Have ever you looked back on a really hard season on the field, a huge thing God asked you to do, or a big unexpected change and thought, Wow, I’m SO glad I didn’t know that was coming? Because I would have run for the hills!

In this episode, we sit down with Vonna Laue, author of the upcoming book Glad I Didn’t Know, to discuss life’s unexpected twists and turns in the world of missions. Vonna shares her journey, from unplanned moves and family challenges to the unique pressures and joys that missionaries face when God’s plans unfold in surprising ways.

She offers wisdom and concrete ways to live fully in the moment while trusting God with what’s to come. Whether you’re on the field or supporting others who are, this conversation will remind you of the resilience and hope that carry us through, even when the future feels uncertain.

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can find peace in the unknown, even when life surprises us
• Why it’s okay (and even good) to be glad we didn’t know everything ahead
• How our personal journeys strengthen our calling in missions
• Practical ways we can stay grounded, no matter what life brings
• Tips for balancing structure with flexibility in our daily lives and ministries

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Where in my life have I felt grateful not to know what was coming?
• How do I usually respond to unexpected twists—am I open or resistant?
• What stories from my past show God’s faithfulness through surprises?
• How can I stay flexible and trusting when plans suddenly change?
• In what ways might God be calling me to release control right now?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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How do you handle team conflicts when your cultural values clash? What’s the secret to building trust in a team of people from very different backgrounds?

You may have learned about the culture you are going to serve, but did you learn about the cultures of the people you are serving with? Missions is much more complex and beautiful than we could ever know!

The makeup of teams serving overseas are changing. If you don’t already serve with people from various countries, you likely soon will. This is an exciting challenge, and one we need to know more about.

In this episode, we’re joined by cross-cultural expert I’Ching Thomas, who gives excellent advice on how to build strong relationships among culturally diverse teams.

With real-life examples and strategies, I'Ching helps us explore how to bridge cultural gaps, deepen trust, and build a unified team that reflects the love of Christ. Don’t miss this conversation on creating stronger, more resilient cross-cultural teams!

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can bridge cultural gaps on diverse mission teams
• Practical ways to build trust and unity among teammates from different backgrounds
• Tips for handling team conflicts when values and communication styles clash
• Why it's essential to approach our teammates with humility and openness
• How we can create a strong, Christ-centered team culture

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• How do I usually respond when misunderstandings arise with teammates from different cultures?
• What cultural biases might I bring into my team interactions?
• Am I intentional about building relationships, or do I focus mainly on tasks?
• How often do I pause to truly listen and learn from my teammates' perspectives?
• What steps can I take to create a more inclusive and understanding team environment?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Do you ever wonder if your prayers are really making a difference? Or feel frustrated when you don’t see results? If you pray and something doesn’t happen, was it worth it or a waste of time? Does God already have planned out what he’s going to do anyway?

In this episode, we talk with missionary Peter Warren, a leader in YWAM, who brings a fresh take on how prayer works and why it matters. We dive into what it means to co-create with God through prayer, if prayer can actually change things, and what role persistence plays. If you've ever struggled with prayer or questioned its impact, this conversation will encourage you and give you a whole new perspective!

✍️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How we can partner with God through prayer to impact real outcomes
• Why some prayers take time and how persistence plays a key role
• How to align our prayers with God’s will and desires
• What it looks like to persist in prayer, even when we feel discouraged
• What it means to co-create with God

💡Questions to Ponder as You Listen:

• Do I really believe my prayers can change things, or do I feel like I’m wasting time?
• How do I approach prayer—am I expecting God to respond, or just checking a box?
• Am I praying for what God wants, or am I trying to steer things my own way?
• What does it look like for me to partner with God through prayer?
• How can I keep praying when it feels like nothing’s happening?

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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