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Simply127

48 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratings

We want to simply tell inspiring stories of people tangibly living out James 1:27 and give people a place to learn more about caring for the vulnerable with excellence.

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Episodes

BONUS EPISODE: Preview our upcoming series!

November 29, 2022 11:57 - 29 minutes - 25.9 MB

Here is a sneak peek preview to a project that we have been working on at 127 Worldwide. Listen to this inspiring, thought-provoking episode as 127 staff wrestles through what healthy engagement with local leaders looks like. 

Looking back through season two of Simply127 and that last 10 years of ministry at 127 Worldwide

September 29, 2021 14:48 - 20 minutes - 46.1 MB

In the season two finale of the Simply127 podcast Sara Beth shares some stats and recaps of season two. She also shares how she met each of the 127 Worldwide partners.   Email: Simply [email protected]   https://127worldwide.org/Simply127 Episode 21 Tony Merida Episode 23 Michele Suffridge Episode 36 Dustin Dozier   Episode 1 Sara Beth Fentress Episode 3 Eleanor Wells Episode 12 Peter Abungu   Episode 26 & 27 : Manny and Jillian Prieto   Books: Atomic Habits Misreading Sc...

Episode 39 - Drew Raynor, pastor and adoptive father, on adoption and caring for orphans and vulnerable children.

September 15, 2021 10:00 - 31 minutes - 72.8 MB

In this episode of the Simply 127 podcast, Sara Beth chats with Drew Raynor. Drew is a husband, pastor, and adoptive father. Drew and his wife Taylor began to see adoption as part of their story through their time at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC. They now have three biological children and one adopted child. Drew always knew that he wanted to be part of a church plant. Seven years ago he and several others decided to plant a church in Cary, North Carolina.  Drew talks about how adoption ...

Episode 38. In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence author Phil Darke on caring for the vulnerable and collaborating together for the glory of God.

September 01, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MB

On this episode of the Simply127 podcast Sara Beth interviews Phil Darke. Phil, his wife Becca, and their five children, live in Folsom, CA. He is the President of Providence World, a non-profit developing organizations around the world to help children and families flourish. He co-authored the book In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence and also founded and hosts three podcasts: How Soccer Explains Leadership, Think Orphan, and Coaching Character. Listen to hear how God worked through Phil’s life ...

38. In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence author Phil Darke on caring for the vulnerable and collaborating together for the glory of God.

September 01, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MB

On this episode of the Simply127 podcast Sara Beth interviews Phil Darke. Phil, his wife Becca, and their five children, live in Folsom, CA. He is the President of Providence World, a non-profit developing organizations around the world to help children and families flourish. He co-authored the book In Pursuit of Orphan Excellence and also founded and hosts three podcasts: How Soccer Explains Leadership, Think Orphan, and Coaching Character. Listen to hear how God worked through Phil’s life ...

37. Adoption and growing a heart for the vulnerable. Author of Longing for Motherhood, Chelsea Sobolik

August 18, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 55 MB

In this episode of the Simply127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews her good friend Chelsea Sobolik. Chelsea works for the  ERLC in their DC office. She is also an author, having written Longing for Motherhood and is working with Moody Publishers on her second book. Chelsea was born in Romania. She and another little boy were adopted by her parents in the United States when she was very young. They were 11 days apart in age and not related. Her parents adopted four other children from Russia. Che...

Episode 37. Adoption and growing a heart for the vulnerable. Author of Longing for Motherhood, Chelsea Sobolik

August 18, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 55 MB

In this episode of the Simply127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews her good friend Chelsea Sobolik. Chelsea works for the  ERLC in their DC office. She is also an author, having written Longing for Motherhood and is working with Moody Publishers on her second book. Chelsea was born in Romania. She and another little boy were adopted by her parents in the United States when she was very young. They were 11 days apart in age and not related. Her parents adopted four other children from Russia. Che...

36. Following God's lead when pursuing adoption and how God's love is shown through the process. Dustin Dozier from Upstate Church Five Forks

July 07, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MB

Dustin Dozier is a husband, pastor and father to adopted children. He is the Teaching Pastor at Upstate Church Five Forks outside of Greenville, South Carolina. Dustin did not grow up in a church home and didn’t become a Christian until he was in high school after being invited to church by friends when he was a freshman.   After going on several mission trips, Dustin saw the great need to foster and adopt. God stirred in his heart the call to adopt but Dustin did not know the details of ho...

