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From Orthodox Roots to Personal Faith 🇪🇹 Mahlet Mengistu

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 13 of the Follow Forward Podcast, Tim Tucker is joined by Mahlet (Mahi)—a purpose-driven leader and youth empowerment champion leading The Message Trust Ethiopia Hub in Addis Ababa: https://messageethiopia.org/

In this powerful conversation, Mahlet shares her journey of encountering Jesus at a young age amid fear and trauma—and how that moment marked the beginning of a life fully devoted to Him.

Growing up in Ethiopia within an Orthodox Christian context, Mahlet reflects on the difference between religious tradition and a personal relationship with Jesus and how God revealed Himself to her in a real and transformative way.

From overcoming fear and shame to stepping into leadership roles in church, university fellowships, and now national ministry, her story is one of perseverance, and divine calling. She also speaks about a season of deep doubt—where she questioned everything—only to encounter the overwhelming love of Jesus again in a life-changing way.

Now leading young people in Ethiopia, Mahlet carries a passion to see her generation rise with purpose, faith, and boldness in sharing the gospel.

This episode is a compelling reminder that God uses every part of our story—our fears, doubts, and breakthroughs—to shape us for His purpose.

We pray that this conversation will encourage you to keep your faith, trust His leading, and follow Him wholeheartedly.

Enjoy.

🔑 KEY THEMES

Encountering Jesus in fear and uncertainty
Religion vs relationship with Christ
Overcoming shame and stepping into bold faith
Leadership development in church and campus ministry
Navigating doubt and rediscovering God's love
Calling, purpose, and surrender
Youth empowerment and mission in Ethiopia
Living by faith, not by sight

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST

Mahlet (Mahi) is a purpose-driven leader and youth empowerment champion leading The Message Trust Ethiopia Hub in Addis Ababa. She is passionate about equipping young people to live with purpose, grow in faith, and impact their communities for Christ.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond.

He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD

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Being A Family on Mission 🔊 Jonathan & Angela Burgess

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Ep 12: Being A Family on Mission 🔊 Jonathan & Angela Burgess

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 12 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Jonathan and Angela Burgess—husband and wife, parents of five, and co-founders of Transform EDM (https://www.newreleasetoday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=5121) —for a rich and wide-ranging conversation about faith, family, and mission.

Broadcasting from Denver, Colorado, but with roots in South Africa, Jonathan and Angela share how their lives have been shaped by a legacy of mission—and how they are now carrying that forward in a unique and creative way.

From youth ministry to global music platforms, their journey reflects a deep commitment to staying faithful to the call of God while navigating the realities of marriage, parenting, and leadership. Together, they unpack what it means to live as a family on mission—refusing to compartmentalise faith, and instead integrating it into every part of life.

At the heart of their ministry is a simple but powerful framework: Jesus, Life, and Worship. Whether through music, discipleship, or advocacy, their focus remains on sharing the gospel, defending the vulnerable, and leading people into authentic encounters with God.

This episode is an honest exploration of identity, calling, and stewardship—reminding us that influence flows not from platform, but from intimacy with Christ.

Whether you're leading in ministry, raising a family, or seeking to live out your faith more intentionally, this conversation will encourage you to hold your calling with open hands and follow Jesus faithfully in every season.

Enjoy.

🔑 KEY THEMES

Family on mission vs compartmentalised faith

Leading from identity, not performance

Balancing ministry, marriage, and raising children

Creative approaches to sharing the gospel

The role of music as a tool for mission

Advocating for life and justice through faith

Stewardship and holding calling with open hands

The importance of local church and community

👤 ABOUT THE GUESTS

Jonathan and Angela Burgess are the founders of Transform EDM, a ministry that uses electronic music as a platform to share the gospel, lead worship, and advocate for life. Based in Denver, Colorado, they are passionate about reaching young people, equipping leaders, and living out their calling as a family on mission. Together with their five children, they seek to integrate faith into every part of life—raising up the next generation while staying rooted in Christ.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond.

He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD

🔔 STAY CONNECTED

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https://messageglobal.org/

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Life-on-Life Leadership 🇿🇼 Esther Kabanda

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Ep 11: Life-on-Life Leadership

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Esther Katooko Kabanda, team leader of The Message Trust Uganda (https://messageuganda.ug/), for a powerful and deeply honest conversation about discipleship that's in for the long haul and what it truly means to lead like Jesus.

Esther's story begins in Uganda, where she was raised in a deeply committed Christian home. But despite this foundation, her journey took an unexpected turn as she wrestled with deep loneliness and inner struggles from a young age—challenges that ultimately became the very place where she encountered God most personally.

