Skip to main content
BFA Life Podcast

BFA Life Podcast

By Black Forest Academy

In this podcast, Josh and Elisa seek to unpack the realities of BFA culture, life, and influence as they dialogue with students, staff, parents, and alumni. Join the conversation by writing to us: communications@bfacademy.de
Available on
Apple Podcasts Logo
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
PodBean Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

God in Disappointment - Jiska (Student Feature)

BFA Life PodcastMar 23, 2020

00:00
10:22
Friendship (Students Perspective)

Friendship (Students Perspective)

On this episode, we have 7 seniors share about what friendship and community has looked like during their time here at BFA.

Mar 21, 202401:06:55
Bible Translation & Church Planting - Family Story

Bible Translation & Church Planting - Family Story

On this episode, we hear the personal story of one of our families and how Bible translation and church planting in Africa intersects with BFA. It is a beautiful, holistic conversation about their work and lives. We are grateful to have them a part of our BFA family!

Mar 06, 202444:50
Asian Fellowship - Department Spotlight

Asian Fellowship - Department Spotlight

Asian Fellowship is a program we offer for our students who are ethnically Asian and/or live in Asian contexts. On this episode, you will hear from our current Asian Care Coordinator, current students involved in Asian Fellowship, and from an alum who was involved during her time on campus. It is one of the areas that showcases the diversity on campus. We are grateful for the care given through this department and the growth we can all have as a community as we celebrate different cultures.

Feb 15, 202438:50
Jill Young (Staff Feature)

Jill Young (Staff Feature)

Ms. Young has served in our English department since 1993! She is a well-known and beloved teacher in our community. In this episode, you will hear insights from decades of teaching at BFA, and hopefully, be encouraged by her longevity.

Feb 02, 202429:43
Dorm Parenting (Staff Feature - The Dolskys)
Jan 12, 202440:30
Immeasurably More - An In Depth Look

Immeasurably More - An In Depth Look

BFA has entered one of the most significant seasons of its history: a $8.9M campaign to prepare this school for many more years of seeing globally-minded christians influence their world for Christ. There have been countless stories over the past 70 years about God's sovereign provision and plan for this school, and this next phase is another way we sense God inviting us to partner in empowering the Kingdom.

In this episode, we dive deep into Immeasurably More with our Head of School, Phil Dow, and our two Advancement Officers, Brenda Mellon and Jack McClure.


To know more please visit: bfacademy.de/e320

Or email advancement@bfacademy.de

Dec 15, 202349:50
Christmas Special
Dec 08, 202346:03
Because of Longevity - Family Story
Nov 24, 202301:00:19
SURRENDER - A chaplaincy overview.
Nov 10, 202354:59
The Choice of One Family in the Midst of Transition - Family Story
Oct 20, 202339:44
Past, Present, and Future with our Head of School, Dr. Dow.

Past, Present, and Future with our Head of School, Dr. Dow.

With 70 years of BFA on the horizon, our Head of School, Dr. Phil Dow, joins us for a chat about the worldwide significance of BFA's mission, the exciting season we find ourselves in, and the bright future ahead.

Website: bfacademy.de

Facebook/Instagram: @blackforestacademy

Book referenced by Dr. Dow: Saving Germany - James Enns

Oct 06, 202336:41
Alumni Influencing Their World - Katie in the Himalayas (Student Feature)

Alumni Influencing Their World - Katie in the Himalayas (Student Feature)

We are connecting with BFA alumni who are influencing their world for Christ. Join us for a conversation with Katie who is working as a nurse in the Himalayas and hear how God is continuing to shape and equip her.

Dec 06, 202137:21
Gregory Coles - TCKs finding a healthy sense of belonging.

Gregory Coles - TCKs finding a healthy sense of belonging.

Thanks for joining us again with this episode. Today we present Greg Coles, author, speaker, and worship leader. www.gregorycoles.com

Oct 26, 202156:02
Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 2)

Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 2)

We are so thankful for these new members of our team! Below you can see who is included in this episode as well as what time they give their testimony.

