Best Practical Missions Cohort Podcasts (2025)

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337: Breaching the Walls: Advancing the Gospel in Italy 43:40

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1M ago43:40

43:40

Send us a text In this episode, recorded during an adult Sunday school talk at Foundation Reformed Church, Jesse shares the urgent need for the gospel in Italy, where only a small fraction of the population embraces a biblical understanding of faith. Highlighting the challenges and opportunities in this mission field, he discusses recent ministry u…

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336: Navigating Italy's Catholic Culture: Evangelizing with Grace and Truth 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

Send us a text In Episode 336 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck tackles a vital question for missionaries in Italy: How should we engage Italians in spiritual discussions, considering their Catholic background? Jesse explores the nuances of Italy’s predominantly Roman Catholic culture, where 90% identify as Catholic, yet only 5% actively…

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335: Troubled in Spirit: Moved by the Gospel 50:18

3M ago50:18

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Send us a text In this powerful episode, we feature a sermon Jesse preached from Acts 17, where the Apostle Paul engages the sophisticated, idol-worshipping Athenians with the transformative message of the Gospel. Titled "Troubled in Spirit: Moved by the Gospel," the sermon explores four key responses to a lost world: being troubled by lostness, be…

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334: Sowing Seeds in Italy: Takeaways from Our Short-Term Mission Cohort 31:11

3M ago31:11

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Send us a text In Episode 334 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck reflects on the transformative experience of the recent PMc Cohort in Italy. This episode dives into key lessons from a short-term missionary evangelism group that distributed over 10,000 gospel tracts, reached families, and formed lasting bonds in Italy’s spiritually needy …

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333: Strengthened by Grace, Faithful Until the End 51:59

4M ago51:59

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Send us a text In this episode, we share a sermon Jesse preached from 2 Timothy 2, exploring the Apostle Paul’s final words to his spiritual son, Timothy. Written from a Roman prison, Paul’s letter urges Timothy to stand firm in faith despite overwhelming challenges. We’ll unpack key themes like finding strength in God’s grace, enduring suffering a…

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332: Does Italy Still Need the Gospel? A Missionary’s Response 24:09

5M ago24:09

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Send us a text In episode 332 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck, a full-time missionary in Italy since 2007, tackles a common question: "Why do missions in Italy when it already has the gospel?" With thoughtful insights, Jesse addresses misconceptions about Italy’s spiritual landscape, explaining how secularism, a dominant Roman Catholic…

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331: Advancing the Gospel: Updates from Italy's Frontlines 34:40

5M ago34:40

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Send us a text Join Jesse Schreck, a missionary serving in Italy since 2007, in Episode 331 of Missions Incorporated, the podcast of Practical Missions Cohort. This episode dives into a first-quarter field report, sharing powerful updates on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting in Italy. Reflecting on 1 Peter 4:13, Jesse explores the role …

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330: Holding the Rope: The Vital Role of Missionary Advocates 23:26

6M ago23:26

23:26

Send us a text In episode 330 of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck, a full-time missionary in Italy since 2007, explores the critical role of missionary advocates. Based on a blog post from Practical Missions Cohort, this episode highlights how churches and individuals back home can "hold the rope" by supporting missionaries through prayer,…

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329: No Room for Passivity: Living Devoted to the True Christ 1:04:40

6M ago1:04:40

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Send us a text Welcome to Episode 329 of Missions Incorporated, the podcast by Practical Missions Cohort, where we dive into the heart of missions work, church planting, and living devoted to Christ. In this episode, missionary Jesse Schreck shares a powerful sermon preached to brothers and sisters at a US Army base in Italy, based on 2 Corinthians…

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328: Steadfast in Italy: A Sermon for Gospel Advancers 41:48

8M ago41:48

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Send us a text This episode features a sermon by Jesse Schreck, exploring how Paul’s resilience in 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 inspires missionaries and believers today. With personal updates from his family’s return to Italy and opportunities to join the Practical Missions Cohort, it’s a call to persevere in sharing the gospel, even amidst challenges. A…

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327: Year-End Reflections from Italy: Advancing the Gospel in 2024 46:04

10M ago46:04

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Send us a text In this episode of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck, a missionary in Italy, shares a comprehensive end-of-year report for 2024 from his ministry, Practical Missions Cohort. The episode delves into the personal and ministry challenges of raising a family while serving in missions, including the joys and trials of parenting, homesc…

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326: Never Too Early: Practical Tips for Missionary Preparation 1:02:00

