Bridges for Mission (B4M): Recent Episodes
Short Term Mission
Welcome to Bridges 4 Mission Podcast.What is it like to serve overseas as God's ambassadors? How does the Kingdom of God look around the globe? Through International Ministries’ Bridges 4 Mission Podcast, we bring the answers to these and other mission-related questions directly to you. Join us as we interview a diverse group of servants working in a variety of capacities around the world. Volunteers, Theologians, Ministers of the Gospel will explore the rapidly changing world of Short-Term Missions (STM) and how being incarnational manifests itself in very unique ways. We will hear firsthand testimonies of individuals who have taken a leap of faith to serve internationally, and hear from others who are still undecided. We trust that you’ll soon discover how God equips all of us for the tasks we are called to, recognizing that we don't do this discernment process alone. We remain encouraged when interruptions in plans become God moments to create beautiful bridges for ministry. We hope that this new B4M Podcast will invite you into seeing possibilities of being the hands and feet of Christ. We live in hope and love, which neither can be silenced, nor ignored. Welcome to Bridges 4 Mission. We’re glad you have found us.
In this episode, you will hear from Sharon, a young adult currently in college and blazing her own path as a young leader. She will share insights on what it means to be a leader at a young age, and she will share some of her own ministries she is currently involved with and leading.
Gabi Perez shares about her and her husband's journey since attending the Hear The Call retreat and the World Mission Conference in Wisconsin. Ms. Perez defines what partnership means to her and her husband as they do cross-cultural ministry.
In this current season of life, is God leading you through a season of harvest or a season of planting?
Let us know where God is calling you. You can email us at volunteers@internationalministries.org
This episode is part 2 of the Emerging Leaders Cohort members spending a week in Puerto Rico. In this episode, the team will talk in detail about the opportunities they had serving from both the indoor team and the outdoor team. They will also share insights into the personal impact these 3 days had on their own journey.
The Emerging Leaders Cohort (ELC) members had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week together this June in Puerto Rico. The team spent 3 days serving the community, a day in retreat, and 3 days at ABC’s Biennial Mission Summit. In this episode, the ELC share about their experience of being in person after a year of Zoom meetings.
Rev. Dr. Sam-Peal and his staff, and Dr. Belinda Davis, member of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Virginia share what they feel are the benefits of cross-cultural and global partnerships.
In this episode you will hear more from the 5 that traveled and served in Japan. These team members will share more about how they were able to serve the local community through family camp, work days, and various gatherings.
In this episode you will hear about the wonderful opportunities a team of 5 had in Japan while on a short-term mission trip to immerse in the local culture. Hear from the team members first hand as they describe what they have experienced and the impact it had on their lives.
This episode focuses on chapters 1-6 of the gospel of Luke. In this episode, you will hear from 2022 Trailblazer Emerging Leaders Cohort members Nora and Adrian. Click the link below to listen to the remaining Ruminating on the Revolutionary episodes. https://vimeo.com/813617449
In this episode, the 2022 Trailblazer Emerging Leaders Cohort produced their very own podcast entitled: Ruminating on the Revolutionary. In the episodes to follow, you will hear their thoughts on the gospel of Luke. This episode is their introduction and breakdown of their episodes.
Here is an opportunity to listen to a conversation Jesse Kroeze, Executive Director of Touch the World Ministries, had with the staff at the Short-Term Mission desk at International Ministries.
Mrs. Marianne Awaraji joins B4M in this episode to share more about her role as Director of Audience Relations and how her team reaches and interacts with the audience from the MENA region, who follows their various programming. Mrs. Awaraji shares how her faith is refreshed while serving others.
You have followed their journey from pre-conference preparations, daily reflections, and powerful interviews during the conference. Now be with these four Emerging Leaders as they begin the debrief process from Urbana 22’. In this last Urbana episode, reflect with these young adults as they share their favorite highlights and opportunities for growth during Urbana 22’ Rise Up Conference.
In this episode, our four Emerging Leaders interview different participants during the Urbana conference. Join them as they grow in relationship with their small group members, get to know other young adults who share a passion for God’s Kingdom and mission work, and more.
Be a fly on the wall as the four ELC members continue their takeover of B4M. In this episode, you will hear three of IM’s Global Servants interview the four ELC members and vice versa. These questions will center around “What is mission” and the Urbana conference experience.
From December 28th – 31st, four ELC members attended InterVarsity’s Urbana “Rise Up” Conference. In this episode, follow along with each ELC member as they reflect on two daily questions: What was one joy or challenge you experienced today, and how did you experience God?
