The Same Commission

with Mike Packer, mission partner, France

"People are living a life but are lost and unless somebody tells them about the gospel, about Jesus, about his love for them, about his compassion and care for them that is why we've been put in this world, to go into all the world and make disciples."

We're delighted to have Mike Packer in the Echoes International podcast studio today. As well as working in mission in France, Mike and Alison Packer also serve as Mission Partner Care Coordinators at Echoes International, supporting mission partners pastorally. In this episode, Mike shares of how he reluctantly became interested in mission in France, having been thrown out his French class at school! We follow his journey to France and the ways in which the Lord used people along his way to encourage him.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Mike, alongside his wife Alison, serve as mission partners in France. They are involved in evangelism, pastoral care, teaching, prison chaplaincy, Bible publication and distribution, youth and young adults' work, as well as being Mission Partner Care Coordinators with Echoes International.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors, with Mike Packer, mission partner, France.

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #mission #faith #christianity #christian #believers #brethren #France #called #serve #prison #Bible #Publications #Missionpartners #Support #Mobilisation #French

with Mia, mission partner, Middle East

"Everything we needed, at the right time, He was providing it. When the tough times came, when we were struggling with things I'd remember that."

Mission partner Mia (not her real name) joins Echoes International directors Matthew Pitts and Jim Armstrong, as she shares how she and her family arrived in the Middle East as mission partners. From unlikely family beginnings, through Mia's search for a mission role in Africa, to her work with women today, Mia shares the ways in which the Lord led her to the Middle East and how she was mobilised and equipped for mission.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Mia and her family work in the Middle East, where they provide support in finance and admin for an organisation, alongside outreach and discipling.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors, with Mia, mission partner, Middle East

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #mission #outreach #discipleship #MiddleEast #Christian #believers #mobilisation #equip

with Blair, mission partner, South East Asia

"So sport if you like is the bridge, the bridge then enables us to make relationships. Once you have those relationships that are strong, we are very intentional about doing discipleship."

Series 5 of The Same Commission podcast takes a new turn - each week of this season, we'll hear from a different guest sharing their story of how they ended up serving in cross-cultural mission! Today, Blair (not his real name), who works in South East Asia in sports ministry, looks back on God's call on his life, and the challenges and encouragements that accompanied him along the way.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Blair, Eleanor and their sons Robin and Cameron serve in a country in South East Asia, where they use sports to help plant churches to reach unreached people groups. They are mission partners associated with Echoes International.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Blair, mission partner in South East Asia

SOCIAL:

Facebook: @echoesinternational; Instagram: @echoesinternational;

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #Christianity #Witness #Evangelism #Faith #Mission #CrossCulturalMission #Evangelism #sports #sportsministry #football #soccer #goodnews #believers #Asia #SouthEastAsia

with Peter Turtle, mission partner, Moldova

There are 28 villages without an evangelical church, so it equates to 0.4% of the population that are followers of Jesus

In this episode, Peter shares his story of moving from Northern Ireland to Moldova and the reasons why he is serving there today. From his initial conversion, he takes us on the journey of being called to mission, shares of those who have inspired him along the way and chats about what mission looks like in Moldova today.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Peter and Debbie Turtle and their family serve in Moldova, where they are involved in church planting, children's ministry, evangelism and humanitarian aid. They are mission partners associated with Echoes International.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Peter Turtle, mission partner, Moldova

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational; Instagram: @echoesinternational;

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #Mission #Faith #Belief #Moldova #Orthodox #Gospel #Aid #Believers #Church #Churchplanting

"Bearing in mind that we're trying to reach the unreached, we're trying to reach those who are migrant, we're trying to reach into areas where there are vast cities, there's all sorts of priorities that align with some of the things that Lindsay brought out in his podcast"

To finish Season 4, Jim and Matt take a look back at the purpose of The Same Commission, give some of their highlights of the past few seasons, particularly from Lindsay Brown and Prof. John Lennox, and reflect on how Echoes International is trying to respond to changing models in mission. They also call for feedback on what mission topics we might cover in future editions of The Same Commission, so please send in your thoughts!

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #faith #mission #belief #Christian #strategy #missional #Biblical #BibleTranslation #unreached #peoplegroups #prayer #brethren #priorities #strategy #modelsofmission

with Lindsay Brown

"We argue a lot over different Bible translations we have and we argue about the circumstances surrounding the second coming of the Lord Jesus, when most people haven't heard about His first coming and haven't read about it"

In this final episode with Lindsay Brown on The Same Commission, we look at the role of Bible translation in mission, sharing the 'voice of God' through Scripture. He looks at the issue of unreached people groups, who have yet to hear the gospel, the missional aspect of migration and the growth of megacities on mission strategy today. Jim, Matt and Lindsay then reflect on the suffering faced by believers persecuted for their faith, proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ around the world.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Lindsay Brown is a native of Wales and was involved in student ministry with IFES for over 45 years. He has also headed up the Fellowship of Evangelists in the Universities of Europe, the FEUER network, and served as the International Director for the Lausanne Movement for World Evangelization.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors, with Lindsay Brown

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #faith #mission #belief #Christian #persecution #migration #strategy #missional #Bible #Biblical #BibleTranslation #Translation #cities #megacities #urban #unreached #peoplegroups

