Episodes

  • Mission Post: What Is An Internship? with Mark Coffey
    Nov 21 2024

    Mission Post: If you have gone on a mission trip and you think the Lord may be leading you into full-time, vocational mission work, an internship might be right for you. If you are a missionary serving on the foreign field, Mark Coffey and Jeffrey Bush take a deep dive on the value of hosting and participating in internships for missionaries in training. If you would like to find out more about an internship with Vision Baptist Missions, click here: https://visionmissions.com/intern/

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

    Mark Coffey and Jeffrey Bush discuss the importance and structure of mission trips and internships within Christian missionary work. The conversation features Mark Coffey, African field director for Vision Meadows Missions, discussing the differences between mission trips and internships, their purposes, and how they prepare individuals for missionary life.

    Key highlights include:

    Mission Trips vs. Internships:

    Mission Trips: Short-term, introductory experiences for anyone interested in missions (7-10 days). Participants get a glimpse of missionary life and field challenges.

    Internships: Longer-term commitments (3-6 months) for individuals seriously considering a missionary calling. Internships are designed for deeper preparation, equipping participants with practical skills and insight into full-time missions.

    Benefits of Internships:

    1. Help participants assess their compatibility with missionary work before committing fully.

    2. Provide cost-effective testing grounds for churches and individuals, preventing potential setbacks when deploying unprepared missionaries.

    3. Equip participants with essential skills, from language acquisition to church ministry involvement.

    Intern Activities:

    1. Engaging in local ministry, church services, and community outreach.

    2. Learning the local language and culture.

    3. Taking leadership roles, such as teaching or participating in youth and camp ministries.

    Advice for Missionaries Hosting Interns:

    1. Ensure adequate time and resources for mentorship.

    2. Create structured programs, including language learning, practical training, and exposure to the mission's philosophy.

    3. Be prepared to invest heavily in intern development, delegating tasks when necessary to manage workload effectively.

    The discussion emphasizes the value of internships in fostering informed, prepared, and committed missionaries while ensuring sustainability and efficacy in the mission field.

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    17 mins
  • Mission Post | Be Bold! with a VBM Missionary to a Creative Access Country
    Nov 14 2024

    Mission Post: Jeffrey Bush interviews a VBM Missionary serving in Taiwan and a Creative Access Country. How do you feel about being bold? Listen as they discuss the source of boldness in the Christian life. =

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

    Jeffrey Bush and his guest discuss the challenges and blessings of a church plant in a densely populated urban area. Initially, the church was located in a less desirable area but moved to a more visible location on the fourth and fifth floors of a building. This new location, with its prominent sign and proximity to a busy street, has attracted more people to the church.

    The speaker also shares personal stories about their journey to becoming a missionary, including a humorous anecdote about preaching at a Hindu temple and facing the police. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining passion and zeal for the gospel, even in the face of challenges and discouragement. The speaker encourages missionaries to stay focused on Jesus, to prioritize prayer and Bible study, and to actively engage in ministry to allow the Lord to work in and through them.

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    29 mins
  • Mission Post: Don't Be Afraid! with the Coffey Clan
    Nov 7 2024

    Mission Post: Is fear griping you? Do you often let feelings of fear dictate what you intend to do for the Lord? Jeffrey Bush talks with Tyler Ellis, Chase Southard, Emilee Coffey, and Luke Coffey (also known as the "Coffey Clan") about life as kids in a sometimes dangerous place. There is joy, courage, and safety to be found in letting God's perfect love cast out fear.

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

    In this candid and lively podcast episode, host Jeff sits down with friends and family known as the 'Coffee Clan' to share stories, laughs, and reflections on their experiences as missionaries and members of a close-knit community. The conversation shifts from light-hearted anecdotes about playful encounters and humorous challenges to gripping tales of faith and resilience, including moments when they faced danger and unexpected adversity. Through it all, they recount their journeys with warmth, camaraderie, and a deep sense of gratitude, highlighting the theme of enduring faith and divine protection amidst life's unpredictable challenges.

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    20 mins
  • Mission Post: Burn Out with John Walz
    Oct 31 2024

    Mission Post: Have you hit a point of burnout? John Walz and Jeffrey Bush discuss burnout and how we can face it with the Lord's help.=

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

    This discussion between John Walz and Jeffrey Bush centers on the topic of burnout, especially in the context of missionary work and ministry. John Walz emphasizes that burnout affects people across various roles, even if they generally enjoy their work and feel fulfilled by their mission. Unlike midlife crises or dissatisfaction with one’s job, burnout is recognized as a multifaceted challenge—spiritual, mental, and physical. The conversation underscores the importance of developing personal disciplines, such as consistent Bible study, prayer, and rest, to maintain resilience. Jeffrey Bush shares the need for a “date night” or a “family day” to unplug and recharge.

    Scripture, specifically 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, is cited as a reminder of the importance of discipline and taking care of oneself holistically to avoid being “cast away” from one's calling. John and Jeffrey note that burnout often surfaces as people age and take on more responsibilities. Delegation and adjusting workloads can be vital strategies to manage pressures, and there's a reminder that sometimes responsibilities must adapt as people age to maintain both effectiveness and well-being.

