In this episode, we explore the remarkable life and legacy of F. Grace Allen, a little-known but deeply influential Free Methodist global worker who spent 53 years serving in Southern Africa. Born in 1864 to a devout Methodist family, Grace’s calling to the mission field led her to Portuguese East Africa and later to Fairview Mission Station in South Africa, where she built a home and school for marginalized girls. Through decades of hardship, cultural challenges, and personal sacrifice, she nurtured and educated generations of African children, many of whom became pastors, teachers, and leaders. With heartfelt stories drawn from archival research, we reflect on Grace’s deep faith, her pioneering spirit, and the enduring impact of her humble, behind-the-scenes service—reminding us that legacy often grows quietly through a life poured out in love.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
In this episode, Sarah and Denise dive into the complicated nature of home—how it shifts, stretches, and sometimes splinters as we live across cultures. Drawing from their own experiences around the world, they reflect on what it means to belong, how home can be more of a feeling than a place, and the surprising ways God meets us in the in-between. Whether you're longing for home, rebuilding it, or redefining it, this conversation will resonate deeply.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by EineBlume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
In this episode of the Velvet Ashes Legacy Podcast, we welcome Dr. Kendal P. Mobley to explore the life and legacy of Helen Barrett Montgomery — a pioneering educator, preacher, translator, and leader in the early women’s missionary movement. Dr. Mobley shares stories from Helen’s childhood, her passion for social reform in Rochester, and her deep commitment to missions as a form of Kingdom work. We also take a thoughtful look at the complexities of her legacy, including the racial and cultural blind spots of her era. Tune in to be inspired by a woman who believed deeply in the power of the gospel to transform not just souls, but society — and whose influence still echoes today.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Find the first edition of Dr. Mobley's book on Amazon and watch for the revised edition coming soon!
In this episode, Cindy Wu shares her journey of faith and service, exploring the intersection of cross-cultural work, hospitality, and justice. With a heart for the marginalized and a deep understanding of cross-cultural ministry, Cindy unpacks what it means to welcome the stranger and embody the love of Christ in tangible ways. Join us as we discuss her experiences, the lessons she's learned, and how we can all cultivate a spirit of hospitality and compassion in our daily lives.
Cindy is also one of the retreat leaders for the 2025 Velvet Ashes Online Retreat! It isn't too late to register and access the amazing teaching and resources in this year's retreat. Learn more about the retreat here.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by EineBlume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Rev. Cindy M. Wu is co-founder and Director of Diaspora Ministries of Mosaic Formation, a Christian non-profit she co-directs with her husband, David. Additionally, she mobilizes Christians to welcome refugees, a true passion of hers. As a “pastor to pastors,” her ministry focuses on serving the city and church at-large through community organizing, spiritual direction, leading workshops and retreats, and cross-cultural training.
Cindy is author or co-author of books and articles on global Christian identity, religious demography, and refugee welcome (browse publications here). She also delves some into poetry.
Cindy is based in Houston, TX, and is ordained to word and service with the Evangelical Covenant Church. She enjoys global cuisine, historical fiction, (short) triathlons, and thunderstorms.
Connect with Cindy at cindymwu.com.
This month on the Legacy Podcast, we explore the extraordinary life of Volahavana Germaine, known as “Nenilava.” Her bold faith and unwavering spirit carried herthrough immense challenges as she ministered in Madagascar and beyond.
Guiding us through her story is Reverend Dimbiniaina H. Randrianasulu—Reverend Andry—an ordained clergy in the Lutheran Church of Madagascar and Nenilava’s godson. His personal connection and deep insights offer a unique perspective on her impact.
Join us as we uncover the historical and spiritual significance of Nenilava’s legacy, a story that continues to inspire and encourage today.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Since 2005, Rev. Andry has been an ordained clergy in theLutheran Church of Madagascar. Previously, in 1996 after two years of training he was certified and commissioned as a mpiandry (shepherd), a Malagasy Lutheran ministry concept whereby a person is certified and commissioned to function in three main ways: 1) as an evangelist, 2) as a= mission-doer, and 3) as an exorcist. The duties and functions of mpiandry include evangelism, spiritual counseling, mission work, exorcism, and healing ministry. Rev. Andry spent two years serving in a remote part of the island nation. He has also served as parish pastor and the Deputy Director of theMalagasy Lutheran Regional Seminary in southeastern Madagascar. He was a professor and taught courses on Lutheran Practical Theology and Church Ministryat the same school. Rev. Andry is currently a PhD candidate in the Intercultural Studies program at Asbury Theological Seminary, with a concentration in evangelism and discipleship.
