JULIE PROCTOR | To Reach the Least of These (Ep. 744)
Apr 17, 2025
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Julie Proctor, co-founder of Manos De Fe in Panama, passionately shares her journey from church growth to humanitarian work. She discusses the organization's mission to empower impoverished families with self-sufficiency and hope. Julie delves into the darkness faced by these communities and the role of godly masculinity in combating human suffering. She reflects on the challenges of empathy fatigue in mission work and emphasizes the significance of mentorship in transforming lives, particularly for young girls affected by abuse and trafficking.
Julie Proctor discusses the founding of Manos de Fe, aiming to empower impoverished families in Panama through self-sufficiency and education.
The growth of Church of Eleven22 highlights the impact of authentic biblical teaching, fostering a vibrant and engaged community of believers.
Julie emphasizes the emotional toll of mission work and the importance of self-care to combat empathy fatigue while advocating for systemic change.
Deep dives
Mission and Impact of Manos de Fe
Manos de Fe, founded by Julie Proctor and her husband Gary, aims to empower impoverished families in Chiriqui, Panama, by promoting self-sufficiency and a hopeful future through various initiatives. The organization operates as a safe haven for girls who have experienced abandonment, abuse, or human trafficking. Notably, it provides a family-centric environment where mothers can stay with their children, breaking the cycle of trafficking and abuse. Their approach emphasizes education, vocational training, and spiritual growth, enabling these young women to lead healthier, faith-filled lives and ultimately transition successfully into society.
The Growth and Journey of Church 1122
Julie Proctor shares her experience from the inception of Church 1122, where her husband, Gary, serves as an elder, providing a unique perspective on its rapid growth from a youth service to a thriving church community. She discusses how Pastor Joby Martin's authentic preaching style resonates with a young adult crowd, fostering a strong desire for biblical teachings. The growth was not merely anecdotal; it was evidenced by the congregation's overwhelming engagement and excitement for the Word, creating a church environment marked by acceptance and application of biblical truths. The success of Church 1122 exemplifies how genuine teaching can attract and retain a passionate congregation eager to serve.
Creating a Supportive Environment
The podcast discusses the importance of fostering a male-friendly and supportive church environment without compromising the dignity of women. Julie highlights how the church's teachings uplift both men and women, with sermons aimed at men encouraging them to step into their roles as respectful and caring figures, ultimately promoting healthier relationships. In connecting the congregation to community needs, the church actively involves its members in outreach programs, reflecting a commitment to tackling issues like gender-based violence and offering mentorship. Julie expresses the need for positive male influences, particularly for young girls shaped by trauma, demonstrating the vital balance between supportive pastoral care and on-the-ground youth engagement.
Navigating the Challenges of Compassion
Julie candidly addresses the emotional toll that comes with serving vulnerable populations and the need for self-care amidst overwhelming circumstances. She shares that while every girl at Manos de Fe has a unique and often harrowing backstory, the organization's mission to provide healing and hope is rooted in a deep sense of responsibility. The struggle with burnout and empathy fatigue is real, exposing the heavy burden of ensuring continued financial support and operational sustainability. Yet, this challenge fuels the passion to advocate for systemic changes in the community, proving that the weight of compassion can also serve as a catalyst for significant impact.
Opportunities for Involvement
For those wanting to contribute, Julie emphasizes that the best support for Manos de Fe includes financial contributions, mission trip participation, and prayer. The organization faces ongoing financial needs to hire adequate staff and maintain its operations, which hinge on community support. Julie invites individuals to partake in mission trips to witness the life-changing work firsthand, fostering deeper connections and understanding. She encourages potential donors to see the value in their contributions, acknowledging that their support directly impacts the lives of vulnerable girls, helping them navigate trauma and find pathways to healing and empowerment.
In this episode, we welcome Julie Proctor to the show. She and her husband Gary founded Manos De Fe in Panama. The mission of Manos de Fe is to share the love of Christ while helping impoverished families in Chiriqui, Panama achieve self-sufficiency and hope for a brighter future. In this interview, we discuss what it was like being one of the first members of Church of Eleven22, what it has been like to watch the church grow, the process her husband went through to become an elder, where her personal calling for missions began, why she started doing mission work in Panama, how we should view “empathy fatigue” as it pertains to mission work, the darkness she has exposed herself to in order to push it back, how the lack of godly masculinity leads to human suffering, and much more. Let’s get into it…
