David & Vicki talk about different ways of being supported overseas and the wisdom in planning for

the future. We must humbly seek input from financial advisors, doctors, accountants, etc

David & Vicki talk about how the Western mindset of making plans, setting goals, and taking steps can take the Holy Spirit out of decision making.

What is the balance of Spirit leading vs. goal planning

David & Vicki share how their marriage has changed when they were able to talk honestly with each other. This required real humility and teachability.

Strong marriages require honest dialogue to function in a healthy way.

David & Vicki tell their story of what they did to stay healthy on the mission field. They give practical advice for steps to take that can protect your marriage and strengthen it in any season of marriage.

Whether single or married, we are created for intimacy and long for it. David & Vicki discuss how

finding intimacy in Christ ultimately, in marriage and in deep friendships is vital to thrive in life,

particularly on the mission field.

David & Vicki summarize a training workshop they did on a missionary retreat where they talked about issues related to mental/emotional health.

In Part 2 they talk about tools for removing the extra burdens we add to the normal stresses of overseas work related to mental/emotional health.

David & Vicki summarize a training workshop they did on a missionary retreat where they talked about issues related to mental/emotional health.

In Part 1 they talk about the extra burdens we can add to the normal stresses of overseas work related to mental/emotional health.

-David & Vicki discuss how over-spiritualizing a “call to missions” can hinder healthy global missions discovery, vetting processes and field transitions.

-David & Vicki discuss how Christian institutions can sometimes hinder healthy global missions discovery, vetting processes, and field transitions.

• Vicki and friend Evie discuss women in leadership on the mission field. 
• Evie gives her insights from her experiences as a woman in leadership roles overseas.

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 15 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

-David & Vicki discuss Chap. 14 of their book Mission Smart

-They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

-David & Vicki discuss Chap. 13 of their book Mission Smart

-They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter.

-David & Vicki discuss Chap. 12 of their book Mission Smart

-They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

David & Vicki discuss Chap. 10 of their book Mission Smart

They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 9 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter.

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 5 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 4 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 3 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 2 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter. 

• David & Vicki discuss Chap. 1 of their book Mission Smart
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the chapter.

• David & Vicki discuss the Preface and Introduction of their book Mission Smart. 
• They are adding some thoughts to the content in the book. 

• David & Vicki talk about the need of being heard by another, normalizing the pain, the struggle, the emotions you’re experiencing. 
• They give perspective on being the one sharing and the one listening. 

• David shares from the heart about the incredible value of respecting culture. 
• Our first and most important posture when attempting to pass on the message of the Gospel is humility which is demonstrated by listening, observing, learning the culture, the language, the history so that we can see the Gospel not only be received but take root among a people. 

• Developing the habits of being church now before heading overseas
• Learning to do the one anothers organically both will help you survive and leave a model to the locals what being church is about. 

• We’re talking about all the right reasons to go into overseas missions
• We remind listeners again to go back and listen to earlier sessions on these topics.

• We’re talking about all the wrong reasons to go into overseas missions
• We remind listeners to go back and listen to earlier sessions on these topics. 

• Sharing about the different ways the Lord guides us to where to serve. 
• Looking at how God uses Scripture, prayer, experiences, giftings in decision making.

• Laughing about all the things no one told us about the life of an overseas missionary. 
• Navigating plumbing, furloughs, balance, boundaries w/ co-workers, sewage, and more.

• Laughing about all the things noone told you about the life of an overseas missionary. 
• Navigating markets, neighbors, toilets, parking, water cuts, and many more.  

• Talking about the variety of pressures that missionaries experience, some external, some internal. 

• Talking about how missions strategies and realities have changed regarding language learning. 
• As you consider your decision on how much to invest in learning the language, consider your goals, the long-term impact, and effectiveness of English based ministry. 
• Patiently investing time to learn the heart language of a people group well can bear much fruit. 

• Done by Christine Paterson w/ Field Partner Int’l (www.fieldpartner.org)  
• David & Vicki tell their story and share about their ESI ministry

• David & Barrett Bowden teach on God’s Mission & being a Missional Professional

• David & Barrett Bowden teach on God’s Mission & being a Missional Professional 

• Talking about all the aspects of celebrating holidays, both for yourselves and the local community. 
• Considering religious and national holidays from your own country and your host country. 

• David & Vicki talk about navigating all the dynamics of building cross-cultural relationships, how to go deeper and establish genuine friendships. 

• David & Vicki talk about navigating all the dynamics of building cross-cultural relationships, how to go deeper and establish genuine friendships. 

• David & Vicki talk about the problem of dualism vs. missional integration in ministry. 
• Living & working with an integral mission mindset means rejecting dualism, embracing a both/and, and walking a balanced life.

