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This episode of World Class tells the powerful and often overlooked story of Rev. David Newton Nathaniel, an Indian missionary who served in South Africa in the early 1950s. His life opens our eyes to a wider mission story—one in which the gospel has long traveled from the Global South to the Global South. Through history and reflection, this episode honors a faithful servant and invites us to see global Christianity with fresh eyes.

References

Israel, N. M. 1988 Indian Baptist History. BASA Annual Brochure. Stanger, Kwa Zulu Natal.

Ragwan, R 2011, The narrative of the Baptist Association of South Africa and its significance for the Indian Baptist Church in Kwa Zulu Natal , PhD thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria.

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In this inspiring episode, Dr. Marsha Brown-Woodard shares her remarkable journey as a pastor, educator, and leader in the Church. As President of the Baptist Pastors and Ministers’ Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity, Director of Christian Education, and assistant pastor, Dr. Woodard brings decades of wisdom shaped by both scholarship and lived experience.

She reflects on her formative years, her academic path culminating in a Doctor of Ministry from Lancaster Theological Seminary, and her commitment to empowering women in ministry. Dr. Brown-Woodard also discusses co-founding Daughters of Thunder, a ministry dedicated to equipping and amplifying the voices of women called to preach and lead.

This conversation offers deep insight into the joys, challenges, and possibilities for women in ministry today. Whether you are a pastor, student, or lay leader, Dr. Woodard’s story will encourage you to lead with courage, authenticity, and faith.

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In this World Class episode, Rodney Ragwan highlights the remarkable life and legacy of George Liele (1750–1828) — a man born into slavery who became the first Baptist missionary and a pioneer of global mission long before William Carey sailed for India.

Through this 25-minute reflection, Rodney explores Liele’s theology of freedom, community, and gospel witness among the enslaved in Jamaica, showing how mission often rises from the margins rather than the centers of power.

Listeners will discover how Liele’s story expands our understanding of world Christianity and invites today’s church to re-imagine mission as a movement of hope, resilience, and justice.

To support Rodney’s ongoing work as a Global Servant with International Ministries, and to help make episodes like this possible, visit:https://www.internationalministries.org/rodney-ragwan

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In this episode of World Class, I sit down with Rev. Sali Emmanuel Vemarathnam for an engaging conversation on Gen Z and Digital Discipleship. Together, we explore how today’s generation is navigating faith in a digital age—where screens, social media, and instant connectivity shape identity and community. Rev. Sali brings deep insight into how churches and leaders can meaningfully engage Gen Z, fostering authentic relationships and spiritual growth online and offline. As we talk, we uncover the challenges and exciting opportunities this generation presents for the global church and the future of discipleship.

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In this special episode of World Class, I sit down with Gen Z leaders from South Africa, India, Australia, the USA, and the UK to hear their stories of faith, ministry, and making an impact in their communities. These young voices share how they navigate challenges and live out their calling in diverse cultural contexts. I also had the privilege of sharing practical insights on “How Do I Read the Bible?”—from simple steps to tools that help make God’s Word a part of daily life.

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In this episode of World Class, Dr. J. Jayakiran Sebastian joins us to reflect on his article “Nicene Faith – Towards a Contemporary Reformed Reading.” Together, we revisit the Council of Nicaea—1700 years ago—and explore why it still matters for the church today.

From empire and power shaping theology in the 4th century to the ongoing struggles of churches in Asia with identity, denominationalism, colonial legacies, economic disparity, and the quest for unity, Dr. Sebastian helps us see how reaching back to Nicaea can provide wisdom for moving forward.

What does it mean to live out Nicene faith in contexts marked by marginalization and pluralism? How can the church reclaim an ecumenical vision of unity while remaining faithful to Christ? Join us for a conversation that connects history, theology, and the realities of the global church today.

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Yuree Lembke’s From Refugee to Missionary: A Journey of Grace and Grit traces her remarkable path from childhood in Burma, through the hardships of life as a refugee in Thailand, to becoming a missionary. She shares vivid memories of growing up amid political unrest, facing hunger, limited education, and uncertainty as a refugee. Through each challenge, Yuree recounts how God’s grace sustained her and how the grit forged in those years prepared her for cross-cultural ministry. Her story is both a testimony of resilience and a call to trust God’s faithfulness in every season.

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In this Season 2 premiere of World Class: Listening. Learning. Living., I sit down with Ashalia Rangiah, a dynamic South African attorney, advocate for justice, and great-great-granddaughter of the pioneering Indian Christian leader, Rev. John Rangiah.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Ashalia reflects on the legacy of her forebear, the first Indian ordained pastor in South Africa and founder of the South African Indian Baptist movement. We explore how his courage and calling continue to shape her own journey in the legal profession and her deep Christian faith.

From generational memory to present-day challenges, Ashalia offers thoughtful insights into heritage, identity, vocation, and the call to live out one’s faith in every sphere of life.

Listen and be inspired by a story that spans continents and generations.

World Class is a podcast that amplifies voices from around the world who embody faith, resilience, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.