What does it really cost to leave behind everything familiar—your home, your church, your family, and the comforts of American life—to serve the Lord on the mission field? And how do you remain faithful when ministry is difficult, progress is slow, and the sacrifices are greater than you ever anticipated?
In Episode 290 of The Postscript Show, Brandon Briscoe sits down with Justin Bedwell, a missionary sent out of Decatur Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama, who is serving as a church planter in eastern Zambia. After years of laboring to advance the gospel, disciple believers, and equip Zambian pastors for ministry, Justin shares an honest look at the realities of missionary life and what it means to remain committed to God's calling through difficult circumstances.
Together, they discuss the challenges of establishing a ministry in a foreign culture, the importance of counting the cost before entering the mission field, and the need to develop indigenous leaders who can carry the work forward. Justin also shares some of the personal trials his family has faced, including the difficulties of adjusting to a new culture, navigating family hardships, and returning to Zambia following the unexpected death of his father.
This conversation also explores an important principle of sustainable missions: the work of the ministry must transcend the missionary. Rather than building a ministry around one individual, the goal is to train faithful men who can disciple others, strengthen local churches, and multiply the work of the gospel throughout their communities.
How do we remain faithful when following Christ comes at a great cost? And what does it look like to depend upon the Lord not only for the success of our ministry, but for the strength to continue when the fruit comes slowly?
Join us for this honest and encouraging conversation about missions, discipleship, sacrifice, and faithfulness.
Learn more about Justin and his family's ministry:
https://www.bedwells4christ.com/
For more information on the Living Faith Bible Institute and its program of study: