Many people know about God without actually knowing Him personally. That was Jack Cowart’s story as he grew up in the Catholic church.

Jack also struggled with intense depression in high school. It got so bad during his sophomore year that he decided to commit suicide. While Jack was holding a knife and preparing to slit his wrists, his dad walked in the room and snatched the knife away right in time.

Years later, in college, Jack hit rock bottom and decided to ask God for help with his depression. He had no idea that this quick prayer would be the beginning of his new life. Jack met and married his wife, Kenna, who God sent as a helper on his faith journey. Jack was also completely healed of his depression and able to stop taking medication. He has also discovered that his trial has empowered him to make an impact in the lives of people around him.

Jack Cowart is our guest on this episode of Limitless Spirit. I hope you’ll enjoy his humor, honesty, and love for Jesus.

2:35 – Jack’s knew about God through the Catholic church, but didn’t have a relationship with Him. He also struggled with getting bullied and not having many friends growing up.

5:28 – The battle with depression is too intense, and Jack decides that he wants to take his own life

8:24 – In college, Jack decided it was time to try out the whole “God thing”

12:15 – Jack meets Kenna, his future wife, and sees how beautiful her relationship with Jesus is

17:38 – Jack finally surrenders his life to Jesus and what it felt like as God healed his depression

22:21 – An awakening to missions happened as Jack got to know Jesus and grew more in his faith

24:25 – Jack’s mission trip to Macedonia and the incredible opportunity he had to share his testimony and minister to a suicidal woman

After you listen to this episode, go to our host website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

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On this episode of Limitless Spirit, pastor David Domina shares how God gave Him a vision and experience of hell that led him to Christ and ultimately to finding his true calling.

David took a while to figure out what he was supposed to do with his life. He first studied psychology in college before switching to journalism. But after getting married and realizing he needed something more lucrative to support his family, he started a successful construction business. But then, God made it clear to David that He was calling him to build lives rather than buildings.

He has been leading a thriving church in Rochester, New York and considers himself a missionary to America. At the same time, he remains open to what God has for him next and believes that God doesn’t have one perfect plan for His children and gives us a free choice.

3:08 – Why David was a “problem kid” and sought his identity outside of the church

6:46 – A vision of hell, where David was heading, shook up his entire life

11:46 – The indirect route David took to becoming a full-time pastor

17:27 – The difference between occupation and calling, when it comes to “greater purpose”

19:22 – Why David wrestled with the call to being a pastor, including his fear of public speaking

21:39 – Rising crime in Rochester, NY, where David preaches and how he and other Christians can respond to a world filled with hatred and evil

25:47 – David’s openness to continue following God, even if he’s called away from being a pastor

27:04 – Being a missionary to America

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

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Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Kenna Cowart faced her toughest physical and spiritual challenges the same year she became serious about her faith.  She was only 13 at the time, and her parents had just gone through a traumatic divorce. Kenna was diagnosed with rare heart condition that led to depression, anxiety and an eating disorder. Additionally she became addicted to pornography.
In spite of all this she found out that in her darkest moment she felt God’s presence and love. Kenna has learned that physical healing and freedom from addiction are possible. Sometimes they occur instantly.  As a registered nurse and a missionary she finds no greater joy than to share this message with others.
As we prepare to celebrate resurrection of Christ,  this episode is  about the power and healing abilities of God’s son, who rose from the dead to give us new life.

2:44 – Kenna’s first encounters with Jesus and healing… but not experiencing the love of God from her parents

6:22 – The immense challenges Kenna had to go through after becoming a Christian, including her parent’s bitter divorce and her own health issues

9:38 – Developing an eating disorder and pornography addiction, and being set free from those things through Jesus eventually

17:03 – Kenna’s calling to medical missions

19:02 – God uses Kenna’s story in Serbia and heals a cancer patient through her prayer

22:52 – How doing 12 missions trips in the past decade has changed Kenna’s life and relationship with God

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

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Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

“I knew church. I knew the motions to go through… but I didn’t know Jesus.”

Eric Scott was a stereotypical, rebellious pastor’s kid who looked good on the outside. On the inside, he was searching for his own identity separate from his parent’s faith and work. That led him to make some poor decisions in college that led him to a breaking point.

But God used everything Eric went through to bring him into a relationship with Christ. Eric finally began to understand the meaning of grace and mercy, and he entered into a journey of discovering God’s love.

After getting married, starting a family, and doing ministry work years later, Eric had to go through another journey of discovery. This time, God needed to teach him that the love of Jesus was not dependent on his performance.

As the Associate Director of Campus Ministry at The King’s University in Texas, Eric now spends a lot of his time teaching the next generation the hard lessons that God showed him. He’s got plenty of good insight to share about his life, and some powerful words of wisdom about Gen Z that you won’t want to miss in this episode.

2:36 – Eric talks about being the stereotypical rebellious “preacher’s kid” and discusses how a lack of personal identity can lead children to rebel against their parent’s faith

6:49 – Eric’s parents shoot down his idea about being involved with basketball at a state university, so he goes to Bible college instead

9:03 – Struggling with substance addiction and theft while he was in college, Eric eventually begins a real relationship with Jesus

13:50 – Coming to a true understanding of God’s grace and mercy

16:46 – Eric explains why in 2013, he realized he was an “unbelieving believer” who knew the Gospel but not the grace of Christ

21:40 – The journey with Jesus is becoming and knowing who we are in light of who Jesus is

26:29 – Eric’s powerful perspective on Gen Z and how God can use them to change the world for Him

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

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Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

The father of seven children, Pastor Dave Dolan has been through a long journey of raising a child with special needs that doctors said wouldn’t even live past a year old. He and his wife Debra have seen how faith and the right perspective can have a powerful impact on the outcome in the journey of their youngest daughter, whose name is Faith.
Dave says our struggles and brokenness are often the places where God points us towards our greater purpose. He’s also passionate about mentoring people in their journey in pursuit of a greater purpose.
On this episode of Limitless Spirit, Dave will share his personal testimony and what he thinks about the perspective the year 2020 has given him concerning the core mission of the church in the “new normal”.

2:40 – How a song led Dave Dolan to a relationship with Jesus and introduced him to his future wife

4:45 – Dave’s 40 years of being a pastor in rural Illinois in a predominantly Amish community

8:32 – Dave’s youngest daughter Faith was born with severe health challenges

11:33 – “Sometimes the pathway to greater purpose is born through a crisis in your life and when God is invited into that crisis, he shifts your influence.”

12:28 – How Faith has helped Dave and his wife Deb grow in their faith in Christ

16:45 – Dave’s advice for people who are unsure of their greater purpose in life

19:46 – How do you hold onto hope in crisis?

22:24 – The importance of having good mentors

24:54 – Dave’s takeaways and observations from everything that happened in 2020 and what is the function of the church today
Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below
Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)
Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

“Never forget: the Gospel changes people’s lives, wherever you are.”

Marty MacDonald is a pastor in western New York. At age 65, he’s seen God do some incredible things throughout his ministry career. But Marty’s still expecting that his greater purpose is still to come.

From overcoming an abusive home situation, to starting a house church with really no formal plan, to traveling around the world doing missions work, Marty’s life is a testimony of the faithfulness, love, and power of Jesus Christ. We’re happy to have Marty as our guest on this episode of Limitless Spirit, and hope you’ll be encouraged by the stories he’s going to share.

4:18 – Growing up in western New York area with an alcoholic, abusive father and losing two siblings

7:49 – Marty’s life turns around after his girlfriend’s dad made him go to church and he gave his heart to Christ after hearing an evangelist give an altar call

10:45 – How Marty started the journey to become “Pastor Marty,” including working at various ministries and starting a successful house church

14:27 – Marty gives glory to God for his life story

15:30 – “I don’t think I’ve yet touched my greatest purpose” and why Marty knows God still has amazing things ahead in his life

20:11 – Marty talks about being called to get involved with missions work

23:38 – Street evangelism in France

26:11 – The importance of unity and connection at a time when division and COVID-19 is keeping Christians divided and separated

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below
Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)
Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Your past doesn’t define you. Your pain has a purpose. Your story matters.

