TIA: "This Is Africa" | Rwanda Missionary Stories & Kingdom Culture Lessons

What does "TIA" really mean when your Western wheels get shot off? In Episode 2 of The Roots Network Podcast (TRN Podcast), hosts Adam Koelling and Patrick Briscoe share hilarious missionary stories from Rwanda and Burundi, exploring how Kingdom Culture, humility, and perseverance redefine our definition of justice on the mission field. Welcome back to The Roots Network Podcast! Adam and Patrick unpack two of the most common phrases used by missionaries and global workers overseas: TIA (This Is Africa) and ASA (Africa Strikes Again). Through a series of unforgettable, raw stories—from a runaway gas pump mishap to a shattered rearview mirror on a chaotic street in Kigali, and even a live-streamed technical difficulty with their Burundi team—they explore what happens when Western expectations of individual "justice" collide with honor-shame cultures. Patrick introduces the vital bioethical principle of veracity (truthfulness), while Adam openly processes the frustrations of traffic in the "land of a thousand hills" and the daily spiritual battle to choose patience over anger. Ultimately, these stories aren't just about navigating African culture; they are about how the Holy Spirit uses unexpected cross-cultural challenges to strip away our cultural DNA and shape our hearts for Kingdom Culture. TOPICS in this episode include: What is TIA (This Is Africa) and ASA (Africa Strikes Again)? Missionary life in Rwanda and driving chaos in Kigali Western "guilt-innocence" justice vs. Biblical Gospel justice The bioethics of veracity (truthfulness) in international missions Inside the Roots Network 501c3 fundraising and global ministry Humility, perseverance, grace, and patience when cultures collide Cross-cultural ministry experiences and funny missionary testimonies Behind the scenes with the TRN teams in Rwanda and Burundi Discipleship, church planting, and short-term mission trip prep Key Scriptures & Devotional Points: Ephesians 4:25 (Speaking the truth with your neighbor) James 1:3 (The testing of faith produces perseverance) Philippians 2:3 (Counting others more significant than yourself) Proverbs 3:5 (Trusting the Lord and leaning not on your own understanding) Ephesians 3:17-19 (The TRN foundational verse on being rooted in love) Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Episode Introduction 01:28 Recap of Episode 1 02:28 Why We Started This Podcast 04:25 Respecting East African Culture 06:59 What Does TIA Mean? 08:57 Veracity, Truth & Honest Storytelling 11:31 First TIA Story: The Gas Pump Incident 17:00 Shattered Mirror & The Justice Question 23:09 Lessons About Anger & Leadership 27:51 "Choose Life" – Rwanda Traffic Stories 34:18 Why So Many Car Stories? 36:17 TIA Happens Everywhere 40:54 Kingdom Culture Takeaways 41:09 Perseverance Through Unexpected Challenges 43:32 Cultural Differences Require Humility 47:07 What God May Be Teaching Us 49:25 God's Sovereignty & Everyday Lessons 51:48 Final Thoughts: Humility, Patience & Grace 52:41 Closing Prayer 54:40 Stay Rooted & Share the Podcast If you enjoy this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, and SHARE. It helps us reach more people and continue sharing stories of faith, missions, and Kingdom impact around the world. Learn more about The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/ Support The Roots Network: https://www.therootsnetwork.org/get-i... Connect with us:   / the_roots_network     / therootsnetwork   https://x.com/roots_network 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes:    / @therootsnetwork   🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/639ghae... #ThisIsAfrica #MissionaryStories #ChristianPodcast