The Better Roads Podcast

Derek Sissel is a supreme multitasker. He pastors a church in Colorado and a church in Florida, plus serves as executive director for Mountain Plains Region of Open Bible Churches. How does a leader juggle so many responsibilities? How does that work for his family? Are there key principles for balancing so many responsibilities? In this episode of Better Roads Randall converses with Derek about his life journey, how Christ apprehended him, and about the better roads he has taken that impact who he is and what he does today.

Christi Armstrong is the Executive Director of World Relief in Spokane, Washington. World Relief is committed to helping refugees from around the world who have either lost their homeland or fear for their lives to continue living there. A credentialed minister with Open Bible Churches, Christi has a heart of compassion for refugees and the agency she leads in Spokane helps to find housing, clothing, food, and jobs for newly arrived, displaced people. In the episode of Better Roads, Randall and Christi talk about how much refugees are just like us. They care about their kids. They want to best for their families. They want to maintain responsibility for caring for their families. And, they are so appreciative of this nation for opening its protective arms to them. They are not looking for handouts. That is why Christi emphasizes caring about their dignity and peace, two fundamentals of life for all human beings. The story of refugees is not a border crossings matter; it is an ongoing story of people who have been carefully vetted and receive some of the very limited number of acceptance notices that are provided by the government. You don’t hear much about this ministry, but it is a moving one. Pull up with your cup of coffee and learn about what God is doing through this.

Dan Powell worked his way up the corporate ladder as a CPA with a Fortune 500 company. But he walked away from that career ladder to become a pastor, while still retaining his CPA certification. In this edition of Better Roads Randall and Dan discuss what happened that caused Dan to take such a huge step. How did his wife and family receive that decision? Do his skills and experience as a CPA help him as a pastor? Does he ever long to return to working with numbers? Join Randall in learning more about Dan Powell, the CPA turned pastor, on Better Roads.

Chris Hansler is the executive director for Pacific Region Open Bible Churches. Before assuming the regional role, he and his wife, Lisa, to whom he had been married for 36 years, had been youth pastors and church planters while raising four children. Now empty nesters, this new role would be a wonderful opportunity for them. Instead the word cancer invaded their plans when Lisa received the diagnosis from her doctor. Every tool in medicine’s arsenal was applied to defeat the evil disease. Prayers were offered from around the world, and yet Lisa was transported to heaven even earlier than doctors had expected. How do you deal with such an immense loss of a beloved spouse? How do you carry on in ministry when it has always been the two of you doing everything together? Chris is still navigating through those questions and more as part of the grieving process. Nonetheless he transparently and vulnerably converses with Randall about his journey in this edition of Better Roads. If you are dealing with loss in your life or have ever been at that point, this conversation will minister to your heart.

LeAnna McIntyre faithfully served in multiple leadership roles at The Bridge Open Bible Church, in Springfield, Oregon, for twenty years. She did not realize it in the early years, but God was preparing her to assume the senior pastor role for the church. How did she transition from serving as a fellow member of the church, just one of several peer leaders, to becoming the leader and shepherd of the church? And, as important, how did other people process and work with that transition? In this edition of Better Roads LeAnna discusses with Randall her journey to becoming lead pastor. She also offers an insightful word of encouragement for other women who feel the Lord has prepared and called them to leadership but find that not many, if any, doors of opportunity are open. What should be their response? Leanna is a joyfully passionate and direct communicator and encourager. Men and women alike will respond to her winsomeness.

Bill Burchit and Natalie, his wife, were feeling stirred to plant a church. With their daughter entering her teen years and their son ready to head off to college, the Burchits had been prayerfully contemplating how God would use them at this new season of family life. Bill served as a staff pastor at Hope Church of Northwest Arkansas and Natalie was a realtor. Their lead pastor, Jim Brewer, and the church were ready and willing to sponsor the church plant with resources of people and funds. And then the surprising news came: there would be an unexpected addition to the Burchit family! Should they push forward on the church plant anyway, or should they hit the pause button while bringing another infant into this world and navigating the busyness that the newborn season brings? In this edition of Better Roads, Bill discusses with Randall the process that he and Natalie went through in their decision-making process about Canvas Church, the church plant they pastor today, and about the better roads Bill recognizes as providing an important doorway to how God is using the Burchits today.

