Will’s story stretches from serving in Costa Rica alongside Wil to shaping the next generation of Wesleyan leaders at Baylor University. With a deep passion for theological education and a heart that beats for mission, Will shares how God has been on the move through every chapter of his life.

Together, we talk about:

• How cross-cultural ministry in Costa Rica shaped Will’s call and perspective
• Why forming a Wesleyan presence within Truett Seminary matters right now
• The work of the Wesley Heritage Foundation and its role in preserving and expanding Wesleyan witness
• Where Will sees God moving in this season of leadership and transition

From the mission field to the classroom, Will’s story reminds us that discipleship and formation are global, relational, and always Spirit-led.

Pull up a chair to the table! You’re going to love this conversation.

Website: International Leadership Institute

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

#BrokenBanquetPodcast #WesleyHouseOfStudies #WesleyHeritageFoundation #BaylorTruett #MissionAndFormation #GlobalChurch #GodOnTheMove

Charles is a French-speaking, leadership-leading, world-traveling father of six whose heart beats for the Gospel. With nearly two decades serving in France and five years in the U.S. with Greater Europe Mission, Charles and his wife, Amy, have dedicated their lives to equipping leaders and making disciples across the French-speaking world — and beyond.

Now, through ILI, Charles helps multiply leaders of integrity and ignite movements that transform nations for Christ. His life and ministry are rooted in one driving conviction:

“Because the heart of our Heavenly Father longs for all to come to repentance and none to perish, we are passionate to help reach as many people as possible with the life-transforming power of the Gospel.”

Join us for a joyful, hope-filled conversation about calling, family, cross-cultural ministry, and what it means to live on mission — from Texas to Toulouse, and everywhere in between.

🎧 Pull up a chair. The banquet table is wide, and there’s a place for you.

Website: International Leadership Institute

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

In this conversation, Elie shares:

• How he’s reimagined theological education in times of crisis and change
• Why polycentric mission is essential for the future of the global church
• The innovative systems he’s implemented to empower leaders across the Arab world
• What it looks like to walk through succession with humility, wisdom, and hope

Elie’s vision, grounded in faith and sharpened through years of leadership, offers encouragement and challenge for anyone passionate about missions, ministry, and the future of theological training.

Website - Arab Baptist Theological Seminary

Blog Post - Passing the Baton: Theological Reflections on Leadership Succession

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Originally from Brazil, Luciano has poured out his life across the globe - serving in Peru, now shepherding in Panama, and always carrying a deep love for Portugal. If it starts with a “P,” chances are Luciano has a story there!

But more than geography, Luciano has a heart like the Apostle Paul. He’s a church planter, pastor, Conference Superintendent for the Global Methodist Church in Panama, and a member of the GMC Commission on Kingdom Advancement. His vision? To see the Church multiply, disciples grow, and God’s Kingdom advance to the ends of the earth.

In this episode, Luciano shares his journey, his passion for planting churches, and how the Spirit is moving in Latin America and beyond. You’ll leave inspired by his joy, his faith, and his global heartbeat for the Gospel.

WATCH this Plainspoken Podcast Interview.

READ Luciano's new book, Rescued from Darkness: Helping Others Find Deliverance in Christ

VIEW the GMC Panama Website.

VIEW video from annual conference.

🎧 Listen now and discover why Luciano is called a “modern Paul” with an apostolic fire.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Originally from Egypt, Ray has spent decades living and serving across the Arab world before landing in the U.S. with his wife, Sue. Today, as Senior Director of Ministry Partnerships at SAT-7, he’s helping the Church beam hope, truth, and the love of Christ into millions of homes in places many of us will never go.

In this episode, Ray shares his personal journey, the heart behind SAT-7, and powerful stories of how God is using satellite TV and digital platforms to reach the unreachable. It’s a reminder that the Gospel knows no borders — only opportunities.

Listen now and discover:

• How SAT-7 broadcasts the Good News in the heart languages of the Middle East and North Africa.
• Why media ministry can open doors in closed countries.
• Ray’s passion for equipping the Church to tell its story with boldness.
• And don't forget his favorite phrase: "Theology through technology!"

Learn more about SAT-7 at http://sat7usa.org.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Juan is passionate about connecting people across cultures for the sake of the Gospel —and he’s got the stories to prove it. From digital evangelism in Latin America to finding creative ways to make disciples in a hyper-connected world, Juan reminds us that mission is not about crossing oceans. It’s about crossing the street, the screen, and sometimes… our own comfort zones.

Pull up a chair, grab a cup, and get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and maybe even challenged to think differently about what it means to live missionally — wherever you are.

Learn more about Conectar Global: https://conectarglobal.org/en/

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Now, finally, you get to hear all the giggles, all the stories, and (more importantly) you get to know this precious soul. Tianna is kind, witty, a phenomenal storyteller, and the kind of person who just makes life better.

We know you’re going to love her as much as we do!

Get to Know Every Village

Every Village partners with the people of South Sudan to bring sustainable access to safe water, thriving churches, and the gospel by radio. We love what they say on their website:

When South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 to become the world’s newest country, it was left as one of the least developed nations in the world…

Here are just a few of the heartbreaking realities South Sudan faced in 2011:

• A country the size of Texas with less than 100 miles of paved road
• Fewer than a third of the population with access to safe water
• Fewer than 100 doctors and only 15 hospitals for over 10 million people
• The world’s highest maternal mortality rate
• A girl was 3x more likely to die in childbirth than to graduate from 6th grade
• 75% of adults were unable to read or write
• 42% of the population was under age 15
• Ranked as the least developed country in the world (Human Development Index)

But Every Village sees hope. The South Sudanese people are strong and full of vision. They dream of building a nation for Christ, and Every Village is walking with them, committed to helping rebuild from the ground up.

🎧 Learn more about Every Village by listening to their podcast: Why South Sudan? – Every Village

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Through their leadership, Global Hope Partners is transforming lives and communities by meeting both physical and spiritual needs across three powerful focus areas:

Humanitarian Aid – Think medical camps, fresh soy milk, warm blankets, clean water wells, and life-sustaining feeding programs.

Community Development – From vocational training to women’s empowerment seminars, leadership coaching to Bible classes, GHP is equipping individuals to thrive.

Education – With primary schools and care homes for children, Global Hope Partners is planting seeds of hope that grow for generations.

Peter and Esther don’t just talk about the Gospel; they live it out in culturally relevant, deeply relational, and powerfully effective ways.

