How does someone leave their lifelong dream of becoming an attorney, to respond to God’s call to become a Pastor? Well, it doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without a wrestling match with God. Jay finally relinquished control of his dreams to the Lord and found himself in some unexpected places along the way. His journey has included …

Jessica had a beautiful life: two wonderful children, a loving husband, a great job, and many friends and family. But in 2022 she was faced with a cancer diagnosis that rocked her world. Instead of allowing her circumstances to cause bitterness and anger, she will tell you that her suffering brought her closer to Jesus. She frequently says, “I can …

This interview is part 2 of the interview with Tony Loefflin. Chip currently serves as the Sr. VP of International Solid Rock. He is passionate about evangelism and sharing the hope of Christ with those who have been incarcerated. As part of this ministry, he also disciples prisoners through the Church Behind Bars, teaching them how to be a fully f…

Tony Loeffler grew up in a broken home with a lot of anger toward his absentee father. As a result of his pain he became addicted to drugs and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He got involved in witchcraft, and read tarot cards for several months before he became homeless and eventually gave up on life. But on a very cold night in Chicago he had a…

Does God approve of women who take on leadership roles in the church? Are women who lead in the church going against the will of God? Carolyn answers these questions about women with eloquence and grace. She also shares her insights into the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God.…

Assel was born into a family of very talented musicians and began playing piano and organ in church at a very young age. He was hired as a church musician when he was a teenager. In this interview, Assel talks openly about the ups and downs of his faith journey. He also answers some very challenging questions. How do we trust God enough to walk by …

Brady Duke has always been known as someone who excels at whatever he does. His ability to think under pressure and to not allow pain to hinder progress has enabled him to excel as an athlete, a student, and as a Navy Seal. After marriage he went to church faithfully and led small groups and Bible studies with his wife. On the surface everything lo…

Mary Jane (MJ) grew up in a home where both parents were alcoholics. She did not hear the words “I love you” from her mother until she was an adult with children and never heard those words from her father. She spent her life in search of love, and finally found what she was looking for in Jesus. Now MJ says, “Jesus is everything.”…

Our culture is sexually saturated with porn. It’s easily available and accessible to everyone and can be viewed anonymously. It has become an epidemic and is having a very negative affect on relationships and families. Today we have an honest conversation with Bruce Bailey who is the Director of SAFE in the Pandhandle and Pastor Brian James, who is…

Have you ever wanted more out of life, but weren’t sure where to turn? As a young child, Patti had a miraculous encounter with God. She spent much of her life trying to discover the nature of this God, who had been so kind to her. With little spiritual direction, she ended up researching many different religions and dabbling in New Age activities, …

Patina Ripkey and Lanie James, two pastor's kids who are now in full-time ministry in the local church, share their thoughts on "church hurt." When the church is working, it is a joyful gathering that brings healing and restoration to so many people's lives. However, although the church was designed by God to be an incredible place of worship and s…

Suzanne spent about twenty years heavily immersed in the occult. She was a successful medium, wiccan, reiki healer, and tarot card reader. She helped build covens all over the country and organized major festivals in an attempt to make paganism an acceptable practice. However, her involvement in paganism and the occult left her empty. Then, on a ra…

Marci had an accident while on a family vacation. She thought her recovery would only take a few weeks. Instead, it took 6 months before she would be able to walk again. As a very independent wife, mother, and business professional, she found herself bedridden and then confined to a wheelchair, unable to care for herself. In those moments she learn…

Megan grew up in a suburban, middle-class, two-parent household. On the outside, Megan appeared to be normal and well-adjusted, but on the inside, Megan was broken. Upon entering high school Megan began experimenting with drinking and drugs. Her addiction eventually landed her in Orlando, under the control of a pimp, where she was trafficked for fi…

Doug grew up in a small rural community in central Ohio on his family's 500-acre farm. In high school, he was popular and succeeded in just about everything he did. He graduated high school in 1983, then about a year later in December of 1984, he had a tragic accident that changed the direction of his well-planned future. His journey to a relations…

What once seemed like a perfect life in an amazing community, suddenly turned into the darkest season Joanna would ever endure. In her mid-forties, as a single parent, she discovered that all three of her children were going through major personal struggles. She also found out her boyfriend of 4-1/2 years was a drug-addict. After leaving him, he st…

Dionne (Dee) Coleman is the Executive Director of Samaritan Village in Orlando Florida. Samaritan Village is one of the only long-term residential programs for survivors of sex-trafficking in Central Florida. Although Dee is not a survivor of sex trafficking, she believes her personal experiences have helped her develop the empathy needed for the w…

Larry Smith is a family man, a leader in his church, and the Owner of a successful Chick-fil-A Franchise in Orlando. A few months ago, Larry was hospitalized with a critical illness. While in the hospital, he heard God’s voice telling him to let go of all of life’s distractions. That changed Larry's life completely. Since that day Larry is more pas…

