

Missionary Minds
Paul Schlehlein
From the rural village of Mbhokota in Limpopo, South Africa, hear from the mind of a real-world missionary of almost 20 years. Paul Schlehlein–or "boti Paul / mfundisi" (brother Paul / teacher) as he is addressed in the podcast–hails from Wisconsin, America but has left to cross the world, a culture, and a language group to go and minister to the Tsonga people of northern South Africa. With his knowledge of the scriptures, a passion for church history, and lessons from the field he seeks to speak on issues of the faith, the family, and the fog of worldview confusion that plagues our day.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 26, 2025 • 37min
MM 116: Finding a Wife—A Checklist
Ditch the dating app swiping and get ready for a game-changing perspective on finding your future wife! This isn't your average "how-to." Based on 1 Peter 3:1-4, we're diving deep into a powerful checklist that focuses on what truly matters. Discover the "Roots" of conversion – is she a real Christian with a clear testimony and strong church involvement? Unpack the "Branches" of character, exploring submission, fear of God, purity, and that gentle, quiet spirit. And yes, even "Clothing" makes the list – think modesty, humility, and frugality! Plus, we turn the mirror on you with crucial action points like praying and preparing yourself. Tune in to transform your search for a godly lady!

Jun 26, 2025 • 8min
Wokeism: When the Cure Is Worse Than the Disease (TARIF 202)
In a world where solutions often bring more problems, some American ideologies have found their way to Africa, promising cures but delivering deeper ailments. From the Prosperity gospel's financial illusions to Wokeism's divisive anti-racism, are we truly addressing the root causes of suffering, or are we just worsening the disease?

Jun 19, 2025 • 6min
Independence—A Call for African Churches to Support African Missions (TARIF 201)
Is Africa truly independent? Dive into this episode of The Africa Review in Five as we explore the complex relationship between African nations, foreign aid, and the call for self-reliance. We delve into the intriguing case of Zimbabwe and examine why, despite calls for decolonization, dependence on Western aid persists. This episode also challenges African churches, asking: Are they financially independent, or are they also relying on external support?

Jun 17, 2025 • 5min
The Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 1) (TARIF 200)
Are minimum wage laws really the answer to economic fairness? In this episode, we dive into "The Mess of Minimum Wage (Part 1)," exploring the complexities behind government-mandated wages. From Luxembourg to South Africa, wage regulations vary wildly, but do they truly protect the poor? Or could these well-intentioned laws actually be doing more harm than good? Join us as we question the common assumptions and begin to uncover the surprising truths about who really determines the value of our labor.

Jun 13, 2025 • 30min
MM 115: How to Make Big Decisions in Marriage
Making decisions in marriage can be hard. Some people do it thoughtlessly and others bulldoze through it. Listen to this episode to learn how to make good decisions in marriage.

Jun 12, 2025 • 8min
Fanon Still Fanning the Flames: Exposing the Lies of Marxism (TARIF 199)
Uncover the surprising influence of a 1961 book on today’s leaders and the ideologies driving current events. Delve into "Fanon Still Fanning the Flames: Exposing the Lies of Marxism" and explore the dangerous philosophies that may be fueling societal struggles. Are these ideas shaping the world around us more than we realize? Join us as we dissect the major deceptions of Marxism and challenge them with biblical truth in this week's episode of The Africa Review in Five.

Jun 10, 2025 • 10min
10 Theses on Helping the Poor (TARIF 198)
Explore the complexities of helping the poor, focusing on what true assistance looks like in the face of Africa's economic challenges. Delve into biblical principles that guide charitable efforts and warn against ineffective aid. Discover the significance of sustainable solutions that emphasize productivity, personal growth, and practical support alongside spiritual encouragement. This thought-provoking discussion uncovers how understanding root causes can lead to empowering solutions, moving beyond mere financial aid.

Jun 9, 2025 • 26min
MM 114: Are All Mission Fields Equal?
When it comes to doing missions and evaluating missions fields, can we consider all fields to be equal?

Jun 5, 2025 • 7min
The Scandal of the African Church (TARIF 197)
Is the African church truly as Christian as it seems? In this episode, we delve into the surprising reality of Christianity's presence across Africa. Numbers suggest a strong Christian population, but what if those numbers don't tell the whole story? What constitutes a true Christian church? Join us as we examine statistics, challenge assumptions, and question the state of faith on the continent. Discover a perspective that might change how you view Christianity in Africa.

Jun 3, 2025 • 8min
The Contours of Godly Speech: A Biblical Evaluation of “Kill the Boer” (TARIF 196)
Explore the heated debate surrounding struggle songs in South Africa, particularly the controversial “Kill the Boer.” This episode dives into the global attention sparked by recent events and the ongoing arguments about the song's meaning and impact. Can words truly be just symbols, or do they carry deeper consequences? What does a biblical perspective reveal about the power and accountability of human speech?