Compassion can shape lives. So many babies have been born in adversity. Their start in life is so difficult. And yet God has a plan. Adoption is so often part of that. And sometimes, the most hopeless story, can be the one God uses to display His great power, and His gentle compassion. Arie Mahler shares his inspiring testimony, from a tiny village and Sulawesi jungle birth, to his upbringing in Seattle, and his current calling to direct the Compassion Center at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, Washington. Your faith will surely be buoyed as you are invited into Arie's heart and family.

Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42lp2g9

Topics Shared:
Born on the island of Sulawesi in a grass thatched roof hut
His mother passed away shortly after, due to complications of childbirth
He was left in the hut, and bitten by a wild animal
His uncle brought him to a missionary orphanage in Manato, a 3 days journey
Dr. Donald Gish and uncle, went and got Arie to bring him back to the orphanage
Grandpa Gish and Nana Evelyn
They didn’t think he would make it through the night
Miraculously nursed back to health
On the Cover of the Newsletter for the church in Seattle where he would be adopted
One year process for him to be adopted by his new Seattle family
His parents first meet him at Daily’s Drive In,
A godly upbringing
His Dad gets cancer when Arie was 16
A pivotal transition
Young marriage and family
The quest to find his birth father
Healing and answers
Becoming Papa and Gram
A sweet reunion at a memorial

THE P.S. Questions Answered:
As a coach and parent do you have advice on figuring out the whole sports life church home
balance?
Who is the greatest NBA player of all time? The Greatest Shooter?
What is the greatest need in the church today?
What legacy do you wan’t to leave behind?
How to get involved in The Compassion Center at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood,
Washington and what it is all about.

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present.

Has your spouse or roommate ever stumbled upon a private addiction and confronted you? What if you were a young and new pastor who loved working with kids? Today’s guest walks us through how his secret porn addiction was discovered, how he asked for help, how it affected his church and pastoring and how the Lord strengthened his marriage. Our God is a God of reconciliation and restoration. Vulnerability and asking for help open the door.

Acts 20:24- (NIV) “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/40YnnMI
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Topics Shared:
Awana kid
Saved and baptized at age 9
Retired military father, absent
Teachers didn’t believe in him
He thought he wasn’t smart enough for college
Growing in faith in teen years Looking for his soulmate in high school
“Find me somebody to love.”
Found many father figures at church
Became a youth pastor at age 19
Married young
Struggle with porn
Wife discovers
He shares it with the church
Plan for restoration
Finding a new church
Brandon Heath ‘God isn’t finished with you yet”
Ultimate Healing

Some of the P.S. Questions Answered:
What would you say to parents who are raising kids while in the military?
How has walking in other people's shoes transformed you?
If you had limitless time or talent, what other ministry would you like to participate in or start?
What is the legacy you want to leave behind?

Neil Mathew’s Podcast
Other People’s Shoes Podcast

Guest Quote:
“I was so intoxicated with the role of a pastor, I forgot what it was to be a pastor and to be a shepherd.”

Related Episode:Ep. 3 - “Secret Addiction & Open Healing” Judianne Charbonneau (young mom)-------

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present.

Do you believe in Miracles? Is there anyone in your life whom every time you see them, you are reminded with a resounding swell in your heart that God is a God of miracles. Shauna’s story is this. Her story is traumatic, impactful, full of hope, full of faith, and wonder. You will see her struggle as she asks God, ‘why did you save me? Why am I alive?” You will also see how her experiences, and faith journey has led her to the beautiful ministry she serves her loving God in today.
Philippians 4:13-“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Kdqgmu

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Topics Shared:
Traumatic miracle birth
Growing up on 3 sides of the track
Witnessing her mother being abused
The incident
Finding forgiveness
Safe space found
Saved at age 8
Bumpy teens
Young arranged marriage
Abusive cheating teen husband
Becoming a Mom and divorced at 17
Life as a single Mom
Drug season
Hasty marriage
Mental abuse and pregnancy
Traumatic delivery
Losing 7 liters of blood
Left the hospital after 8 days
Why did He save me?
A long depression
Losing everything
Homeless with two kids
A new chapter
Paying it forward
Call to Coaching
The P.S. Questions:
What are 3 of your most helpful tips as a life coach?
What legacy do you hope to leave behind?

