From Every Nation

What happens when a Spanish class, a watchful RA, and a missions conference set your life on a course you never planned? We sit down with Heath and Jessica to unpack a story that moves from dorm-room discipleship to a two-year Journeyman assignment in Krakow, Poland—complete with the tensions, prayers, and providences that got them there.If you’ve wondered whether two focused years overseas could reshape your faith, your career, and your courage, this conversation offers a clear path forward. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a church leader, you’ll find concrete insight on discerning calling, aligning a marriage around mission, and serving in a way that strengthens both the global church and your home church. Listen, share with someone wrestling through next steps, and consider what obedience might look like for you.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when a Spanish class, a watchful RA, and a missions conference set your life on a course you never planned? We sit down with Heath and Jessica to unpack a story that moves from dorm-room discipleship to a two-year Journeyman assignment in Krakow, Poland—complete with the tensions, prayers, and providences that got them there.If you’ve wondered whether two focused years overseas could reshape your faith, your career, and your courage, this conversation offers a clear path forward. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or a church leader, you’ll find concrete insight on discerning calling, aligning a marriage around mission, and serving in a way that strengthens both the global church and your home church. Listen, share with someone wrestling through next steps, and consider what obedience might look like for you.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when God redirects the comfortable path you've planned? For Justin and Wynonna Kunis, it meant trading Oklahoma youth ministry for leading mission work in Asia and North Africa—a transformation neither could have imagined when they met at Oklahoma Baptist University in the 1990s."If you had told one or both of us that we were going to spend most of our adult lives overseas, one or both of us would have turned and walked down the aisle the other way," Wynonna confesses. Their journey reveals how God often works gradually in hearts that are willing, even reluctant at first.Their story powerfully demonstrates that ministry isn't about our plans but about service. As Justin taught his youth group: "We don't come to be served, but to serve." This principle has guided them through eighteen years of cross-cultural ministry and countless lives transformed by the gospel.What unexpected journey might God be preparing for you? Sometimes the greatest adventures begin with the plans we never imagined for ourselves.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when God redirects the comfortable path you've planned? For Justin and Wynonna Kunis, it meant trading Oklahoma youth ministry for leading mission work in Asia and North Africa—a transformation neither could have imagined when they met at Oklahoma Baptist University in the 1990s."If you had told one or both of us that we were going to spend most of our adult lives overseas, one or both of us would have turned and walked down the aisle the other way," Wynonna confesses. Their journey reveals how God often works gradually in hearts that are willing, even reluctant at first.Their story powerfully demonstrates that ministry isn't about our plans but about service. As Justin taught his youth group: "We don't come to be served, but to serve." This principle has guided them through eighteen years of cross-cultural ministry and countless lives transformed by the gospel.What unexpected journey might God be preparing for you? Sometimes the greatest adventures begin with the plans we never imagined for ourselves.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when you venture to the edge of lostness, seeking people who've never heard the gospel? June's journey with Project 3000 reveals both challenges and unexpected joys on the frontline of missions.Called to missions at age 10, but it wasn’t until college that God used experiences, mentorship, and divine nudges, to eventually draw June to the International Mission Board's innovative Project 3000 program. This initiative targets the approximately 3,000 unreached and unengaged people groups remaining worldwide.Unlike traditional missionary assignments, June's role took her across South Asia on a perpetual cycle of research and discovery. Working alongside national partners who provided translation and cultural guidance, she navigated remote villages to mega cities searching for unreached unengaged groups with the gospel.Whether you're considering cross-cultural missions or simply curious about how God works in the least-reached places on earth, June's story offer both inspiration and practical insights into modern missions strategy. Listen now to discover how God is using young adults to map the final frontiers of global evangelism.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when you venture to the edge of lostness, seeking people who've never heard the gospel? June's journey with Project 3000 reveals both challenges and unexpected joys on the frontline of missions.Called to missions at age 10, but it wasn’t until college that God used experiences, mentorship, and divine nudges, to eventually draw June to the International Mission Board's innovative Project 3000 program. This initiative targets the approximately 3,000 unreached and unengaged people groups remaining worldwide.Unlike traditional missionary assignments, June's role took her across South Asia on a perpetual cycle of research and discovery. Working alongside national partners who provided translation and cultural guidance, she navigated remote villages to mega cities searching for unreached unengaged groups with the gospel.Whether you're considering cross-cultural missions or simply curious about how God works in the least-reached places on earth, June's story offer both inspiration and practical insights into modern missions strategy. Listen now to discover how God is using young adults to map the final frontiers of global evangelism.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when two college sweethearts leave behind a thriving American ministry to reach an unreached people group in Southeast Asia? Greg and Sarah’s journey to the remote mountains of Thailand began with a quiet, persistent conviction from Scripture.Through tearful prayers, hard questions, and a willingness to obey, they followed God’s call to the Palong. From creating solar-powered audio Bibles for an illiterate population to discipling a former drug addict whose family helped turn a Buddhist temple into a church, their story is a powerful example of how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.This episode offers honest insight into the joys and struggles of pioneer missions, and a compelling invitation to step into God’s global mission today.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

