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What happens when you choose to live in a blighted neighborhood for nearly five decades? Jimmy Dorrell's remarkable story of incarnational ministry reveals the profound impact of genuine presence in marginalized communities.

After a world tour witnessing global poverty, Jimmy and his wife Janet made the countercultural decision to purchase a dilapidated 4,000 square foot house for just $12,000 in Waco's poorest neighborhood. With drug dealers and prostitutes as neighbors, they weren't there to implement programs but to build authentic relationships. This simple yet radical commitment has sparked transformative change over 47 years.

Jimmy shares how listening to community needs led to organic solutions for employment, addiction recovery, and housing. His Church Under the Bridge began when homeless individuals invited him to conduct a Bible study, growing into a vibrant 250-person congregation that meets outdoors year-round—a place where professors worship alongside those experiencing mental illness, creating a beautiful picture of God's kingdom.

Most compelling are Jimmy's insights about learning from those society pushes aside. He recounts how an apparently poor woman handed him $20 to help others—a modern widow's mite—and reflects on how seminary couldn't prepare him for the profound theology he's discovered among the marginalized.

Now at 75, Jimmy continues pioneering innovative solutions like Creekside Community Village, a tiny home community for the homeless. His enduring commitment is perhaps best symbolized by his plan to be buried among his homeless friends in the Pauper Cemetery—a final testament to the belief that transformation comes not through programs but through genuine relationships that bridge divides.

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What if everything we thought we knew about church and mission was backward? In this eye-opening conversation with veteran missionary Will Smith of E3 Partners, we explore a revolutionary perspective on discipleship that challenges conventional thinking about how churches function and grow.

Will shares powerful stories from his years in South Asia and his current work with migrant populations in Europe that illustrate a fundamental truth: "The client is the lost, not the church." This paradigm shift forces us to reconsider our priorities and methods. Are we building institutions or making disciples? Are we consumers of religious services or participants in God's mission?

The most compelling insight might be Will's assertion that "the resources are in the harvest." Rather than looking exclusively within established Christian communities for ministry partners, Will explains how new believers—those freshly harvested from fields white unto harvest—often become the most effective evangelists and disciple-makers. They haven't learned to compartmentalize their faith or delegate sharing the gospel to "professionals."

We also dive into an incredible case study from the Mexico-US border, where thousands of migrants in a temporary camp in Reynosa encountered the gospel. Within days, baptisms were happening in blue barrels, Bible studies were forming organically, and new believers were immediately sharing their faith. Though the transient nature of the population created unique challenges, the rapid multiplication of disciples demonstrated what's possible when we embrace biblical discipleship principles.

If you're tired of church-as-usual and long to see the kind of movement Jesus started, this conversation will both challenge and inspire you. Whether you're a pastor, missionary, or someone seeking to follow Jesus more authentically, Will's insights from decades on the mission field will equip you to think differently about discipleship in your context. Subscribe now and join the conversation about how we can effectively join God in all He's doing around the world!

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What happens when 33 people—from military pilots to business professionals to fifth graders—trade their spring break vacation for a mission trip to Cancun, Mexico? The answer lies not in resort experiences, but in the transformative power of serving others together.

In this heartwarming episode, Children's Minister Teresa and Associate Minister Staci share their experiences leading FBC's second annual family mission trip to Kingdom Academy, a school serving 37 children in the impoverished community of Cuna Maya. From building desks and teaching English to conducting a Vacation Bible School that drew over 100 neighborhood children, these families discovered the joy of stepping outside their comfort zones to make a tangible difference.

The most powerful moments came during home visits, where team members delivered food and necessities to families living in single-room homes. One grandmother, battling cancer and raising her granddaughter alone, received not only groceries but also found Jesus that day—a divine appointment orchestrated before anyone arrived. Another student named Joshua, unable to attend school because his specialized bicycle had broken, received a new bike and leg braces thanks to the spontaneous generosity of team members.

Perhaps most beautiful was watching children from different cultures connect without sharing a language, playing soccer and volleyball together while forming bonds that transcended words. Parents marveled as their sometimes introverted children blossomed in this new environment, exhibiting confidence and compassion previously unseen.

"Our kids love the song 'The Battle Belongs,'" Teresa shares, describing how American and Mexican children worshipped together despite language barriers. "They actually had a really fun time learning that song and then learning all the actions."

Whether you're curious about international missions, considering how your family might serve together, or simply need a reminder that God works in unexpected ways, this episode will inspire you to ask: How might God use my family to bless others? How could stepping outside my comfort zone change not just someone else's life, but my own perspective on what truly matters?