How God's Love Transforms Our Witness to Non-Believers

About the Guest(s):

• Brandy is a married woman with two daughters and a dog. She works part-time for her church and a healthcare system, where she focuses on team building and culture building initiatives. Brandy is actively involved in her community, leading a weekly small group and attending a leadership group. She is passionate about sharing her faith and teaching others to do the same.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen interviews Brandy, a busy mother and professional, about her journey of learning to share Jesus in the midst of a hectic life. Brandy shares her initial hesitations and fears about sharing her faith, but how a simple encounter with a Muslim mother on her daughter's basketball team sparked a desire to connect and share the love of Christ. Brandy discusses the importance of being intentional and open to opportunities to share Jesus in everyday life, whether it's through conversations with friends, interactions with strangers, or modeling faith for her children. She also highlights the value of community and accountability in her own journey and how she is now leading a Blue Cord small group to encourage and equip others to share their faith as well.

Key Takeaways:

• It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and overlook opportunities to share Jesus. Being intentional and open to God's leading can help us see the people around us who need to hear the gospel.
• Sharing Jesus doesn't have to be complicated or perfect. It's about being authentic, showing love, and being willing to have conversations about faith.
• Modeling faith for our children is crucial. By sharing our own experiences and encouraging them to have conversations about faith with their friends, we can help them grow in their own relationship with Jesus.
• Community and accountability are essential in our journey of sharing Jesus. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded believers who are also passionate about sharing their faith can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth.
• Taking small steps and being willing to fumble or stumble in our conversations about faith is better than not saying anything at all. God can use our imperfect efforts to make a difference in someone's life.

Notable Quotes:

• "If we're just willing to take one step, God will shine the light on the next step to take." - Brandy
• "We make it harder and more difficult than it should be. It's about being authentic and showing love." - Brandy
• "It's not about your delivery. It's about being authentic and letting people know there's a real Jesus who loves them." - Brandy

Resources:

• The Blue Cord Podcast
• Blue Cord Book
• Ethnos Course

Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights and practical tips on how to share Jesus in the midst of a busy life. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.

Chapters:

00:02:00 Realizing the need to share faith with others
00:03:00 Missed opportunities in modeling faith for children
00:04:00 Overcoming fear and inviting a Muslim mom to coffee
00:07:00 Opening eyes to opportunities in everyday life
00:09:00 Learning to share Jesus in a busy life
00:10:00 Taking everyday life and placing it before God
00:11:00 Being intentional and open to conversations
00:12:00 Going to ethnic restaurants to encounter different cultures
00:13:00 Boldly asking a stranger how to pray for them
00:14:00 A stranger's response and sharing faith in Jesus
00:16:00 The importance of being an authentic witness
00:18:00 Encouraging kids to talk about faith with friends
00:19:00 Starting a Blue Cord small group
00:20:00 Overcoming fear and timidity
00:21:00 Moving from fear to overjoyed to share faith
00:22:00 Sharing testimonies of conversations and prayers
00:24:00 The importance of community and accountability
00:25:00 Taking small steps and learning along the way
00:26:00 God can use our fumbles and imperfections
00:26:00 God uses our brokenness to bring glory to Himself.
00:27:00 Sharing our faith doesn't have to be complicated; it's about being authentic and showing love to others.
00:28:00 Reflect on how busyness is impacting your Christian witness and consider being more intentional about sharing your faith.
00:28:00 Sign up for weekly emails on TheBlueCord.org to connect with the podcast and share your feedback.
00:28:00 Encourage others to listen to this episode and do a Blue Cord study together.
00:28:00 Consider leaving an online review to help others discover the podcast and book.

