Gospel & Grit: Recent Episodes
Overland Missions
Welcome to Gospel & Grit, where we invite you into the conversations and testimonies coming straight from the front lines where our Overland Missionaries are pioneering the Gospel to remote and neglected peoples. Our goal is to empower you to grab the Gospel and get the Grit to do whatever it takes to fulfill your calling in Christ.
In this powerful two-part conversation, Jessi Schwertfeger and Pete Myszka share the unforgettable story of a car accident that could have defined their lives with trauma but didn’t. Instead, they walked out without the “smell of smoke.”
We unpack what it means to face fear, cling to faith, and embrace love in the middle of chaos. If you’ve ever wrestled with trauma, anxiety, or moments that shake you to the core, these episodes will give you language, hope, and tools to walk through fire without being burned.
In this powerful two-part conversation, Jessi Schwertfeger and Pete Myszka share the unforgettable story of a car accident that could have defined their lives with trauma but didn’t. Instead, they walked out without the “smell of smoke.”
We unpack what it means to face fear, cling to faith, and embrace love in the middle of chaos. If you’ve ever wrestled with trauma, anxiety, or moments that shake you to the core, these episodes will give you language, hope, and tools to walk through fire without being burned.
The Bible calls us to equip the saints for the work of ministry — and Liezl Pienaar, founder of the Kids on Fire Movement, believes that includes children too. Together with a dedicated worldwide team, she is empowering young believers to step into their calling, and the results are incredible — children ministering with signs, wonders, and miracles! Hear the full story of how God is moving through these young saints in this inspiring episode.
The work in West Africa began in an unexpected way. During an event in Zambia, a traditional queen met her driver, Laura Staszewski. What started as a simple encounter soon developed into a genuine friendship — one that would open the door for Christian missionary work in a predominantly Muslim nation. Listen in as Laura shares this exciting story of divine connection and purpose.
Casey O’Connor, Country Director in Zambia, thought he knew what to expect at the local ceremony. But in a stunning turn, a traditional chief of northwestern Zambia suddenly called his name and declared him an official headman. No one had seen it coming—perhaps not even the chief himself. Hear the full story as Casey shares the experience firsthand.
In Cambodia, a team shares the Gospel with a woman whose simple, childlike faith sparks the miraculous. As she steps out in obedience, healings begin to break out all around her. 🙌✨ Hear the full story in this episode as Marlin, Cambodia’s Country Director, shares what happened!
In this episode, Nathan Finney shares how he went from knowing nothing about agriculture or chicken business to discovering God’s natural ways for provision. What began as a simple idea has grown into a sustainable source of income—supporting full-time local ministers in rural Africa—and is now spreading across the globe. It’s proof that one small idea can hatch a movement.
In the finale of our series, Pastor Peter Paauwe from the Netherlands shares powerful stories of church growth, radical forgiveness, and faith flourishing in a post-Christian Europe. This one will challenge and inspire you—don’t miss it.
Welcome to part two of our three-part podcast series. Today, we’re joined by Pastor Phillip Ward from Jacksonville, Florida. In this conversation, he helps us recognize the real mountains we face in life, shares profound insights on the true meaning of love and sacrifice, and offers grounded, practical wisdom on living a life of true prosperity. You won’t want to miss this rich and inspiring episode!
In this three-part series, we’ll take you inside the minds of three seasoned generals of the faith. In this first part, we’re honored to host Dr. Leon Van Rooyen, who will be sharing powerful insights on healing, longevity in ministry, and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss.
So buckle up—this is a conversation that could shape your journey for years to come.
While exploring new opportunities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jake and his Congolese friend unexpectedly find themselves thrown in jail. Word quickly spreads throughout the region—a missionary imprisoned without cause. The news reaches the ears of a traditional emperor, who steps in to intervene. What follows is an incredible unfolding of events that opens doors for the Kingdom on multiple levels and across several nations. Don’t miss this powerful story as Jacob Schwertfeger shares his firsthand experience.
These days, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is definitely one of the tougher places to work. But even with all the day-to-day difficulties, the Gospel is moving forward in powerful ways. God has opened doors through traditional leaders, making it possible to reach local communities like never before. Check out this recent story from the DRC, shared by our Zambian missionary and country director, Saviour Kaonga.
