Mission Minded Messages

In this inspiring episode of Mission Minded Messages, Garr Russell sits down with Steve Ramona, a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in cultivating servant-hearted leadership in business. Together, they explore the timeless principle that bringing value to others not only blesses those around you but also results in personal and professional growth.
Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey, beginning in his family’s health club at the age of 18, where he learned the importance of building relationships and offering selfless value. He recounts a pivotal moment with a mentor who taught him the power of consistent savings—a lesson that yielded significant financial returns and reinforced the value of giving without expecting immediate rewards.
The conversation shifts to practical applications of servanthood in entrepreneurship, with Garr sharing personal anecdotes about how serving and mentoring others has resulted in unexpected blessings. From tenants and tradesmen refusing payments out of gratitude to the powerful outcomes of affiliate partnerships, this episode is a masterclass in leading with a giving spirit.
Listeners will discover actionable insights, including:
The ASLA principle: Ask, Shut up, Listen, Ask, as a roadmap to meaningful service.
The power of building long-term relationships over short-term transactions.
Strategies for bringing massive value to people and seeing wealth as a natural byproduct.
The importance of gratitude and reflection in maintaining momentum and faith.
Garr and Steve also discuss the biblical foundation for servant leadership, referencing Romans 12:6-8 and Proverbs, while emphasizing the need to balance giving with stewardship of time and resources. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that as Christian entrepreneurs, focusing on serving others aligns us with God’s purpose and leads to exponential impact.
Connect with Steve Ramona:
LinkedIn: Steve Ramona
Digital Business Card: inphone.co/podcast
Tune in and be inspired to elevate your business by serving others with authenticity and faith!

In this episode of Mission Minded Messages, Garr Russell shares a heartfelt message on the power of sharing our trials while we’re still in them, transforming struggles into powerful testimonies. Inspired by Revelations 12:11, Garr reflects on the unique journey of Christian entrepreneurship and the specific challenges that come with building a business that honors God and serves others. Speaking early in the morning, Garr dives deep into the transformative impact of real-time transparency, encouraging listeners to turn their mess into a message and lean into faith during difficult moments.
Garr introduces the concept of “Problem, Prophetic, Prayer, Praise,” a method that emphasizes acknowledging struggles, holding onto God’s promises, praying for guidance, and praising God even in the midst of hardship. Through this approach, he explains, we invite not only freedom into our own lives but also strength and encouragement for others who may be going through similar challenges. He shares personal insights from his own journey, describing the impact of key scriptures, like Isaiah 26:3, which emphasizes finding peace through trust in God, and Deuteronomy 8:18, which reminds us that it is the Lord who grants the power to create wealth. Garr’s story of overcoming business challenges, keeping faith, and supporting others along the way offers hope to those struggling to balance faith, family, and work.
Throughout the episode, Garr underscores the importance of building genuine community by sharing our real journeys, beyond the polished highlights often seen on social media. By stepping outside of “selfie mode,” we can forge deeper connections, offering and receiving authentic support. In moments of trial, he urges us to remember the Lord’s faithfulness not only to us but to others, like Joseph, David, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as examples of hope and resilience.
The episode wraps up with a powerful prayer, where Garr asks for humility and courage to share our stories of struggle, recognizing that our testimonies can provide hope, healing, and strength for others. He encourages listeners to be bold, to lean into faith through scripture, and to remember that life isn’t happening to us but for us. This message is a call to embrace the mess, discover the message within, and find triumph through testimony.
Reflection Questions:
What challenges have you faced in your own journey that you could share to encourage others?
How has God shown up for you in the midst of your trials?
What scriptures or prayers have been a source of comfort and strength for you?
Scripture References:
Revelations 12:11
Psalm 27:14
Isaiah 26:3
Deuteronomy 8:18

In this episode of Mission Minded Messages, host Garr Russell tackles the challenge of overthinking and its impact on entrepreneurial success. Joined by guest Mischa Zvegintzov of Influence Army, Garr dives into the mental hurdles that often prevent entrepreneurs from taking simple, effective action.
The conversation opens with Mischa sharing a story from his financial services career, where overthinking almost sidelined his progress. Garr and Mischa reflect on their own experiences and the common mistakes they see among entrepreneurs who let overanalyzing derail their momentum. Mischa talks about his approach to helping heart-centered entrepreneurs get on podcasts and grow their influence by simplifying the process and focusing on action over analysis.
Garr and Mischa stress the importance of trusting simple steps, especially when faced with the urge to make things complex. They emphasize that taking imperfect action—whether sending an email, pitching a podcast, or building a business—is often more effective than waiting for the “perfect” plan. With phrases like "faith over fear" and "winning or learning," they remind listeners that every action is a step forward in personal and business growth.
Join Garr and Mischa as they share how pushing through self-doubt and simplifying the approach can lead to more success and less stress. This episode encourages faith-driven entrepreneurs to embrace action over perfection, offering practical insights for overcoming the habit of overthinking.
Want to learn more about our guest speaker?  Contact him below:
Mischa Zvegintzov
Chief Influence Officer - TheInfluenceArmy
Host of the top 1.5% podcast- Table Rush Talk Show
 

