We begin today's episode asking the question, "What's the difference between joy and happiness?"
Wait, doesn't joy mean happiness? No, not necessarily. Joy oftentimes means seeing the good in sometimes overwhelmingly unhappy circumstances.
Our guest began his walk on this earth in circumstances that may seem to be unhappy to many of us. Such as living in a tool shed with no electricity for 6 years. But through that, and even losing a sibling as a child, Oliver Asher learned to embrace God's love whether his soul was happy or sorrowful.
Now Oliver specializes in international missions, helping others around the globe come to the same realization he did so many years ago.
That happiness is not what we should pursue - but to be joyful in spite of our circumstances, for better or for worse.
In this episode, you'll learn:
-How to distinguish "joy" from "happiness" and the importance to embrace joy in all circumstances...04:30
-a fresh start after a rocky beginning to life at age 14...06:15
-Oliver's first "God-sized dream" was attending college at U. of Virginia...12:00
-Discovering joy (not necessarily happiness) in the face of incredibly difficult circumstances...16:30
-Positive influences (guardian angels) in Oliver's life...19:30
-Learning to rely on God during the first years in college...22:45
-Walking in faith with the decision to relocate to the DR...28:20
-"Dreams" without a plan is a fantasy...31:40
-The two essential questions to ask when you're pursuing a "God-sized dream"...33:10
-"Invincible joy" is Jesus within you, the hope of glory...37:45
-Oliver's future plans for ministry...41:30
-And much more...
Resources mentioned:
Oliver's Website
Guest's bio and social handles:
Instagram: @oliverasherofficial
Facebook
Oliver and his wife Andrea graduated from the University of Virginia, married, and moved to the Dominican Republic to be missionaries - all in the space of three months. Their life together with Jesus and their 5 children has continued to be an adventure. After completing his master’s in civil engineering at UVA, the Lord called Oliver to Advancing Native Missions after he had worked as an environmental engineer. Oliver has a passion for building teams. He loves encouraging the ANM staff; and both equipping, and advocating for native missionaries as they endeavor to reach the remaining unreached people groups of the world with the Gospel of Jesus.
From Oliver Asher:
"I'm not an extraordinary person. I came from next to nothing, from almost nowhere. But God had a plan and a purpose for my life. He picked me up from where I was and took me places I could never have expected to go. He invited me to join him in chasing his God-sized dreams for the world. And that is where I found invincible joy.
“You may have the same story. Or at least you can, and I hope you will. That's what this book is for. I pray you will benefit from my story as you follow the Lord on your own adventure from where you came to where he wants to take you. I believe, as the Lord leads, you will end up with a stronger sense of God's purpose for your life and your place in his plan for the world. That's where you can find invincible joy too."
About Advancing Native Missions: Since 1992, Advancing Native Missions (ANM) has helped individual Christians and local churches get involved in global missions in ways that make sense for them. ANM believes there’s a place for everyone in God’s global mission, even if they can’t travel to distant countries and remote tribes. Instead of sending American missionaries to other countries, ANM sends and equips native missionaries to serve in their own countries. They already know the local languages and cultures, and they live on local budgets, which allows donations to go farther than with a traditional missions model. This model also contributes to local leadership, long-term outcomes, sustainable growth, and positive economic impact for communities. ANM supports missions in over 100 countries
Call to action:
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