The once-overlooked Muhakaona tribe is now hearing the Gospel, and in less than a year, a Christian community has already started growing from within. This is a people who traditionally sacrifice a lamb for resolutions in major life circumstances —now they’re learning about the Lamb of God who came to fulfill it all, even for the Muhakaona!
What does missions work look like from the U.S.? How can you make a global impact from one location? Listen as Erica shares how her heart was transformed through obedience and willingness - from traveling to Zambia to serving at Overland Missions’ World Headquarters.
A nurse takes the courageous step of sharing the Gospel with a young man struggling with a severe mental condition. This small yet impactful gesture ultimately transforms the man's life in a profound way. Cristos went from a hospital bed to serving in full-time missionary work in the Middle East. Don’t miss the full testimony in this episode of Gospel and Grit.
In high-security nations, our missionaries continue to share the Gospel with individuals who have yet to learn about or experience our Savior. Elijah DeMarco shares a remarkable testimony of a Muslim in the Middle East who meets Jesus in an alley behind a local restaurant, resulting in a profound transformation through a single encounter with the love and the presence of God. Be sure to listen to the full story!
The chaplaincy program has been impacting Zambia in a profound way in the last years. It has turned into a move of God that has spread to many other nations already. But what does it mean to be a chaplain, and how can one bring a change to an area through this position? Hear a beautiful testimony of a chaplain who stood up for his chief in the midst of accusations. Tune in as we get to hear the full story from Oscar.
In Vietnam, an individual is employed to target and persecute the local Christian community. However, he becomes bewildered by the compassion exhibited by those he is harming and resolves to explore the essence of Christianity. Discover the man's journey as Jacob Deal, the country director for Vietnam, shares it on this episode of Gospel and Grit.
The only Christian in a witchcraft ruling area in Madagascar receives a dream to lead a group of foreign expeditioners to his area. The group goes and shares the Gospel, and God begins working miracles among the people, confirming His word and His deity. Hear the full miraculous story as Micah shares it with us in this episode of Gospel and Grit.
Deep in the Amazon of Brazil, a man has a dream about getting baptised. This dream ends up not only changing his life but also the whole community. Hear the full story on how all of this unfolded in collaboration with our missionaries as the country director of Brazil, Derek Province, shares it with us.
Cambodia is being effectively impacted by the Gospel. The daughter of a local chief gets saved and through that, miracles start happening. Hear the full story about a transformation that impacted many others as Charles shares it with us in this episode of Gospel and Grit.
Director of Overland Missions Music, Libby Myszka, shares with us an impactful story on how songwriting can lead to a transformation in an area and inspire people to know Jesus on a deeper level. Hear the full story on this episode of Gospel and Grit.
Here is a rare opportunity for you to get to hear what a message would sound like for a people group that is hearing the Gospel for the first time. The Himba people in Angola are hearing an encouraging message about their value in God’s eyes, and you have a chance to be a part of it!
A young, tribal man welcomed Phil and Sharon to his home as they were visiting Angola 13 years ago. The household heard the Gospel for the very first time in their lives. Today, this young man, Katerça, is advancing the Kingdom of God together with our greater team. Listen to the full story as Sharon Smethurst, the Vice President of Overland Missions shares it on this episode.
During the tough war times of Angola, a deep desire for reaching the unreached people was birthed in the heart of Phil. Listen to the full epic story shared by the President of Overland Missions.
An older man in Cambodia meets God by being healed from blindness, and his life gets immediately changed. Do these signs and wonders only happen in places where the Gospel hasn’t been preached? Listen to the amazing story as Preston shares it on this episode.
Being a friend of God can present its meaning in various ways. Hear Jason share a powerful story of how God healed and set many people free in Zambia. Did this happen because of Jason’s pursuit for God or for other reasons? Listen to the full story on this episode.
Trent made a deal with a Muslim named Omar. He presented him with an opportunity to encounter with God, and in exchange for a physical experience with a real God, Omar would have to then listen to the full message of the Gospel…but if nothing happened, Trent would have to let him go on his way. Listen to what happens as Trent shares the full story on this episode.
