A Story About Love, War, and the Unreached with Marv Newell

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In the foothills of northwest Laos, an unreached tribal group lives unaware of the gospel--until an American army medic is captured and brought to their village. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the historical fiction book, Taking You Under My Skin imagines a mountain tribe's encounter with Jesus and how it transforms their lives forever.

Follow the gripping journey of Mike Neilson as he miraculously escapes death to become a messenger of life. During his captivity, his fiancée, Lisa, clings to hope as she patiently waits for his return. Will their paths cross again? Tune in today as host Dave Jacob interviews author Marv Newell and learn how you can use this book to inspire and challenge those God is calling--no matter the cost.

Show Notes:
Buy Marv's book here and receive 25% off!
Other books by Marv

Mission Themes woven throughout the book:
Calling                                                                    
Hardship
Tribal religious beliefs & practices                     
Syncretism
Importance of Bible translation                            
Redemptive analogy
Divine visions                                                        
Ecumenical cooperation
Contextualization                                                   
Power encounter
Third culture kids                                                   
Church planting
Importance of sending church                               
Power of prayer
Rationale for polygamy                                           
Flexing with the unexpected
Ethnic tensions                                                       
Dealing with shady government officials

Special Video Episode: How Jina was Mobilized

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25% of all donations go to help Jina get to Paraguay!

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25% of all donations go to help Jina get to Paraguay! 〰️

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How is God calling young people to serve as missionaries today? And how can we come alongside them to encourage and help them fulfill God’s call on their lives? Watch this special video episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast as host Dave Jacob interviews Jina, an aspiring missionary to Paraguay. They discuss the ups and downs of navigating the missionary call and Jina gives some special advice for missions mobilizers. This video is a great case study of how God is working in one young lady’s life. Here’s what Dave asked Jina:

1. How did God lead you to the missions field?
2. How has your adoption story impacted your passion for missions?
3. Did the Asbury outpouring influence your decision to pursue missions? If so, how?
4. What were some hurdles you faced on your journey?
5. What questions did you have as you started exploring missions?
6. What do your parents think about you going to the field?
7. Tell us about your work in Paraguay.
8. What do you wish mobilizers knew about young aspiring missionaries like yourself?

Watch Here

Do you want to learn more about the younger generation and missions? Get the 2025 Launch Survey Results to read what over 400 Gen Z aspiring missionaries said.

Launch Survey Results Part 2: What This Means for Teams and Field Leaders

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What helps and hinders new missionaries getting to the field? The Launch Survey was conducted in the first quarter of 2025 and the results are in! Over 2,400 new and aspiring missionaries provided fresh insights as to what (and who) helped them in their journey to become a missionary, and what obstacles they faced along the way. In this episode (part 2), host Dave Jacob and Katy White discuss the implications of the results for teams and field leaders. They share the data about the importance of having healthy teams, how current missionaries can help onboard new missionaries, and what factors are vital to implement for short-term mission trips. To see all the Launch Survey results including an article, webinar, and more, visit https://gospelmobilization.org/launchsurvey.


Show Notes:
Launch Survey Results Episode 1: What This Means for Pastors and Churches
All the Launch Survey results
Go Corps
Katy's Book Mobilizing Gen Z
Katy's Book Tithe Your Career

Special Video Episode: Communication Insights from Gen Z

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What helps and hinders the emerging generation of new missionaries getting to the field? The Launch Survey was conducted in the first quarter of 2025 and the results are in! Over 2,400 new and aspiring missionaries provided fresh insights as to what (and who) helped them in their journey to become a missionary, and what obstacles they faced along the way. In this special video podcast episode, host Dave Jacob and Katy White discuss the implications of the results for marketing and communications professionals, helping them better communicate with Gen Z.

Watch Now


Launch Survey Results Part 1: What This Means for Pastors and Churches

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What helps and hinders new missionaries getting to the field? The Launch Survey was conducted in the first quarter of 2025 and the results are in! Over 2,400 new and aspiring missionaries provided fresh insights as to what (and who) helped them in their journey to become a missionary, and what obstacles they faced along the way. In this episode, host Dave Jacob and Katy White discuss the implications of the results for pastors and churches, helping them position themselves to send more laborers around the world. 

