On Mission with Chris Wright

For nearly 30 years, Milton Acosta taught and equipped Latin American church leaders at the Biblical Seminary of Colombia in Medellín. In addition to teaching, Milton is a published author, and served as the Old Testament editor for the "Latin American Bible Commentary"—a monumental resource for the church in this region. Today, his work focuses on mentoring, encouraging, and strengthening the ministry of seminaries around the world. In his conversation with Chris, Milton shares practical and theological insights from his recent research project on the crisis of internally displaced people in Colombia. Visit langhamvoices.org to access Milton's free Global Voices Short Course titled “The Impact of Displacement on Faith: Lessons Learned from Colombia.” Spread out over six sessions, this course unpacks the reality of internally displaced persons from the Colombian context while making it applicable to each of our own contexts.

Vladimir Ubeivolc is a pastor, author, and theologian from the small, land-locked nation of Moldova who obtained his PhD in Contextual Missiology with support from Langham. Vladimir's passion for promoting social transformation from a holistic, theological and missiological perspective led him to write a number of books on the topic, and — along with his wife — to form an NGO which seeks to address some of the most urgent needs of Moldovan society. In his conversation with Chris they discuss his unique context in Eastern Europe, some of the major challenges faced by the people of Moldova, and his passion for applying both theology and missiology to the life of the church.

Chee-Chiew Lee is an author and New Testament scholar from Singapore who received her PhD with support from Langham. In her work as a teacher and senior administrator at the strategic Singapore Bible College, she equips pastors and leaders for the church throughout Asia, as well as many Asian diaspora communities around the world. Her writing projects have provided the East Asian church with essential biblical resources like commentaries and seminary textbooks. Her most recent book, "When Christians Face Persecution," was inspired by the stories and experiences of her students who live under persecution throughout the Asian continent. In her conversation with Chris, they discuss the unique religious and demographic makeup of the city-state of Singapore, the regionally strategic role of theological education in her nation, and some of the challenges believers face in this part of the world.

Ksenija Magda is a Croatian theological educator, author, and church leader who earned her PhD with support from Langham. Ksenija lives and serves in the capital city of Zagreb where she teaches biblical studies at the University of Zagreb. In her conversation with Chris, she explores the complicated relationship in her region between religion and nationality, and how that dynamic has shaped the church. As the sole evangelical New Testament scholar in Croatia, she discusses both the challenges and opportunities she faces, along with her passion for ministering to women.

Slavko Hadžić is a church leader from Bosnia & Herzegovina, and has been involved in ministry throughout the Balkans for over 25 years. Currently, he trains pastors with Langham's Preaching Program, leads campus ministry outreach as the Chairman of the Fellowship of Evangelists at Universities of Europe, and trains churches for evangelism through a ministry he founded called Good News in Bosnia & Herzegovina. Mark Meynell guest hosts for Chris Wright on this episode. Mark served as the Director for Europe & the Caribbean for Langham Preaching for the past ten years, working closely with Slavko throughout that time. Their fascinating conversation covers Slavko's gripping story of finding hope and redemption through Christ as an atheist in the midst of war.

Sofia Quintanilla is a theological educator in Guatemala who received her PhD with support from Langham. Originally from Costa Rica, Sofia now teaches at Central American Theological Seminary in Guatemala City. In her conversation with Chris, she shares about some of the major challenges facing the church in Latin America, the unique path that brought her to theological education, and a powerful, personal story about adoption, and how God used her own experience to inspire her PhD dissertation topic.

On this episode of “On Mission with Chris Wright”, we meet Victor Nakah—a Langham Scholar and theological leader from Zimbabwe who received his PhD with support from Langham. Today, Victor lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he serves the church as a theological educator, church planter, and International Director for Sub-Saharan Africa with Mission to the World. Victor also serves as the Co-chair of the Lausanne Theology Working Group. In his conversation with Chris, Victor shares insights about the tumultuous history and current events impacting Southern Africa, reflects on the state of the church and theological education on the continent, and previews four key topics that will be addressed at the Fourth Lausanne Congress this September in South Korea.

Dr. Angukali Rotokha is an emerging Old Testament scholar from India who recently received her PhD with support from Langham. As a female theological leader, Angu is a pioneering voice for the church in South Asia. She recently co-edited "Exploring the Old Testament in Asia," the first evangelical Old Testament textbook written both from and for an Asian cultural context. In her conversation with Chris, Angu shares about her roots in Nagaland—a mountainous state in the far northeast corner of India—where Christianity is the majority religion. She also discusses how reading the Old Testament through a South Asian lens can help readers feel closer to a deeply relevant, yet often misunderstood, part of the Bible.

