The Missions Show

How do you reach one of the youngest populations in the world with the hope of the gospel? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Reuben Gitonga, a Kenyan ministry leader serving with ABWE. Reuben shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Nairobi to leading a ministry that uses soccer, discipleship, and local church partnerships to reach young people living in Kenya's underserved communities. The conversation explores the unique opportunities and challenges facing Kenya's next generation, where many young people struggle with poverty, fatherlessness, and limited access to biblical teaching. Reuben explains how sports open doors for long-term discipleship, education, and gospel-centered community, while sharing powerful stories of transformed lives. Key Topics Reuben's testimony and call to ministry in Kenya Reaching Kenya's youth through soccer, discipleship, and local churches Addressing poverty, education, and family brokenness with the gospel Stories of life transformation through his ministry A vision for gospel saturation and church planting across Kenya Support the work that Reuben is doing in Kenya. Pray or give to his ministry here: https://give.abwe.org/worker/0172621 Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Do you have what it takes to be a missionary? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott discuss the importance of spiritual readiness, personal holiness, and character formation as someone starts to explore their calling to the mission field. Drawing from Scripture and missionary examples like Hudson Taylor, they highlight the need for intentional training, self-discipline, and a serious pursuit of sanctification. The conversation also explores the role of the local church in shaping future missionaries. Alex and Scott encourage aspiring missionaries to embrace service, accountability, and theological depth within their church communities rather than waiting for formal titles or positions. They challenge listeners to take ministry preparation as seriously as other demanding professions, pursuing both practical experience and robust doctrinal training. Key Topics The difference between a desire to serve and true readiness for missionary ministry Cultivating personal holiness, self-control, and spiritual maturity Lessons from Hudson Taylor on intentional missionary preparation The importance of local church involvement and servant leadership Developing resilience, discipline, and ownership in ministry Why theological depth and doctrinal training matter for long-term missionary effectiveness Is God calling you to missions? ABWE can help you find the opportunities and support you need to bring the gospel to the nations, plant churches, and disciple believers. Start the conversation with us today at abwe.org/sendme. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

