Rod is the Journey Corps West Africa Director. With over 40 years of experience in West Africa Rod offers Journey Corps a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience. With him and his wife’s passion for Africa and for a new generation of missionaries, they make a great fit for the Journey Corps Leadership Team.
Ministry-at-a-Glance
Primary Ministry Focus Reaching Julas and equipping churches and Christian leaders to reach Muslims for Christ. The People Julas, a people group that spans five different countries in West Africa, are situated traditionally on the border regions of Northern Côte d’Ivoire. The Jula are Muslim and control most of the country’s commerce and transportation services. Julas are found in every major city in West Africa and have deeply influenced the entire region. They are credited with the spread of Islam in the sub-region. Major Challenges The greatest challenges for the Ragsdales are the responsibilities that come from being senior team members. Because of the current composition of their team and the recent events in Côte d’Ivoire, keeping focus will probably continue to be a major challenge. Prayer Focus Pray for God to raise up others to work alongside the Ragsdales as they reachout to Julas in Côte d’Ivoire. With the recent civil unrest, many are asking questions concerning their faith and the benefits or lack thereof as Muslims. Pray that those who are asking these questions would encounter Christians who are ready to share Christ through more than simple words.
We would love to see young and older generations from all over the world building lives and communities that give an authentic witness of Christ existence before a watching world. "May God give us the grace to be worldview missionaries." Nancy Pearcey in her book "Total Truth"
Your Heart For Missions
As Jesus is all about Missions, how could we not be?! He lives in our Hearts.
How Would You Rate Your interest in Missions? 1 being little interest 10 being life calling
We work with WorldVenture in Cote d'Ivoire amongst the Dioula and are also involved in formal and informal leadership training and mentoring.
What interests, abilities, and gifts has God given you?
Emily & Lina are going to host a day-long conference for the youth girls in their church this Saturday the 25th. Pray for them as they are in the midst of the preparations, that all goes smoothly. Lea will be sharing a message from Galatians 5 on the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for safe travels for Christy, Lea, Carina, Julia, Haylei and Rebecca.Pray also for some unbelievers who have been invited that they might hear the Gospel and believe in Jesus.Would you please pray that God would…See More
"I like how you worded your desire to "develop a heart for nations that reflects God's heart". I was reading in Haggai 2, 7 and realized that Christ's name is "the Desired of all Nations" Looking forward to meeting…"
"and follow Paul's advise in Eph. 5 - "Watch what God does, and then you do it, ... Figure out what will please Christ and then do it! So watch your step. Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. Make sure you understand…"
Emily & Lina are going to host a day-long conference for the youth girls in their church this Saturday the 25th. Pray for them as they are in the midst of the preparations, that all goes smoothly. Lea will be sharing a message from Galatians 5 on the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for safe travels for Christy, Lea, Carina, Julia,…
Sometimes when God calls it’s ‘fuzzy.’ You sense He is leading but you have no idea where you will land. If you sense Him calling you, trust His kindness and wisdom. He loves you and He knows what He is doing. If He is calling, He will give you the grace to meet any obstacle which might lie in the path ahead. - Mary Lederleitner
Any 2 individuals from different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and upbrining can deeply connect, if they are willing to take the time and listen to each other.…
A new art room?! That sounds really tempting. Actually it wouldn't take much to get me back to my beloved Bouake'. Who knows, maybe some Christmas? We'd love to see you two too! Bon courage et que Dieu vous benisse!
Rod, can you confirm that you got the package for Kelly? Thank you so very much for being willing to do this for us. I think it will help her after being sick to get a package from home!! May you have a safe trip back to Africa we will be praying for you and your wife.
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for having my journey corps. I'm so excited that I can be a part of this. I can't wait to go to West Africa, I'm excited for this journey. :)
I did my part and God will do the rest, Im praying for them so that they have a wonderful time here in CI. And also God will bless you for your everything you did for us in Bouaké. I hope to see you soon
