Visionlife365

Missionary adventures aren’t always about the adrenaline-charged moments or the grand gestures. More often than not, it’s the quiet undertones, the patient efforts, and the deliberate weaving of threads that connect souls. In the vast landscape of missionary endeavors, the "low and slow" process of nurturing community relationships truly stands the test of time. Gary and Jason pull back the curtain on one such serendipitous episode in this captivating episode. A routine ministry inspection by the Dominican government, an event most would consider bureaucratic and mundane, transformed into a providential platform for the Gospel. Journey with them as they narrate how an encounter with an inspector became so much more - a stirring testament to God's ability to work in every situation. But there’s more. The commitment to transparency, compliance, and genuine partnership with local authorities speaks volumes. As Gary and Jason delve into their experience, it becomes clear that their dedication isn't just to the letter of the law but, more importantly, to represent the spirit of Christ in every interaction. Their tale is one of faith, integrity, and divine orchestration. Join us for this episode as we explore how the genuine desire to collaborate and build bridges in the Dominican Republic creates opportunities for the Gospel and exemplifies the very essence of Christ’s teachings. It’s a story of hope, resilience, and the unexpected blessings that emerge when faith meets action.

Navigating family life amidst the vast expanse of global terrains can weave stories that are nothing short of extraordinary. When the rich tapestry of diverse cultures and linguistic nuances merge with the day-to-day intricacies of life, it births tales that are both heartwarming and hilariously unpredictable. In this somewhat humorous episode, our dynamic duo, Gary and Jason, delve deep into their treasure trove of memories from the field. From navigating perplexing health challenges in uncharted territories to the comedic pitfalls of grappling with new languages - their stories promise a roller-coaster of emotions. So, buckle up for a journey across borders and into the heart of family life with Gary and Jason. It’s not just an episode; it’s a testament to the beautiful chaos that defines life on the field. Whether you've lived it or just dreamt of it, this episode will leave you enriched, amused, and craving for more.

In this podcast episode, hosts Jason and Gary delve into the profound impact of a church member named Margarita who recently lost her battle with cancer. Gary and Jason talk about Margarita's life and how even in her death, Christ was magnified. They also address the unique challenges missionaries face when dealing with deaths and funerals, mainly due to cultural differences and nuances. Funerals can be uncomfortable for missionaries due to unfamiliar cultural customs and traditions. However, they emphasize that despite these cultural variations, the most important thing for believers is to rally around those who have lost a loved one and demonstrate the love and support of Christ. As Jason and Gary reflect on Margarita's funeral, they highlight how her life was a powerful testimony for Christ. Her unwavering faith, love for others, and commitment to living for Christ indelibly impacted everyone who knew her. Tears may have been shed, but her funeral was anything but ordinary. It became a celebration of her extraordinary journey and the eternal hope she found in Christ. Join Jason and Gary as they delve into Margarita's remarkable story, drawing important lessons about living wholeheartedly for Christ, even in death. Prepare to be encouraged, inspired, and challenged to magnify Christ in your own life.

