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As a family, what priorities are most important? What does the phrase, "Great Commission" actually mean, and what are some resources at Mission-Minded Families for helping Christian parents to focus on this?  Ann Dunagan answers this in a quick Q & A.  Happy Habits for Moms, with Mission-Minded Life-Planning  Thoughts about Goal-setting and Experiments. What is the Great Commission At Mission-Minded Families, we have books (for parents and children), online training courses, live events, and more, for helping your family for the Gospel, God's Word, and God's Great Commission.

This episode focuses on seeking God (as we look back and look forward) for His plans and purposes for the new year, with a focus on prayer from a mission-minded perspective.     Join Ann Dunagan for a Life-Planning series (with a FREE Prayer and Life-Planning Guide) as a simple tool to help you as you seek God for this New Year.   Focus your life for God's Purposes! At Mission-Minded Families, we want to help you to live everyday, 24/7, for eternity and God's glory. This Prayer Guide will help you to review this past year as you look forward to the next year, prayerfully considering your personal, family, ministry and mission priorities.

This episode focusses on compassion for the poor and the orphans, with personal examples of how God began to stir these needs in my heart in a very personal way.  As Christian women, how can we stop, take time to "see" specific needs, and allow God to stir our hearts with His compassion. Let's take ACTION and seek God for how we can help.  This was recorded LIVE from Uganda, East Africa, at an outdoor village conference for national pastors and evangelists (with a translator interpreting).  God wants us to look at the eyes of the orphan children, to "visit" the orphans, to care. Encouragement for the village pastors who are caring for orphan children. If the need to help orphan children seems too big, we need to look into the eyes of one children, then beyond the need to our BIG GOD. If we feel God's compassion stirring in our hearts, let's seek Him for courage and creativity to take action. Learn more about Harvest Ministry, Mission-Minded Women, and Mission-Minded Families.

Today, we're learning about one of my favorite missionary heroes: Corrie ten Boom, who is known for her courage, forgivenss, and sharing God's love, through The Hiding Place. She and her family rescued Jewish people during World War II in the Netherlands, despite tremendous danger). Highlights from the Corrie ten Boom story Quotes by Corrie ten Boom Prayer for the Jewish people and Israel (from Window on the World) Click here for the Corrie ten Boom Mission-Challenge PACK and all the links

This episode focusses on The Good Samaritan and the biblical example from Acts 3, about Peter and John going to the temple and the lame man begging for help. How can we stop, take time to "see" specific needs, and allow God to stir our hearts with His compassion. Let's take ACTION and seek God for how we can help. We also discuss the difference between manipulation from others (using guilt or shame to get something from you), and true compassion, from God -- and then having that compassion flow through you to others. This was recorded LIVE from Uganda, East Africa, at an outdoor village conference for national pastors and evangelists (with a translator interpreting). The theme is compassion for orphans, the poor, the lost and for unreached people.  May God give us courage, creativity, and compassion for the needs of the world.  God wants us to look at the eyes of the orphan children, to "visit" the orphans, to care. Encouragement for the village pastors who are caring for orphan children. If the need to help orphan children seems too big, we need to look into the eyes of one children, then beyond the need to our BIG GOD. If we feel compassion, realize God has given you that compassion.

This episode was recorded LIVE from Uganda, East Africa, at an outdoor village conference for national pastors and evangelists (with a translator interpreting). The theme is compassion for orphans, the poor, the lost and for unreached people.  May God give us courage, creativity, and compassion for the needs of the world.  James 1:27 — Pure religion includes caring for the orphans and widows. Compassion is on God's heart. God deeply cares for orphan children. As a mother, we care for our children, but who will care for the orphan children?  We need to care for the children beyond our table, beyond our home, beyond our villages. Statistics — over 140 million orphan children in the world — about 2 million here in Uganda. These big numbers of such huge needs sometimes are too overwhelming to take action. God wants us to look at the eyes of the orphan children, to "visit" the orphans, to care. Encouragement for the village pastors who are caring for orphan children. If the need to help orphan children seems too big, we need to look into the eyes of one children, then beyond the need to our BIG GOD. If we feel compassion, realize God has given you that compassion. We're called to be good stewards of your life, and also of your heart. When the need is too big, but God has allowed you to see the need, and He has given you His compassion, where do you think that compassion has come from? That compassion comes from God. God simply wants us to be a "pipe" of blessing between the need God has allowed us to see, and to pray for His provision. Story of Baby Moses and the Compassion of the Egyptian woman who rescued him. What can we learn about the difference between sympathy and compassion. Links: Harvest Ministry -- Global Missions with Jon & Ann Dunagan -- https://harvestministry.org Mission-Minded Families - Helping Christian Families for God's Great Commission -- https://missionmindedfamilies.org Mission-Minded Women - https://missionmindedfamilies.org/mmw  

