Speaker Reports from The Road: The Forge Podcast Network

Forge Speaker Melissa Motschenbacher reports from a MomCo group in South Denver, where she gathered with moms to study the 12-year-old Jesus in Luke 2 and Samuel in 1 Samuel 3. Together they laughed, cried, and dug into what it looks like to put Jesus at the center of motherhood.Melissa challenged the moms to create monumental moments with Jesus for their children — prioritizing praise, prayer, pursuit, pause points, and perseverance — and put tangible tools in their hands to pray for and with their kids.At the end, the MomCo coordinator pulled her aside and shared that three years ago she had heard Melissa speak, and that conversation was what moved her to become a coordinator — so she could create that same environment of encountering Jesus for other women.This is a firsthand snapshot of one conversation rippling forward through three years and a room full of moms.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from Boulder, Colorado, where he partnered with Forge Speakers Paul Epperson and Joshua McFadden for a Life on Purpose conference as part of the Ignite campaign. The conference was designed to equip people to be Kingdom Laborers in their own spheres of influence — and Nathan says it was abundantly clear that God was answering the prayers of the Forge family.This is a firsthand snapshot of a team showing up together and watching God move.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from a Life on Purpose conference in Boulder, Colorado, where he joined Nathan Burd and Josh McFadden as part of the ongoing Ignite campaign in the Brighton area. The congregation came hungry and ready from the very beginning — and by the end, Paul describes a powerful move of the Spirit and a room full of people committing to be Kingdom Laborers every day, for the rest of their lives.This is a firsthand snapshot of a church stepping into its call — and a team of laborers doing it together.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event at Rock Hill High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina — where about a third of the students in attendance were not church attenders. The Spirit of God moved through the room, and a number of students gave their lives to Christ.Then a student took the mic and invited anyone who had made a decision or rededicated their life to come up and share it. At first, nobody moved. Then the flood came. Nearly the entire room lined up at the microphone — confessing their need for Jesus, expressing love for one another, and apologizing for their sins. It just kept going.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when students get out of the way and let God do what only He can do.

Forge Speaker Dwight Robertson reports from a virtual two-hour teaching session with a group from Texas, Michigan, and Los Angeles — believers who had joined a six-week course hungry to build what God was calling them to start. Dwight reflects on the deep joy of doing what Paul charged Timothy to do: entrusting reliable people who will in turn entrust others.At the end of the Q&A, one participant said that the entire time Dwight was speaking, the Holy Spirit had been speaking to them — filling pages of notes with things to start, things to stop, and a fresh sense of God's calling. Dwight points it all back to prayer, reminding the Forge family that lives are being affected every week through the faithful prayers of God's people.This is a firsthand snapshot of multiplication in action — one reliable person at a time.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from three back-to-back events across South Carolina. At Newberry College, he spoke at a spike ball competition, shared the "Worst Verse" message with students, saw a number rededicate their lives, and had an intriguing conversation with an atheist afterward. At Camden Military Academy, he spoke to 300 students on passion for Christ — and when he invited anyone who wanted to love Jesus to stand up, nearly the entire room rose to their feet. Students started jumping over pews to hug each other, while the colonel watched from his seat with a smile.Then at a Rick Gage Crusade in Gaffney, South Carolina, Adrian served as the Monday night speaker — typically the quieter night of a crusade. Instead, the Spirit of God fell on the place. He describes the response as possibly the best thing ever to happen on that field — in a town that has won 18 state championships.This is a firsthand snapshot of the gospel showing up and taking over, three times in a row.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from two assignments — a training trip to Ghana working alongside evangelists, and a stop at Providence Home where he preached to about thirty men walking through difficult seasons of life. Five of them prayed to receive Christ. Another fifteen or so rededicated their lives. Out of thirty people, that's a remarkable response.Adrian preached a message he calls "The Worst Verse" — and it landed.This is a firsthand snapshot of the gospel meeting people right where they are.

Forge Firebrand Molly McGinn reports from Cape Coast, Ghana, where she had the privilege of speaking both on street corners and inside a church as part of the Love Ghana Festival. Close to 200 people — possibly more — came to Christ, and there were many commitments to Kingdom laborship alongside those decisions.Molly also witnessed a personal moment of healing during the trip, and reflects on what it meant to show the people of Ghana the heart of Jesus for them through the festival.This is a firsthand snapshot of the Kingdom booming in West Africa.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from North Africa, where he traveled with a team of four — two Forge alumni and another Forge speaker — to train, equip, and encourage believers who face daily persecution for their faith. He describes the trip on a scale of ones and tens: moments of profound difficulty alongside unmistakable displays of God's faithfulness.During the conference, someone who had been seeking but hadn't yet decided to follow Jesus made that decision. But what stayed with Nathan most was simply being present with brothers and sisters who live under constant opposition — from governments, laws, and culture — and yet praise Jesus anyway.He asks one thing of the Forge family: remember them in prayer.This is a firsthand snapshot of the cost of faithfulness — and the God who meets His people in the middle of it.