00:56 - Dustin and Emily Peck

04:27 - Adam and Natasha Perryman

10:12 - Pippa Raiter

13:39 - Russell and Lori Rohleder

19:25 - Lorrie Ruh

23:58 - Sam and Salome Udaiyar

28:28 - CJ and Jenna Miller

34:08 - Molly Schubert

37:35 - Eric and Emily Choi

42:50 - Craig Olson

Sep 24, 202148:27
Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 1)

Our New Staff: 2021 (Part 1)

We are so thankful for these new members of our team! Below you can see who is included in this episode as well as what time they give their testimony.

02:05 - Christina Book

04:42 - Savannah Johnson

08:16 - Joy Richter

10:42 - Brandon and Jana Auman

14:38 - Andrew and Christine Betts

19:30 - Crystal Dashney

21:35 - Jon and Joy deTombe

26:05 - Estelle Erdmann

28:16 - Lucas and Rachel Fultz

33:50 - Roger Higby

36:56 - Cris and Dennis Hoover

41:53 - Karis Merritt

Sep 08, 202145:22
Tim Shuman - Equipped, Shaped, and Prepared by God

Tim Shuman - Equipped, Shaped, and Prepared by God

Tim Shuman is the Regional Director for International Schools at ACSI and a longtime friend of BFA and former staff member. Join us as we talk through how God prepared Tim through a variety of roles, joys and challenges to be equipped and ready for where he felt called.

May 31, 202152:43
Micah and Heather Powers (Staff Feature)

Micah and Heather Powers (Staff Feature)

Micah and Heather are longtime friends and colleagues who have served at BFA in multiple capacities and at multiple times. We sat down to learn how the Lord has allowed them to invest a big portion of their lives into the Kingdom and into the global community of BFA.

Mar 12, 202135:08
God in the midst of cancer - Stu Henderson (Staff Feature)

God in the midst of cancer - Stu Henderson (Staff Feature)

In this episode, we sit down with Stu Henderson and talk through his journey with cancer, joy in the middle of pain, and what it means to shine for Christ list a Honey Cake Horse. Confused about what that means? Have a listen and find out :)

Feb 12, 202112:38
Three Schools. Three Continents. One Mission.

Three Schools. Three Continents. One Mission.

In this episode, we called up our friends at Rift Valley Academy and Grace International School for a chat about all things missions and education. Be sure to check out their websites!
RVA: https://rva.org/
GIS: https://www.gisthailand.org/

Dec 01, 202001:10:03
How did we get here... during a pandemic!? - Veronica Gerace and Preston Flynt

How did we get here... during a pandemic!? - Veronica Gerace and Preston Flynt

We are starting off this story with two of our HR team members. In this episode, Veronica and Preston walk us through how God brought staff and students here to BFA in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions. Also, Veronica is not an old lady and Preston likes ice cream. Don't we all?

Oct 23, 202041:43
Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 2)

Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 2)

A second group of our new staff share stories of how they made it to Germany amidst the global health crisis brought on by COVID-19. God's hand moved mightily to bring them here and we hope these stories strengthen your faith.

Sep 25, 202055:36
Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 1)

Our New Staff: 2020 (Part 1)

We are back at the beginning of this school year with stories of how our new colleagues made it to Germany amidst the global health crisis brought on by COVID-19. God's hand moved mightily to bring them here and we hope these stories strengthen your faith. 

Aug 31, 202045:42
God in Disappointment - Jiska (Student Feature)

God in Disappointment - Jiska (Student Feature)

Jiska is a senior this year and a leader of the worship team here at BFA. She recently shared the disappointments she's experienced since the beginning of the COVID-19 response and the beauty of trusting God through it all. 

Mar 23, 202010:22
Bayley (Student Feature)
Mar 03, 202024:37
Athletics at BFA

Athletics at BFA

Nathan chats with Caleb, Lisa, and Sam about the ways BFA's athletics programs raise the value of the BFA student experience.

Jan 16, 202032:59
Citizens of the World - A conversation about MKs and TCKs with Michèle Phoenix.

Citizens of the World - A conversation about MKs and TCKs with Michèle Phoenix.

