Facing a Task Unfinished

“Whatever You want me to do, I’ll do it.”  In the face of profound loss and disillusionment with church culture, Trey Harper prayed this single, surrendered prayer. And everything changed. In this powerful episode, Trey recounts his journey from a strict military family upbringing, to the battlefields of Iraq, wrestling with trauma and addiction, to a deep spiritual awakening. Trey became a pastor and a missionary.  If you have ever felt inadequate, overlooked, or uncertain whether your life matters in God’s kingdom, this episode is for you. Whether you’re called to the mission field or to serve faithfully where you are, Trey’s story delivers a clear message: God’s purpose for you unfolds through surrender, obedience, and a heart fully yielded to Him. #omf #omfus #omfpodcast #facingataskunfinished #surrenderedlife #faithstory #missions #testimony #christianinspo

"I asked the Holy Spirit — can I feel your love?"In this episode, Hawa joins Rodney Pennington to share how she grew up between war zones, raised by grandmothers and aunties, navigating civil wars, refugee visas, and a faith she was still discovering. Today, she's a social worker, a wife, a mother — and she's answering a call to Taiwan.Her episode is out now. This one's worth your full attention. 🎧To join Hawa and her family and support their ministry, check out their OMF (U.S.) Partner Hub & Donations at https://partnerhub.omf.org/MN2.To hear more from Hawa and her life, check out her YouTube page, Reflecting Life at https://www.youtube.com/@evefahn5893. #christianpodcast #faith #testimony #godisgood #OMF #FacingATaskUnfinished

Born with the umbilical cord around his neck and given just 3 days to live, Jonatan Alvarez became a "miracle child" after his mother's prayer of dedication. But his story was just beginning...  In this raw and honest conversation, Jonatan sits down with Rodney Pennington and shares: Growing up between Mexico and Texas, navigating identity and cultural shock His struggle through bullying, rejection, and eventually addiction The moment God's love broke through his shame and guilt His radical decision to attend seminary despite family opposition Walking through family separation, threats, and spiritual warfare while pursuing his calling Now preparing for missionary work in the Philippines, Jonatan's testimony is a powerful reminder that God never gives up on us—even when we've given up on ourselves.  If you are interested in partnering with Jonatan, check out https://partnerhub.omf.org/JA1. 

Rodney Pennington sits down to have a conversation with Tim and Susan, a remarkable couple who met in Bible college and have been joyfully married for nearly 34 years. Together they’ve raised three sons—all now grown, married, and passionately serving Jesus in ministries around the world—and they’re blessed with eight precious grandchildren!  For almost 31 years, Tim and Susan have faithfully served with OMF International, living and ministering entirely in Japan. In this heartfelt episode, they open up about their journey of faith, the resilience they’ve needed to overcome personal challenges, the beauty and cultural nuances of life in Japan, and the continued efforts of their mission work that has lasted over three decades.  Their story is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, the strength of a Christ-centered marriage, and the joy of long-term obedience in spreading hope across cultures. Don’t miss this encouraging and uplifting episode—perfect for kicking off the New Year and for anyone needing a reminder of what God can do through dedicated lives!To partner with Tim and Susan go to https://partnerhub.omf.org/TSD1

This episode of Facing a Task Unfinished will be of particular interest to TCKs (Third-Culture Kids) and those interested in the lives of missionary kids.Michael Best was born and spent most of his early childhood on the mission field where he struggled with a sense of belonging and, at times, his faith. You'll hear how after settling in the states in high school following his years in other countries, a move overseas was coming, bringing up some strong emotions. But there was a turning point and it eventually led Michael to his work with TCKs today. To learn more about Michael's ministry, visit:https://partnerhub.omf.org/MB1

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," is a challenge that led Neil Thompson into a life of missions, specifically medical missions in Thailand. Dr. Thompson and his wife Wannee join us on this episode of the podcast. Medical missions plays a large part in Neil's story and he shares how a newly established hospital became a place of discipleship and showed that actions could speak as loudly as words. It was while serving in Thailand that Neil met Wannee. Her story includes an introduction to Christianity in her family that did not go over well with her father and led to persecution of her sisters. Their stories illustrate how God has a plan for us even when it's not immediately apparent or when it seems counter to what we think we want. We're thrilled to share their stories in this episode!  Other resources for you: Get to Know Neil and Wannee Thompson https://omf.org/us/get-know-neil-wannee-thompson-omf-staff/ Caring for Body, Soul and Spirit in Thailand: A Story of OMF Medical Missions https://omf.org/us/caring-for-body-soul-and-spirit-in-thailand-a-story-of-omf-medical-missions/ Healthcare Missions: Past, Present, and Future https://missionexus.org/healthcare-missions-past-present-and-future/(Missio Nexus membership needed to read the full article.) 

