BFA Life Podcast

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Stories of God's glory revealed in and through BFA.

Black Forest Academy


    • Jul 26, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 45 EPISODES

    5 from 14 ratings Listeners of BFA Life Podcast that love the show mention: great.



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    Latest episodes from BFA Life Podcast

    Maddie (Alumni Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 31:02


    Once a Falcon, always a Falcon. We love when alumni share their experiences before, during, and after BFA. On this episode you will hear from a recent alumna about her experience at BFA and what she has been up to since. If you are an alum of BFA - make sure to join the Facebook group and follow us on socials to stay up to date about what is happening in the alumni community!  Website: bfacademy.de Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy

    Refugee Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2024 36:23


    On this episode, hear from students and volunteers about the joys of serving within the Refugee Ministry. Website: bfacademy.de Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy

    Farewell to the Seniors - Class of 2024 (Student Features)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 35:07


    With graduation days away, the class of 2024 is ready to be “launched” into the world. On this episode, we get to hear from 2 graduating seniors about their experience at BFA and the exciting futures that lay ahead. We celebrate with this class for a wonderful school year and are excited to see what the Lord does in and through them in the coming years. Once a Falcon, always a Falcon! Congratulations Class of 2024! Website: bfacademy.de Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Church Planting in Germany - Family Story

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2024 41:04


    On this episode, the Carey family shares their family's story of living in Germany for 17 years and how BFA plays a significant part in their story. Their kids are 2nd generation BFA students and on this episode you get to hear the joy that brings their father, a BFA alum. We are encouraged by this story and God's faithfulness in bringing people to Himself. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    More than Volunteering - Family Story

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2024 44:40


    On this episode, you will hear from the McKell family; a family who lives in Kandern, works for another organization but serves faithfully here at BFA. All 3 of their daughters have attended BFA and their family has been an active part of our community. From SPT leaders to volleyball coaches to small group leaders, the McKells have invested well as volunteers throughout the years, listen to hear more of their story! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Madi (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 28:10


    On this episode, we get to hear from one of our current students - Madi. You will hear about her family's long legacy with BFA and the way the Lord has used her family, this location, and BFA to mold her into who she is today. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Friendship (Students Perspective)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 66:55


    On this episode, we have 7 seniors share about what friendship and community has looked like during their time here at BFA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Bible Translation & Church Planting - Family Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2024 44:49


    On this episode, we hear the personal story of one of our families and how Bible translation and church planting in Africa intersects with BFA. It is a beautiful, holistic conversation about their work and lives. We are grateful to have them a part of our BFA family! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Asian Fellowship - Department Spotlight

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 38:49


    Asian Fellowship is a program we offer for our students who are ethnically Asian and/or live in Asian contexts. On this episode, you will hear from our current Asian Care Coordinator, current students involved in Asian Fellowship, and from an alum who was involved during her time on campus. It is one of the areas that showcases the diversity on campus. We are grateful for the care given through this department and the growth we can all have as a community as we celebrate different cultures. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Jill Young (Staff Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2024 29:43


    Ms. Young has served in our English department since 1993! She is a well-known and beloved teacher in our community. In this episode, you will hear insights from decades of teaching at BFA, and hopefully, be encouraged by her longevity. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Dorm Parenting (Staff Feature - The Dolskys)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2024 40:29


    Our boarding program is a vital part of BFA and essential to accomplish our mission and vision of empowering global missions. On this episode, we hear from two dorm parents who have served in HBR for 5 years. We talk about HBR and its legacy and its future, as well as, the daily components of being dorm parents. To know more about the Immeasurably More campaign, please visit: bfacademy.de/e320 Or email advancement@bfacademy.de Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠bfacademy.de⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Immeasurably More - An In Depth Look

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2023 49:49


    BFA has entered one of the most significant seasons of its history: a $8.9M campaign to prepare this school for many more years of seeing globally-minded christians influence their world for Christ. There have been countless stories over the past 70 years about God's sovereign provision and plan for this school, and this next phase is another way we sense God inviting us to partner in empowering the Kingdom. In this episode, we dive deep into Immeasurably More with our Head of School, Phil Dow, and our two Advancement Officers, Brenda Mellon and Jack McClure. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Christmas Special

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 46:02


    Christmas is a special time around our campus, in Kandern, and in Germany. In the midst of celebrating with fun events and traditions, we cling to the hope of Jesus. On this episode, we will hear from several guests about different aspects of our Christmas season. Frohe Weihnachten! Website: ⁠⁠⁠bfacademy.de⁠⁠⁠ Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Because of Longevity - Family Story