Five Emerging Leaders’ Cohort members are attending Urbana 22’ in Indianapolis, IN, on December 28th – 31st. The Urbana Conference is a student-centered missions conference designed to connect young adults with mission organizations and resources and to experience the world of short-term and long-term missions. In this episode, you will hear insights from the 5 Emerging Leaders’ Cohort members as they each prepare for this possibly life-changing conference.
https://urbana.org/
Rev. Dr. Bill Pope, former missionary and pastor, continues to shed more light on the importance of having emergency insurance when serving abroad as a volunteer. Rev. Dr. Pople ministers through MissionSafe (www.missionsafe.com).
Rev. Dr. Bill Pope, former missionary and pastor, sheds light on the importance of having emergency insurance when traveling. Rev. Dr. Pople ministers through MissionSafe (www.missionsafe.com), a trusted ministry partner with SOE, www.missionexcellence.global, our accredited short-term mission agency.
Join the conversation with Alise Juanes, as she shares the value debriefings have in the course of short-term mission trips. Making time to reflect on God centered moments that have impacted the short-term mission journey, the hosts, and the volunteers.
What does it mean to be emotionally, spiritually, and physically prepared as cross-cultural servants? Listen to Rev. Rob Kirbach, as he shares his perspective on being "de-constructed" by God while serving.
Minister Nicole Cox and Rev. Sandra Dorsainvil share lessons learned and blessings received globally through this unique podcast.
Listen to Senior Pastor Rev. James Williams who shares his passion for short-term mission, and encouraging others to be transformed being the hands and feet of Christ in partnerships with others.
Join the conversation with Senior Pastor Laura Ayala, who reflects on the definition of partnership, and how God is at work in the region of Puerto Rico. The blessings to serve, receive, be supported, and cared for by many who desire to enter into missional partnerships. The blessings of seeing the Holy Spirit at work in people's hearts has enriched Pastor Ayala's faith and ministry.
Be part of this conversation with staff from SAT-7 and the Baptist Seminary in Madrid, Spain, who were first time attendees at the 2022 World Mission Conference at Green Lake, Wisconsin. The world was present. This episode reflects it, as you will hear conversations in English and in Spanish.
Join Dennis Wiens, SAT-7 leader, as he shares about the impact SAT-7 has had in the MENA region. Listen to him explain the impact SAT-7 has had locally in the US, with partners like IM, and the collaborative efforts around the globe. SAT-7 shares the message of hope through its satellite broadcasting. Join us in special 3-Day Mission Express immersion with SAT-7 on 9/13, 9/14 & 9/15 https://portal.internationalministries.org/global-service-opportunities/record/a073m00000p9ZA2AAM
Enjoy how the multi-lingual IM Staff, Deb Savage, and Paty Contreras, define partnerships and the importance of speaking heart languages with global partners. You will also hear from Dr. Alia Abboud, whose recording was done at a time when internet and electricity were unstable in Lebanon. Dr. Abboud emphasizes the value of a multi-track approach to partnerships.
Rev. Sharon Koh, Joyce Bagiraneza and Rev. Marc Kirchoff share about International Ministries and the various partners in ministry who support God's mission cross-culturally. They express deep gratitude towards all those who understand, sustain, and embrace mission through partnerships.
Join two current Emerging Leaders from the Trailblazers cohort group who share with listeners their journeys of faith and what has led them to being part of the 2022 Emerging Leaders' initiative. Listen to how God has guided them through scars, healing, and purposeful moments in being Christian servant leaders.
Be part of this special conversation with two of our Emerging Leaders Connector Cohort Members who share how they connected to this discipleship program at IM, what inspires them as God's servants, and their aspirations. May you be encouraged by the wisdom you receive.
Melanie Baggao shares about her faith journey, her call, and how she faces the joys and challenges of being a servant-leader as a Christian. Be encouraged by Melanie's words of wisdom to youth and young adults, and how attendance at the Urbana conference contributed to affirming her call to serve cross-culturally.
Join in conversation with Pastor Paula Alexander and her husband Deacon Harolton Alexander from Bethlehem Baptist Church in Holyoke, MA. They share with us what it means to serve as a couple as co-laborers in Kingdom building. They also challenge us to think broadly about seeing God at work on short-term mission trips through lived experiences, listening, learning, and the willingness to see Jesus in broader lenses.
Join the conversation with Shameika Black, current seminarian at Palmer Theological Seminary. Listen to what she shares about her preparation to serve virtually for now on cross-cultural short-term missions, how she encourages other listeners to step out in faith with God to face the unknown to serve globally.
