Echoes of Faith

In this episode, we sit down with missionary Benji Dryden to hear the story of a life shaped by ministry in Haiti. Raised on the mission field, Benji returned with his own family to serve alongside his father, train Haitian pastors, and share the Gospel in the country he called home.We discuss Haiti’s religious culture, the influence of Voodoo, and Benji’s experiences with spiritual opposition and people finding freedom in Christ. He also shares memories of the 2010 earthquake, an armed robbery in his home, and the growing gang threat that eventually led him and his wife to leave Haiti—with just 24 hours to decide what to take.The conversation follows the uncertainty that came afterward: caring for his father, adjusting to life in the United States, and trusting God for a new direction. Benji explains how that season led to serving missionaries across the Caribbean and why training local believers allows ministry to continue even when a missionary cannot stay.In this episode, we cover:Growing up in Haiti as a missionary kidHis salvation testimony and personal call to missionsServing alongside his father and learning from his faithfulnessTraining Haitian pastors through the Bible InstituteMinistry through hurricanes and the 2010 earthquakeVoodoo, spiritual fear, and testimonies of changed livesAn armed robbery and the growing threat of gang violenceLeaving Haiti and trusting God through an unexpected transitionHis work with BIMI missionaries across the CaribbeanWhy preparing for ministry begins with serving where you areThis is a conversation about faithfulness, family, spiritual opposition, and trusting God when the place you’ve called home is no longer somewhere you can stay.Whether you’re interested in missions, facing an unexpected change, or seeking God’s direction for your life, this episode will encourage you to keep serving and trust Him with the next step.

In this episode, we sit down with missionary Josh Mead to discuss his ministry in Senegal, his experience engaging Muslims with the Gospel, and his perspective on Islam’s influence on culture and society—including here in America.Josh shares how God led him to West Africa, where learning the language, building relationships, and planting churches gave him firsthand experience ministering in a predominantly Muslim setting. From that background, we explore the relationship between Islamic beliefs, cultural identity, and political power, along with his concerns about religious freedom and changes taking place in America and the West.We also discuss how Christians should respond. Josh emphasizes knowing what you believe, being prepared to answer difficult questions, and personally engaging Muslim neighbors and coworkers with the Gospel.In this episode, we cover:Josh’s testimony and call to missions in SenegalUnderstanding Islam’s relationship to culture and identityHis perspective on Sharia, political power, and religious freedomIslam’s growing presence in America and the WestThe experiences of Christian converts facing persecutionHow media outreach is opening doors for the GospelThe importance of building relationships with MuslimsResponding to cultural concerns with biblical conviction and evangelismThis is a conversation about missions, faith, culture, and the responsibility of Christians to represent Christ in a changing world.Whether you’re interested in overseas missions, seeking to understand your Muslim neighbors, or thinking through Christianity’s place in today’s culture, this episode will challenge you to study, engage, and be ready to share the hope you have in Christ.

In this episode, we sit down with evangelist Scott Pauley to hear how God shaped his life, called him to preach, and led him into ministry. From trusting Christ as a young boy to serving nearly twenty years alongside Pastor Clarence Sexton, Scott shares the people, lessons, and seasons of preparation that helped shape his walk with the Lord.We discuss the foundation behind public ministry—a personal, daily relationship with God. Scott speaks honestly about trying to earn God’s approval, developing consistency in Scripture, learning from mentors, and discerning when God is leading you into a new season. He also shares the story behind Enjoying the Journey and what it means to find joy in Christ even when life is difficult.In this episode, we cover:Scott’s salvation testimony and call to preachDeveloping a consistent devotional lifeMoving beyond reading the Bible to meditating on its truthLessons learned from Pastor Clarence SextonWhy a right view of God shapes the way we live and serveKnowing when to stay and when God is leading you to goThe story and purpose behind Enjoying the JourneyKeeping your confidence in Christ when people disappoint youFinishing your course with faithfulness and joyThis is a conversation about walking with God through every season, appreciating those who invest in your life, and finding joy in the companionship of Christ.Whether you’re preparing for ministry, seeking consistency in your time with the Lord, or needing encouragement along the way, this episode will challenge you to draw closer to Christ and enjoy the journey He has given you.