About the Guest(s):

• Karen Bradford: Karen Bradford is a former high school reading teacher who has a passion for sharing her faith with others. After working in industry and traveling to Indonesia, she developed a heart for reaching the nations with the gospel. Karen has been involved in various outreach efforts, including training on how to reach Muslims with the gospel. She is dedicated to modeling and teaching others how to start spiritual conversations and make a difference in their everyday lives.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen Bejjanni and Karen Bradford discuss the importance of starting spiritual conversations and how to overcome the fear and hesitation that often comes with sharing one's faith. They address the current cultural climate and the need for believers to be bold and intentional in sharing the gospel. Karen Bradford shares personal stories and practical tips for starting spiritual conversations, emphasizing the power of prayer and the importance of modeling the behavior for others. The episode concludes with a reminder of the eternal value of sharing the hope of Jesus and the importance of passing on the faith to the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming fear: To start spiritual conversations, believers need to push past the discomfort and fear of being perceived as pushy or intolerant. Trusting in God's plan and understanding the importance of sharing the gospel can help overcome these obstacles.
• Having a faith worth sharing: It is crucial for believers to have a deep understanding of their faith and the truth found in God's Word. Regular Bible study and prayer can strengthen one's faith and provide the confidence needed to share it with others.
• Modeling the behavior: Discipling others and intentionally investing in their lives is an effective way to pass on the faith and teach others how to start spiritual conversations. By modeling the behavior and showing others that spiritual conversations can be natural and accepted, believers can inspire and equip others to do the same.
• Divine appointments: Praying for God to show opportunities for spiritual conversations and being open to His leading can result in divine appointments. By being attentive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's nudging, believers can engage in meaningful conversations and share the hope of Jesus with others.
• The power of prayer: Asking someone if you can pray for them, especially in the name of Jesus, can be a simple yet powerful way to start a spiritual conversation. Many people are open to receiving prayer, and it can lead to deeper conversations about faith and the gospel.

Notable Quotes:

• "You have to get out of your head and put your eyes on who your God is." - Karen Bradford
• "The fear of man is a dangerous trap. Trusting the Lord brings safety." - Karen Bradford
• "The only way to identify a counterfeit is to know the real thing. And the only way you're going to know the real thing is by being in the Word and hearing exactly what the Lord has to say to you." - Karen Bradford
• "Starting spiritual conversations is so important. It has eternal value. This is eternal." - Karen Bradford
• "We hold the keys to the faith of the next generation. We want to make sure we're passing that baton of faith to the next generation and doing it well and with intention." - Karen Bejjanni

Resources:

• iHOPE Ministries - The website mentioned in the episode where listeners can sign up for a course on starting spiritual conversations.
• The Blue Cord - Karen Bejjanni's book mentioned in the episode, which provides guidance and resources for sharing one's faith and passing on the baton of faith to the next generation.

Don't miss out on the full episode of The Blue Cord Podcast to gain valuable insights and practical tips on starting spiritual conversations and making a difference in your everyday life. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00  Starting spiritual conversations
00:01:00  Discussion on syncretism and the need to reach people with different beliefs
00:02:00 Personal experience of realizing the opportunity to share faith with people from different backgrounds
00:03:00 Overcoming fear and self-doubt to start spiritual conversations
00:04:00 Importance of knowing the Bible and having a faith worth sharing
00:05:00 The danger of being distracted from the call to share the gospel
00:06:00 The importance of knowing the truth and identifying counterfeits
00:07:00 Sharing the gospel with love and compassion
00:08:00 The fear of man and trusting in the Lord
00:09:00 The power of prayer in starting spiritual conversations
00:10:00 A practical framework for starting spiritual conversations
00:11:00 A spiritual conversation with a woman at a bus stop
00:14:00 Encouragement to start spiritual conversations and take the ethnos course
00:16:00 Modeling behavior and doing life with others
00:19:00 Importance of mentoring and discipleship for young women
00:21:00 Overcoming fear and becoming bolder
00:25:00 Invitation to read "The Blue Cord" book and purposefully disciple others
 

About the Guest(s):

• Linda is a seasoned traveler and worker who has spent over a decade working with immigrants, refugees, and church planters in Europe.
• She has been actively engaged in reaching out to people from other faiths, particularly Muslims, and has a heart for sharing the love of Christ with them.
• Linda is affiliated with a European church planting organization and has been involved in training and equipping Europeans to engage with people from other faith backgrounds.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen and Linda discuss the transformative power of God's love and how it affects our witness to people from other faiths. Linda shares her personal journey of initially being reluctant to engage with non-believers and how God's love compelled her to step out and reach out to refugees and immigrants in Europe. They emphasize the importance of being intentional and strategic in loving others and provide practical tips for engaging with people from other faith backgrounds. The conversation also highlights the proactive efforts in Europe to welcome and minister to refugees and immigrants, as well as the need for Christians to model and pass on the love of Christ to the next generation.

