* Discover how Jo’mel Powell’s journey through marital struggles and family health crises during the COVID-19 pandemic led him to deepen his faith and reliance on God.



* Learn how fasting, prayer, and writing became Jo’mel’s anchors during times of distress, highlighting the importance of cherishing loved ones and finding solace in spiritual practices.



* Explore the transformative power of trials as Jo’mel reflects on the personal growth and renewed connections fostered by God’s grace, influenced by the teachings of Pastor Kenneth Snodgrass.



* Uncover the profound impact of community and fellowship in Jo’mel’s life, as he encourages believers to seek supportive relationships and maintain resilience through adversity, drawing parallels with biblical figures like Joseph.





https://youtu.be/Y-d5FxLx0T0




In times of trial, we often find ourselves questioning our strength and seeking answers beyond our understanding. Jo’mel Powell’s personal narrative is a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith amidst life’s most daunting challenges. His story, marked by the emotional and familial struggles of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers profound insights for Christians eager to witness Christ’s work in our lives and the lives of those around us.



During the pandemic, Jo’mel faced the kind of trials that test the very foundations of our faith. He and his wife experienced marital struggles, leading to a brief separation. The situation intensified when his wife, nine months pregnant, was hospitalized with an illness, leaving Jo’mel unable to be by her side due to COVID protocols. His distress was compounded by memories of past traumatic experiences with premature births.



In the midst of this storm, Jo’mel turned to fasting, prayer, and writing as sources of solace. He learned to cherish each moment with loved ones, a lesson that resonated deeply when his wife’s health took a severe turn. Yet, through each trial, Jo’mel discovered the unwavering grace of God, which carried him through the darkest days.



A significant turning point came when his wife, beginning to recover her communication abilities, asked about their daughter. This moment, marked by a special hospital visit, reinforced Jo’mel’s role as a devoted father and caregiver. Balancing the responsibilities of caring for both his wife and daughter, he witnessed firsthand the sustaining power of God’s love.



Jo’mel attributes his ability to cope with these challenges to God’s grace and the rekindling of his connection with his wife. Under the guidance of Pastor Kenneth Snodgrass, he learned that trials often transform us more than they alter our circumstances. This realization, coupled with the support of his church community, reignited his desire for fellowship and led him to reassess his misconceptions about God.



In his journey, Jo’mel penned a book on perseverance, drawing parallels between his experiences and those of biblical figures like Joseph. His story emphasizes the value of community and faith, encouraging us to seek supportive relationships and remain prayerful through adversity. He reminds us that fellowship is essential for spiritual growth and that, despite imperfections, God’s people play crucial roles in each other’s lives.



Jo’mel’s narrative is a beacon of hope for those navigating their own storms. It is a call to embrace resilience and faith, to seek God’s presence in every trial, and to cherish the gift of community. As Christians, let us draw inspiration from Jo’mel’s journey, recognizing that even in our darkest hours, God is at work, shaping us into vessels of His love and grace.

* Discover how Heidi Sheldon navigated the emotional turmoil of her son’s legal troubles and found unexpected spiritual growth in the midst of adversity.



* Explore Heidi’s journey from a Unitarian Universalist background to a deepened Christian faith, influenced by her son’s exploration of spirituality while incarcerated.



* Learn about Heidi’s lifestyle transformations, inspired by her renewed faith, and her commitment to supporting others through community involvement and creating support networks for families of incarcerated individuals.



* Be inspired by Heidi’s dedication to sharing stories of hope and transformation, demonstrating the power of genuine relationships with God and community at any stage of life.





https://youtu.be/Fs54cCtgkI0




In times of profound personal challenge, the light of Christ can shine through in the most unexpected ways. This truth is beautifully illustrated in the life of Heidi Sheldon, whose recent journey has not only deepened her faith but also opened avenues for spiritual growth and community support.



Imagine the shock and heartache of discovering, through a Facebook post, that your child is a person of interest in a murder case. For Heidi, this revelation was compounded by the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her personal training business online. Her son, having lost his job as a sous chef, had become distant, and communication between them was minimal. It was during this turbulent period that Heidi found her strength and solace in God.



