Bishop John Yambasu of the Sierra Leone Episcopal Area and Megan Klingler, a registered nurse who serves as the Primary Health Care Specialist of the Global Health Unit of United Methodist Global Ministries, share some great information about coronavirus and COVID-19, things we can do to help keep one another safe, and how the church is responding in Africa. We talk about why this virus is called “novel,” what the difference is between an epidemic and a pandemic, and how social distancing is an ...
Apr 08, 2020•34 min•Ep. 70
Using clips from previous conversations, host Joe Iovino shares some thoughts and encouragement during this difficult time of social distancing to help “flatten the curve” and stem the spread of COVID-19 and coronavirus. Hear the words of Adam Hamilton, Jessica Lagrone, Matt Miofsky, a public health physician and more.
Mar 27, 2020•18 min•Ep. 69
“When we put on our identity in Christ,” the Rev. Rachel Billups teaches, “when we lean into the fact that God has called us beloved children, we’re unstoppable. We become these super people. Not because there’s an extra chromosome of faith.., but [because] we actually trust what God says about us.” Billups, lead pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio, is the author of Be Bold, Finding Your Fierce a wonderful book about living into our true, Christian identity. In our con...
Mar 17, 2020•28 min•Ep. 68
“Christ’s thumbprint is everywhere if we’re willing to see it,” teaches the Rev. Matt Rawle. That includes our books, movies, and music. Rawle, who serves as lead pastor of Asbury United Methodist Church in Bossier City, Louisiana, is the author of a series of books exploring the intersection between faith and pop culture. His latest, The Grace of Les Miserables is a six-week study for Lent. Using Victor Hugo’s familiar tale, Rawle explores the Christian themes of grace, justice, poverty, revolu...
Feb 20, 2020•38 min
Clara Mridula Biswas serves as the director of a the Street Children Ministry and Community Outreach in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. As you might imagine, her work with children connects her to families who may be struggling with overwhelming poverty, domestic violence, and people with HIV/AIDS – among other things. One of the beautiful aspects of Clara’s ministry, is she intentionally works to equip and empower people to be in service to others. Those who have been blessed through her ministry are enc...
Feb 06, 2020•27 min
How would your life be different if you focused on all God has already given you, rather than the things you lack? Katelin Hansen serves the United Methodist Church for All People in Columbus, Ohio as their Minister of Music & Strategic Initiatives Director. Her ministry has given her the opportunity to see what God can do with what we are willing to offer, like the young boy’s lunch that Jesus turns into enough to feed more than five-thousand people (see John 6:1-13 ). As you listen, consid...
Jan 17, 2020•37 min
As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? The Rev. Jean Claude Masuka Maleka and Francine Ilunga Mbanga Mufuk, a married couple from the Democratic Republic of Congo who serve as United Methodist missionaries to Côte d’Ivoire, do great ministries to strengthen women, children and families. Their story is an inspiration.
Dec 20, 2019•35 min
As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? David Makobo N’Shikala knows the peace of the farm. After studying agriculture at United Methodist Africa University, he moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to Dakar, Senegal where he leads Senegal United Methodist Mission. David teaches farmers how to grow food in poor soil and how modern technologies can help them work with their land most efficiently.
Dec 13, 2019•29 min
As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? The Rev. Israel Painit learned from his family what it means to listen to God, and he is still listening. After serving as a pastor and District Superintendent, Painit heard God calling him to a new way of doing ministry. Today he is serving in Laos, sharing the love of Jesus in a place where there are very few Christians.
Dec 06, 2019•28 min
As you prepare for Christmas, what are you listening for? Dr. Belinda Forbes spent years listening as God brought together all of our her gifts — including her desire to speak to God in Spanish — in her work as a dental missionary in Nicaragua. Through her work she brings hope to many. Listen as Dr. Forbes shares some of what she has learned about mission work, the importance of listening more deeply, and how God sometimes calls us to do things that are very different from what we had planned or...
Nov 29, 2019•32 min•Ep. 61
The Rev. Matt Miofsky, a United Methodist pastor and the author of Let Go: Move beyond fear into the life God wants for you, discusses ways we can overcome the fear that comes with change. When transitions happen – whether it is our choice or thrust upon us because of a new job, relationship status, or starting a new adventure – fear can keep us stuck. We overestimate potential problems and costs before they happen. We romanticize the past, and convince ourselves to stay with what we know. We wo...
Nov 22, 2019•34 min
Moments of helplessness seldom fill us with gratitude. But United Methodist pastor, author and Dean of the Chapel at Asbury Theological Seminary the Rev. Jessica LaGrone, reminds us that when Jesus performed miracles, it was often to meet the needs of people in their most desperate moments. When viewed that way, our difficult times can serve as an opportunity to invite God to work powerfully in our lives also. God doesn’t bring the difficult situations into our lives, but meets us in them....
Nov 08, 2019•33 min
United Methodist bishop of the New England Conference shares what it was like growing up in India as a Christian family, mentoring under a pastor who visited coffee estates to evangelize, and how pilgrimages to Taizé in France strengthen his spiritual walk.
