On this week’s episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we hear from missionary George Collins, who—alongside his wife, Debi—faithfully served in Bangladesh before founding GAP Ministries, which later became Live Global, an ABWE ministry. While working alongside national partners, George recognized a vital need: to better connect and equip national Christian leaders with the communication, encouragement, … Continue reading Building Bridges, Equipping Leaders: George Collins
Death of an Evangelist
In 1949, Arthur Miller published Death of a Salesman, the tragic story of Willy Loman, an aging traveling salesman whose hollow pursuit of the American Dream ends in despair and suicide. For decades, Miller’s play has served as a symbol of material emptiness, generational conflict, and the human longing for meaning. Earlier this week, we witnessed not the death of a salesman but the … Continue reading Death of an Evangelist
Faith in the Amazon: Ralph Poulson
On this week’s episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we hear the inspiring story of missionary Ralph Poulson. Alongside his wife, Margie, Ralph dedicated his life to church planting among unreached tribes in the Amazon, serving with ABWE in Brazil. Their journey took them from the Port of Two Brothers deep in the jungle to Benjamin … Continue reading Faith in the Amazon: Ralph Poulson
What Should We Do With ‘Persons of Peace’?
“Everyone we meet is on a spiritual journey.” I recently came across this statement printed on a brochure for an evangelistic Bible study. When I see language like this used in church and ministry contexts, my response is twofold. On one hand, it is true that we must start with the unbeliever on his own … Continue reading What Should We Do With ‘Persons of Peace’?
A Legacy of Fellowship: Bob and Lynne Trout (Part 2)
On this week’s episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we continue the remarkable story of Bob and Lynne Trout. In part one, we followed their faithful service across South America—in Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia—where they shared the gospel and witnessed God’s transforming work in the lives of those they served. In part two, we explore the … Continue reading A Legacy of Fellowship: Bob and Lynne Trout (Part 2)
Babies, Schools, and Church Planting in Papua New Guinea: Bill and Lori Smith
What does ministry fruitfulness look like in Papua New Guinea? Alex Kocman talks with Bill and Lori Smith, veteran ABWE missionaries who have served in Papua New Guinea (PNG) for nearly 40 years. The Smiths share their journey into missions, the unique cultural and spiritual challenges in PNG, and the dual nature of their ministry—training … Continue reading Babies, Schools, and Church Planting in Papua New Guinea: Bill and Lori Smith
A Legacy of Fellowship: Bob and Lynne Trout (Part 1)
On this week’s episode of Cloud of Witnesses, we begin the first of a two-part story highlighting the faithful ministry of Bob and Lynne Trout. Serving with ABWE across South America—in Peru, Paraguay, and Colombia—the Trouts dedicated their lives to sharing the gospel and building up the church. After decades on the field, they returned … Continue reading A Legacy of Fellowship: Bob and Lynne Trout (Part 1)
Leadership and Emotional Sabotage: The Killer of Local Church Mission
Those who know me personally are aware that our church went through a difficult season a few years ago—pastoral transition, rebuilding of our elder team, and reshaping of a local church culture that was somewhat cold to one of vitality and warm fellowship. Due to my work with ABWE, I was often asked about our … Continue reading Leadership and Emotional Sabotage: The Killer of Local Church Mission
Living Like Missionaries in ‘Pride Month’
I recently saw a comment online that struck me. It said, in effect: If you want to know what it feels like to be a missionary in a foreign country hostile to the gospel, where being a Christian and publicly expressing your faith puts you at risk, you don’t have to imagine it—you’re already living … Continue reading Living Like Missionaries in ‘Pride Month’
What South Africa’s Refugees Teach Christians About Biblical Compassion
On May 12, 2025, 59 white South African Afrikaners arrived in the US under a refugee program initiated by President Donald Trump. These Afrikaners, representing descendants of Dutch and French settlers who once led South Africa’s apartheid government, sought asylum due to rising threats of racial violence and property loss faced by Boers in post-apartheid … Continue reading What South Africa’s Refugees Teach Christians About Biblical Compassion
