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.

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 Seminary

https://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 Seminary

https://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 Seminary

https://www.sbts.edu/online-phd/