Using AI to Mobilize Part 2

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How are you using AI to mobilize more missionaries? Perhaps you're not using AI at all.  This tool is growing extremely fast and it can be hard to stay informed. Today, Gospel Mobilization Podcast host Dave Jacob sits down with Bevin Ginder, cofounder of GlobalCAST Resources, who has spent more than 25 years mobilizing, equipping, and sending laborers to the field. This is Part 2 of our discussion on using AI to Mobilize. Listen to part 1 here:  https://gospelmobilization.org/podcast/2025/8/11/using-ai-to-mobilize-part-1-with-bevin-ginder. Dave and Bevin discuss practical tips for using AI to mobilize more missionaries and some helpful AI tools to help you send more. Find all the show notes at https://gospelmobilization.org/podcast. Here are the questions Dave and Bevin discussed:

  1. How can mobilizers best use AI?

  2. What resources can you recommend for those interested in starting or learning more about AI?

  3. What are the ethical dimensions of using AI?

Using AI to Mobilize - Part 1 with Bevin Ginder

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How are you using AI to mobilize more missionaries? Perhaps you're not using AI at all.  This tool is growing extremely fast and it can be hard to stay informed. Today, Gospel Mobilization Podcast host Dave Jacob sits down with Bevin Ginder, cofounder of GlobalCAST Resources, who has spent more than 25 years mobilizing, equipping, and sending laborers to the field. They discuss the pros and cons of AI, why mobilizers should use it, and some practical AI tools to help you send more. Here are the questions Dave and Bevin discussed:

1. What would you say to a mobilizer who is scared of AI and is pretty much ignoring it?
2. What are some parameters mobilizers need to set when utilizing AI?
3. How can mobilizers best use AI?


Show Notes:
GlobalCAST Resources
YWAM
Fairly Trained
AI Academy by Max7
Canva
Ethics in the Use of AI
Using AI to Mobilize - Episode 2 Coming Soon

Mobilizing Gen Z Through Gaming with Luke Richey

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Today on the Gospel Mobilization Podcast, host Dave Jacob interviews Luke Richey, Co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer for Gravity Jack, one of the first augmented reality companies in the U.S. that has helped build technology and games for brands like Pokémon GO, and World of Tanks. Dave and Luke talked about the gaming space, why the Church should be in these spaces, and how to best mobilize the younger generations through gaming. If you're listening to this episode with kids, please note that there is some mild language towards the end of the episode. Here's what Dave asked during the interview:

  1. How did you get involved in gaming ministry?

  2. Why isn’t the church more involved in the gaming world?

  3. We know there are more single women in missions than single men and some have said that gaming is partly to blame since men can satisfy their sense of adventure through gaming instead of going out into the missions field. Can you address that and maybe touch on how to help those who might be addicted to gaming?

  4. For those of us that are out-of-touch with gaming, why should we get involved and where do we start?

  5. What are some practical ways mobilizers can use gaming to help us recruit more missionaries?

Show Notes:
Gravity Jack
Resources on gamer evangelism:  
Ready Set Go
Satellite Gaming
Discord
Contact Luke:
Email
Linkedin

Mobilizing Retirees with Bill Hennessy

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Does your agency or church have a plan to mobilize retirees? Tune in today as Dave chats with Bill Hennessy, author of the newly-released book, Purposeful Retirement. Bill shares practical advice to help mobilizers send more laborers. Here's what Dave asked:  

1. Let’s start by talking about retirement. What is it and where do we see this in the Scriptures?
2. You've written a new book called: "Purposeful Retirement - Making the Next Season of Life Your Best," Why write a book about retirement?
3. How can retirees plan for retirement?
4. How can retired people find purpose in missions?
5. How can a mobilizer help a retiree adjust some of their expectations?
6. As we think about mobilizing retirees, what do we say to a retiree that won’t scare them off?
7. What types of opportunities are best to present to retirees?

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Do you talk with believers that are apathetic towards world missions? Perhaps you're currently discipling someone who can’t seem to get out of their comfort zone. If so, today’s episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast will equip you with practical ideas as you have these difficult conversations. Our host, Dave Jacob, sat down with Scott Hildreth, the associate professor of missiology and associate dean of the ministry preparation area at Southeastern Seminary. A former missionary himself, Scott is working to educate and mobilize the next generation of missionaries. Here’s what Dave asked:

1. What is your story of how the Lord “awakened the missionary within you”?
2. In a culture that values exploring the world as an opportunity to see exotic places and experience new things, how do we develop a heart sensitive to the world’s vast lostness and need for the gospel?
3. In your book, you write, “Far too many of us live out the words of John Ryland: ‘If God wants to reach them, He can do it without my help.’” Where does this idea come from? What’s wrong with it? What does it reveal about us?
4. According to a study from Lifeway Research, more than 2 in 3 U.S. Protestant pastors (67%) believe comfort is an idol that has significant influence on their congregations. How can mobilizers help others overcome this apathy and comfort?
5. Throughout the text you break down the Great Commission and note that it is for all believers. Unpack that a little bit for us.
6. How can mobilizers use this text as a mobilization tool?
7. What do you hope this book does for believers who read it?