• David & Vicki talk about the problem of dualism vs. missional integration in ministry. 
• Living & working with an integral mission mindset means rejecting dualism, embracing a both/and, and walking a balanced life.

• David & his close friend Dr. Bill Maynard talk about right thinking about returning from field. 
• They discuss things to consider when preparing for re-entry.

• David & his close friend Dr. Bill Maynard talk about right thinking about returning from field. 
• They discuss things to consider when preparing for re-entry.

• Talking about the journey of faith in life, learning to trust in God’s good and sovereign hand. 
• Getting faith from the mind to the heart, from knowledge to experience. 

• Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically. 
• We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas. 

• Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically. 
• We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas. 

• Most of us are unprepared for all the aspects of culture shock & how moving away from all our support systems, friends, family can affect us mentally, spiritually and physically. 
• We talk about what affected our mental health in the early years, how we coped, and ways in which we learned new rhythms of life and got outside input to be able to not only survive but thrive overseas. 

• Talking about all that is involved in educating kids overseas. 
• The wisdom of researching all options, being open to new paradigms, and considering the advantages of each option and the dangers as well. 

• Talking about all that is involved in educating kids overseas. 
• The wisdom of researching all options, being open to new paradigms, and considering the advantages of each option and the dangers as well. 

• David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.  

• David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.  

• David & Vicki talk about the blessings, challenges and opportunities with parents and grandparents when serving overseas in missions.  

• David is interviewed by Weston Downing on The Long Run Podcast
• They talk about the meaning of a life calling and practical ways to discover it.  

• David & Vicki give practical advice regarding money and missions. 
• They give wisdom from their experiences and knowledge that cover pre-field, on-field and re-entry.

• David & Vicki give practical advice regarding money and missions. 
• They give wisdom from their experiences and knowledge that cover pre-field, on-field and re-entry. 

• David’s sermon at Island Community Church in Memphis, TN  – Continued…. 
• It was part of a 3 week global missions focus month. 
• David explains how all followers of Christ should be global Christians, fulfilling their role in God’s mission to all peoples on the earth.

• David’s sermon at Island Community Church in Memphis, TN 
• It was part of a 3 week global missions focus month. 
• David explains how all followers of Christ should be global Christians, fulfilling their role in God’s mission to all peoples on the earth. 

• Talking about ways for churches, family and friends can care for missionaries on the field. 

• Talking about ways for churches, family and friends can care for missionaries on the field.

• Talking about co-workers, friendships, conflict resolution on the field. 
• Discussing points from 2 articles: Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution in Teams                             and What missionaries ought to know about Conflict 

• Talking about co-workers, friendships, conflict resolution on the field.  
• Discussing points from 2 articles: Cross-Cultural Conflict Resolution in Teams                             and What missionaries ought to know about Conflict 

• Interview w 2 friends who teach in Central Asia

• Interview w 2 friends who teach in Central Asia

• Vicki discusses healing from trauma with friend Kellye. 

Kellye is a master facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute (https://traumahealinginstitute.org)

• Vicki discusses healing from trauma with friend Kellye. 
• Kellye is a master facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute (https://traumahealinginstitute.org)

• Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
• Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view of time and planning

• Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
• Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view hospitality

• Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
• Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view group and individual orientations

• Talking through the book Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier about hot & cold cultures
• Looking at differences of the way hot and cold cultures view relationships and communication

• Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center

• Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center

• Interview with Richard Dalton, co-founder of ConnecTEFL & Connect Lang. Center

• David & VIcki discuss their introvert and extrovert differences and how it impacts how they live and work together. 
• Understanding and respecting these differences are extremely important for teams and those in leadership roles. 

• Interview w/ Dr. Bill Finnell
• Setting boundaries in regards to your marriage / family and work / ministry overseas.

• Interview w/ Dr. Bill Finnell
• Setting boundaries for yourself in work or ministry particularly in an overseas environment.

• Interview with Laura -- Part 2
• Discussing the problem of ignoring our humanity, or what Vicki and Laura have decided to call “under-spiritualizing” our humanity. 

• Interview with Laura  -- Part 1
• Discussing the problem of ignoring our humanity, or what Vicki and Laura have decided to call “under-spiritualizing” our humanity.

• Practical tips for sending helpful, attractive newsletters. 
• The value of getting honest constructive feedback from others. 

• Interview with humanitarian photographer Emily Frazier continued 

• Interview with humanitarian photographer Emily Frazier

• Interview with  Dr. Wendy continued
• Continuing the conversation about mentoring, particularly how to implement mentoring organizationally

• Interview with Dr. Wendy 
• Explaining the benefits and challenges in cross-cultural workers mentoring one another

• Those heading abroad to do work and ministry overseas need a symphony of people to establish a healthy support network. 
• Explaining the 6 Pillars of Support for missionary endeavors. 

• Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
• This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.

• Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
• This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021.

• Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
• This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021. 

• Sermon co-taught by David & Barrett Bowden at Island Community Church, Memphis, TN
• This is part of Global Missions Month in Jan. 2021. 
• Looking at the biblical foundation of global missions, specifically in the Old Testament. 

• Interview with our friend Stella about her experiences w/ missionaries in her country. 
• Talking about the right posture, approach and platform for missionaries.

• Playing the listener, the humble learner as we enter a country and continuing this posture in order to see the pure Gospel principles communicated w/out our culture and integrated into theirs. 
• Remembering our role is temporary -- we must defer to locals and always seeking to empower them to reach their own in their own cultural appropriate ways -- this is long term effectiveness. 

• Luke 14:28 “...sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
• Prov.15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but w many advisers they succeed.”
• Culture shift to many interests, many careers, many passions…..this coupled with cultural imperative to be “productive” can keep us from focusing our energy for our goals. 

• Finding the balance between having grit and suffering and knowing when to make a change. 
• Talking about tools needed in problem solving, including our personal experiences. 

• We’re looking at the issues that can lead to an early exit from the field, 
• Ways to approach problems and solve them.  

• Grieving the loss when close friends leave the field 
• Trusting God’s provision & getting creative to find new solutions

• Navigating the options for church life
• Taking initiative to meet your spiritual needs in a variety of ways

• The importance of mastering the language in the early years
• Learning & respecting our different learning styles  

• Dealing with loneliness in the early years. 
• Building new friendships on the field 

• Our personal journey through evaluating our own motivations in global missions.  
• Personal reflections of how some incorrect thinking affected us as we went and after arrived on the field.

• Continue to talk about how wrong thinking about moving overseas for missions. 
• It’s so important to have people in our lives who ask us the hard questions regarding our motivations, expectations and the big decisions in our lives. 
• Part 2 is mostly about how wrong thinking can have destructive effects on how we treat others around us, like spouses, our children, teammates and even those we’re serving. 

• Talking openly about all the mixed motivations, hopes and expectations we can tie to overseas ministry. 
• Learning to be honest with our hearts and others regarding our motivations and expectations 
• Part 1 is mostly about how wrong thinking can have destructive effects on us personally. 

• Interview with our friend and missionary member-care specialist Misty
• The broader concept of intimacy that we need as people in the Body of Christ, both as married and single people
• Experiences and patterns of thinking that can encourage falling into a dark place and ways to move toward hope and thriving

• How do the present changes in global travel and border limits affect missions? 
• How can we respond to these limitations from a global missions perspective? 
• How will we need to adjust with these changes now and in the future? 

• Vicki interviews her friend Kristin who has lived overseas as a single woman
• What are some of the issues a single woman needs to consider as a single woman? 
• What did you find were the unique challenges and advantages in living abroad as a single woman? 

• Immersing yourself in another culture allows you to see yourself and your own culture differently and learn to hold your views of everything more lightly. 
• Rearing a family in a family / community-based culture enriches your family. 
• Warm cultures better reflect the culture of the Bible and help you understand the Bible better.

• Living overseas in another culture enriches your life and the life of your family. 
• Experiencing another culture allows you to see another perspective. 
• Learning another language gives you a second self and view of life and the world.  

• An interview w/ Bill Finnell who works at Sanctuary Counseling Center in Memphis, TN. 
• What makes a transition overseas or back home particularly difficult?
• What is grieving and what does it mean to grieve well?

• What did we do to protect and strengthen our marriage through the years overseas?  
• While a couple may have access to organizational conferences, member care counselors, and input from pastors and friends, learning self care / self maintenance is vital to survive and thrive in their relationship. 

• Why is marriage such an important topic when considering overseas missions?
• Discussing the unique struggles for couples living and working in the overseas missions environment and what lessons helped us maintain a strong marriage. 

• What life skills are important to learn before launching overseas?
• Discussing areas regarding practical life skills related to money, personal responsibility, dependability, self-discipline, resolving relational conflict, appealing to authority, relational boundaries, and others.  

• Why it’s important to start practicing your calling into cross-cultural ministry now, before you go overseas.   
• Personal stories and practical ideas for making lifestyle changes that help prepare you for cross-cultural life and work.

— To enrich one of the topics within our book MissionSmart, we’ll discuss how God guided us as we made life decisions using the following in unison:

• Scripture
• Prayer
• Circumstances,
• Counsel