In this deeply moving episode, Jim sits down with George and Susan Watts, who share their harrowing story of betrayal, violence, and faith. With raw honesty, these longtime missionaries discuss their struggles to make sense of suffering, the weight of betrayal by trusted friends, and the profound presence of God in the midst of it all. This episode is not just about processing trauma; it’s about learning to trust in our Good Shepherd as we “walk through the valley of the shadow of death.” Whether you're going through your own season of suffering or supporting someone who is, this conversation will encourage you to lean into the mystery of God's grace.
Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence and may be difficult for some listeners. We invite you to care for your heart as you engage with this episode.

In this episode, they discuss…

• Unexpected moves and new beginnings (6:00)
• Wrestling with suffering and faith (15:50)
• Betrayal and confusion (21:38)
• Finding God in the midst of trauma (41:12)

Thank you for listening! If you found this conversation helpful, please share this episode with your friends and loved ones. Or please leave us a review—it really helps!

Referenced in this episode:

• 𝘓𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘚𝘰𝘯 by Nicholas Wolterstorff; 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘳𝘬 by Eric McLaughlin
• Explore Mentored Sonship
• Bible references: Psalm 27, Luke 18:18-30, Job 38:4, Job 13:15, John 11, Exodus 13:21

Credits:

Our guests for this episode were Susan and George Watts, who spent nearly a decade working with Serge in East Africa. They recently returned to Canada, where George is a business professor at Trinity Western University outside Vancouver. This episode was hosted by Jim Lovelady. Production by Evan Mader, Anna Madsen, and Grace Chang. Music by Tommy L.

𝑮𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑭𝒓𝒂𝒚 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕 is produced by SERGE, an international missions agency that sends and cares for missionaries and develops gospel-centered programs and resources for ongoing spiritual renewal. Learn more and get involved at serge.org.

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