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Have you ever walked where ancient apostles once trod? Imagine standing in Laodicea, gazing across miles of ancient landscape to see the literal source of Jesus' "lukewarm" analogy from Revelation. This transformative experience was just one highlight from our recent mission trip spanning Turkey and Georgia.

Mark and Linda Turley join us to share their journey through biblical lands and modern faith communities. Their candid reflections reveal how physical connections to Scripture—touching the white marble of Ephesus or exploring the recently excavated ruins of Laodicea—bring biblical narratives to vibrant life. These aren't just archaeological curiosities but touchpoints that fundamentally reshape how we understand familiar texts.

The most profound moments, however, came through unexpected human connections. Linda describes a divine appointment with a Canadian-Turkish woman named Nell who had recently found faith after multiple suicide attempts. Meanwhile, Mark found himself fielding deep theological questions from a young Turkish man hungry for spiritual guidance. These spontaneous encounters highlight how missions often means simply showing up for God's already-unfolding work.

The contrast between massive Turkey and the tiny Republic of Georgia (population 3.5 million) reveals different facets of global Christianity. Georgian believers demonstrated extraordinary hospitality, making our team feel instantly adopted. Their relational approach—where people always take priority over schedules—culminated in an unforgettable feast in Sonori village, where locals had butchered a pig specifically for our visit and prepared homemade everything from bread to wine. During this perfect evening under ideal weather conditions, we witnessed a man named David being celebrated for his recent decision to follow Christ after years of prayer from his family.

Whether you're considering your first mission trip or have traveled extensively, this conversation will inspire you to see how God works across cultures while giving practical insights into what makes international ministry meaningful. As Mark advises those considering missions: "Don't think too hard about it, just go. It'll change your heart. It'll change your life forever."

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What does it mean to truly live as an exile? Meet Andy, Natalie, and their daughter Jenda – a family who has spent over fifteen years crossing borders, learning languages, and building relationships in some of the most challenging environments imaginable.

Their story begins in unlikely places: Natalie from deep South Texas, where Christianity was simply part of the cultural package, and Andy from Boulder, Colorado, where "you could believe anything you wanted, as long as it wasn't Jesus." Through separate journeys of discovery, they found themselves drawn to cross-cultural ministry, eventually meeting in East Asia where they witnessed extraordinary spiritual openness during what they called "Miracle Mondays."

The conversation takes us through their evolution as a missionary family navigating constant uncertainty. From police interrogations to sudden evacuations during COVID without even returning home to pack, they've experienced a level of instability most of us would find terrifying. Yet within this uncertainty, they've discovered profound truths about God's faithfulness. "We don't live that rough," Natalie reflects, comparing their challenges to those of the early apostles while acknowledging the very real sacrifices their lifestyle entails.

Perhaps most fascinating is hearing from Jenda, their oldest daughter and a self-described "Third Culture Kid" now preparing for college in America. Her perspective challenges our assumptions about what constitutes hardship, as she reveals her most difficult "exile" experience wasn't overseas but in San Antonio during COVID, where familiar community structures were absent.

The family's testimony powerfully illuminates Jeremiah 29's message to the exiles in Babylon – that God's promise of "plans to prosper you" isn't about material comfort but about his faithful presence even in displacement. Their lives demonstrate that following Jesus means embracing uncertainty while discovering that in losing our grip on stability, we often find something far more valuable.

Ready to rethink what it means to follow Christ beyond cultural comfort zones? This conversation will challenge your perspective on security, purpose, and what constitutes a blessed life.

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What happens when American teenagers step outside their comfort zones and experience a completely different way of life? In this heartfelt conversation, high school students Brooklyn and Julianne open up about their transformative first mission trip to Cancun, Mexico—far away from the tourist resorts and beaches most Americans associate with the region.

These young women share candidly about answering what felt like an unexpected calling from God: "It wasn't that I had a want to go," Brooklyn explains, "it was that I had a need to go." From fundraising challenges to language barriers, they faced numerous obstacles before even boarding the plane. Yet what awaited them would forever change their perspective on happiness, generosity, and purpose.

