
Transcript:
What is up, friends? And welcome to the very first episode of Open Air. I'm your host, Ashley Escobar, and I am so excited you're here. This is the pilot episode. Just a short introduction to tell you what open Air is all about, why it was created, and what you can expect in the coming season. Listen, everyone's doing a podcast, but you will not want to miss the conversations that are going to be had on this podcast. Open air was inspired by the Salvation Army's bold tradition of preaching the gospel out in the streets, out in the open. [audio: acceptance speech given by Evangeline Booth, upon being elected as General of The Salvation Army.] It's rooted in a verse that's been echoing personally in my own heart, which is Matthew 10:27 - "What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight. What is whispered in your ear. Proclaim from the roofs." That is the heartbeat of this podcast. Every episode will feature unscripted, authentic conversations with guests who are serving in all kinds of ways; some in ministry, motherhood, some in the workplace, behind the scenes, but all of them showing up with faith and grit right where God has called them to be. We'll talk about what it really looks like to serve with your whole heart. We'll share stories of joy and struggle, of calling and obedience and transformation. This season will feature some incredible guests, including our very own Territorial leaders, Commissioners Kelly and Donna Iglehart, in our very first full length episode. We'll explore the blessings and burdens of service and the beauty of community and how to remain faithful to Jesus when life just goes a different way than what we thought and what we planned. If you've ever wondered if you've ever asked yourself, does what I have to bring to the table matter? This podcast is for you. If you're tired, if you're hopeful, if you're somewhere in between those two, I hope you'll find encouragement here. Open air launches officially in July 2025. We are so excited and we would love for you to follow along. Subscribe now! Share this with a friend and get ready for some real, honest, Jesus centered conversations. Until then, keep showing up, friends, the world needs your light out in the open.