Despite the legal proceedings and the uncertainty that lay ahead, Heidi’s son began a spiritual journey of his own while in jail, turning to the Bible and even a dictionary as sources of comfort and enlightenment. This spiritual exploration initiated a transformation not only in his life but also in Heidi’s, as their faith journeys became intertwined.



Raised in a Unitarian Universalist environment, Heidi’s spiritual perspective had always been broad. However, as her son’s faith deepened, it inspired her to seek a more profound connection with Christianity. Together, they embarked on shared Bible studies and began attending a local Baptist church. In a beautiful twist of fate, her son emerged as a spiritual mentor, guiding her to embrace a more authentic and mature faith.



This transformation wasn’t just internal; it manifested in Heidi’s lifestyle choices. She consciously reduced her alcohol consumption and sought more meaningful engagement with media, aligning her actions with her renewed faith. Professionally, she transitioned from managing Airbnbs to a role in member services, where she could focus on supporting others through community and faith.



A particularly inspiring aspect of Heidi’s journey is her dedication to creating support systems for families of incarcerated individuals. Recognizing the isolation many families face, she aims to leverage technology, like Zoom, to expand these networks, fostering a sense of community and hope.



Heidi’s story is a testament to the power of God’s grace and the strength found in community. It serves as a reminder that transformative spiritual journeys can begin at any stage of life. Her enthusiasm for sharing stories of hope and encouragement reflects her desire to inspire others navigating similar challenges, potentially through writing a book.



As Christians, we are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and transformation. Heidi’s journey is a profound example of how faith can be renewed and deepened, even amidst life’s most daunting trials. Let her story encourage you to seek God’s presence in your own life and to support others on the...

Craig Nielsen shares a transformative journey from aspiring rock star to finding fulfillment through spirituality and personal growth. Raised in a Catholic family in Southern California, he initially dreamed of fame but faced disillusionment and anxiety when his career as a roadie clashed with family life. A spiritual awakening during a church retreat led to hospitalization, where he learned the importance of combining faith with personal responsibility. Embracing physical activity and therapy, he structured his life by attending community college, eventually earning a master’s degree.
Finding solace in the church’s Newman Center, Craig helped organize a student-led retreat, which strengthened his faith and led to a lasting marriage. Inspired by a speech class, he pursued a degree in speech communications and later engaged in marriage preparation ministry with his spouse. Motivated to share his experiences, he wrote “Love is Our True DNA,” published after connecting with a publisher in 2022.
Craig critiques reliance on medication for anxiety and depression, advocating for healing through a relationship with God, trust, and patience. He highlights the story of the adulteress in the gospels to emphasize themes of redemption and unconditional love, contrasting external validation with divine fulfillment. He stresses self-love, community support, and physical activity for mental well-being, encouraging belief in improvement through personal revelations and faith. His journey, qualifications in counseling and life coaching, and his book aim to inspire others facing similar struggles.

A look into Angela Adkins’ life story, focusing on her upbringing in a Christian home, the trauma of losing her sister to cancer, and her journey towards a deeper faith. Despite challenges during her teenage years, she is grateful for her supportive family and now leads a fulfilling life as a mother of six, married to a pastor, and actively involved in ministry. Her spiritual journey was profoundly influenced by a transformative experience at a summer camp that strengthened her relationship with God. Although initially plagued by doubts, a moment of surrender brought her joy and led to a quest for understanding the Holy Spirit.
Angela shares how this exploration, despite initial confusion, resulted in a healing journey, which she details in her book “Twice Broken.” This narrative illustrates a girl’s hardships and redemption through Jesus, aiming to promote emotional and mental healing. She introduces resources like “Heart Sessions with Jesus Volume 1” and emphasizes overcoming fears related to the Holy Spirit, viewing it as a positive gift from God.
Her spiritual growth included the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the gift of tongues, challenging childhood beliefs about God’s nature. Angela provides tools for healing and freedom through scripture, offering a workbook series and a six-month online mentorship program titled “From Trauma to Triumph.” This program addresses forgiveness, core beliefs, and identity transformation, stressing the importance of supportive relationships and valuing individuality.
Ultimately, the text highlights seeking truth and healing through spiritual practices, emphasizing engagement with God and the Holy Spirit. Angela encourages open communication with God, recognizing His work in life, and affirms the inherent worth of every individual as a creation of God.