35. Using your upbringing and life circumstances to grow and foster change in lives of others. Gary Freeman and Major League Dad.

June 23, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 30.4 MB

In this episode of the Simply127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews Gary Freeman. Gary is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia and attended East Carolina University on a football scholarship. His father was a pastor and they did not have a good relationship growing up. Gary explained how he saw the more difficult parts of his father being in ministry and as a result disregarded his faith in college. When he was a senior in college he started to pursue his relationship with Christ again.    Gary...

34. The importance of prayer and relationship building in ministry with orphans and local leaders: Tracy Arntzen from Saving Susan Ministry

June 09, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 30.3 MB

In this episode of the Simply 127 podcast, Sara Beth interviews Tracy Arntzen, Co- Founder and Executive Director of Saving Susan Ministry. Tracy and her husband, Jay, own an elevator business and live in north Atlanta. Together they have three sons. Not long after starting their own business in 2008,  they felt the call to change churches.  Through one of their church connections, Jay felt led to go to Cambodia after mission Sunday. He and one of his sons decided to go on the mission proje...

Episode 33 - Jackie Wild - Following God's path when growing your family through adoption.

May 26, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MB

Episode 33   In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with Jackie Wild. Jackie is a wife, mom of two boys and wedding photographer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has been passionate about adoption and caring for vulnerable communities since she was a teenager. She served on the board of directors for 127 Worldwide and continues to be an advocate for orphans and widows.    Both of Jackie’s boys were adopted as infants in the United States. She shares her adoption journey with her ...

Episode 32 - Arthur C Woods sharing his adoption and foster care journey and discipling kids who have experienced trauma.

May 12, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 29.8 MB

Arthur lives in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania with his wife, Liz and dog and cat. He studied student and family ministry at Lancaster Bible college. For 10 years he served as a youth pastor and then felt God’s nudge to leave student ministry and move on to something different. He and his wife built a passion for orphans and vulnerable children. They walked alongside a lot of kids who were facing significant difficulties and trauma. From this experience he learned that kids from hard places ...

Episode 31 - A chat with David Lara, pastor in Guatemala and partner of 127 Worldwide

March 31, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 35.4 MB

Episode 31 In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with the newest partner of 127 Worldwide, David Lara. David is the pastor of a church outside of Guatemala, in Escuintla, that was planted by his father. His wife and three daughters work together in ministry. He comes from a big family of five brothers and one sister. His father always had a passion to serve the Lord. David shares how he learned to care for the vulnerable through the example of his father and how he is now leading his...

Episode 30 - A chat with Chris from Swahiba Networks

March 17, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 29.7 MB

In this episode Sara Beth has a conversation with Chrispine (Chris) Omondi, Director of Swahiba Networks in Nairobi, Kenya. Swahiba shares the truth of the gospel through meeting temporal needs in Kibera, Africa’s largest slum. Chris grew up in Kibera and participated in programs offered through Swahiba Networks. He was mentored by founder, Peter Abungu, and is now directing the day to day operations at Swahiba.   Resources: Have any comments or questions? Email [email protected]...

Episode 29 - Jason Johnson - Christian Alliance for Orphans - Engaging the church in caring for vulnerable children and families

March 03, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 32.8 MB

In episode 29, Sara Beth has a conversation with Jason Johnson, National Director of Church Ministry Initiatives for Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). Jason’s background is in church planting and ministry. He and his wife have 4 daughters, one of whom was adopted through foster care.  Jason shares about his work through CAFO and how everyone has a unique role to play in caring for vulnerable children and families.  He also shares the heart of how to engage more churches and people to c...

Episode 28 - Raleigh Sadler - Declaring and Demonstrating the Gospel

February 17, 2021 11:00 - 30 minutes - 35 MB

Raleigh Sadler is the Executive Director and Founder of Let My People Go and author of Vulnlerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking. Growing up in church, he talks about his experience with Christianity at a young age and how he never felt like he mined the depths of the Gospel. Raleigh reached a turning point in his faith journey where he started to look outside of himself and to his neighbor. He began to see that we can not just declare the gospel, we must declare and demonstrate the gospel. ...

Episode 27 - Manny and Jillian Prieto - Part 2 of 2 - Advice and encouragement for those on the journey to foster or adopt.

February 03, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 32.3 MB

S2E7 Part 2 of 2 In the second of this two part series, Sara Beth continues her interview with Manny and Jillian Prieto. As a recap, together the Prieto’s have four children, including two through adoption after a long period of foster care. In this episode Manny and Jillian share more information about fostering and adoption, share advice for families looking to foster and adopt and offer encouragement to those who are on this journey. Listen through to the end to hear from some special sh...

