Storyline | E:18 MISSIONARY SENDING POTENTIAL FROM UKRAINE TO 10/40

In Episode 39, Mike interviews Tolya (Tolik) Deminko, the National Campus Ministry Leader for CRU in Ukraine, about how God is working among university students during the ongoing war. This episode gives a ground-level look at Christian ministry in Ukraine, the spiritual hunger emerging on campuses, and how young people are responding to the Gospel in the middle of crisis. Tolya shares firsthand stories from Kyiv, Lviv, and Odessa—cities deeply impacted by the war. He explains how internally displaced students are finding Christian community, how CRU volunteers are serving sacrificially, and why the war has actually increased spiritual openness among many Ukrainian students. You’ll hear: How campus ministry continues during missile attacks and power outages Why students who were once “culturally Orthodox” are now asking deeper questions about faith Stories of students placing their trust in Christ during wartime How a new student ministry in Odessa grew under untrained volunteers Tolya’s own crisis of faith and how God met him Why he and his family chose to remain in Kyiv despite the danger What Christian leaders in Ukraine need prayer for right now If you care about missions in Ukraine, CRU/Campus Crusade, student evangelism, or want to know how God is moving during the war, this episode will inspire and challenge you. Learn More About Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field. Support & Learn More: Support Our Work in Ukraine – Partner with us to make a difference. Learn About Tolya & Alyona Deminko’s Ministry – See how your support empowers ministry in Ukraine.

Episode Summary Today on the Storyline Podcast, Mike sits down with Zahara, current CEO of Children of Grace — a remarkable ministry rescuing and empowering orphans in Uganda. Born into hardship and raised as an orphan herself, Zahara’s journey is one of courage, faith, and purpose. From surviving poverty to leading a movement that has provided education and hope to over 20,000 Ugandan children over 25 years, her story is a living testimony of what God can do through a life surrendered to Him. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Zahara’s childhood shaped her vision to break cycles of poverty. The founding story of Children of Grace and how it’s changing lives in Uganda. What it means to lead with compassion, faith, and resilience. How listeners can partner to make lasting impact in the lives of children. Whether you’re in ministry, leadership, or simply in need of inspiration, this episode will move your heart and remind you that God redeems every story for His glory. Guest: Zahara, Founder & CEO of Children of GraceHost: Mike Krieg, Storyline MissionsConnect with Children of Grace: childrenofgrace.com Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.  