How does one move from having a successful career as an attorney to becoming the President and CEO of the Orlando Union Rescue Mission? Well, for Freddy Clayton, it didn’t happen overnight. He began his career as an attorney and then worked in the business sector for several years. He moved to Orlando and eventually began volunteering at the missio…

Michael is a successful businessman, but for most of his life he struggled with uncontrollable anger, arising from childhood abuse, that eventually landed him in prison for domestic violence. He lost his wife and his children and finally lost his will to live. But at his lowest moment, with a gun in hand, God intervened and showered him with uncond…

Matthew Columbie is currently on staff at the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. However, prior to becoming an employee at OURM he was a gang member, an armed robber, a drug dealer and an addict. He ended up serving prison time and almost lost his life when a drug deal went bad. Through a Judge who wanted better for him, and the ministry of the servants…

Nichelle surrendered her life to Jesus at the age of 7. She preached her first sermon at 11 years old and became an Evangelist at 17. After college she married her best friend from High School, and began a career in IT, eventually starting her own business. However, no life is without trouble and suffering. Nichelle experienced the loss of a child …

Tiki had a difficult childhood. She was abused by a family friend, hit by a drunk driver, and then moved away from her childhood home when she was in middle school. She ended up running away from home and looking for a way to survive. She began making money as a dancer and married at a young age. Her adult life was no easier than her childhood, and…

Dean was at the peak of his career when he was asked to volunteer for a children’s event at his church. He was deeply moved by this experience and began serving in children’s ministry weekly. Eventually Dean left his career to become a full-time Children’s Pastor. He believes God moves in the lives of children and says, “there is no such thing as a…

Remain steadfast! Be joyful! Take courage! These are words of wisdom that Lynne graciously shares with those who are experiencing life's most difficult trials. She has gone through numerous health crises, childhood abuse, failed marriages, and the loss of her only son, Matthew, who was murdered in 2012. But she has also experienced miraculous recov…

Dawn serves on the Praise Team weekly and is also a gifted Bible teacher. Her passion for Jesus, people, and the Word of God is undeniable. However, Dawn has not always been a Christian. As a matter of fact, she endured years of panic attacks, drug use and overwhelming fear. Her story will surprise you and delight you at the same time. I am excited…

John Campbell was born prematurely, suffered several life-threatening childhood illnesses, lost his father at 15 yrs old, and got caught up in the drug world in high school. As an adult, he lost his best friend to suicide and experienced several failed relationships, yet John says he is blessed and credits all of the good in his life to an amazing …

Darren Woods is a community leader, an entrepreneur, and a Christian businessman. He also serves in his local church as a deacon. Darren is committed to family, marriage, and men’s ministry and brings years of experience and wisdom to conversations about ethics, morality, discipleship, forgiveness, humility, and a variety of other topics. Darren is…

Merrie and her husband, Igor, are Co-Founders of Harbour Hope International located in Orlando, Florida. Harbour Hope International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking by providing mentoring relationships to survivors of sex trafficking on their journey toward self-sustainability. Merrie has an exciting walk of faith t…

Tina is on the front lines of the battle against human trafficking. She is a public speaker, a writer, an entrepreneur, and a self-described “warrior” who uses her personal story to educate others. She serves Jesus by getting down into the trenches with the most vulnerable and the most abused, and helping them experience spiritual, emotional, and p…

Ada Madison was a successful business owner in the prime of her life when she met her knight in shining armor. They were married and seemed to have the perfect life. However, after two years of marriage she found out that her husband had secretly stolen all her money and everything she owned. She found herself homeless with only $20 left to her nam…

After surviving years of childhood sexual abuse from her grandfather, Jeanne Icenhour still believes that God is good. In her late thirties, after she was married and had two children, she was stopped in her tracks by suppressed memories that came to the surface unexpectedly. Through her relationship with Jesus, friends and family, and professional…

Samuel Perez was on a quest for love, fulfillment, and purpose. Instead, he found himself completely broken and alone. In a moment of desperation, he considered suicide, but Jesus met him in his mess and radically changed him. Samuel openly shares his personal testimony of his life as a gay stripper, in hopes that others will be encouraged and foll…

Hello My name is Patina Ripkey and I am a Local Pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo in Oviedo Florida. This podcast is dedicated to sharing life Changing Testimonies with Pastor Patina Ripkey and special guests.By First Church Oviedo

If you think human trafficking is something that happens only to those who come from broken families or who live in other countries, think again. Shelby Easterling was raised in a Christian home in a very tightknit family. However, at 18 yrs. old she moved away from home and was seduced into the life of human trafficking by her boyfriend. Shelby op…