Road Noise

Welcome back to another season of Road Noise! In this episode, we kick off Season 4 and delve into the fascinating journey of Sheldon and Victoria Rhodes, who have dedicated 50 years to full-time ministry. Hosted by Kedron Rhodes, this podcast takes us on a reflective journey, retracing the lessons they learned as they crisscrossed North America, spreading the gospel. In this episode, Sheldon shar...

Growing up as a missionary's kid, I've always been in awe of my parents' dedication to full-time ministry. Sheldon and Victoria Rhodes, my mom and dad, have an inspiring journey of 50 years in ministry, which started with a bold decision to move from Michigan to Alaska. This journey wasn't always smooth sailing, with one eye-opening moment being when they reached Alaska, only to fi...

In this episode of Road Noise, my dad, Sheldon Rhodes, shares his memories of moving back to Michigan and the challenges he faced in finding a job. Sheldon takes us through his journey from Alaska to North Dakota and eventually to Lansing, Michigan. We hear about mom and dad's reliance on faith and the support of their church community as they navigate through the ups and downs of starting a n...

In this episode, my dad shares about his friend and mentor, Bob Tucker. Bob was a true Renaissance man, with talents ranging from mineral collecting to trapping, construction, and even teaching my dad the art of fly fishing. His wisdom and passion left a lasting impression on my dad, and these memories come alive in our conversation. This road trip is not just a physical journey but a dive into a...

Welcome back, Road Noise listeners! We have an unbelievable episode packed with thrilling adventures and unexpected challenges. In this week's episode, Sheldon takes you on a wild ride from Alaska to the lower 48 states. From encountering vehicle troubles on the treacherous Alaskan highway to braving freezing temperatures with a malfunctioning heater, he and Dan face it all. But they also disc...

Ever wondered what it takes to trade your comfortable life for a calling in full-time ministry? Buckle up as Sheldon tells it all in this riveting episode of Road Noise, recounting a tale of adventure, faith, and sheer determination. Bartering his Ford Bronco for a panel van, packing up their lives and braving the Alaskan cold with just $50 cash, Sheldon and Victoria's journey into ministry is...

On this episode of Road Noise, things took an unexpected turn when Sheldon got an opportunity to work at a Sears catalog order store. He ended up in Seattle for training and got to experience a brand new device called a microwave. He also shares about the challenges of selling kitchen sinks and other home improvement products without computer-aided design tools. We talk about the decision to move...

Today, we shift our focus to a pivotal moment in Sheldon and Victoria's ministry, where they find themselves at a crossroads. As they contemplate a potential move from their beloved Alaskan home to a new location, they grapple with questions of faith, trust, and God's leading. Join us as they share the challenges and uncertainties they face in uprooting their lives, selling their house, an...

Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for a trip down memory lane as we venture back to our early days of ministry in Alaska. Picture a wooden tent nestled in the wilderness, the birth of a child, and the astounding produce of Alaska, from blueberries as big as your thumb to cabbages weighing an impressive 50 pounds. Intrigued? Hold on, as this is just the start of our wild adventure.

Ever wondered how far one can go to fulfill a calling? Prepare to be amazed as we journey alongside Sheldon and Victoria Roads in their 50-year commitment to full-time ministry, where they braved living in the wilderness of Alaska, in a wooden tent with no modern amenities. Hear firsthand their whimsical tales of inventiveness, from using milk jugs to collect water, to making a makeshift bathroom...

In this episode, the narratives continue to unfold, with stories of improvising, resourcefulness, and the making of a table—and memories—from cottonwood. Credit goes to Harold Vice and his loaned tools, which played a significant role in this endeavor. As we reminisce about Harold's escapade with the chickens, we also recount the challenges of not having the right tools for the task. Additiona...

As we forge on this journey, we delve into the challenges Sheldon and Victoria faced. They stared adversity in the face, battling scarcity and financial pressures yet their faith never wavered. Their story is a powerful demonstration of resilience and steadfastness in the calling to a full-time puppet ministry. Despite the lack of resources they remained unyielding - an inspiring tale of trust and...