What does everyday ministry look like in South Asia? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with K.Y., a ministry partner serving in a predominantly Muslim country in South Asia, to discuss the realities of gospel ministry in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. K.Y. shares how his ministry integrates theological education, discipleship, and church planting to strengthen local believers and equip leaders for faithful witness amid persecution and social pressure. K.Y. explains the risks Christians face when sharing their faith, the challenges posed by radicalized elements within society, and the importance of relationship-based evangelism that demonstrates Christ’s love through everyday interactions. The conversation also highlights encouraging evidence of God’s work as people from Muslim backgrounds come to faith in Christ through personal relationships, transformed lives, and, at times, extraordinary spiritual encounters. Key Topics: Ministry in a majority-Muslim South Asian context and the challenges of evangelism The role of theological education, discipleship, and church planting in strengthening the church Persecution, social pressures, and the realities facing Muslim-background believers Relationship-based evangelism and the importance of Christian character and witness Spiritual realities, including encounters with spiritism and testimonies of conversion Opportunities for prayer, support, and ministry partnership with local believers and church leaders Support the vital work that K.Y. is doing in training pastors, theological education, and planting churches in the 10/40 window. Give to his ministry by visiting: https://give.abwe.org/projects/south-asia-discipleship Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Are short-term missions trips more helpful or hurtful? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome Scott McCoy, Launch Point Missions Lead at ABWE, to discuss one of the most debated topics in modern missions: short-term mission trips. McCoy shares why he believes short-term missions remain valuable when they are thoughtfully designed around the needs of missionaries, local believers, and participating churches. The conversation explores common pitfalls churches should avoid, including cultural insensitivity and creating ministry models that local believers cannot sustain. McCoy emphasizes the importance of partnering closely with missionaries, preparing teams well, and viewing mission trips as discipleship opportunities that develop future ministry leaders and missionaries. Key Topics The ongoing debate over the value and effectiveness of short-term mission trips How churches can design trips that create lasting impact for missionaries and local believers Common mistakes teams make when serving cross-culturally Using short-term missions as a tool for discipleship and leadership development Why short-term trips often become a stepping stone toward long-term missionary service Is your church considering a short-term missions trip? Check out Launch Point Missions to find current opportunities and connect with our team on how you can host your own trip. Explore your calling to global missions at ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO event. These events, held throughout the year, help individuals and churches explore how they can help fulfill the Great Commission and explore God's calling on their life and church. Learn more at demo.abwe.org. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Can compassion ministry and gospel proclamation work together? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dave Phillips, founder and president of Children's Hunger Fund (CHF), to explore the relationship between gospel proclamation, mercy ministry, and the local church. Dave shares the remarkable story behind CHF’s founding, beginning with a life-changing visit to a pediatric cancer ward in Honduras and culminating in a providential donation of life-saving medicine that confirmed God’s call to launch the ministry. What started as a small step of faith has grown into a global ministry serving suffering children and families through partnerships with local churches in more than 30 countries. The conversation also tackles some of the most important debates in modern missions: the balance between word and deed ministry, the dangers of prosperity theology, the role of parachurch organizations, and how churches can engage in poverty alleviation without undermining local congregations. Key Topics Dave Phillips’ testimony and the founding story of Children’s Hunger Fund How God used a providential donation of cancer medication to confirm CHF’s mission The relationship between gospel proclamation and mercy ministry Why addressing spiritual poverty must remain central to poverty alleviation efforts The biblical role of the local church versus parachurch organizations in missions Lessons from When Helping Hurts, short-term missions, and serving the poor with sound theology Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Is Peru as reached as we think? In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott talk with veteran ABWE missionary Stephen Douglas to explore more than four decades of gospel ministry in Peru. Stephen shares how God led him and his wife Debbie to the city of Arequipa—a historic Roman Catholic stronghold known as the “Little Rome of Peru”—and how a small church-planting team, where no evangelical churches existed before, grew into a network of dozens of churches throughout the region. Stephen also recounts powerful stories of lives changed through discipleship, leadership development, and church planting, including Peruvian believers who have become pastors and missionaries serving around the world. While Peru and South America still have significant gospel needs, Stephen casts a compelling vision for the future: strengthening local churches, training national leaders, and equipping Latin American believers to become a launching force for global missions. Key Topics Stephen Douglas’s call to missions and journey to Peru Church planting in Arequipa, Peru’s historic Catholic stronghold The growth from a pioneering work to a regional church-planting movement Stories of Peruvian pastors and missionaries impacting the nations Challenges and opportunities in reaching modern Peruvian culture A vision for Peru and Latin America as a launching pad for global missions Support the work of Steve and Debbie Douglas as they continue to plant churches, train leaders, and send out Peruvian missionaries to the world - https://give.abwe.org/worker/stephen-and-debi-douglas Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

