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 Seminary

https://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 Ministry

https://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

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 significant plane crash, and reflects on the encouragements and challenges of his ministry. He offers nuanced insights into integrating local and expatriate believers, the importance of character in leadership, and the strategic considerations for preaching and church planting. Key resources for understanding cross-cultural communication and historical missionary practices are recommended for aspiring missionaries.

Mentioned in this episode:

The NEW MDiv at Southern Seminary

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 personal experiences, theological insights, and challenges in church planting while shedding light on the integration of ecclesiology with mission work.

Mentioned in this episode:

Save Money by Studying On-Campus

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 of biblical mission and inspire active participation in God's global mission today.

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 in Christ, perseverance, and servant leadership, while also highlighting the evolving dynamics of medical missions and the influence of technology. The conversation is not only informative but also deeply inspirational, showcasing the dedication and courage of those serving in healthcare missions.

Mentioned in this episode:

Doctorate of Missiology at Southern Seminary