Show Notes:
Scott’s Book, A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions
Lifeway Research about comfort being an idol
Connect with Scott:
Website
Email

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Five Tips to Mobilize Ethnic Minorities with Charles Chapman

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We would all agree that the best missions force is a diverse missions force. But how do we practically mobilize more ethnic minorities to the missions field? Join host Dave Jacob as he chats with Charles Chapman, the Missions Candidate Development Specialist for the Alliance. Charles also serves as the African-American Leadership Developer for the Ohio Valley District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. You’ll hear how God called Charles when he was in high school and some best practices that will equip you to mobilize more ethnic minorities. Number 4 just might surprise you!

Show Notes:
The Alliance  
National African American Missions Council
Mobilizing People With Impairments Episode
Missio Nexus Leaders Conference
Contact Charles

Creating a Mobilization Culture in Your Organization with John Darnell

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If you are mobilizing in an organization, you know the frustration that can sometimes exist when others unknowingly sabotage your mobilization efforts or at the very least, don’t quite see the importance of mobilization. Today, Dave has a frank conversation with John Darnell, CEO of Global Outreach International. John unpacks his philosophy of mobilization, how to balance hitting the recruitment numbers with discipleship, and what he did to increase the mobilization culture at Global Outreach. Here’s what Dave asked him:

1. Let's talk about when you became the CEO of Global Outreach and how you had to shift things as a leader to support mobilization.

2. How do you create healthy collaboration between departments?

3. When it comes to the philosophies of mobilization, how do you navigate the tension that sometimes exists between mobilization recruiting and mobilization discipleship?

4. Mobilizers can often feel pressure to hit the numbers and that can demotivate them. How do you encourage your mobilization staff to keep them motivated?

5. You mentioned earlier to me that you have had to “push the board.” Can you explain what you mean by that and what occurred?

6. What are you seeing change in the church and what must we do differently as we mobilize the body of Christ?

Show Notes:
Global Outreach
The Mobilizers Retreat and Training
Download the Mobilization Continuum
Missio Nexus Missions Leaders Conference
The Choice book
Canoeing the Mountains book
The Future of Missions Barna Study
Connect with John
Facebook: @johndarnell3rd
Instagram: @johndarnell3rd
Linkedin: @johndarnell3rd

Mobilizing Families with Pastor Sam Jacob

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Can one conversation with a family member really make a difference? Today, Dave interviews his oldest son who has served on staff at two churches overseeing their missions programs and leading people on short-term trips. Sam shares what happened while he and his dad were waiting for a taxi in Thailand and what influenced him as a young boy to serve in ministry and missions. He gives us eight things you can do to mobilize families to the nations and discusses some of the obstacles he's faced over the years too. Here’s what Dave asked him:

  1. Let's talk about your childhood. What were some of the things you recall that influenced your decision to serve in ministry/missions?

  2. How did growing up overseas in Northern Asia impact your future missions involvement?

  3. You've served on staff at two churches and oversaw the missions programs at both of them. When it comes to mobilizing families, what are some of the obstacles you've come across?

  4. What are some of the strategies you use to increase families' missions involvement?

  5. How have you seen short-term mission trips impact those who have participated?

  6. How have you been involved in your church’s missions committee?

Four Tips to Mobilize People to the Hardest Places

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David Platt has said that unreached people groups are unreached for a reason, they are hard, dangerous, and difficult to get to, All the easy ones are taken. So what will it take to make disciples in the most difficult places on earth? Today, on the Gospel Mobilization Podcast, host, Dave Jacob interviews Josh Duncan and Eddie Lozano with Triad. Our guests explain how to mobilize people to the hardest areas by giving us four tips we can apply and put into action. And these guys should know, because they’ve been doing it for years. This episode will challenge and inspire you to focus on some of the hardest-to-reach people groups on the planet, so that King Jesus will one day receive the worship and glory He deserves.

Show Notes:
Triad
Kaiser’s Book, Mission in the Old Testament
Triad’s Book, Awaken
Stratus.earth
Open Doors Reports
Joshua Project
Contact Josh, Executive Director of Triad
Contact Eddie, Director of Mobilization

Being a Lifelong Mobilizer with Levi Longwe

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If you are tired, stressed, weary, or ready to quit mobilization, this episode is for you! Our guest, Levi Longwe, a mobilizer from Malawi serving in Lesotho, helps us understand the importance of being a lifelong mobilizer. You’ll be encouraged to press on as Levi shares his journey in mobilization. Give the gift of encouragement and send this link to a friend! Here’s what our host, Dave Jacob, asked Levi:

