Faith Meets Academia
Welcome to Faith Meets Academia!
Struggling to connect your faith with everyday life, career ambitions, or academic pursuits? Hosted by a university professor and ordained minister, Dr. Adrian Reynolds, this podcast will help you translate your faith-based values into personal growth, professional development, and academic success. Faith Meets Academia emphasizes that faith and work can forge a mutually sustaining partnership.
Each episode breaks down complex academic concepts into everyday language and connects them with timeless spiritual principles for transformational learning and development. By the end of each episode, you will be equipped with practical tools to set the tone for a purposeful, productive week.
Join the journey today!
Your host, Adrian Reynolds (Ph.D.), is an ordained minister, learning coach, and assistant professor of medical education at an R1 university. He is on a mission to merge educational innovation with biblical wisdom. Dr. Reynolds brings over two decades of teaching experience across the educational continuum: from working with underserved, high school students as a state-certified instructor of Spanish to coaching students in graduate and professional degree programs in evidence-based teaching skills and the science of learning.
Dr. Reynolds’ work is located within the rapidly growing field of applied learning sciences and is driven by both socio-cognitive and sociocultural approaches to learning and teaching. His preventive model of academic coaching has been published in journals such as Medical Teacher and Clinical Teacher. He has held over 1,000 (one-on-one) academic coaching sessions with medical students, residents, fellows, and pre-med students. Dr. Reynolds has developed numerous peer-teaching programs for medical students in addition to courses in the science of learning for residents, pre-med and high school students.
Dr. Reynolds has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ for over 10 years both nationally and internationally. He has long been recognized to seamlessly intertwine academic concepts with biblical principles: His approach to preaching and teaching the word of God is centered around growth mindset (Philippians 4:13), transformational learning (Romans 12:2), and reflective, mindful practice (Philippians 4:8, Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:97).
As a missionary ambassador, Dr. Reynolds has embarked on transformative journeys that bridge cultures and continents, bringing tangible support and hope to those in need. Most recently, in the fall of 2023, his dedication to humanitarian causes led him to Mozambique: From the bustling streets of Maputo to the serene countryside of Inharrime, through the unwavering support and sponsorship from faith-based leaders and communities, Dr. Reynolds has played a pivotal role in the allocation of humanitarian aid and educational resources, providing essential support to elevate community wellbeing.
Earlier that year, he engaged in a mission focused on cultural exchange and relationship-building in the Maputo province to better understand and address local challenges. Through these missions, Dr. Reynolds exemplifies the true essence of a missionary ambassador, integrating service, education, and faith into impactful action.
Faith Meets Academia
Episode 40 - From Thoughts and Prayers to Action: Turning Compassion Into Humanitarian Aid
In this episode of Faith Meets Academia, Dr. A shares insights on the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, a country he visited twice in 2023. He discusses the devastating impact of political unrest and climate disasters while highlighting the resilience of the Mozambican people. Dr. A challenges listeners to move beyond thoughts and prayers, encouraging practical steps like donating, volunteering, or advocacy to support those in need. This inspiring episode is a call to action, reminding us of the power of compassion in creating meaningful change.
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DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely my own and do not reflect or represent the positions, policies, or opinions of my employer, any organization or academic institution with which I am affiliated. This podcast is a personal initiative, and is not connected to my official/ formal duties and responsibilities as a university professor.
Hey friends, thanks for joining me once again for episode 40 of Faith Meets Academia. From thoughts and prayers to action is the title of this episode. Hey, let me tell you, the past few weeks have been rough. I had been under the weather as well, as you know, basically my entire immediate family. Nonetheless, god is still good. I thank him for his mercy, his compassion and, hey, listen, we're just going to pick right back up from where we left off and keep the show going. So, as they say, life happens, and over the past few weeks it did happen for me. Weeks, it did happen for me, but back, and I hope you and your loved ones are doing well and I pray that your vision, your mission, your heart's desire for 2025 will all come to pass according to the divine will of the Lord.
Speaker 1:In addition to the health challenges my family and I have faced, recently, I've been heavily involved in navigating a humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, and this, along with my work responsibilities, my day job, has required a significant portion of my time and effort. So today I'd like to bring to your attention the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Mozambique and encourage you to think about ways in which you can, in your own way, contribute to humanitarian causes anywhere in the world. Humanitarian causes anywhere in the world because, as followers of Christ, this is a big part of our responsibility. Yes, it is time to think about how we can move from thoughts and prayers and resolutions to meaningful action that will bring about sustainable change. Yes, I do believe in the power of prayer, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that it's going to take someone to do the work in order to meet the needs of people who are much less fortunate than we are.
