The Roots Network

Are you managing your life so perfectly that you leave zero room for the Holy Spirit to move? ⏰ In this clip from Episode 3 of The Roots Network Podcast, Dr. Patrick Briscoe challenges our obsession with Western efficiency. When we plan our days down to 30-second intervals, we accidentally block out opportunities for divine interruptions and cross-cultural relationships. Building true "Kingdom Culture" means intentionally creating margin to love people and obey God’s promptings. Watch the full episode to see how doing ministry in East Africa completely redefines our relationship with time! Learn more about our work in East Africa: therootsnetwork.org #missions #kingdomculture #africatime #discipleship #timemanagement #christianpodcast #faithandculture #trn #therootsnetwork

What happens when a hyper-scheduled Western missionary who manages life down to 30-second intervals meets an East African culture centered entirely around relationships? In this episode of The Roots Network Podcast, hosts Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe break down the profound differences between Western time-management and East African "Africa Time". Welcome back to The Roots Network Podcast! Through real-world, humorous, and challenging stories featuring TRN staff member George, they uncover how cross-cultural missions exposes our personal ignorance and how true "Kingdom Culture" requires moving past our obsession with the clock to make space for the Holy Spirit. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The TRN Field Team: Get to know the indigenous team of church planters, discipleship leaders, and medical/water coordinators executing the mission daily in Rwanda, Burundi, the DRC, and Tanzania. "They Will Not Die": The unforgettable story of an hour-long pharmacy delay in Kigali that birthed a permanent ministry mantra. When Oaths Meet Calendars: A transparent look at setting expectations within a relational, honor-shame culture using biblical principles from the Gospels. Sacrificial Discipleship: How a Rwandan staff member drove eight hours across the country without a second thought, modeling true, sacrificial New Testament discipleship. Timestamps/Chapters: 00:00 - Intro, Audience Feedback, & The Power of Subscribing 01:38 - Introducing the Roots Network Field Team in East Africa 03:39 - Church Planting & Student Ministries in Rwanda & Tanzania 07:18 - Dr. Patrick & The Focus on Field Leader George 08:44 - Defining "Africa Time" vs. Western Time Management 10:47 - The Kigali Pharmacy Mistake: "They Will Not Die!" 19:51 - When the Cross-Cultural Door Swings Both Ways 21:31 - Bringing Biblical Structure to Weekly Team Meetings 24:30 - Cultural Ignorance & Shifting to a Relational Context 28:25 - Sacrificing Time for Discipleship: The Story of Wilson 33:29 - Creating Margin for the Holy Spirit in a Packed Schedule 34:23 - Sending Point: God Controls Time, Not Us 36:46 - The Truth About Africa Time: Relationship Over Clock 42:13 - Closing Prayer for Margin & Opportunities to Love 44:21 - Foundational Motto: Ephesians 3:17-19 & Live Well If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and SHARE. It helps us reach more people and continue sharing stories of faith, missions, and Kingdom impact around the world. Learn more about The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Support The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-involved Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/the_roots_network/ https://www.facebook.com/therootsnetwork/ https://x.com/roots_network 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@therootsnetwork?sub_confirmation=1 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/639ghae6NuHImdxQO8iu2V #missions #kingdomculture #africatime

What happens when an optimized American schedule crashes into East African "Africa Time"? ⏰ In this clip from Episode 3 of The Roots Network Podcast, Adam Koelling shares a crucial reality check from a pharmacy in Kigali, Rwanda. When we try to run missions on a strict Western timeline, we miss the point. Relational cultures value people over clocks. True "Kingdom Culture" requires laying down our control to make space for relationships and discipleship. Watch the full episode this Friday to learn how to move past cultural ignorance on short-term mission trips! Learn more about our work in East Africa: https://www.therootsnetwork.org #missions #kingdomculture #africatime #shorttermmissions #eastafrica #discipleship #trn #therootsnetwork