  1. Tell us your story. How did you become a mobilizer?

  2. How do you mobilize there in Lesotho?

  3. Tell us about your vision for the future of mobilization in Lesotho.

  4. You have said that you have dedicated your life to be a mobilizer. Why is longevity important in mobilization?

  5. What are some misconceptions of who a mobilizer is?

  6. How are you collaborating and networking with other mobilizers and why is that important?

  7. How are you raising up and training more mobilizers?

Show Notes:
Kairos Course
AIM
Podcast Episode with Reuben Kachala
Article by Steve Shadrach
AfriGo Magazine
Globalcast Resources
GMMI

Mobilizing for When Serving Gets Tough with Carol Ghattas

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Mobilization doesn’t stop when a new global worker gets to the field. Some have said it should continue through the first year of field service. As mobilizers, we need tools to help stop the revolving door of new missionaries going to the field and then coming home for preventable reasons. Today, Dave interviews Carol Ghattas, author of the new book, When Serving Gets Tough. Visit our show notes to receive 25% off the book. It would make a great Christmas gift!

Here’s what Dave asked Carol:
1. What motivated you to write this book?
2. Why do missionaries struggle? Are they not prepared for what they’ll face on the field? 
3. Are sending organizations missing something in their mobilization and training?
4. How can your book be a good tool for mobilizers?
5. Mobilizers are often having discipleship-type conversations with potential goers helping them to navigate God’s call on their lives. How important is calling and what advice would you have for mobilizers as they have these conversations?
6. What topics or struggles do you cover in the book? Did you find it hard to limit them to thirty?
7. Sometimes mobilizers may paint an overly positive picture of what life on the mission field will be like in the hopes to recruit more people. Is this harmful? If so, why?
8. Could you share a story that illustrates why being honest about life on the missions field helps our mobilization efforts?

Show Notes:
Buy Carol’s book, When Serving Gets Tough
Please use discount code MISSIONPODCAST25 for 25% off of the paperback and eBook.  (offer valid until December 31, 2024).
A Life in Exile
Contact Carol
Follow Carol on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
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The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church with Justin Schell

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Today, Dave Jacob interviews Justin Schell, Director of Younger Leaders Generation for the Lausanne Movement. His latest book, The Mission of God and the Witness of the Church, is dedicated to missions mobilizers, making this episode just for you! Starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation, the book is shorter than you’d expect, making it user-friendly for those who need a synopsis on the missions narrative throughout the Bible. Tune in to discover why Justin dedicated this book to missions mobilizers and how we should really translate the word, “Go” in Matthew 28:19.

100 Best Practices of Missions Mobilization

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To celebrate our 100th episode of the Gospel Mobilization Podcast, we are giving you 100 best practices of mobilization! Join mobilization experts, Katy White, Mark Stebbins, Chelsea Christopher, and host Dave Jacob as they unpack these practical tips for missions mobilizers.

Get the pdf

Show Notes:
Mobilizing Gen Z by Katy White & Jolene Erlacher
Missio Nexus
Perspectives USA
Daniel Generation by Jolene Erlacher


Download a Free pdf of the 100 Best Practices (on our homepage)

Seven Tips from Gen Z Mobilizers

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Do you want to mobilize the younger generations? Are you finding it difficult to relate to Gen Z? Today, we’re talking with 4 Gen Z mobilizers who work for World Gospel Mission, a non-denominational missions agency based in Marion, Indiana. These 4 mobilizers: Madeline, Andy, Kaeley, and Kenzie work to not only mobilize Gen Z, they are Gen Zers themselves! You’ll learn the importance of diversity, team, clear communication, authenticity, and much more!


Show Notes:
World Gospel Mission
 Dangerous Jesus by Kevin Burgess
WHOLEHEARTED! Tending Your Heart through Being Discipled by Jesus by Rick and Diane Bewsher 
Barna Research on Gen Z: Success and Work Culture


Want more on Mobilizing Gen Z? Check out the book Mobilizing Gen Z by Jolene Erlacher and Katy White

Strategies to Mobilize Latinos with Moses Saldivar

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We all know that a diverse missions force is the best missions force. Listen to this episode as host Dave Jacob talks with Moses Saldivar, the Director of Engagement for US Latino Churches at Frontiers. Moses shares his story as well as several challenges and strategies to help you mobilize more Latino missionaries. Here are the specific questions Dave asked:

  1. What's your story? How did God lead you into missions?

  2. What are the benefits of mobilizing a diverse missions force and how has God uniquely positioned U.S. Latinos to make great missionaries?

  3. When it comes to mobilizing Latinos, what are some of the barriers? 

  4. How can those barriers be overcome?

  5. What are some specific strategies for mobilizers and missions pastors to mobilize more Latinos?

Show Notes:
Frontiers USA
Frontiers Go
Contact Moses