Heart of Mission

S8E03 - What happens when local church leaders are given the time and space to step back from the demands of ministry and engage deeply with global mission thinking? In this episode, we hear from Ben Woodd and Shane Ellery, two Adelaide Senior Ministers who took part in a week-long intensive at St Andrew’s Hall, Melbourne. This intensive became a unique opportunity for Australian ministry leaders to reflect on mission, culture, and the local church in today’s complex and changing world. Ben and Shane describe the experience as a gift — a rare chance to slow down, learn alongside leaders from different contexts, and engage with rich theological teaching. From daily devotions to sessions on worldview, poverty, and mission in the 21st century, the intensive challenged familiar assumptions and encouraged deeper reflection. Reflecting on their own ministry contexts, both pastors share how the intensive prompted fresh eyes toward their local communities and congregations. They discuss the tension between belonging and openness, and what it might look like for churches to be a foretaste of God’s kingdom — a community shaped by every tribe, tongue, and nation. This episode offers thoughtful insight for anyone seeking to lead faithfully in cross-cultural, post-Christian contexts.

S8E02-In this episode, we explore what God is doing in Namibia through the work of Dan and Liv. Liv is using her skills as a physio and Dan teaches at NETS (Namibia Evangelical Theological Seminary). They share stories that reveal both the beauty and the challenges of ministry in a country marked by strong nominal Christianity, deep spiritual need, and significant social and economic contrasts. We hear about the remarkable journey of Tom, a police officer whose bold evangelism has led to churches springing up in remote villages—and how theological training is now equipping him to return and strengthen those churches with a deeper understanding of God’s word. Liv gives insight into everyday life in Namibia and her physiotherapy work among women and people with disability. Through stories she highlights how her expertise and compassionate care offered in Jesus’ name can transform lives. Dan reflects on the role of NETS in shaping future Christian leaders, the joy and challenge of discipling students from diverse backgrounds, and the ongoing need for workers who can support grassroots training and pastoral formation. Whether you’re interested in mission, theological education, or the lived reality of serving overseas, this episode offers a grounded and encouraging look at how God is at work in Namibia. 

S8E01- “They really do cry out to our Father in heaven because they have no one else to cry out to” – Keith Birchley Keith, and his wife Marion, have spent ten years serving university students in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.  The people of PNG live with a trust in God that is both humbling and deeply instructive for the average Aussie Christian. In this episode Keith unpacks what it means to follow Jesus in a context where poverty, corruption, tribal tension, and political unrest can interrupt daily life. He also reflects on the slow, patient work of coming alongside to support the rebuilding of a student movement. We hear how good theology can anchor and bolster student ministry while still valuing sharing experiences, song, and relationships. This conversation offers an honest glimpse into the faith of our nearest neighbours - where God shines through the their hope and dependence in Him. 

S7E06 - Chris and Stef Overhall, have been serving in Chile for seven years. They share the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, from learning a new language to raising children in a foreign context. Chris discusses his work teaching theological education in Spanish through the Center for Pastoral Studies (CEP), highlighting the value of slow, humble service in gospel training.Stef reflects on how vulnerability in language and culture has reshaped their ministry approach—slowing them down, fostering deeper relationships, and teaching them to listen and ask better questions. Through stories of friendship and discipleship with local women they reveal how everyday gospel conversations can flourish in an unfamiliar context.They also explore shifts in Chilean society with growing secularism, stress, and spiritual hunger—and how the local church continues to hold out Christ. This episode offers a moving glimpse of faithful mission shaped by dependence, long-term investment, and the transforming power of God’s word.

S7E05 - Meet David and Jenny, serving with CMS in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the region’s ongoing conflict, instability, and poverty, they paint a picture of vibrant faith, rich community, and deep thankfulness among the Congolese people.Jenny shares her ministry with women—widows and church groups—where relationships, prayer, and practical service flourish even amidst hardship. Learning Swahili, she now teaches on the character of God to help ground women's heartfelt cries in biblical truth. David focuses on training church leaders and evangelists, bringing clarity around the gospel of grace in a context shaped by legalism and spiritual fear.They reflect on challenges—security risks, navigating cultural expectations, and language barriers—and the joys of seeing hearts transformed by God's Word. Their story is one of long-term faithfulness, humility, and a willingness to serve where the needs are great.The episode offers a glimpse into life and ministry in the DRC and invites others to consider joining the work. With over half the population under 16 years old and churches full of young people, the opportunities are wide open—and the harvest is plentiful.

