Facing a Task Unfinished

OMF (U.S.)
  • 5.0 (6)
  • CHRISTIANITY

Facing a Task Unfinished is a podcast presented by OMF (U.S.). Each episode features intimate conversations focused on the missionaries’ personal testimonies of faith, resilience, and obedience—from long-term ministry in Japan and medical missions in Thailand to the journeys of third-culture kids and calls to service in Cambodia and the Philippines. These stories highlight God’s faithfulness amid cultural challenges, family life, and cross-cultural outreach. Learn more and partner at omf.org/us.

  1. From Near-Death to Purpose: Jonatan's Powerful Journey 🙏

    MAR 1

    From Near-Death to Purpose: Jonatan's Powerful Journey 🙏

    Born with the umbilical cord around his neck and given just 3 days to live, Jonatan Alvarez became a "miracle child" after his mother's prayer of dedication. But his story was just beginning...   In this raw and honest conversation, Jonatan sits down with Rodney Pennington and shares:  Growing up between Mexico and Texas, navigating identity and cultural shock  His struggle through bullying, rejection, and eventually addiction  The moment God's love broke through his shame and guilt  His radical decision to attend seminary despite family opposition  Walking through family separation, threats, and spiritual warfare while pursuing his calling  Now preparing for missionary work in the Philippines, Jonatan's testimony is a powerful reminder that God never gives up on us—even when we've given up on ourselves.  If you are interested in partnering with Jonatan, check out https://partnerhub.omf.org/JA1.

    39 min
  2. 34 Years of Faith, Family, and Japan (Chat with Tim and Susan Driscoll)

    FEB 1

    34 Years of Faith, Family, and Japan (Chat with Tim and Susan Driscoll)

    Rodney Pennington sits down to have a conversation with Tim and Susan, a remarkable couple who met in Bible college and have been joyfully married for nearly 34 years. Together they’ve raised three sons—all now grown, married, and passionately serving Jesus in ministries around the world—and they’re blessed with eight precious grandchildren!   For almost 31 years, Tim and Susan have faithfully served with OMF International, living and ministering entirely in Japan. In this heartfelt episode, they open up about their journey of faith, the resilience they’ve needed to overcome personal challenges, the beauty and cultural nuances of life in Japan, and the continued efforts of their mission work that has lasted over three decades.   Their story is a powerful testament to God’s faithfulness, the strength of a Christ-centered marriage, and the joy of long-term obedience in spreading hope across cultures.  Don’t miss this encouraging and uplifting episode—perfect for kicking off the New Year and for anyone needing a reminder of what God can do through dedicated lives! To partner with Tim and Susan go to https://partnerhub.omf.org/TSD1

    1h 2m
  3. "I had to face what my faith was really about, and I struggled." (Chat with Michael Best)

    12/01/2025

    "I had to face what my faith was really about, and I struggled." (Chat with Michael Best)

    This episode of Facing a Task Unfinished will be of particular interest to TCKs (Third-Culture Kids) and those interested in the lives of missionary kids. Michael Best was born and spent most of his early childhood on the mission field where he struggled with a sense of belonging and, at times, his faith.  You'll hear how after settling in the states in high school following his years in other countries, a move overseas was coming, bringing up some strong emotions.  But there was a turning point and it eventually led Michael to his work with TCKs today.  To learn more about Michael's ministry, visit:https://partnerhub.omf.org/MB1

    40 min
  4. God's call to Medical Missions (Chat with Neil and Wannee Thompson)

    11/01/2025

    God's call to Medical Missions (Chat with Neil and Wannee Thompson)

    "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," is a challenge that led Neil Thompson into a life of missions, specifically medical missions in Thailand.  Dr. Thompson and his wife Wannee join us on this episode of the podcast.  Medical missions plays a large part in Neil's story and he shares how a newly established hospital became a place of discipleship and showed that actions could speak as loudly as words.  It was while serving in Thailand that Neil met Wannee. Her story includes an introduction to Christianity in her family that did not go over well with her father and led to persecution of her sisters.  Their stories illustrate how God has a plan for us even when it's not immediately apparent or when it seems counter to what we think we want.  We're thrilled to share their stories in this episode!    Other resources for you:  Get to Know Neil and Wannee Thompson  https://omf.org/us/get-know-neil-wannee-thompson-omf-staff/   Caring for Body, Soul and Spirit in Thailand: A Story of OMF Medical Missions  https://omf.org/us/caring-for-body-soul-and-spirit-in-thailand-a-story-of-omf-medical-missions/   Healthcare Missions: Past, Present, and Future  https://missionexus.org/healthcare-missions-past-present-and-future/ (Missio Nexus membership needed to read the full article.)