A conversation with Claire Walker who shares about discovering the world of mission, and how God meets her when doubts and fears permeated her heart. Claire shares about her faith and God's invitations to be community at the local, national and international levels.
A conversation with first-time volunteer, Blake Schinzler, who shares his experience of being God's disciple alongside IM global servants in Debrecen (Hungary). Hear how Blake is adjusting to a new culture, new language, and being stretched out of his comfort zone.
Join the B4M co-creators and their guest, June Bunce, as they address her emotional, physical, and spiritual preparation as a new short-term mission volunteer. Fear can stop many from doing what God is calling them to do. Listen to June's sharing about her discipleship journey with the Short-Term Mission desk.
Dr. Season Mussey shares how God has used her love for teaching to serve cross-culturally. She refers to the adventurous obedience of the "I" that has evolved into a "We" as God's servants. Dr. Mussey shares her heart and examples of how the use of technology has kept the world connected and not stagnant in isolation. May you be encouraged and trust God's nudges in noticing bread crumbs.
Conversation with Jorge Medero, president of the IM board of trustees who shares the impact short-term mission has had on his life. STM staff reflect on the past sixteen months.
A conversation with Rev. Dr. Daniel Chetti who shares his pioneering ministry efforts at the Arab Baptist Seminary in Lebanon where students from different religions delve into God's sacred Word together in peace. Listeners will also hear about the Enduring Love ministry which supports a number of servants from and to the MENA region.
Join Rev. Dr. Marie Onwubuariri & Rev. Dr. Stan Slade as they unpack living into Acts 1:8 in myriad of cross-cultural local and global settings as bridge makers, exposed to other norms and cultures. How might we become better facilitators of learning with Christ in today's world? What does it mean to be in mission with Jesus and engage in active Kingdom building?
A conversation with Dr. Julian Brown and Jorge Damasceno who share about a special ministry in the rural village of Kikavu in Tanzania. They share about the journey and how Health Amplifiers have been able to address health disparities, bridge educational gaps, raise environmental awareness through interfaith partnership with local volunteers and village chiefs.
Mike Mann shares the history of coffee from the hill tribes in Thailand to the world and how it has been a platform to address economic injustices. The impact coffee has had for thirty years and maintained fair trade standards. To learn more, visit https://itdfinternational.org/
Be informed by what Development & Communication Staff, Pelagie Tuyisenge, shares about the ministry of nonviolent education and social justice awareness that PHARP launched in 1994 in Kenya. A ministry that touches cities and villages within Kenya, surrounding countries and with volunteers coming from Europe and Americas.
Drs. Anita & Rick Gutierrez explain in great details the impact gardening and poultry industry has had on outreach ministry with local partners. They also share its positive impact on engaging residents to help address health disparities. New ways of investing into people's health through economic development strategies.
A conversation with Rev. Gardner and Rev. Hannem from the Canadian Baptist Ministries will inform all of you in recognizing your own cultural lenses and their impact as you serve as volunteers in unfamiliar contexts. Hear through the conversation examples of transformation and how to best accompany others to deepening Christ like relationships.
Description: Join the conversation with Tory Ruark, COO of Standards of Excellence (SOE), who speaks to the importance of honoring the seven standards to provide short-term mission opportunities well, remain God-centered and hear the voice of the global church.
Listen to a conversation the co-producers of B4M have with Liam, a recent high school graduate. Liam has chosen to do a gap year to find his path and listen to God's plan for him. In this episode, you will hear how Liam is doing to prepare himself emotionally, spiritually, and physically for the adventures God has made possible.
Be part of a rich conversation with two seminarians, Erika Birdsall and Andrew Wong, from Palmer and Fuller seminaries. Listen to how they define themselves as becoming emerging leaders and first followers, as they gain more experience, more theoretical understanding about ministry and put that knowledge into practice. They share with B4M how at times, they are the token young voice and how they navigate stereotypes.
Join and be inspired by a conversation that Tim Dedrick at Touch The World and Nicole Cox at International Ministries have about engaging youth, students and young adults who desire to serve as God's servants. Touch The World has developed extensive trainings for youth and students who desire to serve locally, nationally, and internationally. The new initiative at International Ministries, Emerging Leaders, wants to create space and invite youth and young adults to ask those hard faith questions while being equipped and prepared to serve alongside partners and global servants globally. Both ministries want youth, students, and young adults to acknowledge the shift in their hearts and decide with God how to be and act on what has been learned on the mission field.
Rev. Madeline Flores-Lopez and Ketly Pierre, two IM global servants who host and coordinate volunteers and teams in the Dominican Republic share some of the realities and behind the scenes logistics they must attend to before they welcome volunteers. They both speak of what it is like to "see and feel" the presence of Jesus on the mission field. Experience their testimonies in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.
