If the world is ending, why bother with missions?

This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined in the ABWE studio by Benjamin Vrbicek, lead teaching pastor of Community Evangelical Free Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and author of The Restoration of All Things (Baker Books). For most Christians, the doctrine of last things produces anxiety, charts, and headline-watching rather than comfort. Benjamin came to the subject the hard way, studying every major view of Christ’s return for his own ordination, and came out the other side convinced that the biggest truth in Scripture ought to be the brightest one.

Together they trace what that hope does to the missionary task. If history is moving toward a designed conclusion rather than circling endlessly, then the work we leave unfinished is not brass polished on a sinking ship but the beginning of something Christ will complete. They talk through why the classic rapture passage lands on “therefore encourage one another,” how the promise of final justice gives wronged and weary believers room to forgive, and how to live ready for Christ to return today while still planning to disciple the nations for generations.

• Why studying every major view of Christ’s return for his ordination made the biggest truth the brightest truth
• How a designed end to history, rather than an endless cycle, reframes the missionary task
• Why 1 Thessalonians 4, the classic rapture passage, lands on “therefore encourage one another”
• How the promise of final justice helps suffering believers and abandoned missionaries forgive and endure
• Holding imminence and long-term faithfulness together: living ready while planning to disciple the nations for generations
• How to pastor people away from newspaper eschatology toward the blessed hope of Christ’s presence and the resurrection of the body

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Does it take more than a calling to be a missionary?

This week, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford are joined by Matt Bennett and Ryan Robertson, co-authors of The Path to Being a Missionary, to explore a question that often gets overlooked: not simply, “Am I called?” but “Am I qualified?” Together, they discuss why churches should assess aspiring missionaries based on biblical character, sound doctrine, and proven competency rather than personal desire alone.

Their conversation also looks at encouraging trends in missions today, including a renewed emphasis on theology, the local church, and careful missionary preparation. Matt and Ryan challenge churches to invest in developing future missionaries over time, helping them grow in character, convictions, and ministry skills before they are sent.

• Why qualification matters as much as a desire to serve in missions
• The difference between a missionary “calling” and a missionary aspiration
• How churches can better evaluate and prepare missionary candidates
• The role of character, convictions, and competency in missionary readiness
• Why God's glory—not simply human lostness—is the primary motivation for missions
• Practical encouragement for aspiring missionaries who are still preparing for future service

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In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with veteran missionary Ron Washer to explore what God is doing across Africa after more than 50 years of ministry. From growing up as a missionary kid in Niger to serving in Togo and helping mobilize new workers, Ron shares how God has used faithful teams, medical ministry, church planting, and leadership development to establish thriving local churches.

Ron reflects on God's providence in opening doors for ministry in Togo and the lasting impact of investing in local believers who now lead the work. He also challenges common assumptions about missions in Africa. While the gospel has taken root in many places, the work is far from finished. Together, Alex and Ron discuss the ongoing need for discipleship, theological training, and partnership with national believers as they reach unreached communities throughout West Africa.

• Ron Washer's missionary journey and three generations of ministry in Africa
• How medical missions have helped plant churches and open doors for the gospel in Togo
• Why missionaries are still needed alongside growing national churches
• The importance of discipleship and theological training for healthy churches
• Reaching unreached people through strategic ministry hubs in West Africa
• Mobilizing the next generation to serve in God's global mission

Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, daily life is still marked by air raid alerts, uncertainty, and loss. Yet ABWE missionary Mike Gustafson and Pastor Zhenya Yashchenko share how God continues to build his church in the midst of the conflict. They discuss the realities of serving while missiles fall, caring for families under constant stress, and shepherding a church whose members have been drafted to the front lines.

Despite the hardships, the gospel is reaching people who are searching for lasting hope. Through humanitarian outreach, church planting, and faithful gospel witness, many are hearing the good news for the first time and finding new life in Christ. Mike and Zhenya also share how believers around the world can pray, support local churches, and stand alongside their brothers and sisters in Ukraine as they continue the work of making disciples.

• Living and serving faithfully during war
• How local churches are meeting physical and spiritual needs
• Stories of lives transformed by the gospel in Ukraine
• Church planting and leadership development despite the ongoing war
• Prayer and partnership opportunities for believers worldwide
• Why now is still a strategic time for ministry in Ukraine

Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org.

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The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

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Physical fitness may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think about ministry, but should it be?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex Kocman and Scott Dunford explore why caring for our bodies is part of faithfully stewarding God's calling. They discuss the relationship between physical health, spiritual discipline, and long-term ministry effectiveness, while avoiding legalism or unrealistic standards.

The conversation also tackles the unique challenges pastors and missionaries face, from food-centered hospitality to sedentary work and ministry stress. Alex and Scott share practical habits, biblical principles, and personal experiences that can help believers build strength, energy, and endurance so they are better prepared to serve their families, churches, and the mission God has given them.

• Why physical fitness matters for long-term ministry
• The biblical connection between stewardship, discipline, and the body
• Common health challenges pastors and missionaries face
• Practical habits for building strength and endurance
• How physical health supports mental clarity and ministry effectiveness
• Simple ways to stay active in every season of life

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How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities.

The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching. Reuben explains how sports open doors for long-term discipleship, education, and gospel-centered community, while sharing powerful stories of transformed lives.

• Reuben's testimony and call to ministry in Kenya
• Reaching Kenya's youth through soccer, discipleship, and local churches
• Addressing poverty, education, and family brokenness with the gospel
• Stories of life transformation through his ministry
• A vision for gospel saturation and church planting across Kenya

Support the work that Reuben is doing in Kenya. Pray or give to his ministry here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/0172621

Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

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The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

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Do you have what it takes to be a missionary?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification.

The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training.

• The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry
• Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity
• Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation
• The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership
• Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry
• Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness

Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme.

Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

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The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.

What does everyday ministry look like in South Asia?

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with K.Y., a ministry partner serving in a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, to discuss the realities of gospel ministry in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. K.Y. shares how his ministry integrates theological education, discipleship, and church planting to strengthen local believers and equip leaders for faithful witness amid persecution and social pressure.

K.Y. explains the risks Christians face when sharing their faith, the challenges posed by radicalized elements within society, and the importance of relationship-based evangelism that demonstrates Christ’s love through everyday interactions. The conversation also highlights encouraging evidence of God’s work as people from Muslim backgrounds come to faith in Christ through personal relationships, transformed lives, and, at times, extraordinary spiritual encounters.

• Ministry in a majority-Muslim South Asian context and the challenges of evangelism
• The role of theological education, discipleship, and church planting in strengthening the church
• Persecution, social pressures, and the realities facing Muslim-background believers
• Relationship-based evangelism and the importance of Christian character and witness
• Spiritual realities, including encounters with spiritism and testimonies of conversion
• Opportunities for prayer, support, and ministry partnership with local believers and church leaders

Support the vital work that K.Y. is doing in training pastors, theological education, and planting churches in the 10/40 window. Give to his ministry by visiting: https://give.abwe.org/projects/south-asia-discipleship

Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber!

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The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org.

Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email alex@missionsshow.com.