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Newly Quadriplegic. Can you imagine at age 19, after a boating accident, waking up from surgery to the doctors telling you that you will never walk again? Despair settled in. This is the beginning of Joe Delagrave’s deep transformation. His journey to forgiveness and faith is one you will never forget. He brings us into his happy but imperfect childhood, his WSU football days, his boating accident, a life-changing prison visit, and ultimately his inner heart working, that gave him the drive of an Olympian. He is a keynote speaker, Team USA Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Medal Winner and well-loved child of God.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3XPOXuS

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Topics Shared:
Soaking up affirmation from coaches
His goal in high school was being a college athlete
Supportive parents
Birth father in prison, missed Joe’s entire childhood
It wasn’t 15 years for some crazy offense, it was choices over and over
Drugs, check fraud, not paying his rent
At 13 God spoke to him about being a speakerHis battle between pleasing people or pleasing God
Football Scholarship to Winona State in Mn.
Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and the back sloughs of Mississippi
Boating accident
Spinal cord injury levels
Joe’s neck snaps at the C6 and C7, and he blacks out
Rescue boat, ambulance, then med flighted to the local hospital
The Asia Test proves his spinal injury
Airlifted to LaCrosse Hospital for surgery to fuse his C6 and 7
Complete quadriplegic or incomplete quadriplegic?
Don Beebee House of Speed shirt cut off
Opening his eyes to Prov. 3:5-6, and a newly-abled worldSurrounded by loving family
The God of 2nd chances
Functioning as an incomplete C6 and C7 quadriplegic
God softens his heart toward his dad
Visiting his birth father in prison
Reconciliation and forgiveness in one life-changing encounter
Marriage, babies and adaptive sports
Discovering wheelchair rugby
An athlete againPreparing, making and medaling in the Paralympics

Joe’s Quotes:
“Are we on fire for God, or on fire for what people think? A lot of times those two don’t coexist very well.”
“As my athletic career was taking off, my relationship with Jesus was completely going the opposite way.”
“We never know what kind of impact we make by simply being kind.”

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Can you imagine being falsely accused as a pastor? Then add to that, false charges filed against you where even the FBI gets involved. Markus Watson walks through what he and his family went through at their church, and though months later, exonerated by the Presbytery was voted out of his church. Incredulous. Markus has arisen from that devastating chapter with several new chapters in his life. He is currently the primary podcaster and host for Fuller Seminary “Spiritual Life and Leadership”, the best-selling author of “Beyond Thingification” and the pastor at a new church. Through it all, he is reminded, that no matter what trial he goes through, he knows he is God’s beloved. His story will grip your heart, and change your perspective on so many levels.

Jer. 31:3-“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wdso7n

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Topics Shared:
Raised in faith
Aspiring Hollywood actor
A change of plans
Fuller Seminary
Pastoring his first church
Emergency meeting while on sabbatical
Accused of porn
Forensic analysis of his laptop
Turns into a potential criminal investigation
The FBI got involved
How the attorney knew he was innocent
Exonerated by the Presbytery
Voted out of his church
Flourish San Diego
Beyond Thingification
Pastor at Westmorland Community Presbyterian Church

Markus' Quotes:
"The FBI had my laptop."
" 'Lord, I don't deserve your love.' What a terrible message to be telling myself over and over and over again."
"I spent a lot of time in the Psalms, Psalms of lament."
"I had this image of myself having lost everything, sitting in a prison cell."
"We had double our normal attendance that Sunday. Everyone will show up for a scandal."
"The thought of being a pastor again felt like being thrown into a snake pit."
"We can't love someone if we are judging them."

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present.

While deployed to Kuwait, Jerry Dugan wrote to his family the “in case I die” letter. His whole hard life had led to this moment. You will see the wonderful way the Lord protected him, changed him and his family, and how he was able to come home. He is truly an honorable man, but one who wasn’t always proud of his family name.

At 14, in his mind, his family name stood for trouble, heartbreak, bullying, racial microaggressions and brokenness. He had already been through so much in his young life. Jerry shares with us the life-changing prayers and loving God that lead him to a new family honor, and helped him to change the generational patterns that informed his childhood.

Jeremiah 1:5-"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations."

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3CTvYYb

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Topics Shared:
Biracial childhood
Tiger Mom
Performance-based acceptance
Performance-based affection
Top Gun style bet to break up his parents
Heart-breaking divorce
The Army brushed a lot of things under the carpet
Suicide ideations and suicide attempts
Intervention
Loving foster home
Bullied by uncles in Ca.
His gentle father flips the switch to military policeman with army training
A turning point
Deployment to Kuwait, 1/'03-3/'03
Writing the 'in case I die' letter
War homecoming and seeing his kids for the first time

Quotes:
"When you are 7 or 8 years old and the amount of affection you are getting from your mom, the kind of attention you get from your mom is solely based on your performance in an activity, that sets a weird expectation."
"In the movies they always have that 'in case I die' letter they hand to their buddy to hand off, but I was so convinced I was going to die, that I wrote my letter. I disguised the wording just enough so it didn't freak my wife out when she read it, but it was there. Everything I wanted to say to her was in that letter. I folded it, and I mailed it that night. It was one last mail run before we crossed the border."
"We as a church can do better, back off the condemnation, and demonstrate more of the Jesus who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors and treated them with dignity, treated them with respect because he honored their dignity."

