
Hosted by "Serving as Christ Serves" · EN

What happens when a young athlete brings the gospel home?Ben Schmidt of Northeast Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes shares how God is using coaches, athletes, Bible studies, camps, and sports programs to reach entire families with the message of Jesus Christ.Fellowship of Christian Athletes is about much more than what happens on the field.In this special Partners in Ministry interview, host Dan Smith sits down with Ben Schmidt, Area Director for Northeast Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to discuss how FCA is using sports to share the gospel, build relationships, and make disciples who make disciples.Ben explains FCA’s E3 ministry approach:• Engage people with the gospel• Equip them through Scripture• Empower them to make disciplesYou will also hear powerful stories of young athletes taking what they have learned home, sharing Scripture with their parents, and opening doors for entire families to learn more about Jesus.Ben discusses his personal journey to faith, the Christian men who discipled him, his work with coaches and athletes across Northeast Iowa, and the ministry’s desire to reach more schools, campuses, communities, and families.Please join us in praying for:• People to know and follow Jesus• Continued access to schools and campuses• Wisdom and integrity for FCA’s leadership• New staff members in unreached areas• Coaches and athletes to become faithful disciples of ChristSend Ben and the Northeast Iowa FCA team a word of encouragement, and pray that God continues to use this ministry to transform lives through the influence of coaches and athletes.Subscribe to Partners in Ministry for more conversations with Christian leaders and nonprofit ministries serving their communities and sharing the gospel.Until next time, let's get out there and serve as Christ serves.Recorded on July 21, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.Northeast Iowa FCA-- Learn More at: https://northeastiowafca.org-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_NEIA-FCA-- Contact Ben:-- -- by Email: mailto:bschmidt@fca.org-- -- by Phone: (319) 721-3038-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/neiowafca-- Resources:-- -- Huddle Leader Resources: https://northeastiowafca.org/huddle-leader-resources-- -- Discipleship Training: https://www.fca.org/e3The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry

Can marketing help lead someone to Christ? For Lisa Fitzgerald, founder of ParableCommunications, success is not measured by clicks, followers, or impressionsalone. It is measured by transformed lives, strengthened ministries, and thegrowth of God’s Kingdom. In this special Get to Know You episode ofPartners in Ministry, Lisa shares how strategic communication can helpChristian organizations reach more people and fulfill their God-given missions. Christian ministries are doing life-changingwork, but many lack the time, staff, or experience needed to effectivelycommunicate their message. Lisa Fitzgerald founded Parable Communicationsto help solve that problem. In this episode of Partners in Ministry, hostDan Smith sits down with Lisa to discuss how Parable Communications providesChristian ministries with marketing strategy, leadership, social mediamanagement, and practical support from planning through execution. Lisa shares why her greatest joy comes fromseeing the ministries she serves achieve their goals, transform lives, and helppeople discover a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. You will also hear: How marketing can become a meaningful form ofministry Why successful communication is important forKingdom growth The story of a young man who surrendered hislife to Christ at a summer camp How Lisa came to faith at 29 years old The pastor who demonstrated what authenticChristianity looks like Why small ministries need strategic planningand marketing support How Parable Communications and the QuakerdaleFoundation can help ministries become more effective Lisa also shares a few personal joys,including her grandchildren and her ongoing quest to find the best pizza inIowa. Please pray for Lisa, the ParableCommunications team, and the Christian ministries they serve. Pray that theseorganizations will reach more people, accomplish their missions, and continueexpanding God’s Kingdom. Contact information for Lisa and ParableCommunications is available in the video and accompanying show notes. Subscribe to Partners in Ministry for moreconversations with Christian leaders, nonprofit organizations, and ministriesserving their communities with faith, compassion, and purpose. Until next time, let’s get out there and serveas Christ serves.Recorded on July 15, 2026. Originallypublished on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Parable Communication--Learn More at: https://parablecomm.com/--Contact Lisa:-- --by Email: lisa@parablecomm.com-- --by Phone: (515) 210-6941--Social Media:-- --LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldfitzgerald/--Resources:-- --FreeStorytelling Guide for Christian Nonprofits https://parablecomm.com/-- -- Social Media Health Check Quiz https://form.jotform.com/251976282960064-- -- Case Study: Transforming Digital Engagement for a Faith https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GGcX1LoV5Cr97xs6PohvKyITCZwkrFsz/view?usp=sharing The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry

A single mother desperately needed a roof. Thirty days later, a church partner called with an offer no one could have planned.Hear how God is using Single Parent Provision to surround families with practical help, Christian community, and lasting hope.What happens when the Church becomes a consistent presence in the life of a single parent?In this special Get to Know You episode of Partners in Ministry, host Dan Smith sits down with Teal Bader, Executive Director of Single Parent Provision in West Des Moines, Iowa.Teal explains how Single Parent Provision walks alongside single parents through some of life’s most difficult transitions by providing intentional care, practical support, meaningful community, and opportunities to grow in faith.Through programs such as Break Time, parents receive trusted childcare and time to rest and regroup. Through Home Provision, church volunteers help single-parent families complete important repairs and projects around their homes. Local church groups also give parents a safe place to build relationships with others who understand their journey.Teal also shares an unforgettable story of God’s provision.A single mother with a disabled child needed repairs to a garage roof so the family could safely protect their wheelchair-accessible van. The project was far beyond the ministry’s normal resources, so the team prayed and trusted God.About 30 days later, a church partner called because a roofing company wanted to donate a free roof. The company eventually replaced both the garage roof and the roof on the family’s home. The work was completed on the birthday of the mother’s late husband—a detail no person could have planned.The conversation also explores the quieter miracles taking place through consistent Christian community, including single parents growing in their trust in Jesus, joining local churches, and being baptized.Single Parent Provision serves more than 3,000 single parents and children each year with the support of nearly 600 volunteers. This interview demonstrates what can happen when churches, ministries, volunteers, and donors work together to offer practical care and Christ-centered hope.Watch and share this encouraging conversation, and consider how you can pray for, serve, and support single-parent families in your own community.Subscribe to Partners in Ministry for more inspiring conversations with Christian leaders and nonprofit organizations serving others in the name of Jesus.Recorded on June 23, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. Single Parent Provision Learn More at: https://www.singleparentprovision.org Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_SPPDonation Contact Teahl: by Email: tbader@singleparentprovision.org by Phone: (515) 868-9252 Social Media: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/singleparentprovision Resources: Newsletter: https://www.singleparentprovision.org/event-4335011 Volunteering : https://www.singleparentprovision.org/Volunteer▶ Emily Testimony Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gTXM1zf8GvZW45_8-M7CvZEafMmOaNPt/view▶ Ashley Testimony Video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1076p3SW4_IoF1Tj8IfWJRcptlsRm0Dn3/viewThe Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E16)

When a parent is facing homelessness, domestic violence, hospitalization, or isolation, Safe Families for Children steps inbefore crisis becomes separation.In this Get to Know You segment, Jessica Trowbridge shares how Safe Families for Children in the Quad Cities surrounds vulnerable families with practical support, short-term child hosting, respite care, friendship, prayer, and Christ-centered community. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that ministry often happens through simple acts of availability, hospitality, friendship, and faithfulness. Watch this episode to learn more about Safe Families for Children, Jessica’s heart for ministry, and how churches and volunteers can help vulnerable families experience hope, support, and the love of Christ. Recorded on June 23, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Safe Families for Children, Quad Cities-- Learn More at: https://quadcities.safe-families.org/-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_SFCQuadDonation-- Contact Jessica:-- -- by Email: mailto:jtrowbridge@safefamilies.net-- -- by Phone: (563) 949-9803-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/safefamiliesqc-- -- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/safe-families-for-children-quad-cities-- Resources:-- -- Newsletter: https://safe-families.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=4857419fa9ccfcd740c642643&id=c427fe68c8 The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266 #jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E14)

What happens when Bible teaching, evangelism, discipleship, and a heart for the local church come together? In this Partners in Ministry episode, Joel Willoughby shares how Brains and Bibles is helping strengthen churches, equip believers, restore unity, and point people to Christ. In this episode of Partners in Ministry, Dan Smith sits down with Joel Willoughby, Executive Director of Brains and Bibles in Ankeny, Iowa. Joel shares the heart behind Brains and Bibles and why the ministry exists to strengthen churches through evangelism training, discipleship, Bible study, and practical support for pastors and congregations. This conversation highlights the power of faithful Bible teaching, the joy of seeing people come to Christ, the importance of forgiveness within the church, and the value of ministry partnerships that help equip believers for gospel impact. Joel also shares personal stories about his family, his brother’s influence as a missionary in Estonia, how God used prayer in his own life, and how a fireworks fundraiser became an unexpected opportunity for gospel conversations. You will also hear how Josiah White’s Quakerdale Foundation has come alongside Brains and Bibles through encouragement, connection, and ministry partnership. Please pray for Joel, Brains and Bibles, and their upcoming VBS outreach as they seek to reach children and families with the hope of Christ. If this conversation encouraged you, take a moment to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more stories of faithful ministry partners serving as Christ serves. Recorded on June 16, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. Brains and Bibles-- Learn More at: https://BrainsandBibles.org-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_BandBDonation-- Contact Joel:-- -- by Email: Joel@BrainsandBibles.org-- -- by Phone: (515) 669-4427-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brainsandbibles-- -- Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IyXdBGzGhobnBZosTz8KY-- -- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY87gUwtwVut562bTV3bqYA-- -- LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/brainsandbibles-- Resources:-- -- Newsletter: https://brainsandbibles.org/resources-media-library#newsletter-signup The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E13)