Episode 26 - Manny and Jillian Prieto - Part 1 of 2 - Answering the call to foster and adopt.

January 20, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 39.6 MB

In the first episode of this two part series, Sara Beth interviews Manny and Jillian Prieto. Manny is the Director of Operations at 127 Worldwide. Together the Prieto’s have four children, including two through adoption after a long period of foster care. Together they share their story of foster care and adoption and how the grace of God ultimately has led them to where they are now as a family. Listen to their transparency and honesty as parents and how the gospel drives and guides their ...

Episode 25 - Odonga Geoffrey - Acres of Hope Uganda - How life circumstances and Christ build you to serve the Kingdom of God.

January 06, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 26.2 MB

In this Simply127 Podcast Season 2 episode, Sara Beth has a conversation with Odongo Geoffrey (Geoffrey) from Acres of Hope Uganda. This conversation was recorded between the two, who are oceans apart. There may be slight pauses due to internet connectivity. This podcast was also pieced together from a much longer conversation, that was narrowed down into a few short clips. Listen to hear Geoffrey’s amazing faith journey and life story. Continuing with the theme of how the Gospel is central...

Episode 25 - Odongo Geoffrey - Acres of Hope Uganda - How life circumstances and Christ build you to serve the Kingdom of God.

January 06, 2021 11:00 - 22 minutes - 26.2 MB

In this Simply127 Podcast Season 2 episode, Sara Beth has a conversation with Odongo Geoffrey (Geoffrey) from Acres of Hope Uganda. This conversation was recorded between the two, who are oceans apart. There may be slight pauses due to internet connectivity. This podcast was also pieced together from a much longer conversation, that was narrowed down into a few short clips. Listen to hear Geoffrey’s amazing faith journey and life story. Continuing with the theme of how the Gospel is central...

Episode 24 - Michele Suffridge - Part 2 of 2 - Refugee Hope Partners - Healthy engagement with vulnerable communities

December 16, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this episode, Sara Beth continues her conversation with Michele Suffridge, Executive Director of Refugee Hope Partners. One of 127 Worldwide’s key distinctives is healthy engagement that encourages empowerment and preserves human dignity. This episode takes a deeper dive into this topic as Sara Beth and Michele discuss healthy engagement with vulnerable communities. Michele shares her journey of working with the vulnerable and how Refugee Hope Partners engages with refugee families in hea...

Episode 23 - Michele Suffridge - Part 1 of 2 - Ministering to refugees and responding to God's activity in your life

December 02, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 29 MB

In this episode, Sara Beth has a conversation with Michele Suffridge. Michele is the Executive Director of Refugee Hope Partners. Refugee Hope Partners exists to love refugee neighbors with the hope of the gospel in partnership with the local church.  Michele, mom of 5 kids, shares her story of  parenthood, adoption and how God made connections in her life to minister to refugees. She discusses how God opened doors to start Refugee Hope Partners and how Covid-19 has impacted our refugee nei...

Episode 22 - Ashok Nachnani - Tangible ways of living out James 1:27

November 18, 2020 11:00 - 25 minutes - 29 MB

In episode 22, Sara Beth continues the discussion on how we are motivated by the gospel and how the gospel is central to the work of 127 Worldwide. The guest in this episode is Ashok Nachnani. Ashok is a husband, father, foster dad and member of the 127 Worldwide board of directors. In this episode you will hear how Ashok tangibly lives out James 1:27 by fostering and the giving of his time, talents and financial gifts. He also shares his testimony and about his life changing trip to Kenya ...

Episode 21 - Tony Merida - Gospel motivation when caring for the vulnerable

November 04, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutes - 31.2 MB

In Episode 21, Sara Beth interviews Tony Merida, Pastor for Preaching and Vision at Imago Dei Church in Raleigh, NC. He is also a seminary professor and author who has taught and written a great deal on the idea of developing a theology of justice.  Tony shares his story of adoption, how Christians are uniquely positioned to care for the vulnerable and biblical justice versus social justice. Sara Beth and Tony also discuss short term missions, the importance of working with organizations th...

Episode 20 - Season One Finale!

September 16, 2020 15:59 - 11 minutes - 8.68 MB

Sara Beth wraps up season one of the podcast by sharing two of the most downloaded episodes and giving updates on 127 Worldwide and their partner ministries. 