A life-giving conversation with retired global servants, Dr. Steve James and Nurse Nancy James, who served jointly appointed by Cooperative Baptist Fellowship and International Ministries, as God's ambassadors to help bring positive impact to healthcare injustices in Haiti and servant leadership training in Asia and the US. They share how God surprised them along the way in Kingdom building, as they hosted volunteers and spread shalom for greater systemic and holistic healing. Be inspired by their definition of the economy of God's love.
This episode with IM global servants Rev. JD & Rhonda Reed will broaden listeners' knowledge on hosting teams. They share what it is like for volunteers to learn from mobile medical clinics in Bolivia. We discover what it is it like to be stretched by God in a foreign land and develop lasting cross-cultural ministry relationships, as goers and receivers.
An enriching conversation with Steve Corbett, co-author of When Helping Hurts. Listen to Mr. Corbett share how we can fall in love with the Church while serving, making sure short-term teams don't do long-term hurt and to help teams focus on the real work that surfaces back at the home base. The importance to allow God to use us as vessels for kingdom work.
Our young adult trailblazers step out in faith like Peter. Join us to hear the wonderful journeys that Katie Henry and Leta and Anthony Resolve have traveled.
How often do you stop and listen to the voices of the youth in your church? Hear from two young adult missionary kids who want their voices heard, for they have a story to tell.
An informative and encouraging conversation between Rev. Dr. Cassandra Jones and Rev. Lisa Autry who share about the importance of preparation of teams before they decide to serve cross-culturally around the globe. A good reminder that Mission is the sending of God.
Listen to pastor Dennis Strawn share how short-term mission trips impacted his heart and the thirst he had to get his congregation in Illinois involve. Relationships have been formed and God has enlarged the circle of friendships between Illinois and Costa Rica.
Leaning on history to strengthen relationships within the Asian Alliance to help spread the gospel and be Christ's servants. A conversation between Rev. Michele Turek and Katharine Hsiao.
A conversation between Dr. Paul Rollet, global servant in The Philippines and Rev. James Williams, pastor in Philadelphia where they share about the special ministry with those who may be considered poor by the world but rich by God. May you be transformed.
Rev. Dr. Cassandra Jones shares how her journey in performing arts has enriched her ministry and call as a theology professor, preacher and encourager to seminarians.
Hear how God humbled Mark Gutierrez' heart while he served alongside his parents in South Africa. Mark shares how life as a missionary kid prepared him to see and witness the greater preparation for Kingdom building.
A conversation with Lynne Punnett and Ms. Josie Wyne, where they share how experiencing God through the people you meet and with whom you serve cross-culturally will speak to your hearts.
Be inspired by what Pastor Reeves shares today with STM staff on the history of NAAMC, National African American Missions Council, it's vision, goals, and passion in mobilizing Black congregations and God's servants to head for the mission field. We are grateful to collaborate and support NAAMC.
In this episode you will hear from Dr. Deborah Winters, Old Testament Professor at Palmer Theological Seminary, and Ordained Pastor in the United Church of Christ. Dr. Winters has spent much of her ministry as a trailblazer in both her pastoral leadership roles and in her teaching career. In this episode you will hear of her journey with God and how limits and barriers have been opened for women in ministry.
In this episode, you will hear two Special Assistants for International Ministries share their passion for God's mission. Rev. James Williams, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Philadelphia interviews Rev. Dr. Ray Charles, a witness for Jesus through Righteous Leadership Ministry and A Ray of Light Ministries. Be part of this special encounter as you listen.
Have you ever felt the nudge to serve as God's ambassador cross-culturally and wondered how to go about it? In this episode, you will hear from Dr. Ann E. C. Borquist, IM Global Consultant, Ms. Devon Nassif, Graphic Designer and STM staff on the new leader's guide, entitled Short-Term Mission Essentials - Together On The Journey. Be inspired to discover more with God. The guide can be purchased through Amazon, Barnes & Noble & BookBaby.
A conversation with Dr. David Bronkema, Dean of Palmer Theological Seminary & College in PA. Listen to his testimony, and how God used him as a translator to start molding him as God's servant in the classroom and the mission field in South America.
What sets International Ministries apart in their commitment to short-term missions? The international arm of the American Baptist Churches, USA has been part of the Great Commission for 206 years. IM is the oldest mission agency in North America. Listen to Rev. Sharon Koh & Rev. Jim Bell share how God is opening partnerships between individuals, congregations and partners.