11M ago1:02:00

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Send us a text In episode 326 of "Missions, Incorporated," host Jesse Schreck discusses the importance of early preparation for those feeling called to missionary work. Recorded in Italy, where Practical Missions Cohort focuses on evangelism, discipleship, and church planting, this episode titled "Never Too Early to Get Equipped" delves into practi…

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325: Missionary Internships - A Gateway to Full-Time Missions 50:33

12M ago50:33

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Send us a text In episode 325 of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck delves into the pivotal role of missionary internships. As a ministry dedicated to evangelism, discipleship, and church planting in Italy, Practical Missions Cohort offers unique opportunities for aspiring missionaries. Jesse discusses the importance of internships in discerning …

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13. Building and Executing a Data Strategy as a Chief Data Officer - Olivia Kew-Fickus 37:21

12M ago37:21

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In this episode of Making Data Matter, we are joined by Olivia Kew-Fickus - Chief Data Officer at Vanderbilt University. This conversation offers you insights about: What does a Chief Data Officer do? How do you form a data strategy for your organization? Managing the complexities of systems in higher education Collecting data to measure student ou…

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12. Collaboration in non-profit health care data - Jessi Smith 35:25

12M ago35:25

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In this episode of Making Data Matter, we are joined by Jessi Smith - Business Intelligence Manager at CareOregon. This conversation offers you insights about: Data cloud migration wins and roadblocks Managing Expectations with stakeholders All the moving pieces required for successful data governance and more. Jessi Smith (she/her) | LinkedIn Care…

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11. Increasing capacity in HBCUs with Data and Analytics - Phillip Wallace 46:52

1y ago46:52

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In this episode of Making Data Matter we sit down with Phillip Wallace - Director of Knowledge Management at UNCF (United Negro College Fund). We shared a ton of laughs as Phillip offered his insights for you into - How data is used to increase impact in Higher Ed - The role of Qualitative and Quantitative Analytics - The different functions or per…

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324: On Handling Afflictions in a God-honoring Way 44:56

1y ago44:56

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Send us a text In episode 324 of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck shares a sermon on handling afflictions in Christian living and missions. Originally shared at Levittown Baptist Church, this episode discusses practical insights on enduring trials through a biblical lens. Jesse highlights the importance of understanding God's sovereignty, maint…

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10. Designing Data for humans, creativity, and storytelling - Matt Brodie 36:15

1y ago36:15

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Matt Brodie - Data Storyteller at Power to Change You will gain insights into: How to apply design thinking to data work. What are ways you can bring art and creativity to technology. Why you should integrate different disciplines into your data thinking. How to design data tools with human experience in mind…

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323: Field Report from Italy: Evangelism, Family, and Ministry Updates 45:00

1y ago45:00

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Send us a text Join Jesse Schreck in Episode 323 of Missions Incorporated, the podcast of Practical Missions Cohort. This episode delivers an in-depth field report from Italy, detailing the latest evangelism efforts, family updates, and ministry developments. Learn about their work in spreading the gospel, training pastors, and forming biblical Ita…

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9. Decentralizing data and using finance to drive impact - Matt Benford 48:20

1y ago48:20

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Matt Benford - CFO at Community Action Partnership Sonoma County You will gain insights into: How finance drives impact in community services Ways to build trust when decentralizing data and responsibility. How to lead with curiosity Integrating finance, data, and strategy in non-profit work. and more. Matt B…

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8. How to build a data culture that feeds your soul and mission - Emily Hicks-Rotella 48:27

1y ago48:27

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Emily Hicks-Rotella - Data & Technology Strategist at Make Tech Work For You You will gain insights into: How to understand and develop a data culture at your non-profit. What are key principles for adult learning tech and data How to approach program evaluation and data with humility and courage Practical wa…

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322: Overcoming Common Objections to the Apostolic Method in Italy 33:21

1y ago33:21

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Send us a text In this episode of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck from Practical Missions Cohort addresses common objections to the apostolic method of church planting in Italy. Jesse discusses the cultural and logistical challenges of evangelizing and planting churches in Italy, the importance of long-term vision, and the misconceptions about…

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7. Making 1% improvements with data to change lives - Sam Elliott 38:11

1y ago38:11

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Sam Elliott - Director, Data and Analytics at Calgary Homeless Foundation You will gain insights into: Innovating with data to improve real people's lives Navigating the challenges of data collection and data management for various programs and services How to measure progress and KPIs for serving people expe…

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6. Cohorts and Bootcamps - Learning and growing with data this summer 37:20