Julie Cole is a gentle, soft-spoken advocate for women in ministry. She is not a campaigner, protester, or critic. Rather, God has opened doors of opportunity for influence and she humbly walks through them. In this episode of Better Roads, Randall and Julie discuss an issue that can cause much debate in some quarters today, the role of women in ministry. What about those passages of Scripture concerning women teaching or leading men? How should a woman respond when it appears she is being confined because of her gender? What about the husband/wife relationship and who leads in it? Grab your cup of coffee and listen in on this fascinating conversation.

Dr. David Cole is being used by God to interact and establish fellowship with a broad segment of Christendom. An ordained Open Bible minister, David is a professor at The King’s University. He is a passionate and gracious builder of bridges between evangelical denominations and other faith groups under the banner of Christianity, and also an ambassador for Open Bible Churches. In this episode of Better Roads, Randall and David converse about how to connect without compromising our understanding of biblical truth, how to do so without fear, and as a witness to the salvific power of Christ.

Nicole Miller, whose voice introduces our Better Roads podcast, is a busy wife, mom of four children, staff minister at her church, and high–D personality who organizes and keeps her “to-do” and other lists in order. Despite her driven nature, Nicole delights in loving life with family, church, and work and exhibits a bubbly, excited outlook on life. Her family knows few dull moments because Nicole and Matt, her husband, keep the ball of energy and laughter in the air. In this episode of Better Roads, Randall converses with Nicole about what makes her tick, her convictions and resolve, how she juggles all the packed parts of her life, and the better roads that have been pivotal in helping her arrive at who she is today.

Public schools have become a lightning rod for alarm and critical attention as recent issues involving issues such as school board policies, curriculum, and gender identity have come to light. What happens, however, when a Christian becomes a member of a public school board and even serves a term as president? How does that board member remain consistent with his or her values and convictions while working in concert with fellow board members? In this episode of Better Roads, Randall converses with Ryan Weldon, business man, Open Bible minister, and member of the Ankeny, Iowa, school board. Join us as we explore how Ryan makes it all work.

Gary Wyatt is the lead pastor of Sure House Open Bible Church in Tacoma, Washington, a recording artist, and a member of Open Bible’s Unity Commission, which is committed to racial reconciliation and healing. In this episode of Better Roads, Randall and Gary talk about racial issues and how Gary processes them as both a Christian and African American. Gary emphasizes, “I am not just a black man who is a Christian – I am a Christian who is a black man.” Gary’s joy, candor, and infectious humor will warm your heart. You can check out Gary’s music at gwconcepts.com. The Road to Racial Reconciliation, a free Bible study by the Unity Commission, can be downloaded at https://www.openbible.org/mission/multi-ethnic-focus/racial-unity/bible-study.

Nicole Kerr and her husband, Aaron, have two beautiful little boys. But the path to those delights was filled with five miscarriages. Five times Nicole was pregnant, only to experience loss again and again. It was not a road the Kerrs chose but it was theirs to travel. How does one deal with repeated loss and grieving? How do you keep hope alive when it has been dashed so many times? Randall and Nicole converse in this episode of Better Roads about God’s loving care coupled with personal, faith-filled resolve. If you are dealing with loss or evaporating hope, this conversation could be for you. You will also receive helpful insights from Nicole about how to be a friend to someone who is walking a painful journey.

Dave Bethany has traveled with MOVE ministries on 32 trips, constructing buildings around the world. For many of those trips he has served as the director of construction. A man who owns his own construction company and consulting service in Los Angeles, Dave gives anywhere from three to five weeks each year, investing not just in construction of buildings, but also in the building of men. In this episode of Better Roads, Dave converses with Randall about his experiences, the miracles God has performed, and the life-giving work God has been doing in the lives of men who join a MOVE team. To learn more about MOVE, apply to go on a construction trip, or contribute, go to https://www.openbible.org/mission/global-outreach/short-term-missions/move. Encourage someone else to go as well!

