For those unfamiliar with Kate McCord, you need to know that her name is a protective pseudonym. She worked in Afghanistan for nearly a decade after the fall of the Taliban as a humanitarian aid worker. Eventually she had to evacuate and is now serving in a mentoring and consulting role to other workers serving in the region.

When Kate talks about dangerous places it’s the real deal. She’s been there and experienced it. She’s grieved the loss of others and she has counted the cost. The big question we talk about on the podcast, and it’s the name of her book, is Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places.

In North America it’s sometimes hard to put aside our cultural desires for safety, comfort and affluence for the sake of others. I talk with Kate about whether or not we should do that? we also spend time focusing on the cost and privileges of sending those we love to dangerous places. We take a look at how we can better support those friends and family members who serve God in such a place.

As we look at and hear about devastating circumstances around the globe and even in our back yard, it’s easy to buy into the mentality that we should hunker down and just wait for Jesus to return. Kate challenges us to rethink that posture and position. She isn’t saying that God’s call to dangerous places is for all of us, either. But, do we need to be open to it?

Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places

I hope you’re up to the challenge of listening to Kate. Why God Calls Us to Dangerous Places is a challenging read. I also recommend Kate’s first book, In the Land of Blue Burqas, as well as her novel, Farewell Four Waters.

Kate is a compelling communicator and you might want to check out her website, www.storytellerkm.com, and follow her on Twitter @storytellerkm.