Key Takeaways:

• God's love for us is overwhelming and beyond our full understanding. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are equipped to love others, especially those from other faith backgrounds.
• Christians need to be intentional and strategic in loving non-believers. This includes praying for opportunities, positioning ourselves to engage with people from other faiths, and being bold in sharing the love of Christ.
• Europe has been at the forefront of welcoming and ministering to refugees and immigrants, with organizations like Refugee Highway Partnership and Diaspora People of Europe providing resources and training for engaging with people from other faith backgrounds.
• There are significant movements of God among different refugee communities in Europe, including Iranians, Syrians, and Ukrainians. Indigenous church planting and discipleship efforts are taking place, with refugees themselves being trained to reach their own people.
• As parents and grandparents, it is crucial to model and pass on the love of Christ to the next generation. This can be done through intentional conversations, engaging in field trips to ethnic markets or coffee shops, and sharing personal experiences of reaching out to people from other faiths.

Notable Quotes:

• "We cannot fully understand or grasp the love of God for us. We just, in our human weakness and sinful nature, Ephesians even says, it is too great to understand fully. But, then it goes on in Romans, and it says, He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." - Linda
• "Muslim women are desperate for God's love." - Karen
• "We have access to every tool we need. It really is a matter of us going before the Lord and saying, we just want to let you use us." - Linda

Resources:

• Refugee Highway Partnership

Listen to the full episode [here](link to the episode) to gain more insights on how God's love can transform our witness to people from other faiths and how to practically extend love to immigrants and refugees. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to the topic of how God's love affects our witness
00:01:00 Reflecting on the struggle to practically love people from other faiths
00:02:00 The importance of being intentional and strategic in loving non-believers
00:03:00 Understanding that God fills us with His love to love others
00:04:00 Being purposeful in cultivating a community that shares the same mission
00:05:00 The transformative impact of God's love on immigrants and refugees in Europe
00:06:00 Organizations in Europe focused on welcoming and ministering to refugees
00:07:00 Praying for opportunities and being bold in engaging with people from other faiths
00:08:00 The proactive approach of Europeans in reaching out to refugees
00:09:00 The foreshadowing of the immigrant and refugee situation in North America
00:10:00 The need for North Americans to learn from European experiences
00:11:00 The strategic efforts in reaching specific immigrant groups in Europe
00:12:00 The ongoing awareness and active ministry to refugees in Europe
00:13:00 Empowering families to be authentic witnesses across cultures
00:14:00 Practical ways to extend love to other faith immigrants and refugees
00:14:00 Linda emphasizes the importance of passing on love to future generations
00:15:00 Linda suggests inserting conversations about other nations and faiths into everyday discussions
00:16:00 Linda shares her experience of talking to Muslim women and the importance of sharing God's love with them
00:17:00 Karen discusses the impact of meeting believers from other faith backgrounds and the role of love in their journey to Christ
00:18:00 Karen encourages senior citizens to pass on their faith to the next generation and start small in sharing their faith
00:19:00 Linda shares her experience of mentoring students and taking them to engage with people of other faiths
00:20:00 Karen suggests going on field trips to ethnic markets and coffee shops to interact with people of different faiths
00:21:00 Linda emphasizes that loving others is a command from God and that He equips believers to share His love
00:22:00 Linda encourages believers to let God use them and embark on an exciting adventure of sharing His love
00:23:00 Karen invites listeners to get her book, "The Blue Cord," to help them embrace God's love and shine their light
00:24:00 Karen prompts listeners to reflect on their thoughts and feelings about loving their other faith neighbors and how they experienced God's love
00:24:00 Karen encourages listeners to share the episode and leave a review if they enjoyed it