References:
Beyond the Rut Podcast
Jerry Dugan's Ted Talk:
http://therealjerrydugan.com/category/biblical-marriage/
Marriage Episode with Meg Glesener:
https://beyondtherut.com/meg-glesener-healthy-marriage-btr-236/
The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
& Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Losing a loved one through medical malpractice has to be one of the most difficult experiences in life. This is Ami Shroyer’s story, and she would say she was loved for 100 years in 20 by her beloved Mike. Not everyone gets to experience a love like this. As a traveling teen musician, she met the love of her life. They start their marriage in love and soon after, they started their family. While serving the Lord as a family, preparing land for a new ministry, her husband Mike inhales some debris. Through a series of misdiagnosis and careless medical practice, Mike passes away. Ami brings us into that season of her life, the love, the pain and the beyond. Her name means, 'beloved little follower of the Lord,' and as her story unfolds, you will see her uncommon faith, from just a little girl, to this present day. She is resilient, and has an affinity for daisies, which reminds her of the love of her husband, Mike Shroyer.

Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vcl0J7

Topics Shared:
Beloved little follower of the Lord
Uncommon faith
Creative child whose wings were clipped
Lived in 21 different houses before 21
Jesus clubs and writing music
Friend-zoned Bill Gaither's nephew
Skipped graduation to travel around the country singing
Severed parental relationship made right
Meeting the love of her life
"Miracle of Mercy" Mike's life song
Quick & happy marriage
Working at Andy Stanley's church, their Atlanta years
Starting a family wholeness center
The 5/11 Wholeness Journey
Mike gets suddenly ill
The Doctors fumble his care
Medicinal toxicity and dehydration sets in
One last visit
Horrible passing
Superman
Loved for 100 years in 20
Fields of daisies
Name on the front of the building
A voice for strong homes

Ami Quotes:
"I always want purpose, not closure. You can't close off a love like this. We are not meant to. We need to continue to live wide open with purpose."
"It literally feels like he is on a trip before we get there, but he just got there first."
"The night that he passed away my daughter said 'Mom, now it's even. And I said, 'what do you mean?' And she said, 'Well the two babies that are in heaven have Dad, and you have us. It's even."
My son said, "I've been thinking, I could be really angry with God that I am 12 and Sadie is 8, and that this would happen, but I got to thinking, if this were going to happen some day anyway, I would rather that it happen when I'm 12 and Sadie is 8, because if it were later in life, you would be all alone, and right now you have us."

Resources:
Elizabeth Elliot "Path of Suffering"

Podcast:
Journey Through Fields of Daisies 

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Bible Project has been a tidal wave of blessing to this world and one of the Bible Project’s key visionaries is Michael McDonald. Sometimes it takes a rough childhood, and the longing of a young boy to find a father figure, to inform his global focus and mindset. Changed by the love of his Father, he grows up to be a world changer, albeit imperfect. Michael McDonald is currently the Bible Project Director of Global Focus and Strategic Relationships in Portland, Oregon. His story to get there is rare, and is a beautiful global adventure we are invited on. It is so easy for our homes to be self-focused and American-focused. His perspective will change you.Matthew 5:14 -"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3HzW5q9

Bible Project Website: https://bibleproject.com/

Topics Shared:
Raised strong Baha'i
Nelson, crazy wild childhood
Mental illness and abuse in the home
How the Baha'i faith shaped his views about God
Traveling alone at 14 and on his own at 17
Where he got his love for helping with injustice, compassion and women's equality
Living in Turkey to find himself
His move from business into the non profit world
Starting his nonprofit, Hear The Cry
10 years + traveling with Bob Goff and Dream Big
His current work at Bible Project, with John Collins & Tim Mackie
His heart to bring Bible Project to the nations
Bible Project in 30 languages so far
Book to help our Global Mindset: "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" Kenneth Bailey

Quotes from Michael McDonald:

"We started a number of schools, opened up some hospitals and some rescue homes for gals getting rescued out of the sex trade. We worked in Ughanda Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, different ministries in each of those places. So we find incredible local leaders that have a passion for one of those types of things and then help create some infrastructure and do that." (with Bob Goff)

"I have been part of Bible Project since the beginning, because it has been friends that were working on this project. I saw the first two videos that came out in 2014, and just thought 'wow, these are going to be an incredible resource for people.' I was thinking of them globally right away, just because I worked with so many pastors and teachers in other countries that are starving for good Bible resources, and thought these would be a great asset, especially because they are free, and they are so well done."

