Missionary on Fire Show: What 15 Years in Ghana Taught Me

I remember sitting in a small, mud-brick church building outside Kumasi, Ghana, trying to explain a complex theological point about sanctification. The translator, a good brother named Samuel, did his best, but I could see the glazed look in the eyes of the men listening. My English words, even translated, were just not landing. It was a humbling moment, and it taught me something about communication that day: sometimes you need to show, not just tell. That experience, and many others like it, is part of why we started the Missionary on Fire show.

For years, folks have asked me and my wife Laura about what missions is really like. They want to know the practical stuff, the hard parts, the silly parts, and how God really works on the field. The *Missionary on Fire* book covers some of that, but a video show lets us bring you into our world in a different way. We wanted to offer something that cuts through the noise and gets right to the heart of what it means to serve God overseas, using plain language and real stories.

What the Missionary on Fire Show Aims to Do

When we first started talking about a video series, I knew one thing: it had to be useful. There are plenty of mission videos out there showing beautiful scenery or dramatic testimonies. Those are good, of course. But I wanted the Missionary on Fire show to be more like a conversation over coffee, or maybe an impromptu Bible study after a long day of visitation. We wanted to tackle the real questions people have about missions, whether they’re considering going, supporting, or just praying.

Our goal is simple: to equip and encourage. We want to pull back the curtain on the day-to-day realities of church planting in West Africa. This means talking about the challenges of language, the joy of seeing someone get saved, the frustrations of dealing with bureaucracy, and the incredible faithfulness of God through it all. We don’t sugarcoat it, but we also don’t dwell on the negatives. We just tell you how it is.

Every episode is designed to give you something you can use, whether it’s a new perspective on prayer, a practical tip for sharing your faith, or simply a deeper understanding of what missionaries do. We believe that when you understand the work, you can pray more effectively and give more strategically. You can learn more about the show and find past episodes on our main Missionary on Fire page.

Behind the Scenes: Why We Started It

Laura and I have been on the field in Ghana for a long time now. We’ve seen a lot of things change, both in missions and in the world. One constant, however, is the need for more laborers. The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. That’s not just a verse; it’s our daily reality.

I also kept hearing the same questions from young people back home. “How do you raise support?” “What’s it like to learn a new language?” “Don’t you get lonely?” These are all valid questions, and they deserve honest answers. I’ve found that sometimes, hearing a missionary talk plainly about their struggles and triumphs can be the very thing that helps someone take that first step of faith toward the field.

We started the Missionary on Fire show to bridge that gap. We wanted to be a voice of experience, not just theory. I’ve learned many lessons the hard way, like the time I tried to fix a generator with a wrench and a prayer, only to realize I’d stripped a bolt and needed a professional. That went about as well as you would expect. Those kinds of stories, the ones that make you laugh and then make you think, are what we try to share.

We also wanted to show the importance of faithfulness in the small things. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Luke 16:10). The mission field is full of “least” things: learning a new greeting, walking miles to visit a family, sitting through a three-hour meeting that could have been ten minutes. These small acts of obedience are where God builds character and prepares you for the “much.”

What You Can Expect from an Episode

Each episode of the Missionary on Fire show is a chance to sit down with us and get a glimpse into our lives and ministry. We don’t have a big budget or fancy sets. We just have a camera, a few lights, and a lot of stories to tell. You’ll hear about specific challenges we’ve faced, like trying to get building permits in a country where “tomorrow” means “eventually, maybe.” You’ll hear about the victories too, like watching a new convert stand up in front of the church and give their testimony.

We often share practical advice for anyone involved in ministry, whether at home or abroad. We might discuss how to handle discouragement, the importance of family time, or how to develop relationships across cultural barriers. We want to be honest about the fact that missions is not always glamorous, but it is always worthwhile. The work is hard, but the joy of seeing God work is immeasurable.

We believe there’s a real need for this kind of practical, grounded teaching. For example, the need for cross-cultural workers remains immense.

“There are still 3.2 billion people who don’t have access to the gospel. These are people who have little to no access to the gospel in their own language or culture.”
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That statistic isn’t just a number; it’s the faces of people we meet every day in Ghana who haven’t yet heard the good news. Our show aims to inspire more people to be part of the solution to that need.

Topics We Cover and Lessons We Share

The topics we cover on the Missionary on Fire show are as varied as life itself on the mission field. We talk about language learning, which is a constant challenge and a source of many embarrassing moments for me. I once told a man I was going to “eat his head” when I meant to say “thank you very much.” He laughed, thankfully, but it was a good lesson in humility.

We also discuss church planting strategies, discipleship principles, and how to stay spiritually strong when you’re thousands of miles from your home church. We share stories about God’s provision, like the time we needed a specific amount of money for a project, and it arrived in our account the very next day. Those moments remind you that God is still in control, even when everything else feels chaotic.

Another common theme is dealing with cultural differences. What seems normal to us in America might be completely foreign or even offensive in Ghana. Learning to navigate these differences with grace and understanding is crucial. It’s about being a servant, not a boss. You’ll find many of these stories and lessons woven into our episodes, much like the practical advice you can find on our blog.

The Importance of Relationships

In Ghana, everything runs on relationships. You can have all the money and plans in the world, but if you don’t have good relationships, nothing gets done. We’ve learned that building trust takes time, patience, and a willingness to simply sit and listen. It means sharing meals, attending funerals, and celebrating births, even when it’s inconvenient.

The show often highlights these relationship-building moments, because they are the foundation of effective ministry. You can’t just parachute in, preach a sermon, and leave. You have to live life with the people. That’s how hearts are won and churches are planted. It’s not about programs; it’s about people.

Why You Should Tune In to the Missionary on Fire Show

If you have a heart for missions, or if you’re simply curious about what God is doing around the world, the Missionary on Fire show is for you. We aim to provide a realistic, yet encouraging, look at missionary life. You’ll get to hear genuine stories, learn practical truths, and hopefully, be inspired to do more for the Lord yourself.

We don’t pretend to have all the answers, but we do have years of experience walking by faith in West Africa. We’ve seen God do incredible things, and we’ve also stumbled and made mistakes. We share both sides of that coin because we believe transparency helps others. You won’t find theological jargon here, just plain Bible truth applied to real life.

So, whether you’re a seasoned missionary, a potential intern, a faithful supporter, or just someone who wants to learn more about global evangelism, we invite you to join us. Our goal is to stir your heart for the lost and equip you to serve God more effectively, wherever He has called you. You can start by checking out the latest episodes and learning more about how to get involved with our ministry by visiting the official Missionary on Fire show page on our website. We’re praying the show is a blessing to you.

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