The Blue Cord, By IHOPE Ministries podcast

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Innhold levert av iHOPE Ministries and Karen Bejjani. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av iHOPE Ministries and Karen Bejjani eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.

Insights Unlocked

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How Anthropologie gets omnichannel right (and what to learn) 27:29

for 4 dager siden27:29

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27:29

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/2b3dz2z8 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked , please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked , we explore the evolving landscape of omnichannel strategies with Kate MacCabe, founder of Flywheel Strategy. With nearly two decades of experience in digital strategy and product management, Kate shares her insights on bridging internal silos, leveraging customer insights, and designing omnichannel experiences that truly resonate. From the early days of DTC growth to today’s complex, multi-touchpoint customer journeys, Kate explains why omnichannel is no longer optional—it’s essential. She highlights a standout example from Anthropologie, demonstrating how brands can create a unified customer experience across digital and physical spaces. Whether you’re a marketing leader, UX strategist, or product manager, this episode is packed with actionable advice on aligning teams, integrating user feedback, and building a future-proof omnichannel strategy. Key Takeaways: ✅ Omnichannel vs. Multichannel: Many brands think they’re omnichannel, but they’re really just multichannel. Kate breaks down the difference and how to shift toward true integration. ✅ Anthropologie’s Success Story: Learn how this brand seamlessly blended physical and digital experiences to create a memorable, data-driven customer journey. ✅ User Feedback is the Secret Weapon: Discover how continuous user testing—before, during, and after a launch—helps brands fine-tune their strategies and avoid costly mistakes. ✅ Aligning Teams for Success: Cross-functional collaboration is critical. Kate shares tips on breaking down silos between marketing, product, and development teams. ✅ Emerging Tech & Omnichannel: Instead of chasing the latest tech trends, Kate advises businesses to define their strategic goals first—then leverage AI, AR, and other innovations to enhance the customer experience. Quotes from the Episode: 💬 "Omnichannel isn’t just about being everywhere; it’s about creating seamless bridges between every touchpoint a customer interacts with." – Kate MacCabe 💬 "Companies that truly listen to their users—through qualitative and quantitative insights—are the ones that thrive in today’s competitive landscape." – Kate MacCabe Resources & Links: 🔗 Learn more about Flywheel Strategy 🔗 Connect with Kate MacCabe on LinkedIn 🔗 Explore UserTesting for customer insights for marketers…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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For Christian women who are hungry to know God and make Him known. Host Karen Bejjani (author and iHOPE Ministries' Co-Founder) dishes up a fresh dose of inspiration and moral courage through conversations with faith-filled women who are living as authentic witnesses across cultures in their daily lives. For more inspiration visit TheBlueCord.org.

123 episoder

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Last of Season 6 - Understanding World Religions 25:55

for 45 weeks siden25:55

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Join Us for a Summer Online Blue Cord Study - Begins June 11th through July 23rd. For more details and to register go HERE : About the Guest: Renod Bejjani: Renod Bejjani is a former Christian who experienced intense persecution in several Islamic world nations. After years of anger and hatred towards Muslims, he had a transformational encounter with God and now serves as an instrument of God's love to Muslims. Renod is the author of two books, "Muslims: Five Biblical Essentials Every Christian Should Know and Do" and "The Way to Paradise," a Bible study. Episode Summary: Welcome to the final episode of Season 6 of The Blue Cord Podcast. In this episode, host Karen interviews her husband Renod Bejjani, who shares his personal journey from anger and hatred towards Muslims to becoming an instrument of God's love for them. Renod discusses how Jesus prepared his disciples to engage with people from other faiths and cultures and emphasizes the importance of knowing scripture, having a personal relationship with God through Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and actively meeting people of different faiths and cultures. The episode also explores what different religions believe about God, Jesus, salvation, and the afterlife, highlighting the unique aspects of Christianity in comparison to other faiths. The episode concludes with a call to action for Christians to engage with people from other faiths and cultures and share the hope of Jesus. Key Takeaways: Jesus prepared his disciples to engage with people from other faiths and cultures by modeling the use of scripture, emphasizing a personal relationship with God through Jesus, empowering them with the Holy Spirit, and encouraging them to meet people of different faiths and cultures. Christianity is the only religion where God has a personal relationship with individuals. Other religions have different beliefs about God, Jesus, salvation, and the afterlife. Islam respects Jesus as a prophet but denies his deity, while Hinduism has millions of gods and Buddhism sees God as an abstract void. Only Christianity believes in the Trinity and the deity of Jesus. Most religions, except Christianity and Islam, teach that being a good person leads to a good afterlife. Christianity and Islam believe in a judgment day where individuals will go to heaven or hell based on their faith and actions. Christianity, Islam, and secularism are the only religions actively evangelizing. Other religions, such as Hinduism and Buddhism, focus on merging into divinity or achieving a state of oneness. Notable Quotes: "In all other religions, it depends on me, my works to make it to the afterlife. But in Christianity, my salvation depends on what Jesus did, what he's already accomplished because he did what needs to be done to redeem me out of hell." - Renod Bejjani "The best way to prepare is to get to know people and follow the process that Jesus prepared his disciples with." - Renod Bejjani Resources: Renod Bejjani's books: Muslims: Five Biblical Essentials Every Christian Should Know and Do and The Way to Paradise Thank you for listening to the final episode of Season 6 of The Blue Cord Podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring content in Season 7.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Inspiring and Empowering Christian Women to Share Jesus Across Cultures 27:34

