James Project

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The James Project Podcast exists to share how God has raised up a group of amazing people to serve and provide for some of the most vulnerable women and children of Guatemala over the last 20 years, and continues to do so today. Hear incredible stories from international missionaries who serve or have served at the project, board members who serve to help the ministry grow and flourish, team leaders who travel down every year to be the hands and feet of Jesus for a week at a time, and those whose lives have been changed through this 15 acre plot in a rural town in Guatemala.

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54 recent

August 8, 2026Episode 5428 min

August Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary In this episode, Bryon shares updates on the James Project's construction, programs, and community impact, highlighting how love and strategic efforts are transforming lives and fostering community resilience. Keywords James Project, community development, orphan care, family support, ministry updates Key topics Construction updates at the Village of Hope Expansion of Casa Elizabeth and family housing Growth of the United in Christ program Aftercare and prevention strategies for at-risk families Impact of local and international volunteer teams New developments in training and community outreach Challenges and successes in ministry operations Takeaways Love and strategic community programs can transform lives. Building relationships with families fosters trust and support. Volunteer teams bring joy and inspiration to local staff. Holistic approaches address prevention, care, and aftercare. Patience and prayer are vital during technological transitions. Sharing love and support can shift perceptions and foster unity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and overview of the episode 00:24 Welcome and updates from Brian 01:13 Construction updates at the Village of Hope 02:33 Training facilities and program expansion 03:36 Casa Elizabeth and family housing progress 04:03 Growth of the United in Christ program 05:46 Local family visits and community involvement 08:32 Overview of the Barnabas Aftercare program 09:59 Follow-up on families and prevention efforts 14:21 Technology updates and platform transition 15:58 Upcoming golf tournament and prayer requests 17:14 Prayers for pregnant young women and staff well-being 19:10 Staff unity and collaboration improvements 21:20 School updates and leadership changes 22:16 Summer team highlights and volunteer impact 25:29 Upcoming missionary family and community support 27:53 Closing remarks and next steps

June 24, 2026Episode 5326 min

June Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary In this update, Cathy and Bryon discuss recent developments at the James Project, including team changes, construction updates, upcoming events, and prayer initiatives. They also share inspiring stories of families and missionaries, emphasizing the importance of prayer and community support. Keywords James Project, Guatemala, mission, construction, prayer, community, fundraising, missionaries, support, updates Chapters 00:00 Team Updates and New Additions 03:15 Construction Progress and Community Impact 06:32 Seasonal Changes and Their Effects 09:15 Fundraising Events and Community Engagement 12:19 New Systems and Ambassador Program 15:20 Missionary Support and Family Integration 18:21 Partnerships and Community Support 21:28 Staff Challenges and Prayer Needs 24:23 Reflections on Purpose and Gratitude 26:01 pod out.mp4

June 11, 2026Episode 521 hr 2 min

"Get Uncomfortable & Do the Hard Thing" - Mercedes Wilson

Summary Mercedes Wilson shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Guatemala to her current life in Canada, highlighting lessons on faith, resilience, and doing hard things. This episode explores cultural differences, family strength, and the importance of experiencing God's love firsthand. Sound Bites "Experiencing God's love changes everything" "In your face, God's love is undeniable" "Without all the stuff, you see God clearly" Chapters 00:00 Early Life and Missionary Background 03:28 Cultural Immersion and Community in Guatemala 06:23 Challenges of Moving and Family Resilience 10:15 Faith Journey and Spiritual Growth 14:00 Experiences with the James Project 19:59 Transition Back to Canada and Its Challenges 27:03 Finding Identity and Purpose in Two Worlds 32:30 The Impact of Relationships on Personal Growth 35:07 Leading Teams and Personal Experiences in Guatemala 40:32 The Connection to Home and Community 44:53 Yearly Visits and Their Significance 48:15 Future Aspirations and Mission Work 52:28 Experiencing God's Love Through Service 58:33 Embracing Discomfort for Growth 01:02:21 pod out.mp4 Resources The Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+28%3A19-20&version=NIV James Project - https://jamesproject.org/ Jesus Calling Devotional - https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Devotional-Encouragement-Comfort/dp/1591451884

