Reach Beyond Podcast: Stories Of Hope, Inspiration And Transformation From Around The World

Much of Sub Saharan Africa has been reached with the gospel, but there are pockets that still lack gospel presence. We’re going to take you to two of those places in this episode. Reach Beyond radio planter Alex Walker gives us eyewitness reports of what God is doing at new radio stations in Madagascar and Malawi. You’ll hear the stories of radically transformed lives. Alex was part of the team that built these two stations, one as recently as November. The Lord has pulled together several churches and ministries in each of the communities to make the stations possible. After several years of prayer, effort and waiting, both of these stations went on the air and saw results right away. God is at work and you’ll hear how.

You may never meet a Rohingya person in your lifetime, and you probably don’t even know who they are.  But God knows each one and desires that they come to know Jesus.  They are going through a crisis right now. Travel with us 15 times zones away and hear about the Rohingya.  Hundreds of thousands have fled persecution and are living in refugee camps in Bangladesh.  This has provided opportunities for the gospel to be demonstrated and declared to the Rohingya. Hear from three workers who returned last month from Bangladesh to provide immediate aid to the refugees and to develop plans for future outreach.  This is just the beginning of a long-term effort to bring the Good News to a people where there are only hundreds of known believers. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Contribute towards the Rohingya blanket project  www.reachbeyond.org/blankets About the Rohingya people  https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/11359 See the video about the blanket project  www.reachbeyond.org/blankets  Read abo

Meet JJ, who grew up in the church, had some bad experiences and almost walked away.  But God got a hold of his heart, and now JJ is mobilizing believers to serve Jesus in some of the hardest places of the world. You’ll hear JJ tell his story and the details of how God changed his heart and life trajectory.  You’ll also get a picture of what it means to be mobilized for the cause of Christ.  If you’re feeling God stirring your heart for change, then you’ll benefit by this discussion with JJ. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Mobilizing with Reach Beyond  https://reachbeyond.org/go/ Contact JJ  jharling@reachbeyond.org 

You’ll hear from Brad and Naomi, long-time international workers. They’ll share how God led them to respond to his call of serving and reaching people in faraway places. When we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, how do we intentionally seek God’s direction? Brad and Naomi, as well as Reach Beyond president Steve Harling, give us insights on how to wait on God during seasons of restlessness. Learn how to discern his voice in the next step of our own journey. You’ll enjoy hearing the stories from Brad and Naomi. Hear how God prepared them for cross-cultural work, discovering what it means to be fully reliant on God, and the importance and blessing of obedience. This is an intriguing discussion of how God helps us take the next step for whatever he calls us to do.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 30-Day Devotional Download: Jesus DID International Day for the Unreached (IDU): dayfortheunreached.org

Ready or not, 2018 is here.  What we do with it is the important thing.  And it doesn't mean making New Year's resolutions. In this episode, Reach Beyond president Steve Harling approaches us pastorally.  He and co-host Jon Fugler have a "fireside chat" about the importance of the Word, proper goals and even a good book to make this year stand out for you. In his transparent way, Steve lets you into his life as he opens up about one thing in particular that he is wrestling with in looking ahead.  Steve and Jon also zero in on the most critical issue, and that is the cause of the unreached.  It is getting harder and harder to take Jesus to those in the tough places.  Hear Steve's heart as he shares what is gripping his heart for this cause in 2018. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places The Insanity of God God Knows What I'm Doing Here With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God "Jesus Did" 30-day Devotional FREE DOWNLOAD Recommend a boo

As we approach the Christmas season many are left with mixed emotions.  In a season of such wonderful hope the reality is that we still live in a fallen world and for many this season brings sadness. Knowing this, it’s even more important to let our light shine especially bright to show God’s wonderful hope. During the podcast Steve Harling shares about a dark time in his life and how he got through it. We also hope that you will be delighted to hear more about how God is working in some very dark areas of the world plus hear Steve Harling’s 2018 vision for Reach Beyond. You won’t want to miss this special Christmas podcast! Give hope.  Donate to Reach Beyond at year-end to bring the hope of Christ to those who have never heard. Learn more about Radio Planting Steve Harling’s Guide for a Day Away with God.  Free download. “Jesus Did” 30-day devotional to get your new year started right.  Free download. Email us

This is a Season of Hope:  When the Hope of Christ Meets Despair “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  (Romans 15:13) In this Season of Hope, there are those around the world who are desperately seeking hope.  One of the groups is Syrian refugees. Yet, God is providing hope of Christ for some of these refugees through Reach Beyond’s partnership with Heart for Lebanon.  In this episode, we will flash back to summer when we first aired a dramatic interview.  And we have a good news update to share, too. Why would anyone with lifelong memories of war and survival want to return to their own war-torn country? Listen to how God took one man from living the life of a defeated Christian to being passionate about serving in his own country. Camille Melki, CEO of Heart for Lebanon, is serving thousands of refugees in Lebanon, which is currently more than 35% of the country’s population. Listen to the heart-breakin