In this episode, I speak with, Will Hart from Iris Global we explore the intersection of faith, finance, and business with our guest, who shares a remarkable story of trusting God for provision during a financial crisis. Leading a ministry that relies on $30,000 a day to operate without ever asking for donations, our guest faced a critical moment when they needed $200,000 to avoid laying off staff. Through heartfelt reflection, they reveal how faith was tested, but ultimately, miraculous provision arrived just in time. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting in God's timing, not only in personal finances but in organizational leadership as well.
We also dive into the deeper implications of integrating faith into business. Drawing from the biblical story of Jesus feeding the multitude, our guest shows how this lesson applies to making faith-driven decisions in a business context. They emphasize that business and faith should not be separated, but intertwined, with Christ-centered, kingdom-focused principles guiding every decision. Whether you're a ministry leader or a business owner, this conversation is a profound exploration of how faith can shape and sustain even the most challenging financial circumstances.
Listeners will walk away inspired by the testimony of supernatural provision, as well as practical insights on how to navigate financial struggles through faith. This episode is an invitation to embrace unconventional solutions and trust that God is always in control, whether in the world of business or ministry.

Hey y’all, welcome to another inspiring episode of Mission Minded Messages with your host, Garr Russell! Every Monday, we dive deep into the journeys of faith-filled entrepreneurs, discussing strategies, struggles, and successes, while always remembering that life is a series of lessons—we're either winning or learning. Today’s episode is a special one, filled with personal reflections and spiritual insights, recorded right in the middle of Garr’s morning walk.
Garr opens up about a common challenge: starting something with passion and fervor, only to let it slip away when life gets busy. He shares how God recently reminded him to return to the mission of this podcast, Mission Minded Messages, urging him to share today’s thoughts on love and priorities. Reflecting on the first mention of love in the Bible, when God asked Abraham to offer Isaac, Garr reminds us that God often calls us to lay down the things we love most. It’s a reminder that while God gives us relationships, careers, and even success, He must remain first in our hearts.
Garr encourages listeners to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what might be standing in the way of keeping God first. Is it family, money, business, or accomplishments? He urges entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone listening to take time to reflect on what needs to be rebalanced. Using examples from his own life, including the simple joy of watching a young boy chase goats, Garr emphasizes the importance of realigning with God's purpose amidst the noise and distractions of life.
The episode closes with a powerful reminder from Revelation 12:11 about the importance of sharing our testimonies. Gar urges us to be transparent, not just about our victories but also our struggles, because others need to hear our stories, especially those who are walking similar paths behind us. In the end, it’s about growth, grace, and remembering how far we’ve come, even in the face of setbacks.
Stay blessed by the best, y'all, and be encouraged to put God first in all areas of your life.

In this episode of Mission Minded Messages, your host Garr Russell dives into the often-dreaded topic of meetings and presents a transformative perspective that could change the way you approach them. Garr shares his personal revelation from God, who helped him reframe meetings as "mentorings." This shift in mindset not only eased Garr's discomfort with the word "meetings" but also infused his interactions with a deeper sense of purpose and value.
Garr explores how this new outlook on meetings—seeing them as opportunities for mentorship rather than mere calendar obligations—can elevate the quality of our interactions. Whether we’re mentoring others or being mentored, there's a chance to add significant value to each other's lives, both personally and professionally. He emphasizes the importance of seeking and giving wisdom, aligning this practice with the Great Commission, which calls us to make disciples and mentor others in their journey with Christ.
Drawing from his own experiences, Garr shares how his commitment to mentoring has brought him closer to his goals, helped him overcome personal struggles, and led to a greater impact in his entrepreneurial journey. He underscores the importance of mentors in various areas of life—whether in business, ministry, or personal growth—and encourages listeners to seek out the right mentors for their current season.
Garr concludes with a powerful prayer, asking God to guide his listeners in finding mentors who can help them grow in their unique mission. He reminds us that we are each uniquely equipped to fulfill the mission God has given us, and with the right guidance, we can confidently walk in our assignment with authority and purpose.
Join Garr in this episode as he challenges you to rethink your approach to meetings and embrace the power of mentoring, leading to personal growth and the fulfillment of your God-given mission.