Those of are some of the things that Kelly Butner learned after she came to know Christ

after a traumatic childhood. Kelly felt broken, but on a mission trip to Romania a few

years ago, she felt God healing her as she publicly shared her testimony for the first

time.

Kelly discovered that she had a voice – and that her voice was powerful because God

was using it. She also discovered her passion for sharing the Gospel around the world

on mission trips. She’ll share all about doing that, plus the important distinction between

believing in God and actually following Him, on this episode of Limitless Spirit.

5:35 – Growing up in church, but experiencing hurts, family dysfunction, and

brokenness

7:25 – During a very hard time, the Holy Spirit started helping Kelly process some

difficult childhood memories, a key step on her journey to healing

11:16 – On her first ever mission trip to Romania, Kelly publicly shares her story for the

first time

15:26 – Highlight from a trip to Buenos Aires

17:50 – Figuring out how to do missions as a mom of three young boys and facing fear

and self-doubt before every trip

20:52 – Kelly says she is “absolutely” a different person who has found her greater

purpose and understands more about the way God way her through doing missions

work

23:50 – Going on a mission trip with her husband and how they’re more connected now

26:51 – “I’m just hungry to see what He’s (God’s) doing” and some closing thoughts

about connecting with WMA

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below
Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)
Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Psalm 92 says the righteous flourish like a tree and still bear fruit in their old age. Lowell Glidden, the guest on this episode, living this verse out in his life.

For years, Lowell has been faithfully serving God and bearing fruit, whether it was during his time in the military, in his marriage and family, or his ministry efforts. Even though he’s in his late 80s, Lowell continues to trust God and obey His calling to tell people about Jesus even if it means traveling half across the world to remote places.

Lowell will share some stories about his wife, Alice, and the bittersweet circumstances of her passing, plus memories of his time spent doing foreign missions on this episode of Limitless Spirit. Lowell’s greater purpose can be summed up in this simple statement: “I just like people, and I’m glad to serve.”

3:44 – The timeline of Lowell’s Army service and memories of his late wife, Alice

6:37 – How to stay happily married for 60 years, according to Lowell

9:17 – Lowell’s first mission trip in 1995 to Russia fulfilled a dream he had 30 years prior

10:38 – Lowell’s shares why he never viewed the Russian people as his enemies

14:10 – How God confirmed to Lowell the perfect timing

16:19 – The challenges of caring for Alice as she became debilitated by Parkinson’s Disease

19:23 – Lowell shares a special God-moment that happened in the last moments of Alice’s life

22:08 – What drives Lowell to continue missionary work on the verge of turning 90

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below
Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)
Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Every child needs to be loved and to know what love is. Unfortunately, JoAnn Wolfe didn’t grow up that way. Her parents were too broken themselves to give her proper love and nurture.
JoAnn’s first experience with church at the age of fifteen wasn’t positive either. After having to practically raise herself she felt like church was all about rules and “do’s” and “don’t’s”. It wasn’t until later in life JoAnn read a certain verse in the Bible that revealed to her God as the loving father she had never had. From that point on her life began to change, and more recently she has discovered her greater purpose through medical missions and also sharing with other the love she once thought was never meant for her.

On this episode of Limitless Spirit, JoAnn will share her powerful testimony and some of her God-ordained experiences on the mission field. This is the latest installment of our “Greater Purpose” series.

3:20 – JoAnn’s childhood was filled with issues and “no stability or home life”

6:26 – JoAnn is abused by her stepfather and then eventually meets her real father and starts to live with him and his new family

9:14 – Experience going to church and the seed of “something better” is sown… but it wasn’t focused on the love of God

13:03 – JoAnn’s  life is changed by a verse that made God’s love real to her

15:59 – The desire for missions work and giving love to others begins to grow in JoAnn’s heart

19:54 – How God used JoAnn’s knowledge as a nurse and her painful past to touch lives in Serbia and Thailand

24:54 – How JoAnn’s life has changed as she’s found her greater purpose in doing missions work

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below
Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)
Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Pride… Control… Not respecting the leadership…

 These are the things that led Jason Raine to walk away from God after he had a bad experience during a mission trip in high school. Looking to find his true identity Jason threw himself into building a successful career. But the same issues that caused him to leave church created a conflict at work that almost cost him his job.

 After a tough conversation with his boss and a forced leave, Jason did some soul searching. He realized he had to make big changes in his life. Step one was developing a real, authentic relationship with Jesus. He got plugged into a church and serving in youth ministry and technical support.

 The Covid -19 pandemic threatened to take away everything that Jason valued due to the strict lockdowns in California. Instead, God led Jason into a new circle of friends and through them on a lifechanging mission trip to Serbia where he experienced a big miracle and felt guided in the direction of his true calling..

 3:43 – Jason felt betrayed by his youth pastor on a mission trip

 5:11 – “I walked away from God”

 6:46 – Jason pursues a career but has a conflict with his boss over his attitude and work ethic

 9:11 – Jason’s boss gives him some tough love and Jason realizes he’s been in the wrong, which led him back to God

 13:06 – Downloading TikTok and getting connected to WMA leads to him going to Serbia on a mission trip

 19:34 – “Serbia was the trip of a lifetime.” Jason shares how God showed him he was supposed to be there as he helped out with the church’s tech equipment and prayed for a man who had cancer and was later found to be cancer-free

 28:11 – Jason’s greater purpose and what’s next for his life
Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

“That saved my life. I mean, me being laid off saved my life.”

 From losing her job to finding her greater purpose, Ellen Yao knows that God has been at work in her life. After immigrating from South Korea and growing up in church, surrounded by Christian friends and family, Ellen tried to find her own way and identity as a young adult. But everything she tried, from partying to climbing the corporate ladder, left her feeling empty inside.

 That prompted a desperate prayer from Ellen, asking God to show up and prove He was real. And He did, in a way that Ellen never could have expected. After being laid off, she gave her life to Jesus, went back to school, met her husband, and found herself on an adventure of a lifetime, her very first trip, to Iraq in the middle of war with ISIS. This is an incredible experience you’ll have to hear to believe.

 2:45 – Ellen’s family immigrates to the US from South Korea and converts to Christianity

 6:43 – In college Ellen drifted away from church in pursuit of her own identity and worldview

 10:45 – Ellen gets into “ricing” cars and partying, and then climbs the “corporate ladder” and pursues “stable life”

 12:51 – Ellen’s prayer for God to show up leads to several huge changes in her life

 19:18 – During the war with ISIS in Iraq Ellen feels called by God to go there

 22:43 – Memories of going to Iraq and the launch of her new “life of purpose”

 29:31 –Ellen’s greater purpose in this season

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

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On this episode of the Limitless Spirit podcast, you’ll hear DeAnna Moore’s story.

In her young adulthood she struggled with mental illness, alcoholism, and the tragic consequences of the lifestyle that went along with substance abuse. Only later in life she found out that her father was not the man who raised her and that she was subject to sever abuse as an infant due to generational sins and secrets in her family.

 But it wasn’t God’s plan for DeAnna to be stuck in her misery forever. He directed her through series of encounters to get involved with AA and set her on the path to become a nurse.  More importantly, Jesus Christ began to heal DeAnna once she began a relationship with Him. Then, she found her greater purpose in life – to serve God as a medical missionary.

 3:21 – DeAnna’s childhood struggles with her family and mental health

 7:20 – Trying and “failing miserably, over and over again” to get through life on her own strength leads DeAnna to terrible addiction and patterns of abuse

 8:39 – Because of all she went through, DeAnna finds Christ but continues to battle her sinful nature

 11:02 – Getting diagnosed as an alcoholic, going to AA, beginning to turn her life around

 14:28 – DeAnna’s path to becoming a nurse, finding her biological father, facing the generational sins of her family, and marrying her “true love”

 21:29 – The origins of DeAnna’s missionary focus and stories from her journeys

 25:55 – How her life has changed and how she’s found her greater purpose

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to DeAnna’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Marijuana was his idol … Using it was his source of joy, dealing it was the source of income. He enjoyed this lifestyle until he encountered someone.

