Modern Day Missionaries

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 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 clarityThe simple (but powerful) shift that helps us build trust on diverse teamsWhy indirect and direct communication can cause confusion—and what to do about itHow team leadership styles vary across cultures (and why it matters!)Tips for creating a team culture that’s unified without losing uniquenessQuestions 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?Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Ian Morgan Cron, Episcopal priest and author of The Fix, explores hidden addictions in ministry and spiritual life. He talks about behavioral addictions, the wounded-healer reality of leading while struggling, and why willpower fails. He explains how 12-step principles map onto gospel transformation, the role of community, and when to seek help.

Feel like your finances are always playing catch-up? Wondering how to plan for the future when you're just trying to make it through the month?In this financial masterclass for missionaries, Dr. Keith Webb brings both wisdom and lived experience to the table. After two decades on the field and years training missionary coaches, Keith shares the top financial mistakes missionaries make—and what to do instead.From emergency funds to long-term planning, he offers a better way to think about support, sustainability, and staying on the field for the long haul. If money stress is wearing you down, this episode is your next step toward freedom.📌 In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why trimming your support budget too low can actually cut your ministry shortWhat a healthy missionary budget really looks like—including future expenses most people forgetHow to build a margin mindset instead of living donation to donationWhy emergency funds are essential—and how to start oneWhat it takes to prepare for the future without sacrificing present ministry💭 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Am I building my finances based on vision—or just survival?What beliefs about money might be shaping how I raise and use support?Do I have a plan for unexpected expenses—or am I just hoping nothing breaks?How would I approach money differently if I saw it as a tool for ministry, not a burden?What small change could I make this month to move toward financial sustainability?Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Marriage on the mission field can be one of your greatest sources of strength—or one of your biggest stressors.In this powerful conversation with Danny and Stephanie Gutierrez, hosted by Amy Young, we get real about the challenges missionary couples face and the hope available even when things feel messy. Whether you’re in crisis or just need to reconnect, this episode is packed with honest stories, laughs, and practical ways to strengthen your marriage starting today.From crisis moments to everyday connection, this episode will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped to move toward each other again.📌 In This Episode, You'll Learn:How to recognize when your marriage needs attention before it hits a crisis pointWhat to do if you and your spouse are growing apart on the fieldWhy practical needs (like rest or privacy) really do affect connectionThe power of intentional curiosity and how to rediscover each other againWhere to start if you feel stuck, disconnected, or just plain tired💭 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Where are we right now? Are we thriving, surviving, or slowly drifting apart?Am I making my marriage a priority over ministry or just assuming it will "be fine"?What kind of small connection moment do we need more of right now?How open am I to really listening to my spouse's experience?What is one intentional step I can take this week to move us closer?Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Have you ever been asked, “How did you know you were called to be a missionary?” Or maybe you’re the one wrestling with that question right now. This episode with Marvin Slaton is more than a conversation—it’s a practical resource you can share with friends, family, or future missionaries to help them discern their calling. Marvin and Stephanie break down the three key ways God speaks, how to recognize the difference between a calling and a burden, and how to move forward in a way that’s wise, healthy, and God-honoring. If someone’s asking you about missions, this is a tool you can send them—and a thoughtful way to walk with them through it.Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

What if your child can’t “just push through” like the other MKs? What if loud music, long travel days, or even sticky hands after a meal in community send them into sensory overload? And what if… God still called your family, with all its unique challenges, to the mission field?In this very honest and beautifully grounded episode, Jenilee Goodwin—former missionary, mom of three daughters on the autism spectrum, and certified life coach—shares her story of raising neurodivergent kids overseas. From navigating diagnoses on the field to creating stabilizing rhythms in unpredictable places, Jenilee offers insight, empathy, and hard-won wisdom for families serving in complex realities. This conversation is a wake-up call to rethink resilience, ditch the guilt, and embrace a vision where your kids—just as they are—can thrive and be used mightily by God. 📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to spot the hidden signs of neurodivergence in your kids—especially when you're overseas and in constant transitionWhat it looks like to set boundaries for your family when the ministry pace doesn't slow downWhy giving your kids the right language to advocate for themselves can transform your home lifeHow to build rhythms of stability in an unpredictable, cross-cultural worldWhat happens when you finally release the pressure to conform—and embrace how God uniquely wired your child💭 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Where have you seen your child struggle in ways that others might miss or misunderstand?Are there any expectations—yours or others'—that need to be re-examined in light of your child’s unique wiring?How do you typically respond to your child’s sensory overload moments—and what might compassionate advocacy look like instead?What are some small ways you could bring stability or predictability into your family’s current season?How might God be using your child’s differences to bless others in unexpected ways?Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

