Simply127

Here is a sneak peek preview to a project that we have been working on at 127 Worldwide. Listen to this inspiring, thought-provoking episode as 127 staff wrestles through what healthy engagement with local leaders looks like. 

In the season two finale of the Simply127 podcast Sara Beth shares some stats and recaps of season two. She also shares how she met each of the 127 Worldwide partners.   Email: Simply [email protected]   https://127worldwide.org/Simply127 Episode 21 Tony Merida Episode 23 Michele Suffridge Episode 36 Dustin Dozier   Episode 1 Sara Beth Fentress Episode 3 Eleanor Wells Episode 12 Peter Abungu   Episode 26 & 27 : Manny and Jillian Prieto   Books: Atomic Habits Misreading Scripture Through Western Eyes The Choice Gentle and Lowly

In this episode of the Simply 127 podcast, Sara Beth chats with Drew Raynor. Drew is a husband, pastor, and adoptive father. Drew and his wife Taylor began to see adoption as part of their story through their time at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC. They now have three biological children and one adopted child. Drew always knew that he wanted to be part of a church plant. Seven years ago he and several others decided to plant a church in Cary, North Carolina.  Drew talks about how adoption changed his relationship with God, his marriage and changed him personally. He shares how his family is uniquely engaged in the work of caring for orphans and vulnerable children through their family business in partnership with 127 Worldwide. As a pastor, he also explains how the church can engage in caring for orphans through adoption. Resources: www.127worldwide.org [email protected] Podcast episodes referenced: Simply127 Podcast Episode 10: Tim Raynor Episode 16: Jeremy Wixson https://harvestrdu.com/ https://idcraleigh.com/  

On this episode of the Simply127 podcast Sara Beth interviews Phil Darke. Phil, his wife Becca, and their five children, live in Folsom, CA. He is the President of Providence World, a non-profit developing organizations around the world to help children and families flourish. He co-authored the book In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence and also founded and hosts three podcasts: How Soccer Explains Leadership, Think Orphan, and Coaching Character. Listen to hear how God worked through Phil’s life to bring him to where he is now.   Resources: www.127worldwide.org [email protected] Providence World: https://providenceworld.com/ Book: In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence By: Philip Darke and Keith McFarland Podcast: Think Orphan https://thinkorphan.com/

In this episode of the Simply127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews her good friend Chelsea Sobolik. Chelsea works for the  ERLC in their DC office. She is also an author, having written Longing for Motherhood and is working with Moody Publishers on her second book. Chelsea was born in Romania. She and another little boy were adopted by her parents in the United States when she was very young. They were 11 days apart in age and not related. Her parents adopted four other children from Russia. Chelsea grew up in a very loving household and God grew her heart for the vulnerable. When Chelsea was a freshman in college she learned that she had a rare condition that would prevent her from having biological children. She wasn’t able to find a book or resources for those walking through this type of loss. She wrote the book,  Longing for Motherhood, the book she wished she had when she was walking through this part of her life. Listen to hear more of her story and justice journey. Resources:   www.127worldwide.org [email protected]   Book: Longing for Motherhood: Holding On to Hope in the Midst of Childlessness By: Chelsea Patterson Sobolik    https://erlc.com

Dustin Dozier is a husband, pastor and father to adopted children. He is the Teaching Pastor at Upstate Church Five Forks outside of Greenville, South Carolina. Dustin did not grow up in a church home and didn’t become a Christian until he was in high school after being invited to church by friends when he was a freshman.   After going on several mission trips, Dustin saw the great need to foster and adopt. God stirred in his heart the call to adopt but Dustin did not know the details of how that would look. After the earthquake in Haiti, Dustin and his wife hosted a child from Haiti and ended up adopting him and his 2 siblings. They adopted a newborn, 15 month old and two year old in a very short period of time. This wasn’t the path that Dustin envisioned when starting a family with his wife, but he learned very quickly that he needed to lean on God’s leading in his life for their family. Dustin provides advice for the journey of adoption and also for the church in caring for the vulnerable. He discusses how sometimes the world sees Christians for what they are against, not what they are for. Christians should show others the goodness of God. Adoption and foster care are ways that show others the goodness of God.   Resources:   www.127worldwide.org [email protected]   Dustin Dozier @dustindozier on Instagram [email protected]

