Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Genre of Revelation and Its ImportanceOld Testament and Revelation linkHost's & Guest's Interpretation ExampleABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).RELATED LINKS:Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's WebsiteAuthor PageTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller02:55 - Preaching through the Book of Revelation03:29 - Dr Javed takes a literal interpretation and dispensationalist view of Revelation04:18 - What is the type of genre of literature is Revelation?04:59 - ... Apocalyptic literature05:22 - apocalyptic = unveiling - take away something that is covering something else06:00 - Four methods : preterist, historicist, idealist, futurist06:41 - Preparing messages : informational, instructional, and inspirational07:33 - Epistle to the Seven Churches07:47

Quilen Blackwell is the president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, whose mission is to train inner city youth in sustainable social enterprises to alleviate poverty. The Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why Southside Blooms is differentBuilding strong familiesBe the industry and save the economyABOUT THE GUEST: Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, which creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago. The Eco House has won several awards for its work including the UL Innovation Education Award, Delta Institute BOOST Award, the Keep Chicago Beautiful Community Vision Award, and the African American Legacy Award. Quilen is originally from Madison, WI, and moved to Chicago to attend ministry school. While in ministry school, he volunteered at a local high school in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's south side. This is where he first got acclimated to the realities that young people face every day in the inner city. He decided to commit his life to creating opportunities for the young people in the inner city by utilizing his skills in community organizing and renewable energy.Quilen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability from the University of Denver. He worked in the biodiesel industry as a procurer of feedstock and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand prior to starting the Chicago Eco House. Quilen resides on the south side of Chicago with his wife Hannah (the other co-founder of Eco House) and their three children.RELATED LINKS:www.chicagoecohouse.orgTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:27 - Introducing Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House02:53 - His family is his #1 ministry03:53 - Journey to Chicago & the founding the Eco House04:14 - Called by the Lord to move to Chicago04:29 - Started volunteering at a high school during ministry school04:42 - Opportunity to have relationships with families and see th

David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Ramadan affects outreachSharing the gospel more effectivelyPractical steps in cross-culture ministryABOUT THE GUEST: David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the Earth through global gateway cities. They have served in the West African community for 10 years globally.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Jeremiah 12 : 5Matthew 6 : 33-34Matthew 13 : 1-9RELATED LINKS:Global Gates01:01 - Misconceptions to address when ministering among Muslims01:07 - Not all Muslims are terrorists01:27 - Christians can visit a mosque02:06 - Many Muslims do want to know about Jesus03:10 - What do you love and admire about the people you serve?03:13 - Value relationship over schedule03:21 - Hospitality04:44 - Ramadan05:27 - Fasting during daylight hours05:52 - Help reflect on how it feels to be poor06:02 - Focused prayer and asking for forgiveness06:16 - Ask God to show the straight path06:29 - Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca07:28 - The Night of Power08:17 - Christian pray that God would show Jesus to Muslims08:29 - Hope that God would reveal something during Ramadan08:46 - Christians can invite Muslims to break fast08:51 - Bring water or dates to a Muslim might not have broken fast at sundown09:25 - Opportunities during Ramadan and Outreach09:51 - Focus on having gospel conversations10:45 - God has shown that so many organizations are focused on reaching on all the nations11:17 - Network of organizations working together12:22 - You may not be the one who leads someone to Chris

Join us as we countdown the top 5 episodes of 2024.The fifth most popular episode was #94. The Journey from "Truth" to TRUTH.Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY. He shares his journey in discovering the Biblical truths that moved him from denominational theology to denominational theology.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How to Search for AnswersBig God TheologyLetting God Be TrueABOUT THE GUEST: Pastor Otis (O.L.) Buckley is the teaching pastor of Highpoint Bible Church in The Bronx, NY. He has lived in various places in the United States and has experienced different denominational theologies. He and his wife, Consuela, have been married 15 years and both have over 20 years in business and ministry.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Matthew 18 : 18Matthew 28 : 19Acts 2 : 38RELATED LINKS:Highpoint Bible ChurchEmail Pastor Buckley TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Pastor Otis (OL) Buckley03:44 - Early years in Chicago04:01 - then the move to Texas04:51 - and then to Highpoint Bible Church in the Bronx, NY07:15 - Sabellianism / Modalistic09:20 - Classic Oneness Pentecostalism10:39 - Class on Overview of Hebrew Studies11:18 - Matthew 18 : 1811:34 - Learning a different interpretation12:42 - Have I been wrong all these years?12:57 - What else could I possibly have been wrong about?13:17 - Another connected event14:28 - Matthew 28 : 1914:47 - vs Acts 2 : 3815:33 - God opens OL's eyes to the Trinity16:13 - Are people are going beyond the social issues to wrestling with theology?18:21 - Denominations, Name, Theology, & Social Media20:27 - The ne

