others. That happens not only with the believer, but with the unbelievers.” Ramiro says people who are served by the church, “The people ask us for Bibles.” Ramiro says, “They are not strangers; they are my people. God provides to care for others. It is not us, it is God who provides and touches the heart of other people who need it.”
They are not strangers; they are my people
Published January 25, 2021 6:30 PM
That’s somebody’s son or daughter
Wendy Schops is a mom, a biker, and a formerly rebellious woman who has been changed. “What’s your story?” Wendy asks of others with the biker persona. Wendy says, “Growing up, we never knew who would be at our breakfast table… my dad would pick up hitchhikers. Our house was a revolving door.” Wendy says, “Don’t look at somebody and put them in a box. No matter what you wear… we have a conversation and share the love of Christ and how much God loves us.” Wendy continues, “We open the door, that person opens up, we plant the seed. And I say, ‘God, go with that person so they will grow!'”
That’s somebody’s son or daughter
Published January 18, 2021 6:30 PM
Accepting not only their ideas, but what is most important to them
Laurel Pritch, Teacher of Arts Education in Northern Canada with children ages 6 to 12, explains the creative work of the Spirit, about “getting down on their level and really accepting not only their ideas, but what is important to them; that changes hearts and lives.” “It’s one way that Jesus is alive and well in the secular classroom.” Laurel continues, “Does what we do in the world matter? Yes!” Laurel tells stories of giving the dignity of our attention, “making a difference in one person at a time, and one conversation at a time.”
Accepting not only their ideas, but what is most important to them
Published December 21, 2020 6:30 PM
How would you like to sew dresses for God?
Linda Hollinshead, collection coordinator for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child at their church in Chandler, AZ, shares about how needy children around the world, receiving a shoebox at Christmas time, get to know Jesus. “We’ve heard from many who have gotten boxes… their pictures are up in our room at church.” Linda shares, “It isn’t like we just send this vessel with the gospel message and wonder if anything ever happened. We have so many children accept Jesus through that gospel message.” Linda also tells the story of one of the 14 empty nester volunteers who this year helped make 670 dresses for girls, ages 6-9, “It’s just amazing how much joy it has brought her.”
How would you like to sew dresses for God?
Published December 14, 2020 6:30 PM
They came up with their own ideas, based on a Biblical truth
Scott Allen, President of Disciple Nations Alliance (DNA), shares a story of how impoverished communities begin to flourish through the application of Biblical truth, demonstrated in love. After the reformation, “Christians for the first time opened up their Bible and they began to do their farming and their banking and all these different things on the basis of Biblical truth.” “If God exists, and he created everything, then the Bible speaks to every area of life.” Scott says truth and love are two sides of the same coin. “I’m going to seek your good, even if it requires great sacrifice on my part.” Scott tells the story of a colleague working with an indigenous group in Guatemala, that, when they heard Biblical truth about having dominion over creation, helped them solve a problem using their own ideas. “Within a year, almost all of their crop was stored, and their children began to come out of poverty.”
They came up with their own ideas, based on a Biblical truth
Published December 7, 2020 6:30 PM
Can I go with you?
Munkhuu from Mongolia shares his experience of staying with nomads, helping them, cleaning their felts, going after their horses and sheep to assist them in their daily lives. “Can I go with you?” Munkhuu asks of a nomad while visiting. “I helped him with his animals”, Munkhuu says about his stay. “Along the way we talk about faith and life.” “Come for them, do for them. Just obey; I believe this is the process that the Lord wants me to go on, and I’m just going.” “We love to have a relationship with them. We give the results to God.”
Can I go with you?
Published November 30, 2020 6:30 PM
This is the first day that I’ve ever been loved
Ron Friesen, Sr. Chaplain for Ecumenical Chaplaincy for the Homeless in Phoenix shares simple stories of working among the homeless. Ron says, “I believe that we’re transformed to give.” Ron asked one lady who found herself homeless due to a mental health breakdown, “Do you know that God gives back the years the locust ate?” He prayed and believed with her that God would give her back her life! Ron says that many homeless are hungry and thirsty for physical needs, as well as spiritual needs, and they ask the question: will someone nurture my spirit? Practically, Ron shares a question he asks homeless people, “Do you have a State ID?” Most homeless people have lost these documents. He points them to Homeless ID, an organization that helps the homeless replace about 9,000 documents a year at no cost. And second, “Would you like a job?”, and Ron shares about St. Joseph the Worker, which provides jobs after a one-hour orientation. Of one man who Ron provided the gift of anointing, along with prayer and a hug, the man responded, “This is the first day that I’ve ever been loved.”
