Modern Day Missionaries

Have you ever felt like you were doing all the right things spiritually—reading, praying, serving—but still felt disconnected from God? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Geoff & Cyd Holsclaw—pastors, authors, and spiritual formation experts—walk us through the Landscapes of the Soul, a transformative framework rooted in attachment theory that reveals how our nervous system, relationships, and early experiences shape how we relate to God. From the war zone to the desert, the jungle, and the pasture, they unpack how each of us connects—or struggles to connect—with God, and how we can begin to move toward healing, wholeness, and joyful connection. Whether you’re in a season of spiritual dryness, ministry fatigue, or just craving deeper intimacy with God, this conversation will give you language, hope, and a pathway forward. This episode will change how you see your story, your spiritual life, and your attachment to God—and open new doors of understanding for yourself and others. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * How to tell if you're operating in connection or protection mode—and why it matters in your walk with God * The surprising way your nervous system reacts to spiritual practices (and how to work with it, not against it) * Why some spiritual disciplines just don’t “work” for you—and how to find what actually helps you grow * How your early relationships shaped your view of God—and what to do if that view feels distorted * A simple question to ask yourself when you feel distant, dry, or emotionally numb in prayer Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org Website [https://www.modernday.org/podcast]: https://www.modernday.org/podcast YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions]: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions X [https://twitter.com/Modern_Day]: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

What happens when your missionary journey includes parenting a child with special needs?How do you handle therapy, schooling, and support in a cross-cultural setting? How do you balance your calling with your kid’s unique needs? In this very raw, hope-filled panel conversation, Stephanie, along with two missionary couples, the Maurers and Wurdemans, share their unique journeys of parenting children with special needs on the field—and all of the emotions that go with it! Whether your child was diagnosed before you went overseas or while on the field, you’ll find encouragement, camaraderie, and practical wisdom here. We talk adoption, diagnosis, cultural stigma, guilt, sibling dynamics, marriage strain, faith struggles—and the surprising gifts God weaves through it all.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * What to say (and not say) when people in your host culture misunderstand your child’s needs. * Why some missionary parents feel isolated—and where to find others who truly get it. * How faith and frustration often show up together on this parenting journey. * Creative ways to build community support, even when resources are scarce. * The power of honest conversations with your sending church and supporters. Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org Website [https://www.modernday.org/podcast]: https://www.modernday.org/podcast YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions]: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions X [https://twitter.com/Modern_Day]: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Have you ever felt angry on the mission field—and then guilty for it? You’re not alone. From cultural clashes to team tension to the things that just shouldn’t be, anger surfaces—and it often comes with a side of shame. In this deeply honest conversation, counselor Erik Troyer helps us reframe our understanding of anger, not as something to suppress, but as an invitation to draw nearer to God. Whether your anger is loud or silent, clear or confusing, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and a path forward. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: * Why anger is normal—even for missionaries—and how to stop shaming yourself for feeling it * How to recognize what’s under the surface of your anger, like fear, unmet expectations, or pain * What to do when you’ve already blown up—or shut down—in unhealthy ways * How to create safe space for others’ anger as a leader, parent, or teammate * The difference between righteous anger and resentment—and how to tell which one you're dealing with Questions to Ponder as You Listen: * What’s my typical response to anger—exploding, hiding, or something else? * What am I really afraid of in the moments I feel most angry? * Do I believe it’s safe to share my anger with God—or with someone else? * Where do I need to ask for forgiveness—from God, from others, or from myself? * What kind of support do I need to process the things that are still simmering beneath the surface? Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org Website [https://www.modernday.org/podcast]: https://www.modernday.org/podcast YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions]: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions X [https://twitter.com/Modern_Day]: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Shonna Ingram is a missionary care specialist with over 17 years of experience supporting cross-cultural workers through transitions and trauma recovery. She serves as a Trauma Care and Career Transition Specialist with Pioneer Bible Translators and is the founder of Re-entry Experts [https://re-entryexperts.com/], an organization offering coaching, resources, and community cohorts for global workers navigating re-entry. Shonna is also the creator of the Renewed Hope Approach [https://shonnaingram.com/renewed-hope-approach/], a faith-based, trauma-informed framework designed to guide individuals through healing and restoration. Her books include Beyond Broken: A Church’s Guide to Trauma and Growth [https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Broken-Shonna-Ingram/dp/173706619X] and Navigating Life in Transition: A Global Worker's Guide to Discovering the Root of Stress, Loss and Anxiety [https://a.co/d/erRUIoo]. Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org Website [https://www.modernday.org/podcast]: https://www.modernday.org/podcast YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions]: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions X [https://twitter.com/Modern_Day]: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Ever felt misunderstood, sidelined, or frustrated by a teammate who just sees things differently?  Serving on a cross-cultural team on the field can be one of the most rewarding—and challenging—parts of missionary life. In this episode, cross-cultural leadership expert I’Ching Thomas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ichingthomas/] shares practical wisdom and real-life stories to help long-term teams build trust, work through cultural tension, and grow together in unity. Whether your team is brand new or you’ve been navigating these dynamics for years, this is one conversation you’ll want to share with your whole team.   In This Episode, You'll Learn: * How we can navigate cultural differences with grace and clarity * The simple (but powerful) shift that helps us build trust on diverse teams * Why indirect and direct communication can cause confusion—and what to do about it * How team leadership styles vary across cultures (and why it matters!) * Tips for creating a team culture that’s unified without losing uniqueness Questions to Ponder as You Listen: * Do I tend to assume someone’s personality… when it might actually be their cultural norm? * How well do I understand my own communication style and how it impacts my team? * Am I creating space for quieter voices to be heard on our team? * Have I been more focused on tasks or people in how I engage my team lately? * What’s one small step I could take to be more culturally curious and honoring this week? Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org Website [https://www.modernday.org/podcast]: https://www.modernday.org/podcast YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6]: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/ Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/ TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions]: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissions X [https://twitter.com/Modern_Day]: https://twitter.com/Modern_Day LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/]: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/