EP 80: My First IBAM Trip: Where the Vision Truly Began

Episode notes

Watch the full episode to hear how it all began. ⁠ ⁠ Join the mission at ⁠ ⁠ In this episode of the IBAM Biblical Podcast, Steve Adams shares the story of his very first IBAM trip - the journey that quietly set the foundation for everything IBAM would later become. In June of 2007, Steve traveled on his first-ever business-focused mission trip, heading to southern Russia for a week of exploratory training and relationship-building. At the time, he had experience with traditional mission trips, but nothing like this. This trip was unfamiliar, unstructured, and required trust - especially for someone who grew up during the Cold War era, traveling into what once felt like enemy territory. During the week, Steve spent time with two business owners, Artur and Sergey, men with very different personalities but shared entrepreneurial ambition. As they talked through business plans, faith, and family, a powerful realization emerged: business could be a platform for discipleship, leadership, and long-term impact within local communities. One key conversation centered around a risky expansion decision.

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