Episode 19 - Andee Hart - Using your hobby as mission - Maximize your single life to live out James 1:27.

July 21, 2020 20:46 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MB

Andee Hart founded Hart Design Co. to help fund domestic and international adoptions. Listen how God is teaching her through her community and her church to authentically live out James 1:27 through using her passions and talents.

Episode 18 - Attachment, cognitive development, & brain development and the effects on adoption and global orphan care

June 18, 2020 18:25 - 18 minutes - 25.6 MB

Ann Maura Hinton joined the staff of Lifeline in August 2017. She brings with her over 25 years of teaching experience in a variety of different settings and with a variety of different disabilities. She loves to learn and is constantly looking for new ways to help build a bridge from frustration to hope alongside families in need. She is a certified Cognitive Developmental Therapist and has earned her master’s and undergraduate degree in Special Education. Ann Maura is a wife and mom of thr...

Episode 17 - Sharing hope through storytelling and the effects of childhood trauma

May 29, 2020 15:54 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MB

Sara Beth and Cindy have a candid conversation about empowering locals who are ministering to children coming from difficult situations. Learn about Rivercross, collaboration among ministry leaders, and training caretakers to deal with the effects of trauma.

Episode 16 - Aquaponics, creative orphan prevention, and waiting on God's timing

May 15, 2020 00:09 - 29 minutes - 40.7 MB

Listen to Jeremy Wixson share his twenty-year journey to combine his love for ministry and aquaponics. In a way that only God could do, Jeremy is now using his love to teach and equip to help people in vulnerable communities learn how to grow fish and vegetables in the most optimal way! You will be challenged to evaluate the passions that God has given to you and how you can use them in ministry.  

Episode 15 - Jacki King - International Adoption and the importance of community

April 29, 2020 19:54 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

Jacki King is a Jesus follower, Bible teacher, and taco addict. She has a passion for seeing women fall in love with Jesus and His Word while challenging them to be on mission in their homes, work places, and communities. Jacki is a native Texan who now lives in Conway,AR with her husband Josh, who is the Lead Pastor of Second Baptist Conway, along with their 3 boys. Jacki holds a BA in Biblical Studies and Women’s Ministry from Criswell College in Dallas, TX and is currently pursuing her Ma...

Episode 14 - International adoption, Family preservation, Older child adoption advocacy

April 14, 2020 22:43 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MB

God has given today's guest Alison and her husband, Stephen, an amazing story of redemption through adoption. Listen as she shares her heart for Uganda, older children who need a forever home, and keeping biological families together if at all possible. Listen to what happened when this family just kept saying yes after yes as God introduced new opportunities!

Episode 13 - Considering Covid 19 and whether or not to provide emergency aid in a crisis?

March 31, 2020 23:20 - 12 minutes - 13.9 MB

We are excited to launch our first monologue episode!! Listen in as Sara Beth shares some of her thoughts on Covid-19 and emergency relief aid. She offers a tool to help you filter and find healthy places for you to invest your finances during a crisis. Check out our show notes at https://www.127worldwide.org/Simply127.

Episode 12 - Peter and Sara Beth discuss the pros and cons of working together

March 17, 2020 17:03 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MB

You are not hearing many conversations as candid as this one. We ask some hard questions about egocentric Americans, cultural differences, and why it is worth it to continue to collaborate together. Share this with friends who work in diverse communities or who would benefit from listening to this conversation.

Episode 11 - Peter Abungu - Listen to one man's journey of obedience to help some of the most vulnerable people in Kenya.

March 02, 2020 20:48 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MB

As a young man, Peter Abungu, wrestled to reconcile what he knew to be true about God with his present reality. He lost both of his parents at a young age and desired a close friend to walk with him through these difficult circumstances. Swahiba is a Swahili word that portrays the friendship of David and Jonathan in the Old Testament. Listen to Peter's story of how God led him to the largest slum in Kenya to ensure that young people will know the truth of the friend who sticks closer than a ...

Episode 10 - Tim Raynor - leveraging your business to care for the vulnerable

February 19, 2020 04:32 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MB

Tim Raynor shares how God orchestrated his story in unexpected ways to care for the vulnerable. We hope you will think critically about how God has positioned you to walk in obedience in this endeavor, as well. Five years ago Tim put his yes on the table. Be blessed by his little story in God's big story! 

