Amazon to the Himalayas

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at Southern Seminary, talks with Dr. Jimmy Bledsoe, a veteran missionary with 13 years in East Africa. They discuss the crucial role of theological education in strengthening local churches, the challenges pastors face in accessing solid training, and how cultural influences shape Christianity in the region....

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Paul Akin talks with Bradley Bell of the Upstream Collective about the vision of the “sending church.” Bell explains how Upstream equips churches to reclaim their central role in missions through training, resources, and partnerships. They discuss common obstacles, the importance of prayer and biblical grounding, and real-world efforts—including work in...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , host Paul Akin talks with Pastor Matt Tyler about his journey from Arkansas to Bangkok. Matt shares how he and his wife Emily followed God’s call overseas, eventually leading him to pastor Bangkok City Baptist Church. They discuss the challenges of ministry in a Buddhist-majority city, the value of English-speaking churches in global hubs, and Matt’s ho...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , host Paul Akin talks with Dr. Scott Logston, co-author of Prioritizing the Church in Mission . Drawing on his experience in church planting, pastoral ministry, and mission work, Dr. Logston explains why the local church must remain central to global missions. They discuss the risks of sidelining the church, practical ways to align mission strategies wit...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Paul Akin speaks with Pastor Matthias Lohmann of the Free Evangelical Church in Munich. They discuss the decline of Christianity in Germany, the challenges of evangelism in a secular culture, and encouraging signs of renewal through new churches and growing interest in ministry. Loman also shares his journey from agnosticism to pastoral leadership and o...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Paul Akin talks with Dr. Aaron Menikoff, senior pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Georgia, about his new book Prioritizing Missions in the Church . Dr. Menikoff shares why missions should be central to every local church and offers practical, biblical guidance for raising up and sending out missionaries—both to neighbors and the nations. Mentione...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Dr. Paul Akin talks with Dr. Thomas West, pastor of Nashville First Baptist Church and former church planter in London. Dr. West reflects on planting a gospel-centered church in post-Christian London and now leading a historic congregation in the American South. He shares lessons on ministry, mentorship, and the faithfulness of Jesus across cultures and...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , host Paul Akin talks with Josh Powell, Senior Pastor of Taylors First Baptist Church in South Carolina, about his unexpected trip to jail. What started as a partnership trip turned dangerous when Powell was detained after sharing the gospel in a closed country. His story reveals the courage, faith, and sacrifice often required to fulfill the Great Commi...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , host Paul Akin speaks with Sam, a missionary who served in Vietnam during the war. Sam shares stories of starting a seminary near Saigon, surviving the Tet Offensive, and facing life-threatening encounters with the Viet Cong. Despite the dangers, he and his family remained faithful to God’s call. The conversation also reflects on the lasting impact of t...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin speaks with Sam James, a veteran Southern Baptist missionary who devoted more than 40 years to gospel work in Vietnam. Amid war, persecution, and political upheaval, James faithfully planted churches, discipled believers, and helped establish a lasting gospel presence in the country. Their conversation explores James’s early life, his call...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin interviews Timothy O'Day, a Southern Seminary graduate serving as a church planter and pastor in Utah. Timothy shares his journey from growing up in a pluralistic home in Missouri to planting Christ Fellowship Church near Salt Lake City. He discusses the challenges of evangelism in a predominantly LDS context, the importance of building...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas, host Paul Akin sits down with Adian Wood, a former student now serving as a missionary in North Africa. Adian traces his journey from a Christian upbringing and early mission trips in Asia and Europe to ministry in one of North Africa’s bustling megacities. He reflects on language learning, cultural adaptation, and the challenges of discipling local beli...

In this episode of Amazon to the Himalayas , Dr. Paul Akin talks with Dr. Jeremy Pierre about his recent mission trip to Kenya. Dr. Pierre shares what he learned from leading pastoral training and counseling sessions, the cultural contrasts he observed, and the spiritual hunger he witnessed. He reflects on the challenges and encouragements of missionary work and how these experiences shape ministr...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin sits down with Tim Challies and Tim Keesee to discuss their new book 'From The Rising of the Sun.' The conversation covers the book's inspiration, the project’s logistical challenges, and the vibrant stories of faith they encountered around the globe. The book and its accompanying videos explore churches from jungles to mountain villages...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, delves into the history, significance, and future of the Cooperative Program as we celebrate its 100th anniversary. Joined by Dr. Tony Wolf, the Executive Director and Treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, the conversation explores the impact o...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin sits down with Pastor Josh Manley of RAK Evangelical Church in the United Arab Emirates. They discuss the challenges and joys of church planting in the Middle East, the strategic importance of international churches in mission work, and the unique context of ministry in a predominantly Muslim region. Pastor Josh shares his journey from w...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the evolving landscape of theological education in Brazil. The conversation highlights the shift towards distance education catalyzed by the pandemic, the significant role of technology in reaching remote areas, and the impact of historical mission...

In this episode of 'Amazon to Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the rapid growth of Evangelical Christianity in Brazil and the critical need for theological education. Dr. Mark Johnson, who has over 30 years of experience working in Brazil, shares insights into the challenges and hopes for training pastors and miss...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin discusses the strategic importance of global cities in fulfilling the Great Commission with Victor Hou from the International Mission Board. Victor shares his extensive experience living and working in urban contexts around the world, highlighting the rising urbanization and its implications for mission work. They discuss the role of cit...

In this episode of the Amazon to the Himalayas podcast, host Paul Akin talks with Will, a Southern Baptist missionary serving in Bogota, Colombia. Will shares his journey from pastoring in Texas to answering the call to missions, emphasizing God's incredible work in Colombia's evangelical churches. The conversation covers the challenges of ministry in a country marked by Catholicism and postmodern...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, Provost and Professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, engages in a meaningful conversation with Dr. Scott Hildreth. Dr. Hildreth is an author, professor at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a former missionary, discussing his new book 'A Short Guide to Evangelism and Missions.' They explore the bib...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, explores the biblical and practical parallels between Paul's missionary journeys and modern missions. The conversation delves into the viability of international English-speaking churches, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and adaptability in different cu...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin, the provost and professor of Missions at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, engages in a conversation with Caleb Greggson. Caleb, who grew up on the mission field, talks about his journey from the United States to Asia, where he now pastors an international English-speaking church. The discussion delves into the viability and st...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin explores the shift in mission from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He discusses the centripetal mission of Israel, where nations were drawn to witness God's glory, to the centrifugal mission of the church, where believers are sent out to spread the gospel. Key topics include the Holy Spirit's evolving role, the significance of th...

In this episode of 'Amazon to the Himalayas,' host Paul Akin interviews Dr. Rebecca Naylor, a seasoned missionary and distinguished surgeon who dedicated 35 years of her life to serving in India and 15 years mobilizing healthcare strategies globally. Dr. Naylor shares her journey from a young girl in Texas to a medical missionary in South Asia, discussing her impactful work at Bangalore Baptist Ho...