Stories From The Field: Looking Back on Season 1 of UNREACHED

01/10/24 • 33 min

Have you ever stood in awe of the resilience and faith of those dedicated to spreading the Gospel in the world's most remote and challenging regions? This year, we’re back to share the extraordinary tales of those serving on the front lines of faith. As our UNREACHED PODCAST Producer Clint and I reflect on our previous encounters, we highlight the stirring dedication of missionaries like Jack Crabtree and Kirby Holmes, who prove that language barriers and warzones are no match for the universal power of God’s word. Their stories resonate with a deep commitment that inspires us to re-evaluate our own life missions.
During our conversations, we're left speechless by the incredible accounts of spiritual dreams occurring in the Middle East, a phenomenon that guest John Samara helps us explore. Imagine the profound impact of a young lady's testimony about a man in white guiding survivors through the rubble of an earthquake, or the intense curiosity sparked by the question, "Are you people of the Messiah?" These narratives not only bring us closer to understanding the omnipresence of divine encounters but also challenge us to open our hearts to the unexpected ways God communicates his love and direction.
Journey with us this season as we traverse the globe, from South Sudan to the mountains of Papua New Guinea, bringing you stories of God's kingdom expanding through the voices and prayers of those called to serve. Your role in this mission is invaluable, and we're eager for you to connect with these narratives – to find inspiration, be moved to prayer, or discover ways to engage directly with the cause. Let's stand together in faith, emboldened by the testimonies of those reaching every corner of the earth with the message of hope.

Follow @unreachedpodcast on Instagram for more!

Follow @unreachedpodcast on Instagram for more!

Previous Episode

The Ripple of Giving: United in the Mission of LOVE with Operation Christmas Child

As the Advent season ushers in a time of giving and reflection, our latest podcast episode is a beacon of light, showcasing the boundless power of love and generosity. Joined by the inspiring David Thompson and the passionate Gracie O'Loughlin, Samaritan's Purse and Operation Christmas Child, we uncover the joy that springs from touching lives across the globe. From Gracie's Thanksgiving in Atlanta & Lower Alabama, packing shoeboxes for children in need, to David's eye-opening experiences in Ghana and Ecuador, their stories are vivid reminders of how profound an impact we can have.
The spirit of the season truly shines through as we explore the behind-the-scenes of Operation Christmas Child. Imagine thousands of volunteers, from various walks of life, all converging with a single purpose: to deliver not just gifts, but hope and the gospel message. Gracie's tales from the packing centers to her strategic partnership efforts embody the essence of Christmas giving. And it doesn't stop there — we learn about the heartening journey of a Tanzanian girl named Agnes, whose life was transformed through a simple shoebox, igniting a chain of faith that continues to spread within her community.
Our discussion takes a meaningful turn as we examine the often overlooked need for strategic resource allocation within the Christian mission. It's a thought-provoking look at how our collective efforts can create an eternal ripple, and the call for a paradigm shift towards reaching those who have yet to hear the gospel. The episode culminates in a prayerful reflection for guidance and strength on our listeners' own paths within the kingdom's work. As Christmas draws near, we're reminded of the true power of partnership, healing, and the simplest acts of kindness — all of which have the potential to open doors to lasting faith and fulfillment.

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Next Episode

Global Crisis: Resourcing Healthy Churches In The Hardest Places with John Peays

When the world is shaken by disaster, where can hope be found? John Peays, Regional Director for Western Africa Partnerships at Samaritan's Purse, joins us to share his profound journey from the corridors of finance to the very heart of humanitarian aid. With remarkable stories from central Sudan to the scars of Rwanda, John and his wife have embraced the call to serve with Samaritan's Purse, illuminating the darkest corners of human suffering with compassionate action and steadfast faith. Their unwavering dedication not only addresses physical needs but also fosters the growth of healthy churches, serving as the tangible hands and feet of Christ across the globe.
The intricacies of responding to disasters come to light as John unravels the complexities behind Samaritan's Purse's life-saving missions. From the immediate deployment of a 52-bed hospital near the Syrian border to the sophisticated coordination required for the Beirut explosion relief, discover how rapid assessment, strategic resource allocation, and the indispensable partnership with local churches combine to form a resilient front against calamity. The podcast peels back the layers of these logistical feats, revealing the heartbeat of an organization committed to bringing relief and rebuilding hope amidst the chaos.
In the spirit of spreading joy, we explore the far-reaching influence of Operation Christmas Child, a Samaritan's Purse initiative that intertwines gift-giving with the message of the gospel. We unpack how this project not only touches the lives of children worldwide but also strengthens the global church through its 12-week discipleship program. John recounts the transformative impact of this initiative in remote Madagascar, illustrating how simple shoebox gifts can break through barriers of darkness. As our conversation draws to a close, we ground ourselves in prayer, uniting in a shared desire to see a world illuminated by the love and glory of Christ.

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UNREACHED - Stories From The Field: Looking Back on Season 1 of UNREACHED

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:05.628

In Revelation 7 , john shares his vision of heaven with members from every tribe , tongue , people and language standing in the throne room before the Lamb .

Speaker 100:00:15.800

Yet today there are still over 7,000 unreached people groups around the world .

Speaker 100:00:21.960

For the last six years , my family and friends have bee