If you hav want questions. Let us know and maybe they will show up on a future podcast.
Preston and Kim Marino's journey from teenage mission trips to global ministry reveals the transformative power of cross-cultural service.
The couple's first experiences—Preston at a North Dakota Native American reservation and Kim in Guatemala at age 15—planted seeds that would grow into a passion for missions. Their raw descriptions of reservation life paint a stark picture: homes in disrepair, rampant substance abuse, cultural rituals involving painful bone piercings, and pervasive hopelessness manifesting in high suicide rates. Yet within these challenging contexts, they witnessed powerful moments of spiritual breakthrough.
Their ministry expanded to multiple countries including Zambia, Haiti, Guatemala, and Honduras, each presenting unique challenges and remarkable stories. From witnessing a man literally raised from the dead during a service in Zambia to breaking spiritual barriers in Haiti when a young girl received the Holy Spirit despite cultural beliefs it "wasn't for Haitians".
Navigating burning roadblocks during Haitian riots, being stopped at gunpoint by vigilantes in Guatemala, and receiving warnings about targeting gangs in Honduras. These encounters highlight the real costs of answering God's call to "deny what's comfortable" and venture into unfamiliar territory.
Perhaps most relatable are their humorous struggles with cultural differences, from attempting to politely navigate overwhelming food portions to adjusting to three-hour worship services in African churches. As Kim wisely observes, "Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape"—a perfect summary of the mission field mindset.
Once done with our conversation a question is asked. What are you willing to do for God? Whether you're called to overseas ministry or local service, their experiences remind us that following God's will requires sacrifice, flexibility, and courage—but offers the profound reward of participating in His global work and forever expanding your spiritual worldview.
Support the show