In this episode, Carol shares about her upbringing in a Christian home, her early faith experiences, and the profound impact of losing her mother at fourteen. This deep loss led to a season of wrestling with God, but also solidified her commitment to serving him. She describes the transition from being a vibrant participant in university Christian Unions to stepping into formal ministry roles. While at times facing resistance as a woman in leadership, she found her path through mentorship, theological training, and obedience to her calling.

Her professional journey includes working with student ministries, adult training in churches, peace and reconciliation projects in conflict zones, and ultimately, leadership in Africa Rural Trainers. Through ART she has overseen the training of hundreds of rural pastors who often lack access to formal theological education. ART’s programs are highly contextual, gathering pastors of various denominations for learning in local languages, enabling them to remain embedded in their communities during the multi-year training.

This conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and the changing landscape of church leadership in Kenya, including greater inclusion of women. Carol also discusses the challenges and joys of ministry life, as well as marriage and parenting in the midst of demanding travel schedules. She also offers practical wisdom for young people discerning their callings, the necessity of godly counsel and supportive peers, the centrality of drawing daily spiritual encouragement from scripture, and the vital experience of the presence and faithfulness of God.

The ministry that Carol now leads: https://africaruraltrainers.org/

Episode 11: You won't want to miss the inspiring story of Professor Anwar, a convert from a strong Muslim family in Ethiopia who is now the dean of a leading seminary who runs a Master's degree program equipping men and women in ministry to Muslims.

Episode 12: In this episode, you'll meet Partha, a young high-caste Hindu convert to Christ who is now leading church planting teams ministering in Kolkatta, India, among both Hindus and Muslims.

Born the son of a Muslim cleric and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia, Aweis Ali shares his remarkable journey of faith in one of the most dangerous countries for Christians. From the impact of a radio ministry, to his isolation as an underground believer, to his leadership of a house church eventually devastated by persecution and loss, Aweis details the story of how God developed him into a national ministry leader and the founder of the Somali Bible Society.

Within one of the world’s most hostile environments Aweis describes his search for spiritual truth, his discovery of Christ, and the profound isolation of being a believer in a context where his faith would cost him everything. Aweis recounts how he eventually found community in an underground house church as well as the challenges of practicing faith without formal theological training.

Amidst the rising tensions that emerged as the tiny house church grew, Aweis shares personal experiences of persecution, prophetic visions, leadership transitions, and the devastating human cost of religious extremism. He also discusses the remarkable faithfulness and spiritual resolve demonstrated by his church community despite increasing danger.

Themes of divine providence, spiritual resilience, and faithful witness emerge as Aweis reflects on how his faith sustained him through extraordinary trials. The interview concludes with his reflections on how the Somali church is growing and maturing in the midst of—and because of—intense persecution.

Check out these links to explore more Dr. Aweis Ali's ministry:

Aweis Ali's personal website

The Somali Bible Society

An-Nour Academy

You won't want to miss the inspiring story of Carol, the Kenyan woman leading a ministry equipping rural pastors (Ep 10), or Professor Anwar, a convert from a strong Muslim family in Ethiopia who is now the dean of a leading seminary who runs a Master's degree program equipping men and women in ministry to Muslims (Ep 11).

In upcoming episodes you'll also meet a Kenyan leader with a passion for training biblically informed pastors and another Kenyan leading pioneer church planting ministry among Muslims. You'll also meet others from Iran, Australia, South Asia, Sudan, the Middle East, and beyond.

Ruth recounts personal miracles, from buying an eight-bedroom house to shelter strangers, to witnessing the healing of women traumatized by displacement with the truths of scripture. She shares behind-the-scenes moments from daring evacuations and secret baptisms to everyday ESL lessons.

Along the way, Ruth reveals how her background and training prepared her for the unique challenges of guiding newcomers through loss, stigma, and the ache for belonging. Most of all, Ruth’s story illuminates how faith and compassion can transform not only the lives of refugees, but also the identity and mission of the local church.

This interview covers more than 20 years of Ruth's journey in refugee ministry, including the Afghan evacuation story, practical approaches to engaging with refugees, and theological reflection on God's heart for displaced peoples.

This is a call to action for every listener to find their own role in healing—and welcoming—the world’s displaced.

Upcoming Episodes:

Release every other Wednesday, you won't want to miss interviews with an amazing woman welcoming Afghan refugees in Canada (Ep 8), the incredible story of the courageous leader of the Somalia Bible Society (Ep 9), and more. You'll meet Kenyan leaders with a passion for training biblically informed pastors and another leading pioneer church planting ministry among Muslims, and others from Iran, Australia, Ethiopia, Sudan, the Middle East, and more.

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