In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at Southern Seminary, talks with Dr. Jimmy Bledsoe, a veteran missionary with 13 years in East Africa. They discuss the crucial role of theological education in strengthening local churches, the challenges pastors face in accessing solid training, and how cultural influences shape Christianity in the region. Dr. Bledsoe offers valuable insight into the current needs, obstacles, and opportunities for gospel-centered education in East Africa.

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.edu

Mentioned 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.