May 21, 2026Episode 5121 min

May Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary In this episode, Bryon shares updates on the James Project, upcoming fundraising events, and personal challenges, highlighting the power of faith and community involvement. Keywords James Project, fundraising, Guatemala, community, faith, volunteer, support, mission, impact, family Key Topics James Project updates and impact Upcoming fundraising events and opportunities Personal challenges and faith in action Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:56 Fundraising Success and Upcoming Events 06:00 Communication and Newsletter Updates 08:59 Team Season and Volunteer Support 12:01 New Family at Village of Hope 14:55 Personal Challenges and Family Matters 17:58 Reflections on Faith and Support

April 11, 202622 min

April Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary Join us as we explore the impactful work being done in Guatemala, including water baptisms, the Village of Hope, and upcoming fundraising events like the pickleball tournament. Discover how these efforts are transforming lives and how you can get involved. Keywords Guatemala, water baptism, Village of Hope, fundraising, ministry, missions, community impact, child rescue, spiritual growth Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Updates on the James Project 01:23 Experiences from Guatemala: Baptisms and New Beginnings 03:21 Building Hope: Casa Elizabeth and the Need for Maternity Homes 05:24 Challenges Faced: Statistics and the Reality of Abuse 08:27 Village of Hope: Welcoming New Families 10:23 Fundraising Efforts: The Pickleball Tournament 12:27 Balancing Ministry and Fundraising 14:18 Internship Program and New Missionary Family 20:20 Conclusion and Future Plans 21:54 pod out.mp4 James Project Official Website Pickleball Tournament Details

February 28, 2026Episode 4944 min

Building Faith and Community: Aaron Warner's Ministry Stories

Summary Join us as we explore Aaron Warner's inspiring journey of faith, his impactful trips to Guatemala, and how his experiences shape his life and ministry. Discover the power of community, sacrifice, and God's work in everyday life. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:47 Family Influence and Faith Journey 05:12 Legacy of Loss and God's Provision 07:54 Parenting and Family Dynamics 10:31 Transition to Education and School Leadership 13:19 Faith and Community Involvement 15:57 Experiences in Guatemala and Ministry Growth 43:44 pod out.mp4

February 26, 2026Episode 4821 min

February Update with Bryon Applegate

summary Bryon shares updates on the James Project, construction progress, upcoming events, and ways to support the ministry. Learn about the impact of donations, upcoming fundraisers, and the behind-the-scenes efforts to sustain the ministry's work. keywords James Project, ministry updates, construction, fundraising, support, Guatemala, Village of Hope, solar energy, transitional housing, foundational partners Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Recent Travels 03:16 Updates on the James Project 05:52 Construction Developments in Guatemala 08:48 Transition Homes and Support for Aging Out Youth 11:29 Solar Energy Initiatives 13:41 Fundraising Events and Community Involvement 16:12 Foundational Partnerships and Financial Support 19:46 Conclusion and Open Communication 20:51 pod out.mp4

