Simply Edify

Missions in Panama: Faith Across Borders

Beth Shields shares her family's journey as missionaries in Panama, including their unexpected path from Mexico, cultural adjustments, and ministry to indigenous communities in remote mountain regions. • Third-generation missionary family serving in Panama for the past nine years • Ministry focuses on discipling indigenous pastors in remote mountain communities • Homeschooling four children (ages 9-18) while managing mission responsibilities • Raising children on the mission field provides unique cultural awareness and ministry opportunities Please pray for the Shields family's health concerns, and their ministry to indigenous communities.

Life On The Road: A look into the Shworer family's deputation journey and call to the field of Papua New Guinea

Melissa Schworer shares her family's journey from years of ministry in Idaho to pursuing mission work in Papua New Guinea. She discusses the long-awaited call, challenges of deputation life, and preparations for serving in a culture vastly different from American life. • Melissa and Rick have been married 22 years and five children. Melissa has an extensive background in church ministry, biblical counseling, as well as publishing several music albums. • The family is currently traveling full-time in an RV, visiting churches to raise support for the mission field of Papua New Guinea. • Prayer needs include wisdom in ministry, health/safety, and maintaining spiritual vitality during transition To follow the Schworer family's journey or support their ministry, visit dispellingdarknesspng.com.

Jonah's Reluctance: What We Can Learn Part 2

This episode continues the discussion of Jonah and what his reluctant obedience teaches us about our own attitudes toward evangelism and missions today. • Jonah's need for a second command to "arise and go" after the fish incident reveals our own reluctance to obey God • The bare minimum approach Jonah takes in delivering God's message parallels how we sometimes share the gospel without love • Nineveh's repentance and Jonah's anger highlights our tendency to resent God's mercy toward those we deem unworthy • Practical tips for sharing the gospel include keeping tracts handy and starting with simple conversations • The love of Christ within us is essential for effective evangelism, especially when called to difficult situations Check out Delight Thyself Ministries for gospel tracts that can help you start conversations about Jesus in your community. Delight Thyself Design Ministries - Delight Thyself Design Ministries | Home [https://www.delightthyself.com/]

Jonah's Reluctance: What We Can Learn

Our exploration of the book of Jonah reveals important truths about missions and our often-reluctant hearts toward sharing the gospel. • God calls us out of our comfort zones to reach the lost. • Jonah knew God was merciful but didn't want that mercy extended to Nineveh. • Christians today often retreat into isolation or political arguments rather than gospel sharing. • The gospel remains the same regardless of who we're sharing with. • We don't need perfect answers to every question when witnessing. • Our testimonies can open doors even in brief encounters. • God looks at eternal souls while we focus on temporal differences. • True forgiveness is a distinctive of Christianity worth sharing. • Compassion for the lost should transcend cultural and political differences. Read the book of Jonah and join us for our next episode where we'll continue exploring Jonah's relationship with God and the Ninevites.

Back At It!

Have you ever found yourself feeling simultaneously blessed and overwhelmed? The podcast returns after a much-needed break as April welcomes a new baby into her family, now juggling the needs of a four-month-old alongside children entering their teenage years. This  conversation explores the beautiful mess of transitions and how they reveal both our deepest insecurities and God's sufficient grace.