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
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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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Have you ever wondered how to inspire and equip the next generation of missionaries? Join us on the inaugural episode of the From Every Nation podcast, where esteemed guest Brother Tom Eliff unveils the mission and vision of the Tom Eliff Center for Missions at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). Our goal is to ignite a passion for the Great Commission in all of our listeners and in the students here at OBU.

Get ready to be introduced to the whole Elliff Center team. Learn how a generous donation led to the inception of the Tom Eliff Center for Missions, and how this initiative continues OBU's legacy of sending students to mission fields around the globe. Also learn about the mission, vision, and strategy that makes the Elliff Center so unique in equipping students to be the next generation of missionaries.

Finally, Discover how OBU's commitment to a world-class Christian education equips students to step into their mission fields ready to make a global impact. For more details about the center and the Eliff Center Scholarship, be sure to visit the link and consider exploring all that OBU has to offer.

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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