Gardens in Babylon - Cultivating Faithful Families in Hard Places

The conversation covers the crucible of adversity, recovering the vision of godliness, the journey of true godliness, Ryan Denton's testimony, the masculine duty of soul winning, the neglect of soul winning, the battle for souls, the call to faithfulness, and personal approach to soul winning. The conversation covers different methods of evangelism, positive responses to preaching, theological and practical approaches to evangelism, the balance between political engagement and evangelism, encouraging faithfulness in evangelism, and the book 'Reclaiming Biblical Evangelism'. The topics range from the challenges of evangelizing people you know to the value of simple faithfulness in evangelism.TakeawaysAdversity contrasts joy with despairRecovering the vision of godliness is essential for raising faithful familiesSoul winning is a neglected but essential masculine duty Different methods of evangelism require different approaches and considerations.The balance between political engagement and evangelism is crucial, and the role of the Holy Spirit in conversion should not be neglected.Chapters00:00 The Crucible of Adversity06:22 Recovering the Vision of Godliness18:04 The Masculine Duty of Soul Winning28:08 The Battle for Souls36:19 Positive Responses to Preaching47:11 Political Engagement vs. Evangelism57:36 Reclaiming Biblical Evangelism

Faithful Through the Fire: Leading Through Medical Challenges, Ministry, and the Making of Godly MenScheduled Jun 29•S2 E2In a culture that constantly redefines masculinity, what does true, biblical manhood look like when tested by decades of trials?In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, hosts Kevin and Riley Toews dive into the heart of godly masculinity, sacrificial love, and enduring commitment. They are joined by Steve Pettit (former President of Bob Jones University and current President of the Palmetto Family Council) and his wife, Terry Pettit.Together, they share a raw, powerful testimony of navigating over 40 years of marriage, full-time evangelistic ministry, and a relentless gauntlet of health crises—including Multiple Sclerosis, multiple cancers, and liver cirrhosis. If you want to know how to set the spiritual climate of your home when the storms of life hit, this episode is a masterclass in long faithfulness in the same direction.🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode1. Men Are the Thermostats, Not the ThermometersA thermometer merely records the temperature of the room; a thermostat sets it. In Christian marriage, a husband has a God-ordained responsibility to take the initiative and set the climate of warmth, affection, and stability—regardless of how external circumstances change.2. Duty to Your Spouse is Rooted in Duty to GodOur marital duties are not a reward system for a spouse who makes life easy. True sacrificial love means sticking to the vows of in sickness and in health because our ultimate obedience is to Christ, making the behavior of others irrelevant to our call to love."As a man is, so is his strength. Manhood is manifested in strength, courage—the courage to do right, the strength to carry on, and perseverance." — Steve Pettit3. The Power of "Long Faithfulness"Steve and Terry model what it looks like to carry unusual burdens alongside unusual blessings. Their secret? A relentless commitment to daily Scripture reading, local church community, and a spirit-controlled life that allows the peace of God to anchor them in times of deep uncertainty.📚 Resources & Links MentionedPalmetto Family Council: Discover how Steve is advocating for biblical worldview values in South Carolina at Palmetto Family.Featured Children's Book: Bible Lands Books: 50 Animals in the Bible by Rebecca Pettit. Perfect for your family devotions.U8IOLOAKBKC7HUBR, FYUDTXYZXF1BPMPD, MAE8VLZ9WJAWPHF5

Episode SummaryWhy does a good God allow life to feel so random, unjust, and fleeting? In this episode, host Kevin sits down with Dr. Randy Jaeggli—retired Old Testament professor at Bob Jones University and author of Embrace Life Under the Sun—to tackle one of the most misunderstood books of the Bible: Ecclesiastes.Dr. Jaeggli shares his journey from chemical engineering to full-time ministry, challenges modern scholarship's low view of Solomon’s wisdom, and redefines the Hebrew word Hevel (often translated as "vanity"). If you are a young man trying to navigate a materialistic, broken world while maintaining a steadfast, joyful walk with God, this conversation provides the ultimate baseline for biblical manhood.Key TakeawaysThe Reality Matrix: Unlike Proverbs, which outlines the general rules of an ordered universe, Ecclesiastes serves as a realistic corrective for a fallen world where the righteous suffer and tragedies happen.Defining Hevel: Hevel is a dynamic metaphor representing what is transitory (fleeting like a vapor) and frustrated by the fall of man.The Giver vs. The Gift: True enjoyment of creation is impossible without a relationship with the Creator. Without God, we become greedy consumers endlessly chasing the next extreme high.The "All-In" Commitment: Godly manhood isn't defined by your material possessions or career status. It is found in a quiet, faithful life rooted in Deuteronomy 6:4–5—loving God with all your heart, soul, and might.Quotes Worth Sharing"The Book of Ecclesiastes has a hard-hitting and realistic view of life... it serves the purpose of God telling us ahead of time that there are some really deleterious outcomes that come from life. We better be ready for this." — Dr. Randy Jaeggli"Life is not a game. It's not 'whoever dies with the most toys wins.' It's who has a real relationship with the God of heaven." — Dr. Randy JaeggliResources Mentioned in This EpisodeEmbrace Life Under the Sun (2015) by Dr. Randy Jaeggli