This week, Alex and Scott tackle a difficult question from a missionary wife who, after experiencing significant trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, family challenges, and cultural stress during overseas service, no longer feels able to return to the mission field while her husband remains convinced they should continue. They explore the realities of missionary hardship, the emotional and spiritual toll of cross-cultural ministry, and the tension that can arise when spouses find themselves at odds over what they believe God is calling them to do. The conversation examines biblical concepts of calling, marriage, submission, family priorities, and the role of the local church in affirming missionary service. Alex and Scott encourage listeners to distinguish between personal desires, genuine calling, and God’s providential limitations, while emphasizing that husbands and wives must seek unity, wise counsel, and pastoral guidance when navigating major ministry decisions. Key Topics Covered The emotional, relational, and spiritual impact of missionary trauma and culture shock. How to distinguish between personal desires, ministry ambitions, and biblical calling. The local church’s role in affirming, evaluating, and guiding missionary service. Biblical perspectives on marital leadership, submission, and decision-making during disagreement. Balancing ministry commitments with responsibilities to spouse, children, and family health. Practical counsel for couples seeking unity when one spouse wants to continue missions and the other does not. Here's the conversation from Scott Dunford and his wife about missions. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott welcome pastor, author, and former missionary J. Chase Davis to discuss the crisis of biblical masculinity and its implications for the church and missions. Drawing from his book Offensive Christianity, Davis argues that the modern church has often replaced robust discipleship with therapeutic, “nice” Christianity that neglects courage, conviction, and a biblical understanding of manhood. The conversation explores how theological anthropology, cultural movements like pietism, and modern evangelical trends have contributed to an increasingly feminized church culture that often struggles to challenge men toward sacrificial leadership and spiritual maturity. From a missions perspective, together they examine how an overemphasis on comfort and safety can weaken the church’s vision for gospel advance. Key Topics The theological roots behind the modern crisis of masculinity Why “nice Christianity” can undermine bold discipleship The difference between meekness and weakness in missions How evangelical culture became increasingly “feminine coded” Recovering courage, risk, and conviction in missionary service Why churches must cast a stronger vision for men in missions Learn more and get your copy of Chase's book, Offensive Christianity here. Are you feeling called to the mission field, but don't know where to start? ABWE's 24-Hour DEMO is for those that are seeking opportunities and direction on how they can help fulfill the Great Commission. Find your role in global missions at demo.abwe.org. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex sits down with ABWE’s Director of International Security and Crisis Management, Bill Gruppen, to discuss the difficult balance between missionary safety and gospel risk-taking in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Drawing from decades of experience in law enforcement, emergency response, and security, Bill shares how God redirected his professional skill set into missions work through TACTICA Ministries and ABWE. Together, they explore how missionaries prepare for crises, make difficult stay-or-go decisions in conflict zones like the Middle East and Ukraine, and seek to remain faithful witnesses without embracing unnecessary danger. Bill explains how emergency response ministries can strengthen long-term church planting efforts by building relationships, serving communities in moments of suffering, and opening doors for gospel ministry. Key Topics: Why missionary safety and gospel risk must be held in biblical balance How ABWE missionaries navigate conflict zones and crisis situations Bill Gruppen’s journey from law enforcement and emergency response into missions The role of TACTICA Ministries in reaching first responders with the gospel ABWE’s vision for disaster relief and crisis response teams Encouragement to pray for missionaries and first responders serving under pressure If you would like to know more about International Security and Crisis Management, visit International Security and Crisis Management. Support the work of Bill and Cindy Gruppen at Bill and Cindy Gruppen | give.abwe.org. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Christian missions has never existed in a cultural vacuum. From William Carey’s role in ending widow burning in India to Gladys Aylward confronting foot-binding in China, the spread of Christianity has often transformed entire societies. But where is the line between gospel transformation and cultural imperialism? When missionaries challenge practices rooted in paganism, are they discipling nations or exporting Western assumptions? In this episode, Alex and Scott explores the missionary task through the lens of Scripture, church history, and cultural theology. Looking at both Scripture and missions history, we explore: What parts of culture must be rejected? What parts can be redeemed? How should missionaries approach technology, literacy, family structures, and social customs? And how can Christians avoid simply replacing old idols with modern Western ones? Key Topics: The balance between gospel proclamation and cultural transformation Historical examples of Christianity influencing societal change The danger of exporting Western or personal cultural preferences The importance of developing indigenous expressions of Christianity The role of institutions (schools, hospitals, state) in missions work Practical guidance for missionaries engaging with local cultures We recently made some upgrades to our studio and we needed a table that didn't just look good on camera, but could handle the demands of a production studio. That's why we partnered with Oak Park Tables. Oak Park Tables, located right near us in central Pennsylvania, makes hand-crafted legacy furniture that lasts, looks beautiful, and shares our values. If you need a beautiful signature piece of furniture, we highly recommend checking out Oak Park Tables. Find them at oakparktables.com Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Did Canada just pass a bill that outlaws particular Bible teaching? This episode of The Missions Show explores the implications of Canada’s Bill C9 (the “Combating Hate Act”) and its potential impact on religious freedom, gospel proclamation, and missions. Guest John Taylor, ABWE missionary in Canada, explains that while the bill aims to curb violence and protect marginalized communities, its vague definition of “hate” and removal of key legal protections for religious expression raise serious concerns. The conversation highlights how this cultural and legal shift may affect both local churches and global missions efforts. John encourages believers to remain faithful, proclaim the full counsel of God with humility and love, and avoid allowing cultural pressures to dictate the message of the gospel. Together they emphasize that missions must continue through both word and deed—demonstrating Christ’s love while clearly communicating humanity’s need for salvation. Key Topics: Overview of Canada’s Bill C9 and its legislative status Definitions of “hate” and concerns about vague legal language Potential classification of biblical passages as hate speech Removal of legal protections for religious expression Tension between religious freedom and evolving cultural norms Balancing cultural awareness with biblical faithfulness If you'd like more information on Bill C-9, check out these resources: CcccBill C-9: Passes Third Reading with Key Changes - CCCC Blogs EvangelicalfellowshipEFC - Religious Freedom in Canada - EFC Protects Religious Rights in Canada Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