"The reality is Christianity isn't a western religion. It was a Middle Eastern religion that is coming out of Israel...we need to understand history and context."

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

How many people choose adoption, while single in their twenties? I would imagine, not many. And to have the boys be age 3 and age 4. That is a true baptism into parenting. This isn’t a calling for everyone, but it was a calling for Holland Webb. You will hear how the loss of his own Father at an early age affected him, and how this whole adoption and parenting experience has affected his heart and faith.
His life mission and his road to personal redemption are remarkable and relatable.
He has co-authored the book 'Adventures in Fatherhood", with Carlton Hughes .

Proverbs 31:8- "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute."

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3UxF4Q9

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Topic Shared:

Growing up without a Father

Filling holes from our childhood

Single parenting

How Americans are perceived in the Philippines

Working for non-profit companies

International Disability and Development Consortium.

Cohosting a podcast

Challenging our assumptions

Missionaries

Adoption as a single man

Biracial families

Fulfilling in others what we lack

Caring for parents with dementia

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Resources:
Holland's Podcast: The Afterword Podcast 
Hollands Book: Adventures in Fatherhood

——————————————

We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like, to move to Hollywood to pursue your dream of filmmaking? Chris Staron brings us right into his experience of dreams fulfilled and disillusionment in Hollywood.
He will take us backstage into his own personal foray into the Christian Filmmaking industry. His experience may surprise you. Through all of the ups and downs of his journey, including becoming a starving artist, you will admire the man of God Chris is and see how his faith is anchored.
*Mark. 8:35-“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”
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Topics Shared:
Homeschooled twins
His faith story
Heaven’s Gates and Hells Flames
Bullied in high school
Upstate New York
Ithaca College Film Program
Sherwood Pictures
Campus Crusade Mentor
Interning on the Bernie Mac Show
Production Assistant on Hells Kitchen
Indie Movie Director
Bringing Up Bobby success
Writing his book, The Cradle Robber
The story of William Jennings Bryan & the Scopes Monkey Trial
Advice for someone being bullied
Audition tips

Truce Podcast and Website: https://trucepodcast.com/

Guest Quotes:
“I wouldn’t characterize Hollywood as necessarily anti-God, it’s that they just don’t know who he is… it wasn’t so much that they were against you, it was that you were an alien species.”
“We often glamorize those things, and hold up the success stories, but there is nobody out there talking about the real struggle of being a starving artist in the Christian world.”
“In most staunch conservative reformed churches, prosperity is there. We believe that nothing bad can happen to you if you are a Christian. But if you look at the Bible, the central character of the Bible is a guy who gets crucified for being exactly where God wants Him to be.”
“Paul gets shipwrecked and bitten by snakes and beaten and thrown out of town for being exactly where God wants him to be. So I think our conception of what
success is and what money is, is way off.”
“We can’t judge our success based on the numbers and people’s response. Success in God’s eyes is being faithful.”
Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3EkWSrI

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

What is in a name? And what could your name tell others, and how is it part of your story? We will explore these questions and more.

This episode is in part an audio letter to our children, Naomi Praise, Hannah Rose, Havilah Joy, JP, Eden Hope, Micah Zion, Jordan David and Elijah Glesener. You will hear our tribute to them, sharing the inspiration behind their names. Enjoy!

Episode Verse: Prov. 22:1-“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor better than silver or gold.”

Rev. 2:17-“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will give some of the hidden manna and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.”

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3gIpRxB

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Topics Shared:

We asked this question to a few previous guests. Is there a name that is special to you?
You will hear from Nii Akofio-Sowah, Camille Joy, Cynthia Tobias, Rhonda & Conell Hollins and Lois Gaydos.

Here are some other bonus episodes to hear more from my family:

Ep. 20 - Bonus Episode 20- “Everyday Extraordinary Characters”

Ep. 30 -Bonus Episode- “2020- The Stories We Will Tell”

Ep.40-"What Does Being a Child of God Mean to You?" Bonus Episode

Credits:
Original Artwork: Hannah Glesener
Technical Director: Jordan Glesener
Cohosting an Episode: Eden Glesener
Original Music: Jordan Glesener, Micah Glesener, JP Glesener
Voice Spots: Elijah Glesener, JP Glesener, Eden Glesener, Micah Glesener, Jordan Glesener, Shiloh Glesener.
Bonus Episode Appearance: Havilah & Gideon Silva, Shiloh Glesener, Hannah Glesener, Naomi, Nathanael, Kanuah, Kallah and Zaccai Oliver.
Bonus Episode Messages: Mike Glesener

Updated Artwork & Templates: Kyle Beckett
Transcription and Social Media Assistance: Debbie Sage
Editing and Audio Assistance: Scott Karow
Podcast Consultant: Rebecca Beckett & the whole Crista Media team

Letters From Home is grateful to be part of the Purposely Podcast Channel and Collective, the Purposely team and the Crista family. We wholeheartedly agree with their message:
“Purposely, your life. God’s Purpose. Practical podcasts to help you find and live in God’s purpose for your life.”