About the Guest:

Andrena Sawyer is an author, business strategist, and survivor of the civil war in Sierra Leone. She left Sierra Leone at the age of nine and experienced her first encounter with God at the age of seven or eight during an altar call at church. Adrena's family was able to leave the country during the civil war due to her mother's employment at KLM Airlines. Adrena's parents were on fire for the Lord when they arrived in the United States, and she followed in their footsteps, becoming involved in ministry and youth outreach. Adrena has faced doubt and unbelief in her Christian witness but has learned to overcome these challenges through surrendering to God and remembering His faithfulness.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, host Karen interviews Adrena Sawyer, an author and business strategist who shares her journey of faith and overcoming doubt in her Christian witness. Adrena discusses her early encounters with God in Sierra Leone and her family's miraculous escape from the civil war. She shares how her parents' faith influenced her own and how she became involved in ministry and youth outreach. Adrena also opens up about the impact of doubt and unbelief on her Christian witness and the process of surrendering to God and rebuilding her faith. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing doubt as spiritual warfare and the need to trust God's character and provision. Adrena's story serves as an inspiration for anyone struggling with doubt and seeking to deepen their relationship with God.

Key Takeaways:

• Adrena's first encounter with God came at a young age during an altar call at church, which sparked her awareness of a personal relationship with Him.
• Adrena's family was able to escape the civil war in Sierra Leone due to her mother's employment at KLM Airlines, highlighting God's provision and protection.
• Adrena's parents' strong faith and involvement in ministry influenced her own journey and led her to become involved in youth outreach and evangelism.
• Doubt and unbelief can impact one's Christian witness, leading to a desire to please others and compromising one's faith.
• Surrendering doubt to God and remembering His faithfulness are key in overcoming doubt and deepening one's relationship with Him.

Notable Quotes:

• "Be gracious with yourself because it's a process. I've gone through many stages of attempts at people-pleasing... But the outside of that was really just the Holy Spirit and just the grace for compassion." - Adrena Sawyer
• "Recognize doubt for what it is, which is spiritual warfare... Be okay with surrendering that to Him and not feeling like you have to fight the doubt yourself." - Adrena Sawyer

Resources:

• Adrena Sawyer's Linkree

Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights from Adrena Sawyer's journey of faith and overcoming doubt in her Christian witness. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest, Adrena Sawyer
00:01 Adrena's first encounter with God at a young age
00:02 Adrena's family's escape from Sierra Leone during the civil war
00:04 Adrena's pursuit of the American dream and involvement in ministry
00:06 The impact of doubt and unbelief on Adrena's Christian witness
00:08 Overcoming people-pleasing and finding identity in God
00:10 The process of rebuilding and rediscovering faith
00:12 The power of affirmations and reminders of God's love
00:13 Conclusion of the rebuilding season and affirmation of identity
00:14 Impact of doubt on relationships and trust
00:15 Doubt shapes the way we live and pursue goals
00:16 The story of the Israelites in the wilderness and expectations
00:17 Recognizing doubt as spiritual warfare
00:18 Surrendering doubt to God and trusting His provision
00:19 Sharing the experience of peace and freedom in faith
00:20 Encouragement to remember the faithfulness of God

About the Guest(s):

• Amy McBrayer: Amy is a busy mom of two sons, a teacher at a local school, and a PhD candidate working on her thesis on the topic of modeling sharing faith across cultures. She is intentional about teaching her children to be authentic witnesses in their daily lives and has practical tips to share with other parents.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen interviews Amy McBrayer, a mom and teacher who is passionate about modeling sharing faith across cultures for her children. Amy shares five simple ways that parents can teach their kids to be authentic witnesses in a multicultural world. The first step is to talk with your kids about your Christian faith and the foundational beliefs of Christianity. The second step is to talk about world religions, helping your children understand the differences between various faiths. The third step is to take family field trips to experience different cultures and cuisines. The fourth step is to tithe your time by serving with organizations that work with refugees or international students. Finally, the fifth step is to model being an authentic witness yourself, showing your children what it looks like to live out your faith in everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