How clear should your call to overseas missions be?We welcome Megan Sarian to our podcast this month. Her journey to becoming a missionary in Cambodia was a slow and gradual process. You'll appreciate her honesty that a "call" overseas may not be as clear-cut as many people might think it is, or should be. And even a call to go doesn't necessarily mean "soon" or "right now." If you or someone you know has wrestled with the call to missionary service in another country, you'll be blessed by Megan's story and encouraged by God's timing and provision despite our questions or feelings of inadequacy. To learn more about Megan's work in Cambodia, visit: https://partnerhub.omf.org/MS1-----Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What if you limited God with your own definition of what missions should be?  Rodney Pennington welcomes to the podcast Grant Haynes from Global Frontier Missions (GFM). Grant founded GFM in 2000. It's a fascinating origin story that illustrates how God has a plan that is so much bigger than we can often comprehend, taking us to places that we might not have ever considered on our own. Grant's passion is to see as many individuals and churches as possible praying, giving, welcoming, and going to unreached people groups (UPGs). Grant spent 14 years serving in Oaxaca, Mexico with his wife and three children church planting among UPGs, hosting short-term mission groups, running an indigenous Bible school, and starting a missionary training school. He has spent the last 14 years serving among refugees in Clarkston, GA. In this episode of the podcast, you'll hear how you can be a part of that!Learn more about GFM at: https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/  Get more details about the Train and Go Apprenticeship at: https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/train-and-go-apprenticeship——Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What would you sacrifice for just one person to know Christ? What if a specific desire you had to serve Christ was potentially turning into an idol to you?And what if God said "No" to that specific desire to serve?Amanda Slaughter joins Rodney Pennington on the Facing a Task Unfinished podcast to talk about those questions and so much more.As Amanda prepares to become an OMF missionary in Japan, you'll hear how suffering as a child, including a near-death experience from a car accident at age 11, created a foundation that God would use to help shape how she looked at those who don't know the love of Christ.Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/ 

OMF missions mobilizer Lisa Mellinger joins us on the podcast to share her journey into missions. Often our guests tell us about the family support they had. Lisa's story is different. As a Chinese family living in America, wanting to serve in China when she was young was not looked upon favorably by her parents, a story that Lisa shares with humor looking back on it after so many years.She also shares how God worked in her life, and around her, even as a number of doors were closed to her. Mentioned in this episode:Lisa's article, To Be a Hidden Foreigner, can be found on the MissioNexus site, although an account with them is required to read it.https://missionexus.org/to-be-a-hidden-foreigner-issues-christian-chinese-americans-face-living-in-china/——Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

You've probably heard the saying, "Be careful what you wish for." It can hold true for our prayers, too.  That's a foundational part of the story we're excited to share on our podcast. Eric and Katie Unruh tell us how praying about Japan led to hearing the call to serve as missionaries in Japan.  You'll hear how the one person Eric and Katie needed to talk to (unbeknownst to them) at a pivotal moment was the person God placed in their path... while working on a Christian bookfair ship... during the pandemic. It's one of many stories of how God worked in their lives in ways they couldn't have planned. You'll notice we've changed the name of the podcast to Facing a Task Unfinished. It's also the name of a song and you can read how it's tied to OMF on our blog: https://omf.org/the-story-behind-the-song-facing-a-task-unfinished/

If you've been listening to our podcast conversations for a while, you'll notice a few common themes. One is: I had plans for my life, but God had other plans that were better.  However, the journey isn't always smooth as you'll hear in the latest episode of our podcast. Marjorie Young-Krauss shares about her life, from growing up in the Philippines to moving to the U.S., and how God became more and more real to her as time went on in ways she couldn't have planned.  You'll also hear how some interesting circumstances led to her marriage to husband, Fred, and how their life together led them to a stronger faith in God and their roles in His kingdom. -----Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

