What does missions really look like? The lives of cross-cultural workers can sometimes be shrouded in mystery—or obscured by misconceptions. In each episode of the Relentless Pursuit Podcast, we go behind the scenes to talk to a missionary about their life and work. Join us as we uncover the messy, rewarding, sometimes dangerous journey of following Jesus to the nations.
You love God and want His will for your life. But fear and uncertainty get in the way. This podcast tells stories from missionaries who have struggled with the same things. They’ve wrestled through tough seasons in pursuit of God’s glory among the nations. Their raw stories will inspire you in your walk with God. Grab a cup of coffee and lean in.
Joe struggled with what seemed like two good paths: a life in academia and a life in missions. Even as he took steps to go to Central Asia, he asked, what if he could be used better in a university? What if he showed up overseas and was utterly useless?
Chris, a physician, served in Central Asia for 14 years. But in his early years, he wondered if it was worth it as he battled culture shock, sickness and more. On the other hand, saying yes to God also meant seeing his own life and those of others transformed by the gospel’s power.
Rachel didn’t think missions was for her, but as she learned about God’s heart for the nations, she wondered what she could do and how God might direct her. Hear how the journey led her to serve as a single woman in France.
When Ann left for the field, she expected life to be hard. She knew the Christian life included suffering, but she didn’t expect it to come to her, at least not the way it did. Join us in looking back at how God showed His grace, provision and presence in Ann’s life.
Steve has served in Africa and Europe and has been a mission leader for decades. We asked him to share his best tips for those preparing for missions and insight into what teams are looking for when they recruit new members.
What do we need to persevere in the face of suffering in missions? What is resiliency? What should our posture be?
Summer taught at a school in Ethiopia, was part of church planting in tribal Uganda and then went to work among the unreached in Central Asia. Hear how God has guided and protected her—and can do the same for you.
Because of her Latina roots, Kim thought the Lord might lead her to serve in a Spanish-speaking country, but over time, God directed her to the Middle East. What would she need to know and do to be effective there?
Andrew was born to missionary parents in Senegal, West Africa, and was inspired to pursue missions early on. He was looking at mission aviation. But then, when he had a few years of experience, God used him to launch a team to help reach nomadic peoples in Chad.
Deeply impacted by a short-term trip to Guatemala, Jessica took small steps of obedience on a journey that eventually led her to Japan. Hear how God guided her and get a glimpse of life and ministry in Japan.
Jason’s parents grew up in the jungles of South America and returned to serve in Peru as an adult. Here, he shares his incredible adventures and the intense challenges he experienced living in remote places.
Pioneers-USA President Steve Richardson tells us how God led his family to Southeast Asia and back. Turns out, God may have bigger dreams for us than we have for ourselves.
When his brother made plans to pursue missions, Patrick decided to follow. He even got a degree in missions and married a woman on the same page. They taught in Korea for a few years. But what would they do after that? How do you find a good fit?
Junia didn’t necessarily think she needed to be married to be a missionary. Indeed, marriage is a good gift. But in her years as a mission mobilizer, missionary, and mission leader, she’s seen singleness as a gift with its own advantages.
A three-minute conversation over a satellite phone drastically changed the lives of Jake and his high-school sweetheart, Melissa. Hear how God gave them a holy discontent and led them to a new life in South Asia.
Jaden loved photography. But he didn’t know God would use that love to bring the faces of the unreached to the attention of the Church. How might God use your unique gifts and skills to expand His kingdom among the nations?
Elyse serves in South Asia, a region that suffered much in the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen as she shares a beautiful story of Jesus healing and delivering a young woman. God’s power is unmatched.
After years of serving the Church through marriage ministry, John and Pat took up a new role as marriage coaches for missionaries. Hear what they say about common issues in marriage and how they show up on the field.
Elijah and Emma served among Muslims in two North African countries. Learn about the challenges they faced and how the beauty of the gospel was revealed to their neighbors as a result.
Andrew coaches new missionaries about what many see as one of the biggest obstacles to serving in missions: raising support. Hear what he says about the spiritual and relational blessings of partner development.
