What if one ordinary moment was actually a divine setup?
In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Matthew Potter, co-founder of Pray.com, to hear the story behind one of the world’s largest digital faith platforms. It all started in a coffee shop—where a heart heavy with disappointment met a willing heart ready to serve. What followed was a journey marked by unseen preparation, providential timing, and a yes that changed lives across the globe.
Matthew opens up about leaving behind a thriving company, stepping into the unknown, and carrying the weight of stewarding a platform that now reaches millions. He shares stories of real people—those in their darkest moments, finding comfort through a simple app when the world went quiet.
This isn’t just a story about an app. It’s about what happens when you show up, stay open, and say yes to the work God is already doing. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story matters or if your “yes” can make a difference, this episode will speak straight to you.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Show Notes:
Connect with EEM:
What does bold faith look like when the cost is everything?
In this powerful episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl are joined by Lanny Tucker, Monty Tuttle, and Jim Black to reflect on their recent journey through the Baltics. Around kitchen tables and in quiet conversations, they heard testimonies of courage, exile, and hope—from a Belarusian family who risked it all to follow Christ, to local leaders once caught in addiction and despair, now shepherding others with the gospel, to a woman whose life was radically transformed from generational witchcraft to radiant faith in Jesus.
These stories are raw, humbling, and unforgettable. They reveal not only the weight of persecution but the beauty of perseverance, and the unstoppable power of God’s Word in the darkest places.
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to follow Jesus when it costs everything—or if you need encouragement to keep pressing on in your own walk of faith—this episode is for you.
Download the Baltics Trip Report: https://www.eem.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Baltics-Trip-Report_Podcast-.pdf
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
What does it look like when God's Word travels across borders—and transforms lives?
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk and Brooke share stories from their journeys through Europe and parts of Asia, where they met with ministry partners, local believers, and everyday people being transformed by Scripture. From the vibrant streets of Romania to the hills of Poland and the shores of Cyprus, each stop revealed a fresh glimpse of how the gospel moves: one Bible, one conversation, one person at a time.
You’ll hear about Anna, who grew up caught between cultures and confusion, but found purpose through Scripture and now teaches others how to walk through trauma using the Bible. You’ll hear a story about a 102-year-old woman in Cyprus who gave her life to Christ after hearing the gospel on the radio. There’s the story of a formerly Muslim college student who discovered a New Testament, came to faith on her own, and began sharing Jesus long before meeting another Christian.
This episode is a reminder that God is still at work—in quiet places, in unseen ways, and through His unchanging Word.
Listen now and be reminded of the incredible power of God’s Word.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with us online:
Facebook - www.facebook.com/EasternEuropeanMission
Instagram - www.instagram.com/EasternEuropeanMission/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/eastern-european-mission
Website - www.eem.org/
Pray.com - Pray.com/eem
Give the gift of the Bible every month and become a monthly donor today! - https://eem.givecloud.co/
Join us on this year's Hope Campaign: https://eem.org/hope
What happens when someone holds a Bible for the very first time?
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Darryl Willis, Clyde Slimp, and John Mark Smith to reflect on their recent journey through Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, and Croatia.
What began as a Bible distribution trip turned into something more—a series of powerful, personal moments that reminded them just how deeply God is at work across Eastern Europe.
From conversations with local pastors to unexpected encounters with everyday people, this episode offers a glimpse into the impact of God’s Word and the hope it brings—one Bible, one heart at a time.
This isn’t just a story about Bibles. It’s about people, purpose, and the power of saying yes to God. You’ll want to watch this one.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
What happens when your father’s underground Bible ministry shapes the path you never expected to take?
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Rostyslav Stasyuk—a husband, father, and global ministry leader with deep roots in faith. Rostyslav shares how his family’s legacy and his cross-cultural experiences led him to join EEM as the Regional Director for South Caucasus and Central Asia, where he now helps distribute Bibles,
This heartfelt conversation touches on the importance of Scripture in someone's mother language, the powerful role of prayer, and the impact of the Bible in places where faith comes at a cost. Rostyslav also shares how the war in Ukraine has both challenged and strengthened his faith, as well as what it means to disciple others, even in isolation.