for 46 weeks siden27:34

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About the Guest(s): Cathy is an experienced Christian missionary and disciple-maker. She has led gospel sharing teams in multiple countries and currently disciples a group of new believers in Pakistan. Cathy is actively involved in helping everyday believers live out their calling to make Jesus known through her work with iHOPE Ministries. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen and Cathy discuss the challenges of inspiring and empowering Christian friends to share their faith across different faiths and cultures. They address the opposition that may arise and the apathy or fear that some Christians may have towards evangelism. Cathy shares her personal experience of moving to a new city and struggling to find like-minded individuals who were willing to engage in faith sharing. However, through her involvement with The Blue Cord study, she was able to build a community of women who are now actively sharing the gospel both locally and internationally. The Blue Cord study combines biblical concepts with behavioral science to inspire and empower individuals to share Jesus in a natural and effective way. Cathy encourages listeners to step out in faith and start small, as even the smallest acts of obedience can have a significant impact on the world. Key Takeaways: Many Christians may be hesitant or apathetic towards sharing their faith across different faiths and cultures. The United States is one of the nations with a significant number of unreached people, and the growth of other religions, such as Islam, is outpacing Christianity. The Blue Cord study provides a practical and effective way to inspire and empower Christians to share Jesus with people of other faiths and cultures. Starting small and building a community of like-minded individuals can lead to significant multiplication and impact. The joy of sharing Jesus and seeing lives transformed outweighs any fear or opposition that may arise. Notable Quotes: "The comfort zone is a lie from Satan. The joy zone is where it's at." - Cathy "The Lord can impact the world through your saying yes and stepping out in faith." - Cathy Resources: The Blue Cord - The website for The Blue Cord study and resources. iHOPE Ministries - The organization Cathy is involved with, helping believers live out their calling to make Jesus known. Listen to the full episode to gain more insights and be inspired to share Jesus with people of other faiths and cultures. Stay tuned for more empowering content from The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Overcoming Fear: Empowering Women to Share Their Faith 26:31