1+ y ago37:20

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In this episode Troy and I share about two different data learning experiences we've been a part of. Troy in a technical bootcamp and Sawyer with a data leadership cohort. We discuss: Tech stacks, open source tools, and big data Learning experiences and methods Leadership vs. individual contributor problems and challenges and more. Technical and St…

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321: The Missionary Band 1:15:44

1+ y ago1:15:44

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Send us a text In this engaging episode of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck from Practical Missions Cohort offers an in-depth look into missionary work in Italy. Learn about the New Testament's 'Missionary Band' concept, the vital need for team unity, and practical evangelism methods. Jesse shares personal experiences in missionary church plant…

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5. How to get leadership to notice you and practical tips for measuring success. 40:06

1+ y ago40:06

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No guest interview today - A solo Episode with Sawyer. This is an audio recording of a recent presentation from a Linkedin Webinar. You can find the video version of this presentation here. In this episode covers: Why is measuring success for data teams so hard? What are the consequences of doing this poorly? What are the results when data teams do…

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4. How to design and build a data architecture for maximum impact - James Serra 49:27

1+ y ago49:27

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In this episode, we sit down with guest James Serra - Technical Data Architect at Microsoft. We discuss: What is a data architecture and what purpose does it serve in an organization? History of data architecture, data technologies, and how some things haven't changed. How to decide on a data architecture based on the size and maturity of your orga…

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320: REPLAY: Evangelism in Italy: Engaging with Roman Catholics 18:23

1+ y ago18:23

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Send us a text In this episode of Missions Incorporated, Jesse Schreck from Practical Missions Cohort shares an episode replay from 2018 and discusses the challenges and strategies of evangelizing in Italy, specifically addressing interactions with Roman Catholics. Jesse recounts experiences from the mission field, highlights cultural differences, …

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3. Avoiding vanity metrics, making decisions, and driving outcomes with marketing data - Josh Burns 44:28

1+ y ago44:28

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Josh Burns - Founder and CEO of Spark Collective - a Digital Marketing agency for nonprofits. We discuss: Why marketing matters for nonprofits How do you make data-driven decisions about marketing? What are some fundamental marketing best practices for nonprofits? How do you decide which metrics to track in y…

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319: Is Missions in Italy for You? 44:25

1+ y ago44:25

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Send us a text In episode 319 of Missions Incorporated, hosted by Jesse Schreck from Practical Missions Cohort, the podcast explores whether missions work in Italy might be for you. Updates from the mission field, family updates, and ministry opportunities are discussed. The episode covers the realities of missionary life in Italy, the cultural and…

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2. Data and Digital Transformation in the Northern Woods of Michigan - Jim Bennett 41:02

1+ y ago41:02

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Jim Bennett - Director of Business Operations and Technology at Camp Barakel. We discuss: Jim's background in enterprise consulting and how he ended up at a small camp in Northern Michigan How Jim has tackled strategic digital transformations for a historically low-tech organization. What skills are needed to…

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1. How Data & AI are changing Healthcare for good - Joe Squire 47:19

1+ y ago47:19

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In this episode, we sit down with guest Joe Squire - Director of Analytics & Data Science at UPMC. We discuss: How Joe transitioned into data after beginning his career as a nurse. Partnership with business areas to improve and align outcomes. Uses and adoption of AI among data professionals. Ways AI can improve healthcare access and outcomes for p…

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Welcome to Making Data Matter - Episode 0 12:24

1+ y ago12:24

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Welcome to Making Data Matter, where we have conversations about data and non-profit leadership. With practical insights into the intersection of non-profit mission, strategy, and data.

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318: Missionary Update and the Gospel Need in Italy: Field Report 40:30

1+ y ago40:30

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Send us a text In this episode of the Missions Incorporated podcast, Jesse Schreck of Practical Missions Cohort shares a detailed field report from Italy, emphasizing the crucial need for evangelism and church planting in a country where less than 1% of the population identifies as evangelical. Despite Italy's deep Christian heritage, the majority …

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317: Lessons on Evangelism from the Italian Midwife 1:01:53

1+ y ago1:01:53

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Send us a text Embracing Evangelism in Italy: Challenges, Perseverance, and Practical Wisdom This video, featuring insights from Jesse Schreck of Missions Incorporated, explores the unique challenges and opportunities faced by missionaries in Italy, amidst its deeply rooted yet often non-practicing Catholic culture. It emphasizes the necessity of p…

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316: Overlooked Essentials of Biblical Missions 1:08:00