Anita Rahma currently lives with her family in the slums of Jakarta, Indonesia. She discusses discipleship, incarnational urban ministry, and loving Muslim neighbors. Book: Downward DiscipleshipBook: Beyond Our WallsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Definition of "slum"What downward discipleship isBuilding relationships in JakartaABOUT THE GUEST: Anita’s high school years were spent as an American TCK in the Philippines. For the past decade, Anita and her husband and two children have lived and served in a slum in Indonesia. She enjoys learning piano, playing in the rain, and devouring good books. She is the author of Beyond Our Walls: Finding Jesus in the Slums of Jakarta and Downward Discipleship: How Amy Carmichael Gave Me Courage to Serve in a Slum.RELATED LINKS:Servants Asia WebsiteEmail Anita RahmaTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:39 - Introducing Anita Rahma03:22 - Anita's choice to live in the urban slums of Jakarta03:33 - ...grew up in the US as a child of pastors in a modern Mennonite home03:49 - ...loving God could not be separated from loving those struggling with poverty03:56 - ...moved to the Philippines during high school04:06 - ...God working on her heart - her middle-class life vs the homeless around her04:27 - ... felt that Jesus was saying that He is with the homeless04:36 - ...desire to return to encounter Jesus while serving the poor04:51 - ...in college years, went to Urbana Missions Convention, Servants to Asia's Urban Poor05:10 - ...God is with the poor; we want to be too05:24 - ...over 1B people live in urban slums05:59 - Definition of "slum" and why live there07:0

Dr. Ryan Martin discusses the importance caring for our missionaries well and how to engage the local church.  Book: Holding the RopeBlog: The Upstream Collective - Cultivating Missions AwarenessWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:When does missionary care startPractical ways the local church can care for their missionariesHow pastors can help their congregation be aware of the missionaries' needsABOUT 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.RELATED LINKS:Website: Lightbearers.comTwitter: Ryan Allen MartinEmail: Ryan MartinTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Introducing Dr Ryan Martin02:58 - Motivation for writing a book on missionary care04:07 - ...addressing needs of missionary families04:34 - ...giving and not being poured back into and filled up04:41 - ..almost reaching the point of burnout05:16 - How do we care for them?05:59 - ...the local church sensed that more tools were needed to care for missionaries well09:06 - Book - Holding the Rope : How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones09:10 - ...Metaphor for the title, "Holding the Rop

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 awa

Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can love the stranger because Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger.Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and SoulBook: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global PoliticsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the strangerChallenging the fear-based ethic approaches to refugeesBanal, Sterile Life vs A Rich FeastABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Mark Glanville trains pastors at Regent College, Vancouver, and is an Old Testament scholar.Prior to coming to Regent, Mark pastored for 14 years in both Vancouver and Australia in urban, justice seeking churches. Mark has been bi-vocational– combining reflective pastoring with biblical scholarship and is a trained jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Deuteronomy 10 : 18-19 - Love the strangerRELATED LINKS:Dr. Mark Glanville's websiteTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global Politics02:46 - Christians need to be different03:12 - Book looks deeply into the questions and pushback of welcoming refugees04:15 - Deuteronomy 10 : 18-19 Biblical scholarship on love the stranger04:40 - Yahweh loves the stranger so you are to love the stranger05:17 - Welcoming a stranger is very common in Old Testament ethics06:10 - Mirroring the love and character of God

