S07E07 The Hardest Part of Missionary Life and How to Overcome It with David Joannes

IT'S OUR 100th EPISODE! And we've got a great one for you today, listeners! What makes someone pack up their life, move across the world, and step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel? How do missionaries keep going when the sacrifices pile up and the rewards feel far away? Missionaries—you know you’re unique, but do you know how? What sets us apart?

Today, we sit down with the author of The Mind of a Missionary, David Joannes—a longtime missionary himself––to talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. From smuggling Bibles into China and facing interrogation to the lessons learned from missionary heroes, David shares what fuels those who say yes to God’s call—even when it gets tough.

Whether you're on the field, thinking about going, or supporting those who serve, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and remind you that you're part of something much bigger.

Thanks for listening! Email us your questions at care@modernday.org

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Chapters

• 0:00 Special Offer from Soul Shepherding
• 1:02 Episode Introduction
• 2:54 Interview with David Joannes
• 3:24 The Unique Mind of a Missionary
• 3:58 Exploring Missionary Motivations
• 5:45 Challenges and Rewards of Missionary Life
• 9:27 Staying Motivated in Difficult Times
• 12:25 Expectations and Realities of Missionary Work
• 15:33 Stories of Perseverance and Faith
• 19:34 The Importance of Missionary Biographies
• 26:52 Exploring Sacrifices in Missionary Work
• 27:58 Physical and Emotional Challenges
• 29:26 Spiritual Adversities and Realities
• 31:34 Diverse Missionary Experiences
• 33:00 Rewards of Missionary Life
• 37:13 Encouragement for Missionaries and Supporters
• 43:30 Connecting with the David Joannes