In this episode of the Simply127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews Gary Freeman. Gary is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia and attended East Carolina University on a football scholarship. His father was a pastor and they did not have a good relationship growing up. Gary explained how he saw the more difficult parts of his father being in ministry and as a result disregarded his faith in college. When he was a senior in college he started to pursue his relationship with Christ again.    Gary founded Major League Dad which is an organization that strives to promote a healthy view of fatherhood, pregnancy crisis support and guidance on how to care for a baby. Romans 5:8 says that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse guides and propels Gary in all that he does. It permeates all efforts of ministry from the fatherless to a difficult father and child relationship to those toiling with whether or not they want to be a father.   Resources:   www.127worldwide.org [email protected]   majorleaguedad.org   Gfreeman@majorleaguedad  

In this episode of the Simply 127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews Tracy Arntzen, Co- Founder and Executive Director of Saving Susan Ministry. Tracy and her husband, Jay, own an elevator business and live in north Atlanta. Together they have three sons. Not long after starting their own business in 2008,  they felt the call to change churches.  Through one of their church connections, Jay felt led to go to Cambodia after mission Sunday. He and one of his sons decided to go on the mission project. There he met a little girl with whom he had a strong connection. He even wanted their family to adopt her, but found out that the borders were closed to international adoption. Through prayer and guidance they felt led to still help support the girl, they nick-named Susan, and her brother.  When founding Saving Susan Ministry, Tracy was very adamant that prayer would be central to their ministry. Six years later it is still the most important thing they do. They approach orphan care in a unique and very relational way. There is an application process for anyone who wants to sponsor a child and work closely with local leaders in the countries where these children live.   Resources: Have any comments or questions? Email [email protected]   127 Worldwide www.127worldwide.org   Saving Susan Ministry https://www.savingsusanministry.org/ [email protected]   Books: The Hole in Our Gospel Richard Sterns   In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence Keith McFarland Philip Darke

Episode 33   In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with Jackie Wild. Jackie is a wife, mom of two boys and wedding photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been passionate about adoption and caring for vulnerable communities since she was a teenager. She served on the board of directors for 127 Worldwide and continues to be an advocate for orphans and widows.    Both of Jackie’s boys were adopted as infants in the United States. She shares her adoption journey with her husband, Matt, and how they grew their family following the path the Lord laid before them.   Resources:   www.127worldwide.org [email protected]   Jackie’s Info: Instagram: Jwild.photography Email: [email protected]

Arthur lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Liz and dog and cat. He studied student and family ministry at Lancaster Bible college. For 10 years he served as a youth pastor and then felt God’s nudge to leave student ministry and move on to something different. He and his wife built a passion for orphans and vulnerable children. They walked alongside a lot of kids who were facing significant difficulties and trauma. From this experience he learned that kids from hard places have significant barriers to receiving the gospel. He made a video series called, Trusting the God of the Gospel that helps caregivers and families disciple adopted or foster teenagers.    Arthur and Liz have been in the adoption process for several years now. He shares his journey through failed adoption and some of the difficulties he and his wife faced. They also fostered for 2 years. He shares how adoption and foster care is a faith journey, is not always easy and how important it is to be steadfast through it all. Lastly, he shares practical advice to those starting on the adoption and foster care road.   Resources: www.127worldwide.org   Have any questions or feedback?  Email: [email protected]   Arthur C Woods website: https://www.arthurcwoods.com/   Trust the God of the Gospel www.trustingthegodofthegospel.com

