Bonus: “Cooking Class,” Culture Class, or God’s Class? with Dean Kershner

Jul 31, 2023

“Listen to them! Listen to them! They’re right! I will spend the rest of my life searching for this God!” Dean couldn’t have been more shocked to hear these exclamations coming from a Russian professor of the high school he was visiting that day. The setting: the 1990’s post communist country of Russia. The country was filled with millions of people who had never heard the gospel; this would become Dean’s mission field! Listen as Dean shares his unforgettable experience that would lead him to serving 5 years as a missionary in a land steeped in communism! 

It is a blessing to have Dean Kershner as a guest on the podcast. While you may know Dean for his gifted ability to dramatize heroes of faith, such as Vanya or Hudson Taylor, he has also had the opportunity to invest in God’s Kingdom all around the world. Dean’s international work began in Moscow, Russia in 1992 where he served for five years. Dean and his wife currently work with Gospelink, a ministry that supports indigenous preachers financially, educationally, and practically. He has a contagious passion for the gospel and incredible stories from his experiences!

  • Nate Paine, Host

    Nate Paine loves pointing people to God’s Word. He gave his life to the Lord at age 11, while on his family’s farm in Northeast Indiana. As a teenager and through his 20’s, he poured himself into serving God—from completing his bachelor’s degree in Biblical Ministries, to working in prison ministry discipling inmates, and mentoring young men through the Journey to the Heart program. Through the years, he has carried his life verse of Isaiah 61:1-3 with him, following God’s call to “preach good tidings unto the meek,” “bind up the brokenhearted,” “proclaim liberty to the captives,” and to offer beauty for ashes—through the Person and work of Christ.  Today, he lives with his wife and five children in East Texas where Nate serves on staff with IBLP and the Home Discipleship Network. In his spare time, you may find him adventuring with his children (preferably with fishing poles in hand), perfecting his pour over coffee brewing, or reading one of his favorite authors—Andrew Murray or A.W. Tozer.

  • Dean Kershner, Guest