This is the first day that I’ve ever been loved
Published November 23, 2020 6:30 PM
You do belong. You are loved. We celebrate your life
Ryan Thurman, International Director of Antioch Network, shares his personal stories with A2J, relocating into a neighborhood that had real, tangible needs near the homeless shelter and the Arizona State Capital, to learn what it means to love God and love your neighbor. “We really believe that the early church and the Acts-like living in community can be done today.” What our homeless friends “needed was a family where they could belong. Before they could completely understand the gospel, understand a loving God, they had to experience the love of God by a family.” Ryan shares Sally’s story, a homeless lady whose life was completely changed because Jesus entered in and invited her to life with him, a life that looked completely different than her first 40 years. “God is very clear that people experience love through people.”
You do belong. You are loved. We celebrate your life
Published November 16, 2020 6:30 PM
Learn to love one another; by this shall all men know you are my disciples
Rev George Miley returns to share his bottom line: be available to Jesus and ask Him to show you what he wants you to do, particularly in reconciliation. George shares a story of coming to the cross, repentance, telling the truth about acts, words, and things that have not been with the keeping of the teachings of Jesus, and then looking for opportunities to build friendships with those of other religious traditions. George says, “Telling the truth about my sin doesn’t dishonor me; in fact, it frees me to receive His forgiveness, His healing, and His restoration.”
Learn to love one another; by this shall all men know you are my disciples
Published November 9, 2020 6:30 PM
His way is not retaliation. His way is forgiveness
George Miley explains the supernatural power of God to love one another. What would happen if two parties who were locked in bitterness were to kneel together before the cross and say, “Lord Jesus, we both have sinned, we both are wrong, we both have treated each other with anger, contempt, and bitterness. We don’t have the power to overcome this. We bring it to you on the cross. And we pray, Lord, that in your grace, that you will break the power of sin in our lives. And give us the supernatural power to love one another.” George continues, “Our first responsibility is to choose to tell the truth. And secondly, we choose to trust him. And when we do that, he supernaturally transforms us.” “Jesus is not here to condemn us. He’s here to free us, to heal us, to transform us.”
His way is not retaliation. His way is forgiveness
Published October 19, 2020 6:30 PM
I was not in a situation to help him, but God talked to me
Pastor Julian Gibb interviews Dr. Bishnu Regmi, Pastor of Himalayan Community Church in Phoenix, AZ; Bishnu shares about a time when he was in seminary and on that day, he was not in a situation to help someone, but God talked to him. Bishnu recalled the teaching of Jesus, love your neighbor as yourself, and says, “Even though you don’t have anything, you should go and listen to his problem.” Bishnu says that you can share the gospel without using words, by serving; he shares about serving churches and refugees in Phoenix and encourages people here in the USA that if they’re not able to go out of the country to serve, there are “many people in their backyard. The entire world is here.”
I was not in a situation to help him, but God talked to me
Published October 13, 2020 6:30 PM
The first step was to ask God for His help to forgive
Hanna Zack Miley shares her personal journey, starting at age 6, of her experience as a Jew in Nazi Germany, one of 10,000 children who were sent by train from Germany to Britain. She would never see her parents again. She speaks about unbearable unforgiveness and anger. “I thought my parents had abandoned me. But instead it was an extreme act of sacrificial love.” In her mid-20’s, at a Billy Graham event, she says, “I had a persona as a school teacher. I didn’t want to reveal that I had needs. I had a little battle going on.” She came to Christ, and says, “the first step was asking God for his help to forgive. I felt a sense of God’s help.” Later, in Bonn, Germany with her husband, speaking to a man whose grandparent was a guard in the SS concentration camp, he said, “Will you forgive me on behalf of my grandparents?” Hanna said to him, “I forgive you” and they embraced. Hanna says, “The things we do in places affect the people around us.”
The first step was to ask God for His help to forgive
Published October 5, 2020 6:30 PM
The best opportunity to love people comes at the worst moments
Corey Kasperson, Pastor of Young Adults at Redemption Church Tempe, tells his own story about how life to the full is living sacrificially for others. “When we love our brothers and sisters and neighbors who don’t know Jesus, we’re representing who God is to the world. When we’re living under the rule of Jesus, the reign of love, we’re actually giving the world a picture of what this world was created to be… a preview of what life will be like when Jesus’ rule and reign is fully acknowledged on earth.” He tells an experience of when he cried out to God, “Lord, give me a story of love”. And how he met Dean, eventually asking him, “Dean, what can I do for you?” “God is trying to interrupt me so I can give His love to somebody, then take the steps of faith; that’s where it starts.”