Join Gary and Jason, two seasoned missionaries serving in the Dominican Republic, as they delve into the pivotal role of the local sending church in the life of a missionary. In this episode of "Empowering Connections," explore the sending church's profound impact on both the missionary and the local congregation. Discover how the sending church serves as a vital support system, uplifting and encouraging the missionary and their family and reaping significant benefits for the local church itself. Gary and Jason share personal experiences and heartfelt stories highlighting the transformative power of establishing a direct connection between the sending church and the missionary in the field. Uncover how the sending church is pivotal in building up and equipping the missionary, providing the necessary spiritual, emotional, and practical support they need to fulfill their calling. From prayer networks and financial assistance to regular communication and visits, they explore how the sending church can strengthen the missionary's resolve and impact on the mission field. Moreover, Gary and Jason delve into the symbiotic relationship between the sending church and the local congregation. They discuss how supporting a missionary allows the church members to engage with missions on a personal and organic level, cultivating a heart for global outreach within the congregation. By directly connecting to the missionary and witnessing the transformative work firsthand, church members are inspired and challenged to serve in mission work themselves. Discover the ripple effect of missionary support as it permeates the local church, fostering a missions-minded culture that extends far beyond the missionary's specific field of service. Gary and Jason share stories of how mission involvement has renewed passion, purpose, and unity in congregations, ultimately fueling the Great Commission. Explore the profound role of the local sending church in the life of a missionary. Gain insights into how investing in the missionary's journey not only encourages the missionary and their family but also ignites a missional flame within the church, prompting members to engage in global outreach and fulfill their own calling in spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth. Get ready to be inspired, challenged, and equipped as Gary and Jason shed light on the incredible synergy that emerges when the local sending church and the missionary work hand in hand, creating a powerful force for global impact and transformation.

In this episode of "Empowering Encouragement," join your hosts Gary and Jason, two veteran missionaries serving in the Dominican Republic, as they delve into the importance of supporting and encouraging missionaries on their journey. Discover practical strategies and meaningful actions that can impact the lives of those who have dedicated themselves to spreading the gospel and serving communities worldwide. Together, Gary and Jason draw from their extensive experience to share insightful tips and actionable steps that you can take to uplift and strengthen the missionaries in your life. They emphasize that encouragement is beneficial for the missionaries and is a powerful source of inspiration for those who invest in their ministry. Explore the transformative power of personal connection as Gary and Jason share stories of how simple gestures and intentional relationships have greatly encouraged missionaries on the field. From prayer support and regular communication to care packages and visits, they reveal the tangible ways you can be a beacon of hope and support. Join the conversation as they discuss the significance of understanding the unique challenges and joys missionaries face and how your empathy and encouragement can provide much-needed strength during their journey. Discover how to foster community and build relationships with missionaries, allowing them to feel connected and supported even when far from their home country. Whether you are a fellow missionary, a friend, a family member, or a church member, this episode will equip you with practical tools to encourage and inspire missionaries worldwide. Learn how investing time, resources, and love can profoundly impact their work and well-being. Embark on a transformative journey of becoming an invaluable support system for missionaries as we fulfill the Great Commission and spread the love of Christ to every corner of the globe.

In this thought-provoking episode of "Celebrating Diversity," your hosts Gary and Jason delve into embracing cultural diversity, recognizing the beauty and uniqueness within our differences. Society often places pressure on us to level the playing field when it comes to race, color, and ethnicity. While this may be well-intentioned, it can unintentionally undermine the rich tapestry of existing cultures. Gary and Jason challenge this notion, urging listeners to shift their perspectives and appreciate the depth and variety that diversity brings. Through insightful discussions and personal anecdotes, our hosts highlight cultural identity misconceptions. They shed light on the misconception that all Hispanics come from the same country and culture, emphasizing that each Hispanic national possesses a distinct cultural identity and Spanish dialect. By exploring this example, Gary and Jason demonstrate the need to recognize and celebrate the diversity within seemingly homogeneous groups. Above all, this podcast episode emphasizes the importance of embracing skin color and cultural differences. By doing so, we honor the beauty of diversity and acknowledge the multicultural aspect of the gospel. Join Gary and Jason as they encourage you to open your hearts and minds, fostering a world where everyone's uniqueness is cherished and celebrated.

Are you passionate about sharing the gospel with those from other cultures? If so, join Gary and Jason in this podcast episode, "Mission Conferences Beyond Borders: Inspiring Nationals for Church Planting"! In this episode, they will discuss why it is essential to have mission conferences in foreign fields. All believers worldwide must have a global vision for the gospel. They will also talk about how having cross-cultural mission conferences can be beneficial as it allows us to learn from each other's cultures and beliefs while still standing firm in our faith. Lastly, they will discuss ways to inspire nationals to participate in church planting and missions and expand God's kingdom by spreading the gospel internationally! Don't miss out on this opportunity to get grounded with Gary and Jason on the importance of mission conferences beyond borders!