Today's episode focuses on the JOY of Patience, from James 5. James 5:7–11 tells us,  "Be patient… the farmer waits… You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand  …the Lord is compassionate and merciful." We need to Trust in GOD's perspective, and Seek first GOD's kingdom.  Patience of a farmer. Patience of Job in the Bible. Patience when it's tough. Patience that trusts in eternity. Patience that trusts in our GOOD GOD!!!  Mission highlight is Melissa Heiland from BeautifulFeetInternational.com, establishing ProLife Gospel ministries around the world, with a few testimonies from Ann's recent mission outreach to Uganda.  https://beautifulfeetinternational.com https://harvestministry.org https://missionmindedfamilies.org/info https://missionmindedfamilies.org/mmw  

In our Kid's Missionary Class, we're learning about David Livingstone, Missionary and Explorer to Africa. For all the links and learning ideas, including the FREE 10-page Mission Pack for David Livingstone, please see our class website: http://missionmindedfamilies.org/livingstone   Referred to in the episode: Recommended Missionary Biography book: David Livingstone: Africa's Trailblazer (Christian Heroes Then & Now Series). Recommended Prayer and Mission Guide: Window on the World (Operation World resource) Online puzzle: https://crosswords.brightsprout.com/295420/David-Livingstone-Crossword-Puzzle 2-minute mission monologue (matches the coloring page https://youtu.be/_ocSf0ila0U?si=jj_ndKr1i30-TjOx 2-minute history (highlights slave trade and geographical places) https://youtu.be/96P_INDMa-4?si=bK1ukf-ESUNOmyHP

Today, in our Bible study in James 4, we're focusing on the JOY of godly sorrow. Sometimes, we need to allow God to show us hidden areas of sin or strongholds or selfishness that are keeping us from the closeness with the Lord that He desires.  Our HAPPY HABITS focus on the JOY of abiding close to Jesus. We can't stop our sin on our own, but we don't have to; God wants us to draw near to Him and He will give us all the strength and help we need to repent and turn from sin, and to draw close to Jesus.  James 4 Verses 1-5 -- many sins mentioned: lust, murder (hate), selfish desire, coveting, adultery, longing for friendship with the world.  Key: verse 5: "The Spirit who dwels in us yearns jealously." Verse 6 -- God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Verse 7 -- Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee. Verse 8 -- Draw near to God and He will draw near to you... CLEANSE YOUR HANDS!!! Verse 9, 20 -- Lament, mourn, weep, let your laughter be turned to mourning, your joy to gloom.  HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE GOD... Verse 11, 17 -- be a doer  (to him who knows to DO good and does not do it, to him it is sin). Focus on the Sovereignty of God -- He is the judge and the Law giver. God sets the rules. He gives us grace and help to obey.  "You never know what a day holds" Verse 14 -- your life is a vapor. You do not know what a day holds. BUT GOD KNOWS. Verse 15 -- Say, If the Lord wills, we will go and do this and that...     Key verses, along with James 4 include: Psalm 16:11 -- In your presence is fullness of Joy... Psalm 126:5 -- Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy... Matthew 5:8 -- Happy are the people who have pure hearts, because they will see God. Luke 15:7 -- ...More JOY in heaven over one sinner who repents that over 99 righteous persons who need no repentance. Psalm 51:12 -- Restore to me the JOY of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. Acts 3:12 -- "Repent and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of repentance may come from the Lord.." We also discuss the apostle Peter, who denied Jesus. When Jesus warned him at the Last Supper, Peter truly believed that his heart was fully surrendered to God (John 13:37-38), but Jesus knew Peter's heart and Jesus knew the tempation and fall that were coming (denial #1 to a servant girl -- John 18:17, denial #2 -- John 18:25, denial #3 -- John 18:27, also see Matthew 26:69-75, about Peter swearing and weeping bitterly, and Mark 14:66-72 -- and "as he, Peter thought about it, and also recalled what Jesus has said, he wept bitterly). Jesus warned Peter, and also He helped Peter to repent, and even helped Peter to recover after the Resurrection (even talking by a smokey fire, as we read in John 21:25-19, which reminded Peter of the memory of his 3 denials) -- until at last Peter could step back into his purpose and calling to feed God's sheep. 