Episode 31 In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with the newest partner of 127 Worldwide, David Lara. David is the pastor of a church outside of Guatemala, in Escuintla, that was planted by his father. His wife and three daughters work together in ministry. He comes from a big family of five brothers and one sister. His father always had a passion to serve the Lord. David shares how he learned to care for the vulnerable through the example of his father and how he is now leading his church towards discipleship and care for the vulnerable.  David also shares how the pandemic has affected his ministry and life this past year and what partnering with 127 Worldwide has looked like for him.   Resources: Have any questions about the Simply 127 podcast? Email [email protected] Book: When Helping Hurts : written by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with Chrispine (Chris) Omondi, Director of Swahiba Networks in Nairobi, Kenya. Swahiba shares the truth of the gospel through meeting temporal needs in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. Chris grew up in Kibera and participated in programs offered through Swahiba Networks. He was mentored by founder, Peter Abungu, and is now directing the day to day operations at Swahiba.   Resources: Have any comments or questions? Email [email protected]   Swahiba Networks https://swahiba.org/   Prayer Document: https://127worldwide.org/pray

In episode 29, Sara Beth has a conversation with Jason Johnson, National Director of Church Ministry Initiatives for Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Jason’s background is in church planting and ministry. He and his wife have 4 daughters, one of whom was adopted through foster care.  Jason shares about his work through CAFO and how everyone has a unique role to play in caring for vulnerable children and families.  He also shares the heart of how to engage more churches and people to care for vulnerable children; through discipleship. The message central to action is that the gospel changes the questions we ask ourselves. Instead of asking why to do something, the new question becomes ‘why not?’.   Resources: CAFO- Christan Alliance for Orphans   Jason Johnson email: [email protected]   Jason Johnson Blog   Books: Everyone Can Do Something Reframing Foster Care   Finding Your Fit in Foster Care   Have any questions about the Simply 127 podcast? Email [email protected]

Raleigh Sadler is the Executive Director and Founder of Let My People Go and author of Vulnlerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Growing up in church, he talks about his experience with Christianity at a young age and how he never felt like he mined the depths of the Gospel. Raleigh reached a turning point in his faith journey where he started to look outside of himself and to his neighbor. He began to see that we can not just declare the gospel, we must declare and demonstrate the gospel.  Listen to hear Raleigh’s faith journey and the path God has laid for him in caring for the vulnerable through Let My People Go.   Resources: Have any comments or questions?  Email [email protected]  Let My People Go  https://lmpg.org/   Book: Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking By: Raleigh Sadler Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 International Justice Mission: https://www.ijm.org/ Shared Hope International: https://sharedhope.org/ National Center on Sexual Exploitation: https://endsexualexploitation.org/ Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/

S2E7 Part 2 of 2 In the second of this two part series, Sara Beth continues her interview with Manny and Jillian Prieto. As a recap, together the Prieto’s have four children, including two through adoption after a long period of foster care. In this episode Manny and Jillian share more information about fostering and adoption, share advice for families looking to foster and adopt and offer encouragement to those who are on this journey. Listen through to the end to hear from some special show guests!  Resources: Have any comments or questions?  Email [email protected]   CAFO:  OVC Essentials course https://cafo.org

In the first episode of this two part series, Sara Beth interviews Manny and Jillian Prieto. Manny is the Director of Operations at 127 Worldwide. Together the Prieto’s have four children, including two through adoption after a long period of foster care. Together they share their story of foster care and adoption and how the grace of God ultimately has led them to where they are now as a family. Listen to their transparency and honesty as parents and how the gospel drives and guides their lives.   Resources: - Have any comments or questions? Email [email protected] - Article on the Prieto’s answering the call to foster and adopt: Gathered: How one family answered the call of community. In choosing to adopt, the Prietos committed to upholding the dignity of a whole family. https://www.brnow.org/news/gathered-how-one-family-answered-the-call-of-community/

In this Simply127 Podcast Season 2 episode, Sara Beth has a conversation with Odongo Geoffrey (Geoffrey) from Acres of Hope Uganda. This conversation was recorded between the two, who are oceans apart. There may be slight pauses due to internet connectivity. This podcast was also pieced together from a much longer conversation, that was narrowed down into a few short clips. Listen to hear Geoffrey’s amazing faith journey and life story. Continuing with the theme of how the Gospel is central to the work of 127 Worldwide, Geoffrey, local leader who lives in Northern Uganda, shares how his life experiences and relationship with Christ prepared him to start and run Acres of Hope Uganda. Growing up in war torn Uganda, Geoffrey faced tremendous challenges as a child. Orphaned at a young age, he was left without a home and lived along the Nile River. He shares the difficulties he faced until one day when a missionary came to plant a church, took notice of Geoffrey and then advocated for him. Geoffrey faced some of life's most difficult challenges, yet his story paints a picture of how God delivered him and is using him today through his ministry at Acres of Hope Uganda.   Resources: Have any questions about this podcast? Email: [email protected]   Acres of Hope Uganda   More show notes with Ugandan civil war history.