Welcome to this podcast episode, "Growing God's Kingdom: The Power of Church Planting," hosted by Gary and Jason, veteran missionaries in the Dominican Republic. Listen in as they share a new ministry opportunity recently opened for them. Iglesia Bautista Evangelica de Macoris has begun the process of opening up satellite chapels in our city for us to spread the gospel and have more people come closer to God. This process is critical because it helps fortify and strengthen Christians in their faith. When they minister to others, it helps them stay on track with their spiritual journey. This will help reach out to more people in our city who don't know Jesus Christ, and it will create more robust, more unified, and more mature believers within the local body. We are so proud of this fantastic opportunity and can't wait to start seeing its impact on the people here. We know it will be powerful and meaningful for everyone involved. And we are excited to see the impact on God's kingdom! Listen in as we explore this ministry opportunity and all the great things it can do for our city!

Welcome to the podcast "Glimmers of Grace: Living Our Faith in a Darkening World!" brought to you by Gary and Jason! In this episode, we discuss one of the most critical aspects of our Christian lives: living out our faith in Christ. We know standing firm against the darkness encroaching on our world can be challenging. But as Christians, we must remember that there is no greater power than Jesus; He has overcome all things, even death itself. By putting our trust in Him and keeping His commandments, we can have hope for a better tomorrow. When faced with temptation or societal pressure, we must step back and remember who God is and what He stands for. We should never compromise our beliefs to fit in with the world, but instead, we should be living examples of God's love and grace. We must trust that He will give us the strength to remain faithful, no matter what happens. Even when everything is crumbling around us, we can always have hope because Jesus has already won the ultimate victory over sin and death. So when faced with hardship or doubt, remember that faith in Christ will never fail. As you continue your journey through life, let your faith be a guiding light for others. Thank you so much for joining us today! We hope this podcast was an encouragement to you and that it reminded you of how important it is to live out our faith in Christ each and every day!

Welcome to the latest episode from Gary and Jason, "The Mark of a Disciple: Identifying Common Characteristics Among New Believers," where they discuss the journey of new believers in the discipleship process. In this episode, they explore the common traits that all new believers share and how identifying them can help missionaries and disciple-makers lead others in their journey to spiritual maturity. As missionaries and disciple-makers, Gary and Jason understand the importance of knowing what to expect when working with new believers. Knowing what to expect can help make the discipleship process much easier and more effective. Our goal with this episode is to encourage and equip those actively making disciples. We believe that by identifying these common traits and knowing how to deal with them when they occur, we can help new believers grow in their faith and become strong disciples of Christ. Join Gary and Jason as they explore this topic and share their insights and experiences. We hope this episode will be a source of encouragement and inspiration to all involved in making disciples.

Welcome to this latest episode, "A Legacy of Leadership: Ensuring Your Ministry's Continued Success," with your hosts Gary and Jason. In this episode, Gary shares his insights on his mission organization's recent transition in installing new leadership. Gary begins by highlighting the spiritual maturity of the current leader, who has been actively searching for and preparing the new leader. He explains that this transition comes from a tremendous heart of humility and spiritual maturity. The current leader has seen how God has used him for a season but has also recognized that someone else can and will handle this next season much better. This realization demonstrates self-awareness and a willingness to put the organization's mission ahead of personal desires or ambitions. Gary explains that there are important lessons to be learned from this transition. Just because leaders change roles doesn't mean they are no longer valuable to the organization. They can often flourish in a supportive role and reinforce the leadership of the new leader. As the organization transitions, Gary encourages listeners to note how the current leader handles the change. He emphasizes the importance of learning from this example and applying it to other areas of leadership in their own lives and organizations. Throughout the podcast, Gary and Jason engage in a lively discussion about the qualities of effective leadership and the importance of humility and self-awareness. They explore how leaders can best serve their organizations, both in times of transition and in day-to-day operations. Listeners will leave this episode challenged to see the importance of humility in leadership and building God's Kingdom!