In this episode, we sit down with missionary Wayne Sehmish to hear the story of a life devoted to taking the Gospel to Thailand. From the early call to missions, to stepping into a foreign culture, learning new customs, and faithfully serving over the years, this conversation offers a firsthand look at what long-term missionary work truly requires.We discuss the realities of ministry overseas — the victories, the hardships, the spiritual battles, and the moments that remind you why the mission matters. Wayne shares what it was like adjusting to life in Thailand, building relationships, preaching Christ in a Buddhist culture, and trusting God through seasons of uncertainty.In this episode, we cover:How God called him to the mission fieldWhy Thailand became the place of ministryThe challenges of language, culture, and daily life overseasReaching people with the Gospel in a Buddhist societyStories of changed lives and answered prayerThe sacrifices missionary families often makeWhat churches can do to better support missionariesWhy the Great Commission still matters todayThis is a powerful conversation about obedience, faith, sacrifice, and the eternal value of giving your life to something bigger than yourself.Whether you’re interested in missions, ministry, or simply hearing how God works across the world, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

Dr. Jim Schettler has spent decades in ministry as a pastor, Bible teacher, and educator, shaping generations of students through a steady emphasis on Scripture, discernment, and obedience to God.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Schettler to walk through his story — from his early years and conversion, to his time in Bible college, pastoral ministry, and eventual role training young leaders for the next generation. We explore what shaped his beliefs, how his understanding of God’s will developed over time, and why he has consistently emphasized biblical principles over emotion or cultural trends.This conversation goes beyond sound bites. We talk honestly about:His early spiritual influences and calling to ministryThe experiences that formed his teaching on knowing God’s willHis philosophy of discipleship, authority, and personal responsibilityThe challenges of pastoring and teaching over multiple decadesHow he views obedience, grace, and discernment todayLessons learned from a lifetime of ministry and leadershipThis is a thoughtful, reflective discussion about faithfulness over time — what it means to walk with God when life isn’t simple, culture is shifting, and clarity doesn’t come quickly.Whether you agree with every perspective or not, this episode offers insight into the life and convictions of a man who has devoted his life to teaching the Word of God and helping believers live it out with integrity.

In this episode of Echoes of Faith, we sit down with Adam Young, a missionary who spent many years serving in Russia, sharing the Gospel in a land shaped by hardship, history, and spiritual resistance.Adam walks us through his calling into missions, what led him specifically to Russia, and what daily life looked like serving Christ in a culture still bearing the scars of Soviet atheism. From cultural barriers and government pressure to powerful moments of faith and transformation, this conversation offers a rare look behind the curtain of long-term missionary work.We talk about:What life is really like for missionaries in RussiaThe spiritual climate and challenges facing believers thereThe cost of obedience and faithfulnessHow Russian Christians worship under pressureWhat American believers can learn from persecuted or restricted churchesThe future of missions in an increasingly closed worldThis is a conversation about endurance, obedience, and trusting God when the path is uncertain. Adam’s story is a reminder that the Gospel still advances — even in the hardest places. Whether you’re interested in missions, faith under pressure, or what it truly means to follow God’s calling, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

In this heartfelt episode of Echoes of Faith, host Joseph Rasmussen sits down with longtime pastor and servant of God, Roger Pauley. With decades of ministry experience and a passion for expository preaching, Pastor Pauley shares rich insights from his journey of faith — from the early days of business and raising a family to entering full time ministry. Pastor Roger Pauley, who has been married to his wife Martia for over 50 years has some wonderful insights into dating, engagement and how to build a marriage that last. Listeners will be encouraged by his stories of God’s provision, the trials that shaped his walk, and his burden for biblical preaching in a changing world. Whether you're in ministry, preparing for it, or simply seeking encouragement in your spiritual life, this episode will stir your heart toward greater faithfulness and dependence on Christ.

In this powerful episode of Echoes of Faith, host Joseph Rasmussen sits down with veteran missionary Jeff Demarest, whose ministry has spanned over three decades across Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. From the early days of planting churches in East Africa to his most recent years of shepherding Lighthouse Baptist Church in Hillcrest, South Africa, Bro. Demarest shares stories of faith, cultural challenges, divine provision, and the enduring call of God.You’ll hear about his family’s transition to the mission field, the impact of his late wife Robin, and how God continued to use him in times of personal loss. Whether you’re a young person considering missions, or simply looking to be encouraged by real-world faithfulness, this conversation will stir your heart and point you back to the greatness of God’s plan.

After 27 years in one of the most restricted nations on earth, missionary Eddie Ray has seen the cost of following Christ up close. From underground baptisms in Beijing to his son’s deportation by China’s National Security Bureau, Eddie shares what it means to obey God when the law says you can’t. In this episode, he opens up about his journey from a Tennessee pastor to a veteran missionary, the faith that sustains him, and why the church in China—though hidden—is thriving more than ever.