In this episode, Sara Beth continues her conversation with Michele Suffridge, Executive Director of Refugee Hope Partners. One of 127 Worldwide’s key distinctives is healthy engagement that encourages empowerment and preserves human dignity. This episode takes a deeper dive into this topic as Sara Beth and Michele discuss healthy engagement with vulnerable communities. Michele shares her journey of working with the vulnerable and how Refugee Hope Partners engages with refugee families in healthy ways.   Resources: Refugee Hope Partners   When Helping Hurts Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert

In this episode, Sara Beth has a conversation with Michele Suffridge. Michele is the Executive Director of Refugee Hope Partners. Refugee Hope Partners exists to love refugee neighbors with the hope of the gospel in partnership with the local church.  Michele, mom of 5 kids, shares her story of  parenthood, adoption and how God made connections in her life to minister to refugees. She discusses how God opened doors to start Refugee Hope Partners and how Covid-19 has impacted our refugee neighbors this past year. Listen to hear God’s activity in Michele’s life and how she responded. 

In episode 22, Sara Beth continues the discussion on how we are motivated by the gospel and how the gospel is central to the work of 127 Worldwide. The guest in this episode is Ashok Nachnani. Ashok is a husband, father, foster dad and member of the 127 Worldwide board of directors. In this episode you will hear how Ashok tangibly lives out James 1:27 by fostering and the giving of his time, talents and financial gifts. He also shares his testimony and about his life changing trip to Kenya with his teenage daughter.  Listen to his story to see how God uses the lives of ordinary people to advance his kingdom.   Have any questions? Email [email protected]

In Episode 21, Sara Beth interviews Tony Merida, Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC. He is also a seminary professor and author who has taught and written a great deal on the idea of developing a theology of justice.  Tony shares his story of adoption, how Christians are uniquely positioned to care for the vulnerable and biblical justice versus social justice. Sara Beth and Tony also discuss short term missions, the importance of working with organizations that partner with local leaders, and where to start on your journey to care for the orphan, widow and vulnerable.

Sara Beth wraps up season one of the podcast by sharing two of the most downloaded episodes and giving updates on 127 Worldwide and their partner ministries. 

Andee Hart founded Hart Design Co. to help fund domestic and international adoptions. Listen how God is teaching her through her community and her church to authentically live out James 1:27 through using her passions and talents.

Ann Maura Hinton joined the staff of Lifeline in August 2017. She brings with her over 25 years of teaching experience in a variety of different settings and with a variety of different disabilities. She loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to help build a bridge from frustration to hope alongside families in need. She is a certified Cognitive Developmental Therapist and has earned her master’s and undergraduate degree in Special Education. Ann Maura is a wife and mom of three, and she loves spending time with her family. In her free time, she loves anything outside -- running, cycling, hiking, and swimming. Listen as she and Sara Beth discuss how attachment and cognitive development impact domestic and global orphan care.

Sara Beth and Cindy have a candid conversation about empowering locals who are ministering to children coming from difficult situations. Learn about Rivercross, collaboration among ministry leaders, and training caretakers to deal with the effects of trauma.

Listen to Jeremy Wixson share his twenty-year journey to combine his love for ministry and aquaponics. In a way that only God could do, Jeremy is now using his love to teach and equip to help people in vulnerable communities learn how to grow fish and vegetables in the most optimal way! You will be challenged to evaluate the passions that God has given to you and how you can use them in ministry.  