Dr. Mark Glanville discusses how churches can adapt to and impact their own neighborhoods in a post-Christian world.Book: Improvising Church: Scripture as the Source of Harmony, Rhythm, and SoulBook: Refuge Reimagined: Biblical Kinship in Global PoliticsWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Christian vs Post-Christian CultureFour Key Questions of ScriptureBeauty is a Glimpse of GodABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Mark Glanville trains pastors at Regent College, Vancouver, and is an Old Testament scholar.Prior to coming to Regent, Mark pastored for 14 years in both Vancouver and Australia in urban, justice seeking churches. Mark has been bi-vocational-- combining reflective pastoring with biblical scholarship and is a trained jazz pianist, active on the Vancouver jazz scene.RELATED LINKS:Dr. Mark Glanville at Regent CollegeTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr. Mark Glanville03:19 - Mark's background and his approach to doing church03:30 - 4-note chord: pastoring, scholarship, teaching, jazz music04:13 - Exited seminary to a government housing area in western Sydney, Australia04:33 - High crime, high poverty, high community05:12 - Then to Vancouver, very post-Christian city06:31 - Impoverished cities06:50 - Impoverished, underprivileged areas are higher in community07:31 - See Christ in the faces of those who are marginalized07:45 - Deuteronomy 24 - God hears the prayers of the marginalized people09:12 - Definition of a Christian culture09:52 - Definition of post-Christian culture10:30 - Should the church figh

Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the local church developing a heart for mercy ministries.Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human RightWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:The balance between social gospel and evangelismMinistering to the community in which you are placedBroadening the impact of the churchABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Darren Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Rights. Prior to serving in higher education, he had 18 years of international cross-cultural experience living in 10 countries. While overseas, the service spanned from child evangelism to responding to emergencies to long-term development programs. Through all these countries and experiences, a priority was placed on partnering with the local church.RELATED LINKS:Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Law and PolicyLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian and Human Rights – Disaster ReliefLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Woman and Child AdvocacyEmail Dr. HercykTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes01:53 - Majority World Church's view on humanitarian training01:59 - Realms of society: private sector, civil society, public sector02:26 - Majority World Church tends to be the largest provider of education, healthcare...02:47 - ...out of the absence o

Dr. Darren Hercyk discusses the importance of humanitarian training for missionaries and the heart for mercy ministries.Dr. Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human RightWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What is humanitarian work?Evangelism includes some type of humanitarian workDeveloping the heart attitude for those in needABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Darren Hercyk is an Assistant Professor at Liberty University School of Divinity and the program director for the online Masters in Humanitarian Action and Human Rights. Prior to serving in higher education, he had 18 years of international cross-cultural experience living in 10 countries. While overseas, the service spanned from child evangelism to responding to emergencies to long-term development programs. Through all these countries and experiences, a priority was placed on partnering with the local church.RELATED LINKS:Liberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Law and PolicyLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian and Human Rights – Disaster ReliefLiberty University - M.A. in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights – Woman and Child AdvocacyEmail Dr. HercykTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:38 - Introducing Dr Darren Hercyk03:06 - Work in Pakistan03:31 - 1998: overseas as an engineer03:45 - ...began working with a local church03:55 - ...transition to humanitarian work03:58 - ...to nine more countries04:43 - Program Director for Online Masters in Humanitarian Action & Human Rights at Liberty