Welcome to this episode of Mission Minded Messages with your host, Garr Russell. Today, we're diving into a powerful discussion on fear, broadcasting live from our traveling RV—so don't mind the occasional background noise! Our journey today centers around a profound message inspired by my recent reflections and conversations with Jesus.
We kick things off with a thought-provoking quote from a T-shirt I picked up at a recent event led by my mentor, Myron Golden, which reads, "You will be living what you're believing, even though you be lying." This quote aligns beautifully with the wisdom of Proverbs: "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." Tony Robbins puts it another way, "Where focus goes, energy flows." These insights set the stage for today's topic: the pervasive impact of fear and the transformative power of faith.
In the entrepreneurial world, it's easy to become ensnared by the fear of the unknown—fear of failure, rejection, or not meeting expectations. Yet, what truly counters fear is faith: the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. This episode delves into how defining a clear mission and purpose can profoundly influence our daily decisions and actions, steering us away from fear and towards a path of clarity and confidence.
I share personal revelations about shifting my business goals from merely building, scaling, and selling businesses to embracing a purpose-driven approach focused on supporting and disciplining Christian entrepreneurs. This pivot in my entrepreneurial vision has infused my endeavors with greater meaning and strategic focus, aligning more closely with my divine calling.
Further, we explore the power of "I am" statements in combating fear and bolstering self-belief. For instance, affirming "I am the leader in the RV rental management industry" isn't just a boost to my ego—it's a declaration of stepping into the role God has crafted for me. This episode also touches on practical applications of these principles, such as how modifying our internal dialogues can transform our mindset and actions, exemplified by a personal story involving my daughter, Emma.
As we wrap up, we discuss the significance of integrating spiritual principles into our business practices, ensuring that every entrepreneurial action is not only commercially successful but also spiritually enriching. Remembering that "it is [God] who gives the power to get wealth" grounds us in our purpose and strengthens our resolve against fear.
So, whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming fear with faith, aligning your business with your spiritual calling, and the profound impact of living out your God-given purpose. Join us next time on Mission Minded Messages, and may this discussion inspire and equip you to transform your entrepreneurial journey.

In this inspiring episode of the Mission Minded Messages podcast, host Garr Russell sits down with Mark Savant, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing expert. Mark shares his journey from a dissatisfied insurance employee to a successful owner of a six-figure marketing agency specializing in podcast and digital media production. He discusses his podcast, "The Awesome Dad Show," highlighting the critical issue of fatherhood in America and how it intertwines with entrepreneurship.
Garr and Mark delve into the challenges and victories of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort and learning through every experience. They explore how spirituality and faith play a crucial role in overcoming internal struggles and finding one's identity through the entrepreneurial journey. Mark shares insights on the importance of guarding one's time and setting clear boundaries for business interactions.
The conversation takes a deeper dive into the spiritual aspects of business, with Garr recounting how his past experiences and insecurities were revealed and healed through his faith. They discuss the Biblical parable of the talents, underscoring the calling of Christian entrepreneurs to create wealth and serve the Kingdom of God.
Mark also touches on the practical side of content creation, explaining how a single 30-minute conversation can be transformed into extensive digital content across various platforms, maximizing the reach and impact of a message. The episode concludes with a powerful prayer by Garr, affirming the role of entrepreneurship in expanding God's Kingdom and fostering personal growth.
Listeners can find Mark and learn more about his services at Mark Savant Media on various online platforms. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of faith, fatherhood, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode of "Mission Minded Messages," host Garr Russell welcomes Michael Borner, the president of Mission 17 Ministries and a seasoned entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in technology and media companies. The conversation delves into the transformative power of Christian entrepreneurship and the crucial role of mentorship and discipleship in business and spiritual growth.
Garr begins by highlighting Michael's innovative approach to faith-based education through Mission 17's "Social Covenant" - a video nurture sequence designed for bite-sized learning. Michael explains how this method leverages digital tools to impart God's truth efficiently, overcoming traditional barriers like apps, passwords, and email registrations.
The discussion then shifts to the essence of discipleship and mentorship in both the Kingdom of God and the business world. Michael emphasizes the importance of investing in people, sharing that early mentorship can set individuals on a successful growth trajectory. He cites the ClickFunnels platform as an example of business mentorship, illustrating how it guides entrepreneurs in storytelling and customer engagement.
Michael shares personal stories, including the tragic loss of his father due to the pressures of isolation and the lack of community support. This poignant narrative underlines the dangers of solitude and the necessity of being part of a supportive community to navigate life's challenges and maintain mental and emotional health.
Garr and Michael advocate for transparency and vulnerability in leadership, asserting that sharing struggles, not just successes, fosters real connections and encourages others to seek guidance and mentorship. They stress that serving others through shared experiences is fulfilling and aligns with the biblical principle that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Concluding the episode, Michael and Garr call for a return to community life post-COVID, urging listeners to reengage with society, restart businesses, and renew their commitment to fellowship and mutual support.
 
Learn more about our guest Michael Borner:
Mission 17
 

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the "Mission Minded Messages" podcast, hosted by Garr Russell. This podcast focuses on the intersection of faith and entrepreneurship, with the Bible serving as the ultimate guidebook. Garr shares his journey from a troubled past to a fervent Christian entrepreneur, emphasizing how Christian business owners are called to prosper and use their wealth to further the Kingdom of God.
Garr discusses various aspects of entrepreneurship, including sales, marketing, and real estate, all from a Christian perspective. He shares his personal transformation after giving his life to the Lord, his successful ventures, and the lessons learned from his struggles, especially during COVID-19.
The episode also features Garr's insights on the importance of money in funding Kingdom work and the necessity of meeting natural needs to open doors for spiritual impact. Garr expresses his excitement about sharing his entrepreneurial journey, successes, struggles, and the ways God has used his experiences for greater purposes. He concludes with a prayer, expressing gratitude for new beginnings and the opportunity to impact others through this podcast.
Garr's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith in business and life, aiming to inspire and guide fellow Christian entrepreneurs.