Working at Kingdom Academy—a school serving children from a former squatter's village—mixing concrete by hand under the hot sun, conducting Vacation Bible Schools, and visiting homes with dirt floors and outdoor bathrooms, Brooklyn and Julianne encountered profound joy amid material scarcity. "I don't know how all these people are so happy when they have nothing," Brooklyn reflects with wonder. Meanwhile, Julianne was stunned by the hospitality she experienced: "The minute I walked in, I was handed food. But in America if you go to someone's house, they're like 'why are you here' and kick you out."

The most challenging aspect wasn't the physical labor or cultural differences—it was reconciling their experience with returning to comfortable American lives. Both teens now grapple with maintaining this newfound perspective while surrounded by abundance. Their strategies include consistent prayer, physical reminders like handmade bracelets, and sharing their stories whenever possible.

Whether you're considering your first mission trip, wondering how to maintain spiritual growth after a transformative experience, or simply curious about seeing the world through fresh eyes, this conversation offers honest insights from two young hearts forever changed by stepping beyond their comfort zones. Listen now and rediscover what true joy might look like in your own life.

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A spontaneous decision with just three days' notice led Sawyer Werab to his first international trip—a mission journey to Mexico that would profoundly transform his understanding of faith. Having grown up in church, Sawyer thought he understood Christianity until that moment when everything changed.

Speaking with remarkable candor, Sawyer shares how seeing joy in those who "had nothing" challenged his independent, analytical mindset. The team's practice of constant prayer—"praying when something went right, praying when something went wrong"—revealed a depth of dependence on God he'd never experienced in his comfortable Bernie, Texas lifestyle. "I didn't truly understand deep down how deeply I needed God," he confesses. "I knew all the words to say, I knew all the responses, but until I actually lived a life dependent on God, I didn't understand what I needed to be doing."

Now preparing for engineering studies at Clemson University, Sawyer discusses how his Spanish language skills opened unexpected ministry doors and how pride was checked during his second Mexico trip when stepping aside allowed God to work powerfully through others. His story beautifully illustrates how stepping outside our comfort zones—whether it's the "Bernie bubble," the "Texas bubble," or the "American bubble"—creates space for authentic spiritual growth.

For listeners considering mission work, Sawyer offers this compelling invitation: "If you're looking for a way to meet God in new ways, to truly understand why you believe what you believe, go to Mexico and work for God." The transformation, he explains, comes not primarily through the work itself but through relationships formed and a new understanding of dependence that's difficult to grasp in our self-sufficient American culture.

Subscribe to hear more stories of how God is working beyond our comfortable boundaries and discover your own place in His global mission.

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What does it mean to walk where the Apostle Paul once preached? Lidia Gallardo, a mother of quadruplets from Oak Hills Church, joins us to share her transformative journey through Turkey and Georgia with our mission team. Having never visited these regions before, Lidia's preconceptions were immediately challenged when instead of finding impoverished conditions, she encountered modern cities alongside ancient wonders.

The power of standing in a 2,000-year-old house church in Laodicea while gazing across at the lukewarm springs mentioned in Revelation brought scripture to life in unexpected ways. Equally moving was meeting Pastor Vahan in Istanbul, whose congregation worships under constant police surveillance—yet responds by offering coffee and hospitality to those same officers. This resilient faith amid challenges provided our team with profound perspective on what it means to follow Christ when it costs something.

Our conversations take listeners through the marble streets of ancient Ephesus, into the lush mountains of Georgia, and to village churches where nightingales sang as we shared meals with local believers. During one particularly magical evening feast outside a rural Georgian church, we witnessed a man named David giving his heart to Christ—a divine appointment that reminded us why we travel so far. Lidia beautifully articulates how this journey differed from typical mission trips focused on projects or teaching—instead centering on strengthening and encouraging believers through presence and fellowship.

Whether you're considering joining a future mission trip or simply want to understand how God works through cross-cultural connections, this conversation will inspire you to see how the ancient faith continues to thrive in modern contexts. As Lidia says, "You'll never know until you actually go out there...and then you're going to say how come I didn't go sooner." Connect with us to discover how you might be part of bringing God's blessing to the nations.

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Pastor Chad reconnects with Sergei from Moldova in a fascinating conversation that bridges continents and ministry approaches. Currently in the midst of a seven-week visit to America, Sergei shares how Moldovan churches are pioneering a relational approach to discipleship that challenges our efficiency-driven Western models.

