First Person With Wayne Shepherd

Anita Deyneka has a long history of ministry to the people of Soviet and post-Soviet cultures, including children. She talks with Wayne Shepherd.  (click for more) Websites: missioneurasia.org Read about giving a gift of hope at Christmas afamilyforeveryorphan.orgAnita Deyneka is a longtime missionary, author, and advocate for vulnerable children, whose life and ministry have spanned the Soviet era, the collapse of communism, and the current crisis in Ukraine. Raised in Washington State and called to Christ at age 11, Anita later married missionary Peter Deyneka Jr., joining the influential Slavic Gospel Association founded by his father. Together they supported Christian radio broadcasts, distributed Bibles, and worked closely with persecuted believers across Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union—efforts that sometimes resulted in denied visas due to their advocacy writings.After communism fell, Anita played a major role in expanding ministry opportunities, including leadership of Peter Deyneka Russian Ministr

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, Dr. Bill Thrasher joins Wayne Shepherd in conversation about the spiritual discipline of prayer and thanks.  (click for more) Website:  https://victoriouspraying.com  Dr. Bill Thrasher reflects on the meaning and discipline of Thanksgiving, tracing its American roots to Bradford and Lincoln while emphasizing its deep biblical foundation. He explains that gratitude cures pride, restores perspective, and brings spiritual transformation, citing examples such as Nebuchadnezzar, the psalmists, and New Testament figures. Thrasher acknowledges the pain many people face but stresses that everything apart from judgment is God’s grace, and that thanksgiving—empowered by the Holy Spirit—helps believers behold God, replace bitterness, experience unity, and receive guidance. Through personal stories, scriptural insights, and practical suggestions for families during the holiday season, he encourages cultivating gratitude daily, including thanking God even for difficult circumsta

The Founder of The Timothy Initiative, David Nelms, talks with Wayne Shepherd about this extensive disciple-making ministry.   (click for more...)Website:  https://ttiglobal.orgThe interview with Pastor David Nelms, founder of The Timothy Initiative (TTI), centers on his mission to plant churches among unreached people groups worldwide. Nelms explains that TTI focuses on areas with few or no churches—primarily Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and animist regions—and has helped establish churches among more than 1,700 ethnic groups. He describes how the ministry began after witnessing an Asian village with no Christian presence, leading his church to start 7,000 house fellowships by removing traditional barriers such as salaries, sanctuaries, and seminaries. TTI’s model emphasizes discipleship multiplication based on 2 Timothy 2:2—training believers (“Pauls”) to mentor others (“Timothys” and “Tituses”) who then start new fellowships. Now operating in over 45 countries and training more than 200,000 Timothys, TTI also

Retired USAF Chaplain Thomas Westall, now President of Operation Military Blessings, talks with Wayne Shepherd about assisting military personnel.  (click for more...)   Website:  http://operationmilitaryblessings.orgRetired Air Force Chaplain Thomas Westall, president and CEO of Operation Military Blessings (OMB), highlights his ministry’s mission to assist active-duty military families facing financial crises. Founded 30 years ago out of a small Bible study, OMB provides immediate aid—such as food cards, baby supplies, or emergency grants—to families in need when government programs are delayed or insufficient. Westall notes that many lower-ranked service members live below the poverty line, with food insecurity affecting a significant portion of military families. OMB operates at 25 U.S. bases and overseas, offering programs like “Operation Babies, Bottles, and Diapers,” and aid for disabled children and disaster victims. They’ve also distributed thousands of MacArthur Study Bibles to military personnel. W

With an upsurge in college campus faith activity, Dr. Bob Bakke joins Wayne Shepherd and reports on what he sees happening.  (click for more...)  Websites:  https://www.onecry.com   https://ttiglobal.org  https://collegiatedayofprayer.orgDr. Bob Bakke, interviewed by Wayne Shepherd on First Person, describes an extraordinary spiritual awakening taking place among college students across the U.S. and internationally. After years in pastoral and prayer ministry, Bakke now serves with The Timothy Initiative and OneCry, focusing on revival and discipleship. He connects the current movement to past awakenings that followed seasons of crisis, noting that post-COVID conditions have created fertile ground for renewal. Through efforts like the revived Collegiate Day of Prayer—now covering over 4,200 campuses—and events such as the Asbury Revival of 2023, millions have been drawn to prayer and faith, with a measurable rise in belief among Gen Z. Bakke highlights student-led gatherings like those at Auburn University, w

