Summary
In this conversation, Ryan VandeLinde shares his journey into full-time mission work in the Dominican Republic, discussing the challenges and rewards of cross-cultural ministry. He emphasizes the importance of language, cultural understanding, and building deep relationships within the community. Ryan also highlights the significance of empowering local leaders and the development of 'kingdom businesses' that meet community needs while fostering self-sufficiency. The discussion touches on the complexities of raising a family in a foreign country, the transition back to the U.S., and the future vision for the Eastern Dominican Christian Mission (EDCM).
Takeaways
Ryan's journey into mission work began in high school.
Cross-cultural experiences can profoundly impact one's perspective on ministry.
Language barriers can hinder relationship-building in a new culture.
Loneliness is a common challenge for missionaries.
Effective leadership involves empowering local leaders.
Kingdom businesses aim to meet community needs while promoting self-sufficiency.
Prayer support is crucial for mission work.
Financial support is necessary for sustaining mission initiatives.
Building deep relationships is essential for effective ministry.
The future vision for EDCM includes expanding church plants and community services.
Sound Bites
"Loneliness is a big challenge."
"We want them to succeed."
"We always need prayer."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Mission Work Overview
05:47 Transitioning to Full-Time Mission Work
13:42 Cultural and Language Barriers
17:59 Raising a Family in the Dominican Republic
22:26 Transitioning Back to the U.S.
27:44 The Start of the Party
34:21 The Vision Behind Kingdom Businesses
40:36 Leadership Principles: Equip and Empower
47:04 Future Vision for EDCM
52:27 How to Support EDCM
Faithful - https://faithful.buzzsprout.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571226598690
Please feel free to check out the organizations that support us:
Vantage Surgical Solutions - https://vantage.healthcare/
Vantage Surgical Solutions Careers - https://vantage.healthcare/careers/
Chris Contact Info - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherswing/
And the ones we support:
Missions:
Developing Kids Ghana - https://developingkidsghana.com/
Eastern Dominican Christian Mission - https://easterndominican.org/
Broadway Christian Church - https://broadwaycc.churchcenter.com/home/
57/70 Task Force: https://5770taskforce.org/
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Ridiculous History
History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.