Welcome to this podcast episode "Beyond Conversion: The Journey to Spiritual Maturity", a podcast hosted by Gary and Jason, two missionaries dedicated to leading new believers from the newness of faith to the depths of spiritual maturity. This episode explores the critical importance of a well-defined discipleship pathway. This essential roadmap shapes the journey of faith from its earliest stages to the pinnacle of spiritual growth. Balancing the scales between academia and applicability, Gary and Jason delve into the complexities of faith formation, stressing the delicate equilibrium between theological study and a new believer's organic, personal queries. Our spiritual journey isn't purely academic, nor should it be lost in a maze of questions; it's a harmonious blend of the two, and that’s exactly what this podcast explores. We recognize that the questions a new believer asks are not distractions but signposts of their current stage of spiritual growth. We address these questions head-on without letting them become sidetracked from the discipleship process completely. While these questions are crucial, keeping our eyes focused on the broader pathway to maturity is equally essential. "Beyond Conversion: The Journey to Spiritual Maturity" combines the experience with the freshness of new perspectives, keeping the listener engaged and grounded in spiritual growth. With a heart for guiding new believers and a commitment to maintaining the focus on the holistic discipleship journey, Gary and Jason offer this podcast episode that's not just about learning but about growing, questioning, and, most importantly, maturing in faith. Tune in, and let's take the journey together. Your pathway to spiritual maturity starts here.

Welcome to a thought-provoking podcast episode hosted by Gary and Jason. Today, we journey into the heart of our communities, seen through the lens of international eyes. As we explore this theme, we delve into the profound significance of cultivating relational bridges and fostering a sense of unity, particularly for the sake of the Gospel. Our hosts, Gary and Jason, guide us through a fascinating discussion about the rich diversity that makes up our neighborhoods. The world is now literally at our doorstep. Gary and Jason highlight the vast array of cultures and traditions we encounter daily, making us realize that we live amidst an international community. This episode emphasizes the role each of us plays in building bridges of understanding and connection, helping the Gospel's reach expand beyond conventional boundaries. Gary and Jason passionately advocate for adopting the stance of intentional learners when interacting with our international neighbors. They argue that we must step out of our comfort zones and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. Learning about foreign cultures is about acknowledging differences and celebrating commonalities, including our shared human need for grace and salvation. The hosts remind us that cultural learning is a delicate process. It's easy to make judgments based on our interpretations, which our biases or misconceptions can often skew. To build solid and meaningful relationships, they urge listeners to approach different cultures with an open mind, humility, and respect, to understand and appreciate them truly. Join Gary and Jason in this enlightening conversation as they reveal the essence of the Gospel's international outreach. They highlight the importance of embracing diversity, building relational bridges, and fostering a deep, meaningful understanding of the global community outside our front door.

Welcome to this podcast episode, "Divine Dispatches: Extraordinary Missionary Experiences." Gary and Jason share their personal experiences with the supernatural in this podcast. Despite not being superstitious or having Pentecostal leanings, Gary and Jason have experienced some incredible encounters on the field. They will share some of their most memorable experiences, from gringos in the back of Sarah Sykes' car to witnessing inexplicable protection. These experiences can only be explained as divine intervention. Gary and Jason will discuss some of their experiences where they have seen God's protection over them. They will share how their faith has been a constant source of strength and protection on their journey. One interesting point that Gary and Jason discuss is the prevalence of dark and occult activity outside of the United States. They explain that in some cultures, there is open worship of darkness and occult practices that can lead to increased supernatural activity. Jason shares his experiences living in Venezuela, where there was very open satanic worship, and how this affected the spiritual climate of the country. They also discuss the strong voodoo influence in the Dominican Republic, stemming from neighboring Haiti. If you're interested in the intersection of faith and the supernatural, this podcast episode is for you. Listen to this episode, "Divine Dispatches: Extraordinary Missionary Experiences," to hear some incredible stories about divine protection and encounters with the supernatural world.