Whether you're a parent, a ministry leader, or someone looking for hope in hard seasons, this episode will leave you encouraged.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Ivan (Vanya) Prokopchuk—husband, father, ministry leader, and a man shaped by both legacy and loss.
Ivan grew up in Ukraine watching his father live out the Gospel in humble, faithful ways. That example laid the foundation for Ivan’s own heart for ministry—especially toward orphans and vulnerable children. But when war broke out in Ukraine, everything changed. The challenges became more intense, and yet, so did his resolve.
In this conversation, Ivan shares what it’s like to walk through a crisis while still choosing to serve. He speaks candidly about the emotional toll of living in a war zone, how ministry has shifted from programming to presence, and how prayer has become the daily rhythm of survival and hope.
What makes this episode so special is the reminder that in a world full of uncertainty, God is still writing stories of hope, connection, and resilience. Whether you’re a ministry leader, parent, or someone needing encouragement, Ivan’s words will leave you both challenged and comforted.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl sit down with Dasha Novikova, who shares powerful testimonies from people across Ukraine—stories of how one Bible, received in the midst of war, can bring hope, healing, and a renewed sense of faith.
Dasha gives us a glimpse into what it’s like to live through ongoing conflict, while also witnessing firsthand how God is moving in the local church through trauma-informed care and the strength of community.
This conversation isn’t just about war—it’s about the power of God’s presence in our lives, even when we can’t see the way forward. If you’ve ever wondered how faith can survive in the toughest moments or how you can help, this episode will speak directly to your heart.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
Life has a way of leading us through unexpected twists—some that break us and some that build us. In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, host Brooke Kehl sits down with Tamika Rybinski, a writer, graphic artist, and missionary based in Vienna, Austria. Tamika’s story is one of resilience, faith, and creativity.
From surviving a life-changing car accident to navigating cancer and a stroke, Tamika’s journey is marked by deep trust in God through every season. She shares how her love for art, storytelling, and missions led her to EEM, where she now designs book covers and creates Scripture-based coloring books that bring families closer to God’s Word.
This conversation is about finding meaning in the mess, seeing God’s hand in every moment, and learning how even small acts of obedience can be part of His bigger plan. Whether you’re walking through uncertainty, seeking purpose, or just love a good story of faith, this one’s for you.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode, Bart Rybinski joins us to look back on the challenges and victories of 2024. We talk about why trust and strong relationships matter, even when things get hard, and how unexpected partnerships have helped get Bibles into more hands.
We also share stories about the impact of giving people access to Scripture and what it’s been like working in places like Poland and Ukraine. We get honest about what it means to serve and why prayer, patience, and community make all the difference.
Tune in for a down-to-earth chat about faith in action and how God keeps showing up in ways we never expected.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode, we are joined by church leader, author, and cultural commentator Patrick Miller as we dive into what it means to embrace life as “joyful outsiders” in today’s world. Patrick shares some amazing insights from his books with co-author Keith Simon, Truth Over Tribe and the upcoming Joyful Outsiders, and we discuss how to stay true to our faith while loving people across divides. It’s an honest and encouraging conversation on finding unity, living counter-culturally, and showing Christ’s love in practical ways.
Tune in to learn more about how living with joy, radical generosity, and a reliance on the Holy Spirit can transform our communities and reflect Christ’s love in a divided culture.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode of the 55:11 Podcast, Dirk Smith and Brooke Kehl are joined by Andy Corley, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship International (PFI), for another inspiring conversation on their success and challenges over the past year. Together, they discuss the life-changing work of ministering to prisoners and their families and the special focus on children with parents behind bars.
Andy also shares the heart of PFI’s global ministry–centered on worth, redemption, and the unique partnership between PFI and EEM to creatively share the gospel. With stories of God’s faithfulness, fresh insights into preventative efforts, and a look toward what’s ahead, this episode dives into how serving the vulnerable and marginalized beautifully reflects God’s character.
