Where Ya From? Podcast

The Where Ya From? podcast is gearing up for its 8th season. Get ready for more insightful and thought provoking conversations centered around faith and culture with host Rasool Berry. Subscribe to never miss an episode! Links: Visit our website to sign up for emails. Leave us a review.  Check out our VOICES Collection from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow Where Ya From? on Instagram. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As someone who is still processing what it looks like for her to be a leader in ministry spaces that aren’t always the most welcoming, Rev. Dr. Nicole Martin’s definition of “excellence” has undergone multiple changes over the years. Yet in the last few years, this journey has invited her to ask tough questions of her, over and over, that has reshaped her definition of excellence: Am I leading in the way that pleases God, not me? Am I willing to possibly suffer, get down on my knees, and serve others if that’s what my leadership requires? Guest Bio: Rev. Dr. Nicole Massie Martin holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. She is the chief impact officer at Christianity Today and founder and executive director of Soulfire International Ministries. She is an accomplished writer and author, serves on various boards and councils, and leads the Grow Ministry at Kingdom Fellowship AME Church in Maryland.  She and her husband, Mark, are proud parents to two amazing daughters. Notes & Quotes: “I think everyone has to do their own work of seeking God through the Word of asking the Holy Spirit for revelation. And what you’ll find is that the gospel is full of examples of ways that God builds our identity in Him beyond the confines of the world.” “But redemptive leadership says actually who you are and who Christ has called you to be is represented by your lows. The cross becomes the core of our identity.” “The world says power makes you who you are. That needs to be crucified. The world says perfection makes you who you are. That needs to be crucified. When we crucify the things that the world says make us great, then we get to become who God calls us to be—people shaped according to the cross. People who are dependent on Christ.” The depth of your integrity shows up in how you handle your low moments. And we don’t learn that from a generation. We learned that from Jesus, who says, ‘I am Lord. Not because I came in riding on a horse. I am Lord because I died on the cross. Because I literally went to the depths for you. And if you want to be like me, then you’ve got to take on what I take on.’” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Dr. Martin’s work with Christianity Today. Get your copy of Dr. Martin’s book, Made to Lead, on Amazon. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Romans 8:28  John 15:13 John 20:11-18 Romans 16:1-2 1 Timothy 2:11 1 Corinthians 11:5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you took one look at Danielle Marck’s resume, your first question would be how can one person get all of these things done? But she would be the first to tell you she hasn’t done it alone.  As a singer, songwriter, CEO, founder, entrepreneur, and president of The Witness Foundation, Danielle excels at wearing a lot of different hats. But for every success she’s had, there was first the invitation to surrender and become attuned to God’s voice—even when what she was being called to do went against what she thought the plan was. Each pivot has required Danielle to first step out in trust—having no clue how God was going to work things out but being absolutely sure He will. Guest Bio: Danielle Marck, President of the Witness Foundation, is an emerging leader in the nonprofit sector with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, three of those years at the Witness Foundation, holding various roles within the organization. Danielle is also the Founder and CEO of The Didoc Group, a consultancy firm dedicated to empowering BIPOC leaders and helping them scale their organizations effectively.  An alumnus of West Chester University, Danielle also holds a certification from the Yale School of Management, with a specialization in Fostering Diversity and Inclusion. Additionally, she is in the process of obtaining her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification. Her journey is marked by a commitment to fostering change through ingenuity and compassionate responses.  Danielle has been named one of Radio One’s (formerly known as Urban One’s) Boom 30 Under 30, highlighting her impactful contributions and leadership in the Greater Philadelphia community through music and campus ministry. Recently married, Danielle resides close to Philadelphia with her husband, Josh. She enjoys going out to eat and making music in her spare time. Notes & Quotes: “I had these real experiences with God and with people seeing how one word, one moment, one act of obedience can really change somebody’s life. And I wasn’t in charge of that change. I was just in charge of doing my part.”  “Just because you’re not excelling in one area doesn’t mean you’re not intelligent. Just may not be your area of expertise when it comes to intelligence. That’s where God was like, ‘You never sought me about what I wanted you to do. You just pursued your plan B instead of asking me for my plan A for your life.’”  “God has given me glimpses of where He wants to take me. Some of them I’ve seen come to pass. Some are still yet to come. But there’s always that element of we have to trust Him, and we have to believe that what He says is going to happen. And whether we believe it or not, there are things that God’s going to make happen anyway. But there’s a beautiful intimate invitation that he gives us to trust Him.” “It’s the forming [of us to be like Jesus] that makes us more like [God] and where we find joy and peace.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Danielle's work with The Witness Foundation. Check out Danielle’s consultancy firm, The Didoc Group. Visit the VOICES website to learn more about our partnership with The Witness Foundation and sign up to receive emails. Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Luke 16:10 Romans 8:28-29 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On paper, pastor and author Brady Boyd may seem like an unlikely choice to lead a church. With never receiving any formal seminary training, his path to the pulpit is evidence of God bringing the right mentors and discipleship into Brady’s life to help develop his gifts and passion for loving people.  Yet Brady’s biggest test of holding steadfast to the example of Jesus came to a dramatic crossroads. Only 100 days into his new job, he had to comfort his congregation through the devastation of gun violence that shook the entire community—a community that had just gone through a dramatic scandal that played out on the front page of every national newspaper. Guest Bio: Brady Boyd is married to his college sweetheart, Pam, and is the dad to great kids named Abram and Callie. He has written several books, including Remarkable, Speak Life, Fear No Evil, Addicted to Busy, Let Her Lead, Sons & Daughters, and Extravagant. He has most recently published the book, Life-Minded: 8 Intentional Practices for Belonging to God and Each Other, and its complementary Bible study with Our Daily Bread Publishing. He’s also really serious about caring for the people of Colorado Springs by opening numerous Dream Centers. He has a degree in Journalism from Louisiana Tech, has been a radio announcer for professional baseball and basketball teams and was the sports editor for his college newspaper. Before coming to New Life in 2007, he served Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas for almost seven years. Notes & Quotes: “I’ll look back on this part of my life and I’ll say, the church is more resilient than we think. The gates of hell will not prevail against the church. That what Jesus said about the church is true. That we can overcome anything if we will stay faithful and stay steady and believe in Him and trust Him.” “The kingdom of heaven is not an independent work. It’s interdependent. It’s built around community. It’s built around trust. It’s built around self-sacrifice.” “We need Jesus. We need His kingdom. We need His power. We are not enough. Jesus is still enough and we still need Him.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Check out Brady’s new Life-Minded book and Bible study with Our Daily Bread Publishing.  Brady Boyd’s Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 Revelation 22:20 Ephesians 4:3 2 Corinthians 12:10 Matthew 22:37-39 Matthew 28:18-20 Psalm 22 Psalm 23 Psalm 91 Psalm 51 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine being wrongly accused of something you never did, spending the prime years of your life in a cold, cramped jail cell. This is happening all while you’re fighting an uphill battle to prove your innocence to people who seem to put up hurdle after hurdle. Jonathan Irons doesn’t have to imagine it. That was his reality—for more than two decades. Join us as we hear Jonathan’s courageous fight for freedom and justice, while considering what we might be able to do for those who are still on the long path toward freedom. Guest Bio: Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons’ story has all the makings of a modern fairytale: full of faith, friendship, a fight for justice, and ultimately the triumph of love.  Maya is a basketball icon—a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. Jonathan was just 18 years old when he was wrongly convicted by an all-white jury for a crime that occurred when he was 16. With no physical evidence tying him to the crime, Jonathan was handed a 50-year prison sentence, of which he served 23 years. Their lives juxtaposed, it might seem unlikely that their paths would cross. Yet, it was right before her freshman year at UCONN that Maya was introduced to Jonathan by her family involved with prison ministry. She heard his story, and over the next decade, as Maya graduates from UCONN and is drafted into the WNBA, Jonathan pours himself into earning first his GED, then develops a deep understanding of law. The two forged a close friendship, grounded in their shared faith and cultivated through their dedication to finding his freedom. Then, in 2019, at the peak of her career, Maya shocked the world when she decided to step away from basketball to focus solely on Jonathan’s case.  