About this episode

This episode explores how a small act of obedience can significantly change someone's life through the inspiring story of Dr. Nujerling Vargas.

What if one small act of obedience could change the entire trajectory of someone’s life? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Meredith Brock and Kaley Olson sit down with Dr. Nujerling Vargas — a neurosurgeon from the Dominican Republic whose story is nothing short of remarkable. From walking barefoot to school and sharing a single notebook between siblings … to performing brain surgery and leading in her field, Nujerling’s journey is a testimony of what happens when someone is given the chance to dream. Through the support of Compassion International, her physical needs were met, her faith was formed, and her future was forever changed. If you’ve ever wondered whether your impact really matters, this conversation will remind you that it does — more than you know. You’ll learn: What it looks like to grow up in extreme poverty — and how it shapes your understanding of God. The life-changing impact of being sponsored through Compassion International. Why encouragement and simple words like “I love you” can transform a child’s future. How God uses ordinary obedience to accomplish extraordinary things. The powerful truth that you don’t have to be in ministry for God to use…

People in this episode

Hosts: Kaley Olson, Meredith Brock

Guest: Dr. Nujerling Vargas

Topics covered

• impact of obedience
• overcoming poverty
• faith formation
• child sponsorship
• personal testimony
• transformative encouragement

Keywords

• obedience
• life change
• neurosurgeon
• Compassion International
• extreme poverty
• faith
• child sponsorship

Sponsors

Compassion International

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Compassion International

More episodes of The Proverbs 31 Ministries Podcast

• “A Gentle Shift for the Girl Who’s Asking ‘Why Me?’” with Sharon Jaynes, Kaley Olson, and Cailah Garcia · April 7, 2026 · 40 min
• “What To Do When You’re Afraid of Making the Wrong Decision” With Grace Valentine, Meredith Brock, and Cailah Garcia · March 17, 2026 · 31 min
• “When You Don’t Know What To Pray — And You’re Wondering if God Is Near” With Lysa TerKeurst, Kaley Olson, and Cailah Garcia · March 3, 2026 · 30 min
• “Taming Your Thoughts: Three Tools to Renew Your Mind” With Max Lucado · February 17, 2026 · 32 min
• “When God Doesn’t Remove the Hard Thing — But Meets You in It” With Sarah Freymuth, Meredith Brock, and Kaley Olson · February 3, 2026 · 31 min
• “Grace That Saves … and Keeps You: Understanding the Gift You Can’t Earn” With Kristel Acevedo, Meredith Brock, and Kaley Olson · January 20, 2026 · 36 min

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