OneLink Podcast

S6:E19 - Travel Hacks with the OneLink Staff!

Travel often? The OneLink staff certainly has! In this special panel discussion with James, Kevin, Elise, Krystal, Phyllis, David, and Melody from the OneLink staff, they share helpful tips and personal hacks they learned from their own experiences with air travel. Prudence and shrewdness go a long way, especially when it comes to international flights!

 

Resources Shared in the Episode:

- Patagonia Roll-Top Bag

- Packing Cubes

S6:E18 - Developing Prayer for the Nations on Your Campus

Building a consistent culture of prayer is a challenge even for the most established ministries. In this episode, James and Megan dive into the vital importance of interceding for the nations, exploring how a global prayer focus does more than just move the needle abroad—it transforms the students themselves and the very heart of their campus."

Resources:

https://prayercast.com

Other Episodes with Megan:

S5:E9 - You Can't Separate Mission Mobilization from Disciple Making

S6:E17 - The Myth of “People vs. Tasks”

Explore why growing in your ability to manage tasks, time, and systems doesn’t compete with relational ministry — it actually multiplies it. When your life is disorganized, urgent tasks crowd out meaningful conversations. But when you build simple rhythms and structures, you create margin, emotional energy, and mental space to invest deeply in people.

If you’ve ever felt torn between task productivity and people, this conversation will help you see how getting better at one can strengthen the other.

S6:E16 - Maximizing Your 20's

You don't need to have your whole life figured out in your 20's. It's a crucial season with tremendous opportunities for personal training. In this episode, James and Brad break down what that means for young Christians who will undoubtedly face many challenges in their 20's. Making the most of this time in your life can really shape your faith and trust in God.  

S6:E15 - Lessons in the Wafflehouse from CT Studd Part 2

Someone's testimony can both really encourage us and challenge us at the same time. In this episode, Peter and James continue to discuss the life and ministry of C.T. Studd. His life of faithful service is nothing short of remarkable and is sure to encourage us to run the race set before us. 

Books mentioned:

• C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer - Norman P. Grubb
• C.T. Studd - Janet and Geoff Benge

For a succinct story of his life and lessons learned check out S1:E13 CT Studd: More than a great name.

S6:E14 - Lessons in the Waffle House from CT Studd: Part 1

How much are you willing to sacrifice for Christ? In this episode, Peter and James discuss the life of C.T. Studd, an extraordinary man who counted no small cost for the cause of Christ. He was all or nothing when it came to living for the Lord. As they dive into his early life through the time he spent overseas, many reflective questions surrounding zealousness, sacrifice, and even family life arise for us. 

Books mentioned:

• C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer - Norman P. Grubb
• C.T. Studd - Janet and Geoff Benge

For a succinct story of his life and lessons learned check out S1:E13 CT Studd: More than a great name.

S6:E13 - The Multilingual Life: Learning a New Language

Is language learning for everyone? Join us as we talk about our experiences and the lessons learned as we went through our language learning journey overseas. Though it comes with its challenges, it is also met with countless blessings. Not to mention the hilarious (and often embarrassing) stories that come out of it as well.

S6:E12 - Helping International Students Return Home Well

The degree is finished and the bags are packed—but is their faith ready for the flight home? Rich joins the OneLink Podcast to tackle the unique, often-overlooked challenges international students face when taking a new faith back to their home country. Learn how to bridge the gap between campus conversion and lifelong discipleship.

You can learn more about or connect with Rich by visiting https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at Rich Mendola rmendola at ifiusa.org.

If you'd like to catch previous episodes with Rich, check out:
S6:E6 The Changing Face of International Student Ministry with Rich Mendola
S6:E2 Incorporating Biblical Hospitality in Your Life - International Students with Rich Mendola

S6:E11 - Bible Translation: AI Isn't Doing as Much as You Think - Part 2

In an era of ChatGPT and instant translation, many assume the "Great Commission" of Bible translation is just a few algorithms away from being finished. But is AI actually doing the heavy lifting? In part two of our series, our guest returns to explain why Bible translation is still a deeply human endeavor. We discuss the limitations of technology, the nuance of unwritten languages, and why a computer can't as of yet capture the "heart language" of a people group.

S6:E10 - Beyond the Page: The Inner Workings of Bible Translation - Part 1

What does it actually take to bring the Word of God into a new language? It’s more than just swapping words—it’s about heart, culture, and years of life on the ground. In part one of this two-part series, we sit down with a translation consultant who shares her journey starting in the jungles of Papua New Guinea. We pull back the curtain on the "inner workings" of translation, discussing the linguistic hurdles, the deep relationships required, and what it’s like to see a community receive the Bible in their mother tongue for the first time.

S6:E9 - Leading the Landing: How to Help Student Teams Return Well

The bags are unpacked, but the journey isn’t over. For many students, the hardest part of an overseas trip isn’t the culture shock of going—it’s the "reverse culture shock" of coming home.

In this episode, we dive into the critical window of reentry and debriefing. We explore how to help student teams process their experiences, navigate the transition back to campus life, and integrate their global perspectives into their local college ministry. Whether you are a student leader or a staff member, learn how to turn an overseas experience into a foundation for long-term spiritual growth.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Art of the Debrief: Questions to help students process what they saw and felt.

• Navigating Reentry: Handling the "disconnection" from friends and family who didn't go.

