OneLink Podcast

Travel often? The OneLink staff certainly has! In this special panel discussion with James, Kevin, Elise, Krystal, Phyllis, David, and Melody from the OneLink staff, they share helpful tips and personal hacks they learned from their own experiences with air travel. Prudence and shrewdness go a long way, especially when it comes to international flights!   Resources Shared in the Episode: - Patagonia Roll-Top Bag - Packing Cubes

Building a consistent culture of prayer is a challenge even for the most established ministries. In this episode, James and Megan dive into the vital importance of interceding for the nations, exploring how a global prayer focus does more than just move the needle abroad—it transforms the students themselves and the very heart of their campus." Resources: https://prayercast.com Other Episodes with Megan: S5:E9 - You Can't Separate Mission Mobilization from Disciple Making

Explore why growing in your ability to manage tasks, time, and systems doesn’t compete with relational ministry — it actually multiplies it. When your life is disorganized, urgent tasks crowd out meaningful conversations. But when you build simple rhythms and structures, you create margin, emotional energy, and mental space to invest deeply in people. If you’ve ever felt torn between task productivity and people, this conversation will help you see how getting better at one can strengthen the other.

You don't need to have your whole life figured out in your 20's. It's a crucial season with tremendous opportunities for personal training. In this episode, James and Brad break down what that means for young Christians who will undoubtedly face many challenges in their 20's. Making the most of this time in your life can really shape your faith and trust in God.  

Someone's testimony can both really encourage us and challenge us at the same time. In this episode, Peter and James continue to discuss the life and ministry of C.T. Studd. His life of faithful service is nothing short of remarkable and is sure to encourage us to run the race set before us.  Books mentioned: C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer - Norman P. Grubb C.T. Studd - Janet and Geoff Benge For a succinct story of his life and lessons learned check out S1:E13 CT Studd: More than a great name.

How much are you willing to sacrifice for Christ? In this episode, Peter and James discuss the life of C.T. Studd, an extraordinary man who counted no small cost for the cause of Christ. He was all or nothing when it came to living for the Lord. As they dive into his early life through the time he spent overseas, many reflective questions surrounding zealousness, sacrifice, and even family life arise for us.  Books mentioned: C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer - Norman P. Grubb C.T. Studd - Janet and Geoff Benge For a succinct story of his life and lessons learned check out S1:E13 CT Studd: More than a great name.

Is language learning for everyone? Join us as we talk about our experiences and the lessons learned as we went through our language learning journey overseas. Though it comes with its challenges, it is also met with countless blessings. Not to mention the hilarious (and often embarrassing) stories that come out of it as well.

The degree is finished and the bags are packed—but is their faith ready for the flight home? Rich joins the OneLink Podcast to tackle the unique, often-overlooked challenges international students face when taking a new faith back to their home country. Learn how to bridge the gap between campus conversion and lifelong discipleship. You can learn more about or connect with Rich by visiting https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at Rich Mendola rmendola at ifiusa.org. If you'd like to catch previous episodes with Rich, check out: S6:E6 The Changing Face of International Student Ministry with Rich Mendola S6:E2 Incorporating Biblical Hospitality in Your Life - International Students with Rich Mendola

In an era of ChatGPT and instant translation, many assume the "Great Commission" of Bible translation is just a few algorithms away from being finished. But is AI actually doing the heavy lifting? In part two of our series, our guest returns to explain why Bible translation is still a deeply human endeavor. We discuss the limitations of technology, the nuance of unwritten languages, and why a computer can't as of yet capture the "heart language" of a people group.

What does it actually take to bring the Word of God into a new language? It’s more than just swapping words—it’s about heart, culture, and years of life on the ground. In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a translation consultant who shares her journey starting in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. We pull back the curtain on the "inner workings" of translation, discussing the linguistic hurdles, the deep relationships required, and what it’s like to see a community receive the Bible in their mother tongue for the first time.

The bags are unpacked, but the journey isn’t over. For many students, the hardest part of an overseas trip isn’t the culture shock of going—it’s the "reverse culture shock" of coming home. In this episode, we dive into the critical window of reentry and debriefing. We explore how to help student teams process their experiences, navigate the transition back to campus life, and integrate their global perspectives into their local college ministry. Whether you are a student leader or a staff member, learn how to turn an overseas experience into a foundation for long-term spiritual growth. In this episode, we discuss: The Art of the Debrief: Questions to help students process what they saw and felt. Navigating Reentry: Handling the "disconnection" from friends and family who didn't go. From Missions to Campus: Strategies for re-engaging with college ministry. The Long-Term View: Ensuring the lessons learned overseas don't stay overseas. You can also hear Brett on Season 4, Episodes 1-4 Founders Series as he shares about his experiences in helping found OneLink International.

