What happens when someone holds a Bible for the very first time?

In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Darryl Willis, Clyde Slimp, and John Mark Smith to reflect on their recent journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia.

What began as a Bible distribution trip turned into something more—a series of powerful, personal moments that reminded them just how deeply God is at work across Eastern Europe.

From conversations with local pastors to unexpected encounters with everyday people, this episode offers a glimpse into the impact of God’s Word and the hope it brings—one Bible, one heart at a time.

This isn’t just a story about Bibles. It’s about people, purpose, and the power of saying yes to God. You’ll want to watch this one.

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What happens when your father’s underground Bible ministry shapes the path you never expected to take?

In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Rostyslav Stasyuk—a husband, father, and global ministry leader with deep roots in faith. Rostyslav shares how his family’s legacy and his cross-cultural experiences led him to join EEM as the Regional Director for South Caucasus and Central Asia, where he now helps distribute Bibles, 

This heartfelt conversation touches on the importance of Scripture in someone's mother language, the powerful role of prayer, and the impact of the Bible in places where faith comes at a cost. Rostyslav also shares how the war in Ukraine has both challenged and strengthened his faith, as well as what it means to disciple others, even in isolation.

Whether you're a parent, a ministry leader, or someone looking for hope in hard seasons, this episode will leave you encouraged.

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In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Ivan (Vanya) Prokopchuk—husband, father, ministry leader, and a man shaped by both legacy and loss.

Ivan grew up in Ukraine watching his father live out the Gospel in humble, faithful ways. That example laid the foundation for Ivan’s own heart for ministry—especially toward orphans and vulnerable children. But when war broke out in Ukraine, everything changed. The challenges became more intense, and yet, so did his resolve.

In this conversation, Ivan shares what it’s like to walk through a crisis while still choosing to serve. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll of living in a war zone, how ministry has shifted from programming to presence, and how prayer has become the daily rhythm of survival and hope.

What makes this episode so special is the reminder that in a world full of uncertainty, God is still writing stories of hope, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re a ministry leader, parent, or someone needing encouragement, Ivan’s words will leave you both challenged and comforted.

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In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Dasha Novikova, who shares powerful testimonies from people across Ukraine—stories of how one Bible, received in the midst of war, can bring hope, healing, and a renewed sense of faith.

Dasha gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to live through ongoing conflict, while also witnessing firsthand how God is moving in the local church through trauma-informed care and the strength of community.

This conversation isn’t just about war—it’s about the power of God’s presence in our lives, even when we can’t see the way forward. If you’ve ever wondered how faith can survive in the toughest moments or how you can help, this episode will speak directly to your heart.

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Life has a way of leading us through unexpected twists—some that break us and some that build us. In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, host Brooke Kehl sits down with Tamika Rybinski, a writer, graphic artist, and missionary based in Vienna, Austria. Tamika’s story is one of resilience, faith, and creativity.

From surviving a life-changing car accident to navigating cancer and a stroke, Tamika’s journey is marked by deep trust in God through every season. She shares how her love for art, storytelling, and missions led her to EEM, where she now designs book covers and creates Scripture-based coloring books that bring families closer to God’s Word.

This conversation is about finding meaning in the mess, seeing God’s hand in every moment, and learning how even small acts of obedience can be part of His bigger plan. Whether you’re walking through uncertainty, seeking purpose, or just love a good story of faith, this one’s for you.

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In this episode, Bart Rybinski joins us to look back on the challenges and victories of 2024. We talk about why trust and strong relationships matter, even when things get hard, and how unexpected partnerships have helped get Bibles into more hands.

We also share stories about the impact of giving people access to Scripture and what it’s been like working in places like Poland and Ukraine. We get honest about what it means to serve and why prayer, patience, and community make all the difference.

Tune in for a down-to-earth chat about faith in action and how God keeps showing up in ways we never expected.

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In this episode, we are joined by church leader, author, and cultural commentator Patrick Miller as we dive into what it means to embrace life as “joyful outsiders” in today’s world. Patrick shares some amazing insights from his books with co-author Keith Simon, Truth Over Tribe and the upcoming Joyful Outsiders, and we discuss how to stay true to our faith while loving people across divides. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation on finding unity, living counter-culturally, and showing Christ’s love in practical ways.

Tune in to learn more about how living with joy, radical generosity, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit can transform our communities and reflect Christ’s love in a divided culture.

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In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl are joined by Andy Corley, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship International (PFI), for another inspiring conversation on their success and challenges over the past year. Together, they discuss the life-changing work of ministering to prisoners and their families and the special focus on children with parents behind bars.

Andy also shares the heart of PFI’s global ministry–centered on worth, redemption, and the unique partnership between PFI and EEM to creatively share the gospel. With stories of God’s faithfulness, fresh insights into preventative efforts, and a look toward what’s ahead, this episode dives into how serving the vulnerable and marginalized beautifully reflects God’s character.

Tune in to hear how partnerships, prayer, and radical trust in God’s provision are making an eternal impact—and be inspired to join in the mission of bringing hope and transformation to communities around the world.

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In this episode, we explore the impactful work of Open Doors USA, an organization dedicated to supporting the persecuted church worldwide. Despite facing severe persecution, the church in different regions continues to grow, offering a powerful testimony of faith.

Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors USA, shares how their mission raises awareness, provides resources, and advocates for those risking their lives to follow Christ. He emphasizes the lessons American Christians can learn from the persecuted church and the importance of prioritizing a deep relationship with God.

Watch to know more about how the global body of Christ is strengthened through the faith of those who face persecution daily.

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In this episode, we explore the incredible work of Transform Iran, a group dedicated to bringing freedom and hope to the people of Iran. Despite strict government rules that make it illegal to leave Islam or own a Bible, the church in Iran is growing fast. Over a million Iranian Muslims have given their lives to Christ in the past 45 years.

Lana Silk, from Transform Iran, shares how the ministry focuses on three main areas: spreading the Gospel, helping new believers grow in their faith, and bringing positive change to communities. She discusses the importance of sacrifice, trusting God, and the need for ongoing discipleship in our Christian lives. 

Tune in to hear how the Gospel is transforming lives in one of the most oppressed nations in the world.

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