S7E04 - For the past 15 years, Ben and his wife Sally have been living and serving among Muslim communities in South-West Sydney—sharing the hope of Jesus and walking alongside believers from Muslim backgrounds. In this episode, Ben shares some incredible stories from his ministry, showing how God is at work in unexpected ways - through refugee movements, the internet, and everyday friendships - drawing Muslims to Himself, often over many years.Ben talks honestly about just how long and challenging that journey can be for many Muslims. He encourages us to approach these friendships with patience, grace, and a deep trust that God is always at work—even when we can’t see it.Ben highlights about the deep identity struggles many believers from Muslim backgrounds face, and the vital role that church communities can play in welcoming, loving, and including them. Ben also shares a challenge for the wider church: there’s a huge need to focus more prayer and mission efforts on reaching Muslim communities.Drawing from his own experience, both in Sydney and in the Middle East, Ben offers godly wisdom on loving Muslim friends with sensitivity, compassion, and long-term faithfulness.

S7E03 - Kellie Nicholas, has served for over 13 years with KGK, Japan’s IFES-affiliated student movement. Kellie shares about the joys and challenges of student ministry in Japan, where many students have never seen a bible or heard of Jesus beyond vague Western Christmas references, even confusing him with Santa.There is a long, relational nature of evangelism in Japan, where spiritual journeys often take years or even decades. Kellie explains the unique dynamics of university ministry, where student groups are small, spread across multiple campuses, and led by students themselves. She shares stories of people coming to faith, including a woman whose journey began when her husband became a Christian after being inspired by Elvis’ gospel songs.This conversation highlights the importance of patient, long-term ministry, cultural sensitivity, and faithful prayer. Listeners are encouraged to pray for student leaders, new friendships, and perseverance in a culture where spirituality exists, but conversion to Christianity is slow and complex.

S7E02 - Tim and Olivia Mulherin share their life and ministry at Mercy Medical Center (MMC), Christian hospital in Cambodia. MMC has the dual purpose of training Cambodian Christian doctors and providing holistic, gospel-hearted healthcare. Through mentorship, spiritual care, and medical training, they are empowering local doctors, and their families, to have strong faith and leadership skills.  Hear how an unexpected health crisis meant that Tim had to become a patient himself and he was able to experience deep care from the very doctors he mentors and trains. This was a great lesson in vulnerability and mutual dependence. Olivia shares her own reflections on this time, emphasizing the strength of local community support and the importance of accepting help. Tim and Olivia are involved in holistic mission - where medical care, counselling, and spiritual support come together to meet deep physical and emotional needs. 

S7E01 - In this episode, we sit down with long-term gospel workers Josh and Susannah Apieczonek serving in Lyon, France, to explore the complexities and joy of ministry in a post-Christian European context. After 10 years in France, they reflect on the spiritual concerns of those around them, adapting to French culture, and the unique challenges of sharing Jesus in a secular society. France presents a context where religious faith is private and rarely discussed. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a surprising openness—especially among young people—who are spiritually curious. Josh and Susannah share about GBU (Groupes Bibliques Universitaires), France’s university Christian movement, and its strategic role in evangelism and church leadership development. They also tell powerful stories of people coming to faith through GBU and their local church. This episode gives a real-life picture of long-term mission in France and the hope of the gospel in places where Jesus, as Saviour and King, is not yet known. Links:If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au

S6E06 - In this episode of The Heart of Mission, we shift our focus from distant mission fields to the vibrant multicultural communities right here in Australia. With nearly a third of Australians born overseas, our neighbourhoods are filled with rich cultural and linguistic diversity—but are our churches reflecting this reality?Mark chats with Tamara, a former CMS missionary who spent 10 years on the field with her husband and children, and now serves as a pharmacist and business owner in Adelaide’s multicultural northern suburbs. Tamara shares insights from her recent master's research on bridging language and cultural barriers in pharmacies, offering invaluable lessons for Christians seeking to connect with people from different backgrounds.From practical tips on rephrasing language to the transformative power of kindness, Tamara unpacks the challenges and rewards of serving in diverse settings. This episode is both humbling and encouraging, as Tamara reflects on what it means to build genuine connections across cultures—whether in a pharmacy or a church. She challenges us to see the gospel opportunities right in front of us and offers hope for stepping into uncomfortable but rewarding conversations.Whether you’re passionate about global missions, local outreach, or simply curious about serving others, this conversation will equip and inspire you to reach the nations.Links:If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.auRead more about Tamara’s research here:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1551741123000736?via%3Dihubhttps://academic.oup.com/ijpp/article/31/6/601/7273698