 Paul Amendola spent 25 years using and dealing marijuana. But when a “Christian junkie” friend brought him to church something changed in his heart. After accepting Jesus Paul didn’t know how to quite the lifestyle he has become so used to. He asked God for help. After his house was broken in to and his marijuana stolen twice, Paul says God caught his attention.

 After giving up a drug-centered life, Paul turned to serving God and telling others about Jesus. He has experienced a miraculous encounter in Nepal that showed Him that God had a greater purpose for him. Paul will share why dealing hope, not drugs, has become the greater purpose in his life on this episode of Limitless Spirit.

 4:36 – Paul’s childhood and growing up in a large Italian household

 7:37 – Drugs ruled Paul’s life and more about his experiences with marijuana

 10:44 – Paul meets a “Christian junkie” who brought him to church, and soon after Paul gave his life to Christ

 13:27 – Paul realizes he needs God’s help to get out of the drug dealing business and out of his addiction

 18:34 – Getting involved at church and first feeling the call to go into missions

 22:55 – Paul experiences a miracle in Nepal

 26:39 – Leading a man to Christ at the Pyramids in Egypt

 29:05 – Paul’s greater purpose in life

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to Paul’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Is it possible to love God more after He has seemingly failed to protect you?

Katrina Griffin lived through an experience that could simply be described as “every woman’s worst nightmare.” After a man sexually assaulted her in her 20s, the police falsely accused Katrina of making it all up. Those traumatic experiences made her very angry at God in the weeks, months and years that followed.
However, today Katrina says she is more in love with God and more confident in God’s goodness than before she went through all of those terrible things. She’ll tell us why on this episode of Limitless Spirit as she walks through her journey of healing, rebuilding her relationship with God, forgiving her attacker, the police and finding a greater purpose for her life.

 2:22 – Difficulties in childhood including being bullied, hating herself, struggling with her identity, and rebelling against her parents

 7:55 – How Katrina came to know Jesus and how that changed her life

 10:03 – Katrina’s difficult story of being raped just outside her apartment

 14:15 – The police’s infuriating response to Katrina reporting her rape

 17:00 – Katrina talks about her anger, hatred, and unforgiveness and how she finds a breakthrough

 19:55 – Reflections from being on the other side of this tragedy and God has healed and changed Katrina for the better

 22:34 – Katrina describes a miraculous healing during her recent medical mission trip

 25:15 – Katrina’s greater purpose is interconnected with her story

Would you like know more about how you can connect with your greater purpose? After you listen to Katrina’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast, click below

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Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

In this last episode of Season 1 the host Helen Todd looks back at the year 2020 and shares four observations that she believes equip us for a great year 2021.

Would you like know more about how you can become a sponsor of the Limitless Spirit Podcast ? After you listen to Helen’s message, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

“I can’t do this… I can’t go through with this baptism.”

 That’s what Carrie Ann Lewis told her boyfriend just days before her baptism into the Mormon church. She’d been having strange but meaningful dreams about her dad, a strong Christian who’d passed away years earlier, and that made her second guess the religious path she was on.

 From that moment on, Carrie Ann’s life was never the same. She broke up with her boyfriend and left the Mormon church. She also began a journey to find the truth about God, and share His love with the hurting people. She has a massive social media outreach where she shares daily devotionals and more recently has discovered a calling to overseas missions.

Today, she’s living out her greater purpose of loving people like Christ and following His calling to the Great Commission.  She’ll share more about it on this episode of Limitless Spirit.

 2:50 – The influence of Carrie Ann’s dad on her faith and life, and his early death from cancer

 6:02 – Carrie Ann’s experiences with Mormonism

 11:20 – Carrie Ann begins to have dreams about her dad in the days leading up to her Mormon baptism and starts to rethink if she was doing the right thing

 13:44 – The beginning of her relationship with Jesus and transformation of her life

 17:37 – How Carrie Ann began a ministry on social media during the pandemic

 21:19 –  Carrie Ann’s unusual call to missions

 27:05 – Carrie Ann’s first experience of sharing her story and witnessing miracles in Serbia

 31:20 – Why Carrie Ann believes her greater purpose in life is to love people like Jesus did

Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to CarrieAnn’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give)

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

 WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deductible

Nate Allen grew up in a Christian home and said the sinner’s prayer when he was five years old. He went to Bible college and worked as a youth pastor. But Nate did not personally know Jesus… until he met Him in a bar.

Nate had drifted from God after his son was born stillborn, his marriage broke up, and he began living a party lifestyle. And when Nate hit rock bottom, Jesus was right there to show him a different way. After discovering the intimacy with Christ, Nate has been transformed and is now living out his greater purpose: to follow Christ and pursuing his long-lost dream. He shares his encouraging story on this episode of Limitless Spirit.

3:08 – Nate’s church background and “accidental” salvation story

7:30 – His life is torn between desire to please his family and desire to taste sin

10:30 – Nate tries to fill the void in his life with material things

12:50 – While having a beer at a bar Nate is asked a question “do you know who Jesus is?”

15:10 – Nate witnesses to a town drunk but realizes he lacks the intimate knowledge of who Christ is

17:57 – Nate’s life begins to change, and his long-lost dream is revived

22:24 – God performs a healing miracle through Nate’s prayer

24:45 – What is Nate’s greater purpose in life? And how has he changed now that he’s truly a child of God?

Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Nate’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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Grief is a natural way of confronting loss unless a person becomes stuck in it.

 This is exactly what happened to Melinda Fazzolari when her son, Louie, died from cancer before his second birthday. For almost 25 years, Melinda’s life was deeply affected by a sorrow she could not shake. She finally settled for a life without joy or hope. But God never left Melinda and through a series of small events and encounters helped her find healing and a new purpose for her life.

 Melinda shares her beautiful story on this episode of the Limitless Spirit podcast. This is the fifth episode in our “Greater Purpose” series.

 3:05 – Melinda shares the painful story of her son Louie’s cancer and death

 6:13 – Grief entrapped Melinda because of an insensitive remark of a church member and left an impact on her family

 10:40 – Melinda’s healing journey begins, years after Louie’s death

 15:35 – Melinda thanks God for Louie’s life… and death

 16:50 – God uses Melinda’s story in her missionary travels

 19:15 – Divine encounter in Ireland

 23:06 –How to handle the holidays if you are grieving

 25:00 – Melinda talks about the importance of being honest with God, even if you feel angry or hurt

Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Josepha’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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On the fourth episode in the “Greater Purpose” series, Sheila Ruffin shares how she began a whole new life in Christ after healing from childhood trauma.

 Even after accepting Christ as a Savior, Sheila struggled with addictions and depression for years until God led her on a journey to discover what was broken inside of her. The pain of losing her father in the Vietnam War, losing her mother to mental illness, and being molested by relatives was almost too much to bear. But when Sheila allowed Jesus to heal her, she discovered her greater purpose in life

 Sheila reveals what it took to heal the brokenness and depression. She shares how while dealing with the challenges of menopause she started a new life, and why today she feels so happy and alive on this episode of Limitless Spirit.

 3:36 – Sheila talks about her painful childhood, including her father’s death and mother’s mental illness

 7:21 – Sexual abuse and trauma caused her to run away, then she met her future husband

 9:40 – Sheila’s relationship with Jesus started at a tent revival

 12:50 – Jesus helped Sheila overcome her addiction to porn, but she still struggled with fear and depression

 17:12 – Sheila’s true healing journey begins

 19:50 – How Sheila’s “new life” of missions work first began / hearing the call to go to Iraq

 24:57 – Sheila shares why her new life brought her true happiness and how God is using her past to help others
Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Josepha’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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Josepha Mbouma’s family came to the United States from Cameroon with God’s divine help. Though Josepha grew up in a Christian home, the most important thing in her life was always basketball. She had dreams of being a star athlete and achieved the impressive feat of being an NCAA Division 1 basketball player. But the highs and lows of being a college athlete led Josepha to question God and his plans for her life. And today she is thankful that happened because it reshaped her relationship with Christ.

 Now out of college, Josepha works for national Community Church in Washington DC and coaches a high school basketball team. She is living out her greater purpose by pouring into the lives of young women around her. Josepha’s sharing her story on this episode of Limitless Spirit. This is the third episode in our “Greater Purpose” series.