Your holidays may never be the same again.  In fact, your life may never be the same.  In this episode, Reach Beyond President Steve Harling shares the secret to maintaining intimacy with God. It’s based on a habit he has practiced for over four decades… taking a day away with God. Steve explains the benefits of this practice, especially during the holidays when our joy in the Lord can be stolen.  He shares his personal experiences and we can enjoy the same benefits he has enjoyed over the years. Steve goes through seven phases of a day away with God, based on the Lord’s Prayer.  He’ll unpack each element and show us how to apply this prayer to our day with God. You’ll be challenged and encouraged as Steve and Jon dialogue.  Hopefully, by the end, you’ll see be eager to set aside a day away with the Lord in the next six weeks. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Steve Harling’s Day Away with God Guide (Free Download)

  Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.  We are gearing up for things like family gatherings and big meals, Christmas programs, travel and celebration. In the process, let's not forget the missionaries we know who serve the Lord in remote and lonely places.  Their holidays will be a lot different than ours, far away from home. We can have a ministry in their lives.  In this episode, you'll be encouraged to consider what you can do now to make Christmas a little more memorable for the missionaries you know and support. At the heart of this episode is an encore presentation on the 10 ways you can pray for your missionaries.  Steve Harling, Jon Fugler and special guest Dr. Jessie Ritchey help us get into the world of a missionary and how we can pray for them more effectively. As you listen, consider how you can make a difference this Christmas for missionary families serving around the world. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 10 Ways to Pray for Missionaries

God is sovereign, but do we really believe it?  Our faith is tested when we have to wait on God, and that's what this episode is about. Jon Fugler is joined by special co-host Curt Cole, VP of International Ministries for Reach Beyond.  Curt is fresh off a trip along the Amazon, and he'll share the results of a unique missions opportunity. Jon and Curt also focus on the idea of "waiting on the Lord," highlighting a God story that is coming to fruition after 19 years of waiting.  And this waiting will result an unreached people group of a million people being exposed the gospel. You'll hear, too, about a missions experience in Africa, where more than 1,800 people were touched one-on-one with medical care and the gospel. Jon and Curt then take us to Nepal, where one desperate woman encountered Jesus through the local radio station and its staff.  Her life on earth was not only saved, but her eternal destiny was changed, too. You'll have confidence in God's sovereignty in your own life after hearing about His wo

What do women around the world want to hear? For those who want to follow Jesus, it’s more than just the latest fashion or beauty tips. Today’s episode celebrates the launching of another podcast. It’s called Beyond Beautiful, hosted by women’s ministry leader, speaker and author Becky Harling. Listen as Becky shares her heart and passion for inspiring women all around the globe to become more like Jesus and to learn to live beyond themselves. Becky explains in this episode that Beyond Beautiful, sponsored by Reach Beyond, will feature guests sharing powerful stories and life experiences. They are also great communicators and a lot of fun. You’ll hear from courageous women who are living on purpose, intentionally, for the glory of Jesus Christ. In addition to the podcast, Becky discusses her newest book, How To Listen So People Will Talk. A lot of us are great at talking, but we’re not so great at listening. What would happen if we actually listened to each other, if we could learn to draw people out? Becky s

Have you ever wondered exactly what it means to plant a radio station? What’s involved? How long does it take? What kind of challenges or obstacles exist in international countries? Today’s podcast guests answer these and many more questions, as well as share stories of how radio ministry is having huge impact in lives throughout the Asia Pacific Region. Over the years Reach Beyond has had the opportunity to join with partners to plant many radio stations throughout this region. Steve and Lisa Balzer have been an integral part in many of those station plants, combining their technical and radio training skills like a one-two punch. God has given Steve and Lisa a great breadth of ministry as they travel all over Asia doing radio planting. Listen to this dynamic duo today on today's episode.   LISTEN NOW   Resources: Link to video of 2-minute radio plant Link to video of tower construction      

Sheila Leech has always been a story-teller. Now she tells some of the incredulous stories from her own life, including how God got hold of her when she was a rebellious hardened ‘motorcycle chick’ in the UK. In today’s podcast episode, you’ll hear from Sheila Leech, Reach Beyond’s Vice President of Global Healthcare, as she opens the book of her life – literally -- and shares ‘God stories’ from her new book, God Knows What I’m Doing Here, just releasing today! Sheila has served throughout the world as a missionary with Reach Beyond for over 30 years, and you can bet that she’s seen and experienced a bookful of stories and adventures. Listen to how God reached out to her when she was a ‘lost damaged young woman’, how others loved her through her struggles, and how God took hold of her life in a dramatic way. You can read the “rest of the story” of Sheila’s riveting testimony and the powerful stories of how God has worked in and through her life to bring the love of Jesus and physical relief to the suffering.