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2023 60:18


    One of BFA's core values is to play a role in keeping and mobilizing families on the mission field. We have learned and continue to see that longevity is a key factor in discipleship and loving others well. We are grateful for this story of a family that has served overseas for over 2 decades. In this episode, we also have the opportunity to hear how mentorship is an important aspect of our community. Website: ⁠⁠bfacademy.de⁠⁠ Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    SURRENDER - A chaplaincy overview.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2023 54:59


    Let's talk all about spiritual life here at BFA. On today's episode, our chaplain team gives us an overview of the programs and resources provided to students as they encounter questions regarding God and faith. Spoiler alert: this year's spiritual theme is SURRENDER. Website: ⁠bfacademy.de⁠ Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy Conversation about SEW: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/e9P0tYEwAEb Older conversation with the chaplain team: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/uHxemZEwAEb --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    The Choice of One Family in the Midst of Transition

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2023 39:43


    Each family that sends their children to BFA has a unique journey. In the midst of transition and the imminent needs of their daughters, this family chose BFA. While their story is unique, they represent BFA's impact on students and their families and showcase how to be Jesus' hands and feet in their context. Website: bfacademy.de Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Past, Present, and Future with our Head of School, Dr. Dow.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2023 36:40


    With 70 years of BFA on the horizon, our Head of School, Dr. Phil Dow, joins us for a chat about the worldwide significance of BFA's mission, the exciting season we find ourselves in, and the bright future ahead. Website: bfacademy.de Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy Book referenced by Dr. Dow: Saving Germany - James Enns --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blackforestacademy/message

    Alumni Influencing Their World - Katie in the Himalayas

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2021 37:21


    We are connecting with BFA alumni who are influencing their world for Christ. Join us for a conversation with Katie who is working as a nurse in the Himalayas and hear how God is continuing to shape and equip her.

    Gregory Coles - TCKs finding a healthy sense of belonging.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2021 56:01


    Thanks for joining us again with this episode. Today we present Greg Coles, author, speaker, and worship leader. www.gregorycoles.com

    Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2021 48:27


    We are so thankful for these new members of our team! Below you can see who is included in this episode as well as what time they give their testimony. 00:56 - Dustin and Emily Peck 04:27 - Adam and Natasha Perryman 10:12 - Pippa Raiter 13:39 - Russell and Lori Rohleder 19:25 - Lorrie Ruh 23:58 - Sam and Salome Udaiyar 28:28 - CJ and Jenna Miller 34:08 - Molly Schubert 37:35 - Eric and Emily Choi 42:50 - Craig Olson

    Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2021 45:22


    We are so thankful for these new members of our team! Below you can see who is included in this episode as well as what time they give their testimony. 02:05 - Christina Book 04:42 - Savannah Johnson 08:16 - Joy Richter 10:42 - Brandon and Jana Auman 14:38 - Andrew and Christine Betts 19:30 - Crystal Dashney 21:35 - Jon and Joy deTombe 26:05 - Estelle Erdmann 28:16 - Lucas and Rachel Fultz 33:50 - Roger Higby 36:56 - Cris and Dennis Hoover 41:53 - Karis Merritt

    Tim Shuman - Equipped, Shaped, and Prepared by God

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 52:42


    Tim Shuman is the Regional Director for International Schools at ACSI and a longtime friend of BFA and former staff member. Join us as we talk through how God prepared Tim through a variety of roles, joys and challenges to be equipped and ready for where he felt called.

    Micah and Heather Powers - (Staff Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 35:07


    Micah and Heather are longtime friends and colleagues who have served at BFA in multiple capacities and at multiple times. We sat down to learn how the Lord has allowed them to invest a big portion of their lives into the Kingdom and into the global community of BFA.

    God in the midst of cancer - Stu Henderson (Staff Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 12:37


    In this episode, we sit down with Stu Henderson and talk through his journey with cancer, joy in the middle of pain, and what it means to shine for Christ list a Honey Cake Horse. Confused about what that means? Have a listen and find out :)

    Three Schools. Three Continents. One Mission.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 70:13


    In this episode, we called up our friends at Rift Valley Academy and Grace International School for a chat about all things missions and education. Be sure to check out their websites! RVA: https://rva.org/ GIS: https://www.gisthailand.org/

    How did we get here... during a pandemic!? - Veronica Gerace and Preston Flynt

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2020 41:43


    We are starting off this story with two of our HR team members. In this episode, Veronica and Preston walk us through how God brought staff and students here to BFA in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. Also, Veronica is not an old lady and Preston likes ice cream. Don't we all?

    Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 25, 2020 55:35


    A second group of our new staff share stories of how they made it to Germany amidst the global health crisis brought on by COVID-19. God's hand moved mightily to bring them here and we hope these stories strengthen your faith.

    Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 31, 2020 45:41


    We are back at the beginning of this school year with stories of how our new colleagues made it to Germany amidst the global health crisis brought on by COVID-19. God's hand moved mightily to bring them here and we hope these stories strengthen your faith.

    God in Disappointment - Jiska (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2020 10:22


    Jiska is a senior this year and a leader of the worship team here at BFA. She recently shared the disappointments she's experienced since the beginning of the COVID-19 response and the beauty of trusting God through it all.

    Bayley (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 24:37


    Listen to Bayley's profound appreciation for the role BFA has had in her life. Join the discussion about TCKs and MKs at https://anchor.fm/michele-phoenix

    Athletics at BFA

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2020 32:58


    Nathan chats with Caleb, Lisa, and Sam about the ways BFA's athletics programs raise the value of the BFA student experience.

    Citizens of the World - A conversation about MKs and TCKs with Michèle Phoenix.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2019 55:37


    Listen to this compelling conversation with a leader in the field of educating, training, and caring for missionary families and their children. We talk about the unique perspectives and challenges that face missionary kids as well as ask many of our students about their lives as global citizens. If you would like to contact Michèle Phoenix, please visit www.michelephoenix.com.

    "Transitions and God's Faithfulness Therein" with Art and Beckie Melli

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2019 41:50


    Listen as Josh and Nathan glean wisdom and insight from these two long-time BFA former staff members. We will talk about the origin of some of BFA's core programs, transitions in vocational ministry, and about how God has led Art and Beckie over the years. If you would like to reach out to them, you can email artbeckiemelli@mac.com

    Enriching Experiences - A Synopsis of Class Trips at BFA

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2019 52:20


    Each year students get to visit WW1 trenches, a WW2 concentration camp, the beaches of Normandy, Florence, Rome, and Venice. Listen to students and staff reflecting on the field trips that contribute to the academic, social, spiritual, and philosophical development of our student body.

    Introducing the New Staff of 2019

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2019 45:37


    We gathered as many testimonies as we could with our new staff sharing about their journeys that ultimately brought them to BFA this year.

    Andi Custer, Jen Custer, and Shawn Newby (Alumni Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2019 37:50


    For the last 3 years, Andi Custer and Shawn Newby have served BFA during our annual Spiritual Emphasis Week. Andi has been the speaker and Shawn has brought a worship team with him to lead our community in worship for the week. Nathan and Josh got to sit down with them, along with Andi's wife Jen to talk about their experience having been BFAers in the early 2000s, their passion for the Gospel, and their heart for the current generation of BFA students.

    Spiritual Life at BFA - Get to know the chaplain team.

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2019 38:59


    Josh sits down with our chaplains for the 2019-2020 school year to get insight into how God is reaching BFA students, and how they've been called to partner with Him.

    Micah and Emma (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2019 31:21


    In this episode, get to know these sisters as they reflect on their upbringing, navigate transition, and dream about the future.

    Kat (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2019 42:28


    In this episode, we sit down with Kat. She has a love for God, her friends, her family, and her island.

    Gavin Brettenny (Staff Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2019 30:00


    He grew up as a white, christian male in apartheid and has given his life to reaching the world for Christ through education. Get to know the new Black Forest Academy Head of School who began his term service this past academic year.

    Graduating From BFA - A Conversation With Liz and Abby

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2019 40:42


    In this episode we unpack the meaning of graduation here at Black Forest Academy. Our guest speakers are Abby, class of '17, and a current senior named Liz.

    Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2019 14:58


    In this episode, the students who participated in Service Project Trips unpack their experiences and process how life might change as a result.

    Boarding at BFA - Introducing The New Directors of Boarding

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2019 31:32


    BFA has been blessed for many years with Rich and Lynn Peachey as directors of our boarding program. In this episode we get to know the amazing new directors who will be stepping in at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Trey and Randi Israel.

    Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2019 21:14


    BFA offers annual springtime opportunities for students to participate in a service project in locations all over the world. In this episode we ask six of our students to reflect on their experiences in places like Uganda, Russia, and Thailand.

    Becca (Student Feature)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2019 14:40


    From the tribe to the classroom. In this, our first episode, we give you an inside peek into a life of a BFA student.

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