The Reflexio Podcast

Zafrin Billah grew up in a highly respected, deeply devout Muslim family in South Asia and once found “peace” in persecuting Christians. In this episode, he shares with Don his conversion story as well as his call to full-time service in God’s Kingdom. 
Today, Zafrin serves as a missionary and pastor, working by faith in a context where over 90% of the population is Muslim and social pressure against Christians is intense. He leads a small, emerging ministry that combines outreach and discipleship with practical training for women from Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. In their training center, they weave together Scripture and gospel-based curricula with income-generating skills.
Zafrin trains house church members to be “salt” and “fruitful trees,” to resolve conflict biblically, to live by faith financially, and encourages every believer to make at least two new disciples each year, as they pray for the emergence of many more house churches and partners in prayer.
This episode will be an encouragement to anyone serving among Muslims or Hindus. Zafrin’s testimony is evidence of God’s faithfulness in the midst of challenging and difficult circumstances!
Maranatha Gospel Church: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DNAFa5Eyx/
Contact Zafrin by email: maranathagospelchurch.bd@gmail.com
 
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Kenyan mission leader Peter Macharia never planned to become an apostolic catalyst to some of the least-reached Muslims in East Africa. In this conversation with Don Little, he traces a surprising journey that runs through war-torn Sudan, high-risk ministry in Djibouti, and a creative outreach hub on the coast of Kenya.
Peter has wrestled with Western theological teaching that doesn't touch people’s real fears, or address persecution, and discovered why discipleship and costly hospitality cannot be separated. He describes his life and work at Amani Acres, where he and Esther are quietly shaping a new generation of young African leaders to live and witness among Muslim communities.
Peter shares his conviction that ordinary believers in places like Africa, Latin America, and Asia are “11th-hour workers” called to live sacrificial, hospitable lives that make disciples among unreached Muslims.
If you care about discipleship, cross-cultural mission, or the future of Africans leading ministries to the Muslim world, you will not want to miss the stories, insights, and surprises in this episode.
 
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Don talks with Dr. Nelson Makanda about how God formed him from a village boy in western Kenya into a leader serving churches and institutions across Africa. Nelson recalls his family’s coming to faith, his mother’s healing, and how early discipleship in a small Pentecostal church and student leadership in high school and university began to shape his character and calling.​
He goes on to describe how his involvement with FOCUS Kenya, including mentoring relationships and early ministry roles, helped clarify his calling and opened doors into wider responsibility. The conversation traces key transitions from student ministry to pastoral work, to leadership of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, and now to his role as Vice Chancellor at Africa International University (AIU).
Nelson emphasizes AIU’s mission to train Christ-centered leaders, for the church and for the marketplace. He discusses the unique context of Africa as the “Christian continent of the future,” highlighting the need for ethical, missional, and global training for young people. He explains why a deep understanding of Scripture, Christlike character, and a well-rounded Christian education are important for the future of the church in Africa and its role in the world.
 
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If you want to better understand the spiritual, political, and human dynamics of what God is doing in Iran today—and how to stand with Iranian Christians in informed, hope-filled prayer—this conversation is a must-listen. 
Mehrdad traces the story of Iran’s modern spiritual awakening, beginning in the 1990s after the killing of several clergy, and the emergence of a movement that may now be described as one of the fastest-growing churches in the world. He describes how the majority of new believers are from a Muslim background, with estimates of at least one million Christians now in Iran, and how hunger for Scripture and leadership training has only intensified under persecution. 
He shares how Pars Theological Center began in response to this rapidly growing Iranian church in order to train leaders and pastors—many of them active in underground house fellowships across Iran and in the diaspora. This includes theological training, in-person formation conferences in nearby countries, a counseling ministry, and publishing resources in Farsi to disciple believers.
The conversation turns to the recent protests, crackdowns, and shocking mass killings—events that have profoundly shaken both the nation and the church. Mehrdad speaks candidly about Christians’ participation in the demonstrations, the high cost many have paid, and the deep lament, imprecatory prayer, and spiritual wrestling marking Iranian believers as they struggle to love their enemies while crying out for God’s justice. 
Mehrdad closes the episode with specific, practical ways listeners can pray: for a true regime change that leads to a democratic Iran, for the protection and freedom of the church, for the honoring of Iranians’ agency, and for the readiness and unity of Iranian believers in this moment of possible new beginnings.
Visit: Pars Theological Centre
 
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In this episode, Pastor Partha describes a childhood shaped by multiple household gods, Sanskrit chanting, and strict rituals. However, through the quiet witness of a faithful missionary as well as miraculous answers to prayer (provision of food, an uncle’s healing), his extended family was led to Jesus. Over time, the idols were removed from the home and a church was built on land owned by the family– land that once housed a “snake temple.” That church has now baptized more than 450 former Hindus!
Partha reflects with Don on discipling new believers amid persecution, and walking with God through bereavement. He also shares the exciting ways he reaches out to Muslims using the Qur’an as a bridge, as well as in public debates with Muslim scholars. Finally, Partha offers wise counsel to young adults as he encourages them to wait on the Lord, stay in Scripture, and seek out Christian mentors as keys to mature Christian discipleship.
Visit Partha's YouTube channel here: The Truth is Jesus
 
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Listen in as Don talks with Anwar, an Ethiopian brother, and discovers how dreams, Bible study, persecution and perseverance shaped Anwar’s conversion and discipleship journey. His quest for truth led him to study deeply both the Qur’an and the Bible, discovering that in Jesus, the Truth is found. Deciding to follow Jesus set him free– but also led to intense difficulties. He shares how he navigated family rejection, discrimination, and economic hardship after his conversion.
In his early years of ministry, despite these difficulties, Anwar shared the Gospel boldly with his family and friends, challenging them to discover what he did: new life in Christ. The miraculous healing of a friend led to many more coming to faith, and ultimately to Anwar’s decision to leave a lucrative job in order to serve God in ministry full-time. In time God blessed him with his wife from a solid and supportive Christian family. Over the past 20 years, Anwar has taught, discipled and mobilized dozens of people to reach Muslims in the Horn of Africa. 
Don’t miss this story of conviction, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity!
Visit: The Evangelical Theological College
 
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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/
 
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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
 
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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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Russell shares his incredible odyssey: from wrestling with profound questions about Jesus to experiencing persecution, to fleeing home and ultimately finding refuge in New York City. He recounts how his faith deepened through hardship and the miraculous intervention of others. 
Throughout this candid conversation you’ll hear of:
A mother’s secret faith and final blessing
Russell’s early days as a devoted Muslim and the crisis that changed everything
The hidden struggles and dangers faced by Muslim-background Christians
The heart and strategy behind Vision 2042 (mobilizing digital media to reach millions)
The enduring cost—and deep joy—of choosing Christ above all
 
 
Now, Russell channels his passion into "Vision 2042": a bold, Spirit-driven movement seeking to see 10% of the 300-million-strong Bengali-speaking world encounter Christ within just one generation.
Whether you’re interested in stories of resilience, global missions, or the power of personal transformation, Russell’s journey will challenge and inspire you to see God’s hand even in the hardest seasons.
To Support Russell's ministry visit: Global Gates
Visit Facebook site: Good News Bangla
Visit YouTube site: Good News Bangla
 
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