Tune in to hear how partnerships, prayer, and radical trust in God’s provision are making an eternal impact—and be inspired to join in the mission of bringing hope and transformation to communities around the world.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
In this episode, we explore the impactful work of Open Doors USA, an organization dedicated to supporting the persecuted church worldwide. Despite facing severe persecution, the church in different regions continues to grow, offering a powerful testimony of faith.
Ryan Brown, CEO of Open Doors USA, shares how their mission raises awareness, provides resources, and advocates for those risking their lives to follow Christ. He emphasizes the lessons American Christians can learn from the persecuted church and the importance of prioritizing a deep relationship with God.
Watch to know more about how the global body of Christ is strengthened through the faith of those who face persecution daily.
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode, we explore the incredible work of Transform Iran, a group dedicated to bringing freedom and hope to the people of Iran. Despite strict government rules that make it illegal to leave Islam or own a Bible, the church in Iran is growing fast. Over a million Iranian Muslims have given their lives to Christ in the past 45 years.
Lana Silk, from Transform Iran, shares how the ministry focuses on three main areas: spreading the Gospel, helping new believers grow in their faith, and bringing positive change to communities. She discusses the importance of sacrifice, trusting God, and the need for ongoing discipleship in our Christian lives.
Tune in to hear how the Gospel is transforming lives in one of the most oppressed nations in the world.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode, hosts Brooke Kehl and Dirk Smith are joined by three more EEM Regional Directors – Monty Tuttle, Jon Mark Smith, and Clyde H. Slimp to talk about the impactful stories from their recent trip to Hungary and Slovakia. The Region Directors discuss their visits with various EEM ministry partners and the powerful work being done in these regions.
Hear a moving story of one woman’s surprising reaction to discovering God’s Word in her heart language for the first time. Listen to the heartwarming stories of Palanta, a puppet ministry bringing Bibles and the message of Jesus to Hungarian children. Learn about Hungarian Gypsy Missions International, which brings hope to the Romani community by providing Bibles in their native language. The guests also share their moving experience at a Roma church in Slovakia, where they witnessed the incredible impact of the Bible translated into the local dialect.
Listen to the podcast to learn more about these incredible ministries and how you can pray for their ongoing work.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Connect with EEM:
In this episode, hosts Brooke Kehl and Dirk Smith, along with guests Jim Black, Lanny Tucker, and Darryl Willis, share impactful stories from their trip to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the power of Bible distribution and unity among believers.
Hear about a former Soviet Air Force officer turned pastor and a gathering of church leaders in Kazakhstan sharing their experiences. They share inspiring stories of individuals who have overcome challenges and embraced their faith wholeheartedly amidst great adversity. The conversation emphasizes the boldness of Christians, the need for more Bibles, and the importance of unity.
Listen to the podcast to learn more about how you can support and pray for EEM and the nations of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Show Notes:
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Read the Kazakhstan report for more inspiring stories:
https://www.eem.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/6.27.24Public-K2-Report.pdf
Connect with EEM:
Season Three, Episode Five: Hosts Dirk and Brooke visit with guest Dave Keesling about his work with PhilanthroCorp.
Dave is the Founder and Executive Vice President of PhilanthroCorp, which partners with hundreds of churches, para-church, and Christian higher education ministries across America, encouraging their donors to consider estate planning from a Biblical worldview. He has been helping people all over the country develop estate plans from a Biblical perspective for over 30 years.
Dave’s relationship with the Lord grew through being the primary caregiver for his late wife Cindy and her 37-year battle with MS.
Dave has three children with Cindy and seven grandchildren. He and his wife Marcia live in Woodland Park, CO. Dave has served on the Boards of Choices, the local crisis pregnancy center as well as NCCF.