• Talking with your kids about your Christian faith helps them understand the foundational beliefs of Christianity and prepares them to share their faith with others.
• Discussing world religions with your children helps them understand and respect the beliefs of others, while also deepening their own understanding of their faith.
• Taking family field trips to experience different cultures and cuisines helps children appreciate the beauty and diversity of the world and fosters a curiosity about other cultures.
• Tithing your time by serving with organizations that work with refugees or international students provides opportunities for your children to interact with people from different backgrounds and learn about their experiences.
• Modeling being an authentic witness yourself is crucial, as children learn by example and are more likely to embrace their faith and share it with others when they see their parents living it out.

Notable Quotes:

• "Our kids are being their friends and our kids are going to school with them and our kids are wanting to go play outside with them. And it's really important as a follower of Christ, and we're pointing our children to Jesus that they can also do the same thing with their friends, but we have to have conversations with them. We have to be talking about that and making sure that they're ready for that." - Amy McBrayer
• "If you want your kids to love God, then you have to love God. If you want your kids to believe in prayer, you have to believe in prayer. If you want your children to love God's word, then you have to love God's word." - Amy McBrayer

Resources:

• The Blue Cord Podcast

Don't miss this insightful episode where Amy McBrayer shares practical tips for modeling sharing faith across cultures for your children. Listen now to learn how you can prepare your kids to be authentic witnesses in a multicultural world.

Chapters:

00:01:00 Importance of modeling faith across cultures for kids
00:02:00 Kids as missionaries in their elementary schools
00:03:00 Living in a multicultural world and passing on the faith
00:04:00 Talking about Christian faith in daily family conversations
00:05:00 Sharing personal experiences of faith with children
00:06:00 Patience in children's journey of faith
00:07:00 Talking about world religions with kids
00:08:00 Differentiating between different beliefs and faiths
00:09:00 Navigating conversations about Islam and Christianity
00:10:00 Understanding the difference between the God of the Bible and other faiths
00:11:00 Sharing Jesus with friends from different backgrounds
00:12:00 The beauty of God's grace and salvation in Christianity
00:13:00 The Holy Spirit guides children to be bright lights in sharing their faith
00:14:00 Taking kids to experience different cultures through ethnic food and conversations
00:15:00 Tying family time to serving others and engaging with different cultures
00:16:00 Volunteering with refugee families and involving kids in the experience
00:18:00 Serving with international student organizations to engage with different faiths and cultures
00:20:00 Modeling authentic witness by praying with others and sharing stories of conversations about faith
00:22:00 The importance of parents modeling their own faith for their children
00:25:00 Encouragement to love God, believe in prayer, and love God's word to inspire children's faith
00:00 Introduction to the topic of parenting and sharing faith
00:27 Reflecting on preparing kids to be authentic witnesses
00:27:00 Considering the Holy Spirit's guidance and modeling faith sharing
00:27:30 Identifying barriers to sharing faith
00:28 Encouragement to start sharing faith
00:28:30 Suggestion to share the episode with others
 

About the Guest

Lily (pseudonym) is a former school administrator with a heart for engaging the nations who live among us. She is currently engaged in purposeful interactions with people from various nations in a large city in North America. Lily is intentional about cultivating compassion for those who don't know Jesus and seeks to be an authentic witness in her daily life.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, Karen and Lily discuss the importance of cultivating compassion for people who don't know Jesus. They explore personal experiences and moments of compassion, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers to share their faith. Lily shares stories of connecting with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures, demonstrating the transformative power of compassion and the impact it can have on others. The conversation highlights the need for believers to step out of their comfort zones, engage with people who don't know Jesus, and pray for a deeper understanding of God's love for the lost.

