Discover
Amazon to the Himalayas
Amazon to the Himalayas
Author: Paul Akin
Subscribed: 18Played: 307Subscribe
Share
© 2024 Amazon to the Himalayas Paul Akin
Description
From the Amazon to the Himalayas God is accomplishing his mission! This podcast exists to share stories and conversations with the global church and for the global church about the mission of God in the world.
143 Episodes
Reverse
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Paul Akin talks with Bradley Bell of the Upstream Collective about the vision of the “sending church.” Bell explains how Upstream equips churches to reclaim their central role in missions through training, resources, and partnerships. They discuss common obstacles, the importance of prayer and biblical grounding, and real-world efforts—including work in Cameroon—that demonstrate the powerful potential of churches in fulfilling the Great Commission.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin talks with Pastor Matt Tyler about his journey from Arkansas to Bangkok. Matt shares how he and his wife Emily followed God’s call overseas, eventually leading him to pastor Bangkok City Baptist Church. They discuss the challenges of ministry in a Buddhist-majority city, the value of English-speaking churches in global hubs, and Matt’s hope for developing indigenous church leaders in Thailand.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin talks with Dr. Scott Logston, co-author of Prioritizing the Church in Mission. Drawing on his experience in church planting, pastoral ministry, and mission work, Dr. Logston explains why the local church must remain central to global missions. They discuss the risks of sidelining the church, practical ways to align mission strategies with biblical priorities, and how modern individualism has shaped today’s mission efforts.
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Paul Akin speaks with Pastor Matthias Lohmann of the Free Evangelical Church in Munich. They discuss the decline of Christianity in Germany, the challenges of evangelism in a secular culture, and encouraging signs of renewal through new churches and growing interest in ministry. Loman also shares his journey from agnosticism to pastoral leadership and offers prayer requests for the church in Germany.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Paul Akin talks with Dr. Aaron Menikoff, senior pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Georgia, about his new book Prioritizing Missions in the Church. Dr. Menikoff shares why missions should be central to every local church and offers practical, biblical guidance for raising up and sending out missionaries—both to neighbors and the nations.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Dr. Paul Akin talks with Dr. Thomas West, pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and former church planter in London. Dr. West reflects on planting a gospel-centered church in post-Christian London and now leading a historic congregation in the American South. He shares lessons on ministry, mentorship, and the faithfulness of Jesus across cultures and seasons of life.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin talks with Josh Powell, Senior Pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in South Carolina, about his unexpected trip to jail. What started as a partnership trip turned dangerous when Powell was detained after sharing the gospel in a closed country. His story reveals the courage, faith, and sacrifice often required to fulfill the Great Commission.
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin speaks with Sam, a missionary who served in Vietnam during the war. Sam shares stories of starting a seminary near Saigon, surviving the Tet Offensive, and facing life-threatening encounters with the Viet Cong. Despite the dangers, he and his family remained faithful to God’s call. The conversation also reflects on the lasting impact of their ministry and the growth of the Vietnamese Baptist Convention today.www.sbts.eduMentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin speaks with Sam James, a veteran Southern Baptist missionary who devoted more than 40 years to gospel work in Vietnam. Amid war, persecution, and political upheaval, James faithfully planted churches, discipled believers, and helped establish a lasting gospel presence in the country. Their conversation explores James’s early life, his call to missions, and the many challenges and victories he experienced. Listeners will gain insight into his innovative approaches to church planting and evangelism, as well as the resilience required to serve in turbulent times. This episode stands as a powerful testament to the enduring strength of the gospel and the impact of faithful mission work.