Season 4 Episode 4

A ROLE FOR ME: THE FUTURE OF MISSION

with Lindsay Brown

"It will enrich believers and enhance their sense of dignity - not only am I adopted into God's family but He has a role for me where He has placed me"

Following on from the first episode with Lindsay Brown about threats to mission, Lindsay now moves on to the strategic opportunities for mission today and some potential pitfalls in each of these areas. From student ministry to the importance of doctrine to applying Biblical faith in the workplace to the impact of technology to the power of partnership, this far-ranging podcast considers the future of mission and our role in the Lord's work. Check out the following episode for the final mission opportunities today.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Lindsay Brown is a native of Wales and was involved in student ministry with IFES for over 45 years. He has also headed up the Fellowship of Evangelists in the Universities of Europe, the FEUER network, and served as the International Director for the Lausanne Movement for World Evangelization.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors, with Lindsay Brown

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #mission #opportunities #partnerships #workplace #faith #studentministry #christianity

Season 4 Episode 3

THREATS TO 21ST CENTURY MISSION

with Lindsay Brown

"The clear teaching of Scripture is that Jesus Christ is unique and He's not one way, He's the only way"

Lindsay Brown joins Matt and Jim for three episodes, with an extended look at mission in the 21st century. In this episode Lindsay explains about the 'golden age' of evangelism and the expansion of the church to the ends of the earth 'from everywhere to everywhere'. Yet there are some external threats facing believers today, such as pluralism, persecution, fundamentalism and secularism, and internal challenges within the church, including how believers relate to the world and how we should behave biblically. Check back for the next two episodes which focus on opportunities for mission in the future.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

Lindsay Brown is a native of Wales and was involved in student ministry with IFES for over 45 years. He has also headed up the Fellowship of Evangelists in the Universities of Europe, the FEUER network, and served as the International Director for the Lausanne Movement for World Evangelization.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong and Matthew Pitts, Echoes International Directors, with Lindsay Brown

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational Instagram: @echoesinternational

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #mission #future #threats #opportunities #challenges #church #secularism #pluralism #fundamentalism #persecution #Biblical #Scriptural #Christians #believers #evangelism #evangelical #brethren

with Professor John Lennox

"This is no innocent little thing that will sit on the periphery of our experience, it's going to influence almost everything and we need to get ready"

In this The Same Commission conversation, Professor John Lennox – mathematician, author of 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the AI Revolution, and respected Christian apologist – explores the profound ethical and spiritual challenges posed by artificial intelligence.

From the dangers of surveillance states and facial recognition to the widening gap between rich and poor, Lennox unpacks how AI is already transforming society — and why believers must respond. He challenges Christians to engage seriously with the reality of AI, the illusion of consciousness in machines, and the urgent need for hope rooted in the return of Christ.

Whether you're curious about AI's role in mission, concerned about freedom and control in a digital world, or looking for a biblical perspective on the future, this conversation will inform, equip, and inspire.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

📖 Learn more about 2084 and other works by John Lennox at: https://www.johnlennox.org/

John Lennox is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He is President of The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Professor John Lennox

SOCIAL: Facebook: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox Instagram: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #AI #JohnLennox #ChristianityAndAI #2084 #Surveillance #Mission #ChristianEthics #ArtificialIntelligence #ChurchAndTechnology

with Professor John Lennox

"So you can say very modestly but truly that you do believe that there is a fixed point and you can witness to your faith in Christ"

Professor John Lennox joins us for the first episode of Season 4 of The Same Commission to explore how we can share our Christian faith today 'without fear' in this unstable world.

John Lennox engages with questions of faith and apologetics in both a dominant secular society and cross-culturally. We look at the need for Christians to pursue 'persuasive evangelism' and how believers can naturally witness to their faith with friends and family. Considering persecuted Christians around the world, John encourages us to remember Jesus' promise that in whatever situation we're placed, the Lord will give us the words to say.

Whether you're feeling unsure about how to share your new-found faith in Christ or have been on the mission field for years, this practical and engaging conversation will challenge you to have an expectant heart for opportunities to witness.

🔔 Subscribe for more thought-provoking conversations on mission issues today.

📖 Learn more about 2084 and other works by John Lennox at: https://www.johnlennox.org/

John Lennox is Emeritus Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University and is an internationally renowned speaker on the interface of science, philosophy and religion. He regularly teaches at many academic institutions, is Senior Fellow with the Trinity Forum and has written a series of books exploring the relationship between science and Christianity. He is President of The Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics.

Podcast participants: Jim Armstrong, General Director, Echoes International, Matthew Pitts, Missions Director, Echoes International and Professor John Lennox

TAG ON SOCIAL:

Facebook: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox Instagram: @echoesinternational; @profjohnlennox

PODCAST INFO:Podcast website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk/commission Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-same-commission/id1735900905 Amazon: https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/be7b52bc-c722-41d2-a211-2cd958f6b7eb/the-same-commission Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0LlwFSwHrVeYrJlhfcvJy2?si=b78369ad3f5945e5

SOCIAL: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesinternational/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/echoesinternational Website: www.echoesinternational.org.uk

KEYWORDS: #Fear #JohnLennox #Christianity #Witness #Evangelism #Apologetics #ChristianityandSecularism #Persecution #DefendingtheFaith #Faith #FaithNotFaith #Mission #CrossCulturalMission #PersuasiveEvangelism