In Kajiado County, Kenya, Friends of Compassion and Empowerment is helping Maasai children stay in school, empowering women with practical skills, and planting seeds of hope that can change entire communities. Full YouTube Description: In this Partners in Ministry Get to Know You segment, Dan Smith sits down with Kenneth Mugisha, Project Coordinator for Friends of Compassion and Empowerment in Kenya. Kenneth shares how the ministry is serving underprivileged Maasai children and women through education support, mentorship, transportation help, vocational training, women’s empowerment projects, and practical tools for long-term sustainability. One powerful story highlights a young girl who was forced out of school and nearly pushed into early marriage after female genital mutilation. Through compassionate intervention, resources were mobilized to place her in boarding school. Today, she is pursuing a career in nursing and helping support women and youth initiatives in her community. This conversation is a reminder that no act of kindness is ever wasted. When God’s people step into hard places with compassion, education, mentorship, and prayer, lives can be changed for generations. Please pray for Kenneth, Friends of Compassion and Empowerment, and the children and women they serve in Kenya. Pray for wisdom, resilience, hope, courage, and continued opportunities for the Maasai community to thrive independently and sustainably. Recorded on June 1, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Friends of Compassion and Empowerment-- Learn More at: https://www.facebook.com/share/188154QgsJ/-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_FCEDonation-- Contact Mr. Mugita:-- -- by Email: tracermugita@gmail.com-- -- by Phone: (254) 720-5758 x20-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/188154QgsJ/ The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266 Listen on Spotify Podcasts: https://bit.ly/JWQF_SpotifyPodcast #jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E12)

What happens when a foster family is ready to quit, but the church steps in with real support?In this Partners in Ministry Get to Know You segment, Dan Smith talks with Jacob Barthalow, Executive Director of Wildwood Collective in Saint Charles, Iowa. Wildwood Collective equips churches to care for foster, adoptive, and kinship families through practical support, training, wraparound care, respite nights, social worker appreciation, and community partnerships.Jacob shares how one foster family was ready to surrender their license because they were exhausted and overwhelmed. After their church was trained to wrap around them with encouragement and support, that family not only continued fostering, but opened their home to four more children.This conversation is a powerful reminder that not every church is called to do everything, but every church is called to do something.Wildwood Collective helps churches move from not knowing where to start to becoming active, practical support systems for families involved in child welfare. Through training, wraparound communities, respite nights, social worker appreciation, foster family support, and church partnerships, Wildwood Collective is helping change the narrative from “not enough” to “more than enough.” Jacob shares the heart behind the ministry, the joy of seeing the Church step into true religion by caring for vulnerable children and families, and a powerful story of a foster family that was ready to give up until their church surrounded them with love, encouragement, and practical help.This episode is an encouragement for pastors, churches, ministry leaders, foster families, adoptive families, kinship caregivers, and anyone who wants to see the Church serve vulnerable children and families in a deeper way.Learn more about Wildwood Collective and how you can pray for, encourage, and support their ministry below.Recorded on May 27, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, June 16, 2026. The Wildwood Hills Collective-- Learn More at: https://www.wildwoodcollectiveiowa.org-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_WHR-- Contact Jacob:-- -- by Email: jbarthalow@wildwoodhillsranch.org-- -- by Phone: (641) 396-2414-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildwoodCollectiveIowa/-- Resources-- -- Trauma Informed Resources: https://www.wildwoodcollectiveiowa.org/trauma-- -- Church Mobilization Resources: https://www.wildwoodcollectiveiowa.org/churches-- -- Foster and Adoptive Family Support: https://wildwoodhillsranch.promiseserves.org/request-care-community? The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266 #jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E11)

