Modern Day Missionaries

What if one of the biggest ministry transitions isn’t a move to a new country, but welcoming a baby into your family—far from home? How do you navigate prenatal care, birth plans, and cultural expectations in a foreign medical system? In this episode, Chandler Gilow, founder of The Global Birth Coach, shares insights from her own overseas birth experience and equips missionary families with the wisdom, resources, and community they need for this season. Whether you're an expecting parent, a teammate, or a supporter back home, this conversation will change the way you think about birth on the mission field.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/

Unresolved team conflict is one of the biggest reasons missionaries decide to leave the mission field prematurely. How can we grow in this critical area? Dr. Janeen Davis has made it her life's work to help teams actively pursue peace. She joins us to uncover the myths and attitudes we unconsciously hold about conflict resolution that keep us miserable and without solutions. Learn about the Peace Pursuit model and find out steps we can take to begin the hard but rewarding work God calls us to of making peace.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 the biggest threat to your ministry isn’t your workload, but your own anxiety? Have you ever found yourself over-functioning, trying to manage others' emotions, or carrying the weight of unrealistic expectations?In this episode, Steve Cuss unpacks how chronic anxiety sneaks into leadership, relationships, and ministry—often without us realizing it.Drawing from his experiences as a chaplain and pastor, Steve shares practical tools to notice, name, and diffuse anxiety, so you can lead with greater peace, presence, and resilience. Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation that could change the way you navigate the pressures of missionary life!IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN:✅ How to spot the hidden false needs that keep us overworking, over-explaining, and over-functioning.✅ Why anxiety is contagious (and how to stop spreading it)✅ A simple three-step tool to notice, name, and diffuse anxiety before it spreads.✅ What to do when criticism hits harder than it should✅ A simple practice to stay grounded when ministry feels overwhelmingQUESTIONS TO PONDER AS YOU LISTEN:🔹Where do I catch myself absorbing other people’s anxiety?🔹How much of my stress comes from pressure I put on myself?🔹What false expectations am I carrying in ministry?🔹When do I feel the need to over-explain or prove myself?🔹How would my leadership change if I felt more at peace?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/

Are you struggling to expand your support network? Do you feel like you’ve already asked everyone you know and aren’t sure where to turn next? What if there were dozens of potential partners hiding in plain sight—just waiting for an invitation to be part of your mission? In this episode, we sit down with Russell Cooper and Deb Evans from Tailored Fundraising, who have coached thousands of missionaries to become fully funded. They’re breaking down five simple, practical steps to help you grow your network, invite people with confidence, and find new supporters without feeling awkward or overwhelmed. If you’ve ever felt stuck in fundraising, this conversation will give you fresh hope and a clear plan forward!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 wondered how growing up overseas shapes a child—both the good and the challenging? What if some of the struggles TCKs face could be prevented with the right support? And as a missionary parent, how do you balance your own well-being while making sure your kids are emotionally cared for?In this episode, from her research of more than 2,000 third culture kids, TCK expert Tanya Crossman unpacks groundbreaking statistics and new information on the hidden struggles of Third Culture Kids, including the impact of trauma, emotional neglect, and parental stress.But don’t worry—this conversation is packed with hope!Tanya shares powerful ways to help TCKs heal, build resilience, and thrive in their unique upbringing.Whether you're raising TCKs, serving them, or one yourself, this episode is full of eye-opening insights and practical tools you won’t want to miss!Resources Mentioned:1. TCK Training📌 Website: https://www.tcktraining.com/ TCK Training provides research-based resources, training, and coaching for Third Culture Kids (TCKs) and their families. Their work focuses on helping TCKs develop resilience, navigate transitions, and process childhood experiences.Resources for TCKs: https://www.tcktraining.com/coursesIncludes guides, videos, courses and tools to help TCKs navigate challenges.Research Reports & White Papers: https://www.tcktraining.com/researchPublishes research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and mental health in TCKs.Offers downloadable white papers on findings related to TCK well-being.2. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study📌 Overview: The ACE study examines how difficult childhood experiences impact mental and physical health in adulthood. The TCK Training team applied this research to TCKs, finding that TCKs often have higher ACE scores in certain areas (such as parental mental health challenges and emotional neglect). 📌 Learn More: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.html3. Positive Childhood ExperieHey 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/

Are generational differences making teamwork tricky on your missions team?Do you find yourself navigating the unique perspectives of Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z…and wondering how on earth to bring everyone together? You’re not alone! Join us for a conversation with Dr. Tim Elmore, author and founder of Growing Leaders, as we dive into practical ways to turn generational clashes into team strengths.He shares practical tips to smooth out tensions, build trust, and bring your team together in a way that actually works.If you’ve ever felt like you’re caught in the middle of a generational tug-of-war, this episode is for you!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/

IT'S OUR 100th EPISODE! And we've got a great one for you today, listeners! What makes someone pack up their life, move across the world, and step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel? How do missionaries keep going when the sacrifices pile up and the rewards feel far away? Missionaries—you know you’re unique, but do you know how? What sets us apart?Today, we sit down with the author of The Mind of a Missionary, David Joannes—a longtime missionary himself––to talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From smuggling Bibles into China and facing interrogation to the lessons learned from missionary heroes, David shares what fuels those who say yes to God’s call—even when it gets tough. Whether you're on the field, thinking about going, or supporting those who serve, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and remind you that you're part of something much bigger.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 felt overwhelmed by tax season as a missionary? Wondering if you should opt out of Social Security? Confused about how 1099s, housing allowances, and foreign-earned income exclusions actually work?In this episode, CPAs Maggie Walker and Brooke Calhoun break down everything missionaries need to know about taxes—from maximizing tax benefits to avoiding financial surprises. Whether you’re filing for the first time or catching up on years of returns, this conversation will equip you with practical tips to navigate tax season with confidence. Grab a notebook—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!FREE Housing Allowance WorksheetForeign Earned Income Exclusion ExplainedMissionary Taxes: CPA's Maggie Walker and Brooke Calhoun of BDM Texas both specialize in doing taxes for cross-cultural workers. You can reach out to them HEREHey 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/

Is social media just a distraction—or could it also be one of the most powerful tools for spreading the gospel? Is it possible to use it effectively without falling into the trap of performance and pride? Brian Barcelona shares how he and his team at One Voice have reached millions with the gospel through digital evangelism, the unexpected ways God has moved online, and practical strategies for missionaries to use social media well as a tool for outreach and connecting with supporters. Plus, he gets real about the dangers of fame, the importance of authenticity, and how to steward your calling well in the digital space.If you've ever wondered whether social media is worth your time or struggled to know how to use it well, this conversation is for you!✍️ In this episode, you'll learn:Simple ways to create impactful content without fancy equipmentHow to keep social media from becoming a pride trapWhy storytelling makes our message more powerful and personalPractical tips for using social media without getting addictedWhy authenticity matters more than polished content online💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:What story can I share that might encourage someone today?Am I stewarding my platform in a way that honors God?Am I using social media as a tool or is it a distraction?What’s holding me back from being consistent in sharing?How can I stay authentic while engaging a digital audience?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 does fundraising have to do with spiritual formation? You’re about to find out!Maybe you have been approaching fundraising as just another task on your missionary to-do list. We’ve all been there! But what if it’s not just about the money?Could fundraising actually be a tool God uses to transform you?Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan of Provisio Fundraising unpack how the way we fundraise profoundly shapes our dependence on God, reveals how we see God, and reflects what our mission actually is.Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to let fundraising form you instead of deform you, filling you with fresh purpose and confidence.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/