Join us for this inspiring conversation and hear what happens when hope shows up with open hands, listening ears, and the heart of Christ.

👉 Grab your headphones. Get ready to be moved. And maybe even ask yourself, “What does love look like in action?”

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Find out more of Arabic Baptist Church of Houston: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BrowJkNg9/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

📚 It’s the best missions book EVER. And today, you meet the man behind it.

Dr. Darrell Whiteman is not just a missiologist. He’s a master storyteller, a cultural bridge-builder, and quite possibly the wisest voice in cross-cultural ministry today. With humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom, Darrell invites us into a world where anthropology and the Gospel collide—and where listening often speaks louder than preaching.

Darrell has spent his life helping people bring the Gospel into the deepest part of a culture’s worldview—without losing the power of the message or the beauty of the people. He’s taught in 78 countries, trained thousands of missionaries and church leaders, and written the book that’s become essential reading for anyone serious about global missions:

📖 Crossing Cultures with the Gospel — a 2025 Christianity Today Book Award Finalist, Outreach Resource of the Year, and an instant classic.

In this episode, Darrell shares stories from Papua New Guinea, seminary halls, and village gatherings that will make you laugh, weep, and rethink what it means to really follow Jesus across cultures.

💡 Whether you're a short-term missionary, a pastor, or simply curious about global faith conversations—this is the episode that will change the way you see the world (and maybe your neighbor).

🎥 Don’t miss: Darrell Whiteman’s “My Journey in Mission” talk at Notre Dame → Watch on Vimeo

Resources & Links:

• 📘 Crossing Cultures with the Gospel
• 🌍 Global Development, Inc. – Bringing incarnational training to the frontlines of mission
• 🏆 2025 Book Awards: Christianity Today, Outreach, Southwestern Journal of Theology
• Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 9:22 – “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Meet Steve Tybor, the founder and CEO of Eight Days of Hope, a ministry that mobilizes thousands of volunteers to rebuild homes, restore hope, and respond when disaster strikes. What started as “just one trip” to help after Hurricane Katrina has exploded into a national movement of compassion, construction, and Christ-centered service.

Steve left the business world behind in 2017 to follow God’s call full-time—and never looked back. With the boundless energy of someone who truly believes in the mission, Steve now leads a ministry that spans 35 states, 270 volunteer leaders, and countless stories of healing and transformation.

In this episode, Steve shares his heart, his hilarious behind-the-scenes stories, and his bold belief: that when God calls you to love, there are no limits.

🎧 Want more Steve? Be sure to check out the Hope Reigns Podcast, hosted by Steve and Mike: 👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts

Links & Resources:

• Learn more: Eight Days of Hope
• Listen to Hope Reigns Podcast
• Support a build, a response, or a safe house through EDOH
• Scripture Focus: Romans 12:11 – “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

In this episode, we sit down with Carole Ward, a missionary and global leader who has followed God into the heart of war-torn nations, daring to believe that faith can transform even the darkest places. Her story begins in 2002 with a simple, radical prayer and unfolds into a powerful testimony of how God’s love rescues, restores, and redeems.

Told she would return in a body bag if she went to Northern Uganda, Carole obeyed anyway — and God made a way. From rescuing child soldiers from the grip of Joseph Kony’s rebel army, to planting seeds of reconciliation in South Sudan, to mobilizing indigenous leaders across 8 northeast African nations, Carole’s ministry is nothing short of miraculous.

Through Favor International, Carole and her team are witnessing a missions movement fueled not by human strength but by the supernatural power of prayer, discipleship, and the Gospel. Signs, wonders, and miracles are not footnotes—they're the foundation.

But the battle isn’t over. As war gives way to other strongholds — witchcraft, persecution, and growing resistance — the call is urgent. The harvest is ripe, the time is short, and Carole invites us to join what God is doing until the whole world knows.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Carole’s dangerous prayer changed everything
• Stories of redemption from former child soldiers
• The power of prayer and fasting in spiritual warfare
• How God is expanding His Kingdom in unreached and persecuted regions

Links & Resources:

• Learn more about Favor International
• Watch Carole’s testimony videos on YouTube
• Scripture focus: Mark 16:20 – “The Lord worked with them and confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied it.”

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

This season, Ashley introduces Wil — and you — to TWMC’s missions family. New places, new friends, same heart. Pull up a chair. The banquet is just beginning.

Ashley's Sermon: https://youtu.be/YWBOVvC_-Ug?si=7m0ZVzBmNBkQ3UcQ

Myers Park with Costa Rica Team: https://youtu.be/pskysG7CmU0?si=BdahKp6BPh1qwUv2

Myers Park Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czgUQHfqAsM

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

We’ve dug back into the archives to highlight one of our favorite authors!

Hunter Farrell is the co-author of Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility, and Co-Development.

Hunter is also the Director of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative. He worked for thirty-four years as a missionary (in DR Congo and Peru), mission leader (Director of World Mission for the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.), and teacher of mission and intercultural studies (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). He developed fluency in three languages (Spanish, French and Tshiluba) and earned his Master of Divinity in Cross-Cultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, the Diplôme d’études approfondies in religious anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris and a doctorate in anthropology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

While living overseas, he received more than sixty short-term mission groups and studied the complex and nuanced interactions between U.S. visitors and Congolese and Peruvian hosts. He has researched and written articles on congregational mission engagement that have been published in Missiology: An International Review, The Journal of Latin American Theology and Christianity Today. He speaks frequently to groups of congregational mission leaders to better understand their concerns and offer them tools to lead their congregations into more faithful and effective mission.

To buy Freeing Congregational Mission, visit: https://a.co/d/21CrJmk

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Challenge Accepted! When Wil asked Ashley to book an interview with his favorite author, it at first seemed like an impossible task. But, within a few hours, Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter responded!

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter retired as provost of Fuller Seminary on June 30, 2011, but continues to serve on Fuller’s faculty as senior professor of anthropology. He joined Fuller in 1999 as professor and dean of the School of Intercultural Studies (then the School of World Mission) and served as acting provost in 2001 before being appointed provost in 2002.

Before his appointment at Fuller, he served as professor of intercultural studies and provost and senior vice president at Biola University, La Mirada, California from 1983 to 1999 and professor of anthropology at SUNY College at Brockport from 1966 to 1983. He holds a BA from Wheaton College and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Lingenfelter’s field research includes three years in the Yap Islands of Micronesia and short-term research projects with the SIL International in Brazil, Cameroon, and Suriname. He has served as research and training consultant to SIL over the last three decades in Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Philippines, Africa, and Latin America. He also contributes regularly to mission conferences and to missionary candidate training for other evangelical mission organizations. His publications include Teamwork Cross-Culturally: Christ-Centered Solutions for Leading Multinational Teams (coauthored with Julie A. Green, 2022), Leadership in the Way of the Cross: Forging Ministry from the Crucible of Crisis (2018), Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships (coauthored with Marvin K. Mayers, 2016), Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Mission (1998), Agents of Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross-Cultural Ministry (1996), and Leading Cross-Culturally: Covenant Relationships for Effective Christian Leadership (2008). He also served as coauthor with his wife, Dr. Judith Lingenfelter, for Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (2003), and with Dr. Paul R. Gupta for Breaking Tradition to Accomplish Vision: Training Leaders for a Church Planting Movement (2006).

More from Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter:

https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/response-judith-sherwood-lingenfelter/

Amazon: Buy Ministering Cross-Culturally

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Your co-hosts are taking a little Labor Day break, but we didn’t want to leave your podcast feed empty. Instead, we’re bringing you something special: a replay episode every single day this week!

We’ve dug back into the archives to highlight some of our absolute favorite conversations - featuring authors, storytellers, and mission leaders who have inspired us (and hopefully you, too).

So whether you’re traveling, grilling, or just enjoying a slower pace this week, tune in daily for a fresh replay of timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.

New episodes will return next week, but until then, enjoy this week of favorites!

Friends, we have out-kicked our coverage once again! Dr. Brian Fikkert of When Helping Hurts fame joins us today on the Broken Banquet Podcast, and we are digging into his newest book, Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn't the American Dream.

Dr. Brian Fikkert, founder and president of The Chalmers Center, is also Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. He is coauthor of the best-selling book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself, as well as Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions, Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence, and From Dependence to Dignity: How to Alleviate Poverty Through Church-Centered Microfinance.

Dr. Fikkert earned a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University, specializing in international economics and economic development. He is the author of numerous articles in both academic and popular journals. Prior to coming to Covenant College, he was a professor at the University of Maryland — College Park and a research fellow at the Center for Institutional Reform and the Informal Sector.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Your co-hosts are taking a little Labor Day break, but we didn’t want to leave your podcast feed empty. Instead, we’re bringing you something special: a replay episode every single day this week!

We’ve dug back into the archives to highlight some of our absolute favorite conversations - featuring authors, storytellers, and mission leaders who have inspired us (and hopefully you, too).

So whether you’re traveling, grilling, or just enjoying a slower pace this week, tune in daily for a fresh replay of timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.

New episodes will return next week, but until then, enjoy this week of favorites!

Kenneth Rwego was born in Southwestern Uganda near the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. As a child he enjoyed crossing the border into Congo to visit his friends. It was during those visits that Kenneth saw firsthand the disturbing images of human suffering and broken families. In 1997, Kenneth accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was then that he began to feel a strong conviction to share the message of Faith, Hope and Love with the people of Congo.

Kenneth's first trip to Congo as a believer was in 1998 during his first year of college. Since then, he has traveled to Congo at least once each year to share the Gospel with the people there. Over the years, God has continued to clarify Kenneth and his wife, Abigail's call to go into full-time missionary ministry in Congo through the founding of Eden Mission. With a focus on family, the Rwego Family trusts that Eden Mission will help families find joy, peace and a more fruitful and fulfilling life through Christ Jesus.

Beginning in 2015 Kenneth and his family moved to live in the Congo full-time to continue and expand the work of Eden Mission.

To learn more about Eden Mission, visit their website: https://edenmission.org

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Your co-hosts are taking a little Labor Day break, but we didn’t want to leave your podcast feed empty. Instead, we’re bringing you something special: a replay episode every single day this week!

We’ve dug back into the archives to highlight some of our absolute favorite conversations —featuring authors, storytellers, and mission leaders who have inspired us (and hopefully you, too).

So, whether you’re traveling, grilling, or just enjoying a slower pace this week, tune in daily for a fresh replay of timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.

New episodes will return next week, but until then, enjoy this week of favorites!

Dr. Patrick Murunga was Ashley's doctoral adviser at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. Patrick is from Kenya and has served as a pastor, a missionary, the director of a seminary...and more! Now he is a pastor to pastor and missionaries. This is a story you don't want to miss!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Your co-hosts are taking a little Labor Day break, but we didn’t want to leave your podcast feed empty. Instead, we’re bringing you something special: a replay episode every single day this week!

We’ve dug back into the archives to highlight some of our absolute favorite conversations - featuring authors, storytellers, and mission leaders who have inspired us (and hopefully you, too).

So whether you’re traveling, grilling, or just enjoying a slower pace this week, tune in daily for a fresh replay of timeless wisdom and unforgettable stories.

New episodes will return next week, but until then, enjoy this week of favorites!

Reuben Munn is Senior Pastor of Shore Community Church and an Adjunct Lecturer in Practical Theology at Laidlaw College.

He holds a degree in Communication Studies from AUT and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College. He also holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies from Cincinnati Christian University.

Reuben is particularly passionate about the ministry of preaching and the formation of emerging preachers who can clearly, faithfully and creatively expound the Word of God. He is committed to developing pastors and preachers who can equip people to dwell deeply in the biblical story and live this out in the complex realities of everyday life.

Reuben spent two years as a public relations consultant before joining the staff of Shore Community Church. He has a thriving preaching ministry and his teaching has featured on Shine TV, Radio Rhema and Prime TV. Since 2014 Reuben has taught courses at Laidlaw College including Introduction to Preaching and Pastoral Leadership.

Reuben is married to Anna and they have three boys. He enjoys reading, playing jazz piano and eating Burger Fuel.

Learn more about Shore Community Church: https://www.shorecommunity.church

Listen to Reuben's great sermons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shore-community-church-podcast/id1346871953

Learn from Reuben about preaching: https://www.discipleship.nz/courses/preaching

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Some of you may even have embarked on international adventures together, traveling to Haiti, Russia, Costa Rica, or Italy. No matter the setting, you'd remember her infectious enthusiasm for missions and her unwavering love for Jesus.

That's why, when it came time to appoint a new Director of Global Missions of First Methodist Church Shreveport, the answer was clear: Vicki Sullivan. Her qualifications extend far beyond a resume. With a compassionate heart and an ever-present smile, she embodies the spirit of this vital role.

