The Global Goer Podcast

Discerning Your Calling — Part 2: Called to a Who, Not a Where This is Part 2 of my two-part series on discerning your calling as a Global Goer. If you haven't listened to Episode 14 yet, I recommend you start there first. In this episode I tackle the question that trips most people up once they think they might be called: where? I make the case that calling is probably not a where first — it's a who. And once you know your who, the where starts to take care of itself. In this episode I cover: Why asking "where" might be the wrong first question Paul's example — apostle to the Gentiles, not apostle to Rome How to narrow your "who" and let the "where" follow The difference between a calling and your next directional step The green light vs. red light framework for moving forward   Links mentioned in this episode: Breakthrough Prayer Course Across the Street and Around the World book Connect with Jeannie Marie: 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie (DM me which of the 15 resonated most!)  📖 Take the Global Goer Quiz: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz  🎥 Watch the free one-hour training: Share Jesus Naturally With the Nations Near You   What's Next: Next week: Episode 16 - Change the Way God Wired You with The Five Global Goer Types   Leave a Review and Subscribe: If this episode helped you discern your calling, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others who are considering the journey find this show! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Don't miss one! 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify  

A couple of years ago, I sat in a room with about 50 cross-cultural workers living in South Asia — veterans, people with 20+ years on the field. We asked the ones who stayed: what kept you here? Every single one of them said the same thing: calling. Not strategy, not a great organization — a deep sense that God had called them to a specific people, a specific work, and hadn't released them yet.  I know that people going to the field for the first time know they need a calling. But often they're searching for it so much that they don't even go — because they don't know what it looks like, or how to define it, or even what a calling actually is. So that's what I'm talking about in this two-part series. In this episode I cover: What apostolic yearning is and how to recognize it in yourself What apostolic conviction is and why one long-term worker said he'd rather see conviction than calling The difference between spiritual gifting and personality (and why it matters) Why ordinary people — not superstars — are the ones who end up on the field A practical listening prayer exercise you can do today What to do with your language fears This is Part 1 of a two-part series. Part 2 — Called to a Who, Not a Where — drops next week. Links mentioned in this episode: Free Chapter 9 download — Wrestling With Calling, Gifting and Personalities: Across the Street and Around the World book: Uncharted Mission — stories of workers discovering and living out their calling: The Raw Mission Podcast Connect with me! 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie  📖 Take the Global Goer Quiz: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz  🎥 Watch the free one-hour training: Share Jesus Naturally With the Nations Near You   What's Next: Next week: Episode 16 - Discerning Your Calling Part Two: Called to a Who, Not a Where   Leave a Review and Subscribe: If this episode helped you discern your calling, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others who are considering the journey find this show! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Don't miss one! 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify  

In this episode, I get personal about my physical health journey — what woke me up, why it matters specifically for global goers, and the practical changes I'm making now. From walking and strength training to learning to see food as medicine, this is a candid, encouraging conversation about taking care of the body God gave me for the long haul. Resources Mentioned: Book: Across the Street and Around the World  Free Video Training : 3 Secrets to Share Jesus naturally with your Neighbors and Nations Key Takeaways: Physical health is a spiritual discipline — our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit Global goers push their bodies in unique ways; physical reserves matter for the mission 30-40 minutes of daily movement transforms mood, clarity, and energy Strength training matters — especially post-50, muscle loss is real and preventable Learn what foods fuel YOUR body — food journal, Whole30, or work with a nutritionist Aim for: 30 min movement daily, 9 servings of fruit/veg, 100g protein, 90 oz water Living overseas can make you healthier — cooking from scratch beats processed food No shame, no guilt — just honest conversations with God and yourself   This Week's Challenge: Keep a food and exercise diary for 7 days. Then ask: what do I have to do to make it to 92? Pick one change. Get a coach, group, or app if you need accountability.   Connect with me! 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie  📖 Take the Global Goer Quiz: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz  🎥 Watch the free one-hour training: Share Jesus Naturally With the Nations Near You   What's Next: Next week: Episode 16 - Discerning Your Calling Part One: How to Know if You Should Go   Leave a Review and Subscribe: If this episode helped you discern your calling, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others who are considering the journey find this show! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Don't miss one! 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify

If you grew up overseas — or you're raising kids who are — this episode is for you. Jeannie Marie is a classic TCK who grew up in the Philippines and moved to the US at 18. In this first episode of a planned TCK series, she talks about: what we all have in common, what shapes us, what we struggle with, and what an incredible gift this life really is. IN THIS EPISODE What a third culture kid actually is — and why MK is no longer quite the right term The invisible "third culture" and the traits we all share Why TCKs make fast, deep friendships — and why goodbyes feel like death The question we all dread: "Where are you from?" Why coming back to your passport country can feel like culture shock What parents of TCKs can do to raise healthy, grounded kids Why TCKs often make incredible global goers as adults — and why mobilizers should be paying attention BOOK MENTIONED Third Culture Kid by David Pollock  COMING UP IN THIS TCK SERIES How to prepare your kids to go overseas Moving overseas with a teenager Special needs TCKs — should you go? Reentry: what coming home really looks like RESOURCES Take the Global Goer Quiz Jeannie's book, Across the Street and Around the World CONNECT WITH JEANNIE Instagram Website  What's Next: Next week: Episode 13 - What I'm doing to Stay Physically Healthy as a Global Goer   Leave a Review and Subscribe: If this episode helped you discern your calling, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others who are considering the journey find this show! New episodes drop every Tuesday. Don't miss one! 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify

Have you ever thought about creating an online business to help fund your life overseas or supplement your nonprofit work? What if your years of training and knowledge could reach people while you sleep — and outlive you long after you’re gone? In this episode, I’m sharing one way I have funded my own global passion and helped others do the same — through digital courses, memberships, and coaching programs built on an all-in-one platform called Kajabi. If you’ve followed me for a while, you may remember that I used to partner with Amy Porterfield and her Digital Course Academy to help people learn how to create and launch online courses. That was a big investment. Amy isn’t doing that program anymore—so now I want to help you. I have a much lower-cost way to test this idea before you spend a lot of money. We’re talking $99 for three months, plus coaching from me, to see if this is even right for you. This episode is for you if: You are heading overseas, and support raising feels hard You need income that travels with you You want a business that could serve as your visa identity in another country You have years of training and knowledge that need to outlive you You mobilize others and want to know about new ways to fund global work   Resources and links mentioned in this episode: 1) Free Info Session: Fund Your Passion and Leave Your Legacy with KajabiIs Kajabi Right For You? 2) Examples of successful online businesses using courses, memberships, and coaching: Gospel Conversations That Connect by Jerry McCorkle from Spread Truth Getting Started in Disciplemaking Movements by Cynthia Anderson 3) Neighbors and Nations Course:  4) Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course 5) Travel Hacking Course with Tim Walker 6) Theology of Women Academy with Dr. Cynthia Hester 7) All of the above, plus the Kajabi signup link, can also be found at: jeanniemarieacademy.com/kajabi 8) Across the Street and Around the World book

Easter is one of the most important celebrations in the Christian faith — but do you know how to explain it to someone from a different faith background? In this episode, I walk you through how I explain Easter to my Muslim friends, my Hindu friends, and even culturally Christian people who have grown up with Easter eggs and bunnies but aren’t quite sure what it all means. And even if Easter has already passed when you’re listening to this, these frameworks work any time of year — because we always need to be able to explain why Jesus had to die and why it matters that he is alive right now. What you’ll hear in this episode: How I explain Easter to my Muslim friends using Arabic words they already know — like Isa al-Masih (Jesus the Messiah), corbani (sacrifice), caliph (king), and malakoot (kingdom of God) — and even why I avoid the phrase “Son of God” in those conversations. Why the honor and shame framework matters when talking to people from Eastern cultures, and how to explain forgiveness and acceptance in a way that truly resonates. How I explain Easter to Hindu friends using concepts they already love — light over darkness, life over death, God becoming man, and freedom from the endless cycle of karma and reincarnation. Why Hindus might actually be more open to hearing the Easter story — and even attending an Easter service — than you might expect. How to explain Easter to culturally Christian people using the innocence and guilt framework most Westerners naturally understand. Why food, stories, and personal invitation are universal bridges, no matter who you are talking to. 🎧 Listen to Episode 8 now: 🍎 Apple Podcasts🎤 Spotify🌍 Global Goer Podcast Page Resources mentioned in this episode: Free 10-Minute Video: Three Mistakes Most People Make When Reaching Out to Muslims  Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course (get $50 off after watching the free video)  Disciple Making Among Hindus: Making Authentic Relationships Grow by Timothy Shultz  Ramadan Episode Connect with Jeannie Website: jeanniemarieacademy.com Instagram: @jeanniemmarie