A Headman by the name Kaquarta was transformed when he witnessed a miracle rain in his village. He became a key person opening up doors to the unreached tribal groups in Angola. Hear the story as Dan shares it while being on a ministry trip on top of a mountain.
A tough area in Angola opened up when our missionaries showed up. Amazing miracles of healing took place and started a shift in the region. But was it the miracle that opened up the area or the consistency of our missionaries? Could one have worked without the other? Hear more as Tom and Becca Whitney take us into the story.
The gospel shines bright in the midst of persecution. Be impacted and encouraged by this story of a disciple who through being tortured found Jesus and is now advancing the Kingdom in a beautiful, simple way.
A remote village of the Maasai tribe was powerfully transformed through the work of Alex and his team in mainland Tanzania as God confirmed His word by the signs that accompanied the preaching of it.
One of our missionaries, Lena, has started an impactful work among the sex workers in Zanzibar, Tanzania. Lena shares an impactful story about Margaret who was transformed from a prostitute to an evangelist.
There are tribal groups that have remained unreached for years, but are now receiving the Gospel of Jesus. Join us as Tapio and Rachel discuss being on the ground in Angola reaching these previously neglected groups.
Veteran Overlander Dan sits with us to discuss early pioneering efforts and pastoring pioneers.
We sit down with Nate to discuss his early years in Sector management and what he has learned about indigenous discipleship.
Pastor Mark Spitsbergen gifts us with his wisdom from years of ministry and his devotion to knowing Jesus and His word. Pastor Mark is a dear friend and partner of Overland Missions, as well as a frequent speaker at our Rival Week at Rapid 14 Base.
Brad joins us to discuss using the everyday small things to accomplish great things for God.
Casey joins us to talk about stepping into new roles or seasons in our lives in a healthy way.
Jared hops on the mic with us to chat about how to get words of knowledge. Let’s de-mystify this gift and see you operating in it for the Kingdom!
What’s it like to be married on the mission field? What’s it like to minister to married people? Shane and Chelsea join us to discuss these questions.
Darin pontificates the nature of revival with us over a hot cup of coffee during an African windstorm.
Preston wakes us up to the reality of dreaming with Jesus. We discuss what dreams are, how to get them, and what to do when we have them.
Long time staff member Jason joins us to talk about staying in the Spirit in the busyness of life.
Hunter calls in to have a chat about the Kingdom of God. What it is and how we participate in it.
Ciaran is generous with us while sharing his testimonies and revelations of Kingdom generosity. This subject is important for everyone in the Kingdom of God.
Pioneer to Angola David K joins is to talk about the practical working of faith. He is a veteran Overland staff member with lots of experience to speak from.
Tricia jumps on to talk about what the Lord has revealed to her about the mindset of the Pioneer. She brings up some of the lies that keep people from pioneering and the truths that will set them free.
Recorded back in September, Ben sat down with us to discuss Overland Missions’ Water Project. He tell us testimonies of its implementation and how it has advanced the Kingdom in Zambia.
Jessi calls in from Zambia to discuss her thoughts on producing hope in every situation.
Jacob Schwertfeger calls in from Zambia to talk about a foundational revelation that has formed his ministry. Are we priests? What is a priest? If I am, what do I do? Also, an African cricket chirps into the conversation.
Overland Founder and President Phil Smethurst weighs in on the current pandemic. How should the church and the mission respond? Is there hope? What should our posture as Christians be?
Jamie joins us form Zambia to share with us her wisdom learned from being a mom while being a missionary. Can you raise your family in the foreign field?
Tyler and Joy visit us from working in Mozambique. They share with us what its like to make the choice to pioneer a new work and the perseverance it takes to see it through.
Be a part of the discussion as Jake & Hannah talk about how to display Jesus in a Muslim country. We discuss what it has taken to pioneer Zanzibar and what it looks like to rise disciples there.
Caitlyn is a recent graduate of the Advanced Mission Training program. We discuss her experience and her revelations from the 3 month school.
