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What does it look like to care well for single missionaries? In this episode, Maggie sits down with Ruth Ann Graybill to explore the unique realities faced by single men and women on the mission field. Together, they discuss loneliness, community, accountability, friendships, and the practical ways churches can better support the singles they send. Ruth Ann also shares encouraging insights on moving from loneliness to solitude, building healthy support systems, and embracing the unique opportunities that singleness can bring in cross-cultural ministry. In This Episode: Challenges unique to single missionaries Why isolation can be difficult on the field The difference between loneliness and solitude Practical ways churches can support singles well Habits and support systems that help missionaries flourish The unique blessings of serving as a single missionary Key Takeaway - Single missionaries thrive when they are intentionally supported, meaningfully connected, and valued for who they are, not their marital status. Connect - For more resources on missions, missionary care, and sending well, check out our other resources on our website. Questions or comments? We'd love to hear from you – our contact form is a great way to connect. Bio - Ruth Ann Graybill is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist based in Fullerton, California. Drawing on years of experience in both counseling and missions, she serves individuals, families, and missionaries through counseling, debriefing, crisis care, and training. Having lived and served on the mission field herself, she is deeply committed to helping people navigate life's challenges and flourish in their relationships and calling. You can connect with Ruth Ann Graybill through her email – [email protected] Resource - Emotional Needs of Women on the Mission Field : https://global-mission-toolbox.s3.amazonaws.com/assets/media/8bfcfaa6-9e96-417c-8d68-127de176f513-Emotional-Needs-of-Women-on-the-Mission-Field.pdf Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmDF5BtYRTo Topics: Member Care, Caring for Missions Workers

The local church is more than the place where a missionary’s journey begins. It plays a vital role in recognizing, preparing, supporting, and sending those who go. In this episode, Mags sits down with Elliot Clark to explore how churches can intentionally encourage aspiring missionaries. Elliot shares six practical habits that can help prepare someone for cross-cultural ministry, while highlighting the importance of faithful service, biblical grounding, relational maturity, practical skills, and patient preparation. Whether you are exploring missions yourself or helping someone in your church discern their next steps, this conversation offers practical encouragement for preparing and sending missionaries well. Bio - Elliot Clark (MDiv, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) has served in international missions since 2009, first as a church planter in Central Asia, and then as a teacher equipping international church leaders. He currently serves with Reaching & Teaching and is the author of Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission as Strangers in Our Own Land (2019) and Mission Affirmed: Recovering the Missionary Motivation of Paul (2022). https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/tgc/products/4527/evangelism-as-exiles https://store.thegospelcoalition.org/tgc/products/11129/mission-affirmed Resources Reaching and Teaching - www.rtim.org Joshua Project - https://joshuaproject.net Emily Bennet - Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Women Who Served Internationally - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/98181053-before-you-go Matt Bennett - Before You Go: Wisdom from Ten Men on Serving Internationally: Wisdom from 10 men serving internationally - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198394114 Aaron Menikoff - Prioritizing Missions in the Church - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213898813 Upcoming book from Elliot Clark (March 2027): The Ordinary Missionary: Everyday Grace for an Extraordinary Work - https://www.crossway.org/books/the-ordinary-missionary-tpb/?srsltid=AU7gw4Vw3Y-nEmx6nGSO6yER2seUmTNzuZOwv2ay3j5Fo33eIe95Gn1D Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2UEGgRtxrI Topics: Calling and Preparation

In this conversation with Rich Noble and Jenny Karr, we explore the blessings found in support raising as well as the practical steps that goer and sender can practice in the process of support discovery. Rich bio: Richard Noble is the founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and serves as the Global Neighbor Ministries Coordinator at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. Together Richard and Amy raised four children and gained three sons-in-law and five granddaughters along the way. Richard also serves as a mission's mobilizer with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, a regional coordinator for the Refugee and Immigrant Network of the C&MA, and adjunct faculty at Crown College and Geneva College. As a mission's mobilizer, his focus is graciously nudging pastors to lead their congregations into missions, as well as encouraging people from all ethnic groups to engage in God’s work around the world. This is how you can reach Rich Noble: Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-noble-67544137/ Substack: https://substack.com/@ranoble412 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerformissionalengagement Jenny bio: Jenny Karr has been a fundraising trainer and coach for 13 years, starting while she and her family served as missionaries in Vietnam. That ministry experience developed in Jenny a passion for training, equipping, and supporting people in ministry and she currently serves at The Christian and Missionary Alliance teaching their roughly 650 international workers how to support raise. Show notes: This is how you can reach Jenny Karr: [email protected] Instagram @jennykarr LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-karr?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Jenny and Rich’s recommended resources from Part A: Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising Nathan Ball, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition Steve Shadrach, The God Ask Betty Barnett, Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts Scott Morton, Funding Your Ministry Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Reach out to our team: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DevcKeMTp0Q Topics: Support Raising, Caring for Missions Workers, Member Care, Prayer, Sending Church