The discussion takes a deep dive into the transformative power of personal mentorship over mass programming. "I don't think these curriculums can beat personal discipleship," Sergei reflects, describing how intentional relationships have produced spiritual fruit throughout his ministry. This resonates powerfully against the backdrop of what Pastor Chad identifies as America's obsession with efficiency – often sacrificing depth for breadth.

A particularly moving segment explores how mission partnerships function as two-way streets. When Western churches visit Moldova thinking they have everything to offer, they're surprised to discover themselves receiving as much encouragement as they give. This mutual exchange represents authentic partnership that transcends the outdated donor-recipient model.

Sergei also unpacks Moldova's changing landscape regarding Ukrainian refugees, with numbers decreasing as many have either adapted to conflict or moved further into Europe. More pressing is the exodus of Moldova's youth, with approximately 50% seeking opportunities elsewhere. In response, Kishinev Bible Church has set an ambitious goal of raising 500 new leaders to ensure ministry continuity.

Whether you're interested in cross-cultural ministry, leadership development, or simply understanding how God works across national boundaries, this conversation will challenge and inspire you. How might your approach to discipleship shift if relationship took precedence over efficiency? What could true partnership look like in your mission engagement?

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Behind the seemingly idyllic facade of affluent communities lies a stark reality: domestic violence affects one in three women and one in seven men regardless of zip code or socioeconomic status. The Kendall County Women's Shelter stands as a vital lifeline for those seeking escape from abusive situations, offering far more than just temporary housing.

What began in 2005 as a crisis hotline has evolved into a comprehensive support system with a 32-bed custom-built shelter where families find dignity, safety, and a chance to truly heal.

The shelter's comprehensive services address the complex barriers facing survivors: lack of transportation, absence of affordable childcare and housing, and the emotional aftermath of trauma. With 24/7 trauma-informed staff, case management, therapeutic services, and legal advocacy, KCWS helps clients navigate overwhelming challenges while rebuilding their sense of self-worth.

Want to make a difference? Support the shelter by shopping at their Fabulous Finds thrift store, participating in upcoming fundraisers like their September golf tournament, or volunteering your time and talents. Visit kcwstexas.org to learn how you can join their mission of transforming crisis into opportunity, one family at a time.

Learn more or donate on the Kendall County Women's Shelter website: https://www.kcwstexas.org/

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What happens when God gives you a vision that takes 16 years to fulfill? Bill McLeod's journey from seminary student to mission mobilizer reveals the patient, often unexpected path of kingdom work.

Bill's story begins during the Jesus Revolution when he came to Christ just before college. Through divine connections—from working with Luis Palau's crusades to directing Promise Keepers events—God prepared him for a larger calling. When faced with a critical career decision, Bill fasted and prayed, receiving a vision that would take nearly two decades to fully materialize.

This conversation challenges our Amazon Prime expectations of immediate results. As Bill shares, building Mission Connection required eight years before launch and another eight before going full-time—contradicting our cultural impatience. "It's not the microwave approach," he explains, "but the crockpot approach" that God often uses to develop both us and our ministries.

The heart of Bill's teaching centers on what he calls "the three Cs" of discipleship: the Great Commandment (love God), the Great Commission (make disciples), and the Great Commitment (die to self). This final element—Jesus' challenging teaching that unless a seed falls to ground and dies, it remains alone—proves particularly transformative for listeners.

Perhaps the most penetrating question raised: "Who are you willing to die for?" Your mission field becomes the people for whom you're willing to spend your life, endure hardship, and potentially suffer. This counter-cultural perspective reframes mission not as achievement but as sacrifice—just as Jesus modeled.

Mission Connection events now operate in both Portland and Phoenix, remaining intentionally free and prayer-driven. Bill's humble approach ("Jesus is the CEO; I'm just sales") has created space for God to work in unexpected ways through collaborative, denomination-spanning partnerships.

Whether you're waiting on God's timing, seeking your place in mission, or wondering how to develop deep character for long-term impact, this conversation offers wisdom from a leader who has walked the patient path of kingdom work for decades.