Key Takeaways:

Cultivating compassion for those who don't know Jesus is essential for effective witness and sharing of faith.
Praying for a love for the lost sheep and asking God to reveal His heart for them can lead to transformative experiences and opportunities to share the gospel.
Obedience to God's prompting and stepping out in faith can result in powerful encounters and moments of connection with individuals who need to hear about Jesus.
Living a life of compassion requires being fully present and immersed in the condition of being human, sharing in people's brokenness, and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds can challenge preconceived notions and prejudices, leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's love for all people.
Notable Quotes:

"When we walk in obedience, we may not feel it at first. But as we are obedient to the Lord, He moves in the way that only He can move." - Lily
"If your walk with the Lord is stagnant or you're not seeing God move, get in the harvest because He is there and He is moving." - Lily
Resources:

TheBlueCord.org - The website for the Blue Cord Podcast.
Listen to the full episode to gain insights into cultivating compassion for those who don't know Jesus and discover the transformative power of sharing God's love with others. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from the Blue Cord Podcast.

Chapters:
00:05:00 The importance of praying to know God's love for the lost and how it has changed the guest's heart
00:07:00 Abide in Christ to bear fruit and the importance of understanding God's compassion
00:11:00 The difference between empathy and compassion and how compassion compels us to take action
00:13:00 Praying for the power of the Holy Spirit
00:18:00 Sharing love and experiencing a powerful response
00:21:00 Living out compassion in daily interactions
00:23:00 Encouragement to take a step of obedience
00:24:00 Cultivating compassion for those who don't know Jesus
00:24:00 Confessing and changing hearts towards foreigners
00:25:00 Finding fulfillment in the harvest
00:25:00 Growing faith through sharing faith
00:25:00 Make sure to sign up to get our weekly emails on the website at TheBlueCord.org.

It's a wrap! In this special, year-end BONUS EPISODE, Karen gives you a sneak peek of 3 BIG things coming for The Blue Cord in '24, and ways you can get involved. Watch for new Season 6 episodes in February '24. Until then, make sure you’re on our Blue Cord email list so you get all the latest updates. Sign up at www.TheBlueCord.org. Thank you for being a part of this Blue Cord community. Your heart for God's Kingdom always inspires and encourages us, and your partnership in this great commission work is something we never take for granted. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Key Takeaways:

The second edition of "The Blue Cord" book is launching, featuring a group study guide and links to new videos.
The book is being translated into Spanish, Korean, simple Chinese, and Taiwanese.
The upcoming season of the Blue Cord Podcast will focus on sharing what matters most and preparing the next generation to do the same.
The podcast episodes will cover topics such as assumptions about nonbelievers, overcoming fear, and modeling faith-sharing for children.
A Blue Cord virtual conference and regional events are being planned to bring the Blue Cord community together.
Quotes:

"Sharing our biblical faith can seem risky and counter-cultural right now, no matter where you live."
"The goal of this podcast and the Blue Cord book is to demonstrate what God does when His sons and daughters find sufficiency in Christ alone."
"We hold the keys to the next generation's faith."
"The Blue Cord book will be available through the Blue Cord website and wherever books are sold online."
"Make sure to sign up to get our weekly emails on the website at TheBlueCord.org."

About The Guest(s):
Julie King is an author who grew up in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall. She is the founder of Arise, an initiative through East-West Ministries International that focuses on mobilizing and equipping women to share the gospel around the world.

Summary:
Julie King shares her experiences in knowing God and making Him known. She discusses the importance of modeling and sharing the gospel, even in the face of resistance. Julie emphasizes the need for boldness and courage in sharing one's faith in foreign countries and our neighborhoods. She also highlights the power of community and its impact on our ability to share the gospel effectively.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start sharing the gospel young to make it a normative part of life.
2. The battle precedes the breakthrough in sharing the gospel.
3. It's important to step out in faith and do the thing, even when afraid.
4. Rally like-minded sisters together to encourage and support one another in sharing the gospel.
5. The time is now for global revival, and people are ready to hear the gospel.

Quotes:

• "The battle precedes the breakthrough."
• "Do it terrified together."
• "The time is now, and people are ready to hear."