Pastor Drew Hyun, HOPE Church NYC, shares the unique challenges of leading and pastoring in urban settings as well as the importance of emotionally healthy leaders.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:What is Emotionally Healthy Discipleship?New City Network (of Churches) Five ValuesUnique needs and challenges faced by urban ministersABOUT THE GUEST: Drew Hyun is the Founder and Pastor of Hope Church NYC, a family of diverse churches in and around NYC. Drew is also the Co-Founder of the New City Network, a network of urban churches that value multi-ethnicity, Spirit-filled ministry, emotional health, and mission. Drew is also part of the Emotionally Healthy Discipleship team, a movement that is dedicated to transforming church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed leaders and disciples. Drew loves cities, ESPN, and naps, and finds it a restful Sabbath when all three come together. He resides in New York City with his wife Christina and their son David and daughter Avery.RELATED LINKS:HOPE Church WebsiteNew City Network WebsiteEmotionally Healthy Discipleship WebsiteThe Hub WebsiteDrew Hyun on TwitterTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:24 - Introducing Pastor Drew Hyun04:01 - Founder of Hope Church NYC and Co-Founder of New City Network04:41 - Psalm 33:1805:18 - defined as a people who deeply hoped in God's unfailing love05:42 - 2012 - dream to start a movement of churches in NYC - Hope Church NYC06:39 - 2016 - New City Network06:54 - Recovery House of Worship (Next Step Community Church)07:11 - New Life Fellowship07:14 - New City Network of Churches around five values...07:26 - ...urban ministry07:32 - ...emotional health07:34 - ...Spirit-filled ministry07:42 - ...multi

Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Purpose of the book RevelationDiscussing Revelation with Muslim background peopleFocus on "Who is Jesus?"ABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).RELATED LINKS:Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's WebsiteAuthor PageTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:Spreadsheet to create time stamped show notes01:43 - How did John's audience relate to the book of Revelation?01:53 - Apocalyptic literature - multiple fulfillment: immediate and later02:32 - Bible : implication in every generation and church age03:24 - Revelation is not only for that final gene

Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller, an Anglican author, pastor, and professor, discusses interpreting the book of Revelation.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Genre of Revelation and Its ImportanceOld Testament and Revelation linkHost's & Guest's Interpretation ExampleABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller was born in Montana and grew up in Colorado and Puebla (in Mexico). He completed a BA in philosophy at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and then an MA in theology at St Mary's University (also in San Antonio). Later, life took him to Jordan where he and his wife studied Arabic, to Israel where he helped found a seminary, and to Scotland for doctoral work, among other places.He is highly interested in the interactions of Islam, Christianity and secularism in modern contexts. His main areas of research for his PhD in divinity were religious conversion from Islam to Christianity, contextual theology, and the shari'a's treatment of apostates. He has also published research on global Anglicanism and the history of Anglican mission in the Ottoman Empire.He has had the pleasure of teaching in many places over the years: from Costa Rica to Turkey, and Kenya to Tunisia. Presently, he lives in Madrid where he is on the pastoral staff at the Anglican Cathedral of the Redeemer and associate professor at the Protestant Faculty of Theology at Madrid (UEBE).RELATED LINKS:Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller's WebsiteAuthor PageTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:00:37 - Introducing Rev Dr Duane Alexander Miller02:55 - Preaching through the Book of Revelation03:29 - Dr Javed takes a literal interpretation and dispensationalist view of Revelation04:18 - What is the type of genre of literature is Revelation?04:59 - ... Apocalyptic literature05:22 - apocalyptic = unveiling - take away something that is covering something else06:00 - Four methods : preterist, historicist, idealist, futuris

Temeko Richardson, a seasoned Executive Producer, Director, and Writer, is known for her inspirational films that combine business acumen with artistic vision, earning her eight awards. Her latest film is "At the Cross."About film: At the CrossWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Embracing different types of people in the churchKeeping the focus on Biblical teaching and the kingdomCall to ministry vs pleasing the cultureABOUT THE GUEST: Temeko Richardson, a seasoned Executive Producer, Director, and Writer, is known for her inspirational films that combine business acumen with artistic vision, earning her eight awards. Her latest film, "At the Cross," explores thought-provoking topics often overlooked in traditional Church settings, and resonates with youth and contemporary culture. This film skillfully captures the essence of youth and contemporary culture while fearlessly exploring issues that many pastors and religious leaders avoid.RELATED LINKS:About Temeko RichardsonTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:39 - Introducing Temeko Richardson03:23 - At the Cross - story based on uncomfortable conversations that church people have to have with the unchurched & seeking03:43 - feeling resistance in telling these stories03:56 - feature film that focuses the audience through the lens of a pastor in dilemmas with his congregation and community04:22 - like youth who astray, people who don't know what church is about, feeling judged, marginalized04:48 - focus on not being so relevant that God's kingdom is not kept in mind04:58 - lessons on the times like women in leadership, succession planning, and calling05:39 - Movie short - male mental health wellness - challenges of upholding "I'm OK" called "I am Him"07:20 - Inspiration of characters of "At the Cross"07:26 - The characters and stories are real08:58 - Traditional vs Modern Day Church09:16 - Pandemic heightened the sense of loss of popularit

Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series. Henry O Arnold III's websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Identifying with people and their needsArt and literature as a call to actionHow to start ministering to the unhoused populationABOUT THE GUEST: Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is "The Hiding Place." He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled "The Song of Prophets and Kings."Mr. Arnold received his B.A. from Pepperdine University and his Master of Fine Arts degree at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife, Kay, have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Matthew 25 : 35-40TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:23 - What is the role of the church in urban America?02:38 - Matthew 25:35-40 - whatever you did for one of the least of these of mine, you did for me03:41 - Identify with people - see and hear the need04:25 - Open eyes and ears open to God and hearts and action for those around us04:31 - Not just see and pass by05:27 - What righteous people do is make the sacrifice05:33 - Out of the joy of our relationship with Jesus, we get to sacrifice for others06:33 - If the church does what she is supposed to do...08:07 - How is God working in the homeless ministry?08:28 - The Room in the Inn08:38 - National Rescue Mission08:40 - Stand - a play about a friendship between a homeless man and a middle class business person09:09 - based on a true story09:23 - the play toured the country with the founder of Room in the Inn09:30 - a story of homelessness, poverty, and addiction09:43 - raising

Henry O. Arnold III releases a new book, "The Mercy Seat," the first volume of "The Urban Chronicles" series. Henry O Arnold III's websiteWHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Importance of talking about conflict & dichotomyJesus came to give us His heart so that we can reflect His heart to the worldWillingness to sacrificeABOUT THE GUEST: Henry's career as an actor and author spans over five decades with multiple stage and film credits. His most recent film is "The Hiding Place." He has recorded over one hundred audiobooks and is the author of the multi-volume biblical/historical fiction series entitled "The Song of Prophets and Kings."Mr. Arnold received his B.A. from Pepperdine University and his Master of Fine Arts degree at U.N.C. Chapel Hill.When not writing, he can be found hiking on a trail somewhere in the world. He and his lovely wife, Kay, have two beautiful daughters, married to two handsome men, with three above-average grandchildren.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:02 - Introducing Henry O Arnold III02:35 - raised in Christian home02:41 - parent are professional actors02:58 - people of all walks of life welcomed into their home03:53 - appeared in a play with his father04:24 - met wife, Kay05:01 - influence of a father on his son05:17 - What led Henry to write The Mercy Seat05:41 - Kay suggested writing something contemporary as opposed to historical fiction06:04 - read article about a pastor who worked with urban societies, specifically the homeless06:48 - Henry had been working with organizations minstering to the homeless07:49 - Brief description and narrative arc of The Mercy Seat09:32 - Inspiration for the characters10:51 - Matching characters with the action in the story11:15 - Making characters authentic and believable11:59 - Imagine the characters playing out the scenes12:46 - Imagination & daydreaming13:08 - Importance of talking about major themes of the book - conflict & dichotomy13:28 - People to see themselves in the characters and environments14:39 - Empathize with the character because of his truthfulness

Quilen Blackwell is the president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House, whose mission is to train inner city youth in sustainable social enterprises to alleviate poverty. The Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, an off-grid flower farm youth social enterprise where participants convert vacant lots into commercial flower farms using solar powered rainwater irrigation. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why Southside Blooms is differentBuilding strong familiesBe the industry and save the economyABOUT THE GUEST: Chicago Eco House’s signature program is Southside Blooms, which creates jobs for young people on the south and west sides of Chicago. The Eco House has won several awards for its work including the UL Innovation Education Award, Delta Institute BOOST Award, the Keep Chicago Beautiful Community Vision Award, and the African American Legacy Award. Quilen is originally from Madison, WI, and moved to Chicago to attend ministry school. While in ministry school, he volunteered at a local high school in the Englewood neighborhood on Chicago's south side. This is where he first got acclimated to the realities that young people face every day in the inner city. He decided to commit his life to creating opportunities for the young people in the inner city by utilizing his skills in community organizing and renewable energy.Quilen holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s degree in environmental policy and sustainability from the University of Denver. He worked in the biodiesel industry as a procurer of feedstock and served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand prior to starting the Chicago Eco House. Quilen resides on the south side of Chicago with his wife Hannah (the other co-founder of Eco House) and their three children.RELATED LINKS:www.chicagoecohouse.orgTIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:02:27 - Introducing Quilen Blackwell, president and co-founder of the Chicago Eco House02:53 - His family is his #1 ministry03:53 - Journey to Chicago & the founding the Eco House04:14 - Called by the Lord to move to Chicago0

