MissionSmart: Recent Episodes
David & Vicki Frazier
Practical Advice for Global Missions -- David & Vicki Frazier use their 35+ years of experience in global missions, 20 of which were living abroad, to discuss a variety of topics related to global missions, with the goal of offering wise and practical counsel. They lead a ministry called Equipping Servants International, which exists to equip and mobilize the whole body of Christ to better fulfill God’s mission to reach all peoples, both at home and abroad. Their book MissionSmart:15 Critical Questions To Ask Before Launching Overseas is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle. This MissionSmart podcast is another tool they use to equip people.
Episode 89 — Respecting Culture
- David shares from the heart about the incredible value of respecting culture.
- Our first and most important posture when attempting to pass on the message of the Gospel is humility which is demonstrated by listening, observing, learning the culture, the language, the history so that we can see the Gospel not only be received but take root among a people.
Episode 88 — Being Church
- Developing the habits of being church now before heading overseas
- Learning to do the one anothers organically both will help you survive and leave a model to the locals what being church is about.
Episode 87 — Do Go Overseas if…
- We’re talking about all the right reasons to go into overseas missions
- We remind listeners again to go back and listen to earlier sessions on these topics.
Episode 86 — Don’t Go Overseas if…
- We’re talking about all the wrong reasons to go into overseas missions
- We remind listeners to go back and listen to earlier sessions on these topics.
Episode 85 — Deciding Where to Go
- Sharing about the different ways the Lord guides us to where to serve.
- Looking at how God uses Scripture, prayer, experiences, giftings in decision making.
Episode 84 — Funny Stuff No One Told Us – Part 2
- Laughing about all the things no one told us about the life of an overseas missionary.
- Navigating plumbing, furloughs, balance, boundaries w/ co-workers, sewage, and more.
Episode 83 — Funny Things Nonone Told You Part 1
- Laughing about all the things noone told you about the life of an overseas missionary.
- Navigating markets, neighbors, toilets, parking, water cuts, and many more.
Episode 81 — Pressures on the Field Part 1
- Talking about the variety of pressures that missionaries experience, some external, some internal.
Episode 80 — Is Language Really Necessary?
- Talking about how missions strategies and realities have changed regarding language learning.
- As you consider your decision on how much to invest in learning the language, consider your goals, the long-term impact, and effectiveness of English based ministry.
- Patiently investing time to learn the heart language of a people group well can bear much fruit.
Episode 79— Interview with David & Vicki
- Done by Christine Paterson w/ Field Partner Int’l (www.fieldpartner.org)
- David & Vicki tell their story and share about their ESI ministry
Episode 78 — GO Week 2023: His Mission, My Job - Part 2 01-15-2023
- David & Barrett Bowden teach on God’s Mission & being a Missional Professional
Episode 77 — GO Week 2023: His Mission, My Job - Part 1
- David & Barrett Bowden teach on God’s Mission & being a Missional Professional
Episode 76 — Celebrating Holidays Overseas
- Talking about all the aspects of celebrating holidays, both for yourselves and the local community.
- Considering religious and national holidays from your own country and your host country.
Episode 75 Cross-cultural Relationships Pt 2
- David & Vicki talk about navigating all the dynamics of building cross-cultural relationships, how to go deeper and establish genuine friendships.
Episode 74 Cross-cultural Relationships Pt 1
- David & Vicki talk about navigating all the dynamics of building cross-cultural relationships, how to go deeper and establish genuine friendships.
Episode 73 Dualism vs Integration Pt 2
- David & Vicki talk about the problem of dualism vs. missional integration in ministry.
- Living & working with an integral mission mindset means rejecting dualism, embracing a both/and, and walking a balanced life.
Episode 72 Dualism vs Integration Pt 1
- David & Vicki talk about the problem of dualism vs. missional integration in ministry.
- Living & working with an integral mission mindset means rejecting dualism, embracing a both/and, and walking a balanced life.
Episode 70 — Re-Entry Strategies
- David & his close friend Dr. Bill Maynard talk about right thinking about returning from field.