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and discussion on modeling faith to children
00:28 Importance of creating space to walk by faith
00:29 Sharing the gospel with others as a model for children
00:31 Witnessing revival and the need for workers
00:33 The time is now to share the gospel
00:34 How to connect with Julie and her work
00:35 Reflection questions for the listener
00:36 Conclusion and invitation to leave a review
00:36 End of season five announcement
00:36 Sign up for email list and upcoming book release

About The Guest(s):

• Cathyl: A Blue Cord woman who has led four studies and is starting an international platform.
• Leatrice: A Blue Cord woman who has led three studies and brought nine women to the conference from Ohio.
• Jaiden: The youngest Blue Cord woman who led her first study at 16 and is now sharing her faith on her college campus.

Summary:
Cathy, Leatrice, and Jaiden share their experiences as Blue Cord group study leaders and how it has impacted their faith and the faith of those in their groups. They emphasize the importance of being willing, stepping out of your comfort zone, and relying on God's strength. They also highlight the transformation they have witnessed in themselves and others as they have shared their faith and engaged with different cultures. The Blue Cord study is described as easy to lead and a powerful tool for discipleship and evangelism.

Key Takeaways:

1. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone and do it scared.
2. The Blue Cord study is easy to lead and can have a powerful impact on participants' faith.
3. Engage with different cultures and be intentional about sharing your faith.
4. Embrace the discomfort zone and be aware of those who are different from you.
5. Live with urgency and share the gospel because we never know how long others will be on this earth.

Quotes:

• "If you're scared, do it scared. God is with you." - Cathy 
• "Every encounter is an opportunity to share my faith." - Leatrice
• "We need to live for Christ and intentionally share our faith with others." - Jaiden

Chapters:
00:13 Going to an Arab market and engaging with veiled women
00:14 Praying for the owner of a Chinese restaurant
00:15 Sharing faith and leading others to accept Jesus
00:16 Accountability and intentionality in sharing faith
00:17 Utilizing the Blue Cord book and resources
00:18 Translating the book into Chinese
00:19 Every encounter is an opportunity to share faith
00:20 Urgency in sharing the gospel
00:20 Request for reviews and feedback
00:20 Conclusion and closing remarks

About the Guest: Sarah, a former Buddhist from Burma, shares her compelling journey from a life of uncertainty and striving to the profound peace and transformation she found through encountering Jesus Christ. Her story illuminates the impact of God's love in her life and the remarkable transition from practicing Buddhism to embracing Christianity.

Episode Summary: Karen welcomes Sarah to the Blue Cord Podcast, initiating a conversation about Sarah's upbringing in a predominantly Buddhist environment. Sarah reflects on her pursuit of good deeds, meditation, and rituals in Buddhism, striving to find fulfillment and meaning in life. Despite her efforts, she faced internal struggles and emptiness, yearning for genuine peace and purpose.

Sarah recalls her encounter with an ESL teacher who introduced her to English through passages from the Bible, leading her to attend church for the first time. Through her exposure to Christianity, Sarah initially grappled with the concept of sin and the necessity of Jesus in her life. Over time, she experienced a deep conviction of her need for a Savior and eventually embraced Jesus Christ.

The conversation unfolds to reveal Sarah's transformation from harboring bitterness and hatred towards her aunt to experiencing a profound love and forgiveness, facilitated by her newfound faith in Christ. She emphasizes the substantial difference in her life, finding true peace and assurance through prayer and faith in Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

1. The power of God's love transcends cultural and religious boundaries, transforming lives even amidst adversity.
2. The significance of authentic love and compassion in bridging cultural gaps and sharing Christ's message.
3. The journey from spiritual emptiness to finding true peace and purpose in Jesus Christ.
4. The impact of surrendering to God's grace and experiencing His transformative love and forgiveness.
5. Encouragement to share the Gospel and point others to Jesus through intentional actions and genuine love.

Quotes:

• "God changed my heart. He transformed my hatred into love, and it was all God's doing." - Sarah
• "The Word of God is powerful. It changed my life, and it has the potential to change others' lives too." - Sarah
• "We just need to obey the Word of God and share the Gospel, for it holds the power to transform lives." - Sarah

These show notes capture the essence of the conversation between Karen and Sarah, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the significance of sharing Christ's message across diverse cultures and backgrounds.