What does "TIA" really mean when your Western wheels get shot off? In Episode 2 of The Roots Network Podcast (TRN Podcast), hosts Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe share hilarious missionary stories from Rwanda and Burundi, exploring how Kingdom Culture, humility, and perseverance redefine our definition of justice on the mission field. Welcome back to The Roots Network Podcast! Adam and Patrick unpack two of the most common phrases used by missionaries and global workers overseas: TIA (This Is Africa) and ASA (Africa Strikes Again). Through a series of unforgettable, raw stories—from a runaway gas pump mishap to a shattered rearview mirror on a chaotic street in Kigali, and even a live-streamed technical difficulty with their Burundi team—they explore what happens when Western expectations of individual "justice" collide with honor-shame cultures. Patrick introduces the vital bioethical principle of veracity (truthfulness), while Adam openly processes the frustrations of traffic in the "land of a thousand hills" and the daily spiritual battle to choose patience over anger. Ultimately, these stories aren't just about navigating African culture; they are about how the Holy Spirit uses unexpected cross-cultural challenges to strip away our cultural DNA and shape our hearts for Kingdom Culture. TOPICS in this episode include: - What is TIA (This Is Africa) and ASA (Africa Strikes Again)? - Missionary life in Rwanda and driving chaos in Kigali - Western "guilt-innocence" justice vs. Biblical Gospel justice - The bioethics of veracity (truthfulness) in international missions - Inside the Roots Network 501c3 fundraising and global ministry - Humility, perseverance, grace, and patience when cultures collide - Cross-cultural ministry experiences and funny missionary testimonies - Behind the scenes with the TRN teams in Rwanda and Burundi - Discipleship, church planting, and short-term mission trip prep Key Scriptures & Devotional Points: Ephesians 4:25 (Speaking the truth with your neighbor) James 1:3 (The testing of faith produces perseverance) Philippians 2:3 (Counting others more significant than yourself) Proverbs 3:5 (Trusting the Lord and leaning not on your own understanding) Ephesians 3:17-19 (The TRN foundational verse on being rooted in love) Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:28 Recap of Episode 1 02:28 Why We Started This Podcast 04:25 Respecting East African Culture 06:59 What Does TIA Mean? 08:57 Veracity, Truth & Honest Storytelling 11:31 First TIA Story: The Gas Pump Incident 17:00 Shattered Mirror & The Justice Question 23:09 Lessons About Anger & Leadership 27:51 "Choose Life" – Rwanda Traffic Stories 34:18 Why So Many Car Stories? 36:17 TIA Happens Everywhere 40:54 Kingdom Culture Takeaways 41:09 Perseverance Through Unexpected Challenges 43:32 Cultural Differences Require Humility 47:07 What God May Be Teaching Us 49:25 God's Sovereignty & Everyday Lessons 51:48 Final Thoughts: Humility, Patience & Grace 52:41 Closing Prayer 54:40 Stay Rooted & Share the Podcast If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and SHARE. It helps us reach more people and continue sharing stories of faith, missions, and Kingdom impact around the world. Learn more about The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Support The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-involved Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/the_roots_network/ https://www.facebook.com/therootsnetwork/ https://x.com/roots_network 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@therootsnetwork?sub_confirmation=1 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/639ghae6NuHImdxQO8iu2V #ThisIsAfrica #MissionaryStories #ChristianPodcast

Living in East Africa means expecting the unexpected! On one of his very first days in Rwanda, Adam experienced a true "TIA" (This is Africa) moment at a local gas station that almost took him out. From flying gas pumps to the incredible cultural adjustments of serving overseas, life with The Roots Network is never boring. Subscribe for more raw, funny, and encouraging stories about shifting from a Western mindset to a Kingdom Culture mindset. #shorts #podcast #rwanda #eastafrica #missionary #thisisafrica #therootsnetwork

What happens when Western culture collides with an honor-shame culture? In this inaugural episode of The Roots Network Podcast (TRN Podcast), hosts Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe explore how Kingdom Culture transforms international missions, cross-cultural ministry, and our definition of Gospel-centered compassion. Welcome to the very first episode of The Roots Network Podcast! In Episode 1, Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe introduce themselves, share their personal faith journeys, and reveal the heartbeat behind The Roots Network—a Texas-based 501c3 nonprofit organization. Drawing from their extensive missionary experiences living and serving in East Africa, they tackle the profound challenge of showing true, Christlike compassion in a culture entirely different from our own. Along the way, they introduce a pivotal theme that will shape the future of this podcast: the deep psychological and spiritual differences between Western "guilt-innocence" societies and East African "honor-shame" cultures. Through authentic, relational entertainment and raw stories of lessons learned the hard way, Adam and Patrick discuss how culture influences the way we communicate, lead, serve, and share the Gospel. Most importantly, they explore how believers from every culture are ultimately called to abandon their biases for something higher—Kingdom Culture. Whether you're interested in international missions, discipleship, church leadership, or simply growing deeper in your faith, this episode lays the foundation for the conversations ahead. TOPICS in this episode include: - The story behind The Roots Network 501c3 - Christian missions in East Africa - Missionary life, fundraising, and personal testimonies - Honor-shame vs. guilt-innocence cultures - Kingdom Culture and a biblical worldview - Cross-cultural ministry lessons and bioethics in missions - Compassion, vulnerability, and Christian leadership - Discipleship, church planting, and medical/dental missions - Supporting global missions from the Western church Key Scriptures: Ephesians 3:17-19 (The TRN founding verse) Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:34 How we Named the Podcast 01:24 Meet Patrick 03:56 Meet Adam 06:02 Call to Ministry 07:31 TRN History / Family Relocation 08:13 TRN Staff 08:56 Podcast Origins 11:01 TRN Mission, Vision, and Strategy 15:42 Cross-Cultural Discussion 17:35 Adam & Patrick's Connection 19:10 Giving vs. Going 21:15 Book: Ministering in Honor/Shame Cultures 24:31 Honor/Shame vs. Guilt/Innocence 28:43 Learning the Hard Way 37:23 Kingdom Culture 40:36 Compassion is Key 42:57 Transparency 43:29 An Anecdote About Compassion 49:18 No Takebacks, But Redemption 50:31 Sending Point 52:31 Conclusion If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and SHARE. It helps us reach more people and continue sharing stories of faith, missions, discipleship, and Kingdom impact around the world. Learn more about The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Support The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-involved Connect with us: https://www.instagram.com/the_roots_network/ https://www.facebook.com/therootsnetwork/ https://x.com/roots_network 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@therootsnetwork?sub_confirmation=1 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/639ghae6NuHImdxQO8iu2V Resources Mentioned: The Roots Network Website: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Get the Book "Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures": https://a.co/d/0a4owtdw In This Episode: "It is not our purpose as believers to go make another culture look like ours... it is our purpose to make both of our cultures look like Jesus." —Adam Koelling "I destroyed that relationship by shaming a doctor... I had the heart, but I didn't have the training to communicate in an honoring way." —Patrick Briscoe #ChristianPodcast #KingdomCulture #HonorShameCulture

