Finding Beauty In God's Creation - Josh Gentry | Theology, Things & Stuff #030

Finding Beauty In God's Creation - Josh Gentry | Theology, Things & Stuff #030

Josh Gentry is a licensed land surveyor and professional geologist from Cookeville, Tennessee. Raised in the Church of God, he developed a love for the outdoors at an early age and was born again at twelve years old. Inspired by both his faith and his fascination with creation, Josh attended Tennessee Technological University, where he studied geology. He began his career in economic geology within the mining industry, working on major projects across the United States. During that time, he also worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on dam remediation projects, gaining experience in applied geoscience and large-scale infrastructure work before eventually transitioning into land surveying. Today, Josh owns and operates his own surveying business. Josh believes his work in geology and surveying has deepened his appreciation for God’s creation and provided opportunities to share his faith with others. He lives in Cookeville with his wife, Amy, and together they enjoy raising and homeschooling their sons while instilling in them a love for the Lord and the wonder of creation.

Being A Mom And A Missionary - Bobbie Scudder | Theology, Things & Stuff #029

Bobbie Scudder is a missionary serving in Kampala, Uganda, alongside her husband, Brett Scudder. Raised in Carthage, Tennessee, Bobbie later attended Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, where she met Brett. The two became active members of Engrafted Word Church in 1995 and were married there in 1999.   Over the next seventeen years, Brett and Bobbie faithfully served in nearly every area of ministry at their home church. Together, they ministered as Elders and Youth Pastors while also serving as Sunday school teachers, children’s ministry workers, jail ministers, and in many other helps ministry roles. Their lives became a testimony of faithful service and God’s promotion of those who are willing to serve wherever needed.   In 2002, the Scudders welcomed their daughter, Emma, and in 2005, their son, Ethan, completed their family. While raising their children and serving faithfully in ministry, the Lord began preparing their hearts for missions abroad.   In 2010, during a mission trip to Honduras, the Spirit of the Lord began dealing strongly with Brett and Bobbie about leaving their home in Tennessee to serve Him on foreign soil. Later that same year, on August 29, 2010, the Lord confirmed His direction through their pastor, Chris McMichael, who told Brett, “As a bona fide fisher of men, you’ll have to cast a far net.” From that moment forward, the Scudders set their hearts on reaching the nations with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   In August 2012, Brett and Bobbie answered the call of God and moved to Uganda, East Africa, where they continue building the Kingdom of God and serving the people of Kampala through missionary work and ministry. Though serving overseas, they have remained connected to Engrafted Word Church, the church that helped shape and send them into the mission field. They were officially ordained and commissioned by their pastors, Chris and Manda McMichael, and continue to maintain relationships with a broader network of ministers who provide fellowship, accountability, and ministry support.

Never Giving Up On God - Sherree Tercyak | Theology, Things & Stuff #028

Fondly known by some as Pastora, Rev. Sherree Tercyak began her 30-year missionary journey in Honduras in 1983, serving in a wide range of ministry roles. From cities to remote villages, across rural regions and into the mountains, she has served both as a servant in helps ministry and as a senior pastor. For several years, she co-pastored one of the largest and fastest-growing churches in San Pedro Sula, while also overseeing a prominent Christian school under certification from Oral Roberts University. Rev. Sherree has also provided leadership to fellow missionaries, helping equip and guide new workers as they entered the mission field. In addition to her work in Honduras, Sherree has ministered in 13 nations and throughout the United States. Known for her compassion and encouragement, she is devoted to seeing others set free from the bondage of sin. Her many years of teaching are evident in her ability to teach the Word of God with both excellence and conviction and a deep love for God’s people and those who are lost.   Committed to a life of prayer, Rev. Sherree strives daily to walk as a vessel before God, living with holiness and purity. She is the mother of three adult children—Keilah, Karina, and Jonathan—all of whom are walking with the Lord. Now residing in the US, Rev. Sherree continues to press forward with unwavering faith, overcoming life’s challenges with strength and perseverance.

Finding Jesus In Communist Germany - Pastor Ingolf Schmidt | Theology, Things & Stuff #027

Pastor Ingolf and Angela Schmidt (the founders of Ingolf Schmidt Ministries) live in Leipzig, Germany. They have been married since 1980 and have three children and two grandchildren. Both were born in former East Germany. In 1985, they founded Living Word Church Leipzig. During that time it was impossible to have a Christian church registered by the Communist government of East Germany. They started the church as a little prayer group in their own home. After the Iron Curtain fell and was destroyed, the government allowed them to have the new church. Since that time, they have been pastoring the church now known as “City Church Leipzig eV.” Pastor Ingolf and his wife Angela travel frequently into Germany, Europe, Asia, Central America, and the United States of America. Over the last 15 years, Pastor Ingolf has received numerous invitations to the USA. He feels a very strong call to his own country, Germany, but also to the United States. He and his wife were ordained in 1992 by Dr. Lester Sumrall.

A Personal Story Of Abortion And Healing - Lisa Mackie | Theology, Things & Stuff #026

Lisa Mackie grew up in Southern California and worked in corporate America there most of her career. She held various management positions at Nissan North America and was part of the corporate relocation from Los Angeles to Nashville, Tennessee in 2006. Lisa met the true love of her life Tim in 2009, they married in 2011, and Lisa moved to Tim’s farm in Sparta, Tennessee where they call home. Surprising many, Lisa left corporate America in 2012 to raise goats, drive a tractor and plant a vegetable garden! Lisa and Tim enjoy kayaking, hiking, planning trips and traveling. They have a beautifully blended family of five children with their spouses/mates and eight grandchildren and love this season of Granny and Pops.  In 2013 Lisa began serving at the local pregnancy resource center where she eventually became a client advocate. In 2014 she attended a Deeper Still retreat in Knoxville, Tennessee that brought profound life changes. This led to the startup of Deeper Still Upper Cumberland in 2016 where Lisa is the Executive Director. She loves meeting new people, hearing about their life journey, and enjoys being an encourager to others.