 2:44 – Coming to the USA and her love of basketball

 6:05 – How she became a player on a Division 1 basketball team at Elon University

 8:40 – Being on a college team didn’t turn out exactly how she was picturing

 11:40 – Processing her identity and greater purpose, on and off the basketball court

 13:30 – Going back to visit Cameroon and growing in her relationship with God

 15:30 – Seeing how God works and how He’s using her to help other people through missions work, mentoring, and coaching

 20:55 – Learning that life is a daily surrender of control and our will to God’s control and God’s will

 21:21 – What Josepha thinks a greater purpose in life is

 Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Josepha’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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God calls each of His children to be generous, good stewards of the things He’s given us.

In the second episode of “The Greater Purpose Series,” entrepreneur and businessman Barry Marks shares an amazing story of how he saw God working when he went to Lake Charles, Louisiana to give away $100,000 in cash to people who had been devastated by Hurricane Laura.

 Now, it wasn’t Barry’s money. But he was still blown away at how he was able to bless other people through a simple act of giving them a $100 bill and praying for them. Barry was also able to lead a young man named Damian to Christ. Since the trip, Barry has been processing how God is calling him to hold his money, time and talents loosely and with the heart of a steward. He also knows more about his greater purpose in life: to help others.

 Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to this episode, go to our website: www.rfwma.org

 2:55 – Barry talks about why he doesn’t want to work himself

5:30 – Why making time for others and their needs is the key to fulfillment

6:25 – The origins of the idea of giving away $100,000 to 1,000 families affected by Hurricane Laura

12:00 – The stories of blessings – Antonio and Damian

16:50 – Barry reflects on being a steward and seeing God multiply His blessing to people beyond just receiving a $100 bill

18:25 – How this experience has changed Barry’s life and his outlook on money, time, and stewardship

21:25 – The connection between missionary work overseas and at home

Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Barry’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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God created each one of us for a greater purpose that fills life with deep fulfillment. Building life around this greater purpose is what makes us thrive.

 In this first episode of a new series on Limitless Spirit called “The Greater Purpose Series,” law enforcement officer and missionary Debra Yokley shares her story of pursuing her greater purpose after she discovered she could not have children.

 After 3 failed pregnancies in her early 30s she asked God what His plan for her life was.

 God’s guidance took her along an unexpected path on the journey of discovering her true self.

 3:30 – Debra seeks God’s purpose for her life and starts a law enforcement career

5:50 – The difficulties and rewarding moments of being in law enforcement

11:30 – How Debra felt called to go into missionary work

14:00 – Debra talks about her experiences sharing Jesus in the world’s “hot spots”

20:05 – How doing missions work has changed Debra

21:45 – How to find fulfillment in life’s different seasons

24:20 – Has Debra found her greater purpose in life?

 Would you like know more about how you can find your greater purpose? After you listen to Debra’s testimony, go to our website: www.rfwma.org and find out how World Missions Alliance can help you connect to your greater purpose. Find out more about the Greater Purpose Conference: https://rfwma.org/greaterpurpose/

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Whether you are facing cancer yourself or have a person in your life who is, cancer can become a test of faith and perhaps the hardest challenge in life. Having resources at hand to answer questions, encourage and offer strength at the weakest moment is incredibly important.
In this episode Helen Todd talks with Deborah Barr, author of the book “Strength for the cancer journey”, a 30 day-devotional to inspire, encourage and comfort a person battling cancer.
The conversation brings up important issues that a cancer patient faces – anger, discouragement, coping with changes in the physical appearance and dealing with negative influences. It also discusses practical and constructive way family members and friends can express their support and love for the cancer patient.
At the end of the interview Helen Todd shares a story of God’s miraculous healing of her friend.
Deborah Barr is a health educator, a speaker and an author. In 2018 her book Grace for the Unexpected journey won the “best Inspirational Book” award at the Digital Book World. It was a devotional for dementia caregivers. Her latest book “Strength for the cancer journey” can be purchased here:
https://www.amazon.com/Strength-Cancer-Journey-Inspiration-Encouragement/dp/B08HD46QPS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Deborah+Barr&qid=1599843109&s=audible&sr=1-1
2:45 How cancer can become a turning point in life
5:20 Dealing with stigma of a life-threatening illness
6:22 The “protectors” and “promoters” – how to acquire former and avoid latter
10:21 What to say and not to say to a cancer patient
13:53 Why anger could be good
17:52 Where to draw strength in weak moments
19:07 How gratitude enhances cancer treatments
22:50 Coping with changes in physical appearance
25:00 The hardest part
27:00 The best way to offer help to a cancer patient
28:34 The takeaway
30:28 The testimony of a miracle

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Whether you are a person who possesses the virtue of patience or not, there’s hardly a person in this world who would say they enjoy waiting. Usually waiting is perceived at best as annoyance, and at it’s worst an absolute torture depending on the importance of what you are waiting for.

Yet, waiting is unavoidable in life and for those who study the word of God, it is a very Biblical concept. To be able to get the most out of waiting it is worth digging deeper into why does God make us wait and why is it so hard for us to wait.

My guest today is Brad Baurain, a missionary, a professor at the Moody Bible Institute, and the author of the book “On waiting well”.

In this conversation we talk about the importance of waiting well, the unexpected treasures hidden in the waiting process and some ways we can make the waiting more enjoyable. I will give away a curious hint – complaining is a part of it!

2:40 Why it is important to master the art of waiting?

3:28 Why is it hard for us to wait?

4:27 3 myths and truths about waiting

13:00 The purposes of waiting

15:00 The importance of God’s timing

16:26 The most valuable lesson Brad Baurain has learned about waiting

16:50 The hidden benefits of waiting

20:52 Practical ways to move from enduring waiting to enjoying it

25:30 Enjoying God outside of your expectations

28:44 The main take away for your waiting season

Where to purchase “On Waiting Well”:

https://www.amazon.com/Bradley-Baurain/e/B08FRRJQQ1/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

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We are facing the epidemic of loneliness in the US. 2 in 5 Americans struggle with loneliness. It has a negative effect on our health equal to smoking 15 cigarettes per day. It also feeds the division and the radicalization in our society and therefore poses threat to democracy.

What is the root of loneliness? It is not just the lack of meaningful interaction with others. Loneliness is the by product of the unmet core needs that every individual has. Loneliness is an empty spot in our soul that can only be met by experiencing the fullness of God’s love. The guest in this episode, York Moore believes that the main obstacle to this is the failure to find the right approach or “love language” in the way God communicates His love to you.

York Moore studied philosophy at the University of Michigan, was an atheist and his nick name was “satan” because he persecuted Christians, until he became one. Today he is a speaker, an evangelist and an author of several books. For more information, visit www.tellthestory.net and follow him on social media channels @yorkmoore.

Resources:

Seen. Known. Loved. By Gary Chapman and York Moore

Blog post by Evan Belosa Loneliness, Radicalization and the Fate of Democracy

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One of the life altering side effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are deteriorating relationship between people, and particularly the strain it has created in marriages. The conventional marriage has been under attack in recent years. The challenges and the uncertainty that came with the pandemic added to it.

Even without the outside pressure marriages are sacrificed to busy schedules, demands of raising children, careers, and personal desires. We either take our spouse for granted or we give up on the marriage because we eventually come to realize that we can’t change another person.

Or can we?

Dr. Gary Chapman has been helping couples to save and improve marriages and relationships for over two decades. He is the one who discovered the revolutionary concept of 5 love languages that helps us communicate our commitment and appreciation towards each other.

His book The 5 Love Languages® sold over twelve million copies and has been on the New York Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007.

The COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to write his latest book “5 Simple Ways to strengthen your marriage”.  In a very practical and straightforward way it encourages couples to turn the tables on the enemy and look at this as an opportunity make your relationship closer and stronger.

Dr. Chapman’s website is full of helpful resources for marriages and relationships..

In the previous episode Dr. Chapman and I talked about the importance of calling a truce on throwing verbal bombs and how to tear down the emotional walls that are built by unresolved conflict.