Real stories. Raw missions. Rooted in love. Hosted by Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe. They discuss everything from cultural clashes to the deep lessons in compassion that changed our lives. 🔔 Episode 1 drops publicly this week! Hit that Subscribe/Follow button right now so you don't miss the launch. Are you a TRN Alum? Check your email for exclusive early access to the full premiere episode.

Meet Eric and Aimable, The Roots Network (TRN) Field Coordinators in Burundi. In this video, they take us on a powerful journey through two local communities—Kagwema and Cibitoke—to show exactly what happens when the Gospel takes root. In 2011, Kagwema was a village defined by extreme poverty, lack of food, and zero access to clean water. Children were tragically losing their lives to crocodile attacks while fetching water from the nearby Rusizi River. But God had a different plan. By planting a local church, providing a clean water well, and launching agricultural initiatives, a once-barren bush has been transformed into a thriving, hopeful community. Now, that same blueprint for transformation is moving into Cibitoke! Hear the amazing testimonies of: A government leader who calls the church "an answer for the whole community." A local man who gave his life to Christ and is now being discipled to pastor the new church. Local believers working with their own hands to mold bricks for a permanent church structure. When you support The Roots Network, you aren't just funding projects—you are providing clean water to communities, feeding families through sustainable farming, and building permanent spiritual homes in East Africa. Partner With Us in Burundi Your generosity directly empowers local leaders like Eric and Aimable to bring clean water, education, healthcare, and the Gospel to those who need it most. 🌍 Support the Movement: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-involved 📩 Subscribe for More Updates: https://www.youtube.com/@therootsnetwork?sub_confirmation=1 Video Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 – Meet the Burundi Field Coordinators: Eric & Aimable 0:30 – The Story of Kagwema: From Empty Bush to Thriving Community 1:35 – Clean Water vs. The Danger of the Rusizi River Crocodiles 2:22 – Expanding to Cibitoke: Moving from Tents to a Church Structure 3:26 – "An Answer for the Community" – Government Leader Testimony 4:17 – From Unbeliever to Potential Pastor: A Transformation Story 5:06 – Working with Their Hands: Making Bricks for a Permanent Church 6:06 – How Clean Water is Powering Local Agriculture & Self-Sustainability 7:44 – Thank You for Transforming Lives in Burundi! #TheRootsNetwork, #BurundiMissions, #ChurchPlanting, #CommunityDevelopment

8.5 years ago, we planted a seed called The Roots Network (TRN). We believed that for true community transformation to last, it had to go deep, be locally led, and remain firmly rooted in the Gospel. Today, that seed has grown into a powerful movement spanning Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Our mission is simple but bold: to make disciples of Jesus Christ in places where others seldom go. In this video, we share the heart behind our four-part ministry strategy: Start Churches: Planting gospel seeds through evangelism and outreach. Strengthen Leaders: Equipping local churches through leadership and discipleship training. Serve Others: Demonstration of Christ’s love through clean water, medical/dental care, poverty relief, and education. Support Missions: Acting as a bridge to build lasting, cross-cultural partnerships between East Africa and home. Your generosity isn't just meeting a budget—it is funding sustainable ministry, providing clean water, supporting local pastors, and making disciples of all nations. Thank you for being a part of The Roots Network and multiplying impact! Partner With Us Today Your support keeps this movement growing. Consider partnering with The Roots Network to continue transforming communities across East Africa. 🌍 Give / Support TRN: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-involved 👥 Learn More About Our Ministry: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Video Chapters / Timestamps 0:00 – The Story Behind the Roots Network 0:22 – Our Mission & Vision for East Africa 1:01 – TRN's 4-Part Strategy: Start, Strengthen, Serve, Support 1:35 – Serving Communities: Clean Water, Medical Care & Education 1:56 – Building Bridges: Cross-Cultural Missions & Partnerships 2:27 – East Africa to East Texas: Celebrating 8 Years of Impact 2:56 – The Real Impact of Your Generosity #TheRootsNetwork, #EastAfricaMission, #ChurchPlanting, #Discipleship, #CleanWaterMinistry