The best opportunity to love people comes at the worst moments
Published September 28, 2020 6:30 PM
Be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to do things you never would have imagined
Chris Croswhite, Director of the Rescue Mission in Salt Lake City, says “I believe we are joining God in God’s ministry.” Chris encourages us to ask, “How is my path intersecting with what God is doing?” Chris continues, “Most days of the week, I have this sensation that I can’t do this. In my weakness, He’s made strong. I do the best I can, and what I can’t do, God will do the rest.” “All people are created in the image of God. All people deserve love, respect, opportunity and redemption.” Chris says, “The things God wants us to know, He’s written them down in His Word.” Chris and his team come alongside the poor and help these men and women to be what God intended them to be: God dependent, self-sufficient and a contributing member of society.
Be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to do things you never would have imagined
Published September 21, 2020 6:30 PM
We have learned to speak the words of Jesus, words of hope to orphans & widows
Ruth Orlale, herself a widow and the Assistant Director of Ebenezer Life Center in Kenya shares how – with the Word of God and some partners – her team cares for widows and nearly 1,000 vulnerable children. “As a widow, you are treated as a foreigner; dispossessed and disinherited. We begin to talk about the Word of God and this brings back self-esteem, and we help them with meaning in life by involving them in working and microfinance.” “We teach children how to read and interpret the Word of God for themselves.” “Yes, it is possible for those who believe in God. We have seen the Lord raise widows from sick beds to be beautiful women again. We have seen children go from vulnerable situations to be men and women who are now getting married. This is a miracle.”
We have learned to speak the words of Jesus, words of hope to orphans & widows
Published September 14, 2020 6:30 PM
My own sons spontaneously gave everything to a widow with two sons
Eduart “Eddie” Demo, Director of the Illyricum Movement in Albania, says we can either waste our lives or we can invest it into the lives of others. He tells the story of his own sons, 10 and 13, who spontaneously got together on their own and gave their savings, everything, to a widow with two grown, disabled sons, and through that, they came to know the Lord. Eddie says by fulfilling the needs of the mostly Muslim people in the area, they come to know Jesus and they disciple them and train them. Through teaching English, guitar, piano and drama, and by coming alongside families and teaching them how to raise children, how to have a better marriage, and helping people find jobs, this is how they bring the gospel. “We have a saying that people get discipled before they get evangelized.”
My own sons spontaneously gave everything to a widow with two sons
Published September 7, 2020 6:30 PM
Can I meet your need beyond just praying for you?
Tyler Johnson of Redemption Church and one of the founders of the Surge Network talks about discipleship – how we change as we try to do the things Jesus told us to do. Tyler shares several stories as he addresses the question, “What does it mean to be the church?” and adds, “Always meet needs in proximity, and when the need surpasses the proximity, go to a wider network of relationships.” Tyler gives an example how several churches, together, have helped meet broader needs in the community.
Can I meet your need beyond just praying for you?
Published August 31, 2020 6:30 PM
You just need to be available with a heart to serve
Tammy Abernathy, CEO of Hope Women’s Center, shares how she cares for women who are hurting, in pain, and have experienced difficult situations. “To see how God draws in the lonely, lost, the least, and how they get first priority in His Kingdom, at His table. That gives me expanded vision and hope.” Tammy shares what it looks like to walk alongside a hurting woman. “Make a human connection. I want to have a relationship with you. I don’t have an agenda. Your story matters. I want to hear your story.” Tammy says, “It’s not about your skills or your experience. It’s about your availability. Being available, being sensitive, and aware.” Tammy says to ask God to make needs around us known to us, and ask God how to serve those immediately around us. “I see her transform, which affects her children, and her family and ultimately her community as she becomes a change-maker in her community.”
You just need to be available with a heart to serve
Published August 24, 2020 6:30 PM
If you love me, you have to demonstrate it in a way I can see it
Simon Nziramakenga, Bishop in Rwanda, shares his story. After the genocide, 25 of his relatives died, 87 of his wife’s relatives died, and God impressed on him, “Go back and minister to those who have killed your relatives and your friends.” He shares stories of forgiveness and reconciliation — how 2 tribes who were once enemies, killing husbands, wives and relatives — have repented and demonstrated love and care for one another, and are now walking together in Christ.
If you love me, you have to demonstrate it in a way I can see it
Published August 10, 2020 6:30 PM
We started out with 7 kids and one Dad, which created a ripple effect
22 year old Julian Wahl describes starting out as one of 7 boys at the age of 14 who wanted to serve a very small number of people in his community. He talks about the ripple effect, serving with no stipulations, and how one of the most valuable things a person gains in serving those with needs is perspective; the Burrito Boys has now grown to serve over 300,000 homeless in downtown San Diego. Julian says, “Even if you’re making a difference in one person’s life, you can’t underestimate how big of an impact that’s going to have.”