What happens when God takes a story of recovery, obedience, and faithfulness and turns it into a mission that helps others reclaim their lives?In this Partners in Ministry episode, Dan Smith sits down with Felicia Carter, CEO of the Center of Attention in Waterloo, Iowa. Felicia shares how her ministry serves people impacted by the opioid epidemic through peer recovery coaching, recovery support services, transportation, clothing, hygiene resources, and a safe, non-judgmental space for people working to rebuild their lives.Her story is powerful. After 35 years of walking with Christ, Felicia reflects on how God prepared her step by step for the work she is doing today. She also shares the incredible story of how the former Quakerdale campus became part of the vision for expanding recovery services and creating what she describes as the recovery capital of Waterloo.Recorded on May 18, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.The Center of Attention-- Learn More at: https://www.facebook.com/circlesofattention-- Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_TCADonation-- Contact Carla:-- -- by Email: frcarter8106@gmail.com-- -- by Phone: (319) 464-4444-- Social Media:-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circlesofattentionThe Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E10)

Families in crisis do not always need separation. Sometimes, they need support, community, prayer, and people willing to step in before the situation becomes overwhelming. In this Partners in Ministry conversation, Dan Smith talks with Carla Tripp, Chapter Director for Safe Families for Children in Iowa. Carla shares how Safe Families helps keep children safe and families together by surrounding parents with trained volunteers, church support, and practical help during difficult seasons. Safe Families for Children serves families facing isolation, stress, limited resources, and a lack of healthy support systems. Through radical hospitality and volunteer-driven care, this ministry helps prevent unnecessary child welfare involvement and gives parents the encouragement they need before crisis turns into separation. In this episode, Carla shares: -- How Safe Families for Children supports parents and children in Iowa -- Why social isolation can put families at greater risk -- How churches and volunteers can help prevent family separation -- What radical hospitality looks like in real life -- How God provides in urgent moments of need -- Why healthy relationships are essential for struggling parents -- How people can pray for and support this ministry Carla’s hope is to see Safe Families expand across Iowa This conversation is a powerful reminder that families are stronger when they are not alone. When churches, volunteers, and ministries work together, children can stay safe, parents can find hope, and communities can reflect the love of Christ in practical ways. If this video encouraged you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who cares about foster care prevention, Christian family ministry, volunteer service, or keeping children safe. Recorded on May 12, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Safe Families for Children, Iowa 🧠 Learn More at: https://desmoines.safe-families.org/💵 Make a Donation: https://bit.ly/JWQF_SFC-IADonation-- Contact Carla: 📧 by Email: ctripp@safefamilies.net 📞 by Phone: (515) 815-5124 -- Social Media: 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Safefamiliescentraliowa🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/safe-families-forchildren/ 🔗 X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/SFFCnational The Quakerdale Foundation: 🧠 Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org💵 Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give 👉 Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe📧 Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media 🔗 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa🔗 LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/▶ JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266#jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E09)

In this episode of Partners in Ministry, host Dan Smith welcomes Lyle Miller, stewardship consultant with Everence, for a special “Get to Know You” conversation about faith, finances, generosity, and ministry partnership. Lyle shares how Everence helps individuals, families, congregations, and ministries integrate their faith and values into financial decisions. From comprehensive financial planning and charitable giving tools to donor advised funds, charitable gift annuities, property gifts, and unique assets, this conversation highlights practical ways Christians can live generously and support the Kingdom.You’ll also hear an inspiring story about how a collection of antique farm toys became a charitable gift that continues tobless ministries, along with personal reflections from Lyle about family, stewardship, gratitude, and the joy of helping people give more generously. This conversation is a powerful reminder that generosity is not just about money. It is about faith, purpose, legacy, and helping others change the world through the decisions we make. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that support churches, strengthen ministries, and equip leaders. Recorded on April 29, 2026. Originally published on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Everence-- Learn More at: https://www.everence.com-- Contact Lyle:-- -- by Email: lyle.miller@everence.com-- -- by Phone: (574) 202-3121-- Resources-- -- Charitable Services:https://www.everence.com/financialservices/charitable-giving-- -- Planned Giving Services:https://www.everence.com/financialservices/charitable-giving/planned-giving-- -- Donor Advised Funds:https://www.everence.com/financialservices/charitable-giving/donor-advised-fund The Quakerdale Foundation:-- Learn More at: http://QuakerdaleFoundation.org-- Invest in Our Mission: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Give-- Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/JWQF_Subscribe-- Send an Email: DSmith@Quakerdale-Foundation.org-- Social Media-- -- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quakerdaleofiowa-- -- LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/company/522757/-- -- JWQF YouTube Channel: https://YouTube.com/@jwqfvlogs4266 #jwqfonline#jwqfpartnersinministry(S6, E10)