The conversation explores the concept of commitment over feelings, emphasizing the importance of taking action even when the heart is not fully in it. It delves into the idea that obedience should not be contingent on feelings and highlights the role of commitment in shaping one's heart.TakeawaysCommitment precedes feelingsObedience is not contingent on feelingsChapters00:00 Commitment Over Feelings

The conversation delves into the challenges and support faced by the Heikoop family, particularly in relation to their son Michael's journey and diagnosis. It also explores the day-to-day life of the family, the lessons learned, and the metaphor of the body as a representation of the value of life and the faithfulness of God.TakeawaysFamily worship is a trial of the state of our heartsThe duty of family worship is not a legalistic checklist but a reflection of our love for God Faithfulness of GodValue of lifeSupport and communityChallenges and sacrificesChapters00:00 The Illusion of Family Worship06:06 Living Out Family Worship in Hardship11:31 The Basics of Family Worship25:15 Light-Hearted Interlude31:21 Desire for a Large Family01:26:46 Metaphor of the Body

Bashar shares his journey from growing up in a Catholic home in Iraq to escaping persecution and relocating to Canada. He discusses his experiences with faith, family, and the challenges he faced in his youth, including involvement in drug-related activities. Bashar shares his journey from drug dealing to incarceration and his encounter with the gospel. Bashar shares his journey of transformation from a life of addiction and crime to finding faith and grace in Jesus Christ. His encounters with temptation, conviction of sin, and the revelation of God's grace lead to a profound change in his life. He now lives to honor God and shares the gospel with others, reflecting on the parallels with the story of Zacchaeus.TakeawaysGrace of God's powerEscaping persecution and relocating to Canada Drug dealing led Bashar into a dangerous lifestyle, involving hard drugs and criminal activities.Incarceration and parole provided Bashar with an opportunity to encounter the gospel and experience a positive community.Bashar's transformation from a life of crime to a life of faith and positivity is a powerful testimony of change and redemption. Grace and faith in Jesus Christ bring transformationPersonal relationship with Jesus brings joy and purposeSharing the gospel with others is a joyful privilegeChapters00:00 The Grace of God's Power08:03 Escaping Persecution and Relocating to Canada20:03 Involvement in Drug-Related Activities33:34 Entering the World of Drug Dealing39:42 Life in Jail and Encounter with the Gospel53:40 Encounter with the Gospel and Transformation

The conversation delves into the crisis of father-absent households, the dark age for the family, the assault on the family, the role of the family in God's plan, the family as the primary institution, the impact of fatherlessness on society, generational reformation, the importance of faithful families, Tim Bushong's journey to ministry, the growth of Syracuse Baptist Church, and the impact of Battle Hymns and music. The conversation delves into the intersection of music and faith, the role of politics in Christianity, navigating the challenges of modern Christianity, the impact of liturgy and tradition, and living out the Christian faith in today's world.TakeawaysThe family is under assault, and the crisis of father-absent households is a significant concern.Generational reformation and the role of faithful families are crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the family. Music plays a significant role in strengthening and encouraging people in their faith journey.The relationship between Christianity and politics is a complex and important aspect of modern Christian life.Chapters00:00 The Crisis of Father-Absent Households05:14 Generational Reformation and Church's Role10:40 Transition to Tim Bushong's Background18:22 Tim Bushong's Journey to Ministry25:18 The Growth of Syracuse Baptist Church46:24 The Impact of Battle Hymns and Music58:55 The Intersection of Music and Faith01:10:11 The Impact of Liturgy and Tradition01:22:58 Living Out the Christian Faith in Today's World

In this conversation we discuss stewardship of nature and the earth, as well as the challenges of contemporary education. We delve into the Green Religion movement, the ethical error of human existence, the biblical vision of stewardship, the positive vision of the Dominion Mandate, the productivity and blessing of work, local sourcing and self-sufficiency, an introduction to Trinity Vandenacre, and the concept of the garden to be kept. The conversation delves into the battle for truth in the Bible, the absurdity of evolution, the role of government in land stewardship, the design concept of land management, the impact of media on animal portrayal, understanding dominion mandate and land stewardship, and the impact of land management policies. The subtopics cover nature vs. human management, the role of wolves in nature, the influence of Wall Street on land management, the impact of government policies, the influence of environmental NGOs, the stewardship model, observing nature as design, the influence of media on animal portrayal, the impact of animal portrayal on human perception, the role of animals in nature, the dominion mandate, the impact of human activity on nature, the role of individuals in land stewardship, and the influence of centralized food systems. The conversation delves into the stewardship of nature and the importance of environmental education. It explores the role of dams in water management, the High Lonesome Society and its focus on environmental education, the financialization of nature and the public lands rule, the impact of nature and humans as financial assets, the fight against false guilt and manipulation, and the need to educate people on the connection between environmental and financial aspects.TakeawaysStewardship of nature and the earthChallenges of contemporary education Nature vs. Human ManagementImpact of Wolves on NatureThe Role of Government in Land Stewardship Stewardship of natureEnvironmental educationChapters00:00 The Green Religion Movement05:36 The Positive Command of the Dominion Mandate19:09 Introduction to Trinity Vanden Aker27:52 Light-Hearted Interlude36:02 Formal Education and Ideologies42:46 The Garden to be Kept51:34 The Design Concept of Land Management01:01:29 The Impact of Land Management Policies01:30:59 The Role of Dams in Water Management01:39:42 The Financialization of Nature and Public Lands Rule01:45:21 Fighting Against False Guilt and Manipulation

The conversation delves into the themes of persistence in prayer, God's sovereignty, the purpose of suffering and waiting, understanding God's will, and the emotional impact of pregnancy loss. It explores the silence of God, the power of prayer, decision making, and the impact of suffering on faith and emotions. The discussion also touches on the expectations and reality of family life, as well as the recovery process after pregnancy loss. The conversation delves into the journey of loss, grief, and faith, highlighting the impact on marriage and the ethical considerations of IVF. It also explores the adoption process, spiritual awakening, and the arrival of Nehemiah as a symbol of hope and comfort.TakeawaysPersistence in prayerGod's sovereignty and human actionThe purpose of suffering and waitingUnderstanding God's willThe emotional impact of pregnancy loss Faith and trust in GodThe impact of loss and grief on marriageChapters00:00 The Silence of God06:00 God's Sovereignty and Human Action12:51 The Impact of Suffering25:00 Pregnancy Loss and Recovery33:47 Navigating Loss and Grief45:35 Adoption and Spiritual Awakening55:16 Challenges and Ethical Considerations of IVF01:08:06 The Arrival of Nehemiah

Episode Summary: In this episode of Gardens in Babylon, host Kevin Minnett and co-host Riley Toews explore the "divine constitution" of the family. Featuring guest Daniel Craig from Generations Ministries, the conversation dives deep into the historical and biblical necessity of family worship. From the streets of 19th-century New York to the modern homeschooling movement, we discuss why fathers must move past "drop-off culture" and embrace their role as the primary spiritual leaders of their homes.Key Discussion Points:The "Breathless Rush": Drawing from James Alexander (1847), we discuss how the busyness of life often serves as an excuse to neglect family devotion.The Problem with "Drop-off Culture": Why relying solely on church programs can implicitly tell children "don't try this at home."A Means of Grace: Understanding family worship not as a chore, but as a channel through which God strengthens the entire household.The 4 Pillars of Generations Ministries:Family Discipleship: The home as the primary center for life preparation.Biblical Worldview: Integrating the Lordship of Christ into every subject, including math and science.Best Books, Best Teachers: Moving beyond Greek foundations to Christ-centered learning.Worship & Life Application: Defining the goal of education as a "love that edifies" rather than just academic knowledge.Gardens in Russia: Daniel Craig shares his formative experiences growing up in an orphanage ministry in Moscow.Notable Quotes:"Where the head of a family is lukewarm or worldly, he will send a chill through the whole house." — J.W. Alexander"Faithfulness is ours; the results belong to God." — Riley Toews"Education is the physical, spiritual, emotional, and intellectual preparation of a young person for good works in this life and in eternity." — Daniel CraigResources Mentioned:Book: A Theology of the Family by Scott Brown and Jeff Pollard.Article: Thoughts on Family Worship by J.W. Alexander.Ministry: Generations MinistriesCurriculum: Generations K-12 Homeschool CurriculumBook: Always Ready by Greg Bahnsen.About Our Guest:Daniel Craig is a leader at Generations Ministries in Colorado. He is an entrepreneur, musician, and advocate for family-based discipleship. His work focuses on helping families reclaim a holistic, biblical vision for education and life.

