4:18 Podcast

Matt Shada joins the podcast for a discussion about the future of Possibilities Africa. What will it take to reach the entire continent of Africa? What challenges are we up against? How might the people of God pray? Hear all of this and more in this episode with Matt.  Matt Shada currently serves as the lead pastor for Steadfast Bible Fellowship in Omaha and has been an active, faithful, and commi...

Matt Shada joins us for an episode of the 4:18 Podcast for a conversation about his father, the late Doug Shada, and his life of faith. Doug was a catalyst for growth as Possibilities Africa began in the early 2000s until the day he went home to be with Jesus. This is his story. 

Get to know Roger Allmand, a purposeful partner of Possibilities Africa, in this special episode. Expect to learn more about the importance of looking for God's hand, the definition of legacy, and the value of relationships. 

Emily sits down with Ryan Bristol to discuss Ryan's trip to Kenya with the 2025 team. Get to know Ryan, an associate pastor at Living Faith Fellowship who farms near Kearney, Nebraska. 

Doug and Emily dive into the biggest takeaways from the 2025 trip to Kenya. This episode will likely make you smile, challenge assumptions, and lead you to worship the God of heaven and earth. 

Doug and Emily sit down to share stories from their latest trip to Kenya. Expect to hear heartfelt stories of radical transformation and dignity restoration.  Video links: Anne's Story Pastor Mwakavi Helping Without Hurting   Check out the book,  When Helping Hurts

Duane & Pauline are prayer warriors who love the Lord. These faithful supporters of Possibilities Africa light up every room and have abundant wisdom. Enjoy this special episode on the topic of prayer! 

Clark Brumm joins Emily in the podcast studio for a conversation that will likely blow you away, convict you, and compel you to love God and love His people more & more as you grow in Him. 

Emily shares a journal entry from one day in Malawi during the USA Team's trip in 2024. Catch a glimpse of churches without electricity, the beauty of the African landscape, and the value of starting micro-businesses. 

Emily answers your questions submitted on social media. "How is the PA model different from other organizations that serve communities in Africa?"  "What is one of your favorite stories of what God has done through PA?" "What have you learned about God’s character through PA?" ...and more! 

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Martin Simiyu answers the following questions recorded during a special Q&A event with USA partners:  In Africa, what exists for training for pastors to maintain doctrinal purity? When there are economic pressures, how do you make sure someone you train isn’t drawn back in to teach erroneous theology?  Learn more at usa.possibilitiesafrica.org  

In this episode, we dive into the concept of teaching rather than giving handouts and how this ministry model differs from what much of Africa has been exposed to over the years. Doc Fuder also answers how he has seen Martin's character develop over the years. 

In this short clip from an interview, Dr. John Fuder explains what makes Possibilities Africa unique–the model of being with people rather than doing things for people. 

Doc Fuder, Adjunct Faculty at Moody Theological Seminary, shares valuable tidbits from his experience with poverty in Kenya. But before hearing about the dignity and depravity of the poor, expect to hear his first impression of Founder Martin Simiyu.  Learn more about Possibilities Africa: usa.possibilitiesafrica.org John "Doc" Fuder spent over 17 years in California doing urban ministry in the Ba...

Tom Rempel is a long-time partner of Possibilities Africa. Expect to hear stories of his time in African countries, a deep message of hope, and what makes this mission unique in Emily's conversation with Tom. Timestamps:  2:45 - Tom’s first impression of Martin 5:40 - “You’re not locked in your current situation of despair” 8:13 - How a relationship with Jesus gives hope beyond current struggles a...

The question on the table for part two: "How do we address the human heart holistically?" Martin, Doug, and Emily discuss the power of God's irreplaceable Word and the character of God in the book of Nehemiah as it relates to the foundation of Possibilities Africa. To learn more about Possibilities Africa, go to usa.possibilitiesafrica.org. 

Join Martin, Doug, and Emily for a conversation about the book of Nehemiah. Nehemiah is a man who cares, who prays, and who depends on God. Expect to hear how the account of his life guided Martin to develop this ministry.  Timestamps:  1:05 - Update & stories from Martin 7:00 - Context and history of Nehemiah 11:48 - How Possibilities Africa mirrors Nehemiah 15:45 - Challenging the status quo...

Join Emily for part two with long-time partners, John and Carla Watson. This episode includes stories of people in Africa, how they are so happy with so little, and God's power to grow this ministry from a small beginning.  Timestamps: 0:58 - Memorable people and moments 6:47 - Pastor prayer at 3 a.m. 10:03 - “They’re so happy with so little” 12:28 - Time according to God 14:11 - Growth over one d...

Join Emily for a conversation with longtime partners of Possibilities Africa, John & Carla Watson. John & Carla have partnered with Possibilities Africa for 14 years and have also gone overseas multiple times to see the ministry firsthand. Expect to hear: 1:05 - Why the Watsons decided to partner 4:30 - Context for countries Possibilities Africa (PA) reaches 5:47 - The unusual opportunity...

In this episode, hear Martin Simiyu share the "how" of this ministry regarding its practicality and an honest answer to a question about the challenges they face. Timestamps: 1:50 - How the Gospel transforms lives 2:55 - How it starts with spiritual leaders 5:30 - How the Word of God is central to living 12:37 - A remarkable testimony of freedom in Rwanda  15:02 - From genocide to Gospel love 17:0...

PART ONE with Doug Reed, Emily Frenzen, Martin Simiyu, and Merrell McIlwain dives into the start and the heart of Possibilities Africa. You can expect to hear how this ministry began with God's blessing and the main ministry message of Possibilities Africa. Timestamps:  1:50 - The story of one mission trip that started it all 5:30 - How did a group of about 10 graduate students, with no money or i...

Why does this work matter to the American church? How can the American church be praying? Find out in this episode of the 4:18 podcast. 

In this episode, we cover the life of Gilbert Sang, Senior Country Ministry Officer for Possibilities Africa in Kenya. You will quickly learn that this man is full of the joy of the LORD and an abundance of wisdom as we dive into topics like humility and unity among believers. 

Join Martin, Doug, and Emily for a captivating conversation about the God who has opened impossible doors for Possibilities Africa –the God who is sovereign, jealous, and everpresent. He is the faithful, covenant-keeping God of hope. He is the God who promises to be with His people and makes the work of His servants grow. After 20 years of leading Possibilities Africa, International Executive Dire...

Join Martin Simiyu and Doug Reed for a conversation with podcast host Emily Frenzen about the history, mission, and uniqueness of Possibilities Africa. This podcast shares the untold stories of what God is doing in African countries and testifies to the power of Jesus as described in Luke 4:18, which says: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poo...