The Root Cellar Podcast

Joel Furrow
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We believe that God is at work restoring broken lives, families, and neighborhoods around the corner in Lewiston and Portland, Maine, across New England and the world. On this podcast, we'll discuss what God is doing on our team at the Root Cellar, through our partners in Maine, and invite guests from away to share how God is at work among them.

Episodes

  1. Church Partnerships, Summer Missions, Foot Washing with Akash Ahuja

    07/23/2025

    Church Partnerships, Summer Missions, Foot Washing with Akash Ahuja

    Join host Joel Furrow as he sits down with Akash Ahuja, Director of High School Ministry at Grace Chapel in Lexington, Massachusetts. Discover how Akash's journey from a mission team member to a leader has shaped his approach to youth ministry and community service. Explore the unique partnership between Grace Chapel and the Root Cellar, and learn about the transformative experiences that have impacted both teens and the community.   Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar: Where God Restresses Broken Lives(00:04:12) - Water for the Homeless(00:09:02) - Servants at Grace Chapel(00:10:24) - Mission Trip with the Root Cellar(00:13:35) - The Root cellar: A Mission Team's First Year(00:16:50) - Summer of Missions with the Root Cellar(00:23:06) - Mission Team Vacation(00:26:22) - Mission Team on a Summer Trip(00:27:10) - Step Into Jesus' Place:(00:33:16) - Footwashing the Root cellar(00:34:30) - What's Been The Challenge of the Root Cellar?(00:39:12) - Senior Pastor(00:42:47) - Have We Turned the Kids Away From Religion?(00:45:26) - Wonders of the Root cellar(00:47:37) - Restorative Practices for Kids and Teens(00:53:12) - The Root Cellar: A Reflection(00:54:11) - The Root Cellar Song

    56 min
  2. Stitching a Community Together, Empowering Women with Kathleen Funderburk

    07/08/2025

    Stitching a Community Together, Empowering Women with Kathleen Funderburk

    In this conversation, Joel Furrow interviews Kathleen Funderburk about her journey in sewing and the impactful program she leads, Fruitful Sewing. Kathleen shares her background in fashion design and how she transitioned from the corporate world to serving her community through sewing. The discussion highlights the importance of creating a safe and welcoming space for women and teens, fostering community, and empowering individuals through the art of sewing. Kathleen emphasizes the transformative power of creativity and the deep connections formed within the sewing classes, as well as the challenges faced by the women they serve, many of whom are asylum seekers with traumatic pasts. The conversation concludes with an invitation for listeners to get involved and support the program.     Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:00:52) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:02:20) - One of the teachers of the Fruitful Sewing(00:03:43) - Kathleen's Sewing Studio(00:04:08) - The Root Cellar: Sew with Women(00:10:34) - Teens present their designs at a fashion show(00:17:06) - Vivid Sewing: A Safe Space for Healing(00:22:14) - Root cellar: How does it work?(00:27:18) - Lessons in Sewing Maine(00:31:59) - A Seamstress Class(00:37:43) - Servants serving women from Africa(00:43:51) - Donations to the Sewing Program(00:47:27) - The Chosen: A Place for Women to Lead

    52 min
  3. The Super Summer Episode with Alyssa McKay

    06/28/2025

    The Super Summer Episode with Alyssa McKay

    In this episode of the Roots Cellar podcast, Joel Furrow and Alyssa McKay discuss the various programs and activities at the Root Cellar, focusing on the importance of community, interdependence, and the impact of summer programming on youth. They explore the role of mission teams, the goals of Super Summer, and the current needs and challenges faced by the organization. The conversation highlights the significance of scripture in the lives of children and the vital role of volunteers in creating a supportive environment for growth and learning.     Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:02:59) - The Root Cellar in Lewiston: Super Summer(00:09:04) - The Lou Crew(00:13:55) - What's the Heart of Super Summer?(00:17:27) - Favorite Super Summer memories(00:23:54) - Super Summer: A Neighbors' Work(00:28:00) - Interdependency in the Church(00:34:39) - Mission Teams this Summer(00:39:02) - Current Needs of Super Summer

    45 min
  4. #005 "Root Cellar is my family" with Jophany and Myra Ashley

    06/12/2025

    #005 "Root Cellar is my family" with Jophany and Myra Ashley

    This conversation explores the experiences of immigrants learning English and integrating into American society. Joel Furrow, Myra Ashley, and Jophany discuss the importance of creating a welcoming environment, the inspiring journeys of students, and the contributions of immigrants to the community. They highlight the challenges faced by immigrants, the role of faith, and the opportunities for community involvement through volunteering. Visit www.therootcellar.org/take-action today if you would like to learn more or make a gift to support the many ministries of The Root Cellar.  Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:00:52) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:01:46) - Volunteers at the Root Cellar(00:03:06) - Volunteers at the Root Cellar(00:06:14) - English classes for immigrants in the US(00:07:27) - Refugees from Congo speak out about their country(00:09:53) - Teacher's Assistants in English classes(00:14:37) - One volunteer's journey to learning English(00:17:39) - English classes at Touro University(00:19:17) - How the Root Cellar serves English students(00:27:22) - An English teacher in Maine(00:28:34) - Interview with a Delta Ramp Agent(00:30:43) - Immigrant Christians: Working hard(00:35:18) - The Root Cellar's 40th Anniversary(00:37:08) - Needs for Volunteer English Tutors