In this episode, we're introducing our first "Kid's Missionary Class." We're learning about Gladys Aylward (1902-1970), a courageous woman who served in China as a missionary, sharing the Good News of Jesus. Gladys Aylward was determined, even when facing discouragement and danger.  Here are the links mentioned:  Gladys Aylward Kid's Missionary Pack --  10 pages, with checklis https://s3.amazonaws.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/sites/8901/themes/2163712137/downloads/c54f7e-28a2-ba2-5aef-53cab6306dd_Gladys_-_PDF_booklet.pdf   Torchlighter Children's Cartoon: "The Gladys Aylward Story" https://youtu.be/5TPFJYxb4q0?si=CJ9G2bzevTFaPkZr   Recommended Missionary Biography -- Gladys Aylward: The Adventure of a Lifetime (Christian Heroes Then & Now) https://www.amazon.com/Gladys-Aylward-Adventure-Lifetime-Christian/dp/1576580199/ref=asc_df_1576580199?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80126962061079&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=m&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=111334&hvtargid=pla-4583726540923850&psc=1   Recommended Book: Window on the World -- (learn about countries, people, and religions of the world). https://www.amazon.com/Window-World-Operation-Resource-Resources/dp/0830857834   Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Classic Movie Excerpt -- rejected by the China missionary society) https://youtu.be/m__u1bxe--k?si=_-Gb4rxwSoOT9pmP   Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Classic Movie highlights - 9 minutes) https://youtu.be/HaupKAcE6Nw?si=RddALPOakxNquONw   Inn of the Sixth Happiness (Full Movie)  https://youtu.be/wrFF-j8NuSU?si=d1JbGfy0GT3-1kJt  

Today, in our Bible study in James Chapter 3, our focus is the importance of taming our tongue (by God's grace). Our words are important, as words can reveal what is in our heart, and by submitting our tongue to Jesus, our words can shape our lives, our families, and also our ministries.    At Mission-Minded Families, we focus on Biblical truth, Happy Habits, and Gospel Impact.   What are object lessons given in James 3 about our tongue? What are other Bible verses about the importance of our tongue? How can words we speak relate to the Gospel and Global missions?     Links mentioned: Mission-Minded Women  7 Keys for Mission-Minded Families (Free Mission Course) Beautiful Feet International

Today's focus is the JOY of Generosity, especially helping the poor, continuing our Bible study through James, in chapter 2. At Mission-Minded Families, we focus on Biblical truth, Happy Habits, and Gospel Impact. What does it mean to show "partiality" (giving preference or honor based on wealth or social standing, including how today's "Social Justice" can relate). What does it mean to love our neighbor "as ourselves" (and how can this be misunderstood)? What does the Bible tell us about caring for the Poor?   Featured global ministries: Mission-Minded Women  Mission-Minded Families - 7 Keys (FREE Mission Course for Families) Compassionate Hope

At Mission-Minded Families, we focus on Biblical Truth, Happy Habits, and Gospel Impact. This week, we're beginning a Bible study through the book of James (starting today in James, Chapter 1), highlighting verses about, "Count it all joy," seeking God's wisdom, and caring for orphans. We look at several missionary heroes: Amy Carmichael, George Muller, Hudson Taylor, plus a mostly unknown missionary (number 8 of 13 children, with 10 children of his own, known as the "Pilgrims Companion" -- Can you guess who he is?).   Links shared: 7 Simple Keys for Mission-Minded Families  Beautiful Feet International - Global ProLife Ministry Mission-Minded Women  

In today's episode, Ann Dunagan introduces two new mentoring tools, for personal and group discipleship and mobilization with Mission-Minded Women: First is My Mission-Minded Happy Planner, a fun whimsically illustrated life-planning guide and prayer journal, designed to help Christian women and teenage girls to live every day for the glory of God, in every area of ife, spirit, soul, and body. The Happy Planner is available in either a 40-Day or 90-Day version, and in both softcover and hardcover editions (on Amazon).  Secondly, The Mission-Minded HappyApp (or simply "HappyApp") is a life-planning tool for personal growth, designed to coordinate with the Happy Planner. The HappyApp includes daily encouragement, personal development training (for every area of our life), goal-setting tools and tracking, and a community feature. You can get My Mission-Minded Happy Planner on Amazon for as little as $4.99 (for the 40-Day softcover version -- our heart for this version is for small groups or mentoring), up to $14.99 for the 90-Day hardcover version. It is also available in many other countries, including Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico, and various countries in South America. Currently, we are working to translate the Happy Planner into seven other languages, coming, Lord willing, next year. 

This week's Quick Questions focus on highlighting famous missionary heroes from history, with quotes and inspiring mission excerpts. Today's focus is Mary Slessor (1848-1915), an adventurous missionary to Africa with a great heart for unreached people. .