Speaker 1:In 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Mozambique twice. My first visit was in February of that year. My wife and I were there for a few days, and then later, in November of 2023, I returned to the country for 10 days, and this second trip came right after my dad's passing, and I must tell you it was a life-changing experience. What can I say about the people of Mozambique? Their hospitality is just unmatched. Despite being one of the world's poorest countries, they are rich in love, rich in faith, rich in kindness, and seeing this type of resilience in the face of unimaginable hardships is what was life-changing for me. As the liaison officer to Mozambique for my church, I discovered that my work had to go beyond my official title. Yes, it had to go beyond merely coordinating and streamlining communication between stakeholders and ensuring that information and goals and actions are effectively aligned. Yeah, it had to go beyond that and I quickly found out based on the stories I was hearing, based on what I was seeing there, I found out that humanitarian work had to be a part of this mission, had to be a part of my role. Yeah, the Mozambicans weren't just looking for a communicator, but also someone who could actively assist with humanitarian work, offering hands-on support In other words, getting your hands dirty coordinating resources and addressing urgent day-to-day basic needs for survival to improve their lives in their communities.
Speaker 1:Mozambique is now facing severe post-election violence. On October 9th of last year, 2024, general elections ended with the ruling Frelimo party's victory, but opposition groups have been contesting those results. Protests have erupted nationwide and security forces have responded with excessive force. This has resulted in over 300 deaths and over 2,000 injuries. This unrest has forced thousands to flee their homes with only the clothes on their backs. Over 13,000 Mozambicans have crossed over into Malawi seeking safety. They had no other choice but to run for their lives. The political instability in the country led to a major prison break in Maputo, the capital. In December, 6,000 inmates escaped during a riot, further worsening the security concerns in the country.
Speaker 1:I received a heartbreaking message from a pastor of my church in northern Mozambique, the Zambesia province, who had to seek refuge in Malawi with over 100 of his congregants, and here's what he shared. I'm going to read it to you verbatim Beloved brother, it is true that we have left our country, mozambique, and are now in Malawi. The situation is very difficult. Protesters are destroying homes, vandalizing stores and stealing everything. We fled with nothing. Among us are 22 families, including two widows and 12 orphans. The government provides only two pounds of flour and a cup of beans per family per day. We're sleeping under trees. The only blessing is that it's not raining. Well, a few days after I got this message, it did start to rain and these people were out in the open, not a roof over their heads. These are just stories from the news, because you're not seeing this in the 24-hour news cycle, right? But thank goodness I have direct communication with people on the ground who are living through the distress and struggling to survive one day to the next and struggling to survive one day to the next.
Speaker 1:Now, coupled with the most recent political developments that started in 2024,. Mozambique continues to face a worsening humanitarian crisis due to the escalating conflict in the Cabo Delgado province, as well as severe climate-related disasters, including a drought caused by the El Niño phenomenon and Cyclone Chido. As you may know, el Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Central and Eastern Pacific Ocean, which can disrupt normal or typical weather patterns globally, and so in Mozambique, this has led to a significant drought. It has tremendously impacted agriculture and water supplies, and Cyclone Chido further compounded the situation by causing widespread destruction, and these events have collectively displaced hundreds of thousands of people. They have worsened the food insecurity and already limited resources are now stretched thin. Yes, this is a humanitarian crisis that just cannot be ignored, and, again, I know you're not seeing this on your 24-hour news cycle, and that's why I'm highlighting this crisis here.
Speaker 1:Now, here's a paradox that I want to highlight regarding Mozambique. Mozambique is a land of abundant resources. We're talking about natural wealth wealth from the earth, right? Okay? So let's talk about natural gas from the earth, right? Okay? So let's talk about natural gas. The Rovuma Basin in northern Mozambique has approximately 150 trillion cubic feet of reserves and that has attracted major foreign investments. In 2023, mozambique exported natural gas worth close to $2 billion. Natural gas worth close to $2 billion.
Speaker 1:Coal is a major contributor to Mozambique's economic growth. Aluminum is a leading export product. When it comes to agriculture, cashew, tobacco, sugar, cotton and seafood are among Mozambique's top exports. Electricity Mozambique exports hydroelectric power, and that brings in over $400 million annually. Now there are countries benefiting from these natural resources, such as yes, I'm going to call them out South Africa, zimbabwe, malawi and Zambia. Yes, the economies of these countries are bolstered, are enhanced, strengthened, by imports from Mozambique. Now the question is what will they do about the current humanitarian crisis in Mozambique? Are they going to stay on the sidelines and watch what's happening, hope for the best, or will they, at minimum, help to provide some type of humanitarian support? It'll take a team effort, right, it'll take a collective effort. You know, malawi, for example, is hosting thousands of displaced Mozambicans, but without the help of the non-governmental organizations, as well as neighboring countries, they cannot continue to provide the type of support that is needed, as they themselves are struggling economically.