Evangelism and discipleship are happening along the Amazon River in an innovative way. A small device called a “Player of Hope” has been making its way to villages and Indian tribes in Brazil, along the Amazon. In today’s episode of the Reach Beyond podcast, hear the remarkable Players of Hope story. Our guest, Matthew Parker, describes the remarkable method of distribution to these remote villages. He also shares the stories of changed lives.         Resources: Help fund a Players of Hope MP3 podcast@reachbeyond.org

When it comes to ministering cross-culturally together, Americo and Kathy Saavedra may have an edge on others, as a cross-cultural couple. For 42 years they have come alongside pastors and young people in Latin America to provide training, mentoring and support. Listen to today’s podcast episode as Americo and Kathy share how God has uniquely blended their backgrounds and gifts into a calling to the Latin American region. Their work and passion for helping others is a heritage for future generations.

When Allen Graham arrived in Ecuador years ago and met missionaries who had been there for decades, he never dreamed of being there for that long, nor that he would have the opportunity to teach others about radio. Twenty-three years later, he laughs to look back on his own tenure there as a missionary radio trainer. Today, he's lovingly referred to by his Ecuadorian friends as the 'crazy gringo.' Listen to today’s podcast episode for the stories and journey of Allen’s work in Ecuador, and hear how God has used the Voice of radio ministry there in incredible ways! Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Radio HCJB in Quito–click on ‘Escuchar’ [Listen] Radio HCJB-2 in Guayaquil podcast@reachbeyond.org   Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!  Just leave us a review on iTunes.  Once you leave your review, just email us at podcast@reachbeyond.org to let us know—and you’re entered!  Note:  Deadline is July 31, 2017. Here’s how to leave your review, step-by-step:  Open up the Podcast app. Tap the "Search" bu

Growing up in Poland under Communism when religious freedom was confined, Henryk Krol describes his childhood years as ‘not so bad’ since ‘everything was gray and restricted.’ But finding faith in Christ through his Christian upbringing went a long way toward propelling him into a future that he couldn’t have imagined. Today’s podcast will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as you listen to the adventures and stories of Henryk’s life, and how he developed a tenacious hope and a sense of the destiny that God had for him.   Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: CCM Poland page Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! Just leave us a review on iTunes. Once you leave your review, just email us at podcast@reachbeyond.org to let us know—and you’re entered! Note: Deadline extended to July 31, 2017. Here’s how to leave your review, step-by-step: Open up the Podcast app. Tap the "Search" button in the bottom navigation. Type in the name of the Podcast you'd like to review, and select it from the search re

Why would anyone with lifelong memories of war in their homeland return there? You’ll find out on today’s episode. Listen to how God took one man from living the life of a defeated Christian to being called to serve refugees in Lebanon. You’ll hear dramatic stories of the thousands who have fled the horrors of war and are seeking refuge and answers. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Heart for Lebanon website 30-Day Devotional  

How can men who are fathers be the dads that God meant for them to be? Steve Harling shares with us today as a father and grandfather, giving us insights into both. You’ll want to hear what the greatest lesson is that he has learned through those roles. Steve also speaks to the heart of those who are still longing and hungering for an authentic father. All too often experiences and images of unhealthy earthly fathers have left scarred hearts and that same image is projected upon the heavenly Father. Steve encourages us to pursue the model of Jesus and his Father and the intimacy they enjoy. We all need to get to know him as our own loving Father. You’ll also hear about some of the remarkable work that God is doing in some of the darkest places earth through creative approaches in the Asia Pacific region. And finally, you’ll have the opportunity to win an Amazon gift card. Listen to this episode and find out how. Links and Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 30-Day Devotional Download: Jesus DID International

“We aren’t always going to be happy in the places we go, but we can be joyful.” That’s one of the messages from our guests on today’s episode of the Reach Beyond Podcast. You’ll hear from Brad and Naomi, long-time international workers. They’ll share how God led them to respond to his call of serving and reaching people in faraway places. When we find ourselves at a crossroads in life, how do we intentionally seek God’s direction? Brad and Naomi, as well as Reach Beyond president Steve Harling, give us insights on how to wait on God during seasons of restlessness. Learn how to discern his voice in the next step of our own journey. You’ll enjoy hearing the stories from Brad and Naomi. Hear how God prepared them for cross-cultural work, discovering what it means to be fully reliant on God, and the importance and blessing of obedience. This is an intriguing discussion of how God helps us take the next step for whatever he calls us to do.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 30-Day Devo/Jesus DID Inte