For almost 20 years, Dr. Patrick Fung has served as the General Director of OMF International, a missions organization focused on demonstrating and proclaiming the good news of the gospel to over 100 people groups in East Asia. From his home in Singapore, Patrick has also been heavily involved in the Lausanne Movement—previously serving on its board of directors, and currently serving as Program Chair for the upcoming Lausanne Congress in Seoul, South Korea in 2024. In his conversation with Chris, Patrick shares about the legacy of early missionaries to East Asia, the encouraging growth of the church there today, and some captivating insights on how the global church can and should work together in partnership.

Dr. Bernardo Cho is a Korean-Brazilian pastor, author, and theological educator who received his PhD with support from Langham. Bernardo lives and serves in the bustling, vibrant, diverse, and densely populated city of São Paulo, Brazil—home to more than 12 million people. In his conversation with Chris, Bernardo shares about leading a growing and diverse church plant in the heart of the city, the unique opportunities and challenges of being “on mission” in a city like São Paulo, and his newest book, "The Plot of Salvation"—a collection of sermons that lays out the history of salvation as communicated through the entirety of Scripture, from creation to new creation.

Dr. Roman Soloviy is a Ukrainian theological leader who lives and serves in the city of Lviv. Roman is the Director of the Eastern European Institute of Theology, editor-in-chief of "Theological Reflections: Eastern European Journal of Theology," a chief editor of the book series “Contemporary Protestant Theology,” and a regional commissioning editor for Langham Literature. Since the Russian invasion began in February of 2022, Roman has remained in Lviv and continues to serve the church on the frontlines in Ukraine. In his conversation with Chris, Roman shares an update on the current situation in Lviv, stories of desperation and hope from the Ukrainian church, and the many ways the global church can continue to lift up Ukraine in prayer. This conversation was recorded on Wednesday, December 14th, 2022.

Dr. Chawkat Moucarry, an Arab Christian from Syria, developed a passion from a young age to build bridges of understanding between Christians and Muslims. His work with university student ministries, World Vision International, and Veritas Forum in France—where he lives and serves today—has all been focused on promoting interfaith dialogue built on relationship. Chawkat is the author of several books that explore these topics, including his most recent, "Islam on Trial: Globalization, Islamism, and Christianity." In part two of his conversation with Chris, they discuss Chawkat's new book, which provides non-Muslims with a foundation for understanding Muslim faith and practice, and highlights shared common ground between Christianity and Islam. They also touch on the nuanced religious landscape of France, where Chawkat lives and serves. To learn more about and purchase Dr. Chawkat Moucarry's newest book, "Islam on Trial," visit: langhamliterature.org/islam-on-trial

Dr. Chawkat Moucarry, an Arab Christian from Syria, developed a passion from a young age to build bridges of understanding between Christians and Muslims. His work with university student ministries, World Vision International, and Veritas Forum in France—where he lives and serves today—has all been focused on promoting interfaith dialogue built on relationship. Chawkat is the author of several books that explore these topics, including his most recent, "Islam on Trial: Globalization, Islamism, and Christianity." In part one of his conversation with Chris, he shares about growing up as a Christian in the Middle East, his compassionate approach to apologetics, and how his background spurred on his desire to seek mutual understanding and respect between Christians and Muslims. To learn more about and purchase Dr. Chawkat Moucarry's newest book, "Islam on Trial," visit: https://langhamliterature.org/islam-on-trial

Catholic-majority Poland is one of the most religious countries in the Western Hemisphere, yet Evangelicals make up less than half a percent of the population. Ravaged by the Second World War and 40 years of communist rule, the church in Poland survives, but with very few resources and trained leaders. Dr. Dariusz Bryćko, a Polish theological leader trained with Langham support, is working to change that through Tolle Lege—a ministry he founded and leads in Warsaw that urges people to “take and read” Scripture. In his conversation with Chris, they discuss the history of the Polish church and the challenges it faces today, how Tolle Lege is seeking to grow and develop believers' understanding of God's Word, and some of the ways the people of Poland are serving their Ukrainian neighbors amid Russia's invasion.

