Experience the sweeping journey of Brother Tom Eliff, our esteemed guest and the namesake of the Tom Eliff Center for Missions at Oklahoma Baptist University. From his formative years in Texas and Arkansas, where he embraced his faith at a tender age, to his academic pursuits at Ouachita Baptist University and seminary studies, Tom's story is one of unwavering commitment to sound doctrine and the transformative power of faith. Through his heartening experiences, listeners are invited to explore the vital role of doctrine in providing structure and mobility to a life dedicated to service and leadership in the ministry.

Discover how a profound missionary calling can reshape a life and a legacy. We listen as Tom recounts his time at Eastwood Church and the trials his family faced during a mission to Zimbabwe, which ultimately fortified their resolve and devotion. His story is a testament to the growth of church ministries in the 70s and the pivotal decision to embrace missionary work—a decision that profoundly inspired his community. Upon returning to the U.S., Tom's dedication only deepened, as he spent two decades nurturing future missionaries during his tenure at First Southern, leaving an indelible mark on both local and global mission efforts.

Mentorship and adversity take center stage in this episode as we delve into the nurturing of spiritual growth through life’s challenges. Tom underscores the importance of mentorship akin to the biblical relationship between Paul and Timothy, sharing personal stories of how mentorship has been instrumental in his journey. Through adversity, Tom teaches us to look beyond the struggle itself, seeing it as a divine classroom where God imparts wisdom and strengthens character. Embrace the opportunity to see challenges not as burdens but as divinely orchestrated paths for growth and transformation, leading to a deeper reliance on and understanding of God's plan for our lives.

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What if every Christian, regardless of their spiritual gifts, embraced the mission of sharing the gospel as part of their everyday life? Join us on the From Every Nation podcast as we explore this profound question, examining how spiritual gifts uniquely equip believers for their roles in God's mission without excusing them from the broader call to evangelism and service. We discuss practical ways for young believers to live missionally in their communities, seizing everyday opportunities to spread the gospel across cultural and ethnic boundaries in the spirit of the Great Commission.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the biblical foundation of missionary work, drawing insights from the Apostle Paul's journeys. We illuminate the core tasks of a missionary through scriptural references, emphasizing the importance of establishing strong community ties and developing local leaders. The discussion further delves into the dynamics of transitioning between mission fields, guided by the Holy Spirit and scriptural wisdom. With a focus on flexibility and spiritual readiness, we encourage a Spirit-led approach to missions that aligns with each individual's unique calling, fostering enduring connections with past mission fields while opening new horizons for the gospel.

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Have you ever wondered how simple acts of faith and generosity can ignite a spiritual awakening? Join us for an inspiring look into the lives of faithful followers of Christ. A remarkable couple who've transformed their village through unwavering dedication and creative teaching methods. Despite literacy challenges, believers have become a beacon of hope and leadership, sparking a wave of new believers and inspiring others to lead with conviction.

Explore the incredible growth of Christianity in a remote S. Asian town witnessing a profound spiritual awakening. We'll delve into how local believers have maintained their vibrant faith and commitment to scripture even after missionaries left, illustrating the enduring power of community and devotion. Discover how their passionate engagement with scripture has not only strengthened their faith but also fostered a resilient and thriving spiritual community dedicated to spreading the gospel.

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What challenges await a newlywed couple who exchange the comfort of home for the unfamiliar landscapes of India? Glenn and Rhonda’s journey from newlyweds to missionaries is nothing short of extraordinary, and today we share their heartfelt story. Hear first-hand about their experiences moving to India through the 2 Plus 3 program, the culture shock they faced, and the deep connections they formed with locals, like a caring family of dobiwalas. Discover how adapting to a new healthcare system and other cultural challenges became part of their day-to-day life while raising a family in a land rich in diversity and complexity.

Join us as we step into the vibrant world of Rajasthan, a state bursting with culture but shadowed by high illiteracy rates and fears of persecution. Glenn and Rhonda recount their collaborations with local pastors and organizations, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and perseverance. As they navigated this landscape, they harnessed the power of prayer and leading by example, working alongside figures like Deep Raj to build a resilient and supportive Christian community. Through their efforts, they aimed to transform lives, using innovative tools like micro SD cards to overcome literacy barriers and spread the message of faith effectively.