Some news stories you can scroll past. This isn't one of them. My father and I were in India when the war in Iran broke out — my tickets routed through Qatar, checking flight apps every hour, eventually driving five hours to a different airport and routing home through Thailand and Japan just to get back to the US. Qatar is still closed. That experience sent me deep into every news source she could find. And what I learned from my international network, my Persian friends, and workers on the ground is a story most Americans aren't hearing. In this episode, I’ll share my raw, personal take on why this war matters to every Global Goer — and why the Persian people need our voice right now. In This Episode What's actually happening inside Iran that most US media isn't covering The difference between Persians and Iranians — and why it matters A biblical case for why peace sometimes has to be fought for The explosive growth of the underground church in Iran Nowruz — the Persian New Year and the prayer for light over darkness Is this World War III? Is this the end times?  What every Global Goer can do right now 🎧 Listen to Episode 9 now: 🍎 Apple Podcasts🎤 Spotify🌍 Global Goer Podcast Page Resources Mentioned Follow Elica Lebon on Instagram for the inside Persian perspective: @elicalebon Follow Jeannie on Instagram for clips from inside Iran: @jeanniemmarie India episode — click here to listen Group Training Plan — Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course Connect with Jeannie Website: jeanniemarieacademy.com Instagram: @jeanniemmarie

Why I Celebrate Eid with My Muslim Friends (And You Should Too) Eid is coming up this weekend, and millions of Muslims around the world are preparing to celebrate the end of Ramadan with family, food, generosity, and community. And that raises an important question many Christians ask when building friendships with Muslims: Is it appropriate for Christians to celebrate Eid with their Muslim friends? Should we go to their homes? Eat their food? Say Eid Mubarak? Or does that somehow compromise our faith? In this episode of The Global Goer Podcast, I discuss why moments like Eid celebrations can be powerful opportunities for relationships, hospitality, and meaningful connections with Muslims. Because celebration matters. God loves celebration. Throughout Scripture, God established festivals and gatherings for His people. Sharing meals, honoring God, and celebrating together are deeply rooted kingdom values. And when we see those values reflected in other cultures — family gatherings, hospitality, gratitude toward God — we can recognize something beautiful happening there. In this episode I share: whether it's appropriate for Christians to celebrate holidays from other religions why showing up during Eid can build incredible relational bridges how to say Eid Mubarak and what it actually means simple ways to bless your Muslim friends during their celebration why holidays are one of the best times to be invited into someone's home and how moments like these can naturally lead to conversations about Jesus I also share a story about celebrating Eid with Afghan friends here in the United States — and how one simple invitation opened the door to deeper conversations about faith, culture, and belonging. For those of you preparing to live among Muslim peoples, this episode is especially important. Because learning to honor culture while remaining faithful to Jesus is one of the most important skills you'll develop in cross-cultural ministry. And Eid is one of the most beautiful opportunities you'll have to practice it. 🎧 Listen to Episode 8 now: 🍎 Apple Podcasts🎤 Spotify🌍 Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to Podcasts. A few resources I mentioned in this episode if you'd like to go deeper: ✅ If you want to grow in how to naturally and respectfully share Jesus with Muslims, you can get the quick, step-by-step Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course for a special deal through the end of the month. ✅ If you want a deeper framework for understanding God’s heart for the nations, I highly recommend Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. Many Global Goers have been deeply shaped by it. ✅ If you want to understand Ramadan and how to engage meaningfully with Muslims during that season, I recorded a podcast episode explaining it. You can listen to it here. ✅ I also created Eid graphics with Bible verses that you can text to your Muslim friends or post on social media. You can download them here.

I'm recording this episode from my hotel room in India, looking out over a sea of coconut trees and blue sky and just beyond it, the Arabian Sea. And I have so much to tell you. Twelve years ago our family of six landed in this city - kids ages 5 to 15 - in a tropical, chaotic, beautiful unreached city of one million Muslims. We came expectant and hopeful and we had to leave much sooner than we wanted to. That story is coming in a future episode. But this week I want to give you a behind-the-scenes field report. Because I am here right now, and so much has changed, and some things haven't changed at all, and I want you to feel like you are right here with me. In this episode I talk about: what it felt like to land this time versus 12 years ago, how relationship and years of investment change everything, the staggering growth and globalization of this city, what God has been quietly doing in this people group for 12 years, a funeral that none of us expected, and the Muslim friend who encountered Jesus in the middle of it, the Ephesians 6 moment that put my armor back on, and why one team covering 37 million people is simply not enough. This one is personal. I have tears recording parts of it. I hope it moves you. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 4: Ramadan Breakthrough Prayer Course Connect with Jeannie Marie on Instagram and DM her which moment from this episode hit you hardest. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe so you don't miss one: LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to podcasts