To God be the glory.


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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

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Did you know that fulfilling the great commission in the scriptures can be as simple as learning to practice hospitality in our homes? Sue Donaldson had wanted to be a missionary to the world, from her youth. In her adulthood she realized that the mission field starts right at her own address, at her own table. You will see the journey she takes, one step at a time, in obedience to her Lord, to love her neighbor. She now sees her home and table as her greatest way to show the world, the welcoming heart of God, one cup of coffee at a time. We are invited into her home and heart to see where the seed of her now blooming hospitable lifestyle began, and how even the most shy introverted busy person, can take steps toward hospitality.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3D9xmoX

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

There is nothing like seeing someone in their 80’s still living life to the fullest. There can be a beautiful wisdom, patience, focus and endurance. This sentiment embodies Lois Gaydos and here is her story. She has walked with her Savior for almost 75 years. Her faith through life’s seasons will inspire you, as you see her trusting her loving God, even in this last, most difficult season, as a widow.

For I know that my Redeemer lives, and that and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another… Job 19:25-26

*This episode is dedicated to the memory of her beloved husband, Ken Gaydos, who along with his lovely wife, lived life to the fullest.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LPm6lp

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

Episode Description:
In marriage, two become one, but that is definitely a process. Some would call that process "from me to we." Rhonda Hollins shares her profound “me to we” journey of love.
You will hear how a painful dating experience affected her, how a miracle shaped her and how the love for her Savior has enabled her to live, and lay her life and loved ones at the altar. Today, Rhonda and her husband Conell are busy helping hundreds of couples start off with strong foundations for godly marriages. And in this story, we are invited into their home, to see where it all started out.

Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

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Topics Shared:
Happy Childhood, P.K.
Parents married 50 years
Clearly saved at age 6
Baptized, and hears God’s voice
13 yr old rebelling, at odds with mom
Dating abuse
Learning to trust again
Honeymoon, and the loss of a parent
The “me to we” first year
A very sick newborn
Miracle provision, surgery and healing
God has raised beautiful ministry through their family
Ministry of premarital counseling and strong foundations

THE P.S. Questions Answered:
Asking permission before physical encounters in marriage

1.Tips on pursuing a relationship, pursue premarital counsel
2.Communication
3.Heated Fellowship
4.How to Keep the fires going in marriage when things become stale
5.How has the pandemic changed you

Rhonda and Conell Hollin's Podcast: “Me to We Talk” 

Resources:
Women in Distress 24-Hour Crisis Hotline 1-954-761-1133


Guest Quotes:
Conell “Marriage is one conversation, one long, long communication.”
Conell “whatever you did when you were dating, keep that going. Why does it have to stop? It only stops because we allow it to our we become stagnant, or we become lazy. We become lazy in love, and once you become lazy and complacent, it is hard to get out of it.” It’s hard to get back to something that is special, something that is fiery.
Conell “A name has no character, no color, no flaw, but it means so much.”

Related Episodes:
Episode 51: Raven Hartwell’s story.

Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3LbOs98

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

What if all you knew as a teenager was abandonment, abuse and drug dealing? How would that shape your perspective and choices? Paul Ybarra takes us right into his home and his life as a teenage drug dealer in California in the 80’s. You will hear how his life spiraled out of control, as the stakes got bigger and bigger. He also shares the beautiful way the Lord stopped him in his tracks, called him out of that life and put him on a new path.

Psalm 1:2-3 “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

**Special Note: Because this is a family-friendly podcast I want to take just a moment to let you know this podcast contains some sensitive content that might not be safe for young ears. If you have young kids listening, please take note and consider putting in earbuds.
Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3R3EZ5J

Topics Shared:

Low rider truck club parents, San Jose in the 70’s

Charismatic stepfather, big strong partying family

Learned class in the hood

Raised Jehovah’s Witness, stepdad was in leadership and nice at home

Light switch to narcissism and major abuse, molestation

Shame and guilt as a family

Elders didn’t believe the family, coverup ensued

Premeditated evil and double life

Jailed

Fresh start in Yakima, Wa. & Mabton

Mom spirals down, with cocaine

Created a cool image

Loved by a family

14 yrs old, feeling abandoned by his mom

She chooses another man over her children

Given a ticket back to Ca

LIVING THE GANGSTER LIFESTYLE, GANG BANGER:

His Mom moves back and becomes a secret Taco Bell madam, with a prostitute ring.