Pastor Deodath Mathai began his life journey in Trinidad. When he embraced Christ as Savior and Lord, Deodath’s people, of Hindu belief, shunned him. He faced a lonely journey, but he loved the Lord and was committed to Him. Deodath went to the Open Bible Institute, where he fell in love with and married Jean, and the two soon began pastoring. Partly in response to a prophetic word, the couple chose to migrate to the United States. God led them to pastor a church in West Palm Beach, Florida, with only four people in attendance. In the years since, God has blessed the Mathais, and today, New Horizon Worship Center is a thriving, multicultural church. In this episode of Better Roads Deodath talks about his journey, shares insights he has learned about growing a multicultural church, and celebrates the better roads he has taken in life that directly impact who he is and the ministry effectiveness he is experiencing today.

Jim Beaird has been a pastor and a regional executive director for Open Bible Churches. He is now flourishing in a post-retirement chapter of ministry as an author. From leadership and spiritual development books to novels, Jim’s keyboard has become prolific! In this episode of Better Roads Jim talks about how his writing began and continues to expand, what inspires him, and the discipline involved in writing and publishing books. Jim has prayed for the Lord to grant him more influence for God in this season of writing than in all of his earlier years of service. You can find his books on Amazon by searching for Jim Beaird under the books tab.

George Williams is the enthusiastic director for the RAM Network, the church planting arm of East Region Open Bible Churches. A church planter who turned over pastoral leadership of the church he planted to someone else so he could help other planters, George is passionate about serving God and loving people. He and his wife, Sarah (a former guest on Better Roads) minister together as they travel. Sarah has a prophetic anointing and George ministers from the Word of God. In this episode of Better Roads, George converses with Randall about his journey, about learning to hear from and follow the Lord.

Jolene Hodder, along with her husband, Kenneth, are commissioned with the Salvation Army. Kenneth was a successful corporate lawyer and Jolene was a successful retailer/designer. Then, God spoke to both of them about giving themselves to full time ministry. Years later, Kenneth is the commander over all of the Salvation Army and Jolene is also a national leader with the Salvation Army. How does one go from the “good life,” with money and material possessions, and change to a different life that includes missionary stints around the world, including eight in Africa, and to full time service? Randall explores Jolene’s journey, how God spoke to her, and how the Lord continues to adapt and employ all of her previous experience. This is a delightful testimony, filled with joy.

Randall refers to Ken and Nadine Groen as poster models for retirement. For 11 years they have done retirement exceedingly well. A former pastor and regional executive director, Ken has been successful wherever he has served, and continues to succeed at retirement. Randall explores with Ken what has kept Ken and Nadine vibrant and delighting in this chapter of life.

Savannah Marten is the Executive Director of the Pregnancy Center of Greater Toledo in Toledo, Ohio. Under her leadership the center is committed to providing limited medical care for women and families, after-abortion care, and Soul Purpose, a national ministry piloted and launched by Savannah and her team with a goal of raising up college-age women in their value, worth, and identity. Abortion is such a strongly divisive and emotional topic, but Savannah demonstrates a heart and spirit that lovingly disarms heated arguments. She is passionately in love with Jesus (and her husband, Ryan) and sees life as an opportunity to lead as many people to heaven as possible. In this episode of Better Roads, Savannah offers insightful coaching for people who care about the pre-born and who want to please the Lord in living out that care. To find a Pregnancy Center near you, go HERE. Read Savannah's article featured in The Message HERE.

Chris Cavan is a husband, father of six children elementary age and younger, pastor, and digital media manager for Open Bible Churches. How does he coordinate all of those responsibilities? In this edition of Better Roads Randall visits with Chris about his journey and its challenges and joys.

Betty Brown came to the U.S. from Costa Rica as a ten-year old girl. She learned a new language, obtained a college education, and met and married her husband. A strong, entrepreneurial leader, Betty became chief operations officer at a medical facility. But she stepped away from her successful career to direct the Portland Open Bible Church food pantry. Randall visits with Betty about her fascinating journey and reasons for the roads she has chosen.