- They discuss things to consider when preparing for re-entry.
Episode 70 — Re-Entry Strategies
- David & his close friend Dr. Bill Maynard talk about right thinking about returning from field.
- They discuss things to consider when preparing for re-entry.
Episode 69 — Is God at Work?
- Talking about the journey of faith in life, learning to trust in God’s good and sovereign hand.
- Getting faith from the mind to the heart, from knowledge to experience.
Episode 68 — Culture Shock & Depression Pt 3
- Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically.
- We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas.
Episode 67 — Culture Shock & Depression Pt 2
- Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically.
- We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas.
Episode 66 — Culture Shock & Depression Pt 1
- Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically.
- We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas.
Episode 65 — Educating Children Overseas Pt2
- Talking about all that is involved in educating kids overseas.
- The wisdom of researching all options, being open to new paradigms, and considering the advantages of each option and the dangers as well.
Episode 64 — Educating Children Overseas Pt1
- Talking about all that is involved in educating kids overseas.
- The wisdom of researching all options, being open to new paradigms, and considering the advantages of each option and the dangers as well.
Episode 63 — Parents & Grandparents Pt 3
- David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.
Episode 62 — Parents & Grandparents Pt 2
- David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.
Episode 61 — Parents & Grandparents Pt 1
- David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.
Episode 60 — Calling
- David is interviewed by Weston Downing on The Long Run Podcast
- They talk about the meaning of a life calling and practical ways to discover it.
Episode 59 — Money & Missions Pt 1
- David & Vicki give practical advice regarding money and missions.
- They give wisdom from their experiences and knowledge that cover pre-field, on-field and re-entry.
Episode 58 — Money & Missions Pt 1
- David & Vicki give practical advice regarding money and missions.
- They give wisdom from their experiences and knowledge that cover pre-field, on-field and re-entry.
Episode 57 — Sermon: Global Christians
- David’s sermon at Island Community Church in Memphis, TN – Continued….
- It was part of a 3 week global missions focus month.
- David explains how all followers of Christ should be global Christians, fulfilling their role in God’s mission to all peoples on the earth.
Episode 56 — Sermon: Global Christians
- David’s sermon at Island Community Church in Memphis, TN
- It was part of a 3 week global missions focus month.
- David explains how all followers of Christ should be global Christians, fulfilling their role in God’s mission to all peoples on the earth.
Episode 55 — Caring for Missionaries Pt. 2
- Talking about ways for churches, family and friends can care for missionaries on the field.
Episode 54 — Caring for Missionaries Pt. 1
- Talking about ways for churches, family and friends can care for missionaries on the field.
Episode 53 — Resolving Conflict on the Field Pt. 2
- Talking about co-workers, friendships, conflict resolution on the field.
- Discussing points from 2 articles: Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution in Teamsand What missionaries ought to know about Conflict
Episode 52 — Resolving Conflict on the Field Pt. 1
- Talking about co-workers, friendships, conflict resolution on the field.
- Discussing points from 2 articles: Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution in Teamsand What missionaries ought to know about Conflict
Episode 51 — Authenticity & Community Pt. 2
- Interview w 2 friends who teach in Central Asia
Episode 50 — Authenticity & Community Pt. 1
- Interview w 2 friends who teach in Central Asia
Episode 49 — Healing from Trauma Part 2
- Vicki discusses healing from trauma with friend Kellye.
Kellye is a master facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute (https://traumahealinginstitute.org)
Episode 48 — Healing from Trauma Part 1
- Vicki discusses healing from trauma with friend Kellye.
- Kellye is a master facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute (https://traumahealinginstitute.org)
Episode 47 — Hot & Cold Cultures - Time & Planning
- Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
- Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view of time and planning
Episode 46 — Hot & Cold Cultures - Hospitality & Context
- Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
- Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view hospitality
Episode 45 — Hot & Cold Cultures - Group vs Individual
- Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
- Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view group and individual orientations
Episode 44 — Hot & Cold Cultures - Relationships & Communication
- Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
- Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view relationships and communication
Episode 43 — Faith & ESL - Part 3
- Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center
Episode 42 — Faith & ESL - Part 1
- Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center
Episode 41 — Faith & ESL - Part 1
- Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center
Episode 40 — Introverts and Extroverts
- David & VIcki discuss their introvert and extrovert differences and how it impacts how they live and work together.