    40 min
  5. Mentoring Teens for ALL of Life with Damon Crouse

    06/06/2025

    Mentoring Teens for ALL of Life with Damon Crouse

    In this episode of The Root Cellar Podcast, host Joel Furrow speaks with Damon Crouse, a program coordinator at The Root Cellar, about the transformative work being done through the Lew Crew program in Lewiston, Maine. Damon shares his journey to Lewiston, the evolution of Lew Crew, and the impact it has on local teens. The conversation highlights the importance of community, mentorship, and the empowerment of youth through work and life-skills initiatives.   Learn more about this unique approach to teen mentoring at https://www.therootcellar.org/lewcrew   Check out Crouse House Coffee Roasters - Lewiston's ONLY and Maine's BEST roaster!   Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:00:51) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:02:11) - Lou Crew: A Teen Work Experience Program(00:10:30) - Lou Crew's 'Lukrew' program(00:16:24) - Lou Crew on the teens of Lewiston(00:19:04) - Lou Crew: Where the Teams Come from(00:20:23) - Common Grounds Cafe: A Place to Serve the Homeless(00:26:01) - What Do You Know About Our Teens?(00:27:32) - African Coffee: Afro Beans(00:31:00) - The Impact of Lou Crew's Luk(00:32:49) - The Root Cellar: Giving Back

    34 min
  6. Rwanda to Maine with Dieudonne Karawanga

    05/23/2025

    Rwanda to Maine with Dieudonne Karawanga

    Summary In this episode, Joel Furrow interviews Dieudonne Karangwa, the Director of Ministry at The Root Cellar in Portland and a Rwandan who has experienced the horrors of genocide and the journey of reconciliation. Dieudonne shares his early life, revolutionary ideals, and the historical context of the Hutu-Tutsi conflict. He recounts his transformation from a revolutionary to a man of faith, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda. Dieudonne's journey leads him to the United States, where he now works at The Root Cellar, a community service organization, helping immigrants and fostering social justice.   Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:02:09) - A Moment with Judene Kar(00:05:25) - How I became a political activist in the 1980s(00:11:47) - In some ways, you were part of the reconciliation movement in Rwanda(00:16:16) - Revelation of the Saved One(00:23:12) - Rwanda's horrific genocide story(00:26:08) - Forgiveness in Rwanda(00:28:00) - The Root Cellar(00:30:46) - Disciples of the Reconciliation Movement(00:34:58) - Asylum seeker from Rwanda speaks out about life in Maine(00:38:48) - Ruth Seller's Root cellar in Portland(00:43:55) - Reformation in our programs(00:46:04) - A Taste of the Root Cellar Podcast

    47 min
  7. "The Path Forward" for General Assistance with Fitz

    05/09/2025

    "The Path Forward" for General Assistance with Fitz

    In this conversation, Joel Furrow and Fitz discuss the mission of The Root Cellar, a community organization focused on supporting immigrant families and fostering social, economic, and spiritual wholeness. Fitz shares his personal journey and role in the organization, emphasizing the importance of community, mentorship, and the newly developed Path Forward program, which aims to help individuals navigate their new lives in Maine. The discussion highlights the significance of work as a means of flourishing, the impact of diversity, and the encouragement found in serving others. Listeners are invited to learn more about how they can get involved and support the mission of The Root Cellar.     Chapters (00:00:02) - The Root Cellar Podcast(00:00:57) - Meet the Root Cellar Family: Megan Fitz(00:08:56) - A Portuguese translator at the Root Cellar(00:11:06) - The Path Forward: What is it?(00:18:01) - The Root Cellar Program(00:21:05) - The strongest desire of Americans(00:22:03) - Work and the kingdom of God(00:23:49) - A message about the Root Cellar(00:27:57) - The Path Forward: Encouragement for Refugees and Their Families(00:34:05) - Employment Connection: The Massachusetts Program(00:35:16) - The Root Seller: Love Your Neighbors

    36 min

  8. 05/07/2025

    WELCOME to THE ROOT CELLAR PODCAST!

    In this episode of The Root Cellar Podcast, host Joel Furrow introduces the mission and vision of The Root Cellar, a community-focused organization in Maine. The podcast aims to share stories of restoration and highlight the work being done to cultivate social, economic, and spiritual wholeness in the community.

    12 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

We believe that God is at work restoring broken lives, families, and neighborhoods around the corner in Lewiston and Portland, Maine, across New England and the world. On this podcast, we'll discuss what God is doing on our team at the Root Cellar, through our partners in Maine, and invite guests from away to share how God is at work among them.

Information