In this wrap-up/preview episode, our host Tim Shuck reflects back on the stories we've shared during Called Beyond Season 1, while also looking ahead to the theme we're planning to introduce for Season 2. Tim is joined in this episode by Mark Thrash, Jill Randall and Simeon Lohrmann.

• Mark is the President of Novo and if you’ve been listening in order to the episodes in this first season, you will have just heard from Mark and his wife Jamie in our latest episode: Courage To Step Into New Territory
• Jill is a Director within Novo’s Gospel Movement Teams and Resource Teams with an emphasis on Staff Health. In Episode 8 she teamed up with another Novo missionary to discuss the role of Spiritual Parenting
• Simeon serves within Novo’s Mission Advancement division and in addition to helping produce this podcast, he also heads up Novo’s Mobilization efforts

Are you facing a life-altering decision? Maybe you sense the Lord inviting you to take a step of faith, or maybe you and your spouse are trying to discern God's leading together. Whatever the situation may be, we believe the conversation in this episode will serve you in your search for courage and confirmation to step into the plans God has for you.

In this finale episode of Season 1, Tim talks with Mark and Jamie Thrash about their process of learning to hear from God at critical turning point moments. From the early days of their marriage and ministry with Young Life, to Mark's transition and growing leadership within Novo, the Thrash's journey is one of surrender and faithful obedience to continually say yes to Jesus.

Have you ever paused to consider the brokenness around you and found yourself asking, What is good news? In Episode 10, Called to be a Good News Agent, you'll meet Novo staff member Luc Kabongo who lives and ministers with his family in South Africa.

Despite growing up in the Congo, which is statistically 87% Christian, Luc shares candidly about the impacts of civil war and poverty. "The majority of our neighbors would call themselves Christian, yet there's a lot of animosity between neighbors, and the primary criminals are neighbors themselves." Luc's real life experience led him to grapple with the question 'What is good news in the hurting neighborhoods and communities where we are serving?'

Prayerful reflection around this core question led Luc and his team to embrace a number of creative ministry responses. Luc describes the transformation they've witnessed as a learning experience and a humbling process.

We hope Luc's story encourages you to pursue God's call to be an agent of good news to those in need around you.

"It was a lonely time in my life. I didn't want to read the word. I wasn't hearing God. It was hard to worship him. I had a lot of spiritual baggage. It was in the darkest moment when I had felt so far from the God that I loved...in his kindness [he said], 'It's still alive, Steph. I'm still here!'"

• Called Beyond Episode 9 features Steph Kaihoi who serves as a Regional Director with Novo's Cohort Team and lives with her family in Minneapolis, MN. Steph's story is one of faithful obedience through the peaks and valleys of life. Whether you're experiencing a dark season of the soul, or you're eagerly seeking a fresh vision for God's leading in your life, we're confident you'll be challenged and encouraged by listening to Steph's story.

In this special themed episode you'll hear from Novo staff members Ruth Happ and Jill Randall as they share how God led each of them into a unique calling as Spiritual Parents. Whether you have kids of your own or not, this conversation is filled with relevant insights about what it takes to foster spiritually formative relationships with others.

----more----

If the topic of this episode touches your heart in a special way, we'd love to hear about it! You can easily send us a message via email: info@novo.org. We also encourage you to share this episode with anyone you know who may have a similar calling in their life to the one described by Ruth and Jill.

Andrew Bennett, a physical therapist by trade, found himself wrestling with a pull towards missions. This unshakeable desire led him to ask questions about the kingdom purpose of his job:

"If I was gonna be a missionary right here in Los Angeles, what would that look like? Because it feels like I'm here, I've got this job, but it doesn't seem like it would keep God from using me."

If you've ever wondered about how God might use you right where you already are, then we encourage you to check out this episode. We know you'll be encouraged by Andrew's journey of partnering with God in his normal everyday life.

What began as a "chance encounter" at a Del Taco and a Dunkin Donuts, led Brandon and Marco into a deep friendship with a vision for Kingdom impact.

In this one of a kind episode, you'll join Tim in discovering the power of love and acceptance as evidenced through Brandon and Marco's relationship. You'll also be encouraged by the way God has led these two men to partner together in sharing the love of Jesus, in an uncommon and sometimes dangerous environment.

Brandon and Marco's story gives witness to the transforming grace of Christ, while also testifying to the importance of trusting the leading of the Holy Spirit.

In this episode you'll hear the conclusion of Tim's conversation with Cory and Suz Ozbun who live and serve in the Kansas City area. Cory serves as a catalyst, mobilizer, and trainer, and Suz is a full-time Family Medicine Physician. The Ozbuns are passionate about seeing new disciples and spiritual families emerge in every neighborhood and network in their city.

Are you ready to be a local disciple-maker like Cory and Suz?

Novo offers a FREE online training called The Movement Pathway that will help you gain a vision for gospel movements and discover your role in them. To learn more or register for an upcoming training click here.