Forge Speaker Santiago Fuentes reports from the International School of Tegucigalpa in Honduras, where the week didn't start the way anyone hoped. The first two days were hard — little response, little attention from the high school students.Then the Lord broke through. By the end of the week, students were committing their lives to Jesus and believing in Him for the very first time. Santiago credits the prayer warriors who covered the trip — and points every bit of it back to God, whose name was glorified in Honduras.This is a firsthand snapshot of perseverance rewarded and a breakthrough that only God could bring.

Forge Speaker Colin Villanueva reports from the International School of Tegucigalpa in Honduras, where he and Forge Speaker Santiago Fuentes, spent a full week pouring into middle school students through five assemblies, Bible classes, and an all-day chapel. In an audience of 415, roughly 15 students received Jesus for the first time, and about half made a recommitment to follow Him.What stood out most were the questions students asked during live Q&A — how do I hear God's voice? Where do I even start reading the Bible? How do I share my faith with someone who believes differently? Colin got to unpack each one, and some students pulled him aside privately, asking how to lead on their sports teams and walk through what they were facing in their own lives.This is a firsthand snapshot of a generation asking real questions — and finding real answers.

Forge Speaker and Operations and Communications Director Melissa Motschenbacher reports from the Ignite Life on Purpose conference at Healing Place Church in Brighton, Colorado. Ninety-nine people gathered on Friday night — including pastors attending for their second and third time, and Kingdom Laborers returning hungry for more practical equipping.A man in his sixties or seventies gave his life to Christ in full surrender. Twelve people signed up to lead Multiplying Movements groups. A couple from Greeley left so moved by the material they asked Forge to bring it to four new pastors in their city. And during the commissioning time, every single person in the room came forward to be commissioned as an everyday, everywhere Kingdom Laborer — followed by spontaneous prayer groups forming over the city, its churches, and future Laborers.This is a firsthand snapshot of revival taking shape, one city at a time.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from Brighton, Colorado, where he partnered with Forge Speaker John Vermilya and other Forge representatives for a Life on Purpose conference as part of the Ignite campaign. Ignite is Forge's latest initiative — working alongside pastors across an entire city to mobilize people as Kingdom Laborers, everywhere and every day.Brighton is currently in phase one: six Life on Purpose conferences across Adams County, leading toward a culminating evangelistic event where participants bring their lost friends. Attendees left marked — one calling it the best evangelistic training they had ever been part of.This is a firsthand snapshot of a city being equipped and a movement taking shape.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from one of the most memorable events of his time on the road — a men's gathering of about fifty guys who love Christ, gathered around a bonfire in the middle of nowhere. Men were raw and real, walking through fear, confessing what distracts them from following Jesus, and singing praises to God out loud under the open sky.Paul describes it simply: a heaven-on-earth moment that made him love Jesus more.This is a firsthand snapshot of men doing the hard, honest work of following Christ together.

Forge Speaker Jonathan Shwerin reports from the Tabernacle's Sportsman Banquet — a two-day event that drew 300 people each day, with over 600 present across the weekend. The church came prepared, had been praying for lost people, and their team executed with excellence.By the end of the two days, 218 spiritual decisions had been made — 59 of them first-time decisions to follow Jesus. Jonathan reflects on the privilege of partnering with a church so intentionally focused on seeing people come to know the Lord.This is a firsthand snapshot of a church ready for the harvest — and a harvest that responded.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from a call with pastors in Nigeria, where the message of laborers landed with immediate impact. Their response was simple and direct: thank you for this encouraging message.Nathan reflects on what he continues to witness — ordinary people around the world hungry to know that God can use them to share Jesus with the people right around them. The message is spreading, and more people are taking part.This is a firsthand snapshot of a message multiplying across borders and into new hands.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from Starkville, Mississippi, where he spent six days partnering with Forge speaker Chris Prather and his wife Shelby across six different speaking locations. People responded to the gospel, took steps of faith, marriages were strengthened, and families walked away with fresh testimonies and renewed vision.Paul also highlights the joy of having his wife Natalie alongside him — calling her presence and wisdom a multiplier for everything God was doing.This is a firsthand snapshot of the gospel bringing joy, refreshment, and transformation to individuals and families alike.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports on a fresh connection with believers in Bangladesh — leaders working in some of the most remote parts of the country. After sharing the Laborers Training with them over a phone call, their response was immediate: "This is so good, we really want to share it with our church."Nathan calls the Forge family to pray that these believers carry the message of what it means to be a Kingdom Laborer back to the ordinary people in their congregations — and that the training multiplies far beyond that first conversation.This is a firsthand snapshot of the gospel advancing to the ends of the earth through faithful prayer and partnership.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from a call with believers in South Asia whose story stretches far beyond one conversation. They heard the message of laborers, began to share it, and watched it spread — today there are hundreds of trained laborers all across that nation proclaiming the gospel.One man on the call admitted he didn't think it was going to work, until he saw Jesus changing hearts in real time. Nathan also calls the Forge family to pray for these brothers and sisters facing real opposition and turmoil in the midst of their faithfulness.This is a firsthand snapshot of multiplication at work and laborers holding the line under pressure.

Forge Speaker Dwight Robertson reports from the Brighton Ignite Colorado event, where Anglicans, Seventh-Day Adventists, Baptists, charismatics, Messianic Jews, a Pakistani pastor, and independents gathered as one to discover how to be Kingdom Laborers in their section of the planet.Snow fell on Brighton as a woman who had been praying for forty years watched a vision come to life in that room. A young man saved out of the rave culture sensed God calling him back as a missionary to the culture He rescued him from. And a fifteen-year-old looked up at Dwight afterward and said, "I feel like I just got armed and equipped for life."This is a firsthand snapshot of heaven coming to earth and a new generation stepping into the harvest.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from Colorado Christian University in Denver, where he partnered with students preparing to deploy on international mission trips this spring break and summer. Nathan shared on Labor Shift and how to share your God story — equipping the next generation to engage the harvest not just globally, but in their own backyard.He reflects on the hunger he witnessed in these students — for God's Word, for His mission, and for the nations. As they prepare to launch from Denver to points around the world, Nathan calls the Forge family to continue covering them in prayer as they bring the good news to people who are struggling, suffering, and in some cases hearing it for the very first time.This is a firsthand snapshot of students being equipped and sent as Kingdom Laborers into the harvest.

Forge Speaker Santiago Fuentes reports from Iglesia Bautista El Buen Pastor in Mexico, where a new generation is rising hungry for the Word of God. Santiago reflects on the profound joy of watching kids he first met years ago now actively engaged in community groups — and on fire to serve as Kingdom Laborers.He shares how the Lord moved during his time there, restoring hearts and stirring people to serve. Santiago also offers a grateful acknowledgment of the prayer warriors who covered his family and the church — and who make ministry like this possible.This is a firsthand snapshot of faithfulness bearing fruit across generations.

Forge Speaker Dwight Robertson reports from Anchor Church in Denver—a church that began as a prayer in Forge’s base camp headquarters and now serves a spiritually needy section of the city. Dwight shares the joy of calling people to decisions and equipping them to live as Kingdom Laborers every day, everywhere, in every facet of society.Leaders and members responded with eagerness to be armed with practical tools for obedience, and Dwight reflects on the essential role of intercessory prayer and faithful partnership in opening doors where the Gospel is needed most.This is a firsthand snapshot of prayer at work and laborers being raised up in the heart of the city.

Forge Speaker Olivia Humphrey reports from a multi-campus FCA gathering in Columbia, South Carolina, where collegiate athletes came hungry and left challenged. As God’s Word was preached, many were confronted with the reality that following Jesus is not convenient—it costs something.Students wrestled with surrendering their plans, their agendas, and even the place their sport holds in their lives.This is a firsthand snapshot of athletes counting the cost and choosing obedience in response to the call of Christ.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from an online ministry event in Zambia, sharing how people are receiving the Laborers content with urgency and action. Nathan describes seeing rapid movement toward loving neighbors and sharing the Gospel, and notes the growth and multiplication that’s following as people take hold of the message.This is a firsthand snapshot of how training and prayerful partnership can help send laborers into the harvest—globally and locally.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from a church gathering in Columbia, South Carolina, where many expected low turnout because of an impending storm—but the house was packed and the atmosphere was intense. Adrian shares that many men responded, with significant movement toward salvation and others on their faces before God.This is a firsthand snapshot of how God can meet people powerfully, even when circumstances say they shouldn’t have shown up at all.

Forge Speaker Michaela Wickham reports from a winter youth retreat in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where weather and last-minute changes forced a quick pivot when the main speaker couldn’t travel. Stepping into unexpected main sessions, Michaela shares how the retreat focused on surrender and God’s unique calling—inviting students to trust the Lord with what they know and what they don’t yet know.This is a firsthand snapshot of what can happen when leaders lean on the Lord, adjust quickly, and keep the focus on obedience and being sent into the places God has prepared.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from a weekend retreat in South Carolina where flexibility gave way to faith. What was expected to be a full message shifted into simple invitations—and God moved powerfully. Students stepped out in faith, responded to the Spirit, and clarity around salvation and calling emerged in unexpected ways.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when plans change, the Spirit leads, and prayer prepares the ground.