for 47 weeks siden26:31

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About the Guest(s): Lisa Pack is a second-generation Korean-Canadian from Toronto, Canada. She has 14 years of global and pastoral ministry and church experience. Lisa is a global mission strategist and serves on the core team with Rick Warren's "Finishing the Task" initiative. She is passionate about reaching the world's least reached and mobilizing younger generations for the gospel. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Blue Cord Podcast, host Karen discusses the resistance factors that often hold Christians back from sharing their faith. She is joined by Lisa Pack, a global mission strategist and member of Rick Warren's "Finishing the Task" initiative. Lisa shares her personal journey of discovering God's heart for the nations and emphasizes the importance of overcoming ignorance and fear in order to be bold witnesses for Christ. She encourages women to find opportunities for sharing their faith and highlights the power of community and sisterhood in supporting and empowering one another. The episode concludes with practical tips for cultivating a prayer life and creating an environment that fosters intentional evangelism. Key Takeaways: Ignorance and fear are two major resistance factors that hold Christians back from sharing their faith. Overcoming ignorance involves becoming aware of the number of people who don't know Jesus and understanding the impact of cultural influences on their perception of God. Fear can be overcome by focusing on God's love and the authenticity of one's own story and witness. Women have unique opportunities to share their faith and make a difference in their communities and the world. Building a community of like-minded believers can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth in sharing the gospel. Notable Quotes: "Ignorance and fear feed into each other and become bigger obstacles to sharing our faith." - Lisa Pack "You don't have to be a theologian to share your faith. Your story and the presence of the Holy Spirit in you are what persuades people." - Lisa Pack "The future of Christianity in Africa is in the hands of women." - Dr. Gina Zirlo Resources: Finishing the Task Initiative Listen to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the resistance factors that hinder Christians from sharing their faith and to discover practical ways to overcome these obstacles. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Discovering Bold Faith: Stories of Everyday Believers in Challenging Places 30:29

for 48 weeks siden30:29

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About the Host: Karen is an everyday Christian woman who, along with her husband Renod, embarked on a life-changing adventure to inspire and empower believers to share the gospel. Renod is Karen's husband and partner in their mission to shine the light of Jesus into dark and hopeless places. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen shares the story of how God used three ordinary believers to challenge her faith and inspire her to share the gospel fearlessly. She recounts her experiences with Muhammad, a former Muslim who boldly shared the gospel despite persecution; Caroline, a refugee who fearlessly shared Jesus with a Muslim taxi driver; and Miriam, a single Christian woman living in a dangerous red zone city who poured into the lives of women suffering from the effects of war. Through these encounters, Karen learned the importance of fearing God more than man and the power of a bold and courageous faith. She encourages listeners to pray for a faith like theirs and to be willing to step out of their comfort zones to share the hope of Jesus with others. Key Takeaways: Crisis moments can lead to a reckoning and a deeper understanding of who God is and who we are in Him. Muhammad's bold faith challenged Karen to consider who she feared more, God or man. Caroline's fearless sharing of the gospel with a Muslim taxi driver inspired Karen to consider sharing her faith in her own community. Miriam's unwavering faith and courage in a dangerous city showed Karen the power of a life centered around Jesus. Praying for a bold faith like Muhammad, Caroline, and Miriam can transform our lives and empower us to share the gospel with others. Notable Quotes: "If they kill me, send 10 more believers to share the good news. And if they kill those 10, send a hundred and if they kill them, send a thousand, no matter the persecution, even until death, Jesus is worth it all." - Muhammad "Every time I hear that sound, I get down on my knees to pray to my heavenly father that he would be glorified here." - Miriam Resources: The Blue Cord website Listen to the full episode to be inspired by the stories of Muhammad, Caroline, and Miriam and to learn how to cultivate a bold and courageous faith that shines the light of Jesus into dark places. Stay tuned for more episodes of The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Go Where the People Are - Finding and Engaging with the Nations 27:04

for 49 weeks siden27:04

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About the Guest: Melanie is a leader of a singles ministry at a large church in Calgary, Canada. She is an advisory board member of See Global. Melanie has a passion for reaching people who don't know Jesus and has a heart for evangelism and discipleship. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen and Melanie discuss the importance of intentionally engaging with people from different faiths and cultures to share the message of Jesus. They emphasize the need to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to be prepared to share the gospel in various situations. Melanie shares personal stories of how she has engaged with people from different backgrounds and the impact it has had. They also discuss the importance of being intentional in everyday life, whether it's in the workplace, neighborhood, or through joining clubs or groups. The episode encourages listeners to step out of their comfort zones and trust God to use them as witnesses for Christ. Key Takeaways: Being intentional in engaging with people from different faiths and cultures is crucial for sharing the message of Jesus. It is important to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to be prepared to share the gospel in various situations. Building relationships and listening to others' stories can create opportunities for sharing the love of Christ. Engaging with people in everyday life, such as in the workplace or neighborhood, provides opportunities to be a witness for Christ. Trusting God and stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to be used by Him to impact the lives of others. Notable Quotes: "We have to have people to disciple. And we don't get a free pass if we're not the evangelist. We don't leave that to the other people. We all need to have some stake in that." - Melanie "People are not projects. They're not projects to God. They are people that are created in God's image. And we need to love each and every one, and see them how God sees them." - Melanie "We're all called to shine our light, to know God and help others make Him known to those who do not know Him." - Karen Resources: Sea Global: Website Listen to the full episode here . Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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From Muslim to Christian: A Journey of Faith and Transformation 40:05