In this episode, Mike explores the often-overlooked but deeply practical doctrine of the imminent return of Jesus Christ — the truth that He could come at any moment. Drawing from Jesus’ own words and the writings of the Apostle Paul, Mike shows how this teaching is not meant to stir fear or speculation, but to produce holiness, urgency, and hope in every follower of Christ. He also references William E. Blackstone’s classic book Jesus Is Coming (1878), highlighting how Blackstone argued that neglecting this truth leads to spiritual complacency — a Christianity that becomes comfortable, self-focused, and detached from the urgency of mission. Key Scriptures Discussed Matthew 24:42–44 – “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Luke 12:35–40 – The parable of servants who stay awake for their master’s return. 1 Thessalonians 5:1–4 – “The day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” Revelation 3:3; 16:15 – Jesus: “Behold, I am coming like a thief.” Philippians 3:20–21 – “Our citizenship is in heaven, from which we eagerly wait for the Savior.” Featured Quote — William E. Blackstone, Jesus Is Coming (1878) “Jesus is coming, therefore mortify your members … strive and pray for purity of heart … that your whole spirit, and soul, and body may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — William E. Blackstone Blackstone taught that belief in Christ’s imminent return is “the true incentive to a holy life.” When believers lose sight of this hope, they easily settle into comfort and self-interest rather than watchfulness and obedience. Main Takeaways Imminence shapes mindset — When Christ’s return feels near, it transforms how we live today. Watchfulness over worldliness — A ready heart resists apathy and comfort. Hope that purifies — The blessed hope is meant to make us holy, not anxious. Urgency for mission — Knowing He could come at any time calls us to share the gospel and live purposefully. Episode Challenge Ask yourself: If Jesus were to come today, would He find me faithful?Live, give, and serve as though He could appear at any moment — because He can. Resources Mentioned William E. Blackstone, Jesus Is Coming (1878) – Free online text at wholesomewords.org Bible passages: Matthew 24, Luke 12, 1 Thessalonians 5, Revelation 3 & 16 Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Episode Summary:Mike shares updates revealing how Storyline’s vision is multiplying—from Latin America’s expanding youth movement to a sustainable model in Romania and a new campus initiative that’s raising up young mobilizers worldwide. Latin America – The Multiplying Effect Over 2,500 young people in 2024 went through Storyline lessons integrated into CIMA programs, combining theology, evangelism, and outreach. From the beginning of 2024 to today, the Storyline / Movida partnership has seen 360 go on short term mission projects as a result of their training Campus Ambassadors – The Next Generation Storyline is recruiting students on university campuses to lead small groups about missions The program aims to form mission-minded communities on campuses across the country Key Quote:“When you give people a clear story of God’s mission and a way to live it out, they don’t just attend a program—they become mobilizers themselves.” Resources: Storyline Study – storylinemissions.org Movida Ministries – movida-net.com Campus Ambassador Interest Form – www.storylinemissions.org/campus Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Show Notes In this episode, Mike sits down with Mason Smith, Storyline’s Asian Partnership Director, currently based in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Mason shares about the challenges and opportunities in mobilizing churches across Asia, the spiritual condition of Thai youth, and how God is opening new doors for the gospel in the region. About Mason Role: Asian Partnership Director, Storyline Missions Location: Chiang Mai, Thailand Focus: Developing partnerships, training mobilizers, and equipping local leaders across Asia Highlights Stories of women rescued from the sex trade being trained and mobilized for mission Reflections on the spiritual openness and challenges among youth in Thailand New opportunities for ministry in Burma and Myanmar How God is creating “open doors” for the Word, even in difficult contexts (Colossians 4:3) The importance of prayer, partnership, and perseverance in mission Key Takeaways Trusting God for open doors: Mission advances not by strategy alone but by God’s hand opening new pathways (Colossians 4:3). Mobilizing the marginalized: Those once trapped in exploitation can become powerful witnesses and workers for the kingdom. Youth and spiritual hunger: While many Thai young people are adrift, there is also deep receptivity to the gospel. Regional opportunities: Neighboring countries like Burma and Myanmar are key frontiers where partnerships are needed. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Summary:In this special 10-year anniversary episode, we celebrate all that God has done through Storyline and share a vision for the days ahead. From equipping churches in Spain, Vietnam, Ukraine, Romania, and across Asia, to creating fast, free digital resources in multiple languages, we’ve seen the Lord open doors for frontier mobilization. We’ll reflect on why our strategy is so powerful, how it empowers local churches to reach unreached peoples, and why we believe the best days are still ahead—even as we wait for peace in Ukraine and prepare for new opportunities across Europe and Asia. Highlights: 10 years of God’s faithfulness in Storyline’s mission. Impact across countries, languages, and unreached peoples. Why frontier mobilization is strategic and sustainable. Digital tools spreading faster and more freely than ever. A look at the future: Ukraine, Asia, Romania, and beyond. Encouragement from Scripture and timeless missionary voices. Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – God’s Word equips every worker. Psalm 126:3 – “The Lord has done great things for us.” Matthew 24:14 – The gospel to the nations before the end. Isaiah 43:19 – “See, I am doing a new thing!” Quotes Shared: “Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” – William Carey “The future of missions is in the hands of the global church.” – Samuel Escobar Call to Action: Pray with us for the end of war in Ukraine and for doors to reopen for ministry there. Share this episode with a friend or church leader who loves God’s mission. Explore and download our digital resources for free at www.storylinemisssions.org Stay tuned for new opportunities to join in what God is doing through Storyline. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today Mike talks with one of Storylines Ukraine partners about the ministry called Wise Carpenter. This ministry is reaching young boys who are fatherless from the Ukraine war. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today we talk with Steve about his ministry in Asia. He is seeing amazing results from training national workers, missionaries and pastors the fundamentals of Biblical support raising. To contact Steve you can reach out to [email protected] To learn more about Via go to vianations.org Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ changes everything. It is the most significant event in world history. In this short episode, Mike shares an encouraging short message reflecting on the importance of Easter and the resurrection. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today we’re talking with Mason Smith, the Asia Director for Storyline. He shares his story about how God called him into mobilization and his vision to help mobilize local churches in Asia.   If you’d like to learn more about Mason and his ministry you can go to www.storylinemissions.org/staff. Mason can be reached at [email protected] Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today we have Josh Dilly on the show. He is the Storyline Director giving leadership to efforts to strengthen local church sending from the Caribbean and Latin America. He shares his vision for the area and talks about how God is using believers from this area to reach the world for Christ. To reach Josh you can email him at [email protected] For the Dilly Storyline page you can go to www.storylinemissions.org/dillys Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Living on Mission as a Christian: The Call to Live Dangerously As a follower of Jesus Christ, you are waking up today into a spiritual war. You have a choice to make today: wander passively through the battefield and barely acknowledge this is reality, or become a warrior and embrace your mission of living dangerously. The stakes could not be any higher. Souls are in the balance. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds. This is the life we are called to embrace, yet we are lulled to sleep. In this short episode,  Mike Krieg talks about this truth and shares insights he’s been reflecting on about living an effective, purpose-driven life for Christ in today’s world. This episode helps Christians move from passive acknowledgment of spiritual warfare to active engagement in the mission God has called us to. At Storyline, we believe every Christian is called to be a missionary—not necessarily to move overseas, but to live on mission wherever God has placed them. This podcast is part of our commitment to equipping believers with the biblical foundation, practical tools, and spiritual encouragement needed to fulfill the Great Commission Let us know your thoughts at [email protected]. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

