The Roots Network Podcast

Episoade

• 
  International Missions: The Power of Gospel Partnerships 02.09.2026 1h 8min

  How do we move from short-term mission trips to long-term, sustainable Kingdom transformation? In Episode 4 of The Roots Network Podcast, hosts Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe reflect on nearly 10 years of cross-cultural ministry in East Africa. Moving past transactional donor models, they explore how true Gospel partnerships empower local pastors and leaders across Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, and Tanzania. From deploying sustainable artesian water wells to hosting rural dental clinics, Adam and Patrick unpack TRN's core "4 S's" strategy—Start, Strengthen, Serve, and Support—and explain why local leadership is the true engine of biblical discipleship.The Roots Network is dedicated to making disciples of Jesus Christ in places where others seldom go. Our vision is to see lives, communities, and cultures rooted in the love of Christ and transformed by the Gospel. By starting local churches, strengthening leaders, serving others, and supporting international missions strategies, we work alongside East African leaders to build lasting Kingdom culture.Key Takeaways From This Episode:Mission vs. Vision: Defining TRN’s core mission and anchoring our organizational identity in Ephesians 3:17–19.The 4 S's Strategy Framework: A complete breakdown of Start (churches), Strengthen (leaders), Serve (clean water & dental care), and Support (missions strategy).Artesian Wells vs. Deep Boreholes: The technical, financial, and relational reality of building sustainable clean water solutions in Rwanda and Burundi.Gospel Partnership over Transactional Donating: Why relational, two-way investment creates an eternal impact for both the sender and the receiver.Rapid-Fire Host Q&A: Adam answers quick questions on village life, Rwandan coffee, safari trucks, and Pastor Ezechias's traditional home lunches.Chapters/Timestamps00:00 - Technical Setups & Returning for Season 1, Episode 402:22 - Approaching 10 Years of The Roots Network Ministry04:00 - Defining Our Mission: Making Disciples Where Others Seldom Go07:53 - Vision & Founding Verse: Unpacking Ephesians 3:17–1911:50 - Individual Transformation to Cultural Change12:46 - The 4 S's Strategy: Start, Strengthen, Serve, and Support14:33 - Serve: Integrating Dental Care, Medical Clinics, & Clean Water20:33 - Support: Bridging US Churches with International Missions25:28 - Redefining Donors as Gospel Partners (Philippians 1:3–5)33:06 - Staff Highlight: Honoring Brigitte & Women’s Ministry in Rwanda37:36 - The Impact of Artesian Water Wells vs. Deep Borehole Drilling46:43 - Water Wells as Monuments for Evangelism & Local Discipleship50:06 - Jehovah Jireh: Trusting God’s Provision in Full-Time Ministry53:22 - Rapid-Fire Questions: Rwandan Coffee, Safaris, & Village Life1:00:32 - Sending Point: Staying Rooted in Christ & Mutual PartnershipIf 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-involved⁠Connect with us:https://www.instagram.com/the_roots_network/https://www.facebook.com/therootsnetwork/https://x.com/roots_network
• 
  Africa Time | How Cross-Cultural Missions Changes Your View of Time 03.07.2026 45min

  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 Subscribing01:38 - Introducing the Roots Network Field Team in East Africa03:39 - 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-involvedConnect with us:https://www.instagram.com/the_roots_network/https://www.facebook.com/therootsnetwork/https://x.com/roots_network
• 
  TIA: "This Is Africa" | Rwanda Missionary Stories & Kingdom Culture Lessons 12.06.2026 55min

  What happens when Western expectations collide with East African culture?In this episode of The Roots Network Podcast, Adam and Patrick unpack the missionary phrase TIA ("This Is Africa") through real stories from Rwanda. From gas pump mishaps and chaotic traffic to lessons about justice, humility, perseverance, and grace, they explore how God uses cultural differences to shape believers into people who reflect Kingdom Culture.Whether you're involved in missions, preparing for a mission trip, serving cross-culturally, or simply seeking spiritual growth, this episode offers both laughter and meaningful reflection.Scriptures discussed:Ephesians 4:25James 1:3Philippians 2:3Proverbs 3:5Ephesians 3:17-19
• 
  Live Well | Cross-Cultural Missions and the Compassion Challenge 29.05.2026 55min

  In our inaugural episode, we dive into the heart of The Roots Network and the unexpected cultural lessons learned over 7 years in Rwanda.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:34 How we Named the Podcast01:24 Meet Patrick03:56 Meet Adam06:02 Call to Ministry07:31 TRN History / Family Relocation08:13 TRN Staff08:56 Podcast Origins11:01 TRN Mission, Vision, and Strategy15:42 Cross-Cultural Discussion17:35 Adam & Patrick's Connection19:10 Giving vs. Going21:15 Book: Ministering in Honor/Shame Cultures24:31 Honor/Shame vs. Guilt/Innocence28:43 Learning the Hard Way37:23 Kingdom Culture40:36 Compassion is Key42:57 Transparency43:29 An Anecdote About Compassion49:18 No Takebacks, But Redemption50:31 Sending Point52:31 ConclusionEpisode Summary: Top 3 Main TopicsThe Roots Network Strategy (Start, Strengthen, Serve, Support): Adam and Patrick break down the evolution of their mission from 2018 to today, introducing the newest pillar: Support. They discuss how the ministry has shifted, since relocating his family back to the US after living in Rwanda for 7 years, from leading and serving with his team on the ground to now empowering a local team of 12 as they continue to serve in East Africa. Bioethics in the Mission Field: Patrick introduces the intersection of science and faith, explaining how ethical principles like autonomy and justice are perceived differently in East Africa compared to the Western world, and why "compassion" is the bridge between them.Cultural Clashes - Honor-Shame vs. Guilt-Innocence: A deep dive into the "psyche" of different cultures. The hosts share a revealing story about an orthodontic training session gone wrong, illustrating how direct Western communication can unintentionally cause deep shame in an Eastern context.Resources Mentioned:The Roots Network Website: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/Get the Book "Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures": https://a.co/d/099PRVI3In 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
• 
  TRN Podcast - Trailer 22.05.2026 1min

  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.