S6E05 - Meet Daniel, Tamie and Michelle – three Mission Mobilisers from three different CMS branches - all deeply invested in journeying with people as they consider their role in God’s global mission. Considering mission service can seem daunting, but in this episode Daniel, Tamie and Michelle seek to share their life, clarify the inquiry process, and show us what sort of people CMS is looking for. Our panel also tackles concerns missionary inquirers have - like financial stability, language barriers, and the potential impact on family life. They emphasize that trust in God as central to every Christian’s life (at home or on the mission field) and reliance on Him brings blessings, personal growth, and joy, even during difficulties like water shortages or language struggles. They also discuss the robust pastoral care provided by CMS, which ensures missionaries and their families are supported, enabling them to flourish. And they share their experience of the many fulfilling aspects of missions, from unique life experiences, such as safaris and cultural immersion, to the profound privilege of being part of God's global work. Mobilising new missionaries is a partnership, requiring us to seek where the Spirit is at work within our own lives, our churches and where the needs are around the world. For more resources or to connect with a mobiliser in your area, visit the CMS website or contact your local CMS branch. Links: If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au

S6E04 - Malcolm and Leanne open up about the "second window of availability"—that phase when God throws up new opportunities, even when they may seem impractical. They share their early stirrings towards mission work, the preparation required to go overseas, and the challenges of adjusting to a vastly different culture and learning a new language in their fifties.They also discuss the joys they've encountered, including helping to establish a locally led Bible college that serves as a gospel light to the community. The Bible college has a pivotal role in developing leaders for a growing Christian population, many of whom come from regions with limited access to formal theological education. Leanne also shares about her role in teaching English to students, helping them access resources and further studies that will allow them to continue strengthening their churches and communities.Whether you’re considering cross-cultural mission work now or simply love hearing stories of faith and resilience, Malcolm and Leanne's journey provides inspiration, insight, and a powerful reminder that age doesn’t disqualify you from living out a life of purpose and mission when Christ is at the centre.Links:If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au

S6E03 - Many parents grapple with the question of whether they should they take their children overseas as missionary kids (MKs)? Is it responsible to uproot them from their home culture, away from family, to a place that may have limited medical care, educational opportunities, or stability? What does it really mean to raise a "Third Culture Kid" (TCK), and how does this impact their identity and future?Our guests today, Maaike Prins and her daughter, Esther, share their personal experiences as a family who spent 17 years serving as missionaries in Cambodia. Maaike and her husband felt called to the mission field, even with a young daughter in tow. Esther, now a young adult, reflects on growing up in Cambodia, attending international schools, and navigating the complexities of being a TCK—living between cultures but fully belonging to neither.The episode also explores the role of international schools designed specifically for MKs, with a focus on Hope International School in Phnom Penh, where Maaike played a leadership role. These schools aim to provide a supportive environment for MKs, helping families stay on the field long-term.For educators considering a global mission experience, Maaike offers insights into the profound impact they can have by teaching at these international schools. Esther adds her perspective on the importance of the community these schools provide for missionary kids helping them navigate the complexities of their identity and life transitions.Whether you're a parent, educator, or simply interested in the intersection of faith, mission, and family life, this episode offers a nuanced look at the costs, challenges, and rich rewards of raising children in the mission field.Links:If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au

S6E02 - How much focus on global missions is too much? As followers of Christ, we're called to engage in local communities while also embracing God's global purpose. But how do we strike the right balance between local and global mission in our everyday lives and ministries? Rowan Kemp is a long-serving staff team leader of the Evangelical Union (EU) at Sydney University. Rowan, who has spent decades shaping the hearts and minds of university students toward both local and global mission, brings invaluable insights from his experiences. He shares how his own journey into global mission was sparked at a young age. This early exposure fostered a love for God's worldwide mission that now fuels his leadership at the university.During the conversation, Rowan outlines nine key principles for promoting a global mission mindset at the local level (see below). He explains the importance of setting a ministry horizon that goes beyond our immediate context, thinking globally while leading by example. Rowan also stresses the need for clear theological thinking about global missions, ensuring that it’s not just an obligation but a joyful response to God's love.This episode will challenge and inspire leaders, church members, and anyone with a heart for missions to think deeply about how to raise up workers for God’s global harvest while maintaining a vibrant local ministry. Whether you're just beginning to explore global missions or looking for ways to encourage others to think beyond their local context, Rowan's practical advice and experiences will provide a helpful roadmap.Tune in as we discuss how you can nurture a global heart right where you are!Nine key principles for promoting a global mission mindset at the local level – listen to hear how Rowan explains and uses these:1. Set ministry horizon 2. Lead by example 4. Theological clarity 5. Language to capture the vision 6. Empower some champions6. Embed global mission into regular program7. Increase firsthand exposure8. Praise God for the wins9. Failure is your friendLinks: If you are interested in serving with or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au

S6E1 - In this powerful episode of Heart of Mission, we sit down with Mila who has been serving in the Middle East for the past six years. Mila shares the challenges, blessings, and lessons learned from her time working among refugees in a region deeply affected by conflict. Through her work as both a medical professional and a disciple-maker, she has gained a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, suffering, and compassion.In a Muslim-majority region, Mila has learned to guide people through Bible stories and engage them in a journey that starts with curiosity and moves toward a life of faith. We learn about Ruth and Naomi, two Muslim women, with whom Mila has been able to read the Bible and what it looks like see God at work amongst Muslim women and their families.  Mila talks about the cultural challenge of weakness and vulnerability being viewed as shameful, but how they also lie at the heart of the gospel and need to be shared! Suffering and grief are all around Mila, yet through it she has remained hopeful, believing that God is at work even in the darkest of places calling for a life of dependence.Links:Sign-up to partner with Mila through prayer or financial giving by going to https://cms.org.au/missionaries/miqqIf you are interested in serving with  or supporting CMS find out more at www.cms.org.au.