Episode SummaryKevin and Riley draw a sobering parallel between the "midnight of heathenism" faced by 19th-century missionary John Patton and the spiritual darkness of the modern abortion industry. They discuss the shift from abortion as a "tragic choice" to its celebration as a "sincerely held religious belief" and "secular sacrament."The episode features an interview with Scott Hord, a former pastor now serving full-time on the sidewalk. Scott shares incredible stories of Gospel transformation, from life-threatening encounters to mothers choosing life after a five-minute conversation.Section 1: The Midnight of HeathenismKevin discusses John Patton’s mission to the New Hebrides. The hosts explore how modern society hasn't "outgrown" historic savagery but has simply relocated it to sterile rooms.Religious Abortion: Analyzing Indiana rulings claiming abortion as "religious freedom."Proverbs 24:11: The mandate to rescue those staggering toward slaughter.Section 2: Worldviews & The Mennonite GameKevin and Riley discuss the importance of multi-generational faithfulness and a surprising family connection.Neutrality is a Myth: Why "natural law" fails without a biblical standard.Image of God: The theological foundation for protecting life.The Mennonite Game: A lighthearted interlude discovering that Kevin and Riley share a great-grandfather.Legacy: Cultivating faithfulness that lasts a hundred years.Section 3: Interview with Scott HordScott Hord shares his experience in the ministry of rescue.The Father’s Voice: Why a compassionate male presence is vital for women in crisis.795 Rescues: The stories behind the confirmed lives saved through his ministry.Ministry Framework: Scott’s "Quadrant" for spiritual health: King, Warrior, Friend, and Servant.Transformation: How "Kevin" went from threatening Scott to building crosses for new mothers.Action: Moving the church from the sidelines to the sidewalk.Mentioned in this EpisodeScott Hord Ministries: scotthord.comEnd Abortion Now: endabortionnow.com (Jeff Durbin)The White Rose Resistance: thewhiterose.life (Seth Gruber)Love Life: lovelife.orgOperation Save America: operationsaveamerica.orgQuotes"The midnight of heathenism isn’t a relic of history—it’s our current climate." — Kevin Minnett"I don’t wear sunglasses. I want them to see the compassion in my eyes." — Scott HordHow are you planting "gardens" in the hard places of your community? Join the conversation on our social media.#GardensInBabylon #ProLife #GospelHope #FaithfulInTheFight

How do we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? In this deep and delightful episode of Gardens in Babylon, Kevin and Riley sit down with Dale and Lisa Jost, parents of 11 and grandparents of 34. From their homestead in Southern Alberta, the Josts have built a multi-generational heritage rooted in music, fruitfulness, and the "long game" of faithfulness.We explore the reality of raising a "statistically anomalous" large family in a culture that often views children as a burden. Dale and Lisa share how family worship and singing became their armor and their weapon—helping their children grow into productive, creative adults who are now passing the baton to the next generation.In this episode, we cover:Worship as Warfare: Why the song of the Lord is a tool for the wilderness, not just a luxury for the church building.The Singing Family: How to teach your kids harmony (literally and spiritually) to create a bond that survives "Babylon."Raising Productive Arrows: How the Josts encouraged entrepreneurship and individual giftings in their 11 children.Finding Spouses in Exile: Honest advice for parents in isolated communities on trusting God's providence for their children’s futures.The "Compost" of Repentance: Why your past failures, when repented of, become the richest soil for your family’s future growth.Chapters00:00 Worship as Warfare: Why King Jehoshaphat sent singers into battle.02:48 The Family Altar at the Kitchen Table: Lessons from missionary John Patton.10:31 The Van-Trapped Family Singers: Memorable (and hilarious) stories from the touring life.12:57 The Family Economy: Why "Canaan" is built through inventiveness and hard work.19:30 Spiritual Impact of Music: Why the Word of Christ must dwell in us through song.30:09 Countercultural Fruitfulness: Raising 11 kids in a "below-replacement" culture.41:17 First Steps for Frazzled Dads: How to start the journey of generational faithfulness today.