Even the high school counselor gives up on him

So he goes hard into the lifestyle

High rolling, living the Snoop Dog Video life

Starts tweaking, and going hard on drugs

Loses everything, and loses trust on the streets, depression sets in, and he tries to forget everything

Gets sober for a minute, finds a girlfriend who he wants to help and gets right back in

A String of jobs, and refuses rehab

Two thirty day stints in county jail

CHANGED BY THE LORD:

Mike Williams and his help

Suicidal

Binging, and doing a paper route

A Cry out to God

Quitting cold turkey, no uppers, no weed, and starting a New sales job

Affair with a young Christian woman

Reputation lost

Gets sober

His boss invites him to church, first man he respects since the age of 12.

1/09/2005 goes to the altar, salvation

New life, and then backsliding begins, back in California

A friend helps bring him back and repentance

A year of purification

Meets his wife at church

Three months later married

Sold out for God

MINISTRY:

Set Free Ministries

Live-streaming on Periscope

Recovery is for everyone

Coaching ministry begins

Kingdom Linked Network

Spiritual Father to Many

THE P.S. Questions Answered:

The Importance of Discipleship

How The Pandemic Has Changed Him

Paul Ybarra:
Podcasts: Activate Your Next Level Mindset Podcast with Coach Paul, Coach’s Corner with Paul Ybarra, On The Go Podcast With Paul Ybarra
Book: 100 Power Tips to Set You Free

Resources:
The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 & Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Paul Ybarra Quotes:
“I just found the easy route,...

A strong-willed child. When was the last time you heard a parent say they have a strong-willed child, and were happy about it? This phrase usually has negative connotations and thoughts that fill our minds. But what if it didn’t? What if upon discovering we had a strong-willed child, we rejoiced, and knew that we had the tools to teach and guide that child well, and had great hope for the kind of force and strong-willed adult they could one day be for the Lord.

Cynthia Tobias was a strong-willed child, and is now a strong-willed adult, a humble force impacting our world for God’s kingdom. In her story you will hear the deep impact her loving Father and upbringing made on her life, and how the Lord she has trusted in from youth, has shaped who she is and how she ministers now, with her dear husband of 14 years, Jack Talley, in Bonney Lake, Washington.

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
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Topics Shared:

A STRONG-WILLED CHILD, BELOVED BY HER FATHER
Nazarene holiness preacher dad
Admiring and watching her parents
Pastoring in Reno and Vegas
At 16, she spoke at the rescue mission
Strong-willed child, beloved
Church pianist, organist and janitor
Learned to work hard and meet the need
My father modeled for me as a strong-willed child how I could one day be, as a
strong-willed godly adult
Putting Chic Tracts on the desks in middle school
Working at the Christian Supply Center Las Vegas Nevada

PREPARATION TO SPEAK TO A ROUGHER AUDIENCE
Teaching high school
Becoming a female cop
Working with first responders and military
High School drug bust undercover agent

BECOMING A STRONG-WILLED MOM
Twins with vastly different personalities
Focus on the Family reached out to her
Authored 14 books
How she helped her strong-willed and her compliant twin boys

Bonus Tips: FIVE THINGS THAT DON’T WORK WITH STRONG-WILLED CHILDREN
Around min 40(Trigger phrases that will cause us to both go down in flames)

UNEXPECTED DIVORCE, BROKENNESS & REMARRIAGE
Lies and a crumbling foundation
Blindsided and completely unanticipated
Counseling and great effort to save her marriage
Struggling single Mom raising 12 year old twins
Never closer to her Abba Father
Working with Focus on The Family, Kings Schools, Family Life Today
Varying ministry responses to her divorce
Overall she was supported
Always speaking well of her ex
After 4 years, began dating
Dating and marrying Jack Tally, a wonderful Christian man, now 14 years married
Apple Street Business and Ministry, growth and provision
An international ministry

THE P.S.
Cynthia answers these questions and More:
How can we see revival in our churches in America?

What would you say to Christians who are struggling with motivation post-
pandemic?

What can you say to people that are going through the most difficult time of their
lives?

----------------------------

Search CynthiaTobias in all of the places. She has wonderful resources available

Guest Quotes:
“In the city of sin, I was surrounded and grounded, and focused on Christ. The
Jesus music coming in, the ‘honk if you love Jesus’, The Way, The Living Bible, all
the music groups that came through, I got in on that part. It would have been so
easy to fall away into the secular part God had a plan, and that is where he kept
me, in the hollow of his hand, right there at Christian Supply Center, Las Vegas,
Nevada.”

“I heard them pray out loud for us every day. Morning and night they had
devotions, on their own, as well as with us. My dad would very...

Have you ever had the feeling that your life, what people see, and the reality of your heart are so far apart it is like you are wearing a mask.

Chris Archuleta was faking his spirituality as a pastor, so much so, that his family didn’t even know. This went on for years, until through a series of painful events, God helped him take that mask off. He shares with us that painful, but healing process, and how His loving God captured his heart, and restored him back to ministry.

Lk 9:23- “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me’.”
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Topics Shared:

LEARNING TO LIVE A DOUBLE LIFE
He thought his ethnicity was ‘christian’
Intense Biblical upbringing
Traumatic event caused deep hostility as a teen
Mean kid, who picked on others, fights
Great academics
Living a double life, rule following at home trouble at school
Pretending to be perfect

HIS MASK COMES OFF
Changed at a teen retreat
Baseball player
Dad started a church, his brother was the youth pastor
Maybe I am next
Reading for his own, and starting speaking publicly
Out of his comfort zone, classic introvert
Nervous to speak, hiding his shyness (chewed gum)
Compromising his faith in a relationship
Let go as a pastor
Married
Fired from a bunch of jobs
Became a phony and a fake as a pastor and worship leader
His wife didn’t even know
The spirit had left him and he didn’t even know it
Combining church ministry with his family was a train wreck
Family relationships were strained

VULNERABILITY & TRANSFORMATION
Parenting changed him, his daughter is his world and his son is his heart.
Suicidal low and a call that changed him.
The death of a godly man and the birth of another.
Vulnerability with a pastor that reached out.
The mask comes off
Restored as a pastor

Chris's Podcast:
Your Church Friends Podcast

Chris Quotes:
“My marriage, all of the faking and the phoniness, I couldn’t do it and I snapped.
We were now arguing all of the time. I couldn’t carry the weight I was carrying. I
couldn’t do the things that I was doing. I couldn’t fake it any more, and I felt that I
was letting everyone down.”

“My prayers in public, you couldn’t tell that I was not praying at all. When I was
praying at churches or leadership meetings, you just couldn’t tell because I had
gotten so good at faking it.
And I had gotten really good at burying the feeling of being a phony. And I was
getting away with it. And that is the part that scared me the most.”

“That was probably my biggest mistake in ministry, that I thought I was the guy
shouldering everything went into His strengths.God. . I never went into His grace
and love to power me through it. II never said. ’God this is your ministry. It was
mine. I personalized it so much, that I never gave it to God. So when it started
crumbling, it was me. I fell apart. It was my mistake. And then I got angry at God. I
became your classic prodigal son older brother. But what about me, and I became
very angry at God.”

“You have to get the mask off, and the easiest way is accountability. God didn’t
design us to be alone. If you look at animals in nature, the one the lion gets is the
animal that is by itself. The enemy comes after us when we are alone.”

“The biggest struggle in the church today is the lack of authenticity. If hypocrisy at
its root is a lie, authenticity is the truth. If we were just more truthful at church. If
we could just remove the facades of ‘God is good all the time which isn’t a lie, but
yeah ‘life sucks, life hurts, I am struggling with this, to find someone to be...

Can you imagine being a mother of 4 at age 21, and stuck in an abusive relationship with a man you thought was someone different? It is in that very season the Lord reached out and saved Camille Joy. Her story of escape, a fresh start, and an even more difficult season in her life, will lift your spirits and show you the power of a mom. You will also see the power of our loving God, who hears every prayer we pray for our children, sees every injustice, knows the plans He has and is working on, through it all.
Jeremiah 29:11-"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Topics Shared:

A LOVING MOTHER
Middle child syndrome not like her siblings
Needing her dad
Told she was pretty
Confident in her beauty
Boy crazy, rebellion bubbling, bad friends, popularity, materialism
Her sister was the rising scholar
Near the projects
Skipping school, kicked out of the magnet school
Mom worked hard, the bread winner

GANG LIFE & TEEN PREGNANCY
Pregnant at 15, Teen House Centers (given everything w/o parent approval)
Senior boyfriend baby daddy in a gang, The Bloods
Joined a girl gang, The Hot Girls
Saved from death
Her mom finds out at 20 weeks
Her mom taught her how to be a mom
Hitting her groove, working, good grades

ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP & ESCAPE
Abusive relationship with an older man, lied about his age, way older
Lured by materialism
Another baby at 18, 19 and 21 (she was 18, he was 42)
Isolation & set aside

The decision to leave, tried to leave 20 times (left with nothing)
Saved at 21
The moment she knew she had to leave
Escape from abuse
Her mother helped her escape
Her mother believed in her
Loses a custody battle to the abuser
Suicidal
9 years for them to be fully returned to her