Have you wanted to go to the field and then felt delayed and discouraged?  This episode is for you! Today we talk with Jessica who just completed from her second stint overseas.  She originally thought she would go right back, but as she said in her words, "The path God leads us on is not always a straight line."

What and how does assessment benefit a mission sending organization?  Whether its a church, a mission agency, or a combination of both time spent in assessing candidates usually pays big dividends. 

Today we talk with Rich about how the face of international student ministry is changing, both here in the states and overseas as well, or more specifically the opportunity that is emerging for International Student work overseas. For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at [email protected] 

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 2 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 1 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

Reading is absolutely crucial in the life of a Christian. The same is true even more so in leadership. “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” In this episode, Kurt from the University of Florida BCM shares from his experiences how the discipline of reading Christian books yields tremendous spiritual fruit. From his shared experiences, he draws out practical habits that can ensure a rhythm of reading that will help to sharpen one’s spirit, stimulate the mind, feed the soul, and deepen our walk with God. Kurt's All Time Best Books: Daws by Betty Skinner (my fav) Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by Leroy Eims Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World by Bob McNabb Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala The Fuel and the Flame by Shadrach and Worcester Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret Gospel by JD Greear Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan The One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill Kurts recently read list (Some overlap) One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven - Mark Cahill  The Making of a Leader - Dr J Robert Clinton Fresh Wind Fresh Fire - Jim Cymbala A Resilient Life - Gordon MacDonald Gospel - JD Greear High Impact Teams - Lance Witt Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret - Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor

Hospitality is often reduced to Pinterest-perfect dinner parties and clean houses, but the biblical call is much more radical. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Mendola, Global Ambassador for International Friendships, Inc. (IFI), to explore the true meaning of biblical hospitality. Rich shares from decades of experience welcoming students from the ends of the earth into his own home. We discuss why hospitality is a primary way for "outsiders" to experience the love of God, how to overcome the "busyness" barrier, and practical ways to engage the nations currently residing in our own zip codes.   For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at [email protected]   

The bags are unpacked and the reports are in! We are opening Season 6 with a celebration of everything God did through our student teams and partners this summer. Tune in for an inspiring recap of our summer missions and a first look at the powerful conversations coming your way this season on the OneLink Podcast.

Busyness does NOT equal Hard Work. Following up on our conversation from Episode 19 Season 5. How can we make the most of every opportunity by growing in our Godly work ethic.  

www.redemptionchurchokc.com

Shane was yearning to be overseas, but found that God had lessons to teach him before he was sent.

How can you make the most of every opportunity God is placing in front of you.  Listen now to learn more.

We interview two long term worker who served in Mongolia and saw God do some amazing things. We'll discuss how shamanism interacts with Buddhism among the Mongols.   Books written by Gill: Far from Cold The Red Book

Today we discuss how Tribal or animistic believes combine with Islam in what is a very commonly encountered form of Islam... Folk Islam.  Resources: The Flaw of the Excluded Middle - Paul Hiebert Understanding Folk Religion by Paul G. Hiebert, R. Daniel Shaw, Tite Tienou A good handbook for working with this worldview, very thorough. Bridges to Islam: A Christian Perspective on Folk Islam by Phil Parshall is a classic. The Muslim Majority: Folk Islam and the Seventy Percent by Robin Dale Hadaway Communicating Christ Among Folk Religionists by By Gailyn Van Rheenan

One of the keys to OneLink's success has been building global partnerships. You can partner with us here. 

Part two of our series on prayer with Clyde.     The 5 Prayer Guidelines for transforming your corporate prayer. Pray in the name of Jesus We agree in prayer Be lead by the spirit Pray for one thing at a time Enter His gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise.

We sit down with Clyde, who has a prayer mentoring ministry.  He has influenced his church toward a really significant prayer ministry.  You can hear more of Clyde at the Prayer Mentor Podcast.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -Paul "In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." -Bonhoeffer Happy Thanksgiving!

The Psalms drip with God's love for the Nations.  Jump back in with us and Peter as we continue our walk through God's heart for the nations. This time we are in the Wisdom literature part of the Bible.

In our series on engaging with Tribal people groups, we continue our interview with Jon as we talk about understanding and engaging communities rooted in Tribal religions.