Vicki's love story with the FMC Global Missions family began nearly a decade ago when she sponsored a young man at Darivager Children's Home in Haiti. This wasn't just a financial commitment; it ignited a passion that led her on her first mission trip to Haiti, forever transforming her perspective. Mission work, for Vicki, transcended writing checks. It became about fostering relationships with the people we support around the world.

From agape teams in Russia to construction projects in Costa Rica, and retreats with missionaries in Italy, Vicki has a deep understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by our global partners.

But her dedication goes beyond the geographical. The cornerstone of Vicki's life is her faith in Jesus, which she readily shares with enthusiasm. Whether you've met her on a Walk to Emmaus or simply crossed paths at FMC, you've undoubtedly felt that contagious spirit. Above all, Vicki prioritizes building genuine connections, a quality that will serve her remarkably well as she connects with our global family.

Indeed, God has meticulously paved the way for Vicki to step into this new season of leading our global efforts. Please join us in welcoming her! We're thrilled to see how Vicki's passion and experience will guide the FMC global missions family in the years ahead.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

In 2009, Jeremy and Tamara Boone left the United States for Jinja, Uganda, and soon began serving in a refugee camp-turned-slum called Masese III. The people who live there fled the high deserts to escape war, child abduction, and famine. Decades later, the community still struggles to survive each day and is aid dependent. Though many of them say they are Christians their community is largely devoid of any tangible evidence of God’s love.

Jeremy and Tamara are sure that God has called and sent them, alongside of others, to share the gospel in word and deed with the hope He will bring His Karamojong children to Himself.

Today, the Karamojong in Masese Slum are at risk of being displaced again as the town dismantles the community to make room for development. Nearly everyone is at a loss about where they will go or what they will do. As the community disappears, it is clearer than ever that Jesus’ call to disciple is the only way to make a long-term, eternal impact among the Karamojong tribe. Jeremy and Tamara currently seek discipling relationships through three platforms: financial training and job creation, advocacy, and church planting.

Since being in Uganda, they have adopted two children, Gloria and Evan, as well as given birth to two more, Karis and Samantha.

Jeremy and Tamara also serve as Member Care Associates for Equip International, providing support and encouragement for all Equip missionaries in order to increase their resilience and effectiveness in the field.

To learn more about Tamara & Jeremy, check out this video!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

To learn more about Wil & Yolanda, watch: https://youtu.be/o73CY-x06Y4

To learn more about Costa Rica Mission Projects, visit: http://costaricamissionprojects.com

Read The World in a Wafer by William Cavanaugh.

Wil Bailey is a Missionary serving in Costa Rica. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Duke University Divinity School in May of 2003 and has been commissioned as a United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Individual Volunteer. His wife, Yolanda, is an active, life-long member of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica.

Wil went to Costa Rica for the first time when he was 15 years old with a United Methodist Volunteers in Missions youth work team. He went back every chance he got, and by the time he moved to Costa Rica in 2003, he had been 14 times. The majority of those trips were mission work teams. Wil says, "I have known since that first trip that doing mission work in Central America would always be a part of my life." Wil has also been on work teams to Honduras and Belize and spent the Summer of 2001 working with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Wil spent the Summer of 2002 back in Costa Rica living with a pastor and his family in San Isidro. It was over the course of those three-and-a-half months that God showed Wil that there was a ministry for him in Costa Rica. The week before he left to come back to the States to finish seminary, Wil met with Bishop Fernando Palomo in San Jose, and the Bishop invited him to come to work full-time as a part of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica.

In March of 2014 Wil and Yolanda were overjoyed to welcome the newest member of the Costa Rica Mission Projects family, Isabella Caroline Bailey Ulloa. Wil and Yolanda believe that when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, he taught us, in dramatic fashion, that if we claim to be His followers, we must be servants to one another. Christian service comes in many forms and they believe that they have been called to provide opportunities for churches in Costa Rica and churches from other countries to serve one another and explore what it means for us to be part of a body that extends far beyond the walls of our own individual churches. Their hope is that they might be able to help foster long lasting, fruitful relationships between the congregations who participate in this ministry. It is very important to them that they avoid establishing or reinforcing already existing relationships of dependency, but rather, that the churches involved will discover the benefits of interaction with one another. They understand the communion that takes place across borders, cultures and languages as a glimpse of God's Kingdom and as a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit among us.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Kenneth's first trip to Congo as a believer was in 1998 during his first year of college. Since then, he has traveled to Congo at least once each year to share the Gospel with the people there. Over the years, God has continued to clarify Kenneth and his wife, Abigail's call to go into full-time missionary ministry in Congo through the founding of Eden Mission. With a focus on family, the Rwego Family trusts that Eden Mission will help families find joy, peace and a more fruitful and fulfilling life through Christ Jesus.

Beginning in 2015 Kenneth and his family moved to live in the Congo full-time to continue and expand the work of Eden Mission.

To learn more about Eden Mission, visit their website: https://edenmission.org

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Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

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Deve has been serving in the Lead Pastor role at Sarnia Evangelical Missionary Church since 2006. He’s a simple guy (vanilla ice cream and regular chips) just trying to bring the mission, mercy and message of Jesus to the world. Deve and his wife, Amanda, have two adult children, Jarrett (married to Katlyn) and Aynsley. Together they share a love for food and football!

To read Deve's WHOLE story, click here: https://emcctogether.ca/2020/06/deve-persad-emcc-enrichment-facilitator-series/

To read Deve's dissertation, download it at: http://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/dmin/137/

To read Deve's amazing writing, visit: https://www.down2earthleadership.com

To learn more about Deve's church, visit: https://sarniaemc.org

To learn more about Deve's El Salvador partnership, visit: https://www.shelterhelps.com

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Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

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Nathan is the Pastor of Mission & Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA. He has more than a decade of experience working in short-term mission on the side of the sending church and receiving organization. He has worked throughout Latin America, Rwanda, and Seattle in church-based community development and is passionate about unifying local churches to be agents of holistic transformation in their communities. He holds a MA of Divinity with an emphasis in International Development & Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and BA in Global Development and Sociology from Seattle Pacific University. He is a contributor to the book Re-Imagining Short-Term Missions and several publications on the topic of Christian mission. He calls the Pacific Northwest home and lives every day in gratitude and admiration for his beloved wife Maci.

• To learn more about Re-Imagining Short-Term Missions, visit the RISTM Book Website: https://www.reimaginingstm.com/
• Rwanda to Seattle Mission Trip (teaser trailer): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSq0j2w6PI8

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Website: menomissions.org

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But have you met Lissy Pixley?! No, she's not a unicorn, but she is a super hero! Lissy serves in Campus Christian Fellowship at Iowa State University, a role you may have heard about in a previous episode when we interviewed Lissy's dad, Dr. John Woodward. That's right, Lissy is following in the footsteps of her father, and we adore this father-daughter duo. You will, too!

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Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

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Ashley first met Charlotte in Newcastle, Australia. She was attending Northlakes Christian Church with Katie Branham. They were instantly three peas in a pod! Now Charlotte has married Ty, and they're living in Auckland, New Zealand, attending Laidlaw College, and serving at Church NorthWest! Katie studied at Boise Bible College in Idaho and University of Newcastle. She resides in Newcastle where she enjoys drawing and illustrating, and going to soccer games!

More on Katie's Artwork: https://katiebranham.squarespace.com

More on Laidlaw College: https://www.laidlaw.ac.nz

More on Church NorthWest: https://churchnorthwest.nz

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Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

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Willie’s call to mission was inspired by the work of his parents (lay persons) as they received and worked with mission teams in the poor areas of Reynosa, Mexico. He began sensing God’s call to mission as he saw how US teams in Reynosa worked with the people with so much love and care, and how inactive his local church was in mission. 

During the past few years Willie has been involved in many opportunities of ministry and mission. New ministries have been started in the communities with which work teams serve: sewing classes, wood-working shops for men, medical clinics, scholarship programs, Bible distribution, construction of houses/schools/community centers, breakfast and lunch programs, craft programs, a Personal Energy Transportation (P.E.T.) Shop and many other programs. 

In 2008 Willie began helping in developing a new strategy for the Methodist Border Mission Network as the program works with immigrants along the US-Mexico border.

After attending the Instituto Tecnologico de Saltillo and earning a degree in engineering, Mr. Berman worked in the computer industry while serving part-time as VIM coordinator for the San Pablo District of the Eastern Conference IMMAR.

Willie and his wife Veronica are the parents of two young children. The Bermans attend Ebenezer Church in Reynosa, Mexico.

To learn more about Manos Juntas, CLICK HERE.

To DONATE to Manos Juntas, CLICK HERE.

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Website: menomissions.org

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Now... Meet Ben Nelson! You're going to love this story of how WIL met Ben! Yes, this second season is full of people Wil has met throughout his life and ministry!

Ben Nelson has been advancing the Kingdom through ministry since his teen years and has been in full time ministry since 2004. He currently serves as the teaching pastor and church planter for the Collectivus church. Collectivus church is a modern day expression of the early church. This faith family are pioneers in the “Missional Community” movement. With over 20 missional communities spread across the greater Birmingham, AL area. They are truly transforming neighborhoods for the Kingdom of God!

Ben and his wife Cassidy are the founders of “Pray Love Unite" ministries. This 501c3 ministry houses such ministries as Collectivus and Mission Bulgaria. As president of mission Bulgaria, Pastor Ben helps raise up leaders and missionaries in order to spread the Gospel through the country of Bulgaria. Ben has been married for over 10 years to Cassidy Nelson and has 2 children, Kye and Wendy. They collectively believe that revival begins in the home and spreads to the nations.

An effective communicator of God’s Word, Pastor Ben is known for his practical and dynamic teaching style which helps people apply the timeless truths of Scripture to their everyday lives. He serves as speaker for conferences and churches locally and abroad. He helps train christian organization in the area of Discipleship, Missional living, church planting, effective communication and more.

Learn more about Ben: https://www.pastorbennelson.com

Learn more about Collectivus Church: https://www.collectivus.church

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Website: menomissions.org

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Miki & Randy have helped to plant new churches and restore existing churches all across New Zealand. Randy is the South Pacific Regional Director for New International. He works to organize church plants, mentor, coach and recruit new church planters for both New Zealand and Australia. Along with their involvement in church planting, the Brooks' are involved in day to day ministry in local churches in New Zealand.

God has blessed them with 26 years of marriage. Together they have three sons, Noel, Ethan and Caleb.

Randy grew up in Colorado Springs, and attended Security Christian Church (now Pikes Peak Christian Church). After working as a welder for four years, God led Him to make a big life change which eventually led to his graduation from Nebraska Christian College in 1995. Randy also attended seminary at Cincinnati Christian University where he graduated in 2003 with an MA in Practical Ministries, with a concentration in church planting.

Miki was born in Worthington, Minnesota but grew up as a missionary kid in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was there that she first taught a Sunday School class at age 13. This sparked a passion inside of her for ministry and mission work. She studied ministry and early childhood development at Nebraska Christian College. Miki loves ministry and generally works in the areas of leading worship, speaking to groups, mentoring young ladies, and seeking out ways to encourage and love missionary kids.

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Website: menomissions.org

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Meet Sheree Reece! She's the Global Missions Director at Resurrection: A United Methodist Church, specifically overseeing Africa, Asia, and Haiti.

Sheree is passionate about encouraging others to be their best selves - whether that is here in the US, or around the world. She is married with 3 adult children, as well as mom to an incredibly sweet dog and very disagreeable cat. She has worked with international community leaders since 2011 and continues to be humbled and inspired by their incredible work, perseverance, and kindness to others.

Sheree created her own podcast - Bridging Cultures - to share stories of those doing the incredible work, and the difference they are making in the lives of the most vulnerable. Stories of local leaders who are raising their communities out of poverty will be shared so that others can learn from them and possibly join in on their work.

When she's not working or hiding from the cat, she loves running with her friends and watching the sunrise.

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Website: menomissions.org

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Matt Miofsky is the Lead Pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis, Missouri. Since Matt founded The Gathering in 2006, it has grown into a thriving multi-site congregation with four locations scattered throughout St. Louis. With over 1500 in worship a weekend, The Gathering was recently named the 3rd fastest growing large United Methodist Churches.

Matt is passionate about church planting, connecting with new generations, and multi-site ministry. He frequently speaks and teaches on these subjects.

Matt writes feverishly! We especially love his newest book, The Methodist Book of Daily Prayer.

You may also want to pick up these gems:

Let Go: Leaning into the Future Without Fear

"Eight Virtues of Rapidly Growing Churches"

“Happy? What It Is and How to Find It”

“Fail: What to Do When Things Go Wrong”

And! He's a podcaster! Subscribe to The F Word: Conversations on Faith!

When he's not writing, preaching, podcasting, or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife and three kids.