Dr. John Munro, senior pastor of Calvary Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, and host of The Verdict radio program, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his journey from law to ministry.   (click for more...)   Website:  www.calvarychurch.comThe Verdict Radio Program:  https://theverdict.orgOriginally from Scotland, Pastor Munro was raised in a Christian home and came to faith at age 12. After a successful career as a prosecutor and attorney, he felt a strong, Spirit-led call to leave law and study at Dallas Theological Seminary, leading him into pastoral ministry in North America. He and his wife, Gudny, from the Faroe Islands, have served faithfully for decades, focusing on preaching grace and shepherding people with compassion. Munro spoke candidly about losing his adopted son, Christopher, during the COVID pandemic—a tragedy that deepened his understanding of grief and dependence on God’s sustaining grace. Through that experience, he learned the power of presence over words and gained renewed empathy for thos

Host Wayne Shepherd interviews Sergey Rakhuba, President of Mission Eurasia, who shares his journey from growing up in a Christian family in Soviet Ukraine to leading a ministry serving the former Soviet Union. (click for more...)Website:  MissionEurasia.org Gift catalog:  https://missioneurasia.org/your-gifts-change-lives/Sergey recalls his struggles with faith during his youth under Soviet pressure, his spiritual turning point after overhearing his parents’ prayers, and the deepening of his faith while serving in the Soviet army. After studying at Moody Bible Institute and settling in the U.S., he began leading Mission Eurasia, which was headquartered in Irpin, Ukraine, until the facility was destroyed early in the Russian invasion. Undeterred, the ministry mobilized thousands of trained young Christian leaders to provide food, trauma counseling, Scripture, and hope to millions of displaced and suffering Ukrainians. Sergey describes programs such as Summer of Hope camps for children and Gift of Hope Christm

Professor Emeritus at Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Winfred Neely talks with Wayne Shepherd about his life of preaching and teaching.  (click for more...)    Dr. Neely shares his remarkable journey of faith and his lifelong calling to preach and teach the Word of God. Introduced to prayer by his mother as a child, Neely came to personal faith in Christ at age 19 while serving in the U.S. Army through the witness of a humble dishwasher who led him to salvation. Just two weeks later, he began preaching—a calling that has shaped more than fifty years of ministry as a pastor, missionary in West Africa, and teacher of biblical exposition. In conversation with Wayne Shepherd, Neely describes preaching as the sacred task of a “herald” who faithfully proclaims God’s message without compromise, combining instruction, engagement, and transformation. Grounded in prayer and Scripture, his approach to preaching emphasizes faithfulness to the text, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and deep concern for the listener’s heart. His

Ken Isaacs of Samaritan's Purse talks with Wayne Shepherd about his calling to meeting humanitarian needs around the world in the name of Christ.  (click for more...)  Ken is Vice-President of Programs and Government Relations at Samaritan's Purse, and the author of Running to the Fire, Helping in Jesus' Name. Interview Notes:Former water well driller, went as a volunteer to West Africa (1985). Felt called by God to serve internationally. Connection with Franklin Graham led to work in Ethiopia with his family under difficult conditions (communist govt., war). Experience deepened faith and reliance on God.At 73, still actively serving—“Moses never retired.” Loves the work, considers it God’s calling. Finds purpose and energy in “running to the fire”—meeting needs in crises.Samaritan’s Purse Ministry:17–18 international offices, ~4,000 staff.Focus on war zones, famine areas, disaster zones (Israel, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Niger, Liberia, Colombia, etc.). Staff chosen for faith co

