Echoes of Faith

Episode #6 - Wayne Sehmish: Missionary to Thailand

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 field * Why Thailand became the place of ministry * The challenges of language, culture, and daily life overseas * Reaching people with the Gospel in a Buddhist society * Stories of changed lives and answered prayer * The sacrifices missionary families often make * What churches can do to better support missionaries * Why the Great Commission still matters today This 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.

Episode #5 - Dr. Jim Schettler: Pastor, Educator, and Leader

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 ministry * The experiences that formed his teaching on knowing God’s will * His philosophy of discipleship, authority, and personal responsibility * The challenges of pastoring and teaching over multiple decades * How he views obedience, grace, and discernment today * Lessons learned from a lifetime of ministry and leadership This 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.

Episode #4 - Adam Young: Missionary to Russia

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 Russia * The spiritual climate and challenges facing believers there * The cost of obedience and faithfulness * How Russian Christians worship under pressure * What American believers can learn from persecuted or restricted churches * The future of missions in an increasingly closed world This 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.

Episode #3 - Roger Pauley: Marriage and Ministry

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.

Episode #2 - Jeff Demarest: Missionary to Africa

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.