SINGLE MOM RESTORATION & HEALING
A brand new start
Joys on her mother's couch
Finding her inner warrior

Camille Quotes:
"He was a hustler. It was a fast-paced life with a lot of money for a young girl.
Before you knew it, I was looking like Mary J. Blige in the 90's, with a gold ring on every finger, two gold chains, Jordans on my feet, driving a Red Range Rover. And all of that was a mirage for what the enemy had in store for me."
"I probably tried to leave 20 times."
"It was my mother, my beautiful mother, who saved me from that, who then began to bring me to her church, who helped me to heal, who helped me to know that God had great plans for my life still."
"They are kids for a little while, but they are adults for so much longer."
"Just know that God has a plan even for the ugly parts."
"I am so proud to be an autistic mom."
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We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher,...

It is a rare person who has soul-baring vulnerability, especially as a deacon, in front of the whole congregation, spontaneously, while on a Live Stream.

Overcome by the weight of his inner struggles, and contradictions, Nii shares everything… the love and death of his mother, the abuse by a Catholic priest, the suicidal thoughts and the contradictions he was wrestling with. His wife, his children, and his church were hearing this for the first time.

The Lord has moved greatly in and through Nii, before, during and after this pivotal moment. You won’t want to miss this everyday extraordinary faith story, which starts in a privileged home in Ghana.

IJohn 3:16- “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.”

—————————————

Topics Shared:

Growing up in Ghana
Mama’s boy, with an absent father
Forced to go to church
Mother dies in childbirth
Moving into his aunt’s home, now mom
Abused once by a Catholic priest, and not able to speak about it
Confusion and rebellious years ensue
Kicked out of many private schools
Unplanned pregnancy and marriage
Joining the military
Living a life of lies
His father is extradited from Canada and is saved in an American prison
Spontaneous confession of major struggles before church on a Livestream
The result of his vulnerability
The desire to honor his family
Fostering

Nii Quotes:

SINGLE MOTHER
“My dad did send money, but money doesn’t really fix anything. Money doesn’t give you happiness. Money doesn’t bring back your loved one that died. It helps in certain ways, but it can’t hold me when I’m sad and afraid as a little boy. Money can’t do that like a mother’s love.”

ADOPTION
“You can make that change in a child. And if you are fighting it, ask God, and God will give you that one child, that forever in that child’s life, they will always remember you.”

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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.

 Loved in a foster home with 35 other kids. And only having slept in a real bed for the first time at age 10. Can you imagine what life in that home might be like? Or what trauma you would go through, just to get to that point?

You will hear her extremely difficult childhood. You will also hear how the Lord saved her, and and has become the hero of her story. And now, as she is still healing, she has a worldwide ministry helping others who have suffered from PTSD, and abuse. Seen, Known, Loved and Heard.

Joel 2:25 “I will restore the years the locust has stolen form you.”

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Topics Shared:
Home was a war zone, locked in rooms, no beds, not fed, not protected, abused
Pedaling boiled peanuts on the street at age 7
Her church pastor called the authorities
Rejected by her Mother, parental rights were terminated
Spent 18 months with her pastor and family, the Dunnings
Slept in a bed for the first time at age 10
Moved to Faith Children’s Home, now Hope International Ministries
Feelings of intense rejection
35 other kids in Victory Faith, with Mom and Dad McGowan (Dr. Lundy and Jackie McGowan)
Sharing room with 5 other girls
Loved for who she was, not for what she did
Since 1968 the children’s home has 1005 subsisted on donations
Traveling and singing at churches all over the region
On a Greyhound bus with “Faith Children’s Home” painted on the side
Hope Christian School Years, College
Forgiveness and healing with her Mom
Bad Decisions
Rocky marriage
Domestic Violence and PTSD
Losing family
Writing her book and Podcasting
Seen, Known, Heard, Loved and Valued

Amy Quotes:
“When I hear the word ‘home’, I think of a dorm settled on 45 acres in Tampa Bay Florida, with 35 other kids, 5 other girls in the room with me. I think of gross food, that one eats at an institution like a children’s home, but I think of, that was the time when I was loved for who I was, not for what I did or what I could bring to the table.”

“I love back then and even now, some Jesus because He is my everything. I think somehow I recognized that there was no way to make it through. He is the only one who has never left me.”

“There was a group of women that I could tell about my domestic violence, what was going on at home, and they loved me back to life by pushing me to the throne of Jesus and being His hands and feet.”

Amy Watson’s Podcast: Wednesdays With Watson Podcast


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We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story at lfhpodcast@gmail.com

For more everyday extraordinary faith stories:
We are on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live. Just type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and scroll down until you see the rainbow.