Heart of Mission

S8E01- “They really do cry out to our Father in heaven because they have no one else to cry out to” – Keith Birchley
Keith, and his wife Marion, have spent ten years serving university students in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The people of PNG live with a trust in God that is both humbling and deeply instructive for the average Aussie Christian.
In this episode Keith unpacks what it means to follow Jesus in a context where poverty, corruption, tribal tension, and political unrest can interrupt daily life. He also reflects on the slow, patient work of coming alongside to support the rebuilding of a student movement. We hear how good theology can anchor and bolster student ministry while still valuing sharing experiences, song, and relationships.
This conversation offers an honest glimpse into the faith of our nearest neighbours - where God shines through the their hope and dependence in Him.

S7E06 - Chris and Stef Overhall, have been serving in Chile for seven years. They share the challenges and joys of cross-cultural ministry, from learning a new language to raising children in a foreign context. Chris discusses his work teaching theological education in Spanish through the Center for Pastoral Studies (CEP), highlighting the value of slow, humble service in gospel training.
Stef reflects on how vulnerability in language and culture has reshaped their ministry approach—slowing them down, fostering deeper relationships, and teaching them to listen and ask better questions. Through stories of friendship and discipleship with local women they reveal how everyday gospel conversations can flourish in an unfamiliar context.
They also explore shifts in Chilean society with growing secularism, stress, and spiritual hunger—and how the local church continues to hold out Christ. This episode offers a moving glimpse of faithful mission shaped by dependence, long-term investment, and the transforming power of God’s word.

S7E05 - Meet David and Jenny, serving with CMS in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite the region’s ongoing conflict, instability, and poverty, they paint a picture of vibrant faith, rich community, and deep thankfulness among the Congolese people.
Jenny shares her ministry with women—widows and church groups—where relationships, prayer, and practical service flourish even amidst hardship. Learning Swahili, she now teaches on the character of God to help ground women's heartfelt cries in biblical truth. David focuses on training church leaders and evangelists, bringing clarity around the gospel of grace in a context shaped by legalism and spiritual fear.
They reflect on challenges—security risks, navigating cultural expectations, and language barriers—and the joys of seeing hearts transformed by God's Word. Their story is one of long-term faithfulness, humility, and a willingness to serve where the needs are great.
The episode offers a glimpse into life and ministry in the DRC and invites others to consider joining the work. With over half the population under 16 years old and churches full of young people, the opportunities are wide open—and the harvest is plentiful.

S7E04 - For the past 15 years, Ben and his wife Sally have been living and serving among Muslim communities in South-West Sydney—sharing the hope of Jesus and walking alongside believers from Muslim backgrounds. In this episode, Ben shares some incredible stories from his ministry, showing how God is at work in unexpected ways - through refugee movements, the internet, and everyday friendships - drawing Muslims to Himself, often over many years.
Ben talks honestly about just how long and challenging that journey can be for many Muslims. He encourages us to approach these friendships with patience, grace, and a deep trust that God is always at work—even when we can’t see it.
Ben highlights about the deep identity struggles many believers from Muslim backgrounds face, and the vital role that church communities can play in welcoming, loving, and including them. Ben also shares a challenge for the wider church: there’s a huge need to focus more prayer and mission efforts on reaching Muslim communities.
Drawing from his own experience, both in Sydney and in the Middle East, Ben offers godly wisdom on loving Muslim friends with sensitivity, compassion, and long-term faithfulness.

S7E03 - Kellie Nicholas, has served for over 13 years with KGK, Japan’s IFES-affiliated student movement. Kellie shares about the joys and challenges of student ministry in Japan, where many students have never seen a bible or heard of Jesus beyond vague Western Christmas references, even confusing him with Santa.
There is a long, relational nature of evangelism in Japan, where spiritual journeys often take years or even decades. Kellie explains the unique dynamics of university ministry, where student groups are small, spread across multiple campuses, and led by students themselves. She shares stories of people coming to faith, including a woman whose journey began when her husband became a Christian after being inspired by Elvis’ gospel songs.
This conversation highlights the importance of patient, long-term ministry, cultural sensitivity, and faithful prayer. Listeners are encouraged to pray for student leaders, new friendships, and perseverance in a culture where spirituality exists, but conversion to Christianity is slow and complex.