What happens when two college sweethearts leave behind a thriving American ministry to reach an unreached people group in Southeast Asia? Greg and Sarah’s journey to the remote mountains of Thailand began with a quiet, persistent conviction from Scripture.Through tearful prayers, hard questions, and a willingness to obey, they followed God’s call to the Palong. From creating solar-powered audio Bibles for an illiterate population to discipling a former drug addict whose family helped turn a Buddhist temple into a church, their story is a powerful example of how God works through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.This episode offers honest insight into the joys and struggles of pioneer missions, and a compelling invitation to step into God’s global mission today.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

When Albert and Kirsten arrived in Krakow, Poland with nothing but faith and a calling, they began a 15-year journey that would transform lives—including their own. In a culture suspicious of grace and unfamiliar with a personal relationship with Jesus, they discovered creative ways to connect through sports, therapy, and teaching English. From church planting to refugee ministry, their story reveals how cultural understanding and persistent faith can break through even the toughest barriers to the gospel.Want to hear more stories of missionaries taking the gospel to difficult places? Subscribe to From Every Nation, the official podcast of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions at Oklahoma Baptist University.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

Have you ever wondered how God plants and cultivates a missionary calling? For Albert Heskew, it began at age 7 during Vacation Bible School, though he wouldn't surrender his life to Christ until age 13. For his wife Kirsten, the journey looked completely different—even as she grew up in a Christian home, cross-cultural missions wasn't on her radar until decades later.This revealing conversation takes us through the winding path that eventually led the Heskews to serve as International Mission Board missionaries in Krakow, Poland for over 15 years. Their story showcases God's patient work in bringing together two people with different perspectives on ministry and missions. Albert's background includes sports, military service with the Navy, and church ministry positions, while Kirsten initially responded with a firm "over my dead body" when overseas missions was first suggested.The couple shares profound wisdom about the importance of both spouses receiving individual callings before undertaking cross-cultural ministry. Their testimony demonstrates how God often speaks through processes rather than dramatic moments, including a pivotal 30-day prayer challenge that opened Kirsten's heart to missions. Perhaps most powerfully, they reveal how their individual callings have sustained them through challenges abroad, noting, "The Lord never calls you away from something; He only calls you to something."Whether you're considering cross-cultural ministry yourself or simply want to understand how God works in the lives of ordinary people to accomplish His global purposes, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight. Listen now to discover how God might be cultivating seeds of calling in your own life, even when the harvest seems far away.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Shank to discuss what high school students interested in the mission field should do now.Nathan shares this advice: If you sense that calling, start with the basics. Develop key spiritual disciplines that foster dependence on God, such as prayer, daily quiet time in His Word, confession, and more. He emphasizes the importance of trusting the Lord with the questions of "Where?" "What?" and "When?"—learning to surrender these uncertainties strengthens our faith as we witness His provision.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

In this episode, we sit down with the Heywards to discuss their current roles in Southeast Asia. William serves as a logistics service consultant for the IMB, assisting fellow missionaries with legal matters and coordinating the shipment of materials into various countries. Cindy also plays a key role in logistics—managing guest houses and overseeing the processing of language evaluations for new missionaries.They share how their previous experience as full-time missionaries uniquely prepared them for these logistical roles. They love the variety in their work, the problem-solving challenges they tackle daily, and the opportunity to support fellow missionaries by meeting their needs.The Heywards also open up about the challenges of their current roles, as well as the highlights and favorite experiences they’ve had while living and serving in Southeast Asia.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