We have Brian Easley on the show today with Via. Brian shares his story about how God gave him a heart to help students understand God’s heart for the nations and discover their strategic role in the building of God’s Kingdom. If you are curious about what God is doing in this generation of college students, this conversation will encourage you. To learn more about Brians ministry go to www.vianations.org You can connect with via on instagram here: @via_nations The mobilization index can be found here: https://www.vianations.org/mobilization-index Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today we travel to Germany to speak with Rode Smith. She is an Argentinian who has served in Chile, Bolivia and Peru and who now lives in southern Germany. She shares about what it’s like living and working in Germany, and her vision to wake up the German church. To connect with the Rode Smith on Instagram: @famcampossmith Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Today we meet Mauro and speak with him about his journey moving from Costa Rica to Indiana. Mauro and his wife Brittany moved to the United States to lead in the mobilization of the Spanish speaking church. In this episode he shares how he’s using teaching, training and short term mission trips to build a heart for the mission field among latino churches. You can learn more about Mauro and Brittany Montero at Bridgesteps.org   Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Margarita is on the podcast sharing about life in Ukraine and her ministry to women. For more information about her ministry you can reach her at [email protected] Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

In this episode Mike and Iwan discuss their partnership in expanding local churches in Indonesia. Indonesia is the largest muslim country by population and home to 233 unreached people groups These unreached peoples represent 195 million people. For more information about Indonesia you can visit the Joshua Project at https://joshuaproject.net/countries/ID For supporting Iwan and the work of church expansion go to: STORYLINE ASIA Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

In this episode we share Mike’s sermon that was given at the NWBC missions conference in Houston, TX. His main theme is the 3 motivations for missions, but also share some details about his family and his personal testimony. We love to share stories of God at work, and our testimonies are the most powerful stories we have. We hope you’ll enjoy this message. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

