Truth Over Tribe: Christian Takes on Culture, News & Politics

How Trainers Change Culture with Dirk Smith

Jan 22, 2025

Explore how trainers can impact culture by discipling others and spreading the Bible. Dirk Smith shares his experiences in Ukraine, where Bibles transformed public education and improved student behavior. The conversation dives into common misunderstandings about salvation, advocating for deeper engagement with scripture. It highlights the role of Christians as a positive counterculture, emphasizing the transformative power of faith, particularly among women and Gen Z in challenging environments. The discussion ends with a call to support Bible distribution in oppressive contexts.

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ANECDOTE

Bibles in Ukrainian Schools

In Ukraine, Bibles were placed in public schools, leading to a surprising outcome.
Test scores improved, and discipline problems decreased, prompting nationwide adoption.

ANECDOTE

Hidden Bible

Dirk Smith recounts a story of an elderly Ukrainian woman who cherished a hidden Bible for 70 years during Soviet rule.
This illustrates the resilient faith of those who endured religious persecution.

INSIGHT

Societal Issues

Ukrainian officials sought Bibles for schools due to societal problems like division, corruption, and youth hopelessness.
Believers saw providing Bibles as a solution to these issues.

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How can we change culture without being changed by culture? In our new book, “Joyful Outsiders,” we explore this question and share six ways that Christians are called to navigate and transform the world around them. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on the trainer, or someone who changes the world by discipling others, changing habits, and introducing people to the Bible and prayer. Dirk Smith, VP of Eastern European Mission, joins Patrick to provide one such example. Through EEM, Dirk is taking Bibles and Bible-based materials into 30+ countries in over 20 languages. Hear Dirk share a specific example from Ukraine, where he helped place Bibles in over three-fourths of their public schools and has seen measurable impacts on their society as a whole. Plus, what are some lessons that the Church needs to learn from trainers? What would he say to churches that are tempted to be fixated on politics over evangelism? Listen now!

Are you a trainer too? Or maybe you’re an artist, protester, builder, advisor, or ambassador? Find out by taking our quick quiz now: https://hubs.li/Q034ztC30

"Joyful Outsiders" is coming January 21, 2025. Want to start reading now before release day? Download the first chapter for free here: https://hubs.li/Q034zsz60

Interested in joining our book launch team and helping us spread this important message? Learn more here: https://joyfuloutsiders.com/book-launch-team

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