- Understanding and respecting these differences are extremely important for teams and those in leadership roles.
Episode 39 — Boundaries Pt 1: Marriage & Family
- Interview w/ Dr. Bill Finnell
- Setting boundaries in regards to your marriage / family and work / ministry overseas.
Episode 38 — Boundaries Pt 1: Personal Work & Ministry
- Interview w/ Dr. Bill Finnell
- Setting boundaries for yourself in work or ministry particularly in an overseas environment.
Episode 37 — Ignoring Our Humanity Pt2
- Interview with Laura -- Part 2
- Discussing the problem of ignoring our humanity, or what Vicki and Laura have decided to call “under-spiritualizing” our humanity.
Episode 36 — Ignoring Our Humanity Pt1
- Interview with Laura -- Part 1
- Discussing the problem of ignoring our humanity, or what Vicki and Laura have decided to call “under-spiritualizing” our humanity.
Episode 35 — Sending Good Newsletters
- Practical tips for sending helpful, attractive newsletters.
- The value of getting honest constructive feedback from others.
Episode 34 — Photography & Missions Pt 2
- Interview with humanitarian photographer Emily Frazier continued
Episode 33 — Photography & Missions Pt 1
- Interview with humanitarian photographer Emily Frazier
Episode 32 — Missionaries Mentoring One AnotherPart 2
- Interview with Dr. Wendy continued
- Continuing the conversation about mentoring, particularly how to implement mentoring organizationally
Episode 31 — Missionaries Mentoring One Another Part 1
- Interview with Dr. Wendy
- Explaining the benefits and challenges in cross-cultural workers mentoring one another
Episode 30 — Developing a healthy support network
- Those heading abroad to do work and ministry overseas need a symphony of people to establish a healthy support network.
- Explaining the 6 Pillars of Support for missionary endeavors.
Episode 29 - “How We Go” - Pathway to Global Missions Sermon
- Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
- This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.
Episode 28— “Where We Go - The Unreached” Sermon - Part 1
- Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
- This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.
Episode 29 — “To Whom We Go - All Peoples” Sermon
- Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
- This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.
Espiode 26 — “Why We Go - Blessed to be a Blessing” Sermon - Part 1
- Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
- This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.
- Looking at the biblical foundation of global missions, specifically in the Old Testament.
Episode 25 — Learning from Nationals
- Interview with our friend Stella about her experiences w/ missionaries in her country.
- Talking about the right posture, approach and platform for missionaries.
Episode 24 — Role of a Humble Learner
- Playing the listener, the humble learner as we enter a country and continuing this posture in order to see the pure Gospel principles communicated w/out our culture and integrated into theirs.
- Remembering our role is temporary -- we must defer to locals and always seeking to empower them to reach their own in their own cultural appropriate ways -- this is long term effectiveness.
Episode 23 — You can’t do it all
- Luke 14:28 “...sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
- Prov.15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but w many advisers they succeed.”
- Culture shift to many interests, many careers, many passions…..this coupled with cultural imperative to be “productive” can keep us from focusing our energy for our goals.
Episode 22 — Preventing early exit from field Pt. 2
- Finding the balance between having grit and suffering and knowing when to make a change.
- Talking about tools needed in problem solving, including our personal experiences.
Episode 21 — Preventing early exit from field Pt. 1
- We’re looking at the issues that can lead to an early exit from the field,
- Ways to approach problems and solve them.
Episode 20 — Dealing w/ Co-workers Leaving
- Grieving the loss when close friends leave the field
- Trusting God’s provision & getting creative to find new solutions
Episode 19 — Finding Solutions for Church Life
- Navigating the options for church life
- Taking initiative to meet your spiritual needs in a variety of ways
Episode 18 — Language Learning Together
- The importance of mastering the language in the early years
- Learning & respecting our different learning styles
Episode 17 — Loneliness and Friendships
- Dealing with loneliness in the early years.