Dr. Rula Mansour is a Palestinian Israeli theologian who received her PhD with support from Langham. Rula began her career as a lawyer, working as a public prosecutor for thirteen years, and became the first Palestinian to be appointed deputy head of a public prosecution office in Israel. Today, as a theologian, she teaches as a professor at the Nazareth Evangelical College, and recently founded the Nazareth Peace Center, which she serves as its director. Rula is passionate about equipping others to be peacemakers, and in her conversation with Chris, they discuss peace and reconciliation from a Middle Eastern perspective.

Langham Partnership has a strong network of scholars, authors, and pastors in Ukraine. In this special edition of "On Mission," Mark Meynell (Director, Langham Preaching - Europe & Caribbean) sits in for Chris Wright and speaks with another Langham-connected Ukrainian pastor who remains in-country. Their conversation was recorded on Saturday, March 12, 2022 and covers firsthand updates and ways to pray for the church in Ukraine. Due to the volatile nature of the situation there, we are withholding the name of this particular church leader for her safety.

Langham Partnership has a strong network of scholars, authors, and pastors in Ukraine. In this special edition of "On Mission," Mark Meynell (Director, Langham Preaching - Europe & Caribbean) sits in for Chris Wright and speaks with another Langham-connected Ukrainian pastor who remains in-country. Their conversation was recorded on Saturday, March 12, 2022 and covers firsthand updates and ways to pray for the church in Ukraine. Due to the volatile nature of the situation there, we are withholding the name of this particular church leader for his safety.

Langham Partnership has a strong network of scholars, authors, and pastors in Ukraine. In this special edition of "On Mission," Mark Meynell (Director, Langham Preaching - Europe & Caribbean) sits in for Chris Wright and speaks with a Langham-connected Ukrainian pastor who remains in-country. Their conversation was recorded on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 and covers firsthand updates and ways to pray for the church in Ukraine. Due to the volatile nature of the situation there, we are withholding the name of this particular church leader for his safety.

Dr. Hikmat Kashouh is a Langham Scholar and the senior pastor of Resurrection Church Beirut—a vibrant and growing missional church located in Beirut, Lebanon. Under his leadership, the church has pursued God's radical call to love our enemies and serve our neighbors. Before leading Resurrection Church Beirut he was the academic dean at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary, where he still is a research professor. In his conversation with Chris, they discuss the concept of incarnational mission and how the Church is called to live out a message of hope which points the world to Christ.

Dr. Qaiser Julius is a Pakistani Christian and theological leader trained with Langham support. Qaiser serves as the Director of Open Theological Seminary in Lahore and coordinates Langham's pastor training work in his nation. In his conversation with Chris, they discuss what it's like to boldly live out one's faith under pressure as a religious minority, and how thousands of church leaders are being equipped across the country through a unique distance learning program tailored to the needs of the region.

Santiago Benavides is a songwriter and professional musician from Medellín, Colombia. Santiago's music has taken him all over the world, and he is currently living and ministering among Latin American immigrant communities in Canada with Latin American Mission. Studying under Langham Scholar Milton Acosta in Colombia, Santiago paired his musical gifts with a theology degree to create music "that can cross religious prejudices, carrying the beauty, truth and goodness of the Gospel.” In this second half of their conversation, Chris and Santiago continue their discussion on the intersection of art, faith, and mission with a look behind the scenes at some of Santiago's songwriting, and later discuss how the people of Colombia retain faith, resilience, and hope despite the devastation left behind by 60 grueling years of internal conflict. Listen to Santiago on Spotify: spoti.fi/3oE9TWc Listen to Santiago on Apple Music: apple.co/3gG2H7L Follow Santiago on Instagram: @sanbenavides

Santiago Benavides is a songwriter and professional musician from Medellín, Colombia. Santiago's music has taken him all over the world, and he is currently living and ministering among Latin American immigrant communities in Canada with Latin American Mission. Studying under Langham Scholar Milton Acosta in Colombia, Santiago paired his musical gifts with a theology degree to create music "that can cross religious prejudices, carrying the beauty, truth and goodness of the Gospel.” In part one of their conversation, Chris and Santiago discuss the intersection of art and theology, and how music is "on mission." Listen to Santiago on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3oE9TWc Listen to Santiago on Apple Music: https://apple.co/3gG2H7L Follow Santiago on Instagram: @sanbenavides

Dr. Lami Bakari is a Langham Scholar from Nigeria, and is a founding leader of both the Christian Women Development Network International and the Pricilla Group. During her nearly forty years of ministry, she has founded two schools, worked as a hospital chaplain, and planted seven churches in partnership with her husband. Lami is passionate about women in ministry and the unique role they play in God's Kingdom. In her conversation with Chris, Lami shares some unique insights on the concept of “partnership”, and how the partnership in ministry between men and women, and the partnership in mission between the Majority World and the West can contribute to a healthier and more vibrant global church.