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin interviews Timothy O'Day, a Southern Seminary graduate serving as a church planter and pastor in Utah. Timothy shares his journey from growing up in a pluralistic home in Missouri to planting Christ Fellowship Church near Salt Lake City. He discusses the challenges of evangelism in a predominantly LDS context, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the need for authenticity in ministry. Timothy also reflects on the value of bi-vocational ministry and offers advice to seminary students considering pastoral work in underserved areas.Mentioned in this episode:The Online PhD at Southern Seminaryhttps://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin sits down with Adian Wood, a former student now serving as a missionary in North Africa. Adian traces his journey from a Christian upbringing and early mission trips in Asia and Europe to ministry in one of North Africa’s bustling megacities. He reflects on language learning, cultural adaptation, and the challenges of discipling local believers, while also sharing encouraging gospel encounters. This conversation highlights the realities of life on mission—the joys, the difficulties, and the urgent need for faithful laborers in the harvest.Mentioned in this episode:The Online PhD at Southern Seminaryhttps://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/
In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Dr. Paul Akin talks with Dr. Jeremy Pierre about his recent mission trip to Kenya. Dr. Pierre shares what he learned from leading pastoral training and counseling sessions, the cultural contrasts he observed, and the spiritual hunger he witnessed. He reflects on the challenges and encouragements of missionary work and how these experiences shape ministry back home. The conversation also highlights the Bevin Center’s role in providing life-changing mission opportunities for Southern Seminary students and faculty.Mentioned in this episode:The Online PhD at Southern Seminaryhttps://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin sits down with Tim Challies and Tim Keesee to discuss their new book 'From The Rising of the Sun.' The conversation covers the book's inspiration, the project’s logistical challenges, and the vibrant stories of faith they encountered around the globe. The book and its accompanying videos explore churches from jungles to mountain villages, showcasing God’s work in diverse cultural settings. The episode also touches on the unique insights gained from witnessing global worship practices and the unity of the global church. The book aims to remind North American Christians of the expansive and powerful reach of the gospel.From the Rising of the Sun: https://a.co/d/70rVR0oMentioned in this episode:The Doctor of Ministryhttps://www.sbts.edu/degree-programs/doctor-of-ministry/
In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delves into the history, significance, and future of the Cooperative Program as we celebrate its 100th anniversary. Joined by Dr. Tony Wolf, the Executive Director and Treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the conversation explores the impact of the Cooperative Program in funding global missions, church planting, theological education, and more. Dr. Wolf also discusses his newly co-edited book, 'A Unity of Purpose,' which encapsulates the essence and historical milestones of the Cooperative Program. The discussion underscores the importance of renewed commitment among Southern Baptists to this unique and effective missions funding mechanism.Mentioned in this episode:The Online PhD at Southern Seminaryhttps://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/
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 Peninsula, touching on topics such as the role of trade languages in ministry, the transient nature of the community, and the significant opportunities for gospel witness and leadership training in this part of the world.Mentioned in this episode:The Online PhD at Southern Seminaryhttps://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/
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 growing appetite for sound doctrine among younger Brazilian evangelicals, and the importance of training today's Baptist leaders to become the global leaders of tomorrow.
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, the effects of the disengagement strategy, and the current need for more top-tier theological leaders to sustain and grow the evangelical movement in Brazil.Mentioned in this episode:The Doctor of Ministryhttps://www.sbts.edu/degree-programs/doctor-of-ministry/
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 challenges and opportunities faced by churches in urban areas. Practical advice is given on how local churches can engage in mission work in global cities and how prayer is essential in these efforts. The episode concludes with insights on inspiring the next generation to participate in mission work within urban environments.
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 preaching and church planting among Colombian evangelicals. Will also discusses theological training, the plight of unreached indigenous groups, and the importance of long-term and short-term mission work. Listeners are encouraged to pray for the political climate, safety, and expanding opportunities to spread the gospel in Colombia.Mentioned in this episode:Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary
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 advice for Christians seeking to fulfill the Great Commission. Dr. Hildreth emphasizes that missions are a call for every Christian, not just professionals, and the importance of understanding the 'Missio Dei'— the mission of God. The episode also covers how churches can equip their members for evangelism and the essential role of calling in mission work.Mentioned in this episode:Save Money by Studying On-Campus




