Mitch Bennett: Short Term Missions as a Discipleship Tool

In this heartfelt episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler welcomes Trish Hogan, a compassionate mother and life coach from New York, to share her experiences of saying "yes" to a mission trip to Niger. From forming deep bonds with fellow team members to witnessing life-changing moments, Trish reflects on how this journey revitalized her faith and reshaped her view of the world. Listen in as Trish shares stories of joy, connection, and the profound beauty of trusting God’s plan. "Take a leap of faith, say yes, and it might exceed your wildest dreams." – Trish Hogan In This Episode: Trish’s spontaneous decision to join the mission trip after a simple invitation from Lee Hatcher. The surprising tranquility and sense of peace experienced immediately upon arriving in Niger. A defining moment on the rooftop where Trish’s nephew William shared heartfelt words, deepening their bond. The impact of her roommate Tasha’s unreserved faith and how it encouraged Trish to embrace a more open-hearted approach to worship. How witnessing the dedication of local leaders, Edwar and Em, sparked a renewed passion for faith and community in Trish’s life. The lasting impression left by the joy and innocence of the children in Niger, and how their interactions moved Trish’s heart. If you're inspired to say your own "yes" and see where God leads you, you can explore opportunities to support or join missions through the following link: https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/.

In this episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler interviews Anita Cantrell, a worship leader with a heart for missions. Anita shares how God unexpectedly opened the door for her to join a mission trip to Niger, combining her love for music with her passion for ministry. Listen as she recalls transformative moments of worship with the local church and reflects on how stepping out in faith deepened her relationship with God. This conversation will inspire you to trust in God’s perfect timing and say yes to His plans for your life. "If you make yourself available, anything is possible." – Anita Cantrell In This Episode: The unexpected opportunity of combining her passion for music and missions. The overwhelming contrast between the poverty in Niger and the vibrant faith and joy of its people. A powerful worship moment when local believers, eager to praise, began singing, filling the room with the undeniable presence of God. The unreserved, joyful worship of the Nigerian church. Trusting God's timing and what He has put on your heart. Are you ready to say yes to what God has placed on your heart? Explore mission opportunities and find out how you can get involved in Niger by visiting https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/

In this episode, Alison Creger, a retired social worker originally from the Northeast, shares her inspiring journey of saying yes to mission work in Niger. Alison talks about how her professional experiences prepared her heart for missions and how a persistent sense of calling finally led her to take a leap of faith. From a deep desire to serve alongside her family to discovering that God’s plan was uniquely for her, Alison’s story highlights the importance of faith over fear and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance even when the path seems unclear. "If I allowed myself to be afraid, I would never have gone. So instead, I placed my faith in Jesus, and He paved the way from that point forward." In This Episode: Alison’s unique path to Niger, which started with an invitation for her sons and husband—and how she ultimately decided it was her turn to say yes. The surprising attitude of the people of Niger, who despite poverty and hardships, remain humble and joyful. A defining moment of seeing Muslim women participate in the team’s Bible stories and later choosing to accept Jesus as their Savior. The impact of stepping out in faith and embracing the motto “faith over fear,” both in Niger and in Alison’s everyday life. A powerful quote on how missing God’s opportunities can lead to regret and the encouragement to take God-ordained risks. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities.

In this episode, Grace Hogan, an English teacher from Chester, shares her life-changing experience of saying yes to missions in Niger. Grace reflects on how the people of Niger and the time she spent there strengthened her faith and gave her a new perspective on life. From interacting with children at a local hospital to sharing meaningful moments on rooftops, Grace's journey is a powerful reminder of the transformation that comes from stepping out in faith. Her story offers encouragement to those considering their own next steps in serving others and trusting God. "I feel that I'm stronger in faith. I'm a different person from going through that experience, and I just think I'm forever changed." ~ Grace Hogan In This Episode: Grace's spontaneous decision to say yes to Niger, inspired by her family and mission debriefs. The powerful impact of interacting with the joyful people of Niger, especially the children at the hospital. Rooftop reflections that connected Grace with others on the team and deepened her faith. How a simple memento from her trip serves as a daily reminder of the transformation that took place during her time in Niger. The lasting impact of the mission trip on Grace's perspective on life, faith, and her role as a teacher. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities.

In this episode, Savannah Harper, a 17-year-old senior at Hanover High School, shares her inspiring journey of saying yes to mission trips in Niger. With plans to pursue a career in social work, Savannah reflects on how these experiences have shaped her faith and direction in life. From her early desire to serve in Niger, inspired by her family's mission work, to the transformative moments she's encountered on her trips, Savannah's story is a testament to the power of trust in God's plan. Her experiences reveal how stepping out in faith, even in the face of uncertainty, can lead to profound personal and spiritual growth. "No matter what, just trust in God and you don't have to have all the answers right now." In This Episode: Savannah’s early inspiration to join mission trips, stemming from her family’s involvement. The surprising comfort she found in Niger despite previous anxieties about traveling. How a particularly stressful year led to a powerful moment of connection with God during her mission trip. The impact of Niger on Savannah's understanding of faith and reliance on God in difficult times. The influence of her mission experiences on her decision to pursue a career in social work. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities.

In the episode, Amy Williams, the Medical Missions Directer at Effective Ministries, shares her transformative journey of saying yes to missions, particularly her impactful experiences in Niger. Amy's deep-rooted faith and her willingness to step out of her comfort zone offer invaluable insights into personal growth through service and the rewards of overcoming fear in spiritual journeys. Her recount of initiating cataract surgery missions in Niger showcases the profound impact of medical missions in Africa, emphasizing the life-changing outcomes and the reinforcement of faith that comes through service. Amy's story underscores the power of saying yes to God's calling and the ripple effect it can have on one's faith, perspective, and life. Her message resonates with individuals seeking spiritual growth through service and missions, highlighting the potential for increased faith and personal transformation through service and saying yes. By tuning in to this episode, listeners can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of saying yes to mission trips, the benefits of medical missions in Africa, and the profound personal growth realized through faith and service. "Enjoy the journey. Relax. He's got you. He's got this whatever it is you're going through. He's got your answer, he's got your provision, he's got your peace of mind. He's got your healing if you need it. Enjoy the journey. Relax. He's a big dad with big arms and he just wants you to enjoy the journey with him driving the car. He's got you." - Amy Williams In this Episode: Embracing the power of saying yes to mission trips can transform your faith and life in unexpected ways. Serving in Niger provides eye-opening experiences and a chance to make a meaningful impact in a vibrant community. Discover personal growth through faith and service, unlocking new levels of fulfillment and purpose. Overcoming fear in spiritual journeys leads to incredible breakthroughs and a deepening of your spiritual connection. Explore the immense benefits of participating in medical missions in Africa, where you can make a tangible impact on healthcare in underserved communities. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities⁠

Justine Walton, a 25-year-old history teacher, shares her transformative journey of saying yes to God's call and volunteering in Niger. Introduced to the opportunity through her connection with the host's family, Justine's genuine yes led her to Niger, where she was deeply impacted by the warmth and generosity of the Nigerien people. Her experience reshaped her perspective on daily complaints and taking things for granted, ultimately empowering her to seek re-baptism in Niger and find a church community back home. Justine's emphasis on the importance of saying yes to God and overcoming fear to pursue spiritual growth offers valuable insights for individuals seeking deeper faith and personal growth. Her journey is a compelling reminder of the life-changing opportunities that can arise from embracing faith and community connections. By listening to this episode, you'll gain a firsthand perspective on the impact of mission trips on faith, the power of building community connections, and the significance of overcoming fear to pursue spiritual growth. Every part of my body wanted to come back. Every single part of me was like, I'm coming back here. Like, I just fell in love with Niger and the people there. - Justine Walton Embrace life-changing opportunities by saying yes to God's call. Gain valuable insights from volunteering experiences in Niger. Discover the profound impact of mission trips on your faith journey. Learn effective strategies for building strong community connections within church groups. Overcome fear and take meaningful steps towards spiritual growth. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities⁠

In this episode of the After Yes podcast, host Michael Thaler speaks with Krystal Jones about her transformative journey to Niger on a mission trip. Krystal shares how she initially hesitated but ultimately said yes to the opportunity, leading her to witness extreme poverty and profound joy in the face of adversity. Her experiences in Niger not only broadened her perspective but also birthed a ministry that allows her to share her faith and help others find solace and inspiration in their own faith journeys. Krystal's story serves as a powerful testament to the impact of saying yes to God's calling, even when feeling unprepared, and her message of trust and faith resonates throughout the conversation. If you don't feel like you're prepared, know that once you say yes, you will begin to get prepared. - Krystal Jones In this episode: Saying yes to life-changing mission trips. The profound effect of traveling to Niger on your faith and perspective. The transformative power of encountering God through serving others. Overcoming doubts and fears to step into your mission work with confidence. Embracing God's call and witnessing the life-changing impact of saying yes. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities⁠

In this episode of After Yes, Chrystal Hobart of Son Chaser Ministries reveals her inspiring journey of sharing the gospel through mime in Niger. Her story began with a childhood passion for using dramatic arts as a means to convey the gospel, a calling that persisted into adulthood. As she shared her experience leading a mission team to Niger, Chrystal's candid reflections illuminated the transformative power of embracing discomfort and saying "yes" to opportunities that challenge and expand one's faith. Her emotional rooftop worship experience in Niger, standing at the intersection of past childhood prayers and present-day mission work, left a profound impact. It underscored the significance of missions in expanding the Kingdom of Heaven and the enduring legacy of the Church. Chrystal's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of international missions on faith, urging listeners to embrace the call to spread the gospel beyond their comfort zones, and living out the Great Commission. "I think it's just given me a bigger picture of the kingdom of heaven. I know it's easy for us to kind of get stuck in our routines, you know, in the way that we live our life, maybe even the way that we think about missions. But it's kind of just casted a bigger vision for me to not be afraid to go outside of my comfort zone, that God is going to always hold us in those moments and guide us through those moments that even though they're not going to always be easy, they're going to challenge you." - Chrystal Hobart In this episode: Embracing Discomfort: Learn the power of embracing discomfort in international missions and how it can lead to personal growth and spiritual transformation. Saying Yes to Opportunities: Discover the impact of saying yes to unexpected opportunities in the mission field and how it can lead to meaningful connections and experiences. Cultural Adaptation: Explore the importance of cultural adaptation in international missions and how it can bridge gaps and foster understanding between different communities. Impact on Faith: Understand the profound impact that mission trips can have on one's faith and spiritual journey, and how it can lead to a deeper understanding of God's work in the world. Expanding the Kingdom: Gain insights into how international missions play a crucial role in expanding the kingdom of heaven and spreading the message of hope and love to diverse global communities. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities⁠

In this episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler chats with Mitch Bennett, the executive pastor at Mechanicsville Christian Center, about his eye-opening experiences on mission trips to Niger, Africa. Bennett shares his deep involvement in missions and how it has shaped his perspective on faith and life. He emphasizes the profound impact of saying yes to missions in Niger, highlighting moments where the presence of the Holy Spirit was palpable and the transformative power of sharing personal stories across cultures. Through Bennett's reflections, listeners gain valuable insights into the spiritual, personal, and communal significance of mission work in Niger. His stories underscore the importance of embracing life-changing opportunities and the transformative power of stepping out of one's comfort zone. Bennett's experiences and perspectives offer a compelling invitation for anyone seeking to understand the profound impact of mission work and the deeper meaning of faith and purpose. Whether you're considering embarking on your own mission journey or simply seeking a deeper understanding of the spiritual and personal growth that comes from seizing life-changing opportunities, this episode is a must-listen for its thought-provoking insights and inspiring anecdotes. There is something about going that will change your life. Whether that is something that God does in you or through you. Or the ability to be able to see the big picture of God's kingdom and how it works is a phenomenal see. So I would say at the end, just come and see. Come and see what God has for you. - Mitch Bennett In this episode, you will be able to: Embrace life-changing opportunities with courage on mission trips to Niger, Africa. Say yes to God and witness the impactful transformation in your life and others on mission trips. Explore the significant role of faith in missionary work for a deeper understanding of its impact. Learn strategies for building sustainable ministries overseas to make a lasting difference. Experience the powerful presence of God while on mission trips to Niger, Africa. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities⁠