For 70 years, Mongolia was closed off to the world under Soviet communist rule. When the country opened up in 1991, Dr. Bayar Garamtseren was 18 years old and began attending the very first church in modern-day Mongolia. Today, he is the first Mongolian to receive a PhD in biblical studies, directs the Mongolian Bible translation project, pastors a local church, coordinates Langham Preaching in Mongolia, and runs a Christian publishing house—all so that the church may be strengthened in maturity as it continues to grow in number. In part two of his conversation with Chris, Bayar discusses how the young and energetic Mongolian church can be a blessing to the global body of Christ, and how he's striving to equip his nation with trained leaders and resources.

For 70 years, Mongolia was closed off to the world under Soviet communist rule. When the country opened up in 1991, Dr. Bayar Garamtseren was 18 years old and began attending the very first church in modern-day Mongolia. Today, he is the first Mongolian to receive a PhD in biblical studies, directs the Mongolian Bible translation project, pastors a local church, coordinates Langham Preaching in Mongolia, and runs a Christian publishing house—all so that the church may be strengthened in maturity as it continues to grow in number. In Part 1 of their conversation, Chris and Bayar discuss the drastic changes in his country since the end of communism, the rich history of Mongolia and the Mongolian church, and the remarkable growth of Christianity in a country where—only 30 years ago—barely a handful of Christians lived.

Dr. Hani Hanna is a Langham Scholar from Egypt who received his PhD in theology with support from Langham. Today, he is Vice President, Academic Dean, and Professor of Theology at the Evangelical Theological Seminary of Cairo (ETSC) — where he will soon assume the role of President. In his conversation with Chris, they talk about the history of Christianity in Egypt, some present day realities, and why theological education matters, especially for the Middle East.

Dr. Athena Gorospe, from the Philippines, received her PhD in Old Testament studies with support from Langham at Fuller Theological Seminary. She returned to Manila, where she is a professor at the Asia Theological Seminary and directs the Contextual Theology PhD program. Athena has been referred to as one of 30 Old Testament Bible Scholars you should be reading and following—and it's not hard to understand why. In her conversation with Chris, she shares powerful insights on how theology is integral to mission, and how the Old Testament speaks hope into present hard times.

Dr. Martin Accad is a world renowned theological leader in Lebanon who received his PhD training with support from Langham. He's taught at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, where he founded and directs the Institute of Middle East Studies. Martin is a sought after speaker, thinker, and writer on Islam, Middle Eastern Christianity and Christian-Muslim relations. In part two of his conversation with Chris, Martin shares about his work which focuses on building peace, trust, and understanding across the Christian and Muslim faiths. Martin shares some wise words for those who may be hesitant about any kind of partnership between Christians and Muslims, and they discuss the groundbreaking Bible commentary project for Muslim-background believers he is leading.

Dr. Martin Accad is a world renowned theological leader in Lebanon who received his PhD training with support from Langham. He's taught at Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut, where he founded and directs the Institute of Middle East Studies. Martin is a sought after speaker, thinker, and writer on Islam, Middle Eastern Christianity and Christian-Muslim relations. In his conversation with Chris, he gives us a fascinating look into the Lebanese context – a place of beauty and diversity, where, today, they face some incredible challenges.

Today — April 27, 2021 — marks the 100th anniversary of John Stott's birth. John Stott was a respected preacher, best-selling author of more than 50 books (including seminal classics such as Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ), servant of the global church, and the founder of Langham Partnership — a global ministry that trains and resources biblical leaders in 130+ countries. This special episode commemorates John Stott's impact on three global Christian leaders whose lives and ministries he personally impacted (Ajith Fernando of Sri Lanka, Matius Ho of Indonesia, and Rosalee Ewell of Brazil). You'll also hear from Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California, who shares special reflections and remembrances on his friendship with John Stott.