for 50 weeks siden40:05

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About the Guest: Narmin grew up in a Muslim family in an Islamic ruled nation. After a series of events, she had a personal encounter with Christ that transformed her life. She is currently working with Global Heart Ministries as a social media evangelist and communication liaison, sharing the message of hope and the gospel of Christ to Central Asian populations. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen interviews Narmin, who shares her journey from growing up in a Muslim family in a Soviet nation to becoming a follower of Christ. Narmin talks about her childhood, where she had limited exposure to the concept of God due to the restrictions imposed by the Soviet system. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, she had the opportunity to explore different religions and encountered Jesus through Russian Orthodox churches and interactions with Catholic missionaries. Eventually, she met her husband, who played a significant role in leading her to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior. Narmin also discusses the challenges she faced in sharing her faith with her family and the joy she found in serving God through her work with Global Heart Ministries. Key Takeaways: Narmin grew up in a Soviet nation where talking about God was prohibited, but she had a sense that there was something beyond the material world. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Narmin had the opportunity to explore different religions and encountered Jesus through Russian Orthodox churches and interactions with Catholic missionaries. Meeting her husband, who was a believer, played a significant role in Narmin's journey to accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior. Narmin emphasizes the importance of seeking the truth and being curious in one's spiritual journey. Narmin now works with Global Heart Ministries as a social media evangelist and communication liaison, sharing the message of hope and the gospel of Christ to Central Asian populations. Notable Quotes: "When I was filled with that joy, I wanted to tell the whole world about Jesus. I couldn't understand how I'm going to do it. I wasn't trained. I only knew what I felt and what happened to me, and that had to be done to the universe." - Narmin "Sharing the gospel with all the women around you, especially Muslims, but anyone, it's so important. Get out of your comfort zone. And when you do that, the joy of the Lord will come." - Narmin Resources: Global Heart Ministries Listen to the full episode to hear Narmin's inspiring journey of faith and her work with Global Heart Ministries. Stay tuned for more episodes of The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Overcoming Obstacles to Sharing Jesus with People of Other Faiths 23:27

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About the Guest(s): Kimberly is a Christian woman who discovered The Blue Cord about a year ago when she was searching online for how to share her faith with refugees and immigrants around her. She grew up in a military family and moved around frequently, always prioritizing finding a church in each new location. At the age of nine, she asked Christ to lead her life and confess her sins to Him. She initially struggled with finding the right approach to sharing her faith, going from lifestyle evangelism to door-to-door witnessing. After going on a mission trip to Uganda, she realized the importance of reaching her neighbors and people from other faiths and cultures in her own town. She is now intentional about building relationships with people from other cultures and sharing her faith with them. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen interviews Kimberly, a Christian woman who has been learning how to overcome the obstacles that hold her back from sharing her faith with people from other faiths and cultures. Kimberly shares her background growing up in a military family and the different approaches she has tried in sharing her faith. She talks about the catalyst for her desire to reach out to refugees and immigrants in her town and the obstacles she faced in the process. Kimberly emphasizes the importance of being intentional and weaving her faith into everyday conversations. She also discusses the need for community and support in this journey and the growth she has experienced in her own faith through sharing it with others. Key Takeaways: Being intentional is key to overcoming the obstacles of sharing faith with people from other faiths and cultures. Building relationships based on commonalities and weaving faith into everyday conversations can create opportunities to share the love of Christ. It is important to give oneself grace and not be discouraged by mistakes or regrets in sharing faith. Time and busyness can be major obstacles, but carving out intentional time and prioritizing relationships with people from other cultures is crucial. Sharing faith can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's grace and love. Notable Quotes: "Being able to weave my beliefs into my everyday conversations has been one of the biggest changes I've been able to make and has made it more natural for that to just be a topic of conversation." - Kimberly "I can't change what I haven't done, but I can change what I'm doing now. And I'm going to keep pressing forward and I'm going to make mistakes. And I'm going to replay conversations and think, okay, next time I'm going to say it this way, or I wish I would have been more clear, but I'm not going to use mistakes as an excuse to stop." - Kimberly Resources: The Blue Cord website: TheBlueCord.org…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Sharing Jesus Across Faiths and Cultures: Embracing the Great Commission 27:50

