The Blessings Broadcast

Dr. Sandy Christensen is a board-certified OB-GYN and serves as Associate Medical Director for the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA). She explains the practical services pregnancy centers provide, the legal and cultural challenges they face, and the role of faith in life-affirming medicine. She also discusses why early ultrasound and prenatal support matter, and how faith-driven care supports women facing unplanned pregnancies. And lastly, she reflects on her own calling, her partnership with Blessings International, and the Bible verse that anchors her work.Help us make this show better: tell us one thing you’d change about this episode at [email protected]. References & resourcesnifla.org — National Institute of Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA)Bible passages mentioned: Hebrews 6:14 and Lamentations 3:22–23

This episode of the Blessings Broadcast features Dr. Nicholas Comninellis, founder of the Institute for International Medicine, also known as INMED, and founder of the Humanitarian Health Conference. The conversation centers on his book Five Bags of Gold and the bigger questions behind it: what do we treasure, how will we account for our lives, and how can we use our skills and resources for God’s kingdom? Dr. Comninellis shares lessons from decades in global medical missions, including time in China and Angola, and offers practical wisdom for anyone considering mission work, mentoring, or a life of faith in action.Timestamps00:00 – Opening setup and introduction to Dr. Nicholas Comninellis02:23 – Clarifying his role as founder of INMED and the conference05:42 – Why short-term mission experiences matter early on06:11 – The purpose of Five Bags of Gold: faith in action08:07 – The coming account before the King of Kings09:51 – People as the true treasure11:45 – Pressure, ambition, and the lure of position12:43 – The five Ps: possessions, position, projects, pleasures, people14:49 – When efficiency threatens personal care in medicine16:46 – What to do when you only feel like you have one bag of gold17:06 – Why community helps you discern your strengths18:30 – The Angola landmine story and being “treasured” by caregivers21:29 – Advice for young physicians: find a role model23:21 – Testing the waters through short-term ministry or mission work25:15 – Why fit, language, culture, and prayer all matter in calling27:10 – What INMED is and who it serves29:54 – Why he founded INMED and the role of discipleship31:15 – The impact of a mentor who truly made time32:53 – A student who went to China and stayed for nearly 20 years34:43 – The Humanitarian Health Conference and its educational focus37:25 – What brings him the most joy: people37:47 – His favorite verse: 2 Timothy 2:2239:58 – Closing encouragement to read Five Bags of Gold and explore INMEDResourcesInformation about the Humanitarian Health ConferenceTranscripthttps://www.blessing.org/blog-post/episode-5

To be sustainable and effective, missions systems have to be strategic and holistic. Will Rogers, missions director at Southeast Christian Church and executive director of the Global Missions Health Conference, shares a practical framework for how churches can disciple, send, and care for mission-minded people across every age group. We discuss trends in global missions, why healthcare missions are uniquely strategic, and how the “missions maturity model” can help churches build a long-term plan for mobilization.Timestamps00:00 - Intro and setup for the conversation with Will Rogers04:05 - Will’s background in economics, international development, and global work05:20 - What capacity building means for organizations06:54 - Why healthy organizations need both maturity and entrepreneurial “infancy”08:40 - The origin story of the Global Missions Health Conference11:09 - Missions is getting more strategic and more focused12:34 - The Great Commission as a real scorecard for nations, tongues, and tribes14:50 - Why “long-term” missions now often looks more like midterm16:15 - Mobilization needs and the gap in biblical knowledge18:23 - COVID’s impact on short-term and long-term sending19:20 - The missions maturity model across every age group21:02 - Why relationships matter in early missions calling23:44 - Why medical missions requires a different kind of care24:40 - Building a clear support framework with eight areas of care26:17 - Dignity, long-term impact, and why short-term trips must lead somewhere28:59 - What churches should look for after someone returns from a trip31:49 - Holding rest and commissioning together34:43 - How to get younger generations involved in missions35:37 - Adam and Eve, the Great Commission, and the thread of commissioning through Scripture39:35 - The unleashed process and discerning calling42:42 - Relational connection and matching gifts to opportunities43:38 - Advice for first-time medical missionaries46:45 - Equipping the saints and the joy of the conference48:26 - Hebrews 4, Ephesians 4, and a final word on rest and weariness49:17 - Closing thoughts on strategy, thoughtfulness, and the heart behind the work.ResourcesGlobal Missions Health Conference (GMHC): www.medicalmissions.comTranscriptwww.blessing.org/blog-post/episode-4

How Foundations Fund Faith-Based Organizations and Navigating the Grant Process with Bernie MorrisJoin us in this episode as Bernie Morris, executive director of a granting foundation, shares expert insights on securing funding for nonprofit organizations, especially faith-based groups. Discover essential strategies for building trust, crafting effective grant proposals, and understanding what funders look for—plus, how to authentically present your spiritual impact.In this episode:The diverse ways organizations can raise funds, including individual donors, events, and grantsChallenges faith-based organizations face in securing public funding and how to navigate faith component restrictionsSignals of trustworthiness from foundations—financial stability, leadership strength, and transparencyKey components to include in a grant proposal: problem statement, solution, impact measures, and alignment with funder prioritiesCommon pitfalls, such as being too verbose or lacking succinct impact storytellingStrategies to shift from solely asking for funds to viewing fundraising as partnership-buildingHow to demonstrate spiritual impact without compromising transparency or authenticityThe importance of researching funders thoroughly and understanding their cycles and preferencesPractical tips for grant application success, including leveraging AI tools for prep and what to do after a rejectionBernie’s favorite Bible verse and encouragement for faith-based fundraisersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Bernie Morris and her role in grantmaking02:10 - Diverse fundraising methods for nonprofits03:39 - Challenges and opportunities in public grants for faith organizations04:08 - Trust signals that foundations look for in applicants05:58 - Common mistakes in grant applications—long-winded writing and exaggeration08:08 - Essential grant proposal components and aligning with funder priorities09:59 - How foundations assess leadership and financial credibility11:26 - What to exclude in a grant request to avoid red flags12:27 - The importance of storytelling focused on outcomes and impact14:45 - Shifting mindset from asking for money to developing partnerships17:55 - The role of leadership character and authenticity in funding decisions20:27 - Communicating impact while maintaining spiritual integrity22:00 - How to include spiritual components effectively in proposals24:55 - Avoiding storytelling pitfalls—focusing on results rather than just needs26:22 - Appropriate overhead percentages and what funders typically accept27:56 - Reasons why grant requests are denied and how to improve30:23 - The value of feedback and reapplication strategies33:11 - Using AI to prepare grant applications and research funder info35:06 - Bernie’s most memorable funding request and its impact42:27 - Encouragement to use imagination and faith in fundraising efforts43:22 - Final thoughts and biblical encouragement: Ephesians 3:20Resources & Links:Bible - Ephesians 3:20Transcriptwww.blessing.org/blog-post/episode-3

Uncover the incredible stories and transformative moments from a seasoned medical mission trip leader with over 68 trips across 15 countries.In this powerful episode, Troy Sledge reveals how obedience, divine guidance, and relentless preparation turn ordinary trips into miraculous encounters.Main Topics:Troy's background and journey in mission trips, including leading 68 trips and working in diverse countries like Kenya, Russia, and MexicoThe spiritual impact and miraculous events observed during missions, such as villages accepting Christ and healing storiesPractical advice for preparation, vetting team members, and handling unexpected situations in cross-cultural settingsThe importance of long-term engagement and how continual presence adds sustainability and valueManaging team dynamics, including handling difficult personalities and ensuring spiritual and logistical readinessThe role of obedience, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in guiding mission workThe significance of cultural sensitivity, reverse culture shock, and giving back with a heart of humilityTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Troy Sledge and his diverse mission trip experience00:35 - The spiritual miracles and divine guidance during missions in Africa and beyond02:00 - Troy’s roles as nurse, leader, and educator in various mission contexts03:45 - The emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing conversions and healing05:00 - Practical tips: preparation, team vetting, and managing expectations07:15 - The importance of long-term commitment versus one-time efforts09:30 - Powerful stories of villages accepting the Gospel and miraculous healings11:00 - Navigating challenges like team conflicts and unexpected events13:15 - The value of obedience and listening to the Holy Spirit in mission work15:00 - Handling reverse culture shock and giving meaningful feedback back home17:00 - Training resources for mission teams: preparation, practicalities, and reentry19:00 - How to ensure sustainability and avoid voluntourism pitfalls21:00 - Troy’s advice for first-time mission participants and lessons learned23:30 - An inspiring story of God's guidance during a crisis in the Philippines26:00 - The importance of spiritual readiness, prayer, and trusting God's plan28:00 - Managing difficult personalities and team cohesion in high-stress environments30:00 - Practical steps for vetting team members and handling conflicts33:00 - Preparing for the unexpected: financial and logistical flexibility36:00 - An impactful Bible verse: Micah 6:8 and its relevance to mission work37:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement from TroyResources & Links:Micah 6:8Blessings International Mission ResourcesTranscript:www.blessing.org/blog-post/episode-2

Join Barry and Laura as they introduce the core purpose of the Blessings Broadcast — a podcast dedicated to growing faith-based medical missions worldwide through stories, resources, and practical insights.Main TopicsThe origins and growth of Blessings International since 1981How faith and service intersect in medical missionsKey resources, tools, and topics for organizations serving globally and locallyThe importance of collaboration and shared experiences in medical missionsInspiring Bible verses that motivate and guide their workTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction to the Blessings Broadcast and hosts Barry and Laura00:29 - The mission of the podcast: exploring faith and service through medicine01:25 - Growth and impact of Blessings International over 30+ years02:31 - The purpose and goals of the Blessings Broadcast03:15 - Resources and tools available on Blessings International’s website04:30 - How the podcast aims to encourage and inform medical missions05:46 - The spiritual foundation guiding Blessings International, including Hebrews 6:1407:50 - Connecting viewers with global and local service opportunities09:10 - The importance of pure, safe, and effective medicines in missions10:58 - Inspirational Bible verses: Hebrews 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-2712:56 - The unity of the body of Christ in mission work14:34 - The broad scope of topics covered: from pregnancy centers to donor relations16:10 - Serving both abroad and at home in various roles and settings17:42 - Addressing food insecurity and holistic care in missions18:12 - The personal journey of the hosts and how God orchestrated their paths22:15 - The journey ahead with the Blessings Broadcast and community engagementResources and Links:Blessings InternationalBlessings Organization Verse - Hebrews 6:14Bible Book of ActsTranscriptwww.blessing.org/blog-post/episode-1