Jenny Karr and Rich Noble join us to trace the biblical foundation of support raising, exploring God’s pattern of generosity and provision from the Old Testament through the early church. Together, they consider what Scripture reveals about why God invites His people to participate in providing for those He calls and sends. Rich bio: Richard Noble is the founder and director of the Center for Missional Engagement in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and serves as the Global Neighbor Ministries Coordinator at Allegheny Center Alliance Church. Together Richard and Amy raised four children and gained three sons-in-law and five granddaughters along the way. Richard also serves as a missions mobilizer with The Christian & Missionary Alliance, a regional coordinator for the Refugee and Immigrant Network of the C&MA, and adjunct faculty at Crown College and Geneva College. As a missions mobilizer, his main focus is graciously nudging pastors to lead their congregations into missions, as well as encouraging people from all ethnic groups to engage in God’s work around the world. Jenny bio: Jenny Karr has been a fundraising trainer and coach for 13 years, starting while she and her family served as missionaries in Vietnam. That ministry experience developed in Jenny a passion for training, equipping, and supporting people in ministry and she currently serves at The Christian and Missionary Alliance teaching their roughly 650 international workers how to support raise. This is how you can reach Jenny Karr: [email protected] Instagram @jennykarr LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-karr?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios Show notes: Jenny and Rich’s recommended resources: Henri Nouwen, A Spirituality of Fundraising Nathan Ball, A Spirituality of Fundraising Workbook Edition Steve Shadrach, The God Ask Betty Barnett, Friend Raising: Building a Missionary Support Team That Lasts Scott Morton, Funding Your Ministry Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Reach out to our team: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GelYTRUVSSM Topics: Biblical Foundations, Support Raising

Join Heather Dellamater of Global Outreach International as she shares encouraging stories of God's faithfulness and the ways He is growing His Church across the Maasai people in Kenya. Show notes: Learn more about GOI at https://globaloutreach.org Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Topics: Mission Field

Join Shirley Anne Caballero of SIM as she shares encouraging stories of God's faithfulness and the ways He is growing His Church across Paraguay. Bio: Shirley Anne and her husband, Fernando, live in rural Paraguay doing church planting work through outreach to our neighbors and among the Deaf community nearby. Over the last 9 years in Paraguay, Shirley Anne has grown to love the people and the culture, encouraged by seeing the Hope of Jesus reach difficult places. She loves sharing terere, the local tea drink, with friends and relaxing under a mango tree in the summer heat. Show notes: Learn more about SIM at www.simusa.org/connect-with-us/ Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XTyavvLX8M Topics: Mission Field

Join Alex Logan of SEND International as he shares encouraging stories of God’s faithfulness and the ways He is building His Church across Japan. Bio: Alex and Laura live in Hino, about an hour west of downtown Tokyo, with their three young sons, all of whom were born in Japan. Together they serve in outreach and discipleship as part of the early stages of a church plant, with Alex leading Bible studies and mentoring men while Laura uses her TESOL training, hospitality, and family life to build relationships and create natural opportunities to share the gospel. Show notes: Learn more about SEND International at https://www.send.org/unitedstates Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw7t0jS68cM Topics: Mission Field

Join Abigail Stairs of Greater Europe Mission Canada as she shares encouraging stories of God’s faithfulness and the ways He is building His Church across Scotland. Bio: Abigail lives in the Central Belt of Scotland as a missionary. Her passion for disability ministry and making the church an inclusive space has shaped her ministry. Where she trains and equips churches to be accessible for people with disabilities through trainings, resource development, and leading accessible programs. Show Notes: Learn more about Greater Europe Mission Canada at https://gemission.ca Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Connect with our team via email: [email protected] Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkyhzzHce1g Topics: Mission Field

As the global Church continues to grow and change, what does faithful partnership look like today? Josh Irby takes us through the life of Barnabas to show how humility, encouragement, and mutual collaboration can reshape the way we send, serve, and work alongside believers around the world. Bio: Josh Irby serves with Cru and is the co-host of The Mission Shift podcast. Josh served on the field in the Balkans for more than a decade. He is the author of The Barnabas Factor, where he explores the biblical model of partnership through the life of Barnabas and encourages the Church to pursue humble, collaborative ministry alongside the global body of Christ. Show Notes: Email [email protected] for the chance to receive a free copy of The Barnabas Factor! Purchase The Barnabas Factor here: The Barnabas Factor: How Crosscultural Partnership Amplifies Global Mission: Borthwick, Paul, Irby,… Listen to The Mission Shift Podcast: https://www.cru.org/communities/city-missionshiftpodcast/ Connect with Josh Irby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshirby/ Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vM2hOBXWZ4 Topics: Global Church