for 1 year siden27:50

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About the Guest(s): Becca is a passionate follower of Jesus who has a heart for sharing the love of Christ with people from different faiths and cultures. She grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus into her heart at a young age. However, it wasn't until college that she became aware of God's heart for the nations and the importance of sharing the hope of Jesus with people from all backgrounds. Through her involvement in campus ministry and building friendships with international students, Becca has seen firsthand the power of love and authentic relationships in drawing people to Jesus. She is committed to living a life of intentional witness and helping others do the same. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen interviews Becca about her journey of faith and her experiences in sharing Jesus with people of other faiths and cultures. Becca shares how her perspective shifted in college when she was exposed to the diversity of the world and saw the love of Christ in action through her campus ministry. She emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and showing love to others as a way to attract people to the Christian faith. Becca also discusses the role of community in supporting and encouraging her in her mission to share Jesus with others. She encourages listeners to take small steps and not overthink the process, but to simply show up and be true to their identity as disciples of Jesus. Key Takeaways: Love is a powerful tool in attracting people of other faiths to the Christian faith. When people see the love of Christ shining through believers, it piques their curiosity and makes them want to know more. Building authentic relationships and showing love to others in everyday life is a key way to share Jesus with people from different faiths and cultures. By being intentional and present in the lives of others, believers can create opportunities for spiritual conversations and share how Jesus has impacted their own lives. It's important not to overthink the process of sharing Jesus with others. Small steps and faithful presence can make a big difference. Each person's journey is unique, and it's important to trust that God is at work in the lives of those we interact with. Community plays a vital role in supporting and encouraging believers in their mission to share Jesus with others. Surrounding oneself with like-minded believers who are also living intentionally can provide camaraderie and inspiration. Sharing Jesus with others is not always easy, and there may be times when conversations don't lead to immediate conversions. It's important to trust in God's timing and continue to walk in obedience, knowing that He is at work in the lives of those we interact with. Notable Quotes: "People are drawn to Jesus because they see Jesus in you." - Becca "Living missionally in our everyday lives requires grand gestures." - Becca "Don't overthink it. It could look like just taking a moment to meet your neighbor or inviting someone into your home." - Becca "The way God has wired you is really good. So operate in that way." - Becca "It's not about having a big grand story of someone coming to know Jesus right off the bat. It looks like a lot of faithful presence and stepping into the moments when God opens the door." - Becca…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Overcoming Doubts and Assumptions to Be an Authentic Witness 30:55

for 1 year siden30:55

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About the Guest: Jill Lowry grew up in Bakersfield, California, in a culturally Catholic family. She accepted the Lord at the age of 11 and felt called to be an evangelist and a missionary. Jill and her husband served as missionaries in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for over 26 years, working with pastors, women in prostitution, and various other ministries. They also lived in India for three years, where they worked with the majority Hindu and Muslim populations. Jill currently serves as the representative to the Western US, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska for International Ministries, formerly known as the American Baptist Foreign Missions Society. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen invites Jill Lowry, a missionary with extensive experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and India, to discuss doubts and assumptions that can hinder Christians from being authentic witnesses. They share personal stories and insights about assumptions they had about people from other faiths, the opportunities and threats they see in engaging with different cultures, and the importance of depending on God's power rather than their own abilities. Jill emphasizes the need to trust in God's capacity and to remember His faithfulness in order to overcome doubt and fear in sharing the gospel. Key Takeaways: Assumptions about people from other faiths can hinder Christians from starting spiritual conversations, but many individuals are actually hungry to know more about Jesus. Opportunities to engage with people from different cultures and faiths are increasing as the nations come to our doorsteps. Trusting in God's power and depending on Him rather than our own abilities is crucial in sharing the gospel effectively. Remembering God's faithfulness and past experiences of His work can strengthen our faith and confidence in sharing the gospel. Preaching the truth to ourselves and focusing on who God is and what He has called us to do can help overcome doubt and fear. Notable Quotes: "Don't assume that people aren't ready. The Holy Spirit is working on that listener and laying the groundwork for the gospel to be heard and accepted." - Jill Lowry "When we do our job of staying close to Jesus and being one with Him, He will work through us, and we get the joy of witnessing something miraculous." - Jill Lowry Resources: International Ministries (formerly American Baptist Foreign Missions Society) - Website The Blue Cord book by Karen - Website Listen to the full episode to gain valuable insights and encouragement in overcoming doubts and assumptions in sharing your faith. Stay tuned for more inspiring content from The Blue Cord Podcast.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Overcoming Awkwardness: Sharing Your Faith Early with Non-Believers 34:53