What if humility is the key to real leadership influence—and not a weakness to overcome? How do you lead with confidence while fully owning your flaws and limits?In this powerful conversation with Dr. Josh Wymore, executive coach and author of Humbler Leadership, we explore why missionaries who lead with humility don’t just serve better—they last longer. Josh unpacks practical ways to grow self-awareness, release the pressure to have all the answers and build leadership rhythms that last.If you’ve ever wrestled with insecurity, pride, or imposter syndrome, this episode will show you how to lead from a place of greater health, grounded in faith and humility.📌 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why humility helps you lead longer and healthier The 4 key traits of humble, grounded leadershipHow to invite feedback and lower pressure in leadershipWhat it looks like to build trust without needing to prove yourselfSimple habits to grow humility without losing confidence💭 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:Am I carrying the pressure to always have the answers?Where am I leading from ego instead of greater purpose?What’s my relationship with feedback—do I seek it or avoid it?Do I see humility as a strength—or as a weakness?What’s one way I could lead more like Jesus this week?Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Have you ever found yourself reacting bigger than the moment called for—and not really knowing why? Or maybe you’re trying to be the best parent, teammate, or leader you can be, but something keeps tripping you up. In this episode, we talk with Mike Foster about the seven primal questions that shape how we show up in life and relationships. This conversation is full of lightbulb moments and honest reflections, helping you name the need behind the scramble, and find language for what’s been stirring in you for a while. It’s a conversation about self-leadership, grace, and the surprising strengths that come from our deepest needs.Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Ever found yourself confused by cultural “rules” you didn’t even know you were breaking? Wondering why some of your most sincere efforts aren’t landing the way you hoped? And how do you build real connection when it feels like you're speaking a different language—even when you're technically not?In this perspective-shifting episode, we talk with Dr. Linda Saunders—a former missionary, scholar, and cross-cultural mentor. Together, we explore how cultural dynamics affect everything—from your relationships to your gospel witness—and why many of us need a refresher once we’re actually on the field. (Spoiler: It’s like reading a parenting book after having kids—it just hits different.)Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/

Why do you still feel exhausted, even after you rest? What if the kind of rest you think you need isn’t the one that will actually restore you? In this episode, Dr. Sandra Dalton-Smith unpacks the seven types of rest, and they are going to completely change the way you think about fatigue and burnout. As a physician, Dr. Dalton-Smith has seen firsthand how exhaustion isn’t just about needing more sleep, and as someone who loves missionaries, she speaks right to the heart of what we need to stay in this work for the long haul. If you’ve been feeling depleted, stretched too thin, or just plain exhausted, this episode is for you. This conversation has the potential to change the way you see rest and the way you experience it. Rest is about to feel a whole lot more possible.Hey missionaries—how are your finances on the field? At Modern Day Missions, we make it simple for missionaries to receive donations and for donors to give. Serving 1,100+ missionaries worldwide, we free you to focus on your calling. We also offer resources like our weekly podcast, fundraising coaching, and a resource-packed newsletter. Connect with us at modernday.orgThanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.orgWebsite: https://www.modernday.org/podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu3ie6N7vXvESqcHrM-SRTC7-XoPEmnv6Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/moderndaymissions/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moderndaymissions/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@moderndaymissionsX: https://twitter.com/Modern_DayLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderndaymissions/