God on the Move Podcast

What if the future of the church depends on ordinary young believers choosing to become spiritual fathers and mothers? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Ludimila Manico shares how she came to personal faith in Jesus amid family hardship, was discipled through one-on-one training, and now leads Bible study “cells,” disciples six young girls, and supervises seven young leaders through Oaks of Righteousness in Lubango, Angola. She describes Angola’s youthful context, the ministry’s focus on community-based discipleship and leadership development, and key challenges such as busyness and lack of commitment driven by pressur...

How would the global church change if Christians learned each other’s traditions through friendship rather than the internet? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Anton Ponomarev and Calum Samuelson share how the Lausanne Orthodox Initiative (LOI) brings evangelicals and Orthodox Christians together to listen, build trust, and collaborate in God’s mission without trying to convert each other. They recount LOI’s origins around 2010, early consultations that surfaced stereotypes, and practical partnerships such as trauma-healing support for Coptic communities in Egypt and relationship-building among leaders in North Macedonia. They discuss challenges like disembod...

What if the numerically greatest untapped force for global mission is already sitting in the pews?

In this episode of God on the Move, Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace and Beulah Joyce Ashindu Muga share how Women in Tune—birthed through years of prayer, a vision of Christ’s return, and a mandate to restore and disciple women—has mobilized “ordinary women” across Africa to discover their identity and inheritance in Christ and step into worship, prayer, evangelism, discipleship, and leadership. They describe trainings like Free to Serve, prayer-walking initiatives, translations and literacy support, and testimonies of transformed...

What if the very thing that once made you feel ashamed is the same place God wants to birth boldness—and a mission that reaches the nations? 

In this episode of God on the Move Biruktawit Tsegaye shares how her father’s dramatic transformation and fearless street evangelism shaped her own calling, how God turned her shame into confidence, and how she moved from engineering into campus ministry with EvaSUE despite family rejection and real spiritual opposition. Biruk describes Ethiopia’s complex Christian landscape, ongoing persecution in some regions, and the presence of unreached peoples, while highlighting how God...

What if the crises you’ve endured are exactly what God is using to shape a church that stands together and shines? 

In this episode of God on the Move Priscila Szuka shares her perspective as a 28-year-old evangelical leader from Bariloche, Argentina, reflecting on national resilience amid recurring economic hardship, the growth of evangelicals alongside a largely nominal Catholic culture, and the challenge of syncretism in parts of Latin America. She describes encouraging progress as younger believers move past historic divisions between denominations and increasingly collaborate as the body of Christ, while noting ongoing doctrinal barriers wit...

What if the gospel’s greatest breakthroughs happen where roads are dirt, schools meet under trees, and following Jesus can cost you everything? 

In this episode of God on the Move Tom Obwogo shares how he was sent from Kenya to Wau, South Sudan, through a partnership between Gracehill Mission Church, World Concern, and the Episcopal Church of South Sudan, equipping 15 local evangelists to plant and disciple nearly 200 village churches amid trauma, tension, and deep cultural practices. He describes prioritizing children’s discipleship through simple schools and Sunday school, training about 300 teachers and gathering over 2,000 children weekly, and u...

Where is the moral voice of the church when rivers are poisoned, forests are destroyed, and communities lose their livelihoods? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Seth Appiah-Kubi shares how his Christian faith led him from a career in finance to become national director of A Rocha Ghana, a Christian conservation organization working across Ghana to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and water while supporting community livelihoods. He describes Ghana’s worsening environmental crisis—especially illegal small-scale mining (galamsey) polluting rivers with mercury and cyanide, degrading land, and threatening protected forests—alongside climate-change impacts in the savanna north...

What if a ship full of books could do more for a city than any bookstore ever could? 

In this episode of God on the Move Alexandrea Alexis shares how God led her from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to serving on the Logos Hope, the world’s largest floating book fair, and eventually into an advanced preparation leadership role ahead of the ship’s UK tour. She explains the ship’s mission of sharing knowledge, help, and hope through discounted educational literature, community programs, and partnership with local churches and organizations, including outreach and prayer i...

We hear about Iran in the news almost every day—but when was the last time you heard the voice of an Iranian Christian?

In this episode of God on the Move, Ashkan shares his powerful story of coming to faith in Jesus, fleeing Iran, losing his father, and discovering hope in the midst of grief, exile, and uncertainty. He also opens a window into the lives of Iranian Christians whose faith is often hidden but deeply alive—believers gathering in underground churches, women leading Bible studies in secret, young people facing rejection, and families payin...

What if the systems that ended slavery also helped ignite the climate crisis now threatening the Caribbean? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Dr Keron Niles shares how Trinidad and Tobago’s history of plantation slavery connects to today’s fossil-fuel-driven climate impacts, arguing that both are rooted in the same export-oriented production logic and the “tragedy of the commons.” He explains how industrialization replaced forced labor with coal-powered machines, driving emissions that now intensify hurricanes and sea-level rise for small island states. Keron challenges climate denial and the idea that Christianity is anti-scien...

What if your burnout isn’t proof you’re failing—but a signal you’ve been caring deeply for too long? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Laura Howe shares how 20 years as a social worker serving people facing trauma, addiction, homelessness, and severe mental illness led her into compassion fatigue—and how God met her in that breaking point with a new vision. You’ll hear why she believes the local church can become a community of support, belonging, and hope alongside professional care, and how Hope Made Strong was born to equip churches...

What does hope look like for Lebanese teenagers growing up through economic collapse, displacement, and war?

In this episode of God on the Move, Maher El Hajj shares how Youth for Christ Lebanon creates safe, welcoming youth centers where traumatized 12–18-year-olds find community, counseling, tutoring, and the gospel shared through relational discipleship. Hear how YFC partners with local churches and navigates ministry in a majority-Muslim context. Maher recounts the story of a displaced 15-year-old whose grief and depression gave way to healing and joy as the center became his “second home,” and explains why many Muslim...

What happens when a nation rich in beauty and resources is held back by spiritual syncretism, crushing poverty, and foreign interests—and Christians still refuse to give up? 

In this episode of God on the Move, Mahafahatra Vonintsoa shares how Madagascar’s traditions of ancestor worship and zebu sacrifice shape gospel conversations, why discipleship is urgently needed as many mix Christianity with traditional beliefs, and how the 2009 political coup coincided with her being born again and reshaped her view of development as starting with restored people. She also opens up about failed efforts like a stalle...

What happens when a child from a Manila slum becomes the leader of the very organization that once sponsored him? In this episode of God on the Move, Fred Dungganon shares how growing up in extreme poverty in Welfareville, losing his father, and surviving through odd jobs shaped his life—along with his early involvement in a spiritist cult marked by fear, emptiness, and syncretism. He tells how encountering the gospel at a youth camp led him back to Jesus, into discipleship, and ultimately into ministry with Dawn for the Poor, an OMF-founded work serving the urban poor through sc...

In this episode of God on the Move, Ed Michaelson shares how his calling to missions led him to work as a tentmaker bi-vocationally as an A&E doctor in southeast London while founding 500k, a charity that trains and supports Indian leaders to share the gospel and plant churches in unreached villages. He explains the vision for 500,000 churches—one in every Indian village—citing research that many villages have no Christian presence, and describes growth from supporting 30 local missionaries to over 1,300, alongside 2,000 trained evangelists. Ed recounts testimonies of healing, family restoration, and a “person of peace” opening a village...

In this episode of God on the Move, Gary Sweeten shares how his small-town, collaborative schooling and cross-denominational Christian upbringing shaped his lifelong focus on relationships, education, and gentle, grace-filled ministry. He describes a pivotal call to serve Christ that led him into higher education leadership and counseling, including opening a house church for troubled university students in 1970. Sweeten explains that change happens through person-centered listening rather than confrontation, and he highlights the importance of addressing shame as well as guilt across cultures, drawing on his ministry in Scandinavia and beyond. He outlines “Relational Peace” as blessing others with shal...

In this episode of God on the Move, Valentyn and Liuba Siniy share how Russia’s full-scale invasion has reshaped church life in Ukraine, from early surges of seekers asking “Where is God?” to ongoing fatigue, trauma, and uneven realities between frontline and distant regions. Valentyn, a pastor and seminary leader displaced from Kherson, describes churches near the front as crowded yet under-resourced, growing needs in women’s ministry, chaplaincy, and trauma healing, and increased cooperation among Orthodox, Catholic, and evangelical communities. He explains that persecution of evangelicals is most evident in Russian-occupied territories, recounting arrests of Christians, and rejects...

In this episode of God on the Move, Totok Wiryasaputra shares how he helped start and now leads the Indonesian Association of Psycho-Spiritual Counselors (IAPC) to raise mental-health awareness and develop psycho-spiritual caregiving within Indonesian churches across denominations. He describes Indonesia’s complex religious and political tensions across regions, the stigma and spiritual framing of mental illness, and the church’s tendency toward ritual and numerical growth rather than holistic, incarnational care. Totok explains IAPC’s grassroots approach—training pastors and church members, travelling to provinces for annual meetings, and integrating psychology and faith amid scepticism from both secular clinicia...

In this episode of God on the Move, Ayouba Abdoulaye shares his inspiring journey from receiving his first Bible in a small village in Niger to becoming a spiritual assistant at CURE Hospital in Niamey. Ayouba discusses the challenges faced by the small Christian community in this predominantly Muslim country, including persecution, political instability, and the presence of extremist groups. He also reflects on his personal faith journey, the impact of missionaries, and the ongoing need for prayers and support from the global church. Hear how the Bible, powerful sermons, and the hope of Jesus Christ keep him going...

In this episode of God on the Move, Mohsin Hanif shares his journey of faith and ministry in the rural areas near Lahore, Pakistan. Mohsin, along with his wife, has been working to bridge the gap between Muslim and Christian communities through education and practical acts of kindness. They started the 'Leaders in Learning Ministry' to create opportunities for both Muslim and Christian children to learn together. Despite facing significant challenges and social barriers, their effort to foster relationships and show Christ's love has led to transformative changes in their community. Through their school and various initiatives like sewing...

In this episode of God on the Move, Dave Coles shares his journey from pastoring in the U.S. to church planting in Indonesia. He discusses his work with Muslims and the importance of understanding and respecting diverse worldviews. Dave highlights the immense growth and impact of Church Planting Movements (CPMs) and Disciple Making Movements (DMMs), emphasizing reproducible practices, obedience-based discipleship, and family-focused evangelism. He also addresses the challenges and successes of contextual missions and the role of the global church in advancing God's kingdom. Through personal anecdotes and scriptural insights, Dave showcases how God is actively working across...

In this episode of God on the Move, Azar Ajaj shares his journey as an Evangelical Palestinian Israeli navigating the complex identities and socio-political challenges of living in Israel. Azar, president of Nazareth Evangelical College, discusses his testimony, his mission to bring a message of peace and forgiveness, and the difficulties faced by his community. He emphasizes the need for Christians to live out their faith actively and to be missionaries in their everyday lives. Join us to hear about Azar's work in equipping pastors, his family's story, and the importance of love and justice in building bridges between...

In this episode of God on the Move, Kirsty Nelson shares her journey as a parish nurse in Dundee, Scotland. Kirsty offers a glimpse into the holistic approach of parish nursing, which addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the community. She discusses the challenges and rewards of working with vulnerable populations, including those struggling with addiction and homelessness. Through stories of transformative care and community outreach, Kirsty illustrates the powerful impact of showing consistent love and support. This episode also delves into the current state of the church in Scotland and the complexities of navigating faith in...

In this emotional and inspiring episode of God on the Move, Dan Sered, the Lausanne Catalyst on Jewish Evangelism, shares his incredible journey from being a secular Jew in Israel to becoming a fervent believer in Jesus Christ. Dan discusses the pivotal moments that led to his faith, including a surprising encounter during a math tutoring session that changed his life. He delves into the challenges and rejections he faced from his family and community, and the passion that drives him to share the gospel with Jewish people worldwide. Dan also addresses common questions about Jewish evangelism and stresses...

In this episode of God on the Move, Sophia Nobre shares the incredible journey of Panahgah, an NGO she founded to help Afghan refugees integrate into Brazilian society. The update highlights the challenges and successes faced by the organization, detailing how the church in Brazil is acting as a catalyst for change by welcoming and supporting Afghan refugees. Sophia discusses the implementation of a community sponsorship policy by the Brazilian government, inspired by Panahgah's work, and shares her personal experiences traveling to international conferences to advocate for refugee resettlement. The episode also explores the transformative impact on the churches...

In this episode of God on the Move, Aychi, an East African Christian, shares his powerful story of how he came to Christ from a predominantly Islamic background and his inspiring journey of church planting and evangelism in East Africa. The episode explores Aychi’s initial encounter with Jesus, his transformative conversion, and his ongoing mission to spread the gospel among the least-reached people groups. Aychi discusses the strategic changes in church planting methodologies and testimonies of miraculous encounters that demonstrate God's active presence. He also addresses the challenges, sacrifices, and opposition faced in the mission field, sharing stories of...

In this episode of God on the Move, Crisel Gonell shares her inspiring story of faith transformation and her work as the Church Advancement and Business Mentorship Program Coordinator at Mission of Hope. Crisel discusses her journey from battling depression during the 2020 pandemic to becoming a devoted servant of God, spreading the gospel in the Dominican Republic. She highlights the cultural and religious landscape of the Dominican Republic, the challenges, and the incredible efforts being made to share God's word. Crisel also sheds light on the impact of the Lausanne Movement and the congress in South Korea on her...

In this episode of God on the Move, Samara shares her inspiring journey from being a physiotherapist and special education teacher to serving as a missionary in Muslim communities. She highlights the challenges and opportunities of providing special education in these contexts, combating stigma and spiritual misconceptions surrounding disabilities. Samara's story underscores her dedication to sharing Christ's love with marginalized families and her passion for the Afghan people. Throughout her experiences in Asia and the Middle East, she has witnessed God's work in transforming the lives of children with disabilities and their families, offering hope and acceptance.

In this episode of God on the Move, Savannah Kagiri shares her powerful story of faith, courage, and transformation amid Kenya’s recent youth-led protests.

From growing up in a Christian household to navigating political unrest and the complex relationship between the church and government, Savannah reflects on how her generation is boldly challenging norms and confronting injustice. She also opens up about her personal journey through mental health struggles, her calling to ministry, and her experiences at the Lausanne Congress in South Korea.

Join us as we explore how God is moving in Kenya an...

In this episode of God on the Move, Syuzanna Voskanyan shares about her work combining medical missions and evangelism in Armenia. With a rich Christian heritage and surrounded by challenges, Armenia is a unique place where Syuzanna's organization, the International Christian Medical Missions (ICMM), offers medical care while spreading the gospel. Syuzanna discusses her background, the historical significance of Christianity in Armenia, her involvement in various ministries, and the impact of her holistic approach to healing. The episode highlights her struggles, the importance of prayer, and her vision for establishing a Whole Person Care and Rehabilitation Center.

In this episode of God on the Move, Rebecca Jowers shares her deeply moving story of transformation from an educator to a devoted leader in the fight against human trafficking. Despite personal trauma and numerous challenges, Rebecca founded The Poiema Foundation, which focuses on educating about, and rescuing victims of, human trafficking. She recounts the journey from initial inspirations through to the establishment of a safe house for survivors, highlighting the impact of faith, prayer, and resilience. The episode is filled with profound testimonies of healing and redemption, demonstrating God's hand at work in the darkest situations.

In this episode of God on the Move, Scott Hall, Chief Ministry Officer at Expo Home Improvements, shares his transformative journey from pastoral leadership to integrating faith-driven principles in the corporate world. He explains how Expo Home Improvement supports its employees and their families with free, anonymous counseling and life coaching services. The episode discusses the vital relationship between church and business, emphasizing values such as integrity, servant leadership, and the dignity of every person. Through their nonprofit initiative, The Collective Way, Expo Home Improvement tithes 10% of its net earnings to support global missions, blending business acumen with spiritual...

In this episode of God on the Move, Mehran shares his compelling story of leaving Iran and converting to Christianity. Growing up in a devout Muslim family, Mehran faced numerous questions about his faith and Islamic practices, leading him to ultimately abandon Islam. His journey involved fleeing Iran, facing hardships as a refugee, and encountering Christ. Mehran recounts how an American missionary introduced him to the Bible in his native Farsi, igniting his passion for Christianity. Now a pastor in London, Mehran has baptized 100 people and continues to preach the gospel. 

📚 Links from the Interview

In this episode of God on the Move, Priscilla Mageropoulos, co-founder and director of marketing and communications at MarTech Mission, shares her journey from a background in performing arts and digital marketing to founding a company dedicated to mission-driven marketing. Priscilla discusses the challenges and opportunities the digital age presents for churches and mission organizations, emphasizing the need for innovative and spiritually grounded communication strategies. She details her journey of faith, the impact of her work in digital marketing for humanitarian and Christian projects, and her vision for using modern technology to spread the gospel without compromising its core...

In this episode of God on the Move, Dr. John Mark Reynolds shares his vision of providing debt-free one-on-one education in low-income neighborhoods, inspired by his faith in Orthodox Christianity and the educational traditions of the West. Dr. Reynolds delves into the historical and philosophical roots of Western education, reflecting on how progressive and vocational emphases have shifted the focus away from the classical education that once dominated. He recounts his personal journey into Orthodoxy, influenced by his upbringing as a pastor's kid and his academic career in philosophy. Dr. Reynolds explains the significance of the Great Books tradition...

In this episode of God on the Move, Jasper Rutherford shares his journey as the European Director of Christ in Youth and his deep passion for youth ministry. He discusses the dire need for youth workers in Ireland, the rich spiritual heritage of the island, and the challenges of modern youth engagement within the church. Jasper reveals his personal faith story, moments of divine encounters, and his experiences in leading young people towards a relationship with Jesus. He also highlights the significance of the global church, the beauty of traditional Christian practices, and the urgent need for the church...

In this episode of God on the Move, Chase Durham shares his journey and experiences as the Student Pastor at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Texas. After returning from South Korea, Chase spearheaded a movement to take the gospel to every kid at every school in Dallas, Texas. He discusses the formation of Harvest Times, a student-led initiative where students meet before school to pray and share Jesus with their peers. He also reflects on the shifting religiosity among youth in Dallas and the broader national changes impacting faith. Throughout his story, Chase highlights the importance of collaborative action...

In this episode of God on the Move, Rev Mignane Ndour shares his powerful testimony of converting from Islam to Christianity, despite the challenges and persecution in Senegal. He discusses the growth of the Christian church in Senegal, his work with various NGOs, and the impactful ministry of Operation Christmas Child. Rev. Ndour also highlights the strategies used to share the Gospel in predominantly Muslim communities and the importance of love and prayer in evangelism. 

📚 Links from the Interview

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In this episode of God on the Move, Brian Peterson shares his journey from being a high school science teacher and coach to founding Reality Sports, a sports ministry near Seattle, Washington. Brian discusses the pervasive role of sports in global cultures and how Reality Sports leverages this platform to integrate the gospel into athletic training. He shares the challenges and successes of merging sports and faith, recounts impactful personal stories and provides insights into the ministry's vision of turning the world upside down through sport. Brian also addresses the current secularization of American culture, especially in the Pacific...

In this episode of God on the Move, Luke Richey shares his fascinating journey from a troubled childhood to becoming the founder of Gravity Jack, a company focused on mobile-based augmented reality gaming. The episode delves into how online gaming can be used for gospel translation, particularly through the innovative game 'WarTribe of Binyamin'. Luke discusses the vision behind the game, his profound spiritual experiences, and the incredible way God has guided him to use technology and gaming for evangelism. Join us as we explore the intersection of technology, faith, and mission, and learn about the incredible potential of...