    Moreover, biblical figures like Elijah and Moses are brought up to illustrate that even prominent leaders faced exhaustion and weariness, and such feelings don’t imply a lack of spirituality. Burnout, they argue, could serve a divine purpose, highlighting that sharing one’s struggles may help others feel more prepared and less isolated in their challenges.

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    25 mins
  • Mission Post: Going Through Difficult Times with Nate Wilkerson
    Oct 24 2024

    Mission Post: Are you going through hardships? Do you feel the pain of discouragement? Missionary Nate Wilkerson and Jeffery Bush discuss how to walk with God in times of difficulty. To follow the Wilkersons in Benin, click here: https://westafrica4christ.com/

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/

    In this interview, missionary Nate Wilkerson discusses his experiences in West Africa, focusing on how he and his wife navigated challenges like water cuts, power outages, political instability, and cultural shock while maintaining their faith and family life. Nate emphasizes relying on God's Word, encouraging his wife to spend daily time in prayer and reflection, and guiding her to compare her emotions with biblical truth. He also shares practical steps they took to stay grounded, such as fasting from social media, going on regular dates, and being involved in their children's lives and ministry. Nate talks about managing discouragement by staying focused on Jesus and encouraging one another through scripture. He also highlights the importance of family support, explaining how he helped his wife be active in ministry despite having young children. Additionally, Nate reflects on his upbringing, mentioning how his parents balanced family, faith, and ministry, and how he strives to replicate those values in his own family. He encourages listeners to stay rooted in their faith, love their family, and stay engaged in ministry, no matter the challenges.

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    16 mins
  • Mission Post: Committing to Faithful Men with Dennis Blankenship
    Oct 17 2024

    Mission Post: Jeffrey Bush and Dennis Blankenship talk about 2 Timothy 2:2 and what training leaders and disciple believers means. From church planting to disciple-making, you will be encouraged by this discussion.

    To find out more about how you can become a missionary, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    The conversation features Pastor Dennis and Karen Blankenship, who are recognized as the first independent Baptist missionaries to South Sudan. Currently pastoring in Sacramento, they discuss the significance of 2 Timothy 2:2, emphasizing the importance of disciple-making and passing on teachings to faithful individuals who can further teach others.

    Dennis reflects on his missionary journey, highlighting the need for strength through grace and the strategic, strenuous, and sacrificial nature of disciple-making. He shares a personal story about meeting a faithful man named Joshua in South Sudan, illustrating the importance of finding committed individuals for effective ministry.

    The discussion also touches on the challenges of ministry, likening it to a soldier's commitment, an athlete's dedication, and a farmer's patience. Dennis stresses the necessity of living according to God’s word and maintaining faithfulness in order to experience spiritual rewards.

    Overall, the conversation underscores the core principles of mission work, the value of disciple-making, and the importance of nurturing one's relationship with God to overcome life's distractions and challenges.

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    14 mins
  • Mission Post: Finances Frustration or Freedom, Part 2 with Tim Tidwell
    Oct 10 2024

    Mission Post: Are your personal finances affecting your relationships? Is debt overwhelming you? Pastor Tim Tidwell discusses the second part of managing your personal finances. Find encouragement as we continue to look for biblical, commonsense ways to handle money. To follow along in the study guide, click here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/gour7m7wkm2q9jvkc3val/1.-Outline-Realize-Your-Responsibility.pdf?rlkey=v79phv6a5x4x0o0poj4e3qgts&st=11ewlpq2&dl=0 For more content about missions and ministry, subscribe to our YouTube Channel or find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or https://rss.com/podcasts/missionpost/ Pastor Tim Tidwell and his wife, Julie, pastor at Oakside Baptist Church in LaGrange, Georgia. If you would like to know more about their ministry, click here: https://www.facebook.com/oaksidebaptist/

    In a discussion led by Pastor Tim Tidwell, the focus is on the relationship between finances and well-being, specifically whether they cause frustration or freedom. The conversation begins with a series of probing questions about common financial struggles, such as arguments about money, feelings of disorganization, and the burden of debt. They highlight how financial issues can impact relationships, particularly in marriages.

    Tidwell introduces false philosophies surrounding money, addressing extremes where some believe that money is unimportant or that faith alone will solve financial issues. He emphasizes the importance of balancing biblical principles with practical financial wisdom.

    Statistics are shared, revealing alarming truths about financial independence and the role of money in marital conflict. The discussion concludes with a promise to explore biblical principles in future sessions, encouraging listeners to reflect on their financial stewardship in light of their faith.

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    15 mins
  • Mission Post: Circuit Preaching, Radio, and Schools with Jason Rishel
    Oct 3 2024

    Mission Post: Jason Rishel and Jeff Bush discuss creative ways of sharing the Gospel with the villages of Burkina Faso, such as circuit preaching, radio ministry, and Christian schools. To find out more about how you can get involved, click here: https://visionmissions.com/

    Join us for an inspiring conversation with Jason, a dedicated missionary who has been serving in West Africa since 2016. Discover the transformative impact of his ministry, which includes launching multiple churches, a Bible Institute, and an innovative Christian school to reach the youth in Burkina Faso. With a heart for the community and a passion for sharing the gospel through creative means—such as circuit preaching and radio broadcasts—Jason shares how he’s empowering local leaders and cultivating a new generation of believers. Tune in to learn about the challenges and triumphs of mission work and how faith, vision, and collaboration can lead to remarkable growth in the Kingdom.

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    16 mins