Sheldon and Victoria's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as they've weathered many trials and tribulations, including living in a borrowed trailer, selling puppies, and working at a gas station just to make ends meet. They even shared their experience of watching Elvis Presley's last live concert together before his untimely passing. This captivating conversation not only highligh...

In this episode, Sheldon recalls the highs and lows of building a house while simultaneously juggling work, ministry, and raising a young family. Be inspired by the unique ways my father supplemented his income, like teaching guitar lessons, and discover how his unwavering faith carried him through even the most trying times. As we dig deeper, we'll uncover the significance of cultivating fait...

Join us for a heartwarming trip down memory lane as Sheldon and I look back on the unforgettable summer of 1976 when mom and dad embarked on full-time ministry in Alaska with a newborn baby in tow. With no insurance and limited resources, dad will share his journey of building a house with only a portable sawmill and sheer determination, as well as how he navigated life while juggling Bible school...

On this episode of Road Noise, Sheldon shares his journey of becoming a parent while struggling to make ends meet. With a baby due in June, dad had to find a paying job since they no longer had insurance after leaving public school. He decided to teach at their church, which was starting a school, but with a pay of only $500 a month, things were tight financially. On top of that, they had to finis...

Join my dad, Sheldon Rhodes, and I as we take you on a wild journey through the Alaskan wilderness, recounting a quirky adventure that started with a truckload of dead chickens and ended in an unforgettable trapping expedition. It all began when dad got his hands on a great deal for a bunch of chickens, and soon after, received an unexpected phone call from his friend Lewis Bradley, who invited hi...

In this episode, hear Sheldon's heartfelt stories about his full-time teaching career, deepening friendship with Harold and Dee Dee, and their ambitious plan to build a log house on Lazy Mountain. Discover Harold's wild idea to buy vehicles in Minnesota and drive them back to Alaska for resale. In this conversation, we reflect on trusting God's plan even when our own plans fall apart....

In this uproarious episode, we'll recount the tale of a Sunday afternoon mission gone awry, where a group of dauntless deacons rustle up a truck full of chickens. As we navigate the twists and turns of this chicken debacle, you'll discover the importance of a trusty pressure cooker, and find solace in the fact that even in the most chaotic of times, God's provision is ever-present. So...

Amidst the challenges of the Alaska pipeline boom, Sheldon navigated a new teaching career while adjusting to a classroom full of students who had already learned the system. With a baby on the way, we reflect on the unique challenges my dad faced as a young teacher and the lasting impact he and mom made on the community. One unforgettable story is how colleagues came together to help a stigmatize...

Join my dad, Sheldon, and me for a heartfelt conversation as we reminisce about our family's incredible journey to Alaska, and how God's faithfulness guided us through unexpected challenges. We'll take you back to the Alaska pipeline boom of the 1970s, which not only impacted the local economy but also provided my dad and countless others with much-needed jobs. In this unforgettable ep...

Joining us on this unforgettable episode of Road Noise! Sheldon and Victoria's journey has been filled with unexpected twists and turns, but through it all, they've maintained an unshakable trust in God's plan. From the electrifying arrival in Alaska to an unexpected hunting mishap, their story is a testament to the power of faith and resilience. We take a closer look at how Sheldon an...

In this episode of Road Noise, Sheldon and Victoria take their second journey on the Alaskan Highway in the same summer, traveling from West Michigan to Alaska in their 1970 Toyota pickup truck. Along the way, they experience God's presence and protection, including finding a replacement for a loose trailer hitch before any accidents occur. As we wrap up this season and anticipate the twists a...

In this episode, we discuss Sheldon and Vicky's first summer in Alaska, where they served as missionaries conducting camps and teaching Bible schools, and their return to Michigan to prepare for a more permanent move to Alaska. We delve into the preparations for their return, discussing how they acquired the necessary equipment for their journey with the help of a man named Bob. We continue th...

In the podcast episode we look back on the first summer in Alaska and the journey through God's faithfulness in ministry. With no plans for the future, an unexpected offer to be a youth pastor in Alaska leads them back to Michigan to prepare for their new adventure. Along the way, they encounter a Canadian rancher with a heartbreaking story. The episode explores God's provision and unwaver...