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.