You can receive Dave’s daily devotionals at www.lifeinrealtimeonline.com
———
Free Professional Estate Planning for the EEM Family
Since 1997, PhilanthroCorp has been helping Christian families consider issues of stewardship and estate planning from a Biblical worldview. PhilanthroCorp will help you discern the important relationships and resources you have and recommend the most effective tools to ensure your family is cared for and that you leave the legacy you desire.
The process begins with a phone interview, during which PhilanthroCorp asks questions to learn your story, including your wishes and hopes for future generations. PhilanthroCorp then provides tools that can guide you to legacy decisions in the privacy of your home. Based on those decisions, PhilanthroCorp will design a plan that can be implemented by your advisors or by an attorney in their network at reduced rates.
The services of PhilanthroCorp are free to you, and there is no obligation. Get started by calling Susan Wylie at PhilanthroCorp at 800-876-7958 ext. 2125
---- Every story is a living example of Isaiah 55:11. To learn how you can partner with us to provide God's Word, go to: EEM.ORG Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Season Three, Episode Four: Hosts Dirk and Brooke visit with guest Ivan Prokopchuk to discuss his orphan ministry (Usmishki) in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Ivan and his family are long-time EEM ministry partners providing spiritual and material aid for orphans and at-risk youth. In this special episode, Ivan opens up about the reality of living on the frontlines of war, continuing in ministry, and how his priorities and life have been shaped through continued hope in and reliance on God.
Follow Usmishki on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usmishki ---- Every story is a living example of Isaiah 55:11. To learn how you can partner with us to provide God's Word, go to: EEM.ORG Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Season Three. Episode Three. Openness And Desire For God's Word. An Interview with return guest, Bart Rybinski.
Hosts Dirk and Brooke visit with Bart Rybinski for an update on his work and ministry. Bart, EEM's VP of European Operations, became a Christian in 1995 and graduated soon after with a bachelor's degree in business management. After working in IT in Poland, he eventually went to Oklahoma Christian University, earned a bachelor's degree in biblical studies, and then a marketing and master's degree in ministry. After short-term missions and working on staff at a church, along with his wife and 3 kids, he now works in Vienna with adequate space for his operations to Europe.
Every story is a living example of Isaiah 55:11.
To learn how you can partner with us to provide God's Word, go to: EEM.ORG
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Season Three. Episode Two. In this episode, hosts Dirk and Brooke talk with F. LaGard Smith about his extensive work as an author and The Daily Bible, an essential resource for EEM.
F. LaGard Smith was born in 1944 in Houston, Texas, thereafter living in Shawnee and Tulsa, Oklahoma, Lancaster, Texas, and Birmingham, Alabama, before heading off to college at Florida College, graduating from Willamette University with both an undergraduate and law degree.
Smith was a District Attorney for Malheur County, Oregon for three years, served as an administrator for the Oregon State Bar in Portland for a year, then spent 27 years teaching at Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California, focusing on Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Trial Practice, and Law and Morality.
For five years, Smith was Scholar in Residence for Christian Studies at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, then taught for two years at Liberty University School of Law and for four years at Faulkner University's Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama, before retiring to write full time.
Smith has written some 35 books--legal, social, doctrinal, and devotional. He is most widely known as the compiler and narrator of "The Daily Bible" (the NIV and NLT in chronological order). He and his wife Ruth live in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and, for several months a year, at their cottage in the English Cotswolds, where he does much of his writing.
Every story is a living example of Isaiah 55:11.
To learn how you can partner with us to provide God's Word, go to: EEM.ORG
Follow us on: PRAY.COM
Season Three. Episode One. In this episode, hosts Dirk and Brooke talk with Andy Corley about his work and new partnership with EEM.
Andy Corley is the CEO and president of PFI (Prison Fellowship International). Andy’s work over the years has ranged from geology to commercial business to global mission work at PFI, serving now as CEO and president. EEM is grateful for the new partnership that now exists between the two ministries.
To learn more about Andy's work, please visit: pfi.org
Every story is a living example of Isaiah 55:11.
To learn how you can partner with us to provide God's Word, go to: EEM.ORG
Follow us on: PRAY.COM