Ever feel like you’re stuck on a sinking ship with no clue what’s next? We’ve been there—and so has our guest, Matthew Faye Terry. In this powerful episode, you’ll hear a story that will absolutely stir your spirit. From crying out to God after corporate burnout to teaching English in communist China—and even leading underground Bible studies—Matthew’s journey is a testament to what happens when you fully surrender and trust God's plan, even when it doesn’t make sense.

This isn’t just about a wild adventure overseas. It’s about waiting well. It's about obedience when the path isn’t clear. And it’s about how your “yes” to God—even in uncertainty—can lead to breakthrough, purpose, and impact beyond what you could imagine.

We (Todd & Wendie) loved how real and relatable this conversation is. If you’ve ever felt like you missed your moment or you’re stuck in the waiting, this episode will give you insight, encouragement, and inspiration to keep trusting the One who sees the whole picture.

You’ll also hear how Matthew turned his mission in China into a powerful screenplay and upcoming miniseries, English Corner, to reach more hearts with the hope of the Gospel. You don’t want to miss this!

Chapters:

[00:00] Podcast Preview

[00:50] Podcast Introduction

[01:27] Topic and Guest Introduction

[03:30] Introduction to Matthew's Journey

[05:54] The Call to Teach in China

[09:15] Teaching in China: First Impressions

[11:45] Overcoming Doubts and Fears

[14:52] The Impact of Faith in the Classroom

[18:30] Crossing the Line: The Risk of Truth in A Censored Land

[21:08] The Ripple Effect of the Gospel

[23:34] From Missions to Screenplay: The Birth of English Corner

[26:34] The Message Matthew Wants to Share with the World

[28:35] Encouragement For Anyone Afraid to Step Out

[30:21] Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources mentioned:

Matthew Faye Terry's Website: https://mattfterry.com/

Guest's bio:

Matthew Faye Terry is a passionate follower of Christ whose journey of faith took him from corporate burnout in Chicago to teaching English in communist China. After spending over a decade in the corporate HR world and enduring a difficult layoff, Matthew found himself praying a desperate prayer: “God, get me off this sinking ship.” That prayer led to an unexpected door opening—an invitation to teach overseas.

Obedient to God's leading, Matthew moved to Guangzhou, China, where he not only taught English but also courageously led underground Bible studies and built life-changing relationships with his students. His experience became the foundation for a memoir, a screenplay, and now a developing faith-based miniseries called English Corner. Today, Matthew sees his creative work as a ministry and mission to bring God-honoring media into a world that desperately needs light.

He continues to disciple former students, share God’s truth, and inspire others to obey—even when it doesn’t make sense.

Call to action:

Make sure to visit yourbiggestbreakthrough.com for your FREE access to our e-book and audiobook, "Unstoppable: Divine Intervention in Overcoming Adversity," showcasing six powerful real-life stories. Get ready to be inspired by these mind-blowing breakthroughs!

To learn more about Wendie and her Visibly Fit program, visit wendiepett.com

To find out more about Todd and his coaching program for men, find him on the web at toddisberner.com.

All the links you need to subscribe to the podcast are at both our websites! And if you feel so inclined, we'd be honored if you were to leave a rating and review of our show. It definitely helps with us being more visible to more people.

And if we like it, we might just read your review on the podcast!

Episode 164: From Corporate Burnout to a God-Ordained Mission: Matthew Faye Terry's Radical Yes to China

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