Dan Carlson has been so many things! He has filled roles as a television weathercaster, producer, news anchor, and writer. He is a pastor, member of the Open Bible National Board of Directors. Dan is also a writer of a best-selling science fiction book. How does one navigate life with such a wide variety of pursuits? How does he or she know when it is time to move from one to the other? In this edition of Better Roads, Randall and Dan discuss Dan’s journey, decisions, what energizes him, and the life-roads he has chosen that have been pivotal to who he is today.

Steve and Jan Mathews care deeply about helping blended families as they themselves have lived out the experience! In this edition of Better Roads, Randall converses with the couple about their journey and some of the results they are seeing as they serve as full-time missionaries to blended families. The Mathews are also available to help churches start their own ministries to blended families in their communities. To learn more about this ministry, to contact Steve and Jan, or to invest in what they are doing, use these links or phone numbers: Jan Mathews (c) 515-205-7540 jan.mathews@familylife.com Steve Mathews (c) 515-494-6565 steve.mathews@familylife.com Give site: give.cru.org/1068513

Darrick Young’s passion is for the Church to reach and influence our culture for Christ rather than standing outside of culture and preaching to it. A value of the church he pastors, Journey Church in Urbandale, Iowa, is “Church that makes sense.” Join this stimulating conversation with Randall and Darrick as they discuss how the church can connect with its community. More than just offering techniques, Darrick’s vision incorporates heart, mindset, and even the language we use. If you care that your church makes sense to your community, this episode of Better Roads is for you.

Kwabea Francis was born in England and moved to the USA with her parents when she was a child. A woman of color, Kwabea was soon introduced to racial discrimination and name calling when she went to American schools. However, her mother taught Kwabea how to not respond in kind, a lesson she continued to teach when she became a mother. How do we build bridges that please the Lord between races? Kwabea shares insights from her heart and experience in this episode of Better Roads.

After 31 years of serving in one church, Pastor Gary Khan felt God stirring him about broadening his world of ministry by accepting an opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Operations for Marketplace Chaplains in Southern California and actively pursuing writing. He now has more than one book to his credit and is working on another. In this edition of Better Roads Gary discusses hearing from God, how to get started in writing, and the discipline involved in writing a book. Gary’s new journey has generated deep and rich insights.

Paula Sutherland pastors a church with her husband and also has her own business as a life coach. In this edition of Better Roads Randall explores Paula’s journey and some of the profound insights she has gained as a life coach about life in general and how to become everything God desires us to be.

Diane Brennan began parenting her adopted boys like she had been parented. But everything she thought she knew or understood about parenting was turned upside down when she and her husband, Rick, discovered their world included autism. Life would never be the same. In this episode of Better Roads Dianne shares some of the powerful lessons learned from her journey.

What is the call of God? How do you know or find it? What is life like when you discover and follow God’s call? In this Better Roads conversation Pastor Duane Sayre joyfully shares his own unique experiences and insights about the call of God.

She did not know about it until she was an adult, but Ximena Urra was supposed to have been aborted. A native of Chile, Ximena was running her own life, which included singing in many places, until one day, while singing in church, God said to her, “This is my place!” It was the first jolt in a life that became wholly surrendered to the Lord. Randall unpacks Ximena’s moving story, including a stunning revelation by her mother, in this edition of Better Roads.

Jorge Navarrete was born in Mexico but sought greater opportunity by becoming a citizen of the United States. He wanted to be a pilot in the military, but God had other plans. Today Jorge not only pastors a growing and thriving Hispanic church in Antioch, California, that he planted, he also serves as Clerk Executive Officer Supreme Court of California! In this issue of Better Roads, Randall converses with Jorge about his fascinating journey – how the Lord found him, how Jorge met his wife, and how the Lord guided Jorge into such vital roles of leadership.

If you look up the word “entrepreneur” in the dictionary, you should really see John Geissler’s picture. He was a pastor and still is, but with a greatly expanded congregation. He founded and leads Agape Distribution, which distributes thousands upon thousands of pounds of food to the needy. Agape also blesses nonprofits with other goods as well. In addition, John teaches and ministers around the world. In this issue of Better Roads, Randall explores what makes this man operate with such passion, excitement, and innovation.