Imagine hearing at age five that a teacher thought you’d “never become anything.” But God had other plans for the young Brian Newton, a shy child from England. The road wouldn’t be smooth, though, and far from a straight line as God slowly positioned Brian to where He wanted him to be as a missionary. Even after beginning service overseas there were trials to overcome.It’s a fascinating story that we’re thrilled to share with you!——Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

"If you lived here, you would understand."This is often the response OMF Taiwan missionary Kat Tang wants to say to people who inquire about why, after five years in Meishan, Taiwan, has no one become a Christian yet? It can be a difficult subject, but the full answer is so important to understand!In addition to this audio, you can see her share this story (and see a bit of Meishan) on our YouTube channel:https://youtu.be/H_ruxefB6fw——Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

The United States is home to more international migrants than any other country, receiving 20% of the world’s “people on the move.” Today, 13.8% of U.S. residents are foreign-born, with 1 in 25 people having never heard about Jesus. Many East and Southeast Asians arrive in the U.S. from countries where the gospel isn’t easily accessible.Through our new Global Neighbors Ministries, we collaborate with churches and networks to see multiplying followers of Jesus, among every East and Southeast Asian people group across the U.S., who are joining God’s plan to reach all nations.On this episode of the podcast, Global Neighbors Facilitator Angie Long joins President and Co-National Directors of OMF (U.S.) James and Lisa Dougherty to talk about OMF's heart for this exciting opportunity to share the good news of Jesus. To learn more about how you can be involved, visit: https://omf.org/us/globalneighbors/——Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What happens when you think you have your life figured out, but God leads you in a new direction? And what happens when there's still suffering to endure such as a divorce? OMF's Sharon Tang joins Rodney Pennington on this episode of the podcast to talk about her life... how curiosity about a free gift led her to church one Christmas, her journey as a doctor, and how a patient of hers making a miraculous recovery showed her who was really in control. -----Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

Former OMF (U.S.) President and National Director, Michael Littlefield, joins Rodney Pennington on this episode of the podcast. Michael shares about how his faith developed and led to a life in missions with his first wife, LeMei. After working for many years with OMF in Taiwan and Singapore, they returned to the U.S. to continue serving with OMF in Colorado.  Michael shares how God led them through times of great blessings and challenges including LeMei’s death from cancer in 2012. He also updates us on the work he’s now doing with his wife, Rhonda, including ministry to those who have lost loved ones. —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

Instead of asking, “Am I called to missions?”, a better question might be, “How does God want me to participate in His mission to reach the world?” Writer Christopher Lane explores that question on this episode of the podcast. ----- Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What happens when an unpleasant person is the person God puts in your path to speak to? OMF Thailand missionary Bekah Farber explains what happened to her in that situation. ----- Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

"Do you want the pleasures of the world or are you going to seek Jesus? You can't be on the fence. It's one or the other." Cambodia missionary and OMF mobilizer Travis Pappa joins Rodney Pennington on this episode of the podcast.  A very clear call to missions still came with choices and challenges. Travis walks us through that journey of how God spoke to his heart and opened doors from an early age and still guides him in his life and ministry. As he says in this episode, "When you're really walking with the Lord and things are just falling into place in wild ways that you can't explain ... you don't want to get away from that." You can follow Travis on his YouTube channel, That Guy In Cambodia: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatGuyInCambodia

From a challenging past to a hope-filled future in Christ, OMF’s Kori Jackson shares her journey from Laos to the U.S., and how God’s patience helped her to see that a different life was possible. Kori talks about the pain of her past, including the murder of her brother, and how God continued to pursue her even in the midst of her lowest moments.  —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

Among our conversations with missionaries on the podcast, being a missionary as a single person has come up multiple times. Today, we focus exclusively on this important topic.  Executive Director for Mobilization, Rodney Pennington, talks with OMF Philippines missionary Andy Smith. As a single missionary himself, Andy's story sheds light on how single missionaries can thrive, especially when aligned with God's plan.  Andy also discusses singleness from a biblical perspective, which single missionaries inspired him in more recent years, and how the church plays a valuable role in supporting single missionaries. Drawing from his extensive experience, Andy shares practical tips on life skills and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. His advice is not only practical but also deeply rooted in his own experiences and extensive research.   -----   Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