🎙️ Travel “Rules” So You Don’t Lose Your Passport — or Your Mind In this episode of the Global Goer Podcast, Jeannie shares her personal travel rules for international trips — the kind learned the hard way after decades of traveling across cultures and continents. Recorded just before boarding a flight to India, these tips were fresh on her checklist — and they might save you serious stress on your next overseas trip. If you're planning to: Move overseas Take a vision trip Travel internationally for ministry Navigate cross-cultural travel Or simply want smarter international travel habits This episode is for you. ✈️ Why Most Travel Stress Happens International travel problems are rarely dramatic. They’re usually small oversights: Booking the cheapest flight without understanding the connection Arriving in a new country without local currency and internet data Leaving the airport without communication set up Packing far more than you actually need Jeannie shares real experiences — including a World Cup connection in Paris where hotels were unexpectedly full — and how those situations shaped her travel mindset. 🧳 Inside This Episode: You’ll learn practical international travel rules including: Why booking directly with the airline matters What “transit” really means when booking international flights Why lighter packing is smarter — even for long-term moves Why you should set up local currency and communication before leaving the airport These aren’t trendy travel hacks. They’re stability rules for global travelers. 🌍 For Global Goers If you’re traveling cross-culturally, these travel rules can help you: Reduce stress Prevent avoidable problems Stay focused on your purpose Travel with confidence International travel doesn’t have to be chaotic. It just requires intentional preparation. 🎧 Listen Now Available on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Wherever you listen 🔗 Mentioned in This Episode Seven Starters: Questions That Open the Door to Spiritual Conversations Start meaningful spiritual conversations naturally across cultures. 👉 https://www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/sevenstarters  Travel Multiplier (Flight Strategy Partner Mentioned in Episode) Learn how to travel internationally more strategically. 👉 https://www.travelmultiplier.com/a/2148200807/4c6JYKg9  If this episode helped you, share it with a fellow traveler or future global goer. And remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let’s go.  

