Welcome back to The Help Me Abide Podcast. I am truly honored to introduce today’s guest.
Joining us is Mrs. Rhoda Smith, a faithful missionary who, along with her husband Robert Smith II, has served the Lord for over thirty five years on the mission field. Together, they’ve had five children, two of whom are living, and have dedicated their lives to sharing the Gospel around the world.
The Smiths began their missionary journey in Nigeria, West Africa, where God used them to start a church that continues to bear fruit to this day. From that work, around thirty people have gone out to serve in ministry, with more than sixteen currently pastoring, one serving as an evangelist, and others training in Bible college.
Today, the Smiths serve faithfully in Barbados, where they have planted the St. Philip Independent Baptist Church, an inspiring ministry named for the location they serve in. God has blessed their ministry with faithful believers whose spiritual growth, as local pastors say, is “like watching a tree grow.” Slow, steady, but truly miraculous. The kind of growth that only God can bring.
The Smiths have also had the joy of witnessing something rare and precious on the island, marriages. In a nation where most homes are led by single parents, they’ve seen God transform lives and families, and they’ve even had the honor of helping some couples take that beautiful step of faith together in marriage.
Most importantly, through countless visits, Bible studies, and conversations, they’ve been able to share the truth of salvation by grace and the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ with many who had never heard the message clearly before.
One of Rhoda’s favorite stories is of a dear older woman who began to weep as she heard for the very first time that eternal life is a gift from God already paid for by Jesus. Moments like that remind her why she went, why she serves, and why she must keep sharing the truth.
From a big day attendance of 1,200 in Nigeria to 168 in Barbados, God has proven Himself faithful every step of the way. Souls have been saved, lives transformed, and churches established where once there were none.
And of course, we can’t forget some of the simple joys of life in Barbados, like macaroni pie, chicken curry, and yes, even fish: something the Smiths didn’t grow up loving, but now enjoy as a staple of island life.
Oh, and one quick note before we begin. Please forgive the audio quality in this episode. We had a little trouble keeping the internet connection stable, so we actually ended up recording over the phone with the phone on speaker, held up to the microphone. But I promise, the message and the heart behind it are worth every bit of it.
Are you ready to be encouraged and equipped to abide in Christ? Let’s get into the heart of today’s episode.
RESOURCES:
Ed Dunlop Books- Books
George Muller Autobiography- Book
TEAM:
Podcast Facilitator - Mrs Tammy Goddard
Host - Jennifer Beil
Social Media Director - Lisa Grubb
Music Coordinator - Lindsey Osgood
Resource Promoter - Connie Marrujo
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