In this episode, we have the privilege of speaking with the Haywards, a dedicated missionary couple serving with the International Mission Board (IMB). Both Cindy and William grew up in Oklahoma and experienced a strong sense of calling to missions from an early age. In this conversation, they open up about their journey, sharing how they met, their path to engagement, and how their relationship blossomed into a lifelong commitment to serving others. Today, the Haywards are working in Southeast Asia, where they are deeply involved in spreading the gospel and making a difference in the lives of those they serve. Their story is one of faith, perseverance, and passion for the mission field, and it's an inspiring example that we can all learn from and apply to our own lives.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

This episode is a recorded class lecture given while Nathan Shank was on campus with us in the Fall of 2024. Join us for an exciting podcast episode as Nathan Shank explores the history and progress of global missions and the International Mission Board (IMB). Nathan, a former missionary in South Asia, has also served with the IMB as a supervisor overseeing teams in the region. In this episode, he delves into the profound impact of William Carey, whose translation of parts of the Bible into local Sanskrit languages helped bring the gospel to India. Despite facing significant opposition, Carey's efforts paved the way for the "Great Century" of missions, which fueled the modern mission movement of the 20th century.Nathan’s key message is that many people groups around the world remain unreached or unengaged. Since 2000, the IMB has reported engaging 106 unreached, unengaged people groups each year. While this statistic is remarkable, Nathan emphasizes that the work is far from over—there is still much to be done, and the harvest is plentiful.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

This episode is a recorded class lecture given while Nathan Shank was on campus with us in the Fall of 2024. Join us for a compelling conversation with Nathan Shank, the IMB Affinity Leader for South Asia, who shares his extraordinary journey and insights from over two decades of work in the region. Nathan walks us through his initial deployment to South Asia and his current leadership role, providing a unique perspective on the vibrant cultural and religious tapestry of South Asia. We promise you'll gain an understanding of the non-negotiable components of the gospel and the linguistic diversity among South Asian Muslims, including significant Urdu and Bengali-speaking populations. This episode sheds light on Nathan's profound experience and the challenges of evangelizing in a region rich with Hindu, Muslim, and other religious traditions.We also navigate the spiritual landscape through the lenses of 2 Corinthians 4 and Psalm 49, contrasting the challenges posed by major religions with the hope and redemption offered by the gospel. Nathan helps us explore the notion that redemption cannot be achieved through human efforts alone, emphasizing God's role in redeeming life. By examining scriptural themes beyond mere verse numbers, we uncover the profound hope and assurance found in faith. Whether you're curious about the spiritual dynamics of South Asia or seeking deeper theological insights, this episode offers rich, thought-provoking discussions that illuminate the path of faith and redemption.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

Join our enlightening conversation with Brother Tom as he reveals the profound journey of his spiritual leadership and the personal trials that shaped his tenure as president of the International Mission Board (IMB). Brother Tom opens up about his steadfast commitment to nurturing his pastoral nature despite the challenges of a presidential role, and how his wife's courageous battle with cancer influenced this season of his life.The power of prayer takes center stage as Brother Tom shares his lifelong dedication to this vital spiritual discipline. From the 1970s, when he began embracing the role of a praying pastor, to building a 24-hour prayer ministry, Brother Tom's experiences illustrate prayer's transformative impact on spiritual growth and mission work. He candidly discusses the rigorous work that prayer demands and how it has enabled him to contribute meaningfully to global missions without succumbing to the physical toll of constant travel. His stories of guiding individuals to Christ emphasize that prayer is a gift that strengthens with age and unwavering dedication.Finally, we explore the mission and vision of the Tom Elliff Center for Missions at Oklahoma Baptist University (OBU). Dedicated to equipping the next generation of missionaries, the center aims to inspire students from all fields to spread the gospel, beginning at their local churches. The episode captures the excitement of sharing this mission and invites listeners to engage with feedback on how the center can further inspire future missionaries. This is an inspiring episode that celebrates leadership, prayer, and the preparation of future generations to make a global impact.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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. Text us questions or topics to discuss.

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.htmlVisit OBU: okbu.eduText us questions or topics to discuss.

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.htmlVisit OBU: https://www.okbu.edu/admissions/visit-campus/index.htmlText us questions or topics to discuss.

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.htmlText us questions or topics to discuss.