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:I’m posting this episode from India — the city where our family once stepped into a dream that felt far bigger than us. Years ago, God placed something on our hearts. It required risk. Obedience. Movement. And a willingness to take the first step before we saw the whole staircase. Not every dream becomes reality. But some do. So what makes the difference? In this episode, I reflect on: Why some dreams move forward while others remain in the “someday” category Why certain ideas won’t leave us alone What keeps a dream clear in your heart but stuck in your hands What separates those who talk about a calling from those who walk it Whether the obstacle is the size of the dream… or the way we approach it And we wrestle with a practical question: If you had to eat an elephant — how would you do it? If God has stirred something global in your heart — whether that’s publishing, moving overseas, launching something new, or reaching a people group — this episode will help you think differently about your next step. The world is bigger than your zip code. Let’s go.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: If part of that dream includes sharing Jesus more confidently across cultures, I created a free video training for you: ✅ Three Paradigm Shifts to Offer Jesus Naturally to Your Neighbors & the Nations 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/freevideotraining Inside, you’ll discover: ✔ A mindset shift that removes pressure from evangelism ✔ How to engage spiritually curious people without turning them into projects ✔ Why you don’t have to move overseas to live out the Great Commission ✔ A simple framework to move from hesitation to intentional conversations New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe so you don't miss one: LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to podcasts   Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Ramadan starts February 17, 2026—and this is one of the most strategic times of the year to engage with your Muslim friends. For 30 days, Muslims fast from sunup to sundown. No food. No water. No smoking. No swearing. And MORE praying, MORE reading, MORE giving, MORE openness to spiritual things. So why not join them in their spiritual quest, in our own way? In this episode, I'm starting with "Ramadan for Dummies"—a simple explanation of what Ramadan is and how your Muslim friends actually experience it. Then I'm sharing three practical ways YOU can be intentional during this sacred month: pray, fast, and party. Whether you have one Muslim friend or you're surrounded by them in your neighborhood, this episode will give you specific, actionable ideas for how to deepen your friendships and open doors for spiritual conversations during Ramadan. This isn't theoretical. These are things I've done myself—from fasting with my Afghan refugee friends to hosting an Iftar picnic by the pond in my neighborhood. And I'm inviting you to do them too.   IN THIS EPISODE: RAMADAN FOR DUMMIES: What It Is and How Muslims Experience It ✔️ Ramadan 2026 dates: February 19 - March 19 (30 days determined by moon sightings) ✔️ What fasting looks like: No food, water, sex, smoking, or swearing from sunup to sundown ✔️ What increases: Prayer (5 times daily), reading the Quran, giving to the poor, spiritual openness ✔️ Why this matters: Muslims are more spiritually sensitive during Ramadan than any other time ✔️ How your friends experience it: Community, celebration, spiritual devotion, and exhaustion   THREE WAYS TO BE INTENTIONAL DURING RAMADAN: PRAY: If they can pray every day for a whole month, we can pray once a day for 30 days What to do: Order the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World booklet (adult or kids version) Keep it on your kitchen counter—read one page after dinner every night for 15 minutes Alternative: Sign up for Frontiers USA email series for daily stories and prayer prompts Options: "Searching for a Father" (fictional family experiencing Ramadan), "Hidden Treasures" (cultural objects central to Muslim life), "All Things" (themed prayer series) Why this matters: Your prayers fill the golden bowls that are the prayers of God's people (Revelation 5:8) Smoke from those prayers fills the temple in heavenly places (Isaiah 6:4-7) If ALL of us prayed for Muslims EVERY DAY for 30 days, imagine the impact FAST: If they can fast for a whole month, we can fast for ONE day What to do: Pick one day during Ramadan to fast exactly like Muslims do Wake before dawn, eat a BIG breakfast, drink lots of water, do your prayers Go without food and water the entire day (set aside 3 focused times to pray) Spend the hour before sunset making a big meal for your household Break your fast at sundown with joy and celebration, then pray before bed   Why this matters: You taste the discomfort, surrender, and giving up of yourself for a greater purpose You identify with your Muslim friends—walk in their shoes for a day It gives you something powerful to TELL them: "I fasted with you" The response: They'll smile, be pleasantly surprised, and ask "Why?!" Your answer: "I'm fully submitted to God, like you. I want to pray more, like you. And I want to experience your traditions and culture in a small way." PARTY: If they're celebrating every night, why not join them?   What to do: Ask your Muslim friends if you can come to an Iftar meal (the break-the-fast celebration at sundown) Best approach: Tell them you're fasting for a day like they do, then ask if you can come celebrate with them that evening Offer to bring food too (hallal) Since hospitality is a high value in Muslim cultures, they'll be honored you asked   Why this matters: It's kind of lame to go to a party where everyone is SO relieved to eat when you haven't felt the pain with them Combining fasting + Iftar meal = deep friendship and spiritual conversations You earn the right to pray with them and open the Bible together   Personal stories shared: - Two years ago: Afghan international students/refugees invited me to their home for Iftar - They prayed in front of me with deep reverence to God - After dinner, I prayed for them and we opened the Injil (Today's Persian Version Bible) - Last year: I hosted an Iftar picnic by the pond in my neighborhood - Laid out dates, nuts, fruit, juice, sweets on a red blanket under twinkly lights - They brought Persian food, I made a traditional Afghan stew from an internet recipe - Told them I fasted all day praying for them—they couldn't believe it! - This year: They invited me back again   KEY TAKEAWAY: May God show himself personally to Muslims all around the world as they fervently seek his presence. May God reveal Jesus as the way to God and give them his Spirit as a deposit for a future eternal inheritance. You have 30 days. Three simple ways to be intentional. Let's do this together.   RESOURCES MENTIONED: ✅ Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course: A quick, practical 5-lesson course with 30+ videos to help you build bridges and have spiritual conversations with Muslims—without getting into arguments, feeling frozen, or needing to become an Islam expert ($147, or watch free 10-minute video and get $50 off) 👉🏼 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/invitemuslims    ✅ 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World: Order the booklet (adult or kids version—personally, I use the kids version!) 👉🏼 www.pray30days.org  ✅ Frontiers USA Prayer Series (Free Daily Emails): "Searching for a Father" - Follow a fictional (but realistic) family experiencing Ramadan 👉🏼 www.frontiersusa.org/searching-for-a-father    ✅ "Hidden Treasures" - Discover ancient traditions and cultural objects central to Muslim life 👉🏼 www.frontiersusa.org/hidden-treasures    ✅ "All Things" - Themed prayer series 👉🏼 www.frontiersusa.org/allthings    ✅ Ten Ways to Find Ten Friends Guide (Free): Practical ways to find and befriend people from unreached people groups in your community 👉🏼 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/tenfriends  Today's Persian Version Bible: A contextual Bible version to give Afghan Shia Muslims to read the creation story in Genesis Available on Amazon   CONNECT WITH JEANNIE MARIE: Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  Instagram: @jeanniemmarie Blog Post: Read the full blog version of this episode at www.jeannie-marie.com/blog/41    I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Are you going to do any of these three things during Ramadan? Pray for 30 days? Fast for one day? Get invited to an Iftar meal? DM me on Instagram @jeanniemmarie and let me know! I want to hear your stories and cheer you on. And if you try one of these ideas and something amazing happens—definitely tell me. Your story might encourage someone else to take the step.   WHAT'S NEXT: Next week: Episode 5 - How to Eat An Elephant: Doing Big Dreams One Bite At A Time   LEAVE A REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE:  If this episode gave you permission to move forward even when your church leadership doesn't share your passion, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps other frustrated mobilizers find this show.   New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe so you don't miss one: LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to podcasts   Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go.  

