In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin sits down with Pastor Josh Manley of RAK Evangelical Church in the United Arab Emirates. They discuss the challenges and joys of church planting in the Middle East, the strategic importance of international churches in mission work, and the unique context of ministry in a predominantly Muslim region. Pastor Josh shares his journey from working in U.S. politics to leading a vibrant, multi-ethnic congregation in the heart of the Arabian ...
Jun 25, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 42
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the evolving landscape of theological education in Brazil. The conversation highlights the shift towards distance education catalyzed by the pandemic, the significant role of technology in reaching remote areas, and the impact of historical missionary work. The discussion also covers the challenges of contextualization versus accommodation, the g...
Jun 18, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 41
In this episode of 'Amazon to Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the rapid growth of Evangelical Christianity in Brazil and the critical need for theological education. Dr. Mark Johnson, who has over 30 years of experience working in Brazil, shares insights into the challenges and hopes for training pastors and missionaries in the country. The conversation covers the historical impact of Southern Baptist efforts, ...
Jun 11, 2025•26 min•Season 9Ep. 40
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin discusses the strategic importance of global cities in fulfilling the Great Commission with Victor Hou from the International Mission Board. Victor shares his extensive experience living and working in urban contexts around the world, highlighting the rising urbanization and its implications for mission work. They discuss the role of cities as hubs for reaching unreached people groups, the biblical perspective on cities, and the challe...
Jun 04, 2025•35 min•Season 9Ep. 39
In this episode of the Amazon to the Himalayas podcast, host Paul Akin talks with Will, a Southern Baptist missionary serving in Bogota, Colombia. Will shares his journey from pastoring in Texas to answering the call to missions, emphasizing God's incredible work in Colombia's evangelical churches. The conversation covers the challenges of ministry in a country marked by Catholicism and postmodern influences, the impact of prosperity gospel movements, and the exciting growth of expository preach...
May 28, 2025•34 min•Season 9Ep. 38
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, engages in a meaningful conversation with Dr. Scott Hildreth. Dr. Hildreth is an author, professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a former missionary, discussing his new book 'A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions.' They explore the biblical mandate for missions, the global and local challenges facing evangelism today, and practical a...
May 21, 2025•33 min•Season 9Ep. 37
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, explores the biblical and practical parallels between Paul's missionary journeys and modern missions. The conversation delves into the viability of international English-speaking churches, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and adaptability in different cultural contexts. Caleb, a seasoned missionary, shares personal experiences, including overcoming a s...
May 14, 2025•25 min•Season 9Ep. 36
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, the provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, engages in a conversation with Caleb Greggson. Caleb, who grew up on the mission field, talks about his journey from the United States to Asia, where he now pastors an international English-speaking church. The discussion delves into the viability and strategic importance of international churches in fulfilling the Great Commission. Caleb shares his pe...
May 07, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 35
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin explores the shift in mission from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He discusses the centripetal mission of Israel, where nations were drawn to witness God's glory, to the centrifugal mission of the church, where believers are sent out to spread the gospel. Key topics include the Holy Spirit's evolving role, the significance of the Tabernacle and the Temple, and the Great Commission. The episode aims to deepen our understanding ...
Apr 30, 2025•22 min•Season 9Ep. 36
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin interviews Dr. Rebecca Naylor, a seasoned missionary and distinguished surgeon who dedicated 35 years of her life to serving in India and 15 years mobilizing healthcare strategies globally. Dr. Naylor shares her journey from a young girl in Texas to a medical missionary in South Asia, discussing her impactful work at Bangalore Baptist Hospital and the extensive role of healthcare in missions. She emphasizes the significance of abiding ...
Apr 23, 2025•29 min•Season 9Ep. 33
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, engages in a detailed conversation with Ryan Martin, author of 'Holding the Rope: How the Local Church Can Care for Its Sent Ones.' he discussion revolves around the need for holistic missionary care encompassing spiritual, emotional, and relational support extending beyond just financial assistance. Ryan shares his insights drawn from his extensive experi...
Apr 16, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 32
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, speaks with Dr. Brian DeVries, President of Muyo Theological College in South Africa. Dr. DeVries discusses his newly released book 'You'll Be My Witnesses: Theology for God's Church Serving in God's Mission,' which explores the biblical and theological foundations of mission work. The conversation delves into the continuity of mission from the Old Testame...
Apr 09, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 31
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the intersection of disaster relief and missionary work with Jason Cox, Vice President for International Ministries at SEND Relief. They delve into the organization's collaborative efforts with NAMB and IMB in responding to global disasters, the importance of compassion-driven aid, and the strategic role these efforts play in advancing the Great ...
Apr 02, 2025•33 min•Season 9Ep. 30
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin discusses the centrality of missions in the Christian life. He explores the concept of God as a 'missionary God' and the Bible as a 'missionary book,' highlighting key themes from creation to the New Testament and beyond. Paul Akin emphasizes the importance of understanding God's mission and our role as His sent people, aligning our lives with His purpose, and living with confidence in His sovereignty. Mentioned in this episode: Doctor...
Mar 26, 2025•21 min•Season 9Ep. 29
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, explores the increasing persecution and suffering faced by Christians worldwide. Joined by seasoned missionary Willie, they delve into firsthand experiences of dealing with adversity on the mission field. Willie shares his personal story of being beaten and arrested, and how this led to a deeper connection with God and increased boldness among local believers. ...
Mar 19, 2025•33 min•Season 9Ep. 28
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the attributes, training, and preparation required for aspiring missionaries with Scott Ray, Senior Director of Field Personnel Deployment at the International Mission Board. Scott shares insights from his extensive experience in South Asia and his current role, emphasizing the significance of discipleship, cross-cultural experience, evangelistic...
