After Yes

Michael Thaler

Friends and fellow travelers to Niger, Africa share their own stories of how saying yes to going on a LINK Mission has impacted the way they think about the world, their faith, and the way they live their lives today.

  1. APR 18

    Malcolm Shealy: Stepping Out in Faith

    In this episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler talks with Malcolm Shealy, retired engineer-turned-teacher who decided to say yes to traveling to Niger after years of hesitation. Malcolm reflects on overcoming his fears, the surprises he encountered in Niger, and the profound impact of witnessing God’s work firsthand. From visiting schools supported by Effective Ministries to realizing the depth of joy in the midst of poverty, Malcolm’s story highlights the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone and trusting God. "The only place we are truly safe is in the arms of the Lord." – Malcolm Shealy In This Episode: Overcoming hesitation: How Malcolm’s friends persisted in encouraging him to join the mission trip, despite his initial reservations. The sensory experience of Niger: The profound difference between seeing photos of a place and experiencing its sights, sounds, and culture in person. The joy amidst poverty: Malcolm reflects on how the people of Niger exhibit deep joy despite their material hardships, challenging Western assumptions about happiness. Visiting Christian schools: A defining moment as Malcolm witnessed the powerful impact of Effective Ministries’ education initiatives, even attracting Muslim families. The importance of not letting fear rule: Malcolm shares how his experience in Niger taught him to lean on God rather than give in to fear.Are you ready to say yes to what God has placed on your heart? Learn more about mission opportunities in Niger by visiting https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/.

    8 min
  2. APR 16

    Kimberly Lambert: A Family's Journey of Obedience

    In this episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler welcomes Kimberly Lambert, a wife and mother of three whose family said yes to missions in Niger. Kimberly shares how God placed Africa on her heart long before she even realized what it meant. From an unexpected meeting at a Serve Day event to taking three life-changing trips to Niger with her family, Kimberly reflects on how saying yes transformed their faith and deepened their trust in God's plans. Tune in to hear about her defining moments in Niger, the unexpected blessings of missions, and her encouragement to others who feel a nudge toward something bigger. "If you feel a nudge, just be obedient. The blessing is waiting on the other side." – Kimberly Lambert In This Episode: The unexpected connection that led Kimberly and her family to Niger. God’s perfect timing in aligning her heart’s desire for missions with her family’s support. A defining moment while washing children's hands, realizing the profound privilege of serving together with her husband for Christ’s kingdom. The unexpected blessings of missions: How Kimberly was transformed more than she ever expected by the people of Niger. Encouragement to follow God’s call: Overcoming fear and doubt to experience the incredible blessings of obedience. Are you ready to say yes to what God has placed on your heart? Learn more about mission opportunities in Niger by visiting https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/.

    13 min
  3. 11/18/2024

    Hunter Nuckols: Breaking Down Walls in Niger

    In this inspiring episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler speaks with Hunter Nuckols, a high school teacher and father of four, who has traveled to Niger three times in the past year. Hunter shares his journey of breaking through personal and logistical barriers to say yes to mission work, the profound impact it’s had on his faith, and how the people of Niger have forever changed his perspective on life. Hunter reflects on moments of joy, resilience, and the importance of community, sharing how serving others has also transformed his own heart. Whether it’s feeding children in the desert or witnessing his wife and daughter embrace the mission field, Hunter’s story is a testament to the beauty of stepping into God’s calling. "If your heart at all is thinking, ‘I should,’ then God is talking to you. Don’t let those walls stop you." – Hunter Nuckols In This Episode: How Hunter’s first trip to Niger in July 2023 sparked a passion to keep returning. A pivotal moment watching his wife and daughter embrace the mission, including his wife’s baptism. The challenges and rewards of feeding children at Don Chendu, one of the most impactful stops on each trip. A joyful and transformative interaction with a shy child at the Cure Hospital, reminding Hunter of the power of connection. The faith and dedication of Niger’s local leaders, who continue to inspire Hunter’s own walk with God. How mission work in Niger has changed Hunter’s approach to his career as a teacher, fostering deeper connections with his students. Encouragement to overcome obstacles, break down walls, and trust God’s ability to pave the way. Call to Action: Take the first step to say your own yes. Learn more about mission opportunities and how you can make a difference by visiting https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/.

    25 min
  4. 11/04/2024

    Trish Hogan: Embracing the Unexpected Journey

    In this heartfelt episode of After Yes, host Michael Thaler welcomes Trish Hogan, a compassionate mother and life coach from New York, to share her experiences of saying "yes" to a mission trip to Niger. From forming deep bonds with fellow team members to witnessing life-changing moments, Trish reflects on how this journey revitalized her faith and reshaped her view of the world. Listen in as Trish shares stories of joy, connection, and the profound beauty of trusting God’s plan. "Take a leap of faith, say yes, and it might exceed your wildest dreams." – Trish Hogan In This Episode: Trish’s spontaneous decision to join the mission trip after a simple invitation from Lee Hatcher. The surprising tranquility and sense of peace experienced immediately upon arriving in Niger. A defining moment on the rooftop where Trish’s nephew William shared heartfelt words, deepening their bond. The impact of her roommate Tasha’s unreserved faith and how it encouraged Trish to embrace a more open-hearted approach to worship. How witnessing the dedication of local leaders, Edwar and Em, sparked a renewed passion for faith and community in Trish’s life. The lasting impression left by the joy and innocence of the children in Niger, and how their interactions moved Trish’s heart. If you're inspired to say your own "yes" and see where God leads you, you can explore opportunities to support or join missions through the following link: https://www.effectiveministries.org/link-missions/.

    14 min
  5. 10/07/2024

    Alison Creger: Finding Purpose Beyond Comfort Zones

    In this episode, Alison Creger, a retired social worker originally from the Northeast, shares her inspiring journey of saying yes to mission work in Niger. Alison talks about how her professional experiences prepared her heart for missions and how a persistent sense of calling finally led her to take a leap of faith. From a deep desire to serve alongside her family to discovering that God’s plan was uniquely for her, Alison’s story highlights the importance of faith over fear and trusting the Holy Spirit’s guidance even when the path seems unclear. "If I allowed myself to be afraid, I would never have gone. So instead, I placed my faith in Jesus, and He paved the way from that point forward." In This Episode: Alison’s unique path to Niger, which started with an invitation for her sons and husband—and how she ultimately decided it was her turn to say yes. The surprising attitude of the people of Niger, who despite poverty and hardships, remain humble and joyful. A defining moment of seeing Muslim women participate in the team’s Bible stories and later choosing to accept Jesus as their Savior. The impact of stepping out in faith and embracing the motto “faith over fear,” both in Niger and in Alison’s everyday life. A powerful quote on how missing God’s opportunities can lead to regret and the encouragement to take God-ordained risks. Learn more about LINK Missions and see upcoming mission opportunities.

    15 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Friends and fellow travelers to Niger, Africa share their own stories of how saying yes to going on a LINK Mission has impacted the way they think about the world, their faith, and the way they live their lives today.