Ajith Fernando is teaching director (and former national director) of Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka—a ministry he led for 35 years. In addition to teaching and preaching, he spends his time mentoring and counseling younger Christian leaders and pastors. Ajith is passionate about discipleship and working among the urban poor. He's a sought after speaker, frequenting stages at Urbana and Lausanne gatherings, as well as pulpits of churches around the world. As dear friends and respected theologians, Ajith and Chris discuss lessons gleaned from decades of ministry, how the church in Sri Lanka has grown despite a decades-long civil war, and what lessons Christians in the west might learn from their Sri Lankan sisters and brothers.

Dr. Seble Daniel, a Langham Scholar, is the first female to receive a PhD in Bible and theology in her denomination—the largest in Ethiopia. With the platform of her PhD, she trains even more biblical leaders at the Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology in Addis Ababa, the capital city. And, at the invitation of the government, she is involved in helping educate communities about ending female genital mutilation. Seble is joined by Tigist, one of her students who is taking what Seble taught her and using it to disciple Ethiopia's next generation. Their conversation with Chris covers a lot of ground—from the history of Christianity in Ethiopia, to the issues facing the church today—and what is needed for the church to impact the surrounding culture.

Matius Ho is the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Leimena Institute, a non-profit organization focused on helping Indonesia's Christians engage productively and biblically in social, political and economic issues. Matius also helped launch Langham's pastor training movement in his country—a movement which has an incredible impact on the local church. In his conversation with Chris, they discuss the religious, political, and cultural landscape of Indonesia—a nation of 17,000 islands that are home to 1,300 ethnicities, more than 600 languages, and the largest population of Muslims in the world—and the role Leimena is playing in equipping the church to engage and impact society for Christ.

Dr. Elizabeth Mburu, of Kenya, is an associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Pan-Africa Christian University in Nairobi. In addition to speaking and lecturing across Africa and internationally, she serves as Regional Coordinator for Langham Literature in Africa, where she's helping lead a project to update the groundbreaking Africa Bible Commentary. In part two of her conversation with Chris, they continue their conversation about the Africa Bible Commentary, the early church in Africa, and how God is using His people in Africa to bless the global body of Christ.

Dr. Elizabeth Mburu, of Kenya, is an associate professor of New Testament and Greek at Pan-Africa Christian University in Nairobi. In addition to speaking and lecturing across Africa and internationally, she serves as Regional Coordinator for Langham Literature in Africa, where she's helping lead a project to update the groundbreaking Africa Bible Commentary. In part one of her conversation with Chris, she touches on the ways Africa is defining global Christianity for the future, some of the unique gifts the African church can offer the global church, and much more.

Dr. Conrad Mbewe is an internationally recognized theologian, sought-after speaker and Bible teacher, and author of several books, including Pastoral Preaching: Building a People for God. He is pastor of Kabwata Baptist Church and founding chancellor of African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. In his conversation with Chris, they touch on the legacy of missions in Zambia, the state of the church there today, and a bit about Ubuntu culture — and what we can learn from the Christian aspect of fellowship that it fosters.

Dr. Daniel Santos teaches pastors and post-graduate students as an Old Testament professor and Academic Dean at the Andrew Jumper Graduate Center at McKenzie Presbyterian University in São Paulo, Brazil. As a Langham Scholar, Daniel has a pastor's heart that has been combined with a deep understanding of the Old Testament through his PhD. He desires to see more young Christians in Brazil grasp the meaning of God's Word. Two of his novel approaches to doing this are through his blog, "Listening and Sowing Good Seeds," and through 90-second videos he posts on YouTube, all focused on opening conversations with his students for a deeper understanding of Scripture. In his conversation with Chris, we'll learn about life in Sao Paulo, some of the challenges the church faces there, and how a conversation with John Stott inspired Daniel to focus on reaching the next generation for Christ.

Praveen and Veena Bunyan have served as pastors in India and the US, and now live in Hyderabad, India where today, they are a husband and wife team who share a passion to strengthen the church in a region where it's dangerous to follow Jesus. As part of Langham Preaching's pastor training movement, Praveen and Veena work together to equip and mentor grassroots pastors. In their conversation with Chris, they discuss the challenges facing the growing church in India, the challenges and opportunities of serving as a couple, and some powerful lessons the church in the west can learn from the church in South Asia, where Christians are a small minority.

