Gospel Stories

Joel is excited to launch a brand-new podcast from Biblical Ministries Worldwide. It's called Real Missionaries in Real Time.This show follows a group of missionaries throughout the year, giving you a window into what God is doing in missions right now. Each month, you’ll hear directly from them:what’s happening in their ministrywhat’s been encouragingwhat’s been challengingwhat daily life really looks likeand how you can be prayingReal Missionaries in Real Time invites you into the ongoing story of God’s work around the world, not as a recap, but as it unfolds in real time. Search “Real Missionaries in Real Time” in your favorite podcast app or follow one of the links below!Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MfM9izIAMxHC3fE9Jew3WApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/real-missionaries-in-real-time/id1894882019RSS Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/1119ae860/podcast/rss

This episode walks into one of the most defining moments of the Browns’ ministry—the night of the hijacking and the hard family conversation that followed.You’ll hear how they processed danger with honesty, how they guided their children through fear, and how God steadied them when everything felt uncertain.Their story highlights the real cost of obedience, the wisdom required to live in a high-risk environment, and the strength that rises when trust in God becomes more than a belief.It’s a powerful look at courage expressed in the very moments when fear is real and the path forward feels costly.

Before they ever stepped onto foreign soil, David and Karin Brown lived their lives “leaning on the door of missions.”They prepared, waited, and trusted that God—not ambition—would turn the handle.In this first episode, they share how faith, loss, and calling shaped their readiness to go.You’ll hear how years of quiet obedience led to the moment God opened the door—and how His presence steadied them when fear followed.

After years of preparation in the United States, Józsué Dán returned home to Hungary with a single conviction—to bring the Word of God back to the center of the church.In this episode, Józsué shares the challenges of coming home to a spiritually dry land, the struggle of planting a church without a team, and the beauty of watching God provide faithful brothers to stand beside him.He describes Hungary’s need for deep discipleship and how expository preaching is transforming hearts one verse at a time.This conversation is an insightful look at what it means to walk by faith, lead with humility, and build the church on the firm foundation of Scripture.

In this first part of our conversation with Józsué Dán, we trace his journey from a small Hungarian village to a life completely surrendered to God’s call.Józsué shares how a simple summer serving at a Christian camp changed everything, how God provided a wife, work, and even a wedding venue when he had nothing, and how the Lord opened doors for him and his family to study in the United States.Through years of struggle, humility, and faith, Józsué discovered the power of expository preaching—the life-changing practice of simply opening the Bible and teaching what it says. His story reminds us that God’s direction often comes one obedient step at a time and that every season of waiting is preparation for something greater.

In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, Jon Beazley and Clark Berryman continue their conversation with missionary Jack Barentsen, exploring how churches can stay faithful and effective in a rapidly changing world. Drawing from his book Awaken in God’s World, Jack unpacks why listening, trust, and spiritual practice are the foundation of authentic ministry.They discuss the limits of ministry “models,” the need to engage culture with humility, and how every believer’s unique gifts—no matter how small—contribute to the life of the church. Jack shares how innovation and adaptability reflect the creative nature of God Himself, challenging leaders to stay rooted in Scripture while remaining responsive to their context.If you’re a pastor, missionary, or anyone passionate about the future of the church, this episode will inspire you to rethink what faithful ministry looks like today—and how to connect people’s personal stories to God’s unfolding story.

Missionary Jack Barentsen joins The Gospel Stories Podcast to share what it’s like to bring the gospel to one of the most secular nations in Europe — the Netherlands. In this conversation, Jack, Jon, and Clark explore how the church can thrive in a culture shaped by individualism, experience, and post-Christian values.They discuss:Why legalism pushed people away — and why freedom without truth is no betterHow listening and participation open doors for genuine discipleshipWhy younger generations are quietly searching for meaning againHow the gospel must be both lived and proclaimed to make sense in a culture that’s lost its framework for faithThis episode will challenge how you think about evangelism and discipleship in a world that’s moved beyond religion — yet still longs for redemption.

In this final conversation with missionary Daniel Willoughby, we explore how God redirects our paths and uses every season for His purposes. Daniel reflects on pivotal moments—from growing up in South America and being redirected to post-Berlin Wall Germany, to decades of ministry rooted in teamwork, apologetics, and relational evangelism.He shares how missions in East Germany require both logic and love, reason and relationship. Together, Jon and Daniel discuss how Christianity’s moral perception has shifted in modern culture, why the gospel must be seen as both true and good, and how lasting ministry depends on faithfulness in preparation and family health.This episode captures the heart of missionary perseverance—reminding listeners that even “two steps back” can be part of God’s perfect plan to prepare us for what’s next.

In part two of our conversation with missionary Daniel Willoughby, we explore what preparation really looks like when following God’s call. Daniel shares how the fall of the Berlin Wall changed the trajectory of his ministry, the challenges of learning a new language, and why God sometimes delays opportunities until we’re ready for them.Through stories of faith, fear, and perseverance, Daniel reminds us that sharpening the axe—the quiet seasons of study, language learning, and support-raising—is never wasted. It’s what equips us for longevity in ministry.Hosts Jon Beazley and Clark Berryman reflect on the tension between preparation and action, how churches can better train future leaders, and the importance of being faithful wherever you are.If you’ve ever wondered whether your season of waiting has purpose, this episode will give you clarity and encouragement to stay the course.

In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, we sit down with Daniel Willoughby to hear a powerful testimony from his childhood as a missionary kid in Colombia. Daniel recounts the unforgettable story of his father’s courage in the face of violent persecution—an event that mirrors the book of Acts. From mobs in the street to a miraculous moment of preaching through blood and brokenness, this story captures the cost of following Christ and the grace that makes such courage possible.You’ll also hear how these experiences shaped Daniel’s own faith, how his family responded in the midst of danger, and what it means for us today to embrace both the cost and the joy of following Jesus. This is a story of faith under fire, resilience in suffering, and the unstoppable power of the gospel.

In this second half of our conversation with missionary Andy Overly, we explore what it means to remain faithful when ministry doesn’t go as planned. Andy shares candid insights on seasons of waiting, the challenge of feeling stuck, and why peace and contentment are vital for missionaries. Through farming metaphors, biblical reflections, and personal stories, Andy reminds us that God—not us—controls the harvest. He encourages listeners to keep sowing faithfully, preach the gospel to themselves, and trust in God’s grace even when fruit isn’t visible. Whether you’re discerning a call to missions or struggling in your own walk, this episode offers perspective, hope, and a renewed vision of God’s unstoppable work

What does it really take to prepare for the mission field? In this episode of Gospel Stories, we sit down with Andy Overly, Chief Global Engagement Officer at Biblical Ministries Worldwide. Andy shares his journey from pastoring and church planting to equipping missionaries around the world.He explains why effective missions start with three essentials:Knowing God deeply.Knowing yourself honestly.Listening to people intentionally.Through stories from his ministry in Indiana and England—including joining local clubs to build relationships—Andy shows how ordinary interests can open doors for the gospel. We also talk about balancing strategy with faith, avoiding unnecessary pressure, and cultivating humility in evangelism.If you’ve ever wondered how to bridge the gap between preparation, culture, and faith, this conversation will inspire you to see missions in a fresh way.

In part two of our conversation with missionary Dan Murphy, we explore what a lifetime on the mission field teaches about perseverance, trust, and discipleship. From navigating cultural barriers in Portugal to witnessing God open surprising doors through photography and community relationships, Dan shares stories of both hardship and grace.You’ll hear about the challenges of language learning, the unique dynamics of Roma communities, and the slow but powerful process of making disciples who multiply. Dan also reflects on lessons from the underground church in China, where the call to missions is simply: “Love the Lord, love His Word, and be willing to die.”This episode reminds us that true mission work is not about strategies, numbers, or performance—but about showing the light of Christ, becoming the right kind of person, and trusting God with the results.

What if your greatest breakthrough in ministry didn’t come from preaching, but from picking up a camera?In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, veteran missionary Dan Murphy shares how a simple act of photography opened doors to the Roma Gypsy community in Portugal. Dan reflects on 45 years of ministry across the Netherlands, Ireland, and now Portugal—unpacking cultural differences, lessons from hardship, and why he believes making disciples should always come before starting churches.You’ll hear how creativity, patience, and love create unexpected inroads for the gospel, and how God can use even the ordinary gifts in your hands to make an eternal impact.

On today’s episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, we sit down with Steve Louie, a man who has faithfully served with Biblical Ministries Worldwide for over 20 years—mostly behind the scenes. In a world where ministry often chases recognition and results, Steve’s story is one of quiet obedience, patience, and trust in God’s timing.From raising support that took years longer than expected, to a seven-year adoption journey, Steve shares how surrendering his own timelines opened the door for God’s provision and grace. His testimony reminds us that true faith isn’t about control—it’s about living without presumption and trusting God to lead, even when the road feels uncertain.If you’ve ever struggled with waiting, wondered why God delays, or wrestled with finding your unique place in ministry, this conversation will encourage you to keep going and to see God’s hand in the hidden moments.