Episode 9 - Sloan Dozier - Real talk about adoption and foster care

February 05, 2020 02:00 - 25 minutes - 35.6 MB

Sloan shares her family's story through the journey of foster care and adoption while challenging believers to join in the fight for the vulnerable. Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something. This is such an important conversation, and you will love listening to these two friends chat about the path that Sloan and her husband, Dustin, have taken.

Episode 8 - Rose Bugusu's Story

January 22, 2020 20:21 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

This lady will inspire you to be obedient to what God has called you to do! Listen in to hear about Rose's humble beginnings and fierce faith to care for the world's most vulnerable people. Rose says, "When there is a child who is lost, hope is lost. Christ has us as his ambassadors. An ambassador always advocates. We have to advocate on behalf of Christ who died for us."

Episode 7 - Rose Bugusu from the IDC Justice Gala

January 08, 2020 22:22 - 21 minutes - 29.9 MB

We hope you will be challenged by listening to Rose Bugusu as she gives her speech from the 2019 IDC Justice Gala. Listen to how Rose is changing the trajectory for hundreds of children who are growing up in rural Kenya. She offers some hard truths to her American friends, as well. 

Episode 6 - Laura Steele foster care, adoption, Safe Families

December 18, 2019 22:25 - 14 minutes - 20.2 MB

In Episode 6, you will hear from Laura Steele, adoptive mom, talking with Sara Beth about the joys and challenges of her journey with foster care and adoption as well as practical ways you can get involved with Safe Families for Children.

Episode 5 - Pastor training, the Imago Dei, and getting wrecked

December 04, 2019 03:03 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MB

God has shifted Paul's perspective in recent years shaping his theology of justice. This is a great conversation talking about how healthy churches are the best plan for caring for the vulnerable. So much good information in this episode. You will want to take some notes!

Episode 4 - Paul Boekell - Part 1 of 2 - A pastor's perspective

November 20, 2019 15:08 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MB

Paul Boekell is a pastor at Redemption Church in Huntington, WV. He and his wife have adopted from Uganda. Listen as he shares his own justice journey and explains how church leaders can begin to partner with local leaders to globally care for the vulnerable.    

Episode 3 - Eleanor Wells

November 06, 2019 14:18 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Check out this great conversation about compassion fatigue and making rest and self- care a priority in the midst of this difficult work. Eleanor has been a great mentor, coach, and friend to many people struggling to care for themselves in the midst of caring for others. We hope you will find today's episode so helpful as you tangibly live out James 1:27.

Episode 3 - Eleanor Wells - Compassion Fatigue

November 06, 2019 14:18 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MB

Check out this great conversation about compassion fatigue and making rest and self- care a priority in the midst of this difficult work. Eleanor has been a great mentor, coach, and friend to many people struggling to care for themselves in the midst of caring for others. We hope you will find today's episode so helpful as you tangibly live out James 1:27.

Episode 2 - Rick Morton

October 22, 2019 15:32 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MB

Listen in this week to a great conversation with Rick Morton from Lifeline Christian Services. We cover his family's journey with three international adoptions, the importance of finding mentors in this work, and some exciting things that are currently happening at Lifeline. We hope you enjoy listening and are challenged to engage more!

Episode 2 - Rick Morton - Lifeline Christian Services

October 22, 2019 14:32 - 25 minutes - 35.4 MB

Listen in this week to a great conversation with Rick Morton from Lifeline Christian Services. We cover his family's journey with three international adoptions, the importance of finding mentors in this work, and some exciting things that are currently happening at Lifeline. We hope you enjoy listening and are challenged to engage more!

Episode 1 - Sara Beth Fentress

October 09, 2019 04:09 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MB

Episode 1 is finally here!! The tables are turned this week as Sara Beth is in the hot seat talking about The Simply 127 Podcast and 127 Worldwide. We hope you enjoy this first of many great conversations!

Episode 1 - Sara Beth Fentress - 127 Worldwide

October 09, 2019 03:09 - 18 minutes - 25.8 MB

Episode 1 is finally here!! The tables are turned this week as Sara Beth is in the hot seat talking about The Simply 127 Podcast and 127 Worldwide. We hope you enjoy this first of many great conversations!

Introducing the Simply 127 podcast!

September 28, 2019 14:58 - 4 minutes - 5.86 MB

Spend four minutes with Sara Beth to hear the vision for the Simply 127 podcast. We want to simply tell inspiring stories of people tangibly living out James 1:27 and give people a place to learn more about caring for the vulnerable with excellence. New episodes are coming very soon. Please subscribe and tell your friends about our new project!