In this special, unplanned episode, Alex and Scott share their raw reflections on this week’s wicked events and how mission-minded Christians must respond in the present hour.

What does it mean to follow Jesus in one of the most dangerous places in the world? How do believers live out their faith in Gaza—caught between Hamas, Israeli forces, and deep cultural hostility? This week, Alex and Scott sit down with Pastor Hanna Massad, former pastor of Gaza Baptist Church, to hear his firsthand story of shepherding believers in a context of persecution, poverty, and war. Pastor Hanna shares the history of the Christian presence in Gaza, the challenges of ministering in “three fires,” and how even today the small evangelical community continues serving their neighbors with food, water, and the hope of Christ. Together, they explore the heartbreaking realities of life in Gaza, the opportunities for the gospel in the midst of conflict, and the importance of remembering our brothers and sisters in Christ who suffer far from the world’s headlines. Key Topics Covered The history and decline of the Christian presence in Gaza Life and ministry in “three fires”: militant Islam, Israeli presence, and tension with traditional Orthodox churches Stories of persecution, loss, and God’s sustaining grace How Gaza Baptist Church continues serving through relief and gospel witness What Western Christians need to understand about Palestinian believers today This episode is sponsored by Reformation Heritage Books, publisher of How to Lead Your Family by Dr. Joel Beeke—a short, practical guide to biblical leadership in the home. Use code LEADABWE at RHB.org for 20% off through September 30. With more than 3 billion people who have never heard the name of Jesus, the harvest is still plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37–38). Is God calling you to the mission field? Visit abwe.org/SendMe to begin the conversation. Do you love The Missions Podcast? Support the show and get access to bonus content, a private Signal thread, webinars, and more by becoming a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium. The Missions Podcast is powered by ABWE. Learn more at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].

Catch the third and final season of Cloud of Witnesses at cloudofwitnessespodcast.com.

Do you know what your pastor is looking for in a missionary? In this week's episode, Alex travels to Ft. Myers, Florida to visit the studios of Founders Ministries and interviews Tom Ascol and Graham Gunden. Together they discuss the office of pastor in the church, what pastors should look for in missionaries, and how the work of evangelism is integral to both pastors and missionaries. Tom Ascol is President of Founders Ministries and The Institute of Public Theology. He also serves as pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida. Graham Gunden has held a variety of roles with Founders Ministries, serves as Dean at The Fletcher School, and is Assistant Pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Cape Coral, Florida. Together, Tom and Graham host a weekly podcast called The Sword and The Trowel Want to hear more? Join our Premium Subscribers and get access to the Overtime Episode where Alex goes deeper with Tom and Graham. Become a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium. Do you love The Missions Show? Have you been blessed by the show? Then become a Premium Subscriber! Premium Subscribers get access to: Exclusive bonus content A community Signal thread with other listeners and the hosts Invite-only webinars A free gift! Support The Missions Show and sign up to be a Premium Subscriber at missionsshow.com/premium The Missions Show is powered by ABWE. Learn more and take your next step in the Great Commission at abwe.org. Want to ask a question or suggest a topic? Email [email protected].