1+ y ago1:08:00

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Send us a text This episode, featuring Jesse Schreck of Missions Incorporated and Practical Missions Cohort, delves into the often overlooked but crucial aspects of biblical missions, highlighting the importance of a deeply rooted understanding of God, the gospel, grace, the Church, and love. By exploring the challenges and opportunities in Italy's…

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315: Defining Biblical Missions 55:21

2y ago55:21

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Send us a text In episode 315 of Missions Incorporated, a podcast for Practical Missions Cohort, the show focuses on defining Biblical Missions and Biblical Missions Proper. This episode unpacks the confusion that exists regarding missions today and investigates some disputable mission concepts such as Disciple Making Movements. Jesse highlights th…

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314: End-of-Year Field Report from Italy 43:51

2y ago43:51

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Send us a text In today's episode, we unpack and share our quarterly/end-of-year newsletter in a more personal format for ministry partners and friends. We recommend watching or listening with family and friends during your devotional or family worship time. God bless! In this ep. of Missions Incorporated, host Jesse Schreck reflects on a year of e…

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313: Don't Go There - Why Not to Become a Roman Catholic 46:11

2y ago46:11

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Send us a text Today we share some ministry updates and dive into a lesson on Why Becoming Roman Catholic is not a good idea for a Christian. This lesson was inspired by Dr. James White when he recently shared some very insightful comments regarding evangelical crossing over to the Roman Catholic Church. We discussed that from the perspective of an…

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312: Overlooked Essentials of Preaching Well Done 51:00

2y ago51:00

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Send us a text Ep. 312 of Missions Incorporated - today we share some ministry updates, announcements, and prayer requests. Then we dive into a teaching lesson on preaching as it relates to missions. Related Links: Support PMc PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer Vision Trip - organize a trip to learn about PMc and the Ita…

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311: Reflections From Our Recent Furlough 44:21

2y ago44:21

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Send us a text In today's episode, we share some announcements, updates, and prayer requests and then some reflections from our recent time in the US. Highlights, encouragements, challenges, discouragement, hopes, and a certain concern. To God alone the glory. Related Links: Support PMc PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer…

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310: Field Report from Italy - while on Furlough 37:10

2y ago37:10

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Send us a text Today we give a ministry update using some new gear contributed through a generous supporter of the ministry to Italy. We go through the latest newsletter and share in a more in-depth and personal way about the latest happenings in Italy and here in the US. Thanks for being a part of this ministry to the Italian people and God bless!…

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309: Q&A - What are some challenges about living in the Italian culture? 9:30

2y ago9:30

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Send us a text Today we answer a question that we received during a dinner gathering with brothers and sisters from our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer…

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308: Q&A - What is the hardest part about parenting on the mission field in italy? 12:04

2y ago12:04

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Send us a text Today we answer a question that we received during a dinner gathering with brothers and sisters from our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer…

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307: Q&A - What are you working on when you get back to Italy? 8:05

2y ago8:05

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Send us a text Today we answer a question that we received during a midweek gathering with our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer PMc Promo Video Vision T…

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306: Q&A - What is a “piazza” and what role does it play in the work of the ministry in Italy? 9:10

2y ago9:10

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Send us a text Today we answer a question that we received during a midweek gathering with our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer PMc Promo Video Vision T…

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305: Q&A - How can we be of encouragement to you while you are serving overseas? 5:53

2y ago5:53

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Send us a text Today we answer a question that we received during a dinner with friends from our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer PMc Promo Video Vision…

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304: Q&A - What is the meaning behind the name Practical Missions Cohort? 14:50

2+ y ago14:50

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Send us a text Today we answer the question that we received during a Q&A with our home church, Levittown Baptist Church, on Long Island. What is the meaning behind the name of PMc and how did you choose the name? Related Links: Missionary Q&A Ask a Question - leave a voice message on Speakpipe and be featured on the podcast PMc Short-term Cohorts …

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303: Short-term PMc Cohorts | What, Why, and How 33:17

2+ y ago33:17

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Send us a text In today’s episode has been recorded while we are in the US (audio only). We discuss the life-changing short-term ministry opportunity available through PMc for you and your church. Praise God, the Travel Fund has been reached. Related Links: PMc Short-term Cohorts - join an evangelism team in the summer PMc Promo Video Vision Trip -…

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302: The Missionary Furlough | What, Why, and How 47:56

2+ y ago47:56

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Send us a text In today's episode of Missions Incorporated (n. 302), the podcast of Practical Missions Cohort, we discuss the particulars of the missionary furlough. We also share some important announcements and updates for ministry partners and some stories from the front lines. Travel Fund PMc Promo Video Upcoming Missions Livestream | Defining …