Ciaran shows us the vision of the Advanced Mission Training school. He is the International Director of AMT and a seasoned missionary. This is part one of our AMT double feature.
Jane Marie shares on how having a heart for evangelism comes from a life filled with revelation of Jesus and conviction for the Great Commission. She shares why evangelism is a lifestyle of sharing with others the best gift we have to offer - the message of Jesus Christ.
We discuss the topic of fear. The ways fear limits us and how, through Jesus, we can live in freedom from fear. In this overcoming, we can accomplish everything that God has destined for us.
Sermon excerpt from Dr. Leon van Rooyen at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Jacob Schwertfeger at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Sharon Smethurst at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Pastor Randy Needham at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Martin Lopez at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Dr. Rodney Howard-Browne at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Sermon excerpt from Phil Smethurst at Overland Missions’ One Tribe Missions Conference 2020. For full excess to the conference media check out: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAX7PTAPOSil6ec5viNQdRpMEZ1o2emZ6
Dan H joins us from the mission field in Angola to talk about “doing whatever it takes.” As a veteran missionary who is pioneering the work with the desert nomads of southern Angola with his family and team, Dan has shown he is willing to do whatever it takes to get the Gospel to some of the most remote places in the world. Join the conversation and gleam from his wisdom to fulfill your calling in Christ.
Jump into the conversation as sector manager and teacher Arthur P dissects the meat of the Gospel. We discuss the love of God, what He did because He loves us, and how that effects our lives today.
Throughout her many years in Africa, Liezl P has ministered to thousands of children and developed hundreds of children ministry leaders. Her focus is to empower kids in their identity in Christ and to equip them with power of the Holy Spirit. She is changing a generation and wants to empower you to join her.
In part 2, Brother Ben continues to walk us through his revelations of what it means to walk in the Spirit. Having ministered in closed nations for years, Ben has relied on the gift of walking in the Holy Spirit to persevere through difficult situations. In part 2, we focus on applying the Word so that we can walk in the Spirit in our lives.
Brother Ben walks us through his revelations of what it means to walk in the Spirit. Having ministered in closed nations for years, Ben has relied on the gift of walking in the Holy Spirit to persevere through difficult situations. In part 1, we lay the biblical foundations of this important subject.
“Never go alone,” is a core value of our organization. Martin Lopez, COO of Overland Missions, presses the importance of team and brings us into the reasoning behind our continuous drive to develop a team culture.
Richelle Lopez, the CFO of Overland Missions, walks us through her journey of faith through years of trial. She delivers to us profound insights on how to stand strong in faith to come out victorious in every battle.
Is your money meant to be bread or seed? “Brother Bruce,” a former financial advisor with an MBA, breaks down a biblical perspective of finances. As both a minister and businessman, he discusses how to view money as a Christian and how, in best practice, finances can determine the velocity of Kingdom work.
Sustain Director Sherrill, along with her team, has trained over 100 indigenous leaders and planted over 65 agricultural training sites across 25 chiefdoms in Zambia. Sustain focuses on growing healthy disciples rooted in Jesus by teaching “Farming God’s Way,” and other sustainable practices. The goal is to encourage everyone that the way to a full harvest, physically and spiritually, is through a revelation of Jesus. Tune in as Sherrill sows seeds of wisdom from her years of experience.
Julie, a member of our D.R. Congo team, joins us to discuss her experiences on being a single missionary. She shares how your relationship status doesn’t define your value to the Great Commission and how being in a healthy team is valuable to your missionary success.
International Director of Operations, Jessi Schwertfeger, asks “What is home?” We discuss the nature of our perception of home and how to make the transition into the mission field lifestyle.
Lifelong Missionary and co-founder of Overland Missions, Sharon Smethurst, joins us to testify on how Father God has always been faithful and that we can be confident in taking risks because his faithfulness is sure.
International Operations Director Jacob Schwertfeger joins us to discuss his experiences and revelations on discipleship from Acts 2.
Overland Missions welcomes you to our Gospel and Grit Podcast! This is an introductory episode to explain who we are and why we are broadcasting this podcast series.
Join the conversation with Founder and President of Overland Missions, Philip Smethurst, as he shares, "what is a missionary."