    1h 4m
  5. A Gradual Journey to Missions in Cambodia (Chat with Megan Sarian)

    10/01/2025

    A Gradual Journey to Missions in Cambodia (Chat with Megan Sarian)

    How clear should your call to overseas missions be? We welcome Megan Sarian to our podcast this month. Her journey to becoming a missionary in Cambodia was a slow and gradual process.  You'll appreciate her honesty that a "call" overseas may not be as clear-cut as many people might think it is, or should be. And even a call to go doesn't necessarily mean "soon" or "right now."  If you or someone you know has wrestled with the call to missionary service in another country, you'll be blessed by Megan's story and encouraged by God's timing and provision despite our questions or feelings of inadequacy.  To learn more about Megan's work in Cambodia, visit: https://partnerhub.omf.org/MS1 ----- Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

    1 hr
  6. "My identity is in Jesus, not what I do for Jesus." (Chat with Grant Haynes)

    09/01/2025

    "My identity is in Jesus, not what I do for Jesus." (Chat with Grant Haynes)

    What if you limited God with your own definition of what missions should be?   Rodney Pennington welcomes to the podcast Grant Haynes from Global Frontier Missions (GFM). Grant founded GFM in 2000. It's a fascinating origin story that illustrates how God has a plan that is so much bigger than we can often comprehend, taking us to places that we might not have ever considered on our own.  Grant's passion is to see as many individuals and churches as possible praying, giving, welcoming, and going to unreached people groups (UPGs).  Grant spent 14 years serving in Oaxaca, Mexico with his wife and three children church planting among UPGs, hosting short-term mission groups, running an indigenous Bible school, and starting a missionary training school.  He has spent the last 14 years serving among refugees in Clarkston, GA. In this episode of the podcast, you'll hear how you can be a part of that! Learn more about GFM at: https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/   Get more details about the Train and Go Apprenticeship at:  https://www.globalfrontiermissions.org/train-and-go-apprenticeship —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

    1h 25m
  7. Your Suffering is Never for Nothing (Chat with Amanda Slaughter)

    08/01/2025

    Your Suffering is Never for Nothing (Chat with Amanda Slaughter)

    What would you sacrifice for just one person to know Christ?  What if a specific desire you had to serve Christ was potentially turning into an idol to you? And what if God said "No" to that specific desire to serve? Amanda Slaughter joins Rodney Pennington on the Facing a Task Unfinished podcast to talk about those questions and so much more. As Amanda prepares to become an OMF missionary in Japan, you'll hear how suffering as a child, including a near-death experience from a car accident at age 11, created a foundation that God would use to help shape how she looked at those who don't know the love of Christ. Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

    48 min
  8. "Because you are created with a purpose, you have value."

    07/01/2025

    "Because you are created with a purpose, you have value."

    OMF missions mobilizer Lisa Mellinger joins us on the podcast to share her journey into missions.  Often our guests tell us about the family support they had. Lisa's story is different.  As a Chinese family living in America, wanting to serve in China when she was young was not looked upon favorably by her parents, a story that Lisa shares with humor looking back on it after so many years. She also shares how God worked in her life, and around her, even as a number of doors were closed to her.  Mentioned in this episode: Lisa's article, To Be a Hidden Foreigner, can be found on the MissioNexus site, although an account with them is required to read it. https://missionexus.org/to-be-a-hidden-foreigner-issues-christian-chinese-americans-face-living-in-china/ —— Originally started as China Inland Mission and now as OMF, our mission is to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all its fullness with East Asia’s peoples to the glory of God. Learn how you can be involved at: https://omf.org/us/

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Facing a Task Unfinished is a podcast presented by OMF (U.S.). Each episode features intimate conversations focused on the missionaries’ personal testimonies of faith, resilience, and obedience—from long-term ministry in Japan and medical missions in Thailand to the journeys of third-culture kids and calls to service in Cambodia and the Philippines. These stories highlight God’s faithfulness amid cultural challenges, family life, and cross-cultural outreach. Learn more and partner at omf.org/us.

Information

  • Creator
    OMF (U.S.)
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © OMF (U.S.)
  • Show Website
    Facing a Task Unfinished

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