IT'S OUR 100th EPISODE! And we've got a great one for you today, listeners! What makes someone pack up their life, move across the world, and step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel? How do missionaries keep going when the sacrifices pile up and the rewards feel far away? Missionaries—you know you’re unique, but do you know how? What sets us apart?

Today, we sit down with the author of The Mind of a Missionary, David Joannes—a longtime missionary himself––to talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From smuggling Bibles into China and facing interrogation to the lessons learned from missionary heroes, David shares what fuels those who say yes to God’s call—even when it gets tough.

Whether you're on the field, thinking about going, or supporting those who serve, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and remind you that you're part of something much bigger.

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by tax season as a missionary? Wondering if you should opt out of Social Security? Confused about how 1099s, housing allowances, and foreign-earned income exclusions actually work?

In this episode, CPAs Maggie Walker and Brooke Calhoun break down everything missionaries need to know about taxes—from maximizing tax benefits to avoiding financial surprises. Whether you’re filing for the first time or catching up on years of returns, this conversation will equip you with practical tips to navigate tax season with confidence. Grab a notebook—this is one episode you don’t want to miss!

• FREE Housing Allowance Worksheet
• Foreign Earned Income Exclusion Explained
• Missionary Taxes: CPA's Maggie Walker and Brooke Calhoun of BDM Texas both specialize in doing taxes for cross-cultural workers. You can reach out to them HERE

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Is social media just a distraction—or could it also be one of the most powerful tools for spreading the gospel?

Is it possible to use it effectively without falling into the trap of performance and pride? Brian Barcelona shares how he and his team at One Voice have reached millions with the gospel through digital evangelism, the unexpected ways God has moved online, and practical strategies for missionaries to use social media well as a tool for outreach and connecting with supporters. Plus, he gets real about the dangers of fame, the importance of authenticity, and how to steward your calling well in the digital space.

If you've ever wondered whether social media is worth your time or struggled to know how to use it well, this conversation is for you!

✍️ In this episode, you'll learn:

• Simple ways to create impactful content without fancy equipment
• How to keep social media from becoming a pride trap
• Why storytelling makes our message more powerful and personal
• Practical tips for using social media without getting addicted
• Why authenticity matters more than polished content online

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• What story can I share that might encourage someone today?
• Am I stewarding my platform in a way that honors God?
• Am I using social media as a tool or is it a distraction?
• What’s holding me back from being consistent in sharing?
• How can I stay authentic while engaging a digital audience?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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What does fundraising have to do with spiritual formation? You’re about to find out!

Maybe you have been approaching fundraising as just another task on your missionary to-do list. We’ve all been there! But what if it’s not just about the money?

Could fundraising actually be a tool God uses to transform you?

Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan of Provisio Fundraising unpack how the way we fundraise profoundly shapes our dependence on God, reveals how we see God, and reflects what our mission actually is.Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, you’ll learn how to let fundraising form you instead of deform you, filling you with fresh purpose and confidence.

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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What might God be calling you to start, stop, or step into this year?

What if asking the right questions could launch you into the most impactful year of your life?

In this episode, we give you an activity you can do today to launch you strong into the new year!

Marvin Slaton, executive director of Modern Day Missions, shares five profound questions to help missionaries reflect, realign, and reimagine their calling for the new year and beyond.

Let them help you discover what the Lord wants to birth, refine, and resurrect in your life this year. Grab a pen or reflect as you listen—this episode is packed with inspiration to launch you into your best year yet!

✍️ In this episode, you'll learn:

• How pruning can lead to fresh growth and freedom.
• Why revisiting past passions or goals could bring fresh life into our calling.
• How to reflect on ministry with fresh eyes and open hearts.
• Practical ways to evaluate and deepen our current ministry efforts.
• How to identify what God is calling us to start or create this year.

💡 Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• What are the things God is wanting to birth or bring to life in you? (birth)
• What is the ministry God has for you to jump into or go deeper in? (ministry)
• Are there things God is calling you to put to death, learn from, and move on from? (death )
• Is God wanting to resurrect an area of your life that was thriving before but currently needs new life? (resurrection)
• What is God calling you to ascend, complete, fulfill, or overcome or conquer? (ascension)

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure if your stress is too much—or maybe not enough? Wondering how to find a healthy rhythm for the demands of missionary life?

In this episode, Dr. Kristi Gaultiere joins us to unpack the reality of stress and how it impacts missionaries uniquely.

We look at the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress, how to recognize the signs of being "stressed in" or "stressed out," and what adrenaline addiction is and how it can quietly sabotage your life and ministry.

Discover how to align your rhythms with Jesus’ easy yoke and cultivate a sustainable, grace-filled approach to life and mission.

If you’re ready to learn how to thrive under pressure without burning out, this conversation is for you!

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Rod Plummer, a missionary and church planter in Japan for over 20 years. Rod shares the incredible story of how he and his wife, Viv, and their family and team became part of a wave of God’s movement in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields.

You’ll be amazed at some of the approaches the Plummers took and how surprisingly effective they were, challenging conventional missions wisdom. They now have 17+ campuses throughout Japan and Asia and a thriving team of missionaries and nationals reaching people for Christ.

From practical strategies to divine inspiration, this episode will inspire you to think differently, give you new ideas, and challenge you to step boldly into the impossible. Tune in for a conversation that could redefine your perspective on missions strategies!

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Have you ever looked back on a really hard season on the field, a huge thing God asked you to do, or a big unexpected change and thought, Wow, I’m SO glad I didn’t know that was coming? Because I would have run for the hills!

In this episode, we sit down with Vonna Laue, author of the upcoming book Glad I Didn’t Know, to discuss life’s unexpected twists and turns in the world of missions. Vonna shares her journey, from unplanned moves and family challenges to the unique pressures and joys that missionaries face when God’s plans unfold in surprising ways.

She offers wisdom and concrete ways to live fully in the moment while trusting God with what’s to come. Whether you’re on the field or supporting others who are, this conversation will remind you of the resilience and hope that carries us through, even when the future feels uncertain.

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can find peace in the unknown, even when life surprises us
• Why it’s okay (and even good) to be glad we didn’t know everything ahead
• How our personal journeys strengthen our calling in missions
• Practical ways we can stay grounded, no matter what life brings
• Tips for balancing structure with flexibility in our daily lives and ministries

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Where in my life have I felt grateful not to know what was coming?
• How do I usually respond to unexpected twists—am I open or resistant?
• What stories from my past show God’s faithfulness through surprises?
• How can I stay flexible and trusting when plans suddenly change?
• In what ways might God be calling me to release control right now?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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