With over four decades ministering to the people of Thailand, OMF missionary Larry Dinkins talks with Rodney Pennington about how God has worked in the hearts of the Thai people, and in Dinkins himself.  Dinkins shares how he came to Christ, what led him to Thailand, the loss of his wife and ministry partner to cancer, and how stories and Bible memorization are so important to sharing the Good News of Jesus with others.  To learn more about Dinkins and his technique to absorbing Bible content, visit his website at: https://www.oralstoryteller.org Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

OMF Thailand missionary, Bekah Farber, shares how the Thai word 'naarak' can be used in many circumstances, but most powerfully in relation to God. Read the blog version at: https://omf.org/us/is-god-cute/ Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

OMF’s Rodney Pennington introduces us to missions mobilizer, Tobias. His parents were refugees from Laos who came to America. Gang activity and selling drugs as a youth had him on a bleak path until he found hope in Jesus. Today, Tobias works to share the good news of Jesus with unreached people groups. Listen to his inspiring story in this episode. OMF’s mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us

Christopher Lane shares the story of how God's call to share Jesus with Chinese people led a couple across the border from the U.S. to Mexico. You can also read this story at: https://omf.org/us/reaching-chinese-in-mexico About OMF: Our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us

Today we share the final stories in partnership with the Thailand Prayer Guide website. Two women in two places, a shared despair. How will their stories end?  Learn about the prayer guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

Her children had repaid her with rebellion and betrayal. “Joy” was a commodity that only others could experience … right? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

The love of her life had cheated on her, lied to her, and humiliated her. Could she ever trust anyone again? Our series with the Thailand Prayer Guide concludes this week. To learn more about the guide, visit: https://thailand-prayer.net

She spent years showing others the beauty of Thailand. But her own heart was a wasteland … would anyone ever truly love and care for her? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

Anxiety and depression were his constant companions. Should he give up on life completely? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

Her life had gone two steps backward, and she carried the burden of raising children by herself. How could she ever take another step forward? Our series with the Thailand Prayer Guide continues this week. To learn more about the guide, visit: https://thailand-prayer.net

She was always on the fringes, her life full of failures and shame. Would it be any different today?  Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

He was enraged at being publicly humiliated. Would he succeed in getting the revenge he desired? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

She was a strong woman who seemed capable of making everything go the way she wanted. Until one day, when it all fell apart.  Our series with the Thailand Prayer Guide continues this week. To learn more about the guide, visit: https://thailand-prayer.net

He had been mocked and marginalized. Why would he choose to experience this again? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

He was addicted and abusive. She was scared, but strong enough to leave. Should or would they ever be back together again? Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

An ordinary woman with an ordinary life, befriended by a family with no extraordinary abilities. But in their meeting, was an extraordinary event still possible?  Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

Throughout July, A Heart for East Asia podcast, and OMF's Prayer Powerlines newsletter, is partnering with the Thailand Prayer Guide website to share short stories of how God is at work in Thailand. In this episode, OMF missionary Bekah Farber introduces us to this series and explains why Thailand is "the land of smiles." Learn about the Thailand Prayer Guide at: https://thailand-prayer.net

OMF's Rodney Pennington chats with Andy Smith. Since 1989, Andy has served in the Philippines with OMF International. His work has included church planting, writing and facilitating training courses, field leadership, and international leadership. Andy shares how he came to Christ and what led him to become a missionary, as well as his life serving in the Philippines. To learn more about the work of OMF, please visit: https://omf.org/us/

Rodney Pennington talks with OMF Ministry Advocate Debbie Merritt about serving in the Philippines, serving as a single person on the mission field, and how a visit to a specific home in the Philippines was a life-changing answer to someone's prayer. To learn more about serving with OMF, visit: https://www.omf.org/us

OMF’s Rodney Pennington chats with U.S. missions mobilizer Michael Woo about his life in ministry, and seeing God’s goodness and faithfulness in times of suffering and life-changing moments. To learn more about OMF, visit: https://omf.org/us/