We started out with 7 kids and one Dad, which created a ripple effect
Published August 3, 2020 6:30 PM
People are interested in seeing your life as a model
Madan Shaw, former Hindu, now a follower of Jesus, says, “People are interested in seeing your life, seeing the model.” “God has blessed you so much to be a blessing for someone else. Jesus has set a good example by sacrificing himself on the cross for our sins”, showing us how to sacrificially love someone. Madan gives several examples to illustrate what can be done to build a relationship between the local church and the local community.”
People are interested in seeing your life as a model
Published July 27, 2020 6:30 PM
I try to put a rock in their shoe
Beth Weise explains how she trusts the Holy Spirit, and then instead of closing the spiritual deal, just being a friend. Beth continues, “I’m learning to ask questions and listen to people, and then I try to put a rock in their shoe.” One lady in her Airbnb responded with, “Maybe you can help me.”
I try to put a rock in their shoe
Published July 20, 2020 6:30 PM
Can I share with you the love of Christ?
Asfaw Bekele, Pastor of El-Bethel Evangelical Missionary Church, shares how he prepares his people to practically express the love of God in the community, sacrificially and with personal connection. “As I give a ride to people, I express my love and they see Christ in me.” Some Sunday’s we close the church to express God’s love and help the homeless.
Can I share with you the love of Christ?
Published July 6, 2020 6:30 PM
Think of people as more than souls
Michel Duarte, Pastor of a new church plant that reflects diversity from all tribes, nations and tongues, shares about being present relationally, meeting people where they’re at – as Jesus did with the woman at the well – and loving neighbors whether or not they decide to follow Jesus.
Think of people as more than souls
Published June 29, 2020 6:30 PM
How can we help ourselves and others grow & develop in ways that Jesus grew?
Linda Morris trains Pastors and church leaders on how to personally develop and help others to develop in the ways that Jesus grew by asking questions about their community, “Lord, show me an area where I need to work in, or serve in”, as well as, “What scripture tells me to do this?”
How can we help ourselves and others grow & develop in ways that Jesus grew?
Published June 22, 2020 6:30 PM
A vision that the world is longing to see: unity in the midst of diversity
Pastor Josh Prather from Redemption Church explains the great equalizer – benefiting from relationship around the table as Jesus did – how black and white, poor and rich, healthy and disabled, national and international can learn from one another and be formed in those moments.
A vision that the world is longing to see: unity in the midst of diversity
Published June 15, 2020 6:30 PM
Are followers of Jesus called to give up their rights for the benefits of others?
Chuck Foreman, Senior Pastor of First Christian Church in Phoenix, AZ, shares stories of how we model the attitude of Christ, giving people an opportunity to serve the most vulnerable in our community, and how the community responds when we put up with inconveniences for the benefit of others.
Are followers of Jesus called to give up their rights for the benefits of others?
Published June 8, 2020 6:30 PM
Have you linked to your community?
Misael Cruz tells stories of how he and his church have linked to their community through showing the gospel – growing and distributing food, providing necessary services, teaching English to teenagers, and fitness to senior women. And people are seeing Jesus Christ. Misael distinguishes between manipulation to get people to come to church, vs. serving the community.
Have you linked to your community?
Published June 1, 2020 6:30 PM
In later life, what can I engage in doing to be a companion to others?
Are senior years more than endless leisure and entertainment? In later life, what can I engage in doing with my time to be a companion and create camaraderie? Do I need to know exactly how to do something to be the hands and feet of Jesus? Phil Burgess celebrates the lives of people who are doing interesting, important and life-giving things in their later life.
In later life, what can I engage in doing to be a companion to others?
Published May 26, 2020 6:30 PM
Police, politicians and Hindu’s interested in Jesus?
Caleb Premanandam shares a story with Bob Moffitt of how 3 local churches started meeting the needs in the community by feeding 50 migrant workers on the road, and how this increased to feeding 280, with the appreciation of the mostly Hindu police and politicians who were once opposed to the church.
Police, politicians and Hindu’s interested in Jesus?
Published May 18, 2020 6:30 PM
The Kingdom & It’s Stories with John on May 11, 2020
John coaches many leaders in China; John discusses how followers of Jesus are responding during this time of lockdown, serving neighbors through the delivery of food, masks, as well as providing comfort in person-to-person conversations to help neighbors with feelings of shame, fear, and anxiety related to the virus.
The Kingdom & It’s Stories with John on May 11, 2020
Published May 11, 2020 6:30 PM