Dr. Femi Adeleye is an internationally renowned New Testament scholar, teacher, author and leader for the global church. Originally from Nigeria, he spent more than 30 years in leadership with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES). Today he serves in Ghana, where he leads Langham's pastor training movement in Africa. In the second half of their two-part conversation, Chris and Femi discuss the incredible growth of the African church, and they dig into some tough questions — like why the continent remains plagued by hard issues like corruption and conflict when there are so many professing Christians.

Dr. Femi Adeleye is an internationally renowned New Testament scholar, teacher, author and leader for the global church. Originally from Nigeria, he spent more than 30 years in leadership with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES). Today he serves in Ghana, where he leads Langham's pastor training movement in Africa. In part one of this two-part conversation, Chris and Femi touch on some of the major challenges facing the church in Africa, and the challenge from John Stott that sparked Femi's passion and ministry to see the Gospel impacting Africa beyond just Sunday—but extending to every sphere of life.

Dr. Havilah Dharamraj lives in a sensitive South Asian country, where she serves as Academic Dean and teaches Old Testament at the South Asia Institute of Advanced Christian Studies. In a region where believers often face pressure and persecution for their faith, Havilah is at work training and mentoring the next generation of pastors and leaders through her teaching and writing. In her conversation with Chris, she shares about building bridges between cultures in her diverse context, and discusses what we can learn from the church in South Asia.

Dr. Riad Kassis has spent decades in global theological leadership. Among his many roles, he serves as the director of the Langham Scholars program—which scholarships and supports emerging theological leaders throughout the Majority World. From his home base in Lebanon, he also works as a teacher and author. Fellow Old Testament Bible scholars, Chris and Riad discuss the history of Arab Christians, what it's like for Christ followers in Lebanon today, and how an early encounter with John Stott inspired his approach to ministry.

Dr. Myrto Theocharous, from Athens, Greece, is an Old Testament scholar and the first evangelical woman to get a PhD in Bible and Theology in her country. In addition to her work writing and teaching at Greek Bible College in Athens, she's passionate about equipping the church to love and serve the poor and oppressed. In her conversation with Chris, she talks about how studying the book of Deuteronomy inspired her work as an advocate for victims of sex trafficking, and she shares some powerful insights on what Christians in the West can learn from their brothers and sisters in Greece.

Rev. Dr. Yohanna Katanacho is a Palestinian Israeli Bible scholar, author, and professor who lives in Israel and serves as Academic Dean at Nazareth Evangelical College. Born into conflict during the Arab-Israeli war, today he's an advocate of radical love, unity and peace for his homeland. In the second episode of this two-part conversation with Chris, Yohanna discusses his work as an author and how – through approaching the text from his culture and context – he seeks to share insights that can help believers everywhere grow in their spiritual journey.

Rev. Dr. Yohanna Katanacho is a Palestinian Israeli Bible scholar, author, and professor who lives in Israel and serves as Academic Dean at Nazareth Evangelical College. Born into conflict during the Arab-Israeli war, today he's an advocate of radical love, unity and peace for his homeland. In part one of this two-part conversation with Chris, Yohanna shares about his pursuit of love in the context of hatred, and how his study of theology and the Old Testament has transformed him for mission in his context.

Dr. Gladys Mwiti, from Nairobi, Kenya, is the Founder and CEO of Oasis Africa – a pan-African professional counseling and behavioral health care organization. Gladys is a global authority on trauma counseling, work that has put her on the front lines of tragedies such as the Rwandan genocide and the Westgate mall attack. In part two of her conversation with Chris, Gladys talks about her work as a clinical psychologist, some Christian misconceptions about depression, and how she's teaching others to help people find comfort and healing in the midst of emotional and spiritual trauma.

Dr. Gladys Mwiti, from Nairobi, Kenya, is the Founder and CEO of Oasis Africa – a pan-African professional counseling and behavioral health care organization. Gladys is a global authority on trauma counseling, work that has put her on the front lines of tragedies such as the Rwandan genocide and the Westgate mall attack. In part one of this two-part episode, Chris talks with Gladys about both the resiliency and the struggles of the African church, and the context in which she launched her career as a clinical psychologist.

Dr. Rico Villanueva is a Filipino pastor, seminary professor, and author. From his home in Manila, he's written extensively on lament, so relevant for his nation that has a history of devastating natural disasters, extreme poverty, and colonization. In this episode, host Chris Wright talks with Rico about the importance of lament and how to walk faithfully through hard things – critical topics in the context of 2020.