In this episode we talk with Rustam Kazakbaev, pastor in Biskek, Kyrgyzstan. He shares his story about being a gang member who used his muscle and fighting skills to extract money from other kids and how his life was changed when another gang member came to faith in Christ. His story is inspiring and encouraging. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

In this interview we talk with Raul Ponce, mission mobilizer from Houston Texas. In this episode we get to know Raul, his story, and his heart to send a generation of Latin Americans to the world. Tune in and enjoy. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

The Storyline Podcast is Back!! Get excited!! Mike explains the thought behind returning the Storyline podcast. He gives several highlights about what listeners can expect going forward. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

A dialogue about how a Ukrainian pastor, Vitaly Sorokun, planted an extremely unique church in Kharkiv, Ukraine 18 years ago for university students living in the 10/40 window and his path to becoming the Director of Foreign Missions in the largest Protestant denomination in Europe. God is using Vitaly to mobilize missionaries from Ukraine to places where they have open access and opportunity to share Jesus where he is not known. The amazing story of emerging missions from Ukraine. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

A conversation with Mike Krieg, the Executive Director of Storyline, and Stephen Sooka, our ministry partner in Uganda. God is using Stephen to mobilize a region of Africa that is just now learning about being a sending church. The amazing story of emerging missions from Africa. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Sean James, a millennial mission’s pastor from a church in Austin, Texas talks about the surprises he experienced as the only American at a mission’s conference hosted in Ukraine. Listen to Sean’s stories about his recent Bible College education and the reality he experienced while in Eastern Europe. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Listen to Andrew and Jody talk about living cross-culturally to be a part of God’s global mission but as full-time workers in their careers. They were missionaries in the past but they now recognize a new potential for having full-time jobs while planting a new church with local leaders in Ukraine. Has God been calling you into missions but you thought your career was getting in the way? Maybe God wants to use your career as a part of your mission experience globally. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

In this interview between Austin Gillis and Karen you will learn how this El Salvadorian woman becomes a mission mobilizer to the nations. The more she gets to know the greatest servant of them all, Jesus Christ, the more she grows as a servant. The more she gets to know God, the more she falls in love with his mission. An inspiring conversation about God’s global mission and the emerging mission force from Latin America. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

Listen closely to this compelling interview with Jim in Moscow about the realities of Russians reaching the unreached in our world who don’t know Jesus. Jim has served in the Slavic world of Russia and Ukraine for close to three decades. Jim wrestles with the idea of being a missionary or a mission mobilizer. What is your most strategic role in God’s purpose and plans for the world?

El Salvador is not the first place people think about going for a tropical vacation. Jake, a former engineer and now missionary, is serving in El Salvador and his perspective on God’s calling in his life to serve and lead is fascinating. What has God called you to do and will you say “Yes” to His leadership in your life? An interview by Austin Gillis about missions and mobilization to the nations. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field. Resources Mentioned: Storyline Study – Discover your role in God’s global mission. 7 Bible Verses on Missions – Scripture to fuel your calling. Connect With Us: Instagram Facebook

“I believe God can do big things with people from small islands,” says Caribbean pastor and mission’s director Nigel Henry. This podcast is an interview between Josh Dilly, the Director of Caribbean Partnerships for Storyline, and Nigel Henry. Nigel is very insightful about the possibilities of missionary sending from the islands where he serves. He also shares a few warnings about American Christian beliefs and practices that hinder God’s mission in the world. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.

An interview with Vitali Ogorodnikov about how Russian Christians are moving towards missionary sending to the unreached. Listen to Vitali’s unique story about finding faith in Jesus Christ in the early 1990’s but not being able to find a church building for years. As a software developer he thought his future would be in business but God had different plans for him. Explore Storyline Missions: Storyline Missions Website – Learn about our mission and vision. Storyline Podcast Hub – Access all episodes and mission resources. Storyline Blog – Read stories, updates, and insights from the field.