<![CDATA[The Blessings Broadcast]]>Exploring how faith, service, and medicine work together, locally and globally. Hosted by Barry Ewy and Laura Berry.

]]>blessing.orgRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 07 Jul 2026 06:23:02 GMTWed, 17 Jun 2026 15:31:46 GMT60Blessings International<p>Exploring how faith, service, and medicine work together, locally and globally. Hosted by Barry Ewy and Laura Berry.</p>episodicBlessings Internationalcommunications@blessing.orgno<![CDATA[Stories and Tips from a Medical Mission Veteran: Troy Sledge, RN, MSN]]>Uncover the incredible stories and transformative moments from a seasoned medical mission trip leader with over 68 trips across 15 countries.

In this powerful episode, Troy Sledge reveals how obedience, divine guidance, and relentless preparation turn ordinary trips into miraculous encounters.

Main Topics:

  • Troy's background and journey in mission trips, including leading 68 trips and working in diverse countries like Kenya, Russia, and Mexico
  • The spiritual impact and miraculous events observed during missions, such as villages accepting Christ and healing stories
  • Practical advice for preparation, vetting team members, and handling unexpected situations in cross-cultural settings
  • The importance of long-term engagement and how continual presence adds sustainability and value
  • Managing team dynamics, including handling difficult personalities and ensuring spiritual and logistical readiness
  • The role of obedience, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in guiding mission work
  • The significance of cultural sensitivity, reverse culture shock, and giving back with a heart of humility

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to Troy Sledge and his diverse mission trip experience
00:35 - The spiritual miracles and divine guidance during missions in Africa and beyond
02:00 - Troy’s roles as nurse, leader, and educator in various mission contexts
03:45 - The emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing conversions and healing
05:00 - Practical tips: preparation, team vetting, and managing expectations
07:15 - The importance of long-term commitment versus one-time efforts
09:30 - Powerful stories of villages accepting the Gospel and miraculous healings
11:00 - Navigating challenges like team conflicts and unexpected events
13:15 - The value of obedience and listening to the Holy Spirit in mission work
15:00 - Handling reverse culture shock and giving meaningful feedback back home
17:00 - Training resources for mission teams: preparation, practicalities, and reentry
19:00 - How to ensure sustainability and avoid voluntourism pitfalls
21:00 - Troy’s advice for first-time mission participants and lessons learned
23:30 - An inspiring story of God's guidance during a crisis in the Philippines
26:00 - The importance of spiritual readiness, prayer, and trusting God's plan
28:00 - Managing difficult personalities and team cohesion in high-stress environments
30:00 - Practical steps for vetting team members and handling conflicts
33:00 - Preparing for the unexpected: financial and logistical flexibility
36:00 - An impactful Bible verse: Micah 6:8 and its relevance to mission work
37:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement from Troy

Resources & Links:

]]>5494121c-b023-4c1d-91c3-f6597d9e1452Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:00:49 GMT<p>Uncover the incredible stories and transformative moments from a seasoned medical mission trip leader with over 68 trips across 15 countries.<br /><br />In this powerful episode, Troy Sledge reveals how obedience, divine guidance, and relentless preparation turn ordinary trips into miraculous encounters.</p><p></p><p>Main Topics:</p><ul><li>Troy's background and journey in mission trips, including leading 68 trips and working in diverse countries like Kenya, Russia, and Mexico</li><li>The spiritual impact and miraculous events observed during missions, such as villages accepting Christ and healing stories</li><li>Practical advice for preparation, vetting team members, and handling unexpected situations in cross-cultural settings</li><li>The importance of long-term engagement and how continual presence adds sustainability and value</li><li>Managing team dynamics, including handling difficult personalities and ensuring spiritual and logistical readiness</li><li>The role of obedience, prayer, and reliance on the Holy Spirit in guiding mission work</li><li>The significance of cultural sensitivity, reverse culture shock, and giving back with a heart of humility</li></ul><p></p><p>Timestamps:<br />00:00 - Introduction to Troy Sledge and his diverse mission trip experience<br />00:35 - The spiritual miracles and divine guidance during missions in Africa and beyond<br />02:00 - Troy’s roles as nurse, leader, and educator in various mission contexts<br />03:45 - The emotional and spiritual impact of witnessing conversions and healing<br />05:00 - Practical tips: preparation, team vetting, and managing expectations<br />07:15 - The importance of long-term commitment versus one-time efforts<br />09:30 - Powerful stories of villages accepting the Gospel and miraculous healings<br />11:00 - Navigating challenges like team conflicts and unexpected events<br />13:15 - The value of obedience and listening to the Holy Spirit in mission work<br />15:00 - Handling reverse culture shock and giving meaningful feedback back home<br />17:00 - Training resources for mission teams: preparation, practicalities, and reentry<br />19:00 - How to ensure sustainability and avoid voluntourism pitfalls<br />21:00 - Troy’s advice for first-time mission participants and lessons learned<br />23:30 - An inspiring story of God's guidance during a crisis in the Philippines<br />26:00 - The importance of spiritual readiness, prayer, and trusting God's plan<br />28:00 - Managing difficult personalities and team cohesion in high-stress environments<br />30:00 - Practical steps for vetting team members and handling conflicts<br />33:00 - Preparing for the unexpected: financial and logistical flexibility<br />36:00 - An impactful Bible verse: Micah 6:8 and its relevance to mission work<br />37:00 - Closing thoughts and encouragement from Troy</p><p></p><p>Resources &amp; Links:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Micah%206%3A8&amp;version=NIV" target="_blank"><b>Micah 6:8</b></a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://blessings.org/resources" target="_blank"><b>Blessings International Mission Resources</b></a></li></ul>no00:28:5712Stories and Tips from a Medical Mission Veteran: Troy Sledge, RN, MSNfull<![CDATA[Faith, Service, and Medical Missions: Introduction]]>Join Barry and Laura as they introduce the core purpose of the Blessings Broadcast — a podcast dedicated to growing faith-based medical missions worldwide through stories, resources, and practical insights.