From those formative moments, Esther developed a faith that was not inherited but deeply personal. Her journey through university tested that faith even further, forcing her to confront her dependence on God and rediscover what it means to truly follow Christ.

Now leading the work of The Message Trust in Uganda, Esther is helping pioneer a discipleship-focused model that prioritises depth over numbers. From small group Bible engagement in schools to mentoring young people in vulnerable communities, her leadership reflects a commitment to seeing individuals known, formed, and empowered.

At its core, this episode is a call back to the heart of the Great Commission: not just to make converts but to make disciples.

Whether you're a ministry leader, youth worker, or someone passionate about raising the next generation, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what lasting impact really looks like.

Enjoy.

🔑 KEY THEMES

The difference between crowd-building and true discipleship
How God uses hidden struggles to form authentic faith
Why discipleship must be relational, intentional, and Scripture-centered
The importance of seeing people as individuals, not numbers
Raising leaders through long-term investment and accountability
Creating sustainable models for transformation in vulnerable communities
Faithfulness in the small, unseen moments of leadership

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST

Esther Katooko Kabanda is the Team Leader of The Message Trust Uganda, based in Kampala. She is passionate about discipleship, youth development, and raising Christ-centered leaders through life-on-life mentorship. Esther's leadership is shaped by a deep conviction that true transformation happens through intentional relationships grounded in Scripture. She is currently helping pioneer discipleship initiatives in schools and vulnerable communities, with a vision to see young people equipped spiritually and practically for lasting impact.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond.

He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD

🔔 STAY CONNECTED

🎧 Subscribe to the podcast:

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Survival to Service 🇸🇽 Jervie Magat

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Episode 10: Survival to Service

🎧 ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In Episode 10 of the Follow Forward Podcast, host Tim Tucker is joined by Jervie Magat for a deeply moving conversation about resilience and the transforming power of God's grace. The podcast was recorded shortly after Typhoon Fung-wong had hit the Philippines in November 2025.

Jervie's story begins in the Philippines, where he grew up in a large family in the province of Pampanga. After the death of his father and mounting medical bills, his family's life quickly unravelled. Eventually, they lost their home and found themselves living on the streets of Manila, surviving day by day through feeding programmes and the kindness of strangers.

Everything began to change when Jervie encountered the love of Christ through the work of the Center for Community Transformation (https://cct.org.ph/). What started as a search for food became a life-changing encounter with the gospel. Through a myriad of positive opportunities, Jervie began rebuilding his life step by step.

In this powerful conversation, Jervie shares how God redeemed seasons of poverty and loss to shape his calling. From catching up on years of missed schooling to becoming a working student and eventually serving in ministry leadership, Jervie's journey is a remarkable testimony that no part of our story is wasted in God's hands.

Today, Jervie serves through the Kaibigan Ministry, helping support and empower others who are walking the same journey he once did. He also mentors emerging leaders globally through networks such as PEER Servants, encouraging a new generation to lead with humility, authenticity, and faith.

Whether you're an emerging leader, ministry worker, or someone wondering how God might use your past, this conversation will encourage you to trust Him with every chapter of your story.

See more about Typhoon Fung-wong here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Typhoon_Fung-wong_(2025)#:~:text=Fung%2Dwong%20made%20landfall%20in,Bicol%20Region%20and%20Northern%20Luzon

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST

Jervie Magat is a ministry leader from the Philippines who serves with the Kaibigan Ministry, part of the Center for Community Transformation network. After experiencing homelessness as a child, Jervie encountered Christ through a feeding program that transformed the trajectory of his life. Today he serves in ministry leadership, helping support vulnerable communities and mentoring emerging leaders locally and globally through initiatives connected with PEER Servants. His life is a powerful testimony that God can redeem every broken chapter and use it to bring hope to others.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST

Tim Tucker is an author, theologian, and leadership mentor with a PhD in Theology. Originally from the UK and now based in Cape Town, he works with The Message Trust across Africa and beyond.

He is the author of Grab a Towel, Grief and Grace, and Finding Life After Death, and hosts the Follow Forward Podcast.

🎙️ ABOUT FOLLOW FORWARD

Follow Forward is a Christ-centred leadership podcast featuring real stories and global voices. Hosted by Tim Tucker and produced by The Message Trust, the podcast exists to inspire emerging leaders to follow Jesus faithfully and lead others with humility, courage, and purpose.

🔔 STAY CONNECTED

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