What happens when every door you thought God had opened suddenly slams shut?In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, we hear part two of Zane Bloom’s journey—a story filled with unexpected interruptions: a surprise pregnancy, a hurricane, a global pandemic, and finally, the medical crisis that brought his family’s plans to a halt. What felt like the death of a dream became the seed of a new calling.Zane shares with honesty and humility how God used seasons of lament, confusion, and waiting to shape his character and prepare him for a different mission field. Today, as Chief Mobilization Officer at Biblical Ministries Worldwide, Zane helps others navigate the same path he once walked, turning personal pain into empathy and guidance for missionaries in training.If you’ve ever felt like your life has been derailed or your calling has been delayed, this conversation will encourage you to see God’s hand in the detours and to trust that nothing in your story is wasted.

What would make a successful Army officer and high-powered sales executive walk away from the American dream? In this episode of Gospel Stories, Zane Bloom shares his remarkable journey—from Catholic altar boy to corporate success, to surrendering it all for God’s call to missions. Just as the mission field doors began to open, life threw unexpected challenges: an unplanned pregnancy, chronic illness, natural disasters, and years of waiting. Through it all, Zane wrestled with God’s timing, discovered the danger of chasing “the next thing,” and learned the power of a simple prayer: Lord, use me for eternal purposes. His story will inspire you to see the ministry opportunities right in front of you and stay faithful in the waiting.

In this powerful follow-up episode, missionary Paul Holritz shares how God reshaped his vision—from planting churches on the frontlines to training others to go in his place. After health challenges brought him back from Japan, Paul didn’t quit—he pivoted. What followed was a deeper calling to invest in leaders who could reach their own people more effectively.We talk about:How resilience shows up in ministry transitionsThe power of training nationals to advance the gospelCultural barriers to evangelism—and how to overcome themWhy finishing well means knowing when to step asidePaul’s humility, clarity of mission, and lifelong passion to serve will leave you challenged and inspired. Whether you're on the field, preparing to go, or wondering if you're called, this episode will help you rethink what lasting impact really looks like.

In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, we talk with Paul Holritz—a seasoned missionary and missions trainer—about how God’s calling doesn’t always match our plans. Paul shares his journey from Japan to Egypt, from church planting to training national leaders, and how a life-threatening illness changed the course of his ministry.This conversation gets honest about the confusion, frustration, and surrender that often come when God redirects our path. We explore:How to separate calling from geographyWhat to do when plans fall apartThe importance of understanding cultural worldviews in missionsWhy surrender leads to clarityHow directness in relationships can build trust—even across culturesIf you’ve ever felt unsure of God’s plan or wrestled with a major pivot in life or ministry, this episode will speak to you.

In this powerful conclusion to our two-part interview, Liz Williams shares profound stories from the frontlines of global ministry. From launching a covert bakery in the Middle East to support persecuted Christians, to sitting with grieving believers in a Ukrainian safe house near the front lines of war, Liz reveals how radical compassion and unshakable love can drive gospel impact in the darkest places.You’ll hear:How perfect love casts out fear—and fuels longevity in missionsA story of innovation, risk, and faith behind a for-profit bakery sustaining hidden believersA deeply moving moment of shared grief and Christ-centered comfort in UkraineWhy presence and compassion matter more than having the perfect wordsPractical ways churches and individuals can engage in gospel-centered compassion, starting in their own communitiesThis episode reminds us that the deepest ministry often begins with simply showing up in love—and believing that Jesus truly loves you, even on your worst day.

In this episode of Gospel Stories, Liz Williams shares how Compassion Medical began with a simple vision to meet urgent needs with gospel love. From war zones in Ukraine to mountain villages in South Africa, Liz walks us through the behind-the-scenes realities of delivering aid, facing obstacles, and building sustainable medical missions. Her story is packed with passion, practical wisdom, and a relentless trust in God’s power to open doors. Whether you’re wondering what your calling is or how to take the next step, this episode will stir your heart toward action.

In this episode of the Gospel Stories Podcast, David McCrum shares wisdom gained from decades in missions, including his personal struggles with fear, emotional health, and the pressure to “do it all right.” He unpacks generational perspectives on calling, sacrifice, and gospel motivation—showing how both duty and compassion play a role in following Jesus. You’ll hear two powerful stories of grace—one involving a 90-year-old Buddhist neighbor and another where God turned a hopeless counseling case into transformation. David’s simple advice for those sensing God’s call: “Get here.” Whether you feel ready or not, take the next step.