January 29, 2026Episode 4722 min

January Update with Bryon Applegate

Building Hope and Faith: Updates from Village of Hope and Beyond In this episode, Cathy Coute and Bryon share inspiring updates on the recent projects, the challenges and successes they've encountered, and exciting upcoming plans. Discover how faith, community, and generosity are transforming lives in practical and impactful ways. Celebrating successful fundraising challenges and upcoming matches for village projects Recent harvests and agricultural initiatives, including honey and fishing programs The Women of Valor program: spiritual growth and transformation for women staff New housing initiatives at Village of Hope: onboarding residents and preparing for expansions The importance of foundational partnerships and ongoing fundraising efforts amidst rising operational costs Upcoming mission trip to Canada and prayer requests for travel and ministry impact Recent accreditation achievements (ECFA approval) and financial stewardship ECFA Accreditation – Financial accountability for Christian organizations Jamesproject.org Pray for their upcoming trip to Canada and ministry engagements Pray for new residents at Village of Hope to transition smoothly Continue support and partnership to meet rising operational costs Blessings on new house openings and future family expansion efforts Stay connected for more updates and stories of faith in action! Key Topics:Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome back and recent holiday highlights 02:01 - Success of the $65,000 match for boys' home project 03:17 - Harvesting honey and fish programs at the village 03:53 - Celebrating the Women of Valor graduation and spiritual growth 05:00 - Progress on Village of Hope housing and resident programs 06:08 - Challenges and opportunities with new residents and moving in 07:42 - Preparing for dedication ceremonies 10:00 - Trusting God through construction delays and future plans for Casa Juan 10:28 - Announcing the birth of the new baby and upcoming Casa Elizabeth 12:03 - Building the support base: foundational partner program 14:21 - Raising funds in light of increased salary costs and operational needs 15:24 - The spiritual blessing of giving and partnership with God 17:36 - Transparency and open-door policy for supporters 18:37 - Prayer requests for upcoming mission trip to Canada and leadership stamina 20:00 - Celebrating a record number of teams coming to serve 21:23 - Introducing new team members and volunteers 21:56 - Official accreditation: CNA for JPLA and ECFA approval for JPI 23:00 - Future plans and upcoming check-ins after the Canada trip

November 9, 202519 min

November Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary In this conversation, Cathy and Bryon discuss various updates from their work in Guatemala, including cultural celebrations, educational challenges, the impact of aftercare programs, team restructuring, and new giving opportunities. They emphasize the importance of community support and the positive changes they are witnessing in the lives of children and families. Takeaways The quinceañera celebration was a significant cultural event. Educational challenges persist due to high turnover of teachers. Aftercare programs are crucial for supporting former students. Team restructuring is necessary to adapt to changes in staffing. New giving opportunities allow donors to support various programs. The Barnabas Family Care program helps families stay connected and supported. Community involvement is essential for the success of their initiatives. Witnessing the growth of the programs is rewarding. The importance of adapting to the needs of the children is paramount. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Cultural Traditions 03:23 Educational Challenges and Solutions 06:24 The Impact of Aftercare Programs 09:10 Team Restructuring and New Roles 12:22 Foundational Partnership Opportunities 12:42 Year-End Giving Challenges 12:44 Transparency and Stewardship in Donations 19:08 pod out.mp4 Keywords Guatemala, education, aftercare, cultural celebration, fundraising, community support, team dynamics, giving opportunities, social work, youth programs

October 7, 2025Episode 4528 min

October Update with Bryon Applegate

Summary In this conversation, Cathy Coute and Bryon Applegate discuss the recent activities and challenges faced by their ministry in Guatemala. They celebrate community events, address staffing changes, and highlight the spiritual growth of the children in their care. The conversation also touches on the importance of trauma-informed care training for staff and the ongoing fundraising efforts to support their operations. Overall, the discussion reflects the dedication and resilience of the team as they navigate the complexities of their mission. Takeaways September was a busy month in Guatemala with Independence Day celebrations. Staffing changes continue to be a challenge for the ministry. The Village of Hope is making progress with new electrical installations. Nine children were baptized, including five mothers, showcasing spiritual growth. Trauma-informed care training is essential for all staff members. Community support is vital for the success of the ministry. A $75,000 fundraising challenge has been initiated to support operations. The ministry emphasizes the importance of prayer in their work. The impact of the ministry extends beyond the children to their families and communities. Volunteers play a crucial role in providing services like dental care for the children. Chapters 00:00 Celebrating Independence and Community Engagement 03:25 Staffing Challenges and Changes 06:26 Updates on Casa Pablo and Village of Hope 09:21 Spiritual Growth and Community Impact 12:24 Trauma-Informed Care and Staff Training 21:20 Fundraising Efforts and Community Support 28:08 pod out.mp4