In this episode we continue the conversation and explore the practical ways to create team work environment, talked about what does submission mean in marriage and where do we start if we want to see a change in our spouse.

3:50 How to prevent “emotional walls” in a relationship

6:05 Is emotional sensitivity gender specific

7:22 The true meaning of submission in marriage

9:04 5 meaningful ways to express love

12:50 How to build teamwork environment in marriage

14:48 Advice for long distance relationships

16:23 How to build healthy relationships with people around us

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“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Leo Tolstoy

Whether your marriage is a happy one or a rocky one the last few months have brought new challenges for marriages and relationships. In this interview with the bestselling author, radio host and marriage counselor Dr. Gary Chapman we discuss the signs of trouble in marriages and relationships and practical ways to resolve conflict and strengthen the bond between the spouses. We have always been told one cannot change their spouse …or can you?

Dr. Gary Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages® sold over twelve million copies and has been on the New York Times best-sellers list continuously since 2007. He has been directly involved in real-life family counseling since the beginning of his ministry years, and his nationally syndicated radio programs air nationally on Moody Radio Network and over 400 affiliate stations.

The COVID-19 pandemic inspired him to write his latest book “5 Simple Ways to strengthen your marriage”.  In a very practical and straightforward way it encourages couples to turn the tables on the enemy and look at this as an opportunity make your relationship closer and stronger.

Dr. Chapman’s website is full of helpful resources for marriages and relationships.

3:06 Dr. Chapman shares what inspired him to write his latest book

5:16 Has COVID-19 pandemic affected the issue of domestic abuse and violence

6:16 Dr. Chapman discusses the ways for a couple to deal with the issue of domestic violence

8:50 Can the pattern of abuse be stopped?

10:21 Signs of a troubled marriage and ways to deal with them

12:50 Can any marriage be saved?

15:23 Tearing down emotional walls

18:27 You can’t change your spouse…or can you?

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Statistics show that only 8% of people achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Even those who actively pursue their goals often find themselves struggling with disappointment and dissatisfaction.
Dr. Deb Gorton, the author of the book “Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing your fears while pursuing your purpose” believes that it happens because we often confuse our goals with our life’s purpose.
In this episode we talk about how embracing uncomfortable helps us not only discover our authentic selves and our core values, but also identify the purpose that was intended for us by God. We discuss what God-defined purpose is and is not, the importance of our habits, the dangers hidden in expectations and some practical ways of discovering our purpose.

Dr. Gorton is a theologian and a psychologist earned PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She recently published a book “Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing Our Fears While Pursuing Our Purpose.”
1:48 Dr. Deb talks about the difference between “world-defined” and “God-defined” purpose
5:06 We discuss why defining life’s purpose is so important
6:06 How our habits influence our lives
7:28 Why expectations, our own and of others, can be dangerous
10:25 Practical steps in pursuing life’s purpose
12:56 Dr. Deb shares the lessons she learned in the process of embracing uncomfortable

Quotes:
“My purpose transcends situations or relationships I am involved in”
“Achieve goals that align with your purpose”
“Once we embrace our core identity, we no longer have to justify our existence”

Resources:
To purchase the book and learn more about Dr. Deb Gorton visit
https://www.debgorton.com/

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Society in the United States and around the world is becoming more and more polarized over issues that are not necessarily the root of the problem but rather the symptoms.

Often these “symptom” issues are political, rather than spiritual and cause a dangerous division in the body of Christ.

Today the United States are in agony over the old and new wounds caused by racism and this seemingly clear issue has been turned into a political battle.

For an open conversation on racism I invited a fellow believer in Christ and a minister of the Gospel with whom we agree on many aspects and disagree on some. It gave me a great hope for the healing of our country. I believe it also shows the extreme importance of the unity in the body of Christ!

The root of the problems we are facing is the battle between good and evil. If we pursue Christ with all of our hearts, we inevitably find ourselves on the right side of the most complex issues, even if we disagree on the “symptoms”.

 My guest today, is Pastor Clyde Ruffin, senior pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Columbia, MO,  professor emeritus at the University of Missouri, representative for the First Ward and Mayor Pro Tem for the city of Columbia, MO, a husband to Sheila for 43 years,  father of four, grandfather of six and a spiritual father to many.

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Nobody likes pain, nobody likes giving something up, nobody likes leaving the comfort zone. But constantly conforming to what is comfortable and familiar can lead us to unhappiness, dissatisfaction and sometimes a crisis.

What happens if we decide instead of avoiding what is uncomfortable embrace it?

Dr Deb Gorton promises that if you are willing to take this chance, the reward is incredibly significant.

Dr. Gorton is a theologian and a psychologist earned PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology and MA in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She recently published a book “Embracing Uncomfortable: Facing Our Fears While Pursuing Our Purpose.”

In this book she warns us that without being challenged we often lose the site of our true identity, compromise our core values and most importantly fail to fulfill our God-given purpose.

Key moments of the interview:

2:24 Dr. Deb shares how a personal tragedy started her on a pursuit of her identity

4:13 Why a person often develops a misguided understanding of self

5:48 Dr. Deb explains the concept of the “comfort myth”

7:00 How do we identify our core values

9:35 Dr. Deb shares how COVID-19 pandemic has helped her focus on what is truly important

12:13 Benefits of learning to embrace the uncomfortable

16:45 Key takeawyas

Quote: “Discomfort for a short period of time helps us create lasting long-term comfort”

Resources:

Buy Dr. Deb Gorton’s book here:

https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Uncomfortable-Facing-Pursuing-Purpose/dp/0802419569

Learn more about Dr. Deb Gorton

https://www.debgorton.com/about

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There is a deep divide in our society over the issue of reopening the economies versus continuing lockdowns and thus keeping people safe.

Who is right? What is a moral responsibility of a Christian when faced with this dilemma? What must we do to help ourselves while contributing to the well-being of the society in the face of COVID-19 pandemic?

Our guest if Phillip Todd, economic policy analyst for the US Senate, leadership team member of the National Economists Club and a committed Christian.

He shares his thoughts on both sides of the issue, addresses some of the conflicting economic relief policies and quotes one of his favorite verses to guide the process of deciding.

Quote: “What is best for you is not a government decision”

3:07 His view why both sides of the issue are valid

4:31 He shares what is the right approach to moving forward amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

5:29 His thoughts on how to apply “sound mind” in the process of deciding what is right for you

9:00 He addresses the conflict between the two relief policies

14:58 He discuss personal responsibility as a moral objective for a Christian

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COVID-19 pandemic continues to induce a significant amount of worry, fear, uncertainty, and stress in the hearts and minds of people. It has put people who are struggling with depression at a greater risk now more than ever.

To provide some much-needed guidance as we deal with this pressing issue, we have with us again Dr. Jennifer Thomas. Dr. Jen is a TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, bestselling author, and psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

In the previous episode, we talked about the fact why depression is one of the largest health issues in the world, whether it is genetically inherited and whether it is curable.

In this episode Dr. Jen shares her thoughts on the use of antidepressant medications and why some benefit from them while others don’t. She discusses with the host Helen Todd the possible reasons why certain segments of population are more at risk and what aspects of life can protect us from depression and suicidal thoughts. Dr Jen discusses the warning signs in a person struggling with depression and how a friend or a family member can help.

 Key Takeaways:

2:21 Dr. Jen’s concern about prescription medications for depression

3:01 Dr. Jen’s thoughts on genetic research to discover the cause of depression

4:11 Dr. Jen explains how antidepressants work

8:08 Dr. Jen shares her thoughts why teenagers and females are at a higher risk for having suicidal thoughts

10:15 What provides a protective effect from depression later in life

11:15 How to help a loved one with depression and the warning signs to look for

16:19 The fine line between being supportive and co-dependent

19:00 Dr. Jen’s favorite Bible verse to encourage hope

 Helpful resources:

The first step in suicide prevention is awareness — knowing when someone is in crisis. That’s often not obvious, because many people suffer in silence or give no sign that they might harm themselves. As a family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague, you can make a difference by using the Columbia Protocol — also known as Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) — to help determine when someone is at risk for suicide and how to help.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

Genetic testing and antidepressants (article on Mayo Clinic website)

 Article on pharmacogenomics

Dr Jen Thomas used 23andMe to learn about her genetics. Here is her referral link: https://refer.23andme.com/s/sorrytube

Personal and professional coaching sessions with Dr. Jennifer Thomas are available by telephone. For details, send an email with “Coaching” in the subject line to booking@drjenniferthomas.com.

Buy the book “When sorry isn’t enough” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802407048?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0802407048&linkCode=xm2&tag=drjenthomas-20  

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As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, it also induced a significant amount of worry, fear, uncertainty, and stress in the hearts and minds of people. It has also put people who are struggling with depression at a greater risk now more than ever.

To provide some much-needed guidance as we deal with this pressing issue, we have with us again Dr. Jennifer Thomas. Dr. Jen is a TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, bestselling author, and psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Listen in as Dr. Jen gives us an insight into what depression really is, the connection between depression and anxiety, and what the ideal approach to depression should be. If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, you’ll surely find today’s episode of tremendous value so don’t miss it!

Key Takeaways
03:33 Why depression is the world’s largest health problem
04:44 What depression really is
06:19 The connection between depression and anxiety
07:27 What she has observed in her practice when it comes to depression
09:21 What major depressive disorder is
10:24 The impact of depression on pastors
12:34 What she thinks the ideal approach should be when it comes to depression
14:10 What the rule is when it comes to depression

Quotes
“What we know is that happiness is not directly related to socio-economic status or availability of resources.”
“Just as diabetes runs in families, then depression may also run in your family.”
“Whereas with anxiety, it’s hard to live with but it doesn’t often take people’s lives.”
“All this loss of security and stability that we typically have here in the industrialised world, then I do see depression as a result of the rug being pulled out from under us, I really do.”
“We’re gonna let people know that you don’t have to suffer through this alone even in the midst of a shutdown. There are resources out there to help.’
“The work of the counselor or psychologist is to help them recognize these automatic thoughts and to try to have a more positive outlook and to increase their ways of coping so when the next cycle comes, they might be able to continue to function.”

 Helpful resources:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
1-800-273-8255

Personal and professional coaching sessions with Dr. Jennifer Thomas are available by telephone. For details, send an email with “Coaching” in the subject line to booking@drjenniferthomas.com.

Buy the book “When sorry isn’t enough” by Dr. Gary Chapman and Dr. Jennifer Thomas :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0802407048?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0802407048&linkCode=xm2&tag=drjenthomas-20  

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In this episode we continue the conversation with Dr. Richard Bartlett, a physician from Odessa, TX who is fighting the battle with COVID-19 on the frontlines

Dr. Bartlett is using the “common sense medicine” approach to successfully treat his patients with COVID-19. His approach came to him in a dream from God, has produced great results in his patients and is similar to the approach used in South Korea, Singapore, Iceland and Sweden – the countries that seem to have a great success in handling the pandemic.
In this episode he talks with the host Helen Todd about the importance of placing the decision on the type of treatment necessary for the patients in the office of a physician rather than a politician., discusses potential problems with relying on a development of a vaccine as the only solution to conquering the pandemic, shares the examples of at-risk patients dully recovering  when there is no limitations to testing and treatment, and shares his thoughts on how to move forward without fear.

Dr. Bartlett, MD has practiced medicine for 26 years, served as medical Director of public and private ambulance services, hospitals, and emergency rooms. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. In the 2002 he was appointed by the Governor of Texas for a two-year assignment on Texas Health Disparities Task force as the advisor to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Speaker of the House on improving access to quality healthcare for all Texans. He has been CBS News Medical Expert of West Texas for 20 years.

 Key Takeaways

2:00 A success story of an at-risk patient treated early by Dr Bartlett

4:41 One of the CDC guidelines that still endangers us

6:15 How Dr Bartlett’s method changed the guidelines in a local Health Department

7:10 Summary of the treatment plan that was revealed to him by God

9:44 Concerns about political interference the COVID-19 treatment

11:50 The problems with the potential vaccine

15:24 What changes should be made to testing guidelines on a state level

17:40 Limited testing if often a hospital’s choice

23:40 The issue of patients’ advocacy and other limitations of personal freedom

25:36 How do we move forward without fear?

27:19   The power of common-sense medicine

28:19 A Biblical word of encouragement

30:08  Is there a benefit to antibody testing?

 32:50  Can COVID-19 be eradicated?

Helpful resources

Current CDC guidelines for testing and treating COVID-19 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Article from NIH on benefits of Hydroxychloroquine for patients with HIV

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8565026

Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as a treatment of COVID-19: results of an open-label non-randomized clinical trial

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7102549/

Doctors don’t need virus diagnosis from US politicians

https://asiatimes.com/2020/04/doctors-dont-need-virus-diagnosis-from-us-politicians/

 Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org

Support the show https://rfwma.org/give/

Check out Dr Bartlett’s book “Journey of a medicine man” https://rfwma.org/product/journey-of-a-medicine-man/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

The world is preparing for a gradual re-opening of the economy, but do we have this pandemic under control? Are we ready to go back to our normal lives without the fear of going through another shut down soon down the road?

Today’s guest Dr Richard Bartlett from Odessa, TX feels that the current approach to COVID-19 pandemic in the US has two major flaws that prevent us from successfully moving forward.

Dr. Bartlett, MD has practiced medicine for 26 years, served as medical Director of public and private ambulance services, hospitals, and emergency rooms. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. In the 2002 he was appointed by the Governor of Texas for a two-year assignment on Texas Health Disparities Task force as the advisor to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Speaker of the House on improving access to quality healthcare for all Texans. He has been CBS News Medical Expert of West Texas for 20 years.

In this episode he talks with the host Helen Todd about what is the key difference between COVID 19 and all the other viruses known in history, why the current approach to tackling the pandemic can’t produce results, what are the major obstacles to his successful treatment of the patients and shares the example of a patient who has suffered as a result of the flawed approach.

Key Takeaways

02:58 Why this health crisis is unlike any others he has experienced in his lifetime

04:24 What makes COVID-19 so unique from any other virus in history

09:23 Why he believes the current CDC criteria for testing is flawed

11:42 Example of how the flawed criteria for testing produces dangerous results

15:08 What specifically makes COVID-19 deadly

16:33 What is the right approach to testing

19:40 What are the main obstacles he faces in treating patients with COVID-19

21:40 The obstacles his patients face in getting tested

22:00 The obstacles he faces in providing treatment for patients

26:00 Story of a patient who was refused testing which led to her being on a ventilator in the hospital

Current CDC guidelines for testing and treating COVID-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html

Email us your questions and comments at podcast@rfwma.org
Support the show https://rfwma.org/give/
Check out Dr Bartlett’s book “Journey of a medicine man” https://rfwma.org/product/journey-of-a-medicine-man/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

Today’s episode is the second installment of our conversation with Dr. Jennifer Thomas, TEDx speaker, leadership consultant, bestselling author, and psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology.

In this episode, Dr. Jen shared how to craft an apology that restores broken relationships, when to best use the 5 apology languages, and what to do if you’ve apologized and the other person is still upset.

If you’d like to know how to create an apology that brings emotional healing and mends broken relationships, don’t miss this episode!

Key Takeaways
02:33 Which is better: “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong”
03:44 How one is different from the other
04:46 Basis for research
05:14 Main apology languages
06:51 The importance of knowing other people’s apology language
08:05 When to best use the 5 apology languages
09:08 What to do if you’ve apologized but the other party is still upset
11:52 What the ideal apology should be from a leader or authority figure
13:17 An example of a perfect apology
16:04 Practical applications of the apology languages
17:02 The main take away

Quotes
“I think of ‘I’m sorry’ as focusing on the heart and feelings and I think of ‘I was wrong’ as focusing on the head in terms of more black and white.”
“If you don’t know their apology language or if it’s a group of people, so you wanna use all five.”
“If two things are true: if the mistake you made is either very serious or if it’s a habit, it’s been repeated, then most likely that person is gonna wanna hear something more than your reflexive ‘I’m sorry,’ or whatever you usually say.
“It’s very important that we not demand forgiveness on the spot.”

