What does it actually take to bring the Word of God into a new language? It’s more than just swapping words—it’s about heart, culture, and years of life on the ground. In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a translation consultant who shares her journey starting in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. We pull back the curtain on the "inner workings" of translation, discussing the linguistic hurdles, the deep relationships required, and what it’s like to see a community receive the Bible in their mother tongue for the first time.

The bags are unpacked, but the journey isn’t over. For many students, the hardest part of an overseas trip isn’t the culture shock of going—it’s the "reverse culture shock" of coming home.

In this episode, we dive into the critical window of reentry and debriefing. We explore how to help student teams process their experiences, navigate the transition back to campus life, and integrate their global perspectives into their local college ministry. Whether you are a student leader or a staff member, learn how to turn an overseas experience into a foundation for long-term spiritual growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Art of the Debrief: Questions to help students process what they saw and felt.

Navigating Reentry: Handling the "disconnection" from friends and family who didn't go.

From Missions to Campus: Strategies for re-engaging with college ministry.

The Long-Term View: Ensuring the lessons learned overseas don't stay overseas.

You can also hear Brett on Season 4, Episodes 1-4 Founders Series as he shares about his experiences in helping found OneLink International.

Have you wanted to go to the field and then felt delayed and discouraged?  This episode is for you! Today we talk with Jessica who just completed from her second stint overseas.  She originally thought she would go right back, but as she said in her words, "The path God leads us on is not always a straight line."

What and how does assessment benefit a mission sending organization?  Whether its a church, a mission agency, or a combination of both time spent in assessing candidates usually pays big dividends. 

Today we talk with Rich about how the face of international student ministry is changing, both here in the states and overseas as well, or more specifically the opportunity that is emerging for International Student work overseas.

For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at [email protected] 

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 2 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 1 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

Reading is absolutely crucial in the life of a Christian. The same is true even more so in leadership. “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” In this episode, Kurt from the University of Florida BCM shares from his experiences how the discipline of reading Christian books yields tremendous spiritual fruit. From his shared experiences, he draws out practical habits that can ensure a rhythm of reading that will help to sharpen one’s spirit, stimulate the mind, feed the soul, and deepen our walk with God.

Kurts recently read list (Some overlap)

Hospitality is often reduced to Pinterest-perfect dinner parties and clean houses, but the biblical call is much more radical. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Mendola, Global Ambassador for International Friendships, Inc. (IFI), to explore the true meaning of biblical hospitality. Rich shares from decades of experience welcoming students from the ends of the earth into his own home. We discuss why hospitality is a primary way for "outsiders" to experience the love of God, how to overcome the "busyness" barrier, and practical ways to engage the nations currently residing in our own zip codes.

For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at [email protected] 

The bags are unpacked and the reports are in! We are opening Season 6 with a celebration of everything God did through our student teams and partners this summer. Tune in for an inspiring recap of our summer missions and a first look at the powerful conversations coming your way this season on the OneLink Podcast.