Speaker 1:Friends, let me say this to you You're now in the new calendar year of 2025, and many of you may have made, you know, resolutions, as you know, people often do at this time of the year. All right, I know you, you've probably already made yours, but you know, if you're still looking for a resolution, let me suggest one. Here it goes. Here it goes, lord, use me. What do I mean by that? Here's what I mean. Use me. What do I mean by that? Here's what I mean.
Speaker 1:While you pray and ask God to provide food for the hungry, pray this Lord. Use me to feed the hungry. While you pray and ask God to provide housing for the displaced or the homeless, pray this Lord. Use me to find them a home. As you pray and ask God to heal the sick, don't forget to pray this Lord. Let your healing power flow through me. Open my eyes to see the struggles of those who are suffering and guide me to respond with selfless acts of kindness and service that meet their needs, a type of kindness that reflects your love.
Speaker 1:While you pray and ask God to bring comfort to those in despair, pray this Lord. Use me to be a listening ear, to hear their pain. Use me to say a kind word of hope and restoration. Use me to lend a helping hand to ease their burdens. While you pray and ask God to restore broken relationships, also pray this Lord. Use me to be an agent of reconciliation and peace.
Speaker 1:As you pray and ask God to end injustice, you might also want to pray this Lord use me to stand up. Use me to stand up for what is right and help the oppressed. Yes, as you pray and ask God to bring more light into a dark world, don't forget this prayer, lord. Use me to shine your light wherever I go. After all, you know, we're told in Matthew 5.14,. These are the words of Jesus I am the light of the world, for we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. We're not just called to pray for solutions. Remember now, I'm not saying we shouldn't pray for that. The point here is we're not just called, or only called to pray for solutions. We're also called to be the solution, and that's biblical. It's faith in action.
Speaker 1:What does James 2, 14-17 say? What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food, if one of you says to them go in peace, keep warm and well fed, but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. So hey, if you weren't aware of what's happening in Mozambique and, by extension, in Malawi, now you are.
Speaker 1:Now the question is what will you do about it? And because I have a personal connection with Mozambique, that's the example I'm using here. But I'm sure you may feel personally impacted by humanitarian crises in other parts of the world. You might even have family members there. 1 John 3.17 says this If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Let's also take into consideration St Luke 3.11, which offers some practical guidance for showing love, kindness and compassion to each other. St Luke 3.11, john answered anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.
Speaker 1:Amidst all the political turmoil in which people have had to stay home from work, from school, businesses have been shut down because of multiple roadblocks and tires burning in the streets, my brothers and sisters in Mozambique continue to sing praises to God and I'm speaking of my church family in Maputo who thankfully, didn't have to flee their homes due to the political violence as our brothers and sisters in the northern province of Zambasia did.
Speaker 1:As our brothers and sisters in the northern province of Zambasia did, they continue to glorify, worship and magnify God with every fiber of their being. And so, based on that, it occurred to me that these people are not praising God for what they have, because so many of them have next to nothing. So, no, no, no, they're not praising God for what they have, but they're praising God for who he is. That's a lesson for all of us, because sometimes our earthly possessions distract us from giving God 100%, total praise. God, 100%, total praise. So take a listen to my brothers and sisters in Maputo, mozambique, and I'm sure you'll find it uplifting. The song says, and I'm translating Stand firm in the gospel which has been brought to Maputo.
Speaker 2:Samaşma sevgilimle. Oh, my God, Thank you. Sama Tshue Lusei Genile Thank you. Oh, what can we say about that singing? Huh?
Speaker 1:I mean, it's just heavenly. You were listening to the Church of God and Saints of Christ choir in Maputo, mozambique, and guess what? That was all acapella, no instruments at all. The only instruments, if you will, were their voices, their hands and their feet. That's it, family.
Speaker 1:Here's the question how can you use your resources, your time, your talents to make a difference for those in need, whether in your community or across the globe? Whether it's through donations, volunteering, speaking up for change, advocacy, you have the power to turn compassion into action. So let's go a step further. Let's go beyond thoughts and prayers and take meaningful, practical steps to bring about hope and help those who need it most. Let us keep in mind the words of Jesus in St Matthew 20, 28, which says that the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many. How are you taking advantage of opportunities to serve others? That's the question. To serve others? That's the question. Think about it and let's get to work. Together. We can be the light in a dark world.
Speaker 1:Thanks again for joining. If this episode has been a blessing to you and I know it has feel free to share with friends, family, loved ones. Spread the word and be an inspiration, a catalyst for change. You can access Faith Meets Academia anywhere you get your podcasts, whether Apple Podcasts, spotify, amazon Music, you name it. Please go ahead, hit that subscribe button so you can be the first to access the episodes when they're released. Feel free to leave a review also, or a comment so we can encourage others to join this community. Comment so we can encourage others to join this community. Thanks for spending this time with me and let's step forward, step up and make a difference. God bless.