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Website: menomissions.org

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Joyce is a lover of people, follower of Jesus, consumer of coffee, an ENFP on the MBTI, and an Enneagram 8w7. She is studying at Saint Paul School of Theology and the former Program Director - Latin America at The Church of the Resurrection.

Please note: Ashley referred to Oksana Baiul as Russian, when, in fact, she is Ukrainian. Please forgive this misinformation. We apologize for not catching it sooner.

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We came to know Rebecca through our friend, Dr. Hunter Farrell, as he quoted her in one of his articles. Of course, we had to read her article right away, and you should, too:

To Expand the Table: Listen More. Talk Less.

To learn more about Rebecca's organization, Hope International, visit their website at:

https://www.hopeinternational.org

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Sherwood G. Lingenfelter retired as provost of Fuller Seminary on June 30, 2011, but continues to serve on Fuller’s faculty as senior professor of anthropology. He joined Fuller in 1999 as professor and dean of the School of Intercultural Studies (then the School of World Mission) and served as acting provost in 2001 before being appointed provost in 2002.

Before his appointment at Fuller, he served as professor of intercultural studies and provost and senior vice president at Biola University, La Mirada, California from 1983 to 1999 and professor of anthropology at SUNY College at Brockport from 1966 to 1983. He holds a BA from Wheaton College and a PhD in Anthropology from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. Lingenfelter’s field research includes three years in the Yap Islands of Micronesia and short-term research projects with the SIL International in Brazil, Cameroon, and Suriname. He has served as research and training consultant to SIL over the last three decades in Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Philippines, Africa, and Latin America. He also contributes regularly to mission conferences and to missionary candidate training for other evangelical mission organizations. His publications include Teamwork Cross-Culturally: Christ-Centered Solutions for Leading Multinational Teams (coauthored with Julie A. Green, 2022), Leadership in the Way of the Cross: Forging Ministry from the Crucible of Crisis (2018), Ministering Cross-Culturally: A Model for Effective Personal Relationships (coauthored with Marvin K. Mayers, 2016), Transforming Culture: A Challenge for Christian Mission (1998), Agents of Transformation: A Guide for Effective Cross-Cultural Ministry (1996), and Leading Cross-Culturally: Covenant Relationships for Effective Christian Leadership (2008). He also served as coauthor with his wife, Dr. Judith Lingenfelter, for Teaching Cross-Culturally: An Incarnational Model for Learning and Teaching (2003), and with Dr. Paul R. Gupta for Breaking Tradition to Accomplish Vision: Training Leaders for a Church Planting Movement (2006).

More from Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter:

https://fullerstudio.fuller.edu/response-judith-sherwood-lingenfelter/

Amazon: Buy Ministering Cross-Culturally

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Reuben Munn is Senior Pastor of Shore Community Church and an Adjunct Lecturer in Practical Theology at Laidlaw College.

He holds a degree in Communication Studies from AUT and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College. He also holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies from Cincinnati Christian University.

Reuben is particularly passionate about the ministry of preaching and the formation of emerging preachers who can clearly, faithfully and creatively expound the Word of God. He is committed to developing pastors and preachers who can equip people to dwell deeply in the biblical story and live this out in the complex realities of everyday life.

Reuben spent two years as a public relations consultant before joining the staff of Shore Community Church. He has a thriving preaching ministry and his teaching has featured on Shine TV, Radio Rhema and Prime TV. Since 2014 Reuben has taught courses at Laidlaw College including Introduction to Preaching and Pastoral Leadership.

Reuben is married to Anna and they have three boys. He enjoys reading, playing jazz piano and eating Burger Fuel.

Learn more about Shore Community Church: https://www.shorecommunity.church

Listen to Reuben's great sermons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shore-community-church-podcast/id1346871953

Learn from Reuben about preaching: https://www.discipleship.nz/courses/preaching

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Website: menomissions.org

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You first met Nate Hutchison in Season 1, Episode 2.

You met Hamish Taylor in Season 1, Episode 8.

Nate Hutchison is originally from Kentucky, and now he is a dual citizen of New Zealand and the USA! He and his wife, Whitney, along with their three kiddos, planted their first church in ChristChurch, and are now serving with Church Northwest in Auckland. Nate LOVES basketball. Loves it. Plays it. Watches it. And for some reason pulls for the Kentucky Wildcats.

Hamish Taylor, and his wife, Molly, are also church planters in New Zealand. Hamish is a Kiwi! He loves NFL football, specifically the San Francisco 49ers.

To learn more about Hamish, Molly, and their work, visit their website:

https://www.facebook.com/HamishandMollyTaylor

To learn more about Nate, Whitney, and their work visit their website:

http://www.n8andwhitney.com

And to learn more about their church plant, Church Northwest, visits:

https://churchnorthwest.nz

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Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

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Dr. Brian Fikkert, founder and president of The Chalmers Center, is also Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. He is coauthor of the best-selling book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself, as well as Helping Without Hurting in Short-Term Missions, Helping Without Hurting in Church Benevolence, and From Dependence to Dignity: How to Alleviate Poverty Through Church-Centered Microfinance.

Dr. Fikkert earned a Ph.D. in economics from Yale University, specializing in international economics and economic development. He is the author of numerous articles in both academic and popular journals. Prior to coming to Covenant College, he was a professor at the University of Maryland — College Park and a research fellow at the Center for Institutional Reform and the Informal Sector.

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She has worked in holistic community development and family preservation for 11 years. Her experience has created several initiatives that offer holistic services to community members in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. She is the co-founder of a grassroots organization called Konbit Haiti, which provides localized support to family preservation through supplemental programs. In addition to these programs, Stephanie has also established a social enterprise called Konbit Collective, which helps single parents care for their children though various artisan goods sold through this venture. Stephanie holds a Master’s Degree in International Community Development through Northwest University.

For more information on Faith to Action Initiative, visit their website:

https://www.faithtoaction.org

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Visit our website to find out more about Meno...

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In 2009, Tamara & Jeremy Boone left the United States for Jinja, Uganda, and soon began serving in a refugee camp-turned-slum called Masese III. The people who live there fled the high deserts to escape war, child abduction, and famine. Decades later, the community still struggles to survive each day and is aid dependent. Though many of them say they are Christians their community is largely devoid of any tangible evidence of God’s love. Jeremy and Tamara are sure that God has called and sent them, alongside of others, to share the gospel in word and deed with the hope He will bring His Karamojong children to Himself.