What happens when you tell God you’re willing to “go”, but the expected and hoped-for call to go serve in another country never comes? That was the situation facing Logan Middlebrooks who shares his journey of faith in this episode. Logan works with Perspectives USA and walks us through how he wrestled with the desire to go serve in another country when God seemed to be closing doors that Logan hoped would be opened. Read the blog version of this episode: https://omf.org/us/saying-yes-to-where-i-am/ Learn more about Perspectives USA: https://perspectives.org

We catch up with OMF Taiwan missionaries Ben & Kelly LaPiana. They're temporarily here in the states before returning to Taiwan later this year.  Among a number of topics we cover, they share how God is working in their area of ministry with university students.  We'll also hear how working in the states during this time opened up a different ministry opportunity that is also open to all of us.    To learn more about Ben & Kelly's ministry, visit: https://partnerhub.omf.org/BKL1   You can also see visit their student ministry page, Life Community, on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067579486482   And if you want to follow Kelly's photography activities that we talked about in this episode, you can visit her website, or follow her on social media: https://kellylapianaphotography.mypixieset.com/ https://www.facebook.com/kellylapianaphotography/ https://www.instagram.com/kellylapianaphotography/ (Guests: Ben & Kelly LaPiana; Host: Mike Klassen)

We check in with OMF Taiwan missionary, Kat Tang. Along with her husband and two children, Kat is briefly in the U.S. before returning to Taiwan.  We talk about what it’s like to serve in an area where her family is the only Christians in their community, the challenge of sharing the gospel where they are, and what missionaries really wish they could tell their supporters. To see and learn more about Kat and her husband, Putao’s, ministry in Meishan, Taiwan, visit: https://partnerhub.omf.org/KT1 Kat has also shared in the past on our blog: https://omf.org/us/partnership-two-way-street/ https://omf.org/us/rural-church-planting/ (Guest: Kat Tang; Host: Mike Klassen)

Global Frontier Mission’s Marketing Manager, Katherine, joins the podcast to talk again with Lauren. Lauren has been sharing her journey that took her through the Train & Go Apprenticeship program, a partnership between GFM and OMF. Today, Lauren shares her surprising experience in a coffeehouse reminds us that God moves powerfully beyond the limits we put on Him. He uses us for his purposes, often in the most unexpected ways. You can also read Lauren’s story on our blog which includes links to her other stories in this series: https://omf.org/us/a-buddhist-monk-asked-how-to-share-the-gospel/ To learn more about the Train & Go Apprenticeship, visit: https://omf.org/us/apprenticeship-program/ Our thanks to Global Frontier Missions for making this episode possible!

Thanks to rapid advancements in communications technology, we now have some incredible tools to accelerate cross-cultural evangelism and discipleship. Social media is one of those tools. Discover how OMF's Media for Movements has been using social media to evangelize and disciple the Shan people. Written/Read by: Christopher Lane Blog version of this story: https://omf.org/us/shan-social-media/ October 2023 Prayer Powerlines: https://omf.org/us/october-2023-prayer-powerlines/ Get involved with Media for Movements: [email protected]

Have you ever struggled with how to pray on a deeper level for mission workers? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode, we highlight 7 areas to cover in prayer, one for each day of the week. For quick reference, feel free to take a screenshot of the 7 days below to keep on your mobile device, computer, or to print: Day 1 – Relationship with God Day 2 – Physical and Emotional Needs Day 3 – Family Relationships Day 4 – Ability to Communicate Day 5 – Ministry Effectiveness Day 6 – Team Relationships Day 7 – Country of Service Written by Bill Wilson Read by Mike Klassen

OMF Thailand missionaries Bekah and Brian Farber share a conversation about... hairy feet. A seemingly odd topic, but one with a wonderful spiritual lesson that can apply to all of us. (To see the “hairy feet” photo that inspired this episode, visit our blog at: https://omf.org/us/i-love-your-hairy-feet/)

As a new missionary, what do you do when you feel led to serve in a particular country, but then see the door slammed shut? That was the situation facing Brian and Esther Newton. Hear how God leads in ways that don't always make sense at the time, and how the health of their one-year-old son had a significant impact on where they eventually ended up. Written by: Brian Newton Read by: Mike Klassen (Original article link: https://omf.org/us/the-door-to-japanshut/)