Thinking about moving overseas someday? Or maybe you're supporting friends who are considering it? In this episode, I'm sharing 15 real expectations vs. reality insights from a decade of living overseas and watching dozens of people make the move. From the importance of choosing the right team to why it gets harder before it gets easier, these are the things I wish someone had told me before I moved to India with my family. Whether you're going next year or just dreaming about it, this episode will help you prepare for the realities of cross-cultural life—the good, the hard, and the transformative. In This Episode: **The 15 Field Realities:** Join a team with similar vision—not just any team (Peter, Daniel, James, Paul teams) Find a team with kids your kids' age—life is so much better together (the basketball vs. track team analogy) Everyone in the family should do full-time language learning as early as possible Go as slow as you need to go, in order to go fast later It will get harder before it gets easier—push through that first year (the culture shock curve) Just living overseas takes a long time at first (the story of learning to buy and cook food) Your time with Jesus will get sucked dry—and if it does, you'll flounder (abide in me, apart from me you can do nothing) It's physically exhausting to live cross-culturally Know the good news here, so you can share it there Strong relationships mean deep friendships for daily living AND deep grieving when it's time for goodbyes This probably isn't the only place you'll be—dream about where you'll go next Know who you are in Christ, and be who you are, or you'll lose who you are Get some grit—the depth of daily suffering requires daily surrender (Grit Week) Recognize that the enemy will use the same tactics, weaknesses, and lies he's used before in your life The reality of knowing and experiencing MORE—you will be different from everyone else back home, forever (the Matrix blue pill)   Key Concepts Discussed: Peter/Paul and James/Daniel ways to approaching global work Basketball verses Track teams The honeymoon stage, culture shock, adjustment, and thriving curve Why two hours a day with Jesus matters Team prayer and accountability The burying the chicken story (mundane daily realities) Third culture kids and the gift and grief of goodbyes Why you need to ask: "Where are the cracks in my armor?" Taking the blue pill—seeing how far down the rabbit hole goes   Resources Mentioned: ✅ Book: Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood and Beyond Get the full story and practical steps for reaching the nations—whether you're going or staying 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/book  👉 Available on Amazon   ✅ Neighbors & Nations Course: The comprehensive 6-module, 60+ lesson course to help you make disciples cross-culturally with ease, empathy, and confidence—perfect for preparing to go OR reaching the nations where you live 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/nncourse    I Want to Hear From You! Which of the 15 field realities resonated with you most? Maybe it's #7 about time with Jesus getting sucked dry, or #15 about being forever changed, or #4 about going slow to go fast, or #13 about getting grit.  DM me on Instagram **@jeanniemmarie** and tell me which one hit home for you and why. I read every message and would love to hear your story!   Connect with Jeannie Marie: 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie (DM me which of the 15 resonated most!)  📖 Take the Global Goer Quiz: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz    What's Next: Next week: Episode 3 - When Your Lead Pastor Doesn't Really Get It   Leave a Review: If this episode helped you see what cross-cultural life really looks like, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps others who are considering the journey find this show!   Subscribe: New episodes drop every Tuesday. Don't miss one! LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page   **Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go!**