Today, the Karamojong in Masese Slum are at risk of being displaced again as the town dismantles the community to make room for development. Nearly everyone is at a loss about where they will go or what they will do. As the community disappears, it is clearer than ever that Jesus’ call to disciple is the only way to make a long-term, eternal impact among the Karamojong tribe. Jeremy and Tamara currently seek discipling relationships through three platforms: financial training and job creation, advocacy, and church planting.Since being in Uganda, they have adopted two children, Gloria and Evan, as well as given birth to two more, Karis and Samantha.Jeremy and Tamara also serve as Member Care Associates for Equip International, providing support and encouragement for all Equip missionaries in order to increase their resilience and effectiveness in the field.

To learn more about Tamara & Jeremy, check out this video!

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Michael is married to Carolyn, and they have four adult children. Carolyn and Michael attend Orewa Community Church in Auckland.

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To earn his DMIN, Mitch researched and wrote: Crossing the Great Divide: Advocating for Cultural Intelligence in the Training of Missionaries to Navigate the Missiological Implications of Globalization. His dissertation centers on how cultural intelligence training and assessments can be used to assist international workers in dealing with the implications of globalization. And that's what today's episode is ALL about! Cultural Intelligence! Enjoy, friends!

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Meet Michelle Osborn!

“My sweet husband Andy and precious daughters Madeline and Mary make up my family. I have been privileged to serve as Shreveport's First United Methodist Church Local Missions Director since 2015. My background as an English teacher, stay-at-home mom, and community volunteer prepared me for this calling to work in developing relationships with our non-profit community and church membership as we jointly love our neighbors. We partner with local organizations that help transform the lives of those in poverty – whether a poverty of material needs, spiritual intimacy, being, community, or stewardship. We believe that it is our job to connect to those around us rather than to correct behavior and patterns. Through relationships we find true transformation and can live into whom God calls us to be.”

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See Olga's Video HERE!

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Matt's Sending Organization: Inca Link

Soccer Club: Casa Deportiva Cumbre Alta

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Order Dr. Elmer's Books: https://a.co/d/77YfwoK

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Download Julie's Curriculum, But I Wouldn't Do That.

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Patrick and his wife Hannah, a professor of church history, are crazy about their twin boys, Clint and Sam. He loves to play drums and explore God’s creation.

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We love the country that God called us to in Eastern Europe. For years we tried different approaches to build relationships with spiritually hungry people. We met a lot of people through our efforts—that wasn’t the problem. They just weren’t interested in Jesus or spiritual conversations. We were doing “good” things, but it never led to the discipleship relationships we were looking for.

That’s when we decided to try media.

We learned about a strategy from a team in another country using media to catalyze disciple-making movements—or media to movements for short (M2M). In this strategy, media serves as a way to find and connect with those seeking spiritual answers online. But it doesn’t stop there. The goal is to move these relationships offline as quickly as possible and see people become disciples of Jesus who continue making disciples among their friends and family.

It took us six months to launch our first campaign… the response we saw exceeded our expectations. In 20 days we had more engagement with spiritually seeking people than the first 10 years combined! It felt like we had been using a small fishing pole and now we had a large net.

As a result of our first effort, we realized we needed to build systems for prayer, media development and partnerships to follow-up with those who responded. This has become the OneKingdom team.

Since our M2M launch in Bosnia in 2018, God has expanded the use of digital strategies to nearby countries. God continues opening doors to share what we’ve learned in the Balkan region and we now have coached and are coaching 18 other teams across Europe using this same strategy.

Our vision is to see the Great Commission fulfilled in Europe, together. To get there, we want to see media to movement initiatives taking root in all 44 countries in Europe, so that, they too can experience an increase of fruitfulness that ignites a powerful movement of God.

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Ellyn is a native of North Carolina, where she is a member of the First United Methodist Church of Rocky Mount in the North Carolina Annual Conference. She received a Bachelor of Social Work from APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY in Boone, North Carolina, and a master’s degree in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University, Charlotte, in 2011. She also holds a United Methodist certification in Chrisitan education and children’s ministry. Ellyn has worked as a pre-kindergarten teacher, and from 2005 to 2013 was director of children’s ministries at her church in Rocky Mount.

Her parents exposed Ellyn to mission at an early age and she came to understand, she says, that “God’s love is way bigger than his love for me and my loved ones; that it stretched across the world.” She says that God has given her a desire to share her gifts with others. “I am humbled to be a light of Christ wherever he plants me, and am strengthened by faithful trust in the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit.”

Her first mission trip was to Puerto Rico when she was in the fourth grade, the first of many such experiences. “The majority of our work was throughout Central America,” she recalls. “I remember struggling to understand why there were people with so little, when I saw so much materialism in my home country….Then I realized that while others might be poor in material things, I was poor in spiritual things. The people I met on those earliest trips were a witness to me of the joy that is present in a living, dedicated relationship with Jesus Christ.”

Ellyn’s interest in Central America began with her husband, Brian, who felt called to serve the young church there as a long-term volunteer. At first, he planned to spend three months in Central America and three at home, but came to realize more concentrated attention was needed there. The couple moved toward Ellyn becoming a missionary in the place where she had received such a warm welcome when visiting Brian.

In Central America, Ellyn was drawn in by the way in which the church includes children, youth, and women in worship. There are several women pastors. Young people are actively involved in worship leadership and evangelism. “My heart melted in Communion when all the children were served first, a beautiful reminder of Jesus welcoming children in his arms and blessing them,” she says.

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Taking up a call to serve the least, the last, and the lost, David strives to live into John Wesley’s words to “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” As Mission Advocate, David will come alongside conferences and local churches to encounter the Holy Spirit through missional information and mission opportunities. His guidance focuses on healthy partnerships which lead to sustainable mission projects and missionary support.

David is a Texan by birth, but lived for many years in Louisiana, where he is a member of Grace Community United Methodist Church in Shreveport in the Louisiana Annual Conference. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport. From 2004 to 2016, he was a claims specialist for the American Modern Insurance Group, and earlier worked as a marketing representative with Portamedic Medical Services.

David was born into the United Methodist Church, which provided the opportunity for growth in grace and active participation in the Christian community. He developed a deep faith that sculpted his views of service, love, and salvation. He was active on the annual conference and jurisdictional levels of youth ministry. After graduation from a United Methodist-related college he returned to his home church, where he was involved with young adult groups and realized a call to international mission. His special call began during a mission journey to Honduras.