The impact of their work is beautifully illustrated through the stories of individuals like Sukhdev and his daughter Lakshmi, who became beacons of faith in their communities. Witness how recorded teachings empowered them to inspire others and break free from traditional hierarchical structures, embracing a faith-driven life rooted in prayer and obedience. These narratives, filled with perseverance and a shared vision, showcase the ripple effect of accessible religious teachings. As Glenn and Rhonda reflect on their journey, they open the door to future missionary stories, inspiring a generation ready to make a difference in the world.

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What happens when ordinary lives are met with extraordinary calls to serve? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Glenn and Rhonda Stewart, who share their transformative journey of 18 years as missionaries in Rajasthan, India. Discover how Rhonda, raised in a Christian family in North Carolina, was influenced by her older sisters and youth pastor in shaping her spiritual path. Meanwhile, Glenn opens up about his faith journey, detailing his struggles and eventual return to faith after years of personal challenges in Southern West Virginia. Their stories offer a heartening reminder of how mentorship and unexpected circumstances can guide us toward our life's purpose.

Ever wondered how a simple church visit could change the course of your life? For Glenn, a spontaneous trip led to an unexpected introduction to missions through a journey to Africa, igniting a commitment that would last a lifetime. Listen as we explore the profound impact of global missions, including transformative experiences in Japan, and how these moments fostered a deep-seated dedication to discipleship and church planting. As Glenn and Rhonda recount their experiences, they illustrate the unpredictable yet impactful nature of spiritual callings and how these can lead to life-altering experiences.

Navigating faith, career, and relationships can be a challenging path, especially when called to serve overseas. Rhonda shares her story of grappling with personal goals and spiritual callings, eventually finding a like-minded partner in Glenn during seminary. The episode highlights the importance of aligning life paths and shared visions when pursuing missionary work. We also explore the mission of the Tom Eliff Center for Missions at Oklahoma Baptist University, where the focus is on equipping future missionaries. Discover how the center prepares students for global missions and how the Stewarts' journey can inspire others to consider a life dedicated to service.

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What is a missionary? Join us for a compelling exploration of the biblical foundation of missionary work with our Director, Elbert Smith. With his extensive experience at the International Mission Board and the Tom Elliff Center for Missions, Elbert unpacks the profound mission of God and how the role of a missionary falls into it. Together, we challenge the common misconception that every believer is a missionary, diving deep into scriptural insights and the Apostle Paul's pioneering New Testament journeys, which serve as a historical framework for spreading the gospel in unreached places.

Our discussion takes a fresh look at the Christian role in missions, tracing the evolution of the Great Commission from its early interpretation as an apostolic mandate to its current understanding as a call for all believers. We examine how figures like Philip in Acts demonstrate that anyone, regardless of title, can contribute to the gospel's reach. Elbert sheds light on the diverse roles and gifts within the church, drawing distinctions between capital A Apostles and those sent out as missionaries. Concluding with a reflection on living missionally, we encourage listeners to integrate their unique roles and circumstances into God's grand plan.

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Join us as we recount part 2 of the Smith’s compelling journey filled with divine guidance and unexpected transitions. Starting with a pastorate in Indiana, and eventually returning to the field, each step reflects their unwavering commitment to living out God's call.

Discover how they navigated the complexities of balancing family life with field work during a time filled with frequent travels and changes in assignment. Culminating with a surprising reassignment in Virginia, where they embraced new roles directing orientation for new workers.

Finally, reflect with us on the importance of faithful obedience and adaptability as we shift through different stages of the Smith's journey. Thier story is a testament to trusting in a divine plan, demonstrating how every chapter in life is interconnected and contributes to a larger mission.

Elliff Center: https://www.okbu.edu/elliff-center/index.html
Visit OBU: okbu.edu

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Curious about the power of enduring faith and commitment? Elbert and Kay Smith share their transformative journeys that took them from the heartland of Oklahoma to Central America, and around the world, serving in ministry and missions. Learn how a World Missions Conference and a youth camp experience set the stage for their lifelong dedication to God's work.

Elliff Center: https://www.okbu.edu/elliff-center/index.html
Visit OBU: https://www.okbu.edu/admissions/visit-campus/index.html

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