EPISODE DESCRIPTION: Let's talk about what many of you are experiencing in your church: What do you do when your lead pastor doesn't share your passion for the nations, for global missions? Maybe you're fighting for 3 minutes of stage time on Sunday morning. Maybe you came back from the field and nobody remembers who you are—not even the pastor. Maybe your church treats global work like one of many programs instead of the heartbeat of the Great Commission. In this episode, I'm sharing four honest insights into why many lead pastors don't "get it"—and more importantly, what YOU can do about it. This isn't about criticizing pastors (they have a tough job!), it's about learning how to work within the reality of Western church culture while still advancing the mission. Whether you're mobilizing from within your church, supporting global workers, as aspiring goer yourself, or feeling frustrated by the lack of vision—this episode will give you perspective, practical strategies, and permission to create your own path forward. IN THIS EPISODE: FOUR INSIGHTS INTO THE LEAD PASTOR WHO ISN'T PASSIONATE ABOUT THE NATIONS He doesn't really know what you know He hasn't had the same experiences or exposure Give grace—don't take offense Solution: Help him have personal experiences (take him with you!) Story: Bringing my pastor to my Muslim friends house to give a Bible Story: Taking pastors on survey trip to North Africa to debate Imams   He's shepherding the whole congregation, not just the zealous few Most people in the pews aren't as passionate about the nations as you are Pastors are cautious about being "too narrow" or scaring people away Reality: Most churches have ONE missions Sunday per year (if that) Story: My neighbor who left our church because "they talk too much about Haiti and Malawi" Solution: Influence from within—integrate global focus with existing programs Don't add a missions committee—put global people IN every ministry Bring Perspectives to your church at the grassroots level   He may feel called HERE—focused on the local community first Many pastors confuse service/poverty alleviation with inviting lost people into the Kingdom He may not understand the 3 billion with least access He doesn't know about pioneering missions or unreached people groups Solution: Find the nations in YOUR community and live it out yourself You'll earn his respect through action The reality of money and ROI Majority of church budget serves people attending the church Staff salaries, electric bills, programs—these all need funding Hard truth: Pastors spend time where there's return on investment Where your money goes, your heart goes Solution: Go community-wide—you don't have to do everything through one church Give yourself freedom to create your own team, invite your congregation and others Parachurch ministry is okay! Little "c" church. KEY MOMENTS: Take a deep breath: You're NOT responsible to turn the ship around in 3 minutes or 30 minutes God cares, he's using you You can work WITH the reality you're in   The Freeing Reality: Used to do one church → then several churches → now hundreds of churches You don't need permission from your Lead Pastor to follow God's call Create your own team and invite people into what God's put on your heart   RESOURCES MENTIONED: ✅ Sermon Series Outlines (Free): Help your pastor preach about global work with ready-made outlines based on Across the Street and Around the World www.jeannie-marie.com/sermon-leads    ✅ Ten Ways to Find Ten Friends From Unreached People Groups Guide (Free): Practical ways to find people from unreached people groups in your community—show your pastor it's possible right where you are 👉🏼 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/tenfriends    ✅ Neighbors & Nations Course: The comprehensive 6-module, 60+ lesson course to help you make disciples cross-culturally with confidence—whether your church supports you or not 👉🏼 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/nncourse    ✅ Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: Bring this 15-week course to your church to educate at the grassroots level 👉🏼 www.perspectives.org    ✅ Book: Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood and Beyond 👉🏼 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/book    CONNECT WITH JEANNIE MARIE:  🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie (DM me which of the 15 resonated most!)      I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU: Which of the four insights resonated most with you? Are you in a church where the lead pastor "gets it" or are you navigating this tension right now? DM me on Instagram **@jeanniemmarie** and tell me your story. I read every message. And if you've found creative ways to mobilize for the nations DESPITE your church leadership's lack of vision—I want to hear about that too! Your strategy might become a future episode.   WHAT'S NEXT: ✅ Next week: Episode 4 - Ramadan 2026: Three Ways to Be Intentional With Your Muslim Friends During Ramadan (Fast, Pray, Party) Ramadan starts February 19, 2026 (probably!), and I'm sharing behind-the-scenes all things Ramadan from my Muslim friend perspectives, plus a Ramadan-for-dummies explanation, and practical ways you can pray, fast, and build friendships with Muslims during this sacred month. You don't want to miss it!     LEAVE A REVIEW & SUBSCRIBE:  If this episode gave you permission to move forward even when your church leadership doesn't share your passion, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps other frustrated mobilizers find this show.   New episodes drop every Tuesday. Subscribe so you don't miss one: LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to podcasts   Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go!

Welcome to The Global Goer Podcast! I'm sitting at a Thai restaurant in Arizona with my daughter, and for a moment, I'm transported. The smells, the sounds, the elderly Asian woman shuffling over to fill my tea—I feel alive, like I'm accessing a part of who God made me to be. If you've ever felt that same pull toward other cultures, that apostolic yearning to reach the edges of the Kingdom where the most lost people live—this podcast is for you. This isn't for everyone. It's a niche show for Global Goers: people who want to move overseas, wish they had done it years ago, or are creating experiences for others to reach the three billion with least access to the Kingdom of God. In this first episode, I'm sharing why I created this show, who it's for, and what you can expect in the weeks ahead. Whether you're a parent who took a mission trip in college and wonders if you missed your window, or a young professional who doesn't fit the traditional mold—welcome. You're in the right place. In This Episode: The Thai restaurant story: why food and culture light me up (and probably you too) My apostolic yearning—and why you're "not normal" either Why there's already enough content trying to convince people to care about the nations, but not enough FOR people who already do Who this show is for: Global Goers (whether you're going, went, or mobilizing others) My backstory: Philippines, India, international students, refugees, church mobilization, mom of four Why I wrote *Across the Street and Around the World* (20,000+ copies sold) What to expect: weekly episodes dropping every Tuesday Preview of the first 4 solo episodes Two listener profiles: Sarah/Sam (38, parent) and Jake/Julie (24, professional) Topics we'll cover: using your profession, diaspora or distance, family travel, third culture kids, reverse culture shock, what to do and what not to do, behind-the-scenes issues   Coming Up in Future Episodes Field Realities: 15 Things You Should Know About Living Overseas (Before You Go) When Your Lead Pastor Isn't Passionate About the Nations (And What to Do About It) Ramadan 2026: How to Be Intentional With Your Muslim Friends (Pray, Fast, Party) How to Eat an Elephant (Doing Big Dreams Without Detours) One Way to Fund Your Passion Projects Resources Mentioned: ✅ Take the Global Goer Quiz:** Discover your unique path to making a global impact. Are you a Bleeding Heart, Strategic Thinker, Meaning and Purpose Person, Adventure Seeker, or Obedient Disciple? 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz    ✅ Book: Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood and Beyond (20,000+ copies sold) 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/book  👉 Available on Amazon    ✅ Courses: Neighbors & Nations Course: Comprehensive 6-module, 60+ lesson course to help you make disciples cross-culturally with confidence, courage, and authenticity 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/nncourse    Inviting Muslims to Follow Jesus Course: Learn how to build bridges and have spiritual conversations with Muslims without feeling frozen or getting into arguments 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/invitemuslims      Connect with Jeannie Marie: 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com  📱 Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeanniemmarie  📧 DM me your thoughts or questions!   What's Next: Next week: Episode 2 - Field Realities: 15 Things You Should Know About Living Overseas (Before You Go)   Leave a Review: If this episode resonated with you, would you leave a review on Apple Podcasts? It helps other Global Goers find the show!   Subscribe: New episodes drop every Tuesday! Subscribe so you don't miss one: LISTEN NOW: 🍎 Apple Podcasts 🎤 Spotify 🌍 My Global Goer Podcast Page Or wherever you listen to podcasts   **Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go!**

Welcome to The Global Goer Podcast! I'm Jeannie Marie, author of Across the Street and Around the World, and I'm so glad you're here. This podcast is for people who've always known they were meant for more—whether you're a parent dreaming of raising globally-minded kids, a young professional wondering how your career could open doors overseas, or someone who took a short-term trip years ago and never stopped thinking about it. Every week, we'll explore creative, unconventional ways to make a global impact. You'll hear about entrepreneurs using business to reach closed countries, bloggers transforming perceptions in unreached cities, and everyday people building deep friendships with international students and refugees right in their own neighborhoods. From diaspora ministry to creative access countries, from travel hacks to spiritual conversations—we're discovering how purpose-driven people are reaching unreached people groups in ways you never imagined. New episodes drop every week on Tuesday. ✅ Subscribe now so you don't miss a single episode! READY TO TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP? Take the free Global Goer Quiz and discover your unique path to making a global impact: 👉 www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/quiz CONNECT WITH JEANNIE MARIE: 📖 Book: Across the Street and Around the World - www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/book 🎓 Free Video Training: Three Ways to Share Jesus Naturally with Your Neighbors and the Nations - www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/freevideotraining 🌍 Neighbors & Nations Course: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com/nncourse 🌐 Website: www.jeanniemarieacademy.com 📱 Instagram: @jeanniemmarie ✉️ Email: [email protected] ABOUT THE HOST: Jeannie Marie is the author of Across the Street and Around the World: Following Jesus to the Nations in Your Neighborhood and Beyond (20,000+ copies sold). She's an instructor and strategist who has trained thousands of students in 19 countries on how to reach unreached people groups with confidence, courage, and authenticity—whether across the street or around the world. 📝 LEAVE A REVIEW: Love the show? Leave a review! It helps other global goers find us. Remember: The world is bigger than your zip code. Let's go!