THE HOME OF THE 11:38 PODCAST!
Episode 15: Part 1: A conversation with former Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Tamrat Layne and Mulu Girmay
From former Communist to Christ Follower. From Former Prime Minister to Orphan and Widow Care. A remarkable story of meeting the living Jesus in separate places on the same night and under extremely challenging circumstances.
Mulu and Tamrat are new friends of mine living in the Denver area who have a remarkable story of meeting Jesus. They are both from Ethiopia and currently have a ministry, Life Center Ethiopia, to orphans and widows living in Ethiopia.
Life Center Ethiopia provides food, after-school tutoring and computer training, counseling, a safe place to play, and bible study and prayer. They also provide business training, micro-loans and business consulting, counseling and bible study and prayer for widows.
I would ask you to consider donating to Life Center Ethiopia by either giving monthly or via a one time gift. Giving can be done online at
I mention this new life first for them because as you listen you will hear about their old life. I can tell you I have never met a Prime Minister before. When we first sat down to eat breakfast I sheepishly asked how I ought to address them. I was pleasantly surprised when Tamrat said I could simply call him "brother".
I am struck by both Mulu and Tamrat's poise, grace, humility, and strength while telling of their former life before meeting Jesus. When you meet them now you see new people who are pursuing very different aims from their former pursuits.
In this conversation you will hear a little of their former life before meeting Jesus. When you listen, imagine yourself being used to amass a very large standing army which would then overthrow a standing government. Picture yourself rising up the leadership ladder to second in command of an entire country only to be betrayed and imprisoned. Picture yourself being the one slowly poisoned to death, tortured, and betrayed. Where would you place your hope and sense of accomplishment? Tamrat and Mulu have their new life in Christ Jesus as their identity, their pursuit, their love, and their stability.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
This episode is Part 1 of 2. I am hopeful their story will encourage you to never give up, to follow Jesus regardless of circumstances, and to trust Jesus when the darkness is very dark.
So I hope you are encouraged hearing their story of transformation. It is indeed true that when you encounter the living Jesus you are not the same.
For more information please find Tamrat at his website:
Please follow up with Mulu on their ministry website:
https://www.lifecenterethiopia.org
You can also listen to the podcast on our ministry website
https://www.drinkofferings.com
or watch the video version of the conversations on our Youtube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/@The11.38Podcast/featured
Follow Rudy on social
https://www.instagram.com/rudman1/
Episode 14: A conversation with Matt Moore about church in our times, family, and health for followers of Jesus.
Matt called me in 2020 to see how I was doing. He did not know that phone call would greatly bless me as I was at a low point in life and ministry. We have since talked with each other regularly, and we mutually encourage one another to press into Jesus. Everyone needs a friend like Matt.
Matt is a friend of mine living in Austin Texas. He makes his home there where we used to live. Austin is where my wife and I grew up in the faith and learned ministry and it's also the birthplace of our kids. I am proud of Matt and his family for their dedication to gospel living in our old home.
Matt called me in 2020 to see how I was doing. He did not know that phone call would greatly bless me as I was at a low point in life and ministry. We have since talked with each other regularly, and we mutually encourage one another to press into Jesus. Everyone needs a friend like Matt.
In this conversation we cover topics ranging from family to church, the changing times and the timeless tips for following Jesus. We talk about how to get people in your life who will keep encouraging you to stay the course, and we talk about health.
Matt is a local church pastor in Austin, a Coach for both pastors and missionaries, and a local minister/leader in Austin and surrounding area. I recently spent time in their home and just wanted to linger with their family. We talk about that in this conversation...
A word of wisdom from Matt for following Jesus in a healthy way...
Subtract quickly and add slowly.
Those words remind me of wisdom I received from my good friend, Mark Hagen. He told me over two decades ago...you need to...
Subtract to Add
Thanks Mark (Episode 2) for that wisdom, and thanks Matt for living into that healthy choice making!
If you want to get in touch with Matt just email him.
You can also listen to the podcast on our ministry website
https://www.drinkofferings.com
or watch the video version on our Youtube channel at
https://www.youtube.com/@The11.38Podcast/featured
Follow Rudy on social
https://www.instagram.com/rudman1/
Episode 12: A conversation with Sarah Vega about having a hard heart, enduring abuse and chronic pain, and being a self defined "biting sheep".
A conversation with Sarah Vega about having a hard heart, being a biting sheep, and trusting in Jesus through chronic pain and abuse.
Sarah is an amazing artist who helped Sticks and Stones Publishing illustrate a second published book in 2021. Her work on the “The Little Clock” can be found on sticksandstonespublishing.com and can be purchased on Amazon.