Kicking off our series on engaging with Tribal people groups, we sit down with a man who spent decades in Africa bringing the hope of Jesus to communities deeply rooted in Tribal religions. This episode marks the final letter in our THUMB series: T - Tribal H - Hindu U - Unreligious M - Muslim B - Buddhist

Today we sit down with a couple of campus ministers to talk about the inseparability of mobilization of disciple making, and what happens when you have a ministry trying to do one without the other.  This episode will challenge you to make changes, so you are doing both well. Megan and Micah bring a lot of other wise ideas and insights to the table.  Sit back and enjoy. Resources: Books: Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World: Why some disciple makers reproduce when others fail.   Episode notes. Other episodes with Micah: S4:E19 Step by Step Guide to Discipling Someone to Evangelize Well S4:E5 Can You Talk Students Into Going? - Mobilization Conversation Part 1 of 3 S3:E1 - O-Week Stories - How God uses O-week  

In part 2 of our dive into mental health with Elise we look at specific mental struggles and what Bible passages specifically to lean on for it. Elise has a Masters degree in counseling and is on staff with OneLink. Recommended Reading: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (Resources for Changing Lives) by Paul Tripp

Today we dive into mental health and what the Bible has to say about navigating that with Elise.  Elise has a Masters degree in counseling and is on staff with OneLink. Recommended Reading: Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands: People in Need of Change Helping People in Need of Change (Resources for Changing Lives) by Paul Tripp  

Today we jump in with one of my favorite people. He has a sharp mind and a caring spirit.  He has been involved with discipling college students, reaching internationals, and has a lot of experience sharing with Japanese people. 

Updated - sorry we had an issue with the audio the first time. This episode we jump back into the Bible with Peter as we examine God's heart for the nations in the Books of Prophesy. This episode covers around 700 years of history.   The New Book of Christian Martyrs: Heroes of Our Faith from the 1st Century to the 21st Century (A Modern Update to Foxe's Book of Martyrs)

In this interview we talk with an overseas partner about his journey toward learning how to disciple people cross-culturally and also how God is using them to help the local leaders set up their own cross-cultural work.  

We continue our conversation with Brent.  If you enjoy this episode you can check out Brent's podcast - The Burst Leadership Podcast. Notes: EACH E - Embrace A - Authenticity C - Challenges H - Healing

On this exciting episode we visit with Brent, who has made disciple cross-culturally overseas and in America. He shares some great lessons he's learned along the way about how you have to think differently to learn to disciple cross culturally.

Catch up with Brad and James and let's look at all the exciting things we are going to talk about this season on the OneLink Podcast!

We continue our interview from last week and we wrap up their last value and then dive deeper into their ministry and what God did there.

In this interview we talk with a couple who served in one of the toughest locations on the face of the earth.  We discuss the values their team covenanted around and how that shaped their ministry choices among a hard to reach UPG. 

Today we talk with a lady working with Afghani refugees. You'll learn how you can get involved, develop friendships, contextualize your presentation of the good news, and much more.   Resources: Afghan Bibles Discoverapp.org 5 Fish App Pashto Radio    

Today we talk with a young man who is midway into his first 2-year commitment overseas. 

Today we talk with Randi about her work in Northwest New Mexico and what she's learned about working with the Unreligious.  She also works quite a lot with Mormons and so we talk about that as well.  She gives some really great ideas and techniques for disarming an angry atheist and getting into a real and authentic conversation with them.    Scriptures mentioned: John 3:16-21 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Colossians 1:15 and following  

Alex is a German citizen who began his life in East Germany. He grew up without a faith, but God used an international internship to open Alex's eyes.  Now Alex works with Connexxions helping German students make the same faith journey he did.  Learn first hand what its like to be unreligious.

Join in on this discussion of working with the Non-religious in Germany and the Netherlands.  We sit down with Martha from a college ministry in Europe called Connexxion. You'll learn about how to best work with the non-religious in Europe, and hear what God is doing now in an area that has become hard and rocky soil. To connect with Martha email her at gomartha1 @ gmail . com.   

We kick off a new series on working with the Unreligious. Today we interview Dan about his time in Moscow and Europe and what he has learned about working with the unreligious. How do you communicate who God is? What do you do with objections brought up by strong LBGTQ+ communities?  How do we focus on our identity of being made in the Image of God? This is part of our overall plan to cover everything from the THUMB acronym.  We have already done series on working with Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists.  If you haven't listened to those go back and tune in.