Wayne Shepherd talks with Jonathon Seidl about his alcohol addiction and the transforming power of Jesus to deliver him daily from his addictive behavior.  (click for more...)Website and book:  https://www.jonseidl.com  Confessions of a Christian AlcoholicKey ThemesGod only uses sinners: Jonathon emphasizes that aside from Jesus, everyone God uses is imperfect.Shame and vulnerability: He initially resisted going public with his alcoholism due to fear of judgment in Christian circles.Sobriety journey: Now over two years sober; life is richer, though not easier. Alcohol wasn’t the problem but the solution he used to escape deeper issues.Root Issues & Turning PointAlcoholism tied to childhood wounds of rejection and abandonment.Turning point came on an anniversary trip where his wife confronted him—she wanted him to address why he drank, not just stop drinking.Four Steps to Break FreeAbiding in Christ – Developing an experiential, daily walk with Jesus (scripture, journaling, stillness).Finding true identity

Wayne Shepherd talks with Jenny Waltman, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of Grace Klein Community in Birmingham, Alabama.  (click for more)  A ministry dedicated to serving underprivileged and disadvantaged people, rooted in biblical principles.Website:  https://gracekleincommunity.comJenny's Book:  God Chose the Wrong Person can be found here. Jenny and her husband lost their construction business (approx. $400,000).Moved into a high-value house zoned for an inner-city school.Their daughter attended, exposing them to stark poverty.A birthday party experience highlighted contrasts in wealth and living conditions, deeply impacting them.Convicted of being “frauds” for not living out their faith in service.Within 24 hours, others confirmed God’s call to begin feeding food-insecure families.2009 launch: started serving 58 families.Today: 20,000 people served weekly.Mission & MinistryGrace Klein = “little gift from God”; community = koinonia (deep fellowship).Primary work: food support.Broader care: Bible stud

The grandson of the late Dr. Warren Wiersbe, Dan Jacobsen, talks with Wayne Shepherd about the publication of one of his grandfather's unpublished manuscripts. (Click for more)   Years ago an unpublished Wiersbe manuscript tucked in a dusty manila folder was unearthed by the Jacobsen family. Wiersbe grandson Dan Jacobsen, a young pastor himself, spent two years preserving his grandfather's original writing and completed the work titled, Becoming New, A 100 Day Journey of Transformation Through God's Word. It's a powerful continuation of Warren Wiersbe's legacy.In this FIRST PERSON interview, Dan mentions a podcast furthering the legacy of Warren Wiersbe-- it can be found at Apple podcasts here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warren-wiersbe-sermons/id494964859. They can also be found on YouTube and Spotify. And to hear a previous FIRST PERSON interview with Dr. Wiersbe, please click here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/121603/episodes/10962795-warren-wiersbe                 

Businessman John Wieland, author of Uncommon Threads, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his story of faith and the lessons he's learned about faith, family, and business.  (click for more) You'll find the book Uncommon Threads here.John Wieland Program Notes:Background & BusinessCEO of MH Equipment (material handling/forklift company in Illinois).President of His First Foundation.Took over MH Equipment in 1994 when it was nearly bankrupt; no entrepreneurial or mechanical background.Business grew during a strong economy; attributes success to God’s grace, not personal ability.Rejects the idea of “self-made men” – too many factors are beyond human control.Faith JourneyGrew up in church in Jerseyville, Illinois, but not a believer; thought attending church was “doing God a favor.”Encountered Scripture in college (Matthew 7 – narrow vs. wide gate) and realized he was outside God’s kingdom.Surrendered to Christ as a sophomore in college, influenced by Navigators ministry (discipleship & scripture m

Hal Habecker of Finishing Well Ministries, joins Wayne Shepherd to talk about encouraging seniors to actively pursue and fulfill God's calling. (click for more) Website:  https://www.finishingwellministries.orgInterview notes:Background & Faith JourneyBorn in Hershey, PA, one of six children in a farming family.Came to Christ at age 6 in an independent Bible church.Early fascination with older people, shaped by the death of his childhood pastor.Active Christian leader in youth (campus life, Bible study).Studied at Taylor University; initially interested in politics inspired by Mark Hatfield.Mission trip to Haiti → encouraged to attend Dallas Theological Seminary.Married while in seminary; mentored by Howard Hendricks, who redirected him from politics to pastoral ministry.Ministry CareerOrdained at First Baptist Dallas under W.A. Criswell.Worked with physicians/dentists, leading to involvement with the Christian Medical Society (served as national director for 15 years).Pastored a Dallas church for 21