Forge Speaker Chris Prather reports from Camp Lake Stevens in Mississippi, where a retreat with decades of spiritual history became holy ground once again.As students gathered for a weekend marked by surrender and hope, God met them with kindness, clarity, and a reminder of His overflowing love—echoing past moments of calling while shaping new ones.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when prayer prepares the way and God moves across generations.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from a Covenant Church youth gathering where students responded with openness and courage. As the Gospel was shared, God stirred hearts toward salvation, obedience, and a deeper commitment to live as Kingdom Laborers.This is a firsthand snapshot of God moving among the next generation as prayer prepares the way.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from a CIU R.A. Retreat where leaders and students stepped away from routine to listen closely to God. In moments marked by prayer, surrender, and clarity, hearts were strengthened and calling was reaffirmed as God met them together.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when space is made for the Spirit to work deeply and personally.

Forge Speaker Santiago Fuentes reports from a winter youth camp in Mexico where the Spirit of God moved with unmistakable power. What followed the final message was unplanned, unhurried, and deeply sacred—students kneeling, praying, and doing real business with the Lord. Leaders leaned in, time faded away, and God clearly took the lead.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when prayer prepares the ground and hearts are ready to respond.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from the Chapin Church gathering where hunger for God set the pace. What was planned as a short devotion turned into an extended, Spirit-filled moment, bringing together older men and young students in a shared response to God’s Word. Prayer prepared the way, and the atmosphere was marked by joy, unity, and hearts leaning in.This is a firsthand snapshot of what happens when the Spirit is given room to move.

Forge Speaker Britton Bishop reports from Michigan and Georgia, where hundreds of students responded to the Gospel and over a hundred committed to becoming Kingdom Laborers. God is clearly stirring the next generation.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from an Ohio youth event where prayer clearly paved the way. Salvations, vocational callings, and deep moments of Spirit-led response marked a night God answered prayer.

Forge Speaker Eric Hamilton reports from New Hope Church in Jamestown, New York, where a small but faithful congregation gathered with big faith. God brought encouragement, fellowship, and renewed life through His Word.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from an online training with young adults in Zambia, where commitment turned into multiplication. These laborers didn’t just say yes—they committed to passing the message on.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports on what God is doing through online laborers trainings across Bangladesh, Zambia, and Pakistan. From zero believers to growing churches, God is advancing His Kingdom through ordinary people saying yes.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from an FCA gathering where coaches were refreshed and athletes responded to Jesus. Faith was strengthened, leaders were encouraged, and Kingdom vision was renewed.

Forge Speaker Dwight Robertson reports from High Point Church, where multiple services were marked by salvation, baptism, and renewed calling. God stirred His people to step deeper into sacrificial obedience.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from Hillcrest Christian Academy and a large crusade event, where students and crowds responded in overwhelming numbers. From classrooms to stadium seats, God moved with undeniable power.

Forge Speaker Hope Radebaugh reports from a women’s gathering in Hartwell, Georgia, where God’s presence was gentle, powerful, and deeply personal. Prayer, Scripture, and light filled the room.

Forge Speaker Michaela Wickham reports from the Empower Tour Conference, where students responded in large numbers to the call to be Kingdom Laborers. From mainstage moments to a divine appointment on a plane, God worked everywhere.

Forge Firebrand Colin Villanueva reports from a Florida retreat where students encountered the holiness of God. From middle schoolers to high schoolers, hearts were softened, faith was awakened, and lives were changed face to face with Jesus.

Forge Speaker Paul Epperson reports from multiple gatherings across Mississippi, where students and congregations responded to Jesus in significant numbers. God’s faithfulness was evident in every stop along the way.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from Duke Chapel and Ambassador Camp, where spiritual hunger met decisive response. Salvations came quickly, hearts were awakened, and God moved powerfully across generations.

Forge Speaker Santiago Fuentes reports from Michoacán, Mexico, where God opened doors in a difficult and dangerous region. Hungry hearts responded, commitments were made, and new pathways for training and discipleship emerged.

Forge Speaker Dwight Robertson reports from Bethel University, where students leaned in, stood boldly, and responded in large numbers. From chapel to lunch conversations, God stirred hearts toward discipleship and the future of Kingdom impact.

Forge Speaker Nathan Burd reports from North Africa and Albania, where God opened doors for deep conversations and renewed commitment to follow Jesus. Across cultures and continents, the call for laborers is clear.

Forge Speaker Adrian Despres reports from an extraordinary season marked by stadium gatherings, mass salvations, and schools transformed. Hundreds responded to the Gospel as God moved with unmistakable power.