- Building new friendships on the field
Episode 16 — Confessions of a Missionary Couple
- Our personal journey through evaluating our own motivations in global missions.
- Personal reflections of how some incorrect thinking affected us as we went and after arrived on the field.
Episode 15 — Dangers in Wrong Thinking about Missions Pt2
- Continue to talk about how wrong thinking about moving overseas for missions.
- It’s so important to have people in our lives who ask us the hard questions regarding our motivations, expectations and the big decisions in our lives.
- Part 2 is mostly about how wrong thinking can have destructive effects on how we treat others around us, like spouses, our children, teammates and even those we’re serving.
Episode 14 — Dangers in Wrong Thinking about Missions Pt1
- Talking openly about all the mixed motivations, hopes and expectations we can tie to overseas ministry.
- Learning to be honest with our hearts and others regarding our motivations and expectations
- Part 1 is mostly about how wrong thinking can have destructive effects on us personally.
Ep 13 Being Single on a Mission Team
- Interview with our friend and missionary member-care specialist Misty
- The broader concept of intimacy that we need as people in the Body of Christ, both as married and single people
- Experiences and patterns of thinking that can encourage falling into a dark place and ways to move toward hope and thriving
Ep 12 Airports and Borders Closing
- How do the present changes in global travel and border limits affect missions?
- How can we respond to these limitations from a global missions perspective?
- How will we need to adjust with these changes now and in the future?
Ep 11 Missions and the Single Woman
- Vicki interviews her friend Kristin who has lived overseas as a single woman
- What are some of the issues a single woman needs to consider as a single woman?
- What did you find were the unique challenges and advantages in living abroad as a single woman?
Ep 10 Enjoying another culture Pt.2
- Immersing yourself in another culture allows you to see yourself and your own culture differently and learn to hold your views of everything more lightly.
- Rearing a family in a family / community-based culture enriches your family.
- Warm cultures better reflect the culture of the Bible and help you understand the Bible better.
Ep 09 Enjoying another culture Pt.1
- Living overseas in another culture enriches your life and the life of your family.
- Experiencing another culture allows you to see another perspective.
- Learning another language gives you a second self and view of life and the world.
- “Why do I want to go overseas?” “Why do I want to be missionary?” “What’s inside motiving me?”
- We always have a mixture of motivations in things we do, and it’s vital to be aware of this.
- Wrong motivations can destroy you and your relationships, but with humble and honest understanding of motivations and healthy input from others, we can make sound decisions.
Ep 07 Grieving in transitions - w/ Bill Finnell
- An interview w/ Bill Finnell who works at Sanctuary Counseling Center in Memphis, TN.
- What makes a transition overseas or back home particularly difficult?
- What is grieving and what does it mean to grieve well?
Ep 06 Marriage and missions Pt. 2
- What did we do to protect and strengthen our marriage through the years overseas?
- While a couple may have access to organizational conferences, member care counselors, and input from pastors and friends, learning self care / self maintenance is vital to survive and thrive in their relationship.
Ep5. Marriage and missions Pt.1
- Why is marriage such an important topic when considering overseas missions?
- Discussing the unique struggles for couples living and working in the overseas missions environment and what lessons helped us maintain a strong marriage.
Developing life skills before you go
- What life skills are important to learn before launching overseas?
- Discussing areas regarding practical life skills related to money, personal responsibility, dependability, self-discipline, resolving relational conflict, appealing to authority, relational boundaries, and others.
Practicing Your Calling
- Why it’s important to start practicing your calling into cross-cultural ministry now, before you go overseas.
- Personal stories and practical ideas for making lifestyle changes that help prepare you for cross-cultural life and work.
Discerning God’s Will
— To enrich one of the topics within our book MissionSmart, we’ll discuss how God guided us as we made life decisions using the following in unison:
- Scripture
- Prayer
- Circumstances,
- Counsel