In this edition of Better Roads, Randall converses with Nicole, a young missionary to the Middle East. Nicole was headed for medical school with intentions of becoming a doctor, but God interrupted with a change of calling. She is becoming more accomplished in speaking Arabic and learning how to engage a culture. And this as a young, single woman in the Middle East. How does that happen and work? What did her family and friends think about her new direction? Nicole’s youthful pizzaz, love, and joy will inspire you.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall visits with missionary Drew Welch. Drew and his wife, Jessica, and their children, Ian, Kayla, and Kirsten, are missionaries-at-large with Open Bible Churches to Liberia, West Africa. Drew was a school teacher before becoming a missionary. He transparently answers questions like What is it like being a missionary? How does one become aware of a call to missions? And, What adjustments are necessary? You will want to hear Drew share about his family’s journey from Indiana to West Africa and how God has gone before and with them throughout.

Mike and Dara Rasavanh, Open Bible Churches’ missionaries to Southeast Asia, were children of refugees. In an amazing re-routing, God has led them back to the region of their births to share His love. However, they have personal reflections about what it is like to be refugees and Randall converses with them about that in this edition of Better Roads.

Renita Collins is an executive pastor who serves with her husband, Frank, Jr., who is lead pastor. She also is a writer, speaker, hair dresser and, most important, a mother. Renita is also the first African American woman to serve as a member of the Open Bible Churches’ national board of directors. In this edition of “Better Roads” Renita thanks the Lord for His provision and direction for life.

Hanna Bemis is a writer, editor, substitute teacher, tutor, church prayer coordinator, and member of the Pacific Region board of directors. She lived a “charmed” life until a medical diagnosis for her child collided with Hannah’s comfort zone. In this conversation Hannah shares about her journey, including how God led her into a new place of relationship with and trust in Him.

Michael Hines is a native of Britain and now pastors Foundations Church, an Open Bible church in Williamsburg, Virginia, a town that played a significant role in the Revolutionary War.  Michael shares about the miraculous provision of God.

Kevin Starkey shares about his Canadian birth, escape from being murdered, acting career in New York City, and present ministry to students.

Randall converses with Jaccie Kenyon, who is a lead pastor, district director, and member of a regional board. Does a woman pastor have to do some things differently than a man? Jaccie shares about how God called and opened the door to her leading a church congregation.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall talks with Dr. Ed Stetzer about his book, Christians in the Age of Outrage: How to Bring Our Best When the World Is at Its Worst. We will discuss ways the book applies to our contemporary American culture so saturated in anger. Even Christians have been drawn into heated and coarse rhetoric during and since the 2020 presidential election. Where do we go from here to influence our culture for Christ?

Randall visits with Edgar Figueroa, a pastor in Hialeah, Florida, about his journey from an intended medical career, to Christian school administrator, to pastor. Edgar shares how his family chose to go from “riches to rags.”

In this special edition of Better Roads, Randall converses with Dr. Craig Keener, one of the nation’s foremost Charismatic New Testament scholars and professor at Asbury Theological Seminary. Randall and Dr. Keener discuss prophecy, its purpose, “political” prophecies, prophetic accountability, and what to do if one feels the Holy Spirit moving them into prophetic ministry.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall converses with Sarah Williams. Sarah has a prophetic mantle but does not fit into the frequent stereotype of prophets or prophetesses. She is not angry! Is it possible that God would use someone prophetically through a soft, loving, beckoning, and gentle voice? Sarah is Exhibit A. She shares from her journey, including how she discovered God wanted to use her in a prophetic manner, how she ventured into operation of that gift, and what she believes about the place of prophecy in ministry today.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall talks with Pastor Josh Bingaman, who Randall refers to as a “Happy Warrior.” Josh was not always so joyful. In fact, he started off on a wrong road that included jail time. Today, he is gifted with special insight into those who are confused about their direction in life or even actively rebelling against God. You won’t miss Josh’s joy. It comes through loud and clear in this episode.

In this episode of Better Roads Randall converses with Kris Beaird, who has been a national women’s ministry leader, pastor’s spouse, and now is a professional coach. Although she is admiringly viewed as “successful,” Kris has also experienced difficult and discouraging days on her journey but is now able to look upon them through the eyes of God’s grace and seasoning that comes with life. There is an introspective humility in Kris as she shares nuggets of truth she has learned along the way. She would love to be an encouragement to you.

