Stepping Outside the American Bubble to See God at Work
🌍 Raising Globally-Minded, Faith-Filled Kids in an Ungodly World
If we’re honest, the pace and pressure of modern Christian parenting can shrink our world. Between school drop-offs, sports, and church events, it’s easy for our families to become isolated—not just from our neighbors, but also from the greater story God is writing across the globe.
Why does this matter?
Because if our kids only experience faith under the comforts of Western abundance, they may never know the depth, dependence, and transforming power of God that is most visible in places of trial and suffering. As parents called to make disciples “of all nations,” we can’t allow our children’s vision of God’s work to stop at our zip code.
That’s the heartbeat behind this recent episode: helping you raise kids who look beyond their own lives, discover the global family of God, and link arms with believers around the world.
🎙 Meet My Guest: Kristy Graham
I’m thrilled to welcome back Kristy Graham of Samaritan’s Purse—a mom of four, wife to Edward Graham, and host of the extraordinary podcast On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse. With the unique vantage point of living at the intersection of motherhood and international ministry, Kristy Graham brings compelling stories from the front lines of faith, straight from countries like Sudan, Ukraine, Kenya, and more.
Whether connecting with persecuted church leaders, women rebuilding their lives after abuse, or children receiving life-saving surgery, Kristy is the perfect guide to help us open our eyes—and our kids’ hearts—to God’s global story.
🌟 Episode Highlights: Building Compassion, Perspective, and Resilient Faith
🗺️ Why Global Faith Stories Matter
Kristy and I discuss why exposing kids to global stories of sacrifice and steadfastness shapes compassion, perspective, and a deeper, more anchored faith—even from soccer practice or carpool lines.
🏠Parenting at the Intersection of Abundance and Need
Kristy openly shares how her own kids—growing up with Western abundance—learn the true meaning of dependence on God by hearing stories of believers who have nothing but Christ… and find that He is enough.
👩‍👧‍👦 The Power of Real-Life Testimonies
From Ingrid, a Sudanese mother who lost her husband and child to war but radiates joy through Christ, to orphans, refugees, and survivors of tragic circumstances, these stories bring the Bible to life for our families—reframing pain as a doorway to hope and perspective.
💔 Why Suffering Is the “Vitamin” of the Church
A poignant moment: Kristy relays a pastor’s words that suffering grows the deepest faith, challenging us not to shield our kids from every hardship, but to root them in Him “who is with us in the suffering.”
🤝 Celebration and Transformation at Amani Ya Juu, Kenya
Discover how a seamstress ministry walks refugee women through “brokenness, transformation, and celebration,” making beauty from ashes—both in fabric and in resurrected lives.
❤️ When the Gospel Gets Its Hands Dirty
The Children’s Heart Project, rebuilding churches in Sudan, steadfast pastors in Ukraine—the episode is packed with tangible examples of Christians meeting physical needs first, opening hearts to the greater hope of Christ.
🙌 You Don’t Need to Be a Missionary to Join God’s Global Story
Kristy challenges every parent: whatever your gifts—admin, cooking, “the wash”—God uses them all to fulfill the Great Commission, both at home and across the globe.
🎧 Listen and Take Action
Don’t miss this powerful, perspective-shifting episode!
👉 Listen to “Ep. 184: Stepping OUtside the American Bubble to See God at Work” now.
Or find CP/CW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, Pocket Casts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
đź’¬ Quote to Reflect On
“Even if we aren’t getting what we want, we’re getting what we need. The Lord is with us. His presence is where joy comes from, not success, not getting what you want … and that’s what I’ve learned from these stories around the world. Jesus is enough.”
— Kristy Graham
✨ Try This—Your Call to Action:
- Try one episode of On the Ground on your next family drive or at the breakfast table.
- Visit samaritan’spurse.org to see how your family can support global ministry (and grab a hand-stitched gift from the Amani Ya Juu store!).
- Pray for a persecuted nation with your kids this week, inviting them to add their own prayers.
🌿 Encouragement for Parents
Mom and Dad, God gave you your kids for a reason. You are uniquely equipped to unlock their compassion, resilience, and calling—by helping them see that God’s story is far bigger than their own backyard. Don’t let their vision of faith stay small. Allow these global testimonies to stretch your family’s perspective, rooting your kids in a kingdom that spans continents and cultures.
🚗❤️ So, flip on a global faith story this week—on the way to practice, at dinner, or before bedtime. Talk together. Pray together. Ask God to show your family how He wants to use you—right where you are—for His worldwide kingdom.
Because raising faith-filled, globally-minded kids is not just a luxury for super-Christians—it is THE call for us all.
With you as we write God’s big story with our little stories…
Episode Resources:
Amani Ya Juu (website & online store)
On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse Episodes mentioned:
- Brokenness, Transformation, and Celebration: Amani Ja Juu
- Plane Hijacked in Africa: The Pilot’s Story Part 1
- Plane Hijacked in Farica: The Pilot’s Story Part 2
- Ukrainian Pastor Shares from the Front Lines
- Suffering for Christ’s Sake (Rebuilding 500 Churches in Sudan)
- The Great Commission is for Everyone — On the Ground Podcast