Jacki King is a Jesus follower, Bible teacher, and taco addict. She has a passion for seeing women fall in love with Jesus and His Word while challenging them to be on mission in their homes, work places, and communities. Jacki is a native Texan who now lives in Conway,AR with her husband Josh, who is the Lead Pastor of Second Baptist Conway, along with their 3 boys. Jacki holds a BA in Biblical Studies and Women’s Ministry from Criswell College in Dallas, TX and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Theology at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

God has given today's guest Alison and her husband, Stephen, an amazing story of redemption through adoption. Listen as she shares her heart for Uganda, older children who need a forever home, and keeping biological families together if at all possible. Listen to what happened when this family just kept saying yes after yes as God introduced new opportunities!

We are excited to launch our first monologue episode!! Listen in as Sara Beth shares some of her thoughts on Covid-19 and emergency relief aid. She offers a tool to help you filter and find healthy places for you to invest your finances during a crisis. Check out our show notes at https://www.127worldwide.org/Simply127.

You are not hearing many conversations as candid as this one. We ask some hard questions about egocentric Americans, cultural differences, and why it is worth it to continue to collaborate together. Share this with friends who work in diverse communities or who would benefit from listening to this conversation.

As a young man, Peter Abungu, wrestled to reconcile what he knew to be true about God with his present reality. He lost both of his parents at a young age and desired a close friend to walk with him through these difficult circumstances. Swahiba is a Swahili word that portrays the friendship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Listen to Peter's story of how God led him to the largest slum in Kenya to ensure that young people will know the truth of the friend who sticks closer than a brother. You will be blessed to get to know Peter better through this conversation.

Tim Raynor shares how God orchestrated his story in unexpected ways to care for the vulnerable. We hope you will think critically about how God has positioned you to walk in obedience in this endeavor, as well. Five years ago Tim put his yes on the table. Be blessed by his little story in God's big story! 

Sloan shares her family's story through the journey of foster care and adoption while challenging believers to join in the fight for the vulnerable. Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something. This is such an important conversation, and you will love listening to these two friends chat about the path that Sloan and her husband, Dustin, have taken.

This lady will inspire you to be obedient to what God has called you to do! Listen in to hear about Rose's humble beginnings and fierce faith to care for the world's most vulnerable people. Rose says, "When there is a child who is lost, hope is lost. Christ has us as his ambassadors. An ambassador always advocates. We have to advocate on behalf of Christ who died for us."

We hope you will be challenged by listening to Rose Bugusu as she gives her speech from the 2019 IDC Justice Gala. Listen to how Rose is changing the trajectory for hundreds of children who are growing up in rural Kenya. She offers some hard truths to her American friends, as well. 

In Episode 6, you will hear from Laura Steele, adoptive mom, talking with Sara Beth about the joys and challenges of her journey with foster care and adoption as well as practical ways you can get involved with Safe Families for Children.

God has shifted Paul's perspective in recent years shaping his theology of justice. This is a great conversation talking about how healthy churches are the best plan for caring for the vulnerable. So much good information in this episode. You will want to take some notes!

Paul Boekell is a pastor at Redemption Church in Huntington, WV. He and his wife have adopted from Uganda. Listen as he shares his own justice journey and explains how church leaders can begin to partner with local leaders to globally care for the vulnerable.    

Check out this great conversation about compassion fatigue and making rest and self- care a priority in the midst of this difficult work. Eleanor has been a great mentor, coach, and friend to many people struggling to care for themselves in the midst of caring for others. We hope you will find today's episode so helpful as you tangibly live out James 1:27.

Listen in this week to a great conversation with Rick Morton from Lifeline Christian Services. We cover his family's journey with three international adoptions, the importance of finding mentors in this work, and some exciting things that are currently happening at Lifeline. We hope you enjoy listening and are challenged to engage more!

Episode 1 is finally here!! The tables are turned this week as Sara Beth is in the hot seat talking about The Simply 127 Podcast and 127 Worldwide. We hope you enjoy this first of many great conversations!

Spend four minutes with Sara Beth to hear the vision for the Simply 127 podcast. We want to simply tell inspiring stories of people tangibly living out James 1:27 and give people a place to learn more about caring for the vulnerable with excellence. New episodes are coming very soon. Please subscribe and tell your friends about our new project!