Discover the transformative power of faith, forgiveness, and community support in overcoming life’s deepest challenges. Wally Bressler’s story is a testament to God’s work in the lives of those who seek Him, offering hope and encouragement for Christians aiming to be good witnesses to Christ.
Episode Highlights:
1. Breaking the Cycle:
o Wally’s story highlights the generational cycle of dysfunction, demonstrating how early life experiences can shape behavior.
o He shares the impact of his Italian-American background, which influenced communication styles and emotional struggles.
2. Trials and Triumphs:
o Overcoming a difficult upbringing marked by binge eating, sexual abuse, and bullying.
o The emotional turmoil following his father’s death and the reckless behavior that ensued.
3. Rock Bottom and Redemption:
o Participation in “The Biggest Loser” and the struggle with weight regain.
o Legal troubles and the experience of serving time for a white-collar crime.
o Upon release, Wally focused on his relationship with God, seeking self-forgiveness and emotional healing through community support.
4. Turning Point:
o Surviving a toxic relationship and battling suicidal thoughts.
o A significant turning point came while helping family in New Hampshire.
o Despite challenges, including losing professional support, therapy played a crucial role in his recovery.
5. Path to Healing:
o Wally’s journey of quitting pornography, managing weight, and embracing personal growth.
o Emphasizing gratitude, spiritual alignment, and the importance of well-being and faith.
6. Inspiration and Encouragement:
o Wally’s story encourages listeners to proactively address personal challenges.
o The significance of ongoing communication with God and the role of mental health care in healing.
o A call to recognize that external appearances often mask internal struggles, underscoring the need for empathy and support in our communities.
Takeaway Message:
Wally Bressler’s testimony is a powerful reminder of God’s redeeming love and the importance of faith in overcoming adversity. By sharing his story, Wally inspires others to seek healing, embrace gratitude, and maintain a strong relationship with God. His journey emphasizes the power of personal growth and the impact of being a good witness to Christ’s work in our lives.

The narrative follows the personal and spiritual journey of a speaker who, amidst personal challenges such as a pending divorce and job search, volunteers for Afghan rescues in August 2021. This period of volunteering leads to a paid position due to their contributions. The speaker’s life story is shared through a program called “Testimonies of Triumph,” where they reflect on becoming a parent at 19, grappling with religious teachings, and experiencing a transformative relationship with God after seeking forgiveness post-abortion.

Their exploration of faith takes them through various denominations, studying psychology, and engaging in political activism sparked by events like 9/11. Initially adopting extreme views influenced by a far-right evangelical group, they eventually embark on a spiritual journey in September 2012, seeking truth about Muslims and engaging deeply with scripture. This journey leads them to question leadership, challenge prosperity gospel and charismatic practices, and ultimately develop compassion for the Muslim community, particularly after the fall of Afghanistan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, introspection leads them to volunteer for Afghan rescues, culminating in founding a nonprofit, Global Agents of Change, and a consulting firm, Key of David Consulting. Their work with Muslims deepens their faith and inspires significant conversions through a discovery Bible study method. They also grapple with their belief in Jesus as God, finding limited scriptural affirmation but emphasizing the importance of obedience and independent truth-seeking.
Throughout their journey, mentorship, betrayal within their Christian community, and substantial life changes, such as selling their house and traveling with limited resources, shape their path. Experiences in the Middle East lead to a focus on “cultural wellness” in workplaces, and surprising interfaith dialogues challenge preconceived notions. Reflecting on their mother’s death and approaching 50, the speaker aims to live intentionally as an agent of change for global security and peace, emphasizing the value of relationships and community. The narrative concludes by highlighting the significance of questioning and seeking truth as essential components of a genuine relationship with faith.