Gary and Jason are taking on a topic that is sometimes seen as a foreign concept in the church: the role of elders. In this podcast, they explore the importance of this leadership position and why it is often misunderstood. Many people believe that deacons should do the job of the elder, but Gary and Jason explain that deacons serve the pastor and the congregation. In contrast, elders provide spiritual accountability and protection for the pastor and the congregation. They delve into the biblical basis for this role and how elders can help strengthen and guide the church. Gary and Jason also share their personal experiences and opinions and discuss the importance of incorporating this leadership position in the church. Although their church, IBEM, has not yet voted on whether or not to have elders, Gary and Jason are both very much in favor of incorporating elders into their leadership structure if the Lord leads the congregation in this direction. Join Gary and Jason as they engage in this critical and thought-provoking discussion about the role of elders in the church.

Gary and Jason are tackling one of the most significant theological debates in the Christian faith: are salvation and discipleship one and the same or two separate entities? In this thought-provoking podcast, they explore the nuances of this complex topic and provide their unique perspectives. Neither Gary nor Jason wants to answer with a definite yes or no, but instead, they focus on the importance of tangible growth in the believer's life. They discuss the relationship between salvation and discipleship and repentance's role in both. Using biblical references and real-life examples, Gary and Jason delve into the gospel's transformative power and how it leads to a changed life. They also explore the importance of following Jesus, not just believing in Him, and how this is reflected in how we live our lives. Join Gary and Jason in this timely and relevant discussion, challenging listeners to think deeply about the nature of salvation and discipleship. Don't miss out on this important and thought-provoking podcast, where they explore whether salvation and discipleship are the same or two separate entities. Tune in now!

Gary and Jason are taking you on a journey to explore the potential dangers of seeing foreign cultures only through American eyes. This podcast delves into how our perceptions can shape our understanding of other cultures and how wrong perceptions can lead to wrong conclusions. Gary and Jason share their experiences of traveling and engaging with different cultures, highlighting the importance of being culturally aware and sensitive. They discuss how misunderstanding a culture can have serious consequences, including financial consequences. For example, providing financial aid to people in need may seem like a good thing. Still, if it is not done culturally appropriately, it can harm them in the long run by making them financially dependent. Join Gary and Jason as they explore the importance of cultural humility and the steps we can take to challenge our own biases and gain a deeper understanding of the cultures we encounter. They also share practical tips and insights on engaging with different cultures respectfully and beneficially with both parties. Don't miss out on this thought-provoking and engaging podcast, where Gary and Jason challenge the dangers of seeing foreign cultures only through American eyes. Tune in now!

Within the realm of theology, there are varying positions on faith preceding regeneration or regeneration preceding faith. The position of our ministry is that faith precedes regeneration. Listen as Gary and Jason share why they believe a person must surrender to God's authority in repentance before being saved. Regardless of which side of the aisle you fall on, this theological discussion will challenge you and make you think!

The gospel is God's most important message entrusted to the believer as stewardship. Unfortunately, many Christians are not confident to share their faith and often seek out their pastor to "witness" to someone because they don't have the confidence to do it themselves. In February 2023 our seminary will be launching a class about understanding the gospel. Listen as Gary and Jason discuss what are the important aspects of a clear gospel message. This will encourage you in your faith and give you tools to help you share your faith!

San Pedro de Macoris is a unique city. Due to the influence of baseball, we are often blessed to have both Spanish-speaking and English-speaking visitors. This presents a unique opportunity for ministry. Listen as Gary and Jason talk through our ministry philosophy and how we operate our bilingual ministry.