for 1 year siden34:53

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About the Guest: Clay is a talented worship leader and church planter. He has been working behind the scenes editing all the Blue Cord Podcast episodes. Clay and his wife, Beth, have been dear friends of the hosts for over a decade. They have traveled the world together, shining the light of Jesus and sharing their faith. Clay's personal journey has taught him to shine his light for Jesus in his everyday life. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen and Clay discuss the common problem of not knowing how to bring up spiritual topics or share their faith with non-believers. They share personal stories and practical strategies for overcoming the awkwardness and fear associated with sharing one's faith. Clay emphasizes the importance of having a faith worth sharing and allowing God to break your heart for people. He also highlights the power of love as a motivator for sharing one's faith and encourages listeners to step out in faith and identify themselves with Jesus early on in relationships. Key Takeaways: It can be awkward and challenging to bring up spiritual topics or share one's faith with non-believers, especially if the relationship has been established for a while. The fear of rejection or judgment often holds people back from sharing their faith, but it's important to remember that sharing one's faith is an act of love and not a withdrawal from the person. Asking God to break your heart for people is a transformative step in overcoming fear and awkwardness and developing a genuine desire to share your faith. Identifying yourself with Jesus early on in relationships sets a foundation for authentic conversations about faith and opens the door for future discussions. Sharing your faith is not about convincing or converting others, but about letting them know why you believe what you believe and allowing God to work in their lives. Notable Quotes: "Do you have a faith worth sharing?" - Karen "If you can answer that question with a resounding yes, then it changes everything." - Clay "Sharing your faith is not about withdrawing something from the person, but about offering them something valuable." - Clay "Let God break your heart for the nations, and everything else will fall into place." - Clay Resources: The Blue Cord Podcast website: TheBlueCord.org Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes of The Blue Cord Podcast and continue to be an authentic witness in your daily life. Chapters: 00:01:00 The challenge of bringing up spiritual topics in relationships 00:02:00 Clay's personal experience with sharing his faith 00:03:00 The importance of a heart change and love for others 00:06:00 Overcoming the fear of awkwardness in sharing faith 00:10:00 Practical tools and strategies for starting conversations 00:14:00 Norma's perspective on identifying herself with Jesus 00:16:00 Jesus' authenticity in his relationship with the Father 00:21:00 Clay shares a personal story of sharing faith and experiencing God's provision 00:25:00 Karen's experience of fear and boldness in sharing faith 00:27:00 Authenticity in sharing faith leads to open conversations 02:28:00 Encouragement to overcome fear and let God break your heart for people…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Building a Community of Faith-Sharing Women: Inspiring Others to Share Jesus 37:13