Pastor and author George Koch joins Wayne Shepherd in conversation about his life experiences and his book, Bullies, Parasites, and Slaves.  (click for more) More about George's book:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bullies+parasites+and+slaves&crid=3HRAB41FIEJ9R&sprefix=Bullies%2Caps%2C117&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_3_7Interview Summary:George Koch’s BackgroundCareer began in tech: co-founded a software company in the early 1980s to manage corporate investment portfolios.Developed what may have been the first English-language query application on a relational database; early connection with Oracle when it was a small company.Faith JourneyChildhood: raised in a fundamentalist church, strongly impacted by the song Jesus Loves the Little Children.Struggled with the church but held onto the truth that Jesus loves everyone.Civil rights era shaped his views—volunteered in Chicago inner-city project, gained firsthand experience of cultural differences and shared humanity.Adult years: left faith

A beloved professor at Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Bill Thrasher, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his own faith story and teaching on prayer.   (click for more)For more about prayer: www.VictoriousPraying.comInterview Notes – Dr. Bill ThrasherTheme: Spiritual formation, prayer, and the Christian lifeBackground:Dr. Bill Thrasher is a longtime professor at Moody Bible Institute.Passionate about prayer and the spiritual disciplines.Emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God over mere religious activity.Key Topics:Spiritual Formation:Formation is more than just head knowledge; it’s about transformation into Christlikeness. Spiritual formation includes both the inward and outward life. Prayer: Prayer is central to Thrasher’s teaching and personal life. Encourages believers to see prayer not as a duty but a delight. Advocates for honest, heart-level conversations with God.The Role of Weakness:Emphasizes that God uses weakness to shape dependence on Him. Weakness is not a disqualifier but a platfor

Former NBA star Mike Newlin talks with Wayne Shepherd about his basketball career and his long commitment to his relationship with Jesus Christ.  (click for more)Background & Basketball CareerMike Newlin was a standout NBA guard, scoring over 12,000 points.Drafted by the San Diego Rockets, who became the Houston Rockets one week later.Known for his discipline—trained 6–8 hours a day in high school.Believes time, not talent, is the key to success.Described his entrance into the NBA as the "easiest thing" he'd ever done because it was the logical result of consistent hard work.Conversion to ChristianityBecame a Christian at age 27, just before an NBA season.Was at the peak of his career, considered a top guard in the league.Transition was costly: after his conversion, a coach benched him for three years, claiming he didn't trust believers.Struggled emotionally and spiritually with the fallout—it took 40 years to fully process the pain of that loss.Spiritual Growth & Life After NBAStu

Colby Barrett, Executive Producer of the documentary, A Faith Under Siege, talks with Wayne Shepherd about Russian forces persecuting Ukrainian Christians. (click for more) A Faith Under Siege can be viewed on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E4gJWdsyAA&ab_channel=AFaithUnderSiegeThe film is endorsed by Mission Eurasia. To read Faith Under Fire: Understanding and Responding to Religious Persecution, click here. 

Mike Joens put his faith in Jesus Christ while in the Marines. He went on to become a successful animator and has now created a series for children. (click for more)Mike's dream all along was to create an animated series for children that would teach God's Word. That happened with the production of Theo Presents, available on DVD here.Key Interview HighlightsSpiritual Transformation: Mike accepted Christ in 1972 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. A divine intervention led him from a bar in Naples back to his barracks, where two fellow Marines shared the gospel with him.Early Christian Growth: After becoming a believer, Mike developed a deep hunger for Scripture, progressing from The Living Bible to a King James Version Thompson Chain Reference Bible, reading voraciously and studying theology.Call to Ministry: Though initially drawn to pulpit ministry, God redirected Mike to a different kind of calling—animation.Professional Background: Mike honed his craft at animation studios like Hanna-Barber

The CEO of the large and successful Correct Craft company, Bill Yeargin, joins Wayne Shepherd in conversation his personal faith journey and how it has helped him lead over 2,000 employees and distributors in over 70 countries.                                              NEXT WEEK:  Mike JoensSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!