From Handyman to Church Planter: Matthew Sweet’s Journey to Costa Rica

Motherhood, Missions, & Mexico: A Conversation with Stephanie Granger Part 2

What does missions look like through the eyes of a wife and mother? In this powerful episode, Trent sits down with his wife, Missionary Stephanie Granger, for one of the most heartfelt conversations ever recorded on Holding the Rope. Stephanie shares her journey from becoming a mother in Monterrey during language school… to planting churches with a baby on her hip… to facing the fear of a medical crisis on the mission field… to the heartbreak of leaving Mexico when it felt like the work had only just begun. But the story doesn’t end in sorrow. God proved Himself faithful as the churches continued to grow, the distribution center launched, and their daughter received a clean bill of health. Now, the Granger family is preparing to return to Mexico — this time with three children and even greater resolve. This episode is a raw, encouraging, and deeply human look at the cost — and beauty — of following Christ as a missionary wife and mother. Contact info: https://www.facebook.com/GrangerstoMexico [https://www.facebook.com/GrangerstoMexico] https://www.bimi.org/missionaries/grangerT.php [https://www.bimi.org/missionaries/grangerT.php] https://www.missionarytomexico.com [https://www.missionarytomexico.com] mexicomission24@gmail.com [mexicomission24@gmail.com]

Motherhood, Missions, & Mexico: A Conversation with Stephanie Granger PART 1

What does missions look like through the eyes of a wife and mother? In this powerful episode, Trent sits down with his wife, Missionary Stephanie Granger, for one of the most heartfelt conversations ever recorded on Holding the Rope. Stephanie shares her journey from becoming a mother in Monterrey during language school… to planting churches with a baby on her hip… to facing the fear of a medical crisis on the mission field… to the heartbreak of leaving Mexico when it felt like the work had only just begun. But the story doesn’t end in sorrow. God proved Himself faithful as the churches continued to grow, the distribution center launched, and their daughter received a clean bill of health. Now, the Granger family is preparing to return to Mexico — this time with three children and even greater resolve. This episode is a raw, encouraging, and deeply human look at the cost — and beauty — of following Christ as a missionary wife and mother. Contact info: https://www.facebook.com/GrangerstoMexico [https://www.facebook.com/GrangerstoMexico] https://www.bimi.org/missionaries/grangerT.php [https://www.bimi.org/missionaries/grangerT.php] https://www.missionarytomexico.com [https://www.missionarytomexico.com] mexicomission24@gmail.com [mexicomission24@gmail.com] https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DMYYS4KRNQ5LQ [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DMYYS4KRNQ5LQ]

Legacy in Motion: Jerry Shaw Jr. and the Gospel Work in Mexico

In this episode of Holding the Rope, host Trent Granger sits down with Jerry Shaw Jr., a second-generation missionary carrying on the legacy of Gospel ministry in Mexico. From his personal call to the mission field to the everyday realities of life and ministry south of the border, Jerry shares stories of God’s faithfulness, challenges on the field, and the joy of seeing lives transformed by Christ. Whether you’re a pastor, missions-minded believer, or someone asking how you can be part of God’s global work, this conversation will encourage you to pray more deeply, give more intentionally, and live more missionally. 👉 Learn how you can hold the rope for missionaries like the Shaw family.

From Handyman to Church Planter: Matthew Sweet’s Journey to Costa Rica

In this episode of Holding the Rope, host Trent Granger sits down with long-time missionary Matthew Sweet, who has served in Costa Rica since 2008. What began as a short-term mission trip led to a lifelong calling. From handyman to children’s home staff, and now as a church planter in the mountain town of Orosi, Brother Sweet shares his powerful testimony of surrender, service, and steadfast faith. You’ll hear: * How a construction worker from Indiana became a missionary * The challenges of learning Spanish at age 40 * What it’s like planting a church in the birthplace of Costa Rican Catholicism * The spiritual climate and obstacles of reaching Costa Rican families * Why mission trips change lives * How being a husband and father reshaped his ministry Whether you’re a missions-minded church member, a young person seeking God’s will, or a pastor looking to support more missionaries, this conversation will stir your heart for the Gospel and challenge you to keep holding the rope. To connect with Brother Matthew Sweet: * 📧 Email: matthewsweet1692@bimi.org [matthewsweet1692@bimi.org] * 🌐 www.bimi.org [https://www.bimi.org/] → Search for “Matthew Sweet” 🙏 Prayer Requests 1. Spiritual growth of the new church in Orosi 2. Funding to purchase a church van 3. Provision for their next term on the field 4. Long-term goal of owning property and training national leadership 5. Physical health and endurance for the family

Translating the Word to the World: A Conversation with Bill Fennell of Worldview Ministries

In this episode of Holding the Rope, Trent Granger is joined by Bill Fennell, the Executive Director of Worldview Ministries—a missions organization dedicated to translating the Bible into the heart languages of people groups who still have no Scripture. You’ll hear: * Bill’s personal story of salvation and calling into ministry * How Worldview Ministries began and why Bible translation is still a vital, frontline mission * The process of translation—from initial contact to final printed copies * Stories of people receiving the Word of God in their language for the very first time * The spiritual and logistical challenges of working in unreached regions * How churches and individuals can be part of this mission today This episode will stir your heart and help you see Bible translation not as a technical task, but as a deeply spiritual work that transforms lives and communities forever. 🌍 Learn more: https://goworldview.org 🙏 How You Can Hold the Rope: * Pray for unreached people groups who are still waiting for the Bible in their language * Give toward the cost of translation, training, and printing * Share this episode with your church, small group, or missions team * Stay informed and keep the work of Bible translation in your regular prayer life Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Intro 02:15 – Bill’s salvation testimony 05:20 – The origins of Worldview Ministries 09:45 – Why Bible translation still matters 15:10 – What it takes to start a new translation 20:30 – A powerful testimony from the field 26:45 – How to partner with Worldview 30:00 – Final challenge and encouragement