for 1 year siden37:13

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About the Guest(s): Shannon is a passionate advocate for sharing the hope of Jesus across faiths and cultures. In 2017, she discovered her calling to actively share her faith and realized that it was not just for missionaries. Shannon's heart was deeply moved during a trip to Indonesia in 2019, where she encountered Muslim women and felt a burden to share the love of Jesus with them. She has experienced disappointment and rejection from her church friends who did not share the same passion for sharing Jesus. Shannon is a part of Arise, a movement that mobilizes women to share the gospel locally and globally. Episode Summary: In this episode, Karen interviews Shannon, who shares her journey of building a community of Jesus-sharing friends and offers advice for those who feel alone in their desire to share Jesus. Shannon discusses how she initially thought sharing Jesus was only for missionaries and how her trip to Indonesia opened her eyes to the need for sharing the gospel with those around her. She shares her experience of feeling rejected by her church friends and the importance of finding like-minded individuals to run with in sharing the hope of Jesus. Shannon encourages listeners to pray for boldness and to gather a group of friends to study The Blue Cord and learn how to share their faith authentically. She emphasizes the need to break down societal norms and cultural barriers that hinder Christians from sharing their faith. Shannon also highlights the importance of listening to God's voice and being led by the Holy Spirit in sharing the gospel. Key Takeaways: Sharing Jesus is not just for missionaries; every believer has a role to play in sharing the hope of Jesus. It is common to feel alone or rejected when desiring to actively share Jesus, but there are others who share the same passion. Praying for God to break your heart for what breaks His can lead to a deeper desire to share the gospel. Building a community of like-minded friends who are passionate about sharing Jesus can provide encouragement and support. The key to effective gospel sharing is listening to God's voice and being led by the Holy Spirit. Notable Quotes: "God broke my heart for the nations in Indonesia in 2019... all made in the image of God, all so very far from God... feeling so much neglect, trauma, and rejection when the Lord creator and author of life is moving toward them with open arms and they have no idea his name or how much he loves them." - Shannon "With God, there are no barriers... Jesus alone is the only way... unless people hear these truths, here in America and to the ends of the earth, how can they make a choice to follow him, to receive his love if they've never heard his name?" - Shannon Resources: Arise: Website The Blue Cord: Website Thank you for listening to this episode of The Blue Cord Podcast. Be sure to listen to the full episode for more insights and inspiration on sharing Jesus and building a community of like-minded believers. Stay tuned for more episodes that will empower you to be an authentic witness in your daily life. Chapters: 00:05:00 Encouragement for those feeling rejected and the importance of timing. 00:06:00 The parable of the late worker and the prodigal son. 00:07:00 Trusting God with the urgency of sharing the gospel. 00:08:00 Discussion on the American Worldview study and the responsibility to disciple others. 00:09:00 The importance of abiding in the Lord and discipling others. 00:11:00 The urgency of the current time and the opportunity to share the gospel. 00:12:00 Research on the synchronistic worldview and the need to disciple others. 00:13:00 Shannon's small group study and the impact of the Blue Cord. 00:15:00 Sharing the testimony of a friend who was a Muslim believer 00:16:00 Encouraging boldness in sharing the gospel and the name of Jesus 00:17:00 Building a community of Blue Cord women to shine the light of Jesus 00:19:00 Inviting women to join the movement of proclaiming the good news 00:20:00 Mobilizing friends and multiplying leaders to break down barriers 00:23:00 Collaborating together as women in expanding God's kingdom 00:24:00 Shedding the veil and shining the light of Jesus in community 00:25:00 Breaking out of comfort zones and being used by God 00:27:00 Tools to share the gospel and the importance of listening to God's voice 00:28:00 Importance of listening to the Lord when sharing the gospel 00:33:00 The greatest gift we can give is the opportunity to receive the love of the Father 00:34:00 Removing the burden of getting the words right and depending on the Lord 00:35:00 Taking the next step in sharing Jesus and seeking resources for equipping 00:36:00 Reflecting on resistance and opposition in sharing faith 00:37:00 Encouragement to share what matters most and invite others to do the same…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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Finding Ways to Share Jesus in a Busy Life 28:54

for 1 year siden28:54

28:54

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.…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

1
How to Start Spiritual Conversations with Confidence and Boldness 26:17

for 1 year siden26:17

26:17

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…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

1
How God's Love Transforms Our Witness to Non-Believers 24:47

for 1 year siden24:47

24:47

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…

The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

1
How Doubt Impacts Your Witness (and What to Do About It) - With Andrena 23:38

for 1 year siden23:38

23:38

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…

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The Blue Cord, by iHOPE Ministries

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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