Jul 15, 2019•23 min
What does it mean to follow where God leads? For United Methodist missionary Belinda Forbes, it means using her language skills and dental expertise to serve the people of Nicaragua. We talk about her call, what she has learned in nearly 30 years as a missionary, and how you and I can serve God in our everyday lives. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitte...
Jun 24, 2019•32 min
A United Methodist pastor shares how our support of disaster response and other relief ministries (especially through the United Methodist Committee on Relief), provides more than supplies. Our aid is a sign of the hope we have in Jesus Christ, shared with others during their most difficult times. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.co...
Jun 05, 2019•26 min
Bishop Leeland’s grandparents and great-grandmother were influential in his spiritual journey from the start. He was trained as a pastoral counselor, but realized through prayer that he was in the wrong place and soon began pastoral ministry. Today he is an avid reader, chess aficionado and accordion player. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http:/...
May 10, 2019•25 min
United Methodist pastor Jacob Armstrong is a fan of epic adventure movies like Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. In this episode, he shares some of the connections he sees between the films and the Bible, and a couple of quotes that can inspire and encourage our spiritual journeys. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch Th...
May 02, 2019•10 min
“From everywhere to everywhere!” Thomas Kemper of the General Board of Global Ministries inspires us with the stories of United Methodist the more than 350 missionaries in over 65 countries who connect us with those on the edges of society, expand our worldview and deepen our faith. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This...
Apr 08, 2019•27 min
In this conversation, United Methodist Bishop James Swanson talks about how his early days in the church shaped his life and faith, his extraordinary call to ministry, why he encourages people to share their “glory sightings,” and the spiritual reason he carries a rock in his toiletry bag when he travels. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://tw...
Mar 28, 2019•26 min
Rudy Rasmus and St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, TX, which he co-pastors with his wife the Rev. Juanita Rasmus, are a force for good in their community. Listen as Pastor Rudy shares how early in his faith journey he learned to celebrate the good and to live openly, honestly and transparently every day. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter...
Mar 15, 2019•29 min
While studying medicine, Bishop Lawson Bryan felt led to explore a call to ministry. Today he serves as Bishop of the South Georgia Conference. His training in science informs his ministry still today. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact is Joe Iovi...
Jan 29, 2019•23 min
Podcaster, speaker and author of a new book called She Dreams has a gift for bringing people together to grow as followers of Jesus. In this conversation, Tiffany Bluhm shares some of the ways she helps others make those connections and tells about how her new book is inspired by the stories of those who never gave up on who God called them to be. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.c...
Jan 10, 2019•32 min
Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we planned. When that happens, we might feel discouraged, but as Bishop Sharma Lewis shares, “God utilizes everything.” Through their stories, our United Methodist bishops teach how God works even in the messy parts of life. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produce...
Dec 18, 2018•16 min
Pastor Myriam Cortes serves Iglesia Metodista Unida Ebenezer, a Hispanic congregation in Nashville, Tennessee. Difficult events in 2017, including debates in the U.S. around DACA, the deportation of member of her congregation, and Hurricane Maria striking her hometown in Puerto Rico, were storms that the pastor’s faith sustained her through. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/uni...
Dec 06, 2018•32 min
Jesus teaches that our spiritual journeys should include working for justice by doing things like feeding the hungry and caring for the vulnerable. Learn what you can do and how United Methodist Church and Society can help. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Med...
Nov 16, 2018•32 min
Karl Anders Ellingsen edits the magazine of The United Methodist Church in Norway. In this conversation, he talks about the church he loves, the message of grace, and the way he stays in constant conversation with God. ======= Like the podcast? Please leave a review . Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media co...
Nov 01, 2018•25 min
Converting to Christianity at 16, The United Methodist bishop began a lifelong pursuit to build bridges between faith and culture. In our conversation, he offers tips for relating to people of other faiths and shares his love of hiking in the mountains. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact i...
Oct 12, 2018•26 min
When opinions are strong, conversation can be difficult. A United Methodist pastor shares tips for listening and talking to those with whom we disagree. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact is Joe Iovino, jiovino@umcom.org....
Sep 18, 2018•33 min
Serving as president of the United Methodist Council of Bishops and resident bishop of Florida, Bishop Carter shares about his early life of faith, his love of baseball, and what he does to keep his spirit in shape. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact is Joe Iovino, jiovino@umcom.org....
Aug 27, 2018•26 min
Through lessons and by example, a United Methodist missionary couple from the Democratic Republic of Congo teaches about patience, respect, and appreciation in marriage. ======= Follow us: Web: http://www.UMC.org YouTube: http://youtube.com/umcvideos Facebook: http://facebook.com/unitedmethodistchurch Twitter: http://twitter.com/umchurch This podcast is produced by United Methodist Communications. Media contact is Joe Iovino, jiovino@umcom.org....
Aug 14, 2018•34 min
