Episode 97: a conversation with speaker, author, podcaster, and mom Jennie Senapatiratne along with our podcast host, Mykelti Blum. Joy is the topic of discussion, and you’ll hear Jennie and Mykelti talk about how to practically move toward finding joy in daily life, the difference between joy and happiness, and leaning on Jesus as our eternal joy when facing trials.

You will also hear about Jennie’s new book, The Unnamed Zookeeper. Hidden moments and unnamed people in the Bible have bigger impact than we realize. If you feel invaluable and unseen, this conversation will offer you fresh perspective to see how you are connected to a much larger story, and we pray it encourages you to be confident in yourself and the tools God has given you.

BTG Events & Resources:

  • 2025 Garden Coffee
    • Free Missional Event for Women and Girls of All Ages!
    • July 5, 2025, at Lake Geneva Christian Center in Alexandria, MN.
    • Enjoy Refreshments, Worship Together, and Hear from a MN Global Worker. You’ll Also Have the Opportunity to Invest Into Missions (to Support Our 1000 Sisters Fund).
    • Learn More at mnbtg.org/1000sisters.
    • No RSVP Required; Invite Your Family and Church Community!
  • 2025 Thrive Conference
    • October 10-11, 2025
    • Mayo Civic Center (Rochester, MN)
    • Featuring Jennie Allen, Lisa Whittle, Angie Goetz, Substance Worship, Susie Larson & Amber Gerstmann (emcees), and Pamela Steinle & Brooke Maxwell (workshop emcees)
    • Main Sessions, Workshop Sessions, Dinner with Jennie Allen, “LIVE at Thrive with Susie Larson” — a BTG Podcast Recording Experience, Lunch with Speakers, the Thrive After-Party, Shopping, and More!
    • Groups of 40 or More Who Register by September 19 Will Receive Reserved Seating.
    • See All Ticket Types, and Register:
      • First-Time Guests to Thrive in Rochester Can Register for ONLY $20.
      • FREE Ticket for 2025 High School Grads! Email info@mnbtg.org to Request Your Coupon Code. (Tickets are Not Transferrable to Non-2025-High-School Grads.)
  • BTG Missions
    • Let us Know of Your Interest in Learning About Future BTG Missions Trips: mnbtg.org/trips.
    • Learn About Our 2024-2025 BTG Missions Partners, and Give Toward Our $500,000 Goal: mnbtg.org/missions.
  • 2026 BTG Leadership Conference
    • February 20-21
    • Lake Geneva Christian Center (Alexandria, MN)
    • Featuring Kristie Kerr
    • Main Sessions (including the Lund Leadership Award Presentation–Nominate a female leader of excellence HERE by October 31, the BTG Missions Feature, and the Leadership Exchange), Workshops, the After-Party, Exhibitor Shopping, Networking, and More! 
    • Register: mnbtg.org/leadership.
  • 2026 Single Moms Retreat 
    • May 29-30, 2026
    • Lake Geneva Christian Center (Alexandria, MN)
    • Featured Guests: Brooke Maxwell and Kevin Ramsby
    • Main Sessions, Multiple Workshops, Lots of INCLUDED Activities and Giveaways.
    • Learn More & Register to Attend, Exhibit, or Volunteer: mnbtg.org/retreat.

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