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What is it like to plant churches among unreached peoples in Cambodia?   On this episode of Facing a Task Unfinished, Rodney sits down with Tim Kangas. He and his wife Jenny have spent decades serving “up country” in Cambodia as church planters. For Tim, it all started in a high school history class. A lesson on world religions birthed a hunger for meaning in Tim’s life.   Tim recounts some of the moments that solidified his faith and calling. He came to Christ through a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Bible study. He traveled to England doing sports ministry, and eventually moved to Cambodia with OMF.   In addition to sharing his testimony, Tim reflects on the challenges of cross-cultural ministry, raising a family overseas, learning dependence on God, and watching lives transformed through the freedom found in Christ. His story is a strong example for anyone wrestling with discouragement or questioning God's purpose for their life.  Support Tim and Jenny in Cambodia: https://partnerhub.omf.org/TJK1  Visit the OMF Cambodia Website: https://omf.org/east-asia/cambodia/

What happens when you say ‘yes’ to God’s invitation to the nations?  In this episode of Facing a Task Unfinished, Christian shares the story of how God led him from a nomadic childhood, through a life devoted to serving Christ overseas.  A pivotal moment at age 16 transformed his faith. An unforgettable mission trip to South Asia showed him what was possible. Eventually, God invited him and his family to spend ten years in Asia.  Rodney and Christian discuss culture shock, spiritual breakthroughs, leadership, burnout, raising children overseas, and the difficult transition back to the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through every challenge and blessing, one theme remains constant: God's invitation is always worth accepting.  Whether you're considering missions, wrestling with God's calling, or simply wondering what it looks like to trust Him one step at a time, this testimony is a powerful reminder that the most blessed life is found in through wholehearted surrender to God.

Two lives shaped by God’s faithfulness and brought together for a shared purpose.    In this episode of Facing a Task Unfinished, host Rodney Pennington chats with Tucker and Anna Germain about their calling, surrender, and preparation for Japan. From childhood faith, pivotal moments of spiritual growth, and their first experiences in missions, Tucker and Anna reflect on how God guided each step toward serving Him overseas.  God used a six-month trip to confirm their calling as a couple. Tucker and Anna share the joys, challenges, and lessons of trusting God's timing, navigating family conversations, and preparing for life as long-term missionaries.  Whether you're discerning God's direction for your own life, curious about missions, or simply encouraged by stories of faith and obedience, this conversation is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign, His timing is perfect, and a life invested in eternity is never wasted.  Learn more about serving with OMF: https://omf.org/us/serve-overseas/

From trauma and loss to healing and purpose, Rodney sits down with Caleb and Angel to hear the story of how God brought them together and called them to missions. Caleb shares what it was like growing up in a missions-focused, Christian home. Early exposure to missionaries planted in him a lifelong passion for reaching the nations. Angel’s story is markedly different—marked by hardship, but also by a profound, unexpected encounter with God at a young age that would shape her future. Together, they recount how God brought them together, walked them through healing, and taught them how to surrender their individual plans in order to follow Him as one. From navigating a new marriage during COVID to wrestling with timing, finances, and calling, Caleb and Angel offer an honest look at what it means to trust God step by step. Now on the path toward serving in Taiwan, they reflect on the challenges of discernment, the beauty of community, and how God often leads in ways we don’t expect—but always for our good and His glory. Partner with Caleb and Angel: https://partnerhub.omf.org/CAY1 Learn more about serving with OMF: https://omf.org/us/serve-overseas/

The mission field is closer than we think.  In this episode, Rodney is joined by Angie, John, and Amy to talk about Global Neighbors, a growing ministry within OMF that helps churches engage East and Southeast Asian peoples—many of whom live right here in the United States. Their conversation unpacks God’s heart for the nations, the changing landscape of our neighborhoods, and practical ways churches can respond with humility, hospitality, and hope.  Unprecedented global migration is reshaping the reality all around us. Are we willing to meet our new neighbors with the love and compassion of Jesus? Find out how in this episode of Facing A Task Unfinished.  Get in touch with Global Neighbors here: https://omf.org/us/globalneighbors/

“Whatever You want me to do, I’ll do it.”   In the face of profound loss and disillusionment with church culture, Trey Harper prayed this single, surrendered prayer. And everything changed.  In this powerful episode, Trey recounts his journey from a strict military family upbringing, to the battlefields of Iraq, wrestling with trauma and addiction, to a deep spiritual awakening. Trey became a pastor and a missionary.   If you have ever felt inadequate, overlooked, or uncertain whether your life matters in God’s kingdom, this episode is for you. Whether you’re called to the mission field or to serve faithfully where you are, Trey’s story delivers a clear message: God’s purpose for you unfolds through surrender, obedience, and a heart fully yielded to Him.  #omf #omfus #omfpodcast #facingataskunfinished #surrenderedlife #faithstory #missions #testimony #christianinspo

"I asked the Holy Spirit — can I feel your love?" In this episode, Hawa joins Rodney Pennington to share how she grew up between war zones, raised by grandmothers and aunties, navigating civil wars, refugee visas, and a faith she was still discovering. Today, she's a social worker, a wife, a mother — and she's answering a call to Taiwan. Her episode is out now. This one's worth your full attention. 🎧 To join Hawa and her family and support their ministry, check out their OMF (U.S.) Partner Hub & Donations at https://partnerhub.omf.org/MN2. To hear more from Hawa and her life, check out her YouTube page, Reflecting Life at https://www.youtube.com/@evefahn5893. #christianpodcast #faith #testimony #godisgood #OMF #FacingATaskUnfinished

Born with the umbilical cord around his neck and given just 3 days to live, Jonatan Alvarez became a "miracle child" after his mother's prayer of dedication. But his story was just beginning...   In this raw and honest conversation, Jonatan sits down with Rodney Pennington and shares:  Growing up between Mexico and Texas, navigating identity and cultural shock  His struggle through bullying, rejection, and eventually addiction  The moment God's love broke through his shame and guilt  His radical decision to attend seminary despite family opposition  Walking through family separation, threats, and spiritual warfare while pursuing his calling  Now preparing for missionary work in the Philippines, Jonatan's testimony is a powerful reminder that God never gives up on us—even when we've given up on ourselves.  If you are interested in partnering with Jonatan, check out https://partnerhub.omf.org/JA1.

