The Broken Banquet

Ashley is settling into life at The Woodlands Methodist Church in The Woodlands, TX, and Wil is deep in ministry in Costa Rica. And we're so excited to be back!

This season, Ashley introduces Wil — and you — to TWMC’s missions family. New places, new friends, same heart. Pull up a chair. The banquet is just beginning.

Ashley's Sermon: https://youtu.be/YWBOVvC_-Ug?si=7m0ZVzBmNBkQ3UcQ

Myers Park with Costa Rica Team: https://youtu.be/pskysG7CmU0?si=BdahKp6BPh1qwUv2

Myers Park Sermon: https://www.youtube.com/wa...

Season Two is coming to a close. Wil and Ashley take some time to reflect on all of the great interviews from the season and give listeners an update on what's next!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Have you ever met Vicki Sullivan? Perhaps at the Accounts Payable desk in the Business Office of First Methodist Church Shreveport, where she's been a friendly presence for over 11 years. Maybe you've shared a pew with her at FaithLink or Traditional services, or perhaps you've walked alongside her on a spiritual journey during a Seekers Class or Walk to Emmaus.

Some of you may even have embarked on international adventures together, traveling to Haiti, Russia, Costa Rica, or Italy. No matter the setting, you'd remember her infectious enthusiasm for missions and her unwavering love for Jesus.

Your co-hosts, Wil & Ashley, are taking a break this week. And since we replayed Wil's episode earlier this season, we thought we'd re-introduce you to Ashley this week! Lots of changes are coming for Ashley, and we look forward to filling you in on those soon!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Friends, do we have a show for you! Meet Dr. Larry Dempsey, the leader of Wil Bailey's first trip to Costa Rica! Larry is a long-time member of 1st Methodist Church of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and over the course of 40+ trips to Costa Rica, he has a unique perspective on what mission relationships look like and how his feelings about missions have evolved over his many years of travel. We're so thankful for Larry joining us, and for his faithful commitment not only to Costa Rica Mission Projects, but to Brian Dubberly of El Salvador, as well!

Friends, do we have a show for you! Meet Dr. Larry Dempsey, the leader of Wil Bailey's first trip to Costa Rica! Larry is a long-time member of 1st Methodist Church of Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and over the course of 40+ trips to Costa Rica, he has a unique perspective on what mission relationships look like and how his feelings about missions have evolved over his many years of travel. We're so thankful for Larry joining us, and for his faithful commitment not only to Costa Rica Mission Projects, but to Brian Dubberly of El Salvador, as well!

Kay Ferguson loves Jesus, loves missions, loves her husband (Joe), her son (Joseph), her dog (Tracker), and her cat! Kay has been at the helm of the First Methodist Church of Shreveport's Global Mission family for over 10 years. We talk with her today about what led her to go on her first mission trip, what she thought of missions then, and how her perspective has evolved over time. It's a beautiful, emotional episode as Ashley & Kay reflect on ten years of learning together!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website...

You've met his wife, Tamara! She blew the competition away with her episode! It has nearly double the listens of any other episodes we've produced! Now, it's time to hear from hubby, Jeremy. He's a rabid UNC fan and loves Jesus just as passionately.

In 2009, Jeremy and Tamara Boone left the United States for Jinja, Uganda, and soon began serving in a refugee camp-turned-slum called Masese III. The people who live there fled the high deserts to escape war, child abduction, and famine. Decades later, the community still struggles to survive each day and is aid dependent...

We'll be back next Monday with new episodes! Until then, by popular demand, we're replaying one of our episodes from Season One. Listeners, meet Co-Host Wil Bailey! He's a husband to Yolanda, a father to Isabella, and a friend to many, near and far.

To learn more about Wil & Yolanda, watch: https://youtu.be/o73CY-x06Y4

To learn more about Costa Rica Mission Projects, visit: http://costaricamissionprojects.com

Read The World in a Wafer by William Cavanaugh.

Wil Bailey is a Missionary serving in Costa Rica. He received his Master...

Kenneth Rwego was born in Southwestern Uganda near the border of Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. As a child he enjoyed crossing the border into Congo to visit his friends. It was during those visits that Kenneth saw firsthand the disturbing images of human suffering and broken families. In 1997, Kenneth accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was then that he began to feel a strong conviction to share the message of Faith, Hope and Love with the people of Congo.

Kenneth's first trip to Congo as a believer was in 1998 during his first year of...

You've already met so many members of George Fox Evangelical Seminary's Leadership & Global Perspective Cohort #4 -- Stefania Tarasut, Dr. Julie Dodge, Dr. John Woodward, and Dr. Mitch Arbelaez. Now it's time to meet Dr. Deve Persad!

Deve has been serving in the Lead Pastor role at Sarnia Evangelical Missionary Church since 2006. He’s a simple guy (vanilla ice cream and regular chips) just trying to bring the mission, mercy and message of Jesus to the world. Deve and his wife, Amanda, have two adult children, Jarrett (married to Katlyn) and Aynsley. Together they share a love for fo...

Listeners! This is episode speaks to our souls! ​​Meet Nathan Nelson!

Nathan is the Pastor of Mission & Outreach at Bethany Community Church in Seattle, WA. He has more than a decade of experience working in short-term mission on the side of the sending church and receiving organization. He has worked throughout Latin America, Rwanda, and Seattle in church-based community development and is passionate about unifying local churches to be agents of holistic transformation in their communities. He holds a MA of Divinity with an emphasis in International Development & Urban Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary and BA in Glob...

You've met Dr. John Woodward, a gazillion times. Wil & Ashley have interviewed him, he has interviewed Wil & Ashley, and he's serving on the Meno Missions Board of Directors.

But have you met Lissy Pixley?! No, she's not a unicorn, but she is a super hero! Lissy serves in Campus Christian Fellowship at Iowa State University, a role you may have heard about in a previous episode when we interviewed Lissy's dad, Dr. John Woodward. That's right, Lissy is following in the footsteps of her father, and we adore this father-daughter duo. You will, too!

It's our last episode from our South Pacific Pilgrimage in 2023! We're TRIPLE the fun today, as we interview not one, not two, but THREE young people in New Zealand and Australia.

Ashley first met Charlotte in Newcastle, Australia. She was attending Northlakes Christian Church with Katie Branham. They were instantly three peas in a pod! Now Charlotte has married Ty, and they're living in Auckland, New Zealand, attending Laidlaw College, and serving at Church NorthWest! Katie studied at Boise Bible College in Idaho and University of Newcastle. She resides in Newcastle where she enjoys drawing and illustrating...

It's another episode from the Broken Banquet South Pacific World Tour 2023! This time we sit in a small cabin in Newcastle, Australia and talk to Marilynn & Allen Todd. We talk all things missions and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts! This may be the episode that features ABIDING more than any other.

Allen & Marilynn have 30+ years of marriage and ministry experience that they are bringing to Australia. Allen teaches scripture classes weekly in the public school and supports church plants in both Newcastle and Sydney by preaching and teaching and volunteering. Marilynn is gifted at building relationships in the community.  She v...

A missionary with the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church, Guillermo (Willie) Berman Ramirez is serving in his home country of Mexico as the Mexican Methodist Border Mission Coordinator based in Reynosa. Serving in a similar ministry since 2001, Willie has worked with VIM teams from annual conferences in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Iowa.

Willie’s call to mission was inspired by the work of his parents (lay persons) as they received and worked with mission teams in the poor areas of Reynosa, Mexico. He began sensing God’s call to miss...

Before we get to Ben... In the introduction, we spoke about our friend from Quito, Ecuador, Matt Keifer! (Be sure to listen to his episode from Season One!) Matt and his Futbol Club, Casa Deportivo Cumbre Alta, are raising funds for their future expansion. To donate, CLICK HERE.

Now... Meet Ben Nelson! You're going to love this story of how WIL met Ben! Yes, this second season is full of people Wil has met throughout his life and ministry!

Ben Nelson has been advancing the Kingdom through ministry since his teen years and...

Wil & Ashley are on location in New Zealand, and this time we're talking to Miki & Randy Brooks!

Miki & Randy have helped to plant new churches and restore existing churches all across New Zealand. Randy is the South Pacific Regional Director for New International. He works to organize church plants, mentor, coach and recruit new church planters for both New Zealand and Australia. Along with their involvement in church planting, the Brooks' are involved in day to day ministry in local churches in New Zealand.

God has blessed them with 26 years of marriage. Together they have thr...

Oh, did we have fun on this one! And by "we", we mean "Ashley & Sheree." We turn the tables on Wil, and there is heckling, laughter, and so much fun!

Meet Sheree Reece! She's the Global Missions Director at Resurrection: A United Methodist Church, specifically overseeing Africa, Asia, and Haiti.

Sheree is passionate about encouraging others to be their best selves - whether that is here in the US, or around the world. She is married with 3 adult children, as well as mom to an incredibly sweet dog and very disagreeable cat. She has worked...

Meet Matt Miofsky! Our biggest question... Is there anything Matt cannot do?!

Matt Miofsky is the Lead Pastor of The Gathering in St. Louis, Missouri. Since Matt founded The Gathering in 2006, it has grown into a thriving multi-site congregation with four locations scattered throughout St. Louis. With over 1500 in worship a weekend, The Gathering was recently named the 3rd fastest growing large United Methodist Churches.

Matt is passionate about church planting, connecting with new generations, and multi-site ministry. He frequently speaks and teaches on these subjects.

Matt writes feverishly! We especially love his...

Finally! Wil introduces Ashley to one of HIS favorite people -- Joyce McCarty.

Joyce is a lover of people, follower of Jesus, consumer of coffee, an ENFP on the MBTI, and an Enneagram 8w7. She is studying at Saint Paul School of Theology and the former Program Director - Latin America at The Church of the Resurrection.

Please note: Ashley referred to Oksana Baiul as Russian, when, in fact, she is Ukrainian. Please forgive this misinformation. We apologize for not catching it sooner.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill...

Rebecca Redfield is quite possibly the kindest person we’ve interviewed on the Broken Banquet podcast! She’s a child of God, a daughter, a wife, a neighbor, and most importantly, a dog mom! Plus, she is the Senior Listening, Monitoring, and Evaluation Manager for Hope International.

We came to know Rebecca through our friend, Dr. Hunter Farrell, as he quoted her in one of his articles. Of course, we had to read her article right away, and you should, too:

To Expand the Table: Listen More. Talk Less.

To learn more about Rebe...

Challenge Accepted! When Wil asked Ashley to book an interview with his favorite author, it at first seemed like an impossible task. But, within a few hours, Dr. Sherwood Lingenfelter responded!

Sherwood G. Lingenfelter retired as provost of Fuller Seminary on June 30, 2011, but continues to serve on Fuller’s faculty as senior professor of anthropology. He joined Fuller in 1999 as professor and dean of the School of Intercultural Studies (then the School of World Mission) and served as acting provost in 2001 before being appointed provost in 2002.

Before his appointment at Fuller, he served as professor of...

We're on location in Auckland, New Zealand, and we are stoked to introduce you to one of our favorite preachers!

Reuben Munn is Senior Pastor of Shore Community Church and an Adjunct Lecturer in Practical Theology at Laidlaw College.

He holds a degree in Communication Studies from AUT and a Postgraduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College. He also holds a Master of Arts in Theology and a Master of Arts in New Testament Studies from Cincinnati Christian University.

Reuben is particularly passionate about the ministry of preaching and the formation of emerging...

Merry Christmas, Broken Banquet listeners! It's become a tradition to take a break from interviews and simply talk about Christmas! YOU continue to be the biggest gift to Wil and Ashley in 2023. We are thankful for those who have joined us as we explore missions and talk about the relationships near and dear to our hearts. Thank you for listening to us, thank you for listening with us. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to introduce you to people we love, who are serving God all over the world by living into their callings. We hope this is...

We are ON LOCATION in Auckland, New Zealand with two men we love enormously!

You first met Nate Hutchison in Season 1, Episode 2.

You met Hamish Taylor in Season 1, Episode 8.

Nate Hutchison is originally from Kentucky, and now he is a dual citizen of New Zealand and the USA! He and his wife, Whitney, along with their three kiddos, planted their first church in ChristChurch, and are now serving with Church Northwest in Auckland. Nate LOVES basketball. Loves it. Plays it. Watches it. And for some reason pulls for the Kentucky Wildcats.

...

Friends, we have out-kicked our coverage once again! Dr. Brian Fikkert of When Helping Hurts fame joins us today on the Broken Banquet Podcast, and we are digging into his newest book, Becoming Whole: Why the Opposite of Poverty Isn't the American Dream.

Dr. Brian Fikkert, founder and president of The Chalmers Center, is also Professor of Economics and Community Development and the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College. He is coauthor of the best-selling book When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor…and Yourself, as we...

Stephanie Robinson is the Outreach Coordinator for Faith to Action Initiative.

She has worked in holistic community development and family preservation for 11 years. Her experience has created several initiatives that offer holistic services to community members in both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. She is the co-founder of a grassroots organization called Konbit Haiti, which provides localized support to family preservation through supplemental programs. In addition to these programs, Stephanie has also established a social enterprise called Konbit Collective, which helps single parents care for their children though various artisan goods sold through this venture. Stephanie holds...

Wil & Ashley have taken their friendship to a whole new level with the creation of Meno Missions! In this episode, we introduce you to the board of directors for Meno Missions and give you a preview of what Meno Missions is all about. Count how many times we say "abide" and you may get a prize!

Visit our website to find out more about Meno...

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill...

The Broken Banquet is back for Season Two! Join Wil Bailey & Dr. Ashley Goad for more conversations about the church in mission, what healthy mission relationships can look like, and how abiding with God and neighbor can transform the Church and the world. We can't wait to introduce you to this season two line-up! Authors, theologians, pastors, missionaries, and more!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: menomissions.org

BB Website: https://www.brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Listeners, we've come to the end of Season One, but we have GREAT NEWS! Season Two will begin this Fall 2023! We'll have all new episodes, new interviews, visits from old friends, and exciting twists and turns. Thank you to our faithful listeners. You've been so encouraging and kind as we have journeyed through this podcasting world. We appreciate you, and we love you! Talk to you soon!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

In the penultimate episode of the Broken Banquet season one, we have none other than THE Tamara Boone...graduate of Appalachian State University, fellow Student Government Association Cabinet Member and Kazoo Band Marcher... Yes, Tamara & Ashley have known each other for 26 years! Be ready for LOTS of laughter!

In 2009, Tamara & Jeremy Boone left the United States for Jinja, Uganda, and soon began serving in a refugee camp-turned-slum called Masese III. The people who live there fled the high deserts to escape war, child abduction, and famine. Decades later, the community still struggles to survive each day and...

Michael loves wrestling with ideas, and thinking about ways to live for God. His passion is for us to be all that God created us be and to transform the world with the Gospel. Michael’s background includes pastoral ministry, theological education and cross-cultural mission. Now he oversees the GC3 team. He also works closely with Bright Hope World.

Michael is married to Carolyn, and they have four adult children. Carolyn and Michael attend Orewa Community Church in Auckland.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

A graduate of George Fox Evangelical Seminary with a Doctor of Ministry in Leadership & Global Perspective... Yes, that's right! It's another esteemed member of LGP Cohort #4! You've met Dr. John Woodward, Dr. Julie Dodge, Almost-Dr. Stefania Tarasut... and NOW! Meet Dr. Mitch Arbelaez! Mitch has been in ministry since 1989 serving as youth pastor, missions pastor, senior pastor, and now missionary. He's has been a full-time missionary with Go To Nations since 2007 and has spent years traveling and ministering in 29 nations sharing the Great Commission call that is for all.

To earn his DMIN, Mitch researched and wrote...

We left in all of the outtakes and bloopers today! Hear all the “behind the scenes” chatter!

Meet Michelle Osborn!

“My sweet husband Andy and precious daughters Madeline and Mary make up my family. I have been privileged to serve as Shreveport's First United Methodist Church Local Missions Director since 2015. My background as an English teacher, stay-at-home mom, and community volunteer prepared me for this calling to work in developing relationships with our non-profit community and church membership as we jointly love our neighbors. We partner with local organizations that help transform the lives of those...

Meet Olga Fateeva!! Olga lives in Yekaterinburg, Russia with her husband, Igor, and their two kids, and a dog, and a really large cat! Olga and Ashley have had abundant adventures, including impromptu skydiving and Turkish baths! We can’t wait for you to hear her story!

See Olga's Video HERE!

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com

Meet Matt Keifer! Of all of the guests on The Broken Banquet, Matt is the newest to the mission field. Hear his call story, the roller coaster journey from Shreveport to Quito, and how he and his family are settling in to their new lives. And bonus! Ashley & Wil give thoughts before AND after the episode! Join us for this wild ride of a Broken Banquet episode!

Matt's Sending Organization: Inca Link

Soccer Club: Casa Deportiva Cumbre Alta

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

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Ashley & Wil couldn't be more excited about today's guest! Duane H. Elmer (PhD, Michigan State) has taught in over seventy-five countries and has provided cross-cultural training to Fortune 500 companies, relief and development agencies, mission organizations, churches, and educational institutions. He previously served as director of the PhD program in educational studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois. He has also conducted peace and reconciliation efforts in several countries. His books include Cross-Cultural Conflict, Cross-Cultural Connections, and Cross-Cultural Servanthood. The Elmers live in Winfield, Illinois.

Order Dr. Elmer's Books: https://a.co/d/77YfwoK

...

She's a teacher. She's an innovator. She's creative and passionate. She's been a college dean, a social worker, a grant writer, and more. She graduated from George Fox Evangelical Seminary's Doctor of Ministry Program with Dr. John Woodward, Dr. Ashley Goad, and almost-Dr. Stefania Tarasut!Most importantly, Dr. Julie Dodge is an expert in cultural empathy, and this turned into our very first Broken Banquet Teaching Episode! Stay tuned for more!

Download Julie's Curriculum, But I Wouldn't Do That.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com<...

She's a wife. She's a mom to 15. She loves Jesus. While she's currently residing in the USA, her heart remains in Uganda. She's authored two New York Times Best Sellers - Kisses from Katie and Daring to Hope. Her third book, Safe All Along, publishes Tuesday, March 28, 2023! That's TOMORROW! She's the founder of Amazima Ministries.

Music by: Irene & the Sleepers

Logo by: Jill Ellis

Website: brokenbanquetpodcast.com

Contact Us: brokenbanquetpodcast@gmail.com