Main Topics

  • The origins and growth of Blessings International since 1981
  • How faith and service intersect in medical missions
  • Key resources, tools, and topics for organizations serving globally and locally
  • The importance of collaboration and shared experiences in medical missions
  • Inspiring Bible verses that motivate and guide their work

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Blessings Broadcast and hosts Barry and Laura
00:29 - The mission of the podcast: exploring faith and service through medicine
01:25 - Growth and impact of Blessings International over 30+ years
02:31 - The purpose and goals of the Blessings Broadcast
03:15 - Resources and tools available on Blessings International’s website
04:30 - How the podcast aims to encourage and inform medical missions
05:46 - The spiritual foundation guiding Blessings International, including Hebrews 6:14
07:50 - Connecting viewers with global and local service opportunities
09:10 - The importance of pure, safe, and effective medicines in missions
10:58 - Inspirational Bible verses: Hebrews 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
12:56 - The unity of the body of Christ in mission work
14:34 - The broad scope of topics covered: from pregnancy centers to donor relations
16:10 - Serving both abroad and at home in various roles and settings
17:42 - Addressing food insecurity and holistic care in missions
18:12 - The personal journey of the hosts and how God orchestrated their paths
22:15 - The journey ahead with the Blessings Broadcast and community engagement

Resources and Links:

]]>a5bd16ec-b3f4-40c0-bb8c-1aa98af19719Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMT<p>Join Barry and Laura as they introduce the core purpose of the Blessings Broadcast — a podcast dedicated to growing faith-based medical missions worldwide through stories, resources, and practical insights.</p><p></p><p>Main Topics</p><ul><li>The origins and growth of Blessings International since 1981</li><li>How faith and service intersect in medical missions</li><li>Key resources, tools, and topics for organizations serving globally and locally</li><li>The importance of collaboration and shared experiences in medical missions</li><li>Inspiring Bible verses that motivate and guide their work</li></ul><p></p><p>Timestamps:</p><p>00:00 - Introduction to the Blessings Broadcast and hosts Barry and Laura<br />00:29 - The mission of the podcast: exploring faith and service through medicine<br />01:25 - Growth and impact of Blessings International over 30+ years<br />02:31 - The purpose and goals of the Blessings Broadcast<br />03:15 - Resources and tools available on Blessings International’s website<br />04:30 - How the podcast aims to encourage and inform medical missions<br />05:46 - The spiritual foundation guiding Blessings International, including Hebrews 6:14<br />07:50 - Connecting viewers with global and local service opportunities<br />09:10 - The importance of pure, safe, and effective medicines in missions<br />10:58 - Inspirational Bible verses: Hebrews 6:14 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27<br />12:56 - The unity of the body of Christ in mission work<br />14:34 - The broad scope of topics covered: from pregnancy centers to donor relations<br />16:10 - Serving both abroad and at home in various roles and settings<br />17:42 - Addressing food insecurity and holistic care in missions<br />18:12 - The personal journey of the hosts and how God orchestrated their paths<br />22:15 - The journey ahead with the Blessings Broadcast and community engagement</p><p></p><p>Resources and Links:</p><ul><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://blessing.org/" target="_blank">Blessings International</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+6%3A14" target="_blank">Blessings Organization Verse - Hebrews 6:14</a></li><li><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1" target="_blank">Bible Book of Acts</a></li></ul>no00:23:3111Faith, Service, and Medical Missions: Introductionfull