Link

When Sorry Isn’t Enough: Making Things Right with Those You Love by Gary Chapman and Jennifer Thomas – https://www.amazon.com/When-Sorry-Isnt-Enough-Making/dp/0802407048
Take a free apology profile, register for her e-newsletter, and learn more about her books. Visit her at www.drjenthomas.com.

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

Regardless of how careful we are, we sometimes say and do things that can hurt others, even those who are most dear to us. What many people don’t realize however is, even if we say sorry, it is often not enough. Fortunately, if we know the right things to say, we will not only restore our relationships, we’ll also heal emotionally.

Today’s guest is Dr. Jennifer Thomas, a psychologist with a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland. Dr. Jen is also a leadership consultant, TEDx speaker, and a bestselling author. Together with Dr. Gary Chapman, they wrote the book “When Sorry Isn’t Enough.”

Join us as we talk about apology—why it’s important, how it can impact your spiritual health, and the impact it has on the person doing it. You’ll surely see apologizing from a totally different light after this!

Key Takeaways

03:49 Why apology is so essential to society and to people personally

04:37 How the roadblock can be traumatic for the other person when you don’t apologize

05:21 How being able to apologize can heal you emotionally

06:33 How apologizing can impact the person doing it

07:46 The importance of apology to your spiritual health

09:16 Why saying sorry is not enough

10:03 The magic words people look for in an apology

13:32 What most people want to hear

Quotes

“What we want to encourage people to do is to stop and think about what the other person might really be waiting for us to say or do.”

“When we ask someone to forgive us, we’re actually asking for quite a lot.”

“We’re supposed to be thinking about where we’ve hurt others.”

“The important thing is not to leave out what the person most wants to hear.”

“Sincerity is the key thing.

Take a free apology profile, register for her e-newsletter, and learn more about her books. Visit her at www.drjenthomas.com.

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

This episode continues our conversation with Rabbi Kirt Schneider, a Christian Jewish believer, author, and the host of the popular television program “Discovering the Jewish Jesus.”

In this episode, Rabbi Kirt shared 2 more practical steps that can help us take our personal faith to the next level. He also shares profound wisdom and advice on how to deal with fear in mind and soul especially during these trying times.

If you need something bright and encouraging to hold on to and would like some guidance on how to address fear in your heart and mind, this episode is for you!

Key Takeaways

03:02 Practical step to spiritual growth number 2

05:54 Practical step to spiritual growth number 3

07:46 Rabbi Kirt Schneider’s advice to people who are struggling with fear

09:35 Practical ways to deal with fear

Quotes

“God is already here, right where you’re at right now, right where I’m at right now.”

“To walk in the peace of God, we have to root ourselves in that reality.”

“Whether we feel him or not, we have to affirm the truth that God is here.”

“It’s possible to have peace in our soul and yet still be battling in our minds but what comes first is peace in the soul.”

“The word of God is our standard.”

“Probably close to a hundred percent of the things that you and I are worried about has never happened.”

Learn more about Rabbi Kirt Schneider and check out his newest book here:
https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

In light of the current COVID-19 epidemic and the infestation of desert locusts in Africa, many Christians find themselves asking what the mission of the church is during these challenging times. How can people offer hope, truth, and love during times of adversity? To help us bring out that hidden potential in each of us, we talked to Rabbi Kirt Schneider.

Rabbi Kirt Schneider is a Christian Jewish believer and the host of the popular television program “Discovering the Jewish Jesus.” He has also authored several books including “Experiencing the Supernatural: How to Saturate You Life with the Power and Presence of God” and “Self-Deliverance: How to Gain Victory Over the Powers of Darkness.”

Join us in today’s episode and discover how you can unleash the power within you and use it for God’s glory!

Key Takeaways
05:04 What is the greater purpose for the church and every Christian especially in today’s challenging times?
07:20 The relevant way to peach the Gospel
11:04 What does it take for a Christian to walk at a higher level
14:39 Helen’s takeaway from the episode

Quotes
“The gospel needs to be preached but it needs to be preached in a way that is relevant and makes Jesus real to people.”
“I think the relevant way demands discernment.”
“The Gospel principles are never changed.”
“God is looking for somebody to love Him back.”
“A love for Jesus is not a feeling. It’s a decision.”

Learn more about Rabbi Kirt Schneider and check out his newest book here:
https://discoveringthejewishjesus.com/

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

In this episode, we continue the conversation with Danny Skaggs, Founder of Pharmacy Unlimited and author of the book “Prescription for Breakthrough”. We dig into the subject of prosperity, wealth, finances, tithing, and many others. Danny also shares about a miracle he experienced when he trusted God’s promise to provide for him and his needs.

We discuss what is true prosperity, who should prosper , is tithing a principle for today and how your current need just might be an opportunity for you to prosper.

Key Takeaways
01:52 Is it okay for people to prosper?
03:41 Prosperity defined
04:21 Who  should prosper?
06:14 How much is too much when it comes to wealth ?
08:17 The miracle of giving
12:35 The view on tithe/tithing
14:08 Where tithes should go ?

Quotes
“Being fruitful is I think a paradigm of heaven and I think that’s how God created us and that’s what He expects.”
“When baptized in Holy Spirit, we have the power of God in us for multiplication and for being fruitful for success.”
“When money becomes our God, that is the root of all evil.”
“Any believer that has confidence in God’s word and what God intends for us, I think any believer will prosper.”
“If we’re following God’s word, if we’re seeking Him and His righteousness first, He’s gonna provide our needs.”
“The more we praise, the more we bless, the more we spoke his promises over our circumstance, the more they change and the more provision that was there.”
“Money, things, are just tools but the true wealth is in our spirit, in our soul.”
“It was an opportunity to give with a guaranteed return.”
“The measure that you use is what will come back to you.”

The book “prescription for Breakthrough” by Danny Skaggs is available on Amazon for $9.95

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

Even if you are a person of faith, dealing with setbacks and overcoming obstacles can become overwhelming at times. It is reassuring to know however that God is more powerful than any circumstances and will provide all the help you need if you just ask Him. This is something today’s guest can also attest to.

Danny Skaggs is the founder of Pharmacy Unlimited. He is also the author of the fascinating book “Prescription for Breakthrough: Applying Transformative Faith Principles to Your Biggest Challenges.” In the book, Danny chronicled the business challenges he encountered and how he successfully weathered them all through God’s help.

Tune in and be amazed by Danny’s extraordinary faith in God and discover how you too can apply his winning principles in your own life!

Key Takeaways
02:13 What inspired him to write the book and the people he wrote the book for
03:58 What “pivotal advantage” means
06:10 What he has learned from the trials he experienced
07:20 What he ended up doing unwittingly in his business
08:09 What he realized about the spiritual and the physical world
10:13 How he dealt with the “waiting period”
13:48 The fine line between waiting on God and not dealing with the problem
15:00 Three key ingredients to a breakthrough
17:15 Where to purchase “Prescription for Breakthrough”
17:45 Helen’s key takeaways

Quotes
“It was by the hand of God that we were able to stay in business.”
“Do things God’s way and you’ll be taken care of, you’ll be provided for.”
“We thought we needed money or gold and actually what we needed was wisdom and blessing of the Lord.”
“When we couldn’t get the money, then we turned to heaven for an answer and we began speaking God’s promises into our business. And as we did, the business turned around. Our needs for cash or money were met and we gradually became more and more prosperous.”
“We did everything that we could humanly do to help the business and we allowed Him to provide the backup strength, the backup provision, the backup blessing that we couldn’t provide.”
“We routinely asked for His help.”
“One of the things Jesus said was, ‘If you need something, keep asking. Don’t give up. Keep asking.’”

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

In the previous episode, we learned about the story of 3 people whose lives were predetermined by God to cross 50 years prior. We also learned about Billy Krieger’s encounter with Mr. Tong which eventually culminated in a touching moment of destiny.

In today’s episode, we talked to another “unwilling” participant that day who responded to God’s call with unconditional obedience. Laurie Ball-Gisch is an artist and sheep farmer from Michigan. Just like Billy, she too had an amazing encounter with Mr. Tong that fateful day.