Natisha Matthews, an ordained elder and attorney, shares about the importance of estate planning for Christians, particularly in the urban community.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Cost of not planning for your estate (even if you think you don't have anything)What are wills, power of attorney, health care proxy?Mindset for estate planningABOUT THE GUEST: Rev Matthews areas of practice are Trusts and Estates and Real Estate. She is passionate about teaching believers and the urban community about Estate Planning. Currently she is one of the ordained Elders of Bethel Gospel Assembly, Inc. where the Senior Pastor is Bishop Dr. Carlton T. Brown.TIMESTAMPED SHOWNOTES:01:35 - Passionate about estate planning dialog02:57 - Raised in an urban immigrant community03:43 - Journey to eldership and attorney07:51 - Importance of estate planning09:21 - Basics of Estate Planning: will, power of attorney, health care proxy09:27 - Wills09:35 - Power of Attorney10:22 - Health care proxy11:02 - People don't feel the need for estate planning11:25 - Not planning creates chaos, uncertainty, confusion12:10 - We do not prepare for estate planning12:19 - Estate planning is not usually known about, especially in urban communities12:40 - Mindset is important12:50 - Urban communities tend to think more about survival from paycheck to paycheck13:16 - Suburban communities more plan for the future14:14 - Both cultural and racial norms come into play17:24 - How should Christians approach estate planning?17:31 - Get understanding and knowledge about estate planning18:22 - Some culture shy away from talking about death and estate planning20:06 - How should younger people approach estate planning?20:49 - Plan for the unexpected21:16 - Get something in place - it can always be changed, if needed22:04 - Debunk the myths22:17 - Not planning is selfish because it will negatively affect loved ones23:32 - What cultural and ethnic considerations need to be considered?24:25 - How do we change people's mindset?26:23 - Opportunity to share Christ in estate planning conversations27:42 - What are the financial barriers to estate

David ministers among Muslim immigrants in a major US city.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:How Ramadan affects outreachSharing the gospel more effectivelyPractical steps in cross-culture ministryABOUT THE GUEST: David and his family serve as the Strategy Coordinator and unit on the Global Gates West African Team. Though they have a specific people group focus, the vision is reaching the ends of the Earth through global gateway cities. They have served in the West African community for 10 years globally.SCRIPTURE RELATED TO EPISODE:Jeremiah 12 : 5Matthew 6 : 33-34Matthew 13 : 1-9RELATED LINKS:Global Gates01:01 - Misconceptions to address when ministering among Muslims01:07 - Not all Muslims are terrorists01:27 - Christians can visit a mosque02:06 - Many Muslims do want to know about Jesus03:10 - What do you love and admire about the people you serve?03:13 - Value relationship over schedule03:21 - Hospitality04:44 - Ramadan05:27 - Fasting during daylight hours05:52 - Help reflect on how it feels to be poor06:02 - Focused prayer and asking for forgiveness06:16 - Ask God to show the straight path06:29 - Hajj - pilgrimage to Mecca07:28 - The Night of Power08:17 - Christian pray that God would show Jesus to Muslims08:29 - Hope that God would reveal something during Ramadan08:46 - Christians can invite Muslims to break fast08:51 - Bring water or dates to a Muslim might not have broken fast at sundown09:25 - Opportunities during Ramadan and Outreach09:51 - Focus on having gospel conversations10:45 - God has shown that so many organizations are focused on reachin