It was during the trip to Honduras that David made two important realizations: “the sense of peace and a tug at the heart while in the mission environment and, second, the love of my now wife, Elizabeth.” Participation in the Disciple’s Path and The 7 Experiment, small-group experiences, convinced David and Elizabeth to trust God and become missionaries.

The couple has two children, Eva and Annie.

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Jessica grew up in Texarkana, TX. When she isn’t working you can find her reading a good book or cooking, especially Tex-Mex. She also loves traveling, writing, listening to podcasts, and laughing! She especially laughs while listening to the the Broken Banquet Podcast!

To learn more about TeachBeyond, visit https://vimeo.com/showcase/4050310/video/235394984.

To learn more about Jessica, visit

https://vimeo.com/showcase/4050310/video/185798930.

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I graduated from Appalachian State University in 2001 with a BS in Political Science, and then went on to Liberty Theological Seminary to earn a Masters of Divinity. In 2016, with a dissertation entitled, “Mind the Gap: Navigating the Pitfalls of Cross-Cultural Partnership,” I completed a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership and Global Perspective at George Fox Evangelical Seminary. While I was recorded (“ordained”) as a Quaker pastor in North Carolina, I am now officially “on loan” to the Louisiana Conference of the United Methodist Church. In church lingo, this designation is “Other Fellowship. My theology is sometimes very confused, though, as I have served at Pine Hill Friends Meeting (NC), ChristChurch Presbyterian (TX), and Herndon UMC (VA)!

Haiti is my second home, and mission is where my heart is. Since 2009, I have logged over 40 trips to Haiti, most in service with Living Waters for the World and Solar Under the Sun, partnering ministries who seek to bring solar-powered clean water systems to communities in need. While in the Port-Au-Prince, Haiti airport in 2013, I met the team from First United Methodist Church in Shreveport. The church had begun to vision what a global mission ministry would look like, and for me, this was a dream job. I joined the FUMC staff on August 1, 2013, and have not stopped traveling the world since. With guidance and prayer from the Global Mission ministry leadership team, First UMC has created partnerships in Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Romania, Czech Republic, Uganda, and Costa Rica, while continuing their work in my beloved Haiti.

The biggest celebration in my life came on January 31, 2020, when I married Christopher Harbuck! We have a sweet black lab named Molly. I am also “mom” to Mackenson, who lives in Haiti, and Chris has two children, Palmer & Kit.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

To learn more about Rob & Lynne, check out this video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/4050310/video/341838187

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Wil went to Costa Rica for the first time when he was 15 years old with a United Methodist Volunteers in Missions youth work team. He went back every chance he got, and by the time he moved to Costa Rica in 2003, he had been 14 times. The majority of those trips were mission work teams. Wil says, "I have known since that first trip that doing mission work in Central America would always be a part of my life." Wil has also been on work teams to Honduras and Belize and spent the Summer of 2001 working with the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Wil spent the Summer of 2002 back in Costa Rica living with a pastor and his family in San Isidro. It was over the course of those three-and-a-half months that God showed Wil that there was a ministry for him in Costa Rica. The week before he left to come back to the States to finish seminary, Wil met with Bishop Fernando Palomo in San Jose, and the Bishop invited him to come to work full-time as a part of the Evangelical Methodist Church of Costa Rica.

In March of 2014 Wil and Yolanda were overjoyed to welcome the newest member of the Costa Rica Mission Projects family, Isabella Caroline Bailey Ulloa. Wil and Yolanda believe that when Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, he taught us, in dramatic fashion, that if we claim to be His followers, we must be servants to one another. Christian service comes in many forms and they believe that they have been called to provide opportunities for churches in Costa Rica and churches from other countries to serve one another and explore what it means for us to be part of a body that extends far beyond the walls of our own individual churches. Their hope is that they might be able to help foster long lasting, fruitful relationships between the congregations who participate in this ministry. It is very important to them that they avoid establishing or reinforcing already existing relationships of dependency, but rather, that the churches involved will discover the benefits of interaction with one another. They understand the communion that takes place across borders, cultures and languages as a glimpse of God's Kingdom and as a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit among us.

To learn more about Wil & Yolanda, watch:

https://youtu.be/o73CY-x06Y4

To learn more about Costa Rica Mission Projects, visit:

http://costaricamissionprojects.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Hunter is also the Director of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative. He worked for thirty-four years as a missionary (in DR Congo and Peru), mission leader (Director of World Mission for the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.), and teacher of mission and intercultural studies (Pittsburgh Theological Seminary). He developed fluency in three languages (Spanish, French and Tshiluba) and earned his Master of Divinity in Cross-Cultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary, the Diplôme d’études approfondies in religious anthropology at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris and a doctorate in anthropology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú.

While living overseas, he received more than sixty short-term mission groups and studied the complex and nuanced interactions between U.S. visitors and Congolese and Peruvian hosts. He has researched and written articles on congregational mission engagement that have been published in Missiology: An International Review, The Journal of Latin American Theology and Christianity Today. He speaks frequently to groups of congregational mission leaders to better understand their concerns and offer them tools to lead their congregations into more faithful and effective mission.

To learn more about Freeing Congregational Mission, visit the website:

https://freeingmission.com

To buy the book, visit:

https://a.co/d/21CrJmk

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

To learn more about Stefania, view her videos, that she absolutely loves filming:

https://vimeo.com/showcase/4050310/video/235960100

https://vimeo.com/showcase/4050310/video/185280043

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

To learn more about Hamish, Molly, and their work, visit their websites:

https://www.facebook.com/HamishandMollyTaylor

https://churchnorthwest.nz

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Rev. Andrew Soon Lee is a missionary serving in Cambodia with the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) He was commissioned in the spring of 2017 and appointed as a missionary in Cambodia in July 2017. He moved to Cambodia from Hawaii with his wife, Janice Lee, and two daughters, Serena and Reina.

To learn more about ministry in Cambodia, visit https://umccambodia.org.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Learn more about Whitney:

http://www.n8andwhitney.com

https://churchnorthwest.nz

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Brian, and his wife Ellyn, serve faithfully in El Salvador. One of the most exciting things Ashley learned about Brian is they were both attending Appalachian State University AT THE SAME TIME! Learn more about Brian by checking out his website:

https://www.salvadoranmissionprojects.com

And check out the Broken Banquet website for photos of the CAR CRASH!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

To learn more about Nate, visit:

http://www.n8andwhitney.com

https://churchnorthwest.nz

Visit our website - brokenbanquetpodcast.com - for bonus videos!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com