Episode 21 - Lisandro Staut - Troublemaker turned ministry leader talks overcoming labels, why he left a successful career path, and a criticism of short term missions

Maranatha’s vice president for volunteers explains his unlikely path to missions, from his reputation as a teen troublemaker to pursuing ministry—much to the surprise of those around him. He reflects on the labels others put on him, and a crucial moment where he tested God with his future. Lisandro went on to study theology and journalism in Brazil, working in marketing for his academy alma mater, his university alma mater, a local conference, and eventually, Adventist media giant Novo Tempo. His career trajectory was set to the highest levels of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, but Lisandro chose a different path that ultimately led him to short term missions with Maranatha.The guys talk about how his denominational experience helped him in his current role serving volunteers, what his goal is for each volunteer that serves with Maranatha, and how he sees himself in the teen volunteers that come on Ultimate Workout, our annual teens-only mission trip. Lisandro lays out why short term missions are valuable, addresses a criticism of short term missions, and how volunteers come alongside communities to be a part of what God is already doing there.Watch the story of the Serraria Seventh-day Adventist Church, the congregation served by a volunteer group that Lisandro led: https://watch.maranatha.org/videos/mms11e48-1 The segment on Serraria starts around 19:00.Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show.Visit maranatha.org for more info on the work of Maranatha Volunteers International.Text us! Let us know what you thought of this episode and the show in general!On September 19, 2026, join us in Sacramento, California, for our annual convention, Mission: Maranatha. You’ll be inspired by volunteer testimonies, stories from the mission field, and updates from Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders around the globe. Plus, be blessed by Oakwood University's award-winning choir, The Aeolians.Learn more at https://maranatha.org/media-events/maranatha-convention/