Rodney Pennington sits down to have a conversation with Tim and Susan, a remarkable couple who met in Bible college and have been joyfully married for nearly 34 years. Together they’ve raised three sons—all now grown, married, and passionately serving Jesus in ministries around the world—and they’re blessed with eight precious grandchildren!   For almost 31 years, Tim and Susan have faithfully served with OMF International, living and ministering entirely in Japan. In this heartfelt episode, they open up about their journey of faith, the resilience they’ve needed to overcome personal challenges, the beauty and cultural nuances of life in Japan, and the continued efforts of their mission work that has lasted over three decades.   Their story is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, the strength of a Christ-centered marriage, and the joy of long-term obedience in spreading hope across cultures.  Don’t miss this encouraging and uplifting episode—perfect for kicking off the New Year and for anyone needing a reminder of what God can do through dedicated lives! To partner with Tim and Susan go to https://partnerhub.omf.org/TSD1

This episode of Facing a Task Unfinished will be of particular interest to TCKs (Third-Culture Kids) and those interested in the lives of missionary kids. Michael Best was born and spent most of his early childhood on the mission field where he struggled with a sense of belonging and, at times, his faith.  You'll hear how after settling in the states in high school following his years in other countries, a move overseas was coming, bringing up some strong emotions.  But there was a turning point and it eventually led Michael to his work with TCKs today.  To learn more about Michael's ministry, visit:https://partnerhub.omf.org/MB1

"He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," is a challenge that led Neil Thompson into a life of missions, specifically medical missions in Thailand.  Dr. Thompson and his wife Wannee join us on this episode of the podcast.  Medical missions plays a large part in Neil's story and he shares how a newly established hospital became a place of discipleship and showed that actions could speak as loudly as words.  It was while serving in Thailand that Neil met Wannee. Her story includes an introduction to Christianity in her family that did not go over well with her father and led to persecution of her sisters.  Their stories illustrate how God has a plan for us even when it's not immediately apparent or when it seems counter to what we think we want.  We're thrilled to share their stories in this episode!    Other resources for you:  Get to Know Neil and Wannee Thompson  https://omf.org/us/get-know-neil-wannee-thompson-omf-staff/   Caring for Body, Soul and Spirit in Thailand: A Story of OMF Medical Missions  https://omf.org/us/caring-for-body-soul-and-spirit-in-thailand-a-story-of-omf-medical-missions/   Healthcare Missions: Past, Present, and Future  https://missionexus.org/healthcare-missions-past-present-and-future/ (Missio Nexus membership needed to read the full article.)

How clear should your call to overseas missions be? We welcome Megan Sarian to our podcast this month. Her journey to becoming a missionary in Cambodia was a slow and gradual process.  You'll appreciate her honesty that a "call" overseas may not be as clear-cut as many people might think it is, or should be. And even a call to go doesn't necessarily mean "soon" or "right now."  If you or someone you know has wrestled with the call to missionary service in another country, you'll be blessed by Megan's story and encouraged by God's timing and provision despite our questions or feelings of inadequacy.  To learn more about Megan's work in Cambodia, visit: https://partnerhub.omf.org/MS1 ----- Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What if you limited God with your own definition of what missions should be?   Rodney Pennington welcomes to the podcast Grant Haynes from Global Frontier Missions (GFM). Grant founded GFM in 2000. It's a fascinating origin story that illustrates how God has a plan that is so much bigger than we can often comprehend, taking us to places that we might not have ever considered on our own.  Grant's passion is to see as many individuals and churches as possible praying, giving, welcoming, and going to unreached people groups (UPGs).  Grant spent 14 years serving in Oaxaca, Mexico with his wife and three children church planting among UPGs, hosting short-term mission groups, running an indigenous Bible school, and starting a missionary training school.  He has spent the last 14 years serving among refugees in Clarkston, GA. In this episode of the podcast, you'll hear how you can be a part of that! Learn more about GFM at: https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/   Get more details about the Train and Go Apprenticeship at:  https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/train-and-go-apprenticeship —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

What would you sacrifice for just one person to know Christ?  What if a specific desire you had to serve Christ was potentially turning into an idol to you? And what if God said "No" to that specific desire to serve? Amanda Slaughter joins Rodney Pennington on the Facing a Task Unfinished podcast to talk about those questions and so much more. As Amanda prepares to become an OMF missionary in Japan, you'll hear how suffering as a child, including a near-death experience from a car accident at age 11, created a foundation that God would use to help shape how she looked at those who don't know the love of Christ. Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

OMF missions mobilizer Lisa Mellinger joins us on the podcast to share her journey into missions.  Often our guests tell us about the family support they had. Lisa's story is different.  As a Chinese family living in America, wanting to serve in China when she was young was not looked upon favorably by her parents, a story that Lisa shares with humor looking back on it after so many years. She also shares how God worked in her life, and around her, even as a number of doors were closed to her.  Mentioned in this episode: Lisa's article, To Be a Hidden Foreigner, can be found on the MissioNexus site, although an account with them is required to read it. https://missionexus.org/to-be-a-hidden-foreigner-issues-christian-chinese-americans-face-living-in-china/ —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/