Listen to this compelling conversation with a leader in the field of educating, training, and caring for missionary families and their children. We talk about the unique perspectives and challenges that face missionary kids as well as ask many of our students about their lives as global citizens. If you would like to contact Michèle Phoenix, please visit www.michelephoenix.com.

Nov 27, 201955:37
"Transitions and God's Faithfulness Therein" with Art and Beckie Melli

"Transitions and God's Faithfulness Therein" with Art and Beckie Melli

Listen as Josh and Nathan glean wisdom and insight from these two long-time BFA former staff members. We will talk about the origin of some of BFA's core programs, transitions in vocational ministry, and about how God has led Art and Beckie over the years. If you would like to reach out to them, you can email artbeckiemelli@mac.com

Nov 13, 201941:51
Enriching Experiences - A Synopsis of Class Trips at BFA

Enriching Experiences - A Synopsis of Class Trips at BFA

Each year students get to visit WW1 trenches, a WW2 concentration camp, the beaches of Normandy, Florence, Rome, and Venice. Listen to students and staff reflecting on the field trips that contribute to the academic, social, spiritual, and philosophical development of our student body.

Oct 30, 201952:21
Introducing the New Staff of 2019

Introducing the New Staff of 2019

We gathered as many testimonies as we could with our new staff sharing about their journeys that ultimately brought them to BFA this year. 

Sep 26, 201945:37
Andi Custer, Jen Custer, and Shawn Newby (Alumni Feature)

Andi Custer, Jen Custer, and Shawn Newby (Alumni Feature)

For the last 3 years, Andi Custer and Shawn Newby have served BFA during our annual Spiritual Emphasis Week. Andi has been the speaker and Shawn has brought a worship team with him to lead our community in worship for the week.  Nathan and Josh got to sit down with them, along with Andi's wife Jen to talk about their experience having been BFAers in the early 2000s, their passion for the Gospel, and their heart for the current generation of BFA students. 

Sep 20, 201937:51
Spiritual Life at BFA - Get to know the chaplain team.

Spiritual Life at BFA - Get to know the chaplain team.

Josh sits down with our chaplains for the 2019-2020 school year to get insight into how God is reaching BFA students, and how they've been called to partner with Him. 

Sep 11, 201938:59
Micah and Emma (Student Feature)

Micah and Emma (Student Feature)

In this episode, get to know these sisters as they reflect on their upbringing, navigate transition, and dream about the future. 

Aug 05, 201931:21
Kat (Student Feature)

Kat (Student Feature)

In this episode, we sit down with Kat. She has a love for God, her friends, her family, and her island. 

Jul 15, 201942:28
Gavin Brettenny (Staff Feature)

Gavin Brettenny (Staff Feature)

He grew up as a white, christian male in apartheid and has given his life to reaching the world for Christ through education. Get to know the new Black Forest Academy Head of School who began his term service this past academic year. 

Jun 24, 201930:00
Graduating From BFA - A Conversation With Liz and Abby

Graduating From BFA - A Conversation With Liz and Abby

In this episode we unpack the meaning of graduation here at Black Forest Academy. Our guest speakers are Abby, class of '17, and a current senior named Liz. 

May 28, 201940:43
Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 2)

Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 2)

In this episode, the students who participated in Service Project Trips unpack their experiences and process how life might change as a result. 

May 08, 201914:59
Boarding at BFA - Introducing The New Directors of Boarding

Boarding at BFA - Introducing The New Directors of Boarding

BFA has been blessed for many years with Rich and Lynn Peachey as directors of our boarding program. In this episode we get to know the amazing new directors who will be stepping in at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Trey and Randi Israel.

Apr 29, 201931:32
Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 1)

Service Project Trips - Student Reflections (Part 1)

BFA offers annual springtime opportunities for students to participate in a service project in locations all over the world. In this episode we ask six of our students to reflect on their experiences in places like Uganda, Russia, and Thailand. 

Apr 24, 201921:14
Becca (Student Feature)

Becca (Student Feature)

From the tribe to the classroom. In this, our first episode, we give you an inside peek into a life of a BFA student. 

Apr 23, 201914:41