Randall converses with Luke Harden, Des Moines Police Detective, about the opportunities and challenges of serving in law enforcement today. Hear how Luke views it as his calling and identifies the roads that have been pivotal choices in his life.

In this episode of Better Roads Randall converses with Chris Hansler, who was recently appointed as the Pacific Regional Executive Director. 

Pastor Somkong Vong, lovingly known by others as Kong, is a survivor. A child of refugees, Kong obtained a college degree and is a math teach at East Des Moines High School, in Des Moines, Iowa. She also serves as pastor of Lifesong Church in Des Moines, a predominantly Asian body of Open Bible believers. Kong’s life as high school teacher and pastor was full enough, but then cancer attacked her body. Rather than being discouraged Kong has kept her head high, her smile humbly beaming, and her gentle testimony for Christ genuine. In this episode of Better Roads Randall visits with this humble but strong leader.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall speaks with Dr. Doug Lumpkin about his time in the military and the touching stories that he has experienced in his chaplaincy. Captain Lumpkin is currently a chaplain in the US Air Force and held the same title in both workplace ministries and a trauma hospital. Doug discusses how God called him to the chaplaincy, what he loves the most about it, and outlines the steps anyone interested in the military chaplaincy should take to pursue that ministry direction.  You can find Dr. Lumpkin's article at www.openbiblemessage.org.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall visits with Pastor Aaron Keller.  Aaron is the new pastor of Sunshine Open Bible Church, in Des Moines, Iowa, and is the director of MOVE Ministries for Open Bible Churches. MOVE sends men’s construction teams around the globe to build churches, schools, learning centers, and other needed facilities. Aaron shares about a call he felt to become a missionary and how the birth of his children who are on the autism spectrum changed that dream. Life has been a journey full of learning, and today, although Aaron is not officially a missionary, God is using him to lead missions projects around the globe. This is a story of faithful persistence and obedience to God.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall visits with Hal Donaldson, founder and president of Convoy of Hope, an amazing ministry partner of Open Bible Churches. Hal talks about the humble beginnings of what has become a major  faith-based, international, humanitarian-relief organization and how the Lord overhauled his heart to make that possible. Hal also shares about some of the better roads he has discovered are wise to travel. This is truly inspirational.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall converses with Gary Hebden, who is stepping down as lead pastor of The Intersection Open Bible church, in Spokane, Washington, after serving there for 33 years. Gary shares about how God called him to ministry and the process involved in reaching the decision that it is time to yield the leadership baton to someone else.

In this episode of Better Roads Randall converses with Jessica Francavilla, who underwent three abortions before experiencing new life in Christ. Jessica vulnerably shares about the guilt and pain from her choices, and about the wonderfully redemptive forgiveness of God. She also speaks lovingly and gently to every woman who has had an abortion or is contemplating having an abortion. Jessica had opportunity to speak on the steps of the United States Supreme Court about the realities and effects of abortion on women and families. You can watch Jessica's 2019 March for Life Testimony here.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall visits with Pastor Richie Vedilago, pastor of Shepherd’s House Open Bible Church, and its five branches, in New York City. Richie talks about how he knew God called him to plant the church, how it got started, and how God led the planting of branch churches out of Shepherd’s House.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall visits with Gary Emery, seasoned pastor and pastor of pastors, who recently lost his eyesight. While we choose many of our roads in life there are some that seem to be assigned to us without our consent. Blindness was not Gary’s choice. It was suddenly thrust upon him. Gary shares about adjustments he is making to becoming blind, about what he does with the “Why?” question, and what he is learning along the way.

In this episode of Better Roads, Randall has a conversation with Dannette DeLaMatter, a mother of two and an author for the Message of the Open Bible magazine. Dannette elaborates about the challenges in her life that began with the birth of a Down syndrome child who was also diagnosed with cancer in his first year. She talks about what thoughts and emotions swirled in her heart and mind and how God has changed her through this journey.  You can read Dannette's article at www.openbiblemessage.org.