International Commission Podcast

You Make Close Friends Really Fast on a Mission Trip

Join Bucky and Grace for a wild ride through the weirdest modes of transportation they’ve ever taken! From unconventional animals to questionable vehicles on land, sea, and sky, the duo shares hilarious "only on mission" travel stories that prove the journey is often just as memorable as the destination. But beyond the bumpy rides and sketchy engines, there is a beautiful purpose to the chaos. The conversation shifts to a heart-level look at the unique, fast-tracked bonds formed on the mission field. You’ll discover why mission trips create lifelong friendships in just a matter of days and why there is absolutely no reason to fear traveling to a foreign land when you are stepping into the arms of the local Church. Whether you’re a nervous first-timer or a seasoned traveler, this episode is a joyful reminder that when we partner with our global brothers and sisters, we aren't just tourists—we're family. Tune in for an episode packed with laughs, spiritual encouragement, and a fresh perspective on the safety and community found in the Great Commission!

Peacemaking and terrible toilet paper

In this episode of the International Commission podcast, Bucky Elliott and Grace Swanson begin with a deep dive into character development, as Grace shares her recent journey of learning to view others through "Jesus goggles", choosing to love even when it’s difficult and surrendering emotional frustrations to God. Bucky expands on this by distinguishing between "peacekeeping" and "peacemaking." How do we move beyond the passive avoidance of conflict to pursue biblical Shalom—an active and often costly commitment to restoration and wholeness? Why does reconciliation sometimes come at the cost of hurt?   The hosts round out the episode with a Top 5 Things ranking of their favorite travel essentials. Whether you are a seasoned missionary or preparing for your first trip, this episode provides a profound reminder that we are all called to the ministry of reconciliation, starting with the relationships right in front of us.

Building International Friendships and Navigating Airports

In this episode of the International Commission podcast, hosts Bucky Elliott and Grace Swanson offer practical encouragement for evangelical Christians considering their first missions trip. The duo addresses common anxieties about international travel to help you know what to expect when flying overseas and to lower the barriers to going into the field. The first segment explores the profound spiritual and personal benefits of building international friendships. Grace and Bucky share stories of "radical hospitality" encountered in places like Saudi Arabia and Kenya, highlighting how cross-cultural relationships can teach us about contentment, humility, and being "interruptible" like Jesus. They encourage listeners to see foreigners not as curiosities, but as neighbors to be loved and learned from. Then it's a "Take Some Advice" segment dedicated to demystifying the airport experience. From navigating security to handling the inevitable flight delays and diversions, the hosts provide a step-by-step guide to staying calm and intentional during travel. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or preparing for your first partnership, this episode serves as a reminder that while travel can be frustrating, it should never be a reason to stay home from the mission God has called you to. 🔔 Subscribe for more videos about Christian cross-cultural missions, inspiring stories, and practical evangelism tips! 🌐 Go on a mission trip: https://internationalcommission.org/go [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGpkU1JzXzFWOS05M1B5dXFSZFV3Vm1vSm92Z3xBQ3Jtc0tsQy1LUWlwWGhScWVMRm1fdU41c0hJZ21SYXdvUDVUX0U0LUZhdmFoMmN4RERnQ3NzdUh4NlNUNFJNQ0ZhZHFaaVdkR3FLOEVGeXNXMjRuTmMzWDBzN25NdHhUNTlZaW5yM21zR3lGUUhaTXo4QVp2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finternationalcommission.org%2Fgo&v=MQNZg6vNi5g]    Follow International Commission: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission [https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission [https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission]

Would You Trust a Homemade Boat Captain and His Plant Medicine?

Hosts Bucky Elliott and Grace Swanson share powerful testimonies from recent mission trips, highlighting how God works in unexpected ways when we make ourselves available. Bucky details a week of evangelism partnership in Vermont, where the team overcame initial skepticism from local leaders by employing creative outreach strategies at laundromats and gas stations. Authentic conversations led to surprising results, including a long-awaited salvation within a host family and a spontaneous profession of faith at a local laundromat. Then it's time for another edition of The Worst! Bucky shares a story about a fiasco at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, where a sudden staff strike led to mass flight cancellations and a chain reaction of travel chaos. Don't miss Grace's story about a sketchy snorkeling trip in Kenya. Through these stories of both triumph and hardship, the hosts emphasize the importance of partnering with local believers to create a lasting impact long after the mission teams return home. Watch Tim's story from Vermont: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SM0q_SJWu0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SM0q_SJWu0] 🔔 Subscribe for more videos about Christian cross-cultural missions, inspiring stories, and practical evangelism tips! 🌐 Go on a mission trip: https://internationalcommission.org/go [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGpkU1JzXzFWOS05M1B5dXFSZFV3Vm1vSm92Z3xBQ3Jtc0tsQy1LUWlwWGhScWVMRm1fdU41c0hJZ21SYXdvUDVUX0U0LUZhdmFoMmN4RERnQ3NzdUh4NlNUNFJNQ0ZhZHFaaVdkR3FLOEVGeXNXMjRuTmMzWDBzN25NdHhUNTlZaW5yM21zR3lGUUhaTXo4QVp2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finternationalcommission.org%2Fgo&v=MQNZg6vNi5g]  Follow International Commission: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission [https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission [https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission]

Bring Us Jesus - "the most unique devotional you may ever encounter"

Bucky and Grace talk to Richard Greene, co-author of a brand-new, one-of-a-kind devotional designed to take you and your family on a journey through time and around the world to find your place in God's Great Commission work.   📘Get the book! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G29CSQLB [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGM0SmhuR2cydUxPakNlN3ZkbVVlMzg3VzJQZ3xBQ3Jtc0trZnNTT2ZiRUt2MGdoeldidjQyR0paLWVHT3hrQTc4UnVSVDg5NHVmWVJtVnpLa2l6azc3cFJGNGVWZTcyMTI1X3pSc2lTVjBCdE54cHpzZmNlNWtEWUZZR2pRQTE3SW5GTVk0b1BqYlR6T3lTeE51VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fdp%2FB0G29CSQLB&v=MQNZg6vNi5g] 🔔 Subscribe for more videos about Christian cross-cultural missions, inspiring stories, and practical evangelism tips! 🌐 Go on a mission trip: https://internationalcommission.org/go [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGpkU1JzXzFWOS05M1B5dXFSZFV3Vm1vSm92Z3xBQ3Jtc0tsQy1LUWlwWGhScWVMRm1fdU41c0hJZ21SYXdvUDVUX0U0LUZhdmFoMmN4RERnQ3NzdUh4NlNUNFJNQ0ZhZHFaaVdkR3FLOEVGeXNXMjRuTmMzWDBzN25NdHhUNTlZaW5yM21zR3lGUUhaTXo4QVp2QQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Finternationalcommission.org%2Fgo&v=MQNZg6vNi5g]  Follow International Commission: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission [https://www.facebook.com/internationalcommission] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission [https://www.instagram.com/internationalcommission]   #MissionTrips #CrossCulturalEvangelism #ChristianOutreach #ShareTheGospel #familydevotional