Listen in as she recounted a beautiful story of salvation and healing, all because she obeyed God’s call unconditionally!

Key Takeaways
03:30 Her thoughts about the war in Vietnam
04:22 The part of the book that made a huge impact on her
06:48 How she felt about the people of Cambodia after reading the book
08:19 How her interaction with the lieutenant went
10:15 How the lieutenant accepted Jesus in his life

Quotes
“When we talk in the spirit and we’re talking to Him, He knows our hearts so well.”
“He was really weaving the tapestry of all of us that day .”
“I went over to Thailand to see a manifestation of salvation and healing at once, together.”
“We’re blessed when we get to bless others through the Holy Spirit.”

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While “living a life of destiny” has become somewhat of a cliche among Christians, not many know what it really means.

In the next 2 episodes we look at a story of 3 individuals whose lives were predestined to cross. How did each one of them responded to this call of destiny and what was the end result of the encounter is a powerful illustration of how a life of destiny differs from a life of fate.

In today’s episode, we interviewed Billy Krieger, a retired US Army veteran, who has served in several wars including the Vietnam war and the war in Iraq.

Currently, Billy is pursuing his passion for sharing his Christian faith in different countries. He has also returned to some of the countries he had served as a soldier with a message of love and peace.

In one of his visits, he had an encounter with a former lieutenant from the Hmong minority tribe. Listen in as Billy recounts his life as a soldier before and after he became a Christian and how his encounter with Mr. Tong culminated in a beautiful moment of destiny!

Key Takeaways

• What his experience was like when he first went to Vietnam
• What prompted him to commit his life to God
• The difference between serving in Vietnam and not having his life committed to Christ versus serving in other war zones as a Christian
• How he felt about his “enemies” after he became a Christian
• What made him realize it was the best time to visit Thailand
• What his encounter with Mr. Tong was like
• What his favorite part about being involved in the Great Commission is

Quotes
“I think the Lord was always tugging at my heartstrings.”
“Once you know the Lord, you have a certain compassion for the enemy that you don’t have.”

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

Today’s episode is the second part of our conversation with Jason Thacker, the creative director and associate research fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. Jason is also the author of the book “The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.”

Visit Jason’s website to learn more about his work with AI and pre-order his book today. Follow Jason on Twitter @jasonthacker and like his page on Facebook @jthackerERLC.

In this second installment, Jason provided enlightenment and wisdom on some of the interesting and thought-provoking questions related to humanity and artificial intelligence.

If you want to thrive in this AI-empowered world and see it from the Christian perspective, don’t miss today’s episode!

Key Takeaways:
01:35 On human beings and general intelligence
03:03 On the possibility of creating general AI
06:20 The opinions of members of different faiths on the topic of AI
08:44 How AI is being used in mission applications
09:29 How tools can be used to communicate truth
11:07 Benefits of these tools
11:39 His take on having a global framework for the use of AI
11:59 How the world can be safe when using AI
12:58 What he wants to do through his book
14:28 On the discussions and dialogues that should be done regarding AI
16:42 The most important thing Christians needs to know and what they can do to make a difference when it comes to AI
18:39 One of the primary reasons he wrote his book “The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity”
19:23 How people can purchase his book

Quotes:
“A lot of times when we think about artificial intelligence, we do think about it from this more materialistic type of sense.”
“You’re a human being not because of what you can do, not because you can think, not because you have these abilities, whether physical or mental abilities. You’re a human being and the essence of that is the image of God.”
“You cannot lose the image of God. You are created in God’s image and that’s a designation, something that God has given you and you can’t redefine that.”
“While we’re the crowning point of creation, we’re not God in ourselves.”
“We can also use these tools to communicate truth.”
“In no point should these tools become a substitute for authentic Christian community.”

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The idea of artificial intelligence (AI) competing with humans is no longer a far-fetched concept as it was many decades prior. After all, we now have AI who can detect illness far better than human doctors, can create more sophisticated algorithms than human developers, and can even beat world champions at chess.

The superior capabilities of artificial intelligence in various fields have scientists, the tech community, and the general public concerned. For Christians, the ethical challenges of our ongoing interactions with artificial intelligence has become a point of concern.

To help us navigate this AI-empowered age, we talked to Jason Thacker. Jason is the creative director and an associate research fellow at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is also the author of the book “The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity.”

In this episode, Jason answered many of our pressing concerns regarding artificial intelligence. More importantly, he provided valuable wisdom and insights so we can tackle this brand new world from the position of confidence and hope.

Visit Jason’s website to learn more about his work with AI and pre-order his book today. Follow Jason on Twitter @jasonthacker and like his page on Facebook @jthackerERLC.

In this episode:

03:21 When his book is coming out

03:24 What prompted him to write the book “The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity”

05:37 Specific incident/event that caused him to look deeper into AI

08:23 Aspects of AI people should be concerned about from the prospective of faith

11:37 The difference between narrow and general AI

13:46 Big existential question related to AI

Quotes:

“As we’re engaging with these tools every day, there’s a lot of big questions that arise from it.”

“I think this is a great time for the church to be proactively engaging and engaging from a position of hope.”

“The world view of materialism is kinda rearing its head again through the sciences and through technology and as Christians, I think that’s really concerning.”

“One of the things that we have to keep in mind especially in this day and age is the difference between what is called narrow AI and what’s called general AI.”

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible

This episode is the second installment of our interview with Dr. Inge Auerbarcher. Among other things, we’ll discover how her past helped shape the person she is today and where she drew strength from during those trying times.

Dr. Auerbarcher exhibited incredible resilience and heart in the face of trials and adversities. More than anything however, she showed us that while we can’t change the past, we can always choose how to respond to it—an option that makes us truly powerful!

Key Takeaways

01:28 How she felt when she was inflicted with an infectious disease
04:30 Where she drew strength from during those trying and discouraging times
07:26 How her past helped shape who she is today
08:33 Advice she’d give to someone who struggles with the pain of the past

Quotes
“I was determined. I am going to make it! I will! And I will be one of the best students in the school.”
“I have to take advantage of the life that was given to me.”
“I never lost faith in God, ever.”
“I felt I had the obligation to make something of myself since one and a half million children did not get that opportunity.”
“I think each person has to deal with their own life.”
“I am not the person who says ‘Woe is me’.”
“I feel God has a plan and things somehow work out for the best.”
“Nobody can make you happy. You have to make yourself happy.”

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Why does God allow terrible things to happen to people? This is a question even those who are committed to God find hard to answer. Fortunately, in today’s episode we’ll not only hear a story of evil and suffering but also of survival and triumph.

Dr. Inge Auerbarcher is an American chemist of German origin, an inspirational speaker, and a prolific author. She is also a human rights activist and a Holocaust survivor. At 7 years old, she was deported to the Theresienstadt ghetto in Czechoslovakia together with her parents. She was also forced to wear a yellow star that identified her as a Jew.

In this episode, we’ll not only learn about Dr. Auerbarcher’s brave and inspirational journey, we’ll also discover how she turned her yellow star of shame into a real star.

In this Episode:

06:07 Who is Inge Auerbarcher
07:05 How she felt about the people who have hurt her, her loved ones, and her people
09:02 On whether or not she has encountered people who were former Nazis during her travels

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An interview with an Iraqi refugee whose life turned into a crisis because he became a Christian. How he made the most difficult choice in his life, the greatest challenge of being a refugee, his opinion on the refugee policy and a new chapter in his family’s life.

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Becoming a Christian will cost you nothing. Being a Christian however comes with a high price. And interview with an Iraqi refugee whose life turned into a crisis because he became a Christian.

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Podcast about the impact of faith and Christian identity in today’s world.  Practical, inspiring and thought-provoking content for a Christian who wants to make a difference.

Host: Helen Todd grew up in the Soviet Union under the rule of God-less socialism. She was set free by a Gospel tract smuggled into her country by missionaries.  As the Vice President of World Missions Alliance, Helen has traveled to the world’s “hot spots”, war zones, natural disaster sites and countries under oppressive regimes to share the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Support the show (https://rfwma.org/give) WMA is 501(c)(3), donations are tax deducible