Mar 12, 2025•27 min•Season 9Ep. 27
In this episode of the 'Amazon to the Himalayas' podcast, host Paul Akin converses with veteran missionary Jesse, who has spent 19 years in South Asia, now living in a city with over 25 million people. They discuss the shift of global populations to urban centers and the unique challenges and opportunities this presents for missions. Jesse shares insights into his work starting from smaller cities to transitioning into a mega city, detailing strategic approaches to reach unreached people groups,...
Mar 05, 2025•30 min•Season 9Ep. 26
Every day, new communication channels are being added to our already complex digital world, but how do we choose the right one to reach more people? In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin interviews author Don Barger about his book, "Unreadable: Another Book You Probably Won't Read." They discuss our complex world of communication and how people are receiving their information in the modern world. Don Barger's book, Unreadable: https://www.amazon.com/Unreadable-Another-Book-P...
Feb 26, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 25
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas', host Paul Akin interviews David Bruce, a long-time co-worker of Billy Graham, to uncover the remarkable character and spiritual practices that defined Graham's ministry. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they explore Graham's profound humility, unwavering dedication to giving God the glory, his effective evangelistic invitations, and his passion for continual learning and prayer. The conversation delves into Graham’s influence on evangelica...
Feb 19, 2025•18 min•Season 9Ep. 24
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas', host Paul Akin and guest Dr. David Bruce, a long-time personal assistant to the late Billy Graham, dive into the life and legacy of one of the most influential evangelists of the 20th century. They explore Billy Graham's humble beginnings, his spiritual journey, and the significant impact he made on a global scale. The discussion also touches upon the 'Billy Graham Rule' and its deeper meaning, as well as the principles that guided Graham's ministry....
Feb 12, 2025•25 min•Season 9Ep. 23
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS), sits down with Dr. George Martin, Professor of Christian Mission and World Religions at SBTS, to discuss the historical impact of Southern Seminary on global missions. They delve into the early days of the Southern Baptist Convention and the establishment of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, exploring the role of SBTS in training and sendin...
Feb 05, 2025•37 min•Season 9Ep. 22
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin talks with seasoned missionary Kyle Brousseau about the complexities of Hinduism and the dynamics of sharing the gospel within Hindu contexts. Kyle, currently serving with the International Mission Board in Prague, Czech Republic, and soon-to-be Dr. Brousseau, shares insights from his extensive experience in South Asia. Topics include an overview of Hindu beliefs such as reincarnation and the caste system, common objections Hindus have...
Jan 29, 2025•32 min•Season 9Ep. 21
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Dr. Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, interviews Dr. Danny Akin, President of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, about his new book 'Ten Women Who Changed the World.' The book highlights the lives of ten women who made significant contributions to global missions. The conversation delves into the roles and challenges women have faced in mission work, their inspirational stories, an...
Jan 22, 2025•31 min•Season 9Ep. 20
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the challenges and opportunities in next-generation ministry with Shane Pruitt, National Next Gen Director for the North American Mission Board. They delve into the importance of understanding and engaging Gen Z and Gen Alpha, the encouraging signs of revival, and practical strategies for ministering to young people. Pruitt shares insights on how to ...
Jan 15, 2025•35 min•Season 9Ep. 19
In this episode, host Paul Akin talks with Dr. Paul Chitwood, president of the International Mission Board, about the significant disparity between single men and women in missionary work. They discuss barriers that prevent young men from pursuing missions, including sin issues, debt, and cultural influences. They also emphasize the need for intentionality in local churches to mobilize and encourage young men. Examples of adventurous missionary roles are highlighted to capture young men's imagin...
Jan 08, 2025•29 min•Season 9Ep. 18
In this episode, Paul Akin offers gratitude to regular listeners and delves into the ways Christians can live on mission during the Christmas season. By engaging in missional conversations with family and friends, giving generously to mission causes, praying for the lost, and serving others in the community, believers can seize the Christmas season as a unique opportunity to share the gospel. Paul shares practical examples and encourages intentionality in making the most of the festive period fo...
Dec 25, 2024•17 min•Season 9Ep. 17
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin talks to Dr. Jeremy Westbrook, the Executive Director of the Ohio Baptist Convention, about a significant revival event that occurred at Ohio State University in late August 2024. The event attracted over 2000 attendees and resulted in more than 60 baptisms. Dr. Westbrook provides insights into the event, the role of football players in spreading the revival, and the broader impact on church planting and collegiate ministry across Ohio. ...
Dec 18, 2024•29 min•Season 9Ep. 16
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, joined by Dr. Ayman Ibrahim, delves into understanding Islam from a Christian perspective and the challenge Islam presents in the Great Commission. Dr. Ibrahim, an expert in Christian-Muslim relations, elaborates on common misconceptions about Islam, the importance of apologetics, and how Christians can effectively engage with Muslim neighbors. The conversation highlights practical steps for local churches and individual Christians, s...
Dec 11, 2024•30 min•Season 9Ep. 15
In this episode, Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, interviews Dr. Jimmy Scroggins, the pastor of Family Church in South Florida, and explores the Three Circles Evangelism tool that Dr. Scroggins developed. They discuss the importance of evangelism for Christians, the origins and purposes of the Three Circles tool, and how it serves as both a conversation map and an effective method for sharing the gospel. Dr. Scroggins shares insights into tra...
Dec 04, 2024•25 min•Season 9Ep. 14
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin engages in a discussion with Dave Knotts. They explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and social media on mission work worldwide. Dave shares insights on how digital tools can be used to reach and engage the billions on social media with the gospel, emphasizing the exponential effect of these technologies in areas where traditional missionary approaches face challenges. The conversation covers practical examples a...
Nov 27, 2024•35 min•Season 9Ep. 13