What is even more amazing is her heart for Jesus, her kids (and all kids), and her family. In this interview you will hear Sarah mention several friends’ names each time saying how much she appreciates them. She is a self described introvert, has a hard heart, and is one of those biting sheep in the flock. Sarah has seen God give and take away, and she wants to see God as her treasure. She also is praying she can discern the Holy Spirit’s voice in her life.
Sarah has much to offer and say about persevering through trials and significant struggles. She endured marital abuse from a previous marriage, ptsd, and now lives with chronic pain, struggles, and other ailments.
Sarah is a dear friend who always lifts up others by pointing us back to Jesus. In her words…she “gospels people well.”
You can find Sarah on social media at
https://www.instagram.com/littlelampbooks/
Episode 10: Talking with Barry Bishop about laughter, learning from Happy, and the number one trait to possess if you are lost in the wilderness.
Barry is a good friend who lives life full of joy, laughter, and a morbid sense of humor. We cover topics ranging from family, humility, using our God given gifts all the way to the number one trait you want if you are ever lost in the wilderness.
Barry is a dad, husband, teacher, pastor, stand up comedian, author, Texan, and friend. He loves Jesus, his family, and people. He produces online content for people wanting to learn how to read the Bible and how to grow in love with Jesus. He has a sharp mind and quick wit and truly humble.
This podcast is honest and kind...and it's more than his sweet Texas accent. We've spent time in Austin together, Poland together, and now talk on the phone from time to time. I hope you enjoy this interview with Barry Bishop.
Find Barry online at
Twitter: https://twitter.com/barrybishop
Bible Resources: https://sites.google.com/site/barrybishop
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barrybishop777
Writing Blog: http://unexpectedending.blogspot.com/
Personal Blog: http://barrybishop.blogspot.com/
Episode 5: A conversation with Katie Robinson about family, gratefulness, spiritual journey, and identity in Christ.
Katie and I catch up on a variety of subjects as she talks about her family, losing a parent, maturing in Christ, and her faith journey which was given to her by her parents and now has grown into something new. She's a great friend, a thoughtful feeler, and has an attitude of gratefulness. If you ever get down to Austin let her know because she would most likely enjoy a great conversation over coffee.
Show notes:
Books Katie references and recommends:
Praying with the Church: Following Jesus Daily, Hourly, Today - Scot Mcknight
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery - Ian Morgan Cron
Orthodoxy and Heterodoxy: Exploring Belief Systems through the Lens of the Ancient Christian Faith - Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick
Midwife for the Souls: Spiritual Care for the Dying - Kathy Kalina
Go Forward in the Name of Jesus
My Dad loved saying those words to me when we would talk in the morning. I think it was his way of blessing me and championing me onward in the faith on a daily basis. He didn’t come to faith in Christ until his 40s, but those last few decades he lived for Jesus. He was sick most of my life and struggled through life in a wheelchair, left arm paralyzed, and left leg amputated above the knee. I grew up with a sick dad, but he never seemed to let those ailments keep him down. As he aged, his struggles increased, but again he fought until the end.
I remember the first time I heard him praying for me and our family. He was visiting me at my college apartment in Austin Texas. He went to bed in my room and before he fell asleep he spent time praying for each of his family members by name. His list was long, and his words were many, and he prayed through every member of our family…extended family included. That night left a profound mark on my life. Here was a man with every reason to complain, but instead he prayed. Here was a man who could have only thought of his needs, but he prayed nightly for everyone else.
My Dad went on to live about 13 more years, and I’m sure he prayed daily for me and my family. His family.
So I’ve taken his words and made them my own. We shared a name. We shared a purpose. And now his words are mine…and I offer them to you. I’m confident if you met my Dad, he would tell you, “Go forward in the name of Jesus.”
Why College Students?
Our family has worked with college students for over 2 decades! About a year ago now, I was told some interesting words by a new friend. She is older than me, and she told me, “What a blessing that you’ve had such an impact on the lives of so many young people.” Those were basically her words.
The moment took me aback. I’ve never seen my life, our life, as having that great of an impact. Yes we’ve ministered and been involved in many young peoples’ lives, but it’s just been what we do. Nothing very special…but college students are special!
We still believe God wants to use young people to change the world! College students are adventurous, not tied down, eager, energetic, hopeful, and willing. At least most students we’ve met seem to be to us. So we invest in college students because they will soon change the world, the business landscape, the country, the state of missions, the economy, the neighborhood. We are committed more now than ever to see college students raised up as leaders and disciples of Jesus to go and make more disciples as they lead our new world. Join us in praying and giving our lives to these world changers. Consider partnering with us to make an impact in our future generations.