EPISODE 2: Kids, Cows, and Kirkers with Eric AndersonIs your home just a "rain shelter," or is it a productive nursery for the Kingdom of God? In this episode, Kevin and Riley are joined by Eric Anderson, a pastor and "jack-of-all-trades" from Minnesota, to discuss the theology of the Cosmic Household.Eric shares how his family of nine has moved away from the "therapeutic victim culture" of modern society and toward a robust, productive family economy involving Jersey cows, sourdough side-hustles, and a healthy dose of midwestern thrift.In this episode, we cover:The Gardener Father: Exploring J.H. Merle d’Aubigny’s vision of the home as a nursery and the father as a "husbandman."Gardening in Babylon: Why we need to stop being "armchair prophets" at coffee shops and start cultivating character in our own backyards.The Theology of Thrift: How the Andersons support a large family on a pastor's salary without debt.Jersey Cows & Sourdough: Why reorienting the home toward production changes the spiritual temperature of the family.Character Excellence: Why homeschool kids with a work ethic stand out to secular coaches and employers.Protecting the Marriage: Practical rhythms for sanity, including "unhurried walks" and family rest hours.Resources Mentioned:Book: The Household and the War for the Cosmos by C.R. Wiley.Historical Text: Family Worship by J.H. Merle d’Aubigny.Acronym: Eric’s "THRIFT" framework for family economy. (But we need to get Eric back on the work through this further.)Connect with the Show:Subscribe to Gardens in Babylon on Apple Podcasts.Leave a Review: If this episode encouraged you, please leave a 5-star rating!Follow Us: [Insert Social Media Links/Facebook Group]Notable Quote:"The home is not just a place to train your kids as an alternative to government education... it is a place where economy happens" — Eric AndersonApple Podcast Search Keywords (Tags):Reformed theology, Christian parenting, homeschooling, family economy, homesteading, thrift, C.R. Wiley, Merle d'Aubigny, 1689 Baptist, multi-generational faithfulness, Christian household.TakeawaysFamily worship as a powerful means of preparationThe impact of family structure on character formation Family and household visionThrift and productivityCommunity involvementRaising children with purposeChapters00:00 The Importance of Family Worship08:01 The Anderson Family Routine37:15 Theological Framework for Family and Work43:40 Thrift and Productivity01:05:39 Raising Children with PurposeKey Topics: Christian Parenting, Family Discipleship, Raising 9 Kids, Homesteading, Character Training for Teens.

Can a faithful family thrive in a "Babylonian" culture? In this debut episode of Gardens in Babylon, pastors Kevin Minnett and Riley Toews explore the biblical foundations for family worship and family discipleship. Whether you are looking for a kids faith podcast or resources for leading your teenagers, this episode reveals why the solution to cultural decay starts at the supper table, not in the senate.Kevin and Riley discuss the "family altar," the historical faithfulness of the Puritans, and how to view your home as a "mini-economy" of the Kingdom of God.What we cover in this episode:The "Family Altar": Why consistent worship in the home is the heartbeat of a resilient family.Work as Worship: Reclaiming the biblical word Avoda to bridge the gap between the sacred and the secular.Raising Godly Kids in Hard Places: Practical ways to use Deuteronomy 6 rhythms in a modern, busy household.Prioritizing the Home: How to audit your schedule to ensure your christian family goals come first.Chapters00:00 The Call to Faithful Households: Lessons from the 1689 London Baptist Confession.06:33 The Integration of Work and Worship: Why mothering and homesteading are "Kingdom Work."10:45 The "Dad Joke" Face-off: Humor, heritage, and the importance of joy.32:43 Identifying Priorities: Setting deliberate goals for family discipleship.39:00 Cultivating Faithful Families: Building a legacy that outlasts empires.Resources MentionedA Theology of the Family – Edited by Scott Brown & Jeff PollardFull-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life – David L. BahnsenFamily Driven Faith – Voddie BauchamFamily Life – Kevin SwansonFamily Worship – Donald Whitney