David McCrum never planned to be a missionary. He had other dreams—until a sports injury changed everything. In this episode, David shares how God used the lives of four quiet, content, godly men to reshape his vision for life.We talk about:Finding joy that isn’t dependent on circumstancesWrestling with loneliness, disappointment, and mysteryWhat it's like to serve in Africa for 16 yearsThe power of rooted, restful leadershipHow the global church is growing, especially in AfricaWhy authenticity matters more than charisma in missionsThis conversation will challenge how you think about happiness, calling, and what it means to live a life fully given to God.

What’s it like to do mission work in the former USSR? In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Brubaker to talk about the lessons he’s learned from his time on the field—where the work is slow, the fruit isn’t always visible, and the calling often looks more ordinary than we imagined.We explore why developing an unhurried posture in missions matters more than ever.Kevin shares the importance of working with other missionaries, not around them. Instead of arriving with your own plan, join the work God is already doing.God cares about the small details.He might use you in quiet ways that don’t look impressive—but still move his mission forward.Sometimes he changes your course when you least expect it.Sometimes you don’t see the results you hoped for.Sometimes your “why” remains unanswered.But as Kevin reminded us—even when we don’t understand God’s plan, we must remember that God has a broken heart for the world.That truth keeps us grounded.That truth keeps us going.

In this episode, we sit down with Kevin Brubaker, a missionary who served in the former USSR. Kevin shares his unique insights on the importance of building trust in mission work. He emphasizes that true gospel impact often starts with being present in the community, listening to people's stories, and building relationships. Through Kevin's experiences, we discover the power and beauty of quiet godliness—a steadfast, humble obedience that leaves a lasting impact. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that faithfulness in the little things can lead to profound spiritual growth. We hope you enjoy this inspiring episode!

In this episode, Nick shares how effective evangelism begins with presence—not just preaching. We explore the ministry of presence: sitting with people in their pain, showing up in their mess, and embodying the love of Christ long before speaking it.Nick also reflects on how mission work isn’t just about what God does through you, but what He forms in you. When we slow down, listen, and enter into others’ suffering, we often find that the gospel shines brightest.If you’ve ever wondered how to make the gospel real in a hurting world, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.The “News and Views” segment is based on updates from Open Doors, sourced directly from their website.

In this episode, we sit down with Nick—one of our missionaries serving in a sensitive context—to talk about the real challenges and joys of pursuing God’s will.Nick shares candidly about:The tension between frustration and fulfillment in following God’s callHow parents can help their children develop a redemptive view of mission work—one that turns sacrifice into adventureThe power of creating meaningful experiences on the field, even when the work feels ordinaryWhy building deep, authentic relationships is key to allowing the gospel to take root and grow over timeIf you’ve ever wrestled with your calling or wondered how to make a lasting impact in hard places, this conversation will both encourage and challenge you.

In Part 2 of our conversation with veteran missionary Bill Lake, who’s spent over 50 years on the mission field, we dive into the critical importance of keeping your family a priority. Bill shares how losing your family can mean losing your ministry, and why a strong, united home is essential for lasting impact.We also explore what it means to remain faithful and focused on Jesus amid the highs and lows of missionary life. Bill cautions against measuring your journey by sensational stories and encourages us to trust in God’s sovereign work, helping us avoid frustration and stay committed to His kingdom-building mission.

In this episode, we sit down with veteran missionary Bill Lake, who has served in diverse mission fields for over 50 years, including extensive time in New Zealand. Bill emphasizes that understanding the local culture is a crucial foundation for effective mission work. He shares how cultural awareness can make or break a missionary’s impact, and highlights common pitfalls when this step is overlooked.Bill also discusses the importance of maintaining a strong family unit in ministry. He believes that prioritizing family well-being, fostering open communication, and working through conflicts are vital. According to Bill, if you lose your family, you risk losing your ministry.Tune in to hear Bill’s invaluable insights on cultural understanding and the balance between ministry and family life.

We’re excited to bring you Gospel Stories—a podcast of Biblical Ministries Worldwide highlighting movements of God in modern missions.In a world filled with noise, doubt, and growing cynicism, this podcast exists to do three things:Share current stories of God’s redemptive work around the world – You’ll hear real accounts from missionaries and believers on the frontlines of gospel ministry.Highlight the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel – These stories reveal that the gospel is not just true—it’s compelling, life-giving, and worth your attention.Present a counter-narrative to the idea that the church’s influence is fading – God’s grace is still transforming lives. Jesus is advancing His kingdom—and He’s using people just like you and me to do it.These aren’t just stories. They’re evidence of a living God at work—and an invitation to join Him.Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!