• From Missions to Campus: Strategies for re-engaging with college ministry.

• The Long-Term View: Ensuring the lessons learned overseas don't stay overseas.

You can also hear Brett on Season 4, Episodes 1-4 Founders Series as he shares about his experiences in helping found OneLink International.

S6:E8 - The Path God Leads Us On Is Not Always a Straight Line

Have you wanted to go to the field and then felt delayed and discouraged?  This episode is for you! Today we talk with Jessica who just completed from her second stint overseas.  She originally thought she would go right back, but as she said in her words, "The path God leads us on is not always a straight line."

S6:E7 Hard But Holy: The Challenge and Gift of Assessment

What and how does assessment benefit a mission sending organization?  Whether its a church, a mission agency, or a combination of both time spent in assessing candidates usually pays big dividends. 

S6:E6 The Changing Face of International Student Ministry with Rich Mendola

Today we talk with Rich about how the face of international student ministry is changing, both here in the states and overseas as well, or more specifically the opportunity that is emerging for International Student work overseas.

For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at rmendola@ifiusa.org 

S6:E5 From Genghis Khan to the Great Commission - Part 2

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 2 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

S6:E4 From Genghis Khan to the Great Commission - Part 1

Redeeming a Legacy of Conquest for the Cause of Christ.  We look at mobilizing other nations today in part 1 of this interview with Mark and Gill.  They served for 28 years in Mongolia and spent the last years on the field mobilizing Mongolians to go to other nations. 

S6:E3 Formed by the Page: Growing in Christian Leadership with Kurt

Reading is absolutely crucial in the life of a Christian. The same is true even more so in leadership. “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” In this episode, Kurt from the University of Florida BCM shares from his experiences how the discipline of reading Christian books yields tremendous spiritual fruit. From his shared experiences, he draws out practical habits that can ensure a rhythm of reading that will help to sharpen one’s spirit, stimulate the mind, feed the soul, and deepen our walk with God.

Kurt's All Time Best Books:

• Daws by Betty Skinner (my fav)
• Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert Coleman
• The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by Leroy Eims
• Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders
• Spiritual Multiplication in the Real World by Bob McNabb
• Fresh Wind Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala
• The Fuel and the Flame by Shadrach and Worcester
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret
• Gospel by JD Greear
• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
• The One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill

Kurts recently read list (Some overlap)

• One Thing You Can’t Do In Heaven - Mark Cahill 
• The Making of a Leader - Dr J Robert Clinton
• Fresh Wind Fresh Fire - Jim Cymbala
• A Resilient Life - Gordon MacDonald
• Gospel - JD Greear
• High Impact Teams - Lance Witt
• Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret - Dr & Mrs Howard Taylor

S6:E2 Incorporating Biblical Hospitality in Your Life - International Students With Rich Mendola

Hospitality is often reduced to Pinterest-perfect dinner parties and clean houses, but the biblical call is much more radical. In this episode, we sit down with Rich Mendola, Global Ambassador for International Friendships, Inc. (IFI), to explore the true meaning of biblical hospitality. Rich shares from decades of experience welcoming students from the ends of the earth into his own home. We discuss why hospitality is a primary way for "outsiders" to experience the love of God, how to overcome the "busyness" barrier, and practical ways to engage the nations currently residing in our own zip codes.

 

For additional resources or to connect with Rich go to https://www.ifipartners.org/ or email him at rmendola@ifiusa.org 

 

S6:E1 Welcome back - Summer report

The bags are unpacked and the reports are in! We are opening Season 6 with a celebration of everything God did through our student teams and partners this summer. Tune in for an inspiring recap of our summer missions and a first look at the powerful conversations coming your way this season on the OneLink Podcast.

S5:E22 Busyness ≠ Hard Work: Recovering a Godly Work Ethic

Busyness does NOT equal Hard Work. Following up on our conversation from Episode 19 Season 5. How can we make the most of every opportunity by growing in our Godly work ethic.  

S5:E21 Inner City Roots, Global Reach Stories from a Sending Church with John-Mark

www.redemptionchurchokc.com

S5:E20 Learning to Be Faithful Before God Sent Us To Central Asia

Shane was yearning to be overseas, but found that God had lessons to teach him before he was sent.

S5:E19 - Making the Most of Every Opportunity

How can you make the most of every opportunity God is placing in front of you.  Listen now to learn more.

S5:E18 - Shamanistic Buddhism Among the Mongols - Tribal Series

We interview two long term worker who served in Mongolia and saw God do some amazing things. We'll discuss how shamanism interacts with Buddhism among the Mongols.

 

Books written by Gill:

Far from Cold

The Red Book

S5:E17 What do you get when you mix Animism and Islam? Folk Islam. Tribal Series

Today we discuss how Tribal or animistic believes combine with Islam in what is a very commonly encountered form of Islam... Folk Islam. 

Resources:

• The Flaw of the Excluded Middle - Paul Hiebert
• Understanding Folk Religion by Paul G. Hiebert, R. Daniel Shaw, Tite Tienou
  • A good handbook for working with this worldview, very thorough.
• Bridges to Islam: A Christian Perspective on Folk Islam by Phil Parshall is a classic.
• The Muslim Majority: Folk Islam and the Seventy Percent by Robin Dale Hadaway
• Communicating Christ Among Folk Religionists by By Gailyn Van Rheenan