"Once upon a time..." Stories are a staple part of childhood; whether true or made up, they capture and grow our imaginations and bring joy and - at times - challenges to our worldview. The Bible itself is full of stories that contribute to the overarching story of God in action in our world. How can missionaries tell this better story effectively? Is it a necessary skill for evangelism? David Williams is Director of Training and Development for CMS at St Andrew’s Hall, in Melbourne, where missionaries attend a six-month training course before being sent out. One of the components of the training course is in Bible Storytelling. Bible Storytelling is powerful and accessible; able to reach people with limited literacy and with a preference for oral learning (think watching a Youtube instructional video rather than reading a manual!). The best Bible Storytellers, says David, tell stories in a way that’s “simple, accurate, and memorable”. They can then transition from the story to a conversation. And it’s not just a helpful skill on the overseas mission field – with Australians become less and less familiar with Bible stories, and less and less curious about God – Bible storytelling has enormous potential to pique interest and curiosity for someone with a secular background. Resources mentioned:Telling the Gospel through Story – Christine DillonReimagining Apologetics – Justin BaileyFind out more about how CMS can help your church partner in global mission by visiting www.cms.org.au and selecting your local branch.

S5E6-Frances Cook first arrived in Chile in 1988 with little theological education, and no Spanish whatsoever. Now, 35 years later, she is on her final Home Assignment as a CMS missionary. For many of those years she was teaching the at the Anglican Diocese Centre of Pastoral Studies (CEP) where she has seen whole generations of clergy pass through to be trained. From humble beginnings, the CEP has brought unity in the Chilean Anglican church and laid a foundation for bible-based ministry. Find out more about how CMS can help your church partner in global mission by visiting www.cms.org.au and selecting your local branch.

S5E5-Ten years is a long time. So, how do our missionaries stay supported for the long-term? How do we know what opportunities there are across the world so we can place missionaries? Well, it’s because every year our missionaries have an in-person pastoral visit from their Regional Mission Director who spends time on the ground supporting missionaries but also having eyes and ears for what is going on locally. Today we draw back the curtain on the agency support our missionaries are given.Micah Taylor was a missionary kid, he went on to serve with his own family as a missionary and now, after all that experience, is a is a CMS Regional Mission Director. His role key to helping missionaries stay on location long-term as they face many complex personal and ministry situations. Micah gets to see the local ministry context, share in the joys and frustrations of ministry on location and help find resources and care when missionaries need it. While mission work can be lonely, missionaries with CMS, are not alone.Find out more about how CMS can help your church partner in global mission by visiting www.cms.org.au and selecting your local branch.

S5E4 - God is at work in the Middle East and L has been part of that story for decades. Nearly 40 years ago, he and his wife packed up their lives and the kids and stepped out in faith and obedience to head to the Middle East. L has seen how God opens doors and hearts to bring people to himself in some of the most gospel poor and restricted places in the world.When they returned to Australia, L and his wife then became a teachers and mentors at St Andrew’s Hall (CMS’s training facility) to train up the next generation of missionaries for cross cultural ministry. And now ... he’s headed back to the Middle East. This time by himself, after the passing of his wife, to join a team who are bringing healing, care and hope to refugees. L is using his years of experience and time in retirement to serve and to keep pushing those doors open to see where God is working. Find out more about supporting L at www.cms.org.au/missionaries/lFind out more about how CMS can help your church partner in global mission by visiting www.cms.org.au and selecting your local branch. Resource mentioned: Tom and Joann Doyle “Women Who Risk”

S5E3 - Kylie Zietsch is the Women’s Dean and member of the teaching staff at Johannesburg Bible College (JBC) in South Africa. She opens our eyes to the ministry and lives of women training at JBC. Women who have a profound impact to bring healing and hope to their communities and who are serving God in extraordinary ways. Kylie never saw herself as an academic, but with a background in teaching and a love for people and ministry done well in context, she has found her place at JBC. She shows us how deeply practical theological education is and how God meets people where they are at and uses them for His kingdom purposes.Find out more about how CMS can help your church partner in global mission by visiting www.cms.org.au and selecting your local branch. To partner with Kylie go to https://www.cms.org.au/missionaries/zietschk