Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance of missional awareness in the local church, particularly through local international ministry.  Book: Holding the RopeBlog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions AwarenessWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What missional awareness isThree practical suggestions for engaging the local international communityWhat missional discipleship looks likeABOUT THE GUEST: Ryan serves as Director of Missions and Operations with Lightbearers Ministries. He graduated in 2022 with a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological seminary, where he also serves as a trustee. He has received a MDiv in Missions, Evangelism and Church Growth from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (2008), and an undergraduate degree (2005) from Union University in Jackson, TN. Prior to joining Lightbearers, he served for thirteen years as a missions pastor in the local church. Ryan lives in Fayetteville with his wife, Rebekah, and three children: Hudson, Annie, and Hattie.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:John 20 : 21Acts 17 : 26RELATED LINKS:Website: Lightbearers.comTwitter: Ryan Allen MartinEmail: Ryan MartinTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:09 - Introducing Ryan Martin03:26 - What is missional awareness?03:40 - ...The unreached are now within arm's reach04:14 - ...John 20 - 21 - sent by Jesus to be ambassadors into the world04:32 - ...The nations are here within our reach05:01 - ...The Great Commission is not just for the paid professionals05:22 - ...Make disciples and be disciples who make disciples05:29 - How does missional awareness tie into our growing international community?05:59 - ...Acts 17 - 26 - God has determined our dwelling places06:12 - ...God has brought the nations to us and to recognize that we need to live that theology06:50 - ...Recognize the need to take the gospel to our local people groups09:47 - Planting seven churches over the next ten years10:22 - ...First, Hispanic church plant and Second, South Asian10:27 - ...Next, Hmong and South East Asian population10:47 - ...and global partners to train and sent out11:15 - ...Resourced by local church budget11:42 - Practical Suggestions for engaging with the local international community12:15 - ...Local church being missionally aware12:34 - ...Visit world religion sites and learn about other religions14:08 - ......Look for avenues to gospel conversations14:14 - ......Read up on basics before visiting15:05 - ...Frequenting ethnic establishments15:17 - .....Food is a great way to break down barriers16:20 - ...International students16:54 - ......80