Dr. Ed Smither helps us navigate one of the most challenging questions for the Church as we wrestle honestly with the history of missions, learn from both its successes and failures, and consider how Christians can engage in God's global mission without repeating the mistakes of the past. Show Notes: Read Dr. Smither's book, "Christian Missions: A Concise Global ": Christian Mission: A Concise, Global History eBook : Smither, Edward L.: Amazon.ca: Books "Mission in the Early Church: Themes and Reflections": Mission in the Early Church: Themes and Reflections eBook : Smither, Edward L.: Amazon.ca: Books "Missionary Monks" by Dr. Smither and Thomas O'Loughlin: Missionary Monks: An Introduction to the History and Theology of Missionary Monasticism eBook : Smi… Connect with Dr. Smither: edsmither.com Learn more about Columbia International University: ciu.edu Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgepaYItMzU Topics: Biblical Foundation, Sending Church

What do missionaries most want their sending churches to know? Drawing from conversations with hundreds of missionaries, this episode explores four practical ways churches can better support and care for those they send. Bio: John Darnell serves as CEO of Global Outreach International, leading a global team committed to sending, supporting, and strengthening missionaries. Under his leadership, GOI is pursuing an ambitious vision to deploy 153 new missionaries over three years — scaling toward 1,000 long-term workers across every nation. Show Notes: Get in touch with John on LinkedIn: johndarnell3rd Learn about Global Outreach International: goi.org Subscribe to us on YouTube: Global Missions Podcast Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDMzPhRgFmM Topics: Member Care

This episode offers a big-picture look at the current state of global missions, describing a movement in transition as long-held models and assumptions are being reevaluated. Ted Esler reflects on the challenges and opportunities ahead, encouraging the Church to thoughtfully engage a changing world with clarity, faithfulness, and adaptability. Bio: Dr. Ted Esler became president and CEO of Missio Nexus in June 2015, after serving in executive leadership with Pioneers USA and Pioneers Canada since 1999. Ted was a church planter in the Balkans and holds a Ph.D. in intercultural studies at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He and his wife, Annette, have five children and have been active in establishing The Living Room Orlando, a house church network in Florida. Show Notes: Subscribe to Ted’s Substack: tedesler.substack.com Find Ted’s podcast with Matthew Ellison: The Mission Matters Learn more about Missio Nexus: https://missionexus.org Check the status of gospel access in a people group: joshuaproject.net Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyw55Mi9AU4 Topics: Mission Trends

In this episode, Maggie sits down with Josh Gamble of the Canadian MK Network to explore the unique experiences of missionary kids and the ways they are often overlooked within the Church. Their conversation highlights the importance of intentional care, discipleship, and recognizing MKs as bridge-builders with deep cross-cultural insight. Bio: Josh is a Missionary’s Kid (MK) from Bangladesh and India. Before coming on full-time as director for the Canadian MK Network (CMKN), Josh was a pastor in Calgary. As pastor of Worship Arts & Teams he oversaw the music ministry, Sunday service, small groups, volunteer ministry, and leadership development. Show Notes: Check out the Canadian MK Network: https://cmkn.outreach.ca Connect with Josh: [email protected] Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKysdbVQZ7c Topics: Member Care, Discipleship

In this episode, Mags and Maggie share the vision for where the Global Missions Toolbox is headed, introducing The Global Missions Pathway as a practical guide to help churches build and grow their missions efforts. The conversation also highlights upcoming Global Missions Events and our hearts for you. Learn more at globalmissionstoolbox.com. Show Notes: Get the GoJournal today! gojournal.org| Explore the Toolbox: globalmissionstoolbox.com Get in touch with our team: [email protected] Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjZG6TmQKX8 Topics: GMT News

In this episode, Ellen Livingood returns to share thoughtful, practical insight on the four core responsibilities of a missions team: members, media, missionaries, and money. She challenges churches to more deeply engage their people, communicate effectively, care for missionaries, and cultivate generous, mission-minded communities. Bio: Ellen Livingood founded and directs Catalyst Services, a ministry designed to help churches, mission agencies, and networks more fully engage believers’ God-given gifts for global outreach. From a base in suburban Philadelphia, Catalyst serves missions entities across North America and, increasingly, around the world via resources, coaching, and connecting. Her background of ministry on a local-church staff and in mission-agency administration nurtured her vision to see the tremendous potential of local churches better engaged to impact the lost world for Christ. Show Notes: Check out Ellen’s other episodes: #12: How to Create a Missions Strategy #106: Engaging Your Church’s Untapped Potential #179: Sending Churches and Partner Agencies: Finding a Great Match #217: Attracting New Capacity for Your Missions Committee Find her website, Postings, and other resources at catalystservices.org. You can reach out with any questions at [email protected]. Subscribe to us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@globalmissionspodcast7493 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalmissionspodcast/ or @globalmissionspodcast Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkZmapkcYKU Topics: Sending Church