Have you ever found yourself thinking, “I’m just not cut out for this cross-cultural life. I’m not like [insert the name of a global worker from the past or someone on your team].” On this month’s podcast we get to hear from Sue Eenigenburg, author and long-time global worker. She shares honestly about how she didn’t feel like she fit the cross-cultural worker mold, yet she consistently said yes to the Lord through the years. Sue tells us some sweet stories of God’s faithfulness to her and through her. Sue is the author of several books specifically for women serving cross-culturally including Screams in the Desert and her most recent book Bags Packed, Hearts Ready. We hope you are encouraged as you listen to Sue’s living legacy story!
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Sue Eenigenburg has been in cross-cultural ministry since 1986. She has lived on four different continents seeking to love and serve God. In August 2025, she and her husband will celebrate 47 years of marriage. Their clan includes four kids, their spouses, and twelve grandkids. She is the author of Screams in the Desert and More Screams, Different Deserts. Sue co-authored Expectations and Burnout, Sacred Siblings, and Grit to Stay Grace to Go. Her latest book, Bags Packed, Hearts Ready is filled with stories about God's faithfulness. Each year she grows more and more thankful for God's grace and kindness.
We have a powerful legacy story to share with you this month! When our special guest, Rev. Dr. Grace Rajan, first learned the story of Ada Jones Lee, she was sad that more people didn't know about this family that ministered in her home country of India. Ada's story includes the tragic loss of six of her children. Dr. Rajan shares beautifully about the faith of Ada and her family, and we hope you will be impacted by their story.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
The Diarjeeling Disaster, It's Bright Side: The Triumph of the Six Lee Children by Ada Lee
Blog Post written by Rev. Dr. Grace Rajan about Ada Lee
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
What does it take to stay when just the calling to global work isn’t enough? This month Jody opens up about her winter season of the soul. She shares vulnerably about the weight of the cost of this cross-cultural life, the gift of obscurity, and how Jesus met her beautifully in the wilderness. Don’t miss hearing Jody’s story on this month’s Legacy podcast!
Learn more about Velvet Ashes We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Invited Retreat - God's invitations in different seasons of the soul
Velvet Ashes Spiritual Directors
Mary Lane Clarke (1872-1970) was a teacher, linguist, Bible translator, author, and global worker to the very end of her long life. She and her husband served in Sierra Leone, where she was part of making Scripture available in the heart language of the people. Hear from our Velvet Ashes Resident Scholar, Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer, as she shares more of Mary's story this month.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Article about the legacy of Mary and her husband George Clarke
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
This month, Denise is joined by Stephanie Gutierrez, host of the Modern Day Missionaries podcast. In this episode, they discuss Stephanie’s work in equipping global workers, her recent favorite guests, and the impact of her family’s transition off the field. Stephanie also shares about the new roles she and her husband have embraced in this next season of life.
Learn more about Stephanie
Modern Day Missionaries Podcast
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
Check out the Equip Conference
MDM podcast with Russell Moore
MDM podcast with Rob Hoskins
All Terrain Marriage We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Cross-cultural life can be challenging, but laughter has a way of lightening the load and keeping hope alive. In this episode, Denise and Sarah chat with Katelyn Comer from the Velvet Ashes Instagram team, the creative mind behind our beloved Friday Funnies. Katelyn shares some fun behind-the-scenes stories and reflects on the importance of humor in her life. Plus, Denise and Sarah give us a sneak peek into the next exciting Velvet Ashes book project. Don't miss out on the joy and inspiration in this episode!
Katelyn, along with her husband Aaron, and kids Addie (15) and Dean (12), serve in the island country of St Kitts and Nevis. They have been working in recovery and prison ministry, as well as pastoring an international church full of mostly medical and veterinary students. Katelyn loves beach days, any kind of time with friends, and laughing as much as possible. She has been volunteering for Velvet Ashes for nearly 7 years, and is honored to be a part of the team in such a unique way - Instagram Friday Funnies.
Follow Katelyn on Instagram
Follow Velvet Ashes on Instagram or Facebook and look for more information about book submissions opening soon, or email book@velvetashes.com.
This was such a fun conversation with Karli - composting toilets, the beauty of Florence, when you don't love where you live, and so much more.
Karli Von Herbulis is a joyful wife, blessed mama, and resident of Kigali, Rwanda. You can find her zipping through books, cooking a fun meal, or podcasting at Third Culture Thriving.
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Streams in the Desert was published in 1924 and has never gone out of print. This devotional was written by Lettie Burd Cowman (1870-1960), an incredible woman who helped found OMS and eventually served as its president. Learn more about Lettie's story this month from our special guest, Michelle Ule!
Michelle Ule is the author of two biographies: Overflowing Faith: Lettie Cowman and Streams in the Desert and Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman Behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional. She is also an essayist, a long-time blogger, and a bestselling author of inspirational historical novellas. A 40-year Bible study teacher in various Christian settings and denominations, she studied English Literature at UCLA and trained as a reporter. Michelle is also an amateur genealogist. She lives with her family in Northern California.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Michelle's website includes more information and links to learn more about Lettie Cowman.
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
When Amy Young sent out an anonymous survey in January 2024, over 350 global workers responded. She asked this question, "Is there something you feel might jeopardize you staying on the field, if your senders or organization knew about it?"
Amy joined Denise this month to talk about the results of the survey, and the importance of both senders and goers talking about the hard things we often don't tackle.
Amy Young, MA, LPC loves a good story. She served in China for nearly 20 years (plenty of stories there!), cofounded Velvet Ashes, and founded Global Trellis. As the founder Global Trellis, her current story involves helping Great Commission workers have tended souls and growing skill sets. Amy is a sought-after speaker and has spoken hundreds of times around the globe. Amy’s written six books for Great Commission workers including Looming Transitions and Becoming More Fruitful in Cross-Cultural Work. She loves all things Denver Broncos, Kansas Jayhawks, and Diet Coke.
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Global Trellis Senders Webinar and Discussion Guide
Taking Down the Ministry Pedestal
We recommend Barnabas or Valeo for counseling options specifically for global workers.
We are so grateful for Betsy's honesty and courage as she shares her story of her husband's porn addiction. We trust this episode will leave you filled with hope, whether you are married or single, on the field or off. While not graphic, this episode isn't suitable for little ears. We also know Betsy's story and this topic might be triggering, so all the grace to you to listen when you are ready. Please see the notes below for resources.
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Betsy's Recommended Resources - books, podcasts, and counseling options
The story of the spread of the gospel in China can't be told without the women who were really the driving force behind the movement. But all too often, their legacies are lost to the pages of history. We are so grateful to our guest this month, Dr. Daryl Ireland, for honoring these special women and helping us understand the history and context for their stories. This episode is special because Daryl is our first male guest on the podcast!
Don't miss our bonus episode for this month, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the Velvet Ashes Retreat. Learn more about the retreat HERE.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
Follow Velvet Ashes on Facebook or Instagram
Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Learn more about the Chinese Bible Women
Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity
Article about the Chinese Bible Women in Christianity Today
Pioneer Chinese Christian Women
Silas Wu, Dora Yu and the Christian Revival in 20th-Century China. We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
The Velvet Ashes Online Retreat creates sacred space for you and Jesus. This month we are bringing you a special bonus episode of the podcast where Denise sits down with Danielle Wheeler, Velvet Ashes Director of Spiritual Development. Danielle gives you a peek behind the curtain as she shares the intentional way these retreats are curated.
April is retreat month and we can't wait to see what God has in store. It's not too late to join! Learn more at velvetashes.com.
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
From Broken to Beloved: A Journey of Awakening by Terry Wardle
This is one of those "we're going there" conversations. Denise and Sarah invite you in as they cover topics like spiritual abuse, wilderness seasons, harm caused in missions, and whether the good news is still good. We want to create safe space for you if you have also wrestled with questions and haven't felt like you have someone to share them with. Join us at our virtual coffee shop for this conversation.
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
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Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Story of Paul and Silas in Prison - Acts 16
Dr. Lauren Pinkston - Kindred Exchange
Wilderness conversations on Velvet Ashes
It is the type of phone call you hope you never have to make. "Mom, I've been arrested." In this month's Living Legacy episode, Jen takes us through her experiences of being on trial in her host country. She shares honestly about the ripple effects our own surrender can have on those around us and brings encouragement for anyone who is walking through a wilderness season. This episode is a rich treasure!
We are grateful to Barnabas International for sponsoring this podcast! Barnabas is a member care organization that shepherds global workers and trains global shepherds. Learn more about them here.
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
Follow Velvet Ashes on Facebook or Instagram
Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
If you are a global worker in need of counseling while on the field, also check out the organization Valeo.
This month we had the special privilege of hearing from Miriam Rockness, biographer of missionary Lilias Trotter (1853-1928). Lilias was a beautiful artist who studied under John Ruskin, the foremost art critic of the day and a monumental and influential figure. She surrendered fame to follow Jesus to Algeria, where she served until her death. Miriam brings Lilias to life and it was a treat to hear from her. We hope you enjoy learning more about Lilias Trotter!
Learn more about Velvet Ashes
Follow Velvet Ashes on Facebook or Instagram
Featured music is "Daughters and Sons" by Eine Blume. Check out more from them on iTunes or wherever you get music!
Get in touch with Dr. Laura Chevalier Beer at laura.chevalierbeer@velvetashes.com to share thoughts on Legacy stories or suggest a woman to highlight.
Learn more about Lilias Trotter
- Lilias Trotter website with many different resources
- Lilias Trotter documentary called Many Beautiful Things
- A Passion for the Impossible by Miriam Rockness
- Lilias' writing inspired the hymn "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus"