After a winding, yearlong effort, Jonathan was finally released. The next day, Jonathan proposed to Maya, and weeks later, they were married. Maya was the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2021 ESPYS, and the story of her fight for Jonathan’s freedom was told in the ESPN 30 for 30 film “Breakaway.” In 2023, Maya and Jonathan welcomed their first child, Jonathan, Jr. (“JJ”), and published their joint memoir, Love and Justice. Together, they are dedicated to using their now shared platform and social action nonprofit Win With Justice to raise awareness and advocate for issues surrounding criminal justice reform, the important role district attorneys play in the judicial system and the power of each individual to live out their purpose and impact change. Notes & Quotes: “But faith has to become your own. You have to have your own personal relationship with God. I would feel His presence, and just things would line up in a way where I’m like, that can’t be nothing but God, talking to me and looking out for me.”  “When you’re in a situation where you feel dehumanized, the only way that you can feel human is if people treat you like you’re a human being. And when you treat someone like they’re a human being, they care about life, and they care about what happens to other people. That inspires them to change and have a lasting change and to strive for the stars and to have hope and to have vision and to have dreams.”  Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT  Learn more about Jonathan’s work with Win with Justice. Check out Jonathan and Maya’s book, Love and Justice. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/experiencevoices/ Verses Mentioned: Proverbs 22:6 Habakkuk 1:2-4 1 Kings 19:1-9 Matthew 25:40-45 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Maya Moore Irons’ career speaks for itself. As a multi-time champion and all-star for the NCAA, WNBA, and an Olympic Gold Medalist, she achieved almost every success possible in the sport. Yet she shocked the sports world when she left the court at the height of her game—leaving one kind of court for another. Years earlier she met Jonathan Irons, a man sitting in a jail cell hundreds of miles away who didn’t deserve to be there in the first place. God planted the seed of justice within her after that first encounter with Johnathan. And the way God unfolded that story is truly one for the record books. Join us as we hear how Maya’s faith remained her constant strength throughout her career and while fighting for social justice reform within the criminal prosecution system. Guest Bio: Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons’ story has all the makings of a modern fairytale: full of faith, friendship, a fight for justice, and ultimately the triumph of love.  Maya is a basketball icon—a two-time NCAA champion, two-time Olympic gold medalist, four-time WNBA champion, and WNBA MVP. Jonathan was just 18 years old when he was wrongly convicted by an all-white jury for a crime that occurred when he was 16. With no physical evidence tying him to the crime, Jonathan was handed a 50-year prison sentence, of which he served 23 years. Their lives juxtaposed, it might seem unlikely that their paths would cross. Yet, it was right before her freshman year at UCONN that Maya was introduced to Jonathan by her family involved with prison ministry. She heard his story, and over the next decade, as Maya graduates from UCONN and is drafted into the WNBA, Jonathan pours himself into earning first his GED, then develops a deep understanding of law. The two forged a close friendship, grounded in their shared faith and cultivated through their dedication to finding his freedom. Then, in 2019, at the peak of her career, Maya shocked the world when she decided to step away from basketball to focus solely on Jonathan’s case.  After a winding, yearlong effort, Jonathan was finally released. The next day, Jonathan proposed to Maya, and weeks later, they were married. Maya was the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the 2021 ESPYS, and the story of her fight for Jonathan’s freedom was told in the ESPN 30 for 30 film “Breakaway.” In 2023, Maya and Jonathan welcomed their first child, Jonathan, Jr. (“JJ”), and published their joint memoir, Love and Justice. Notes & Quotes: “I was like, ‘Oh, this is. . . I’m more like Jesus than I’ve ever been in my life.’ And I wasn’t just like, I’m going to be Jesus in this picture. Like we’re all helping each other, but I’m getting a chance to relate to the gospels and relate to some of these things I’m seeing in Scripture because I need [Jesus]. Because I am seeing this oppression.”  “I don’t know what’s going to happen necessarily, what’s next to do, but I know [God] is going to provide. He’s going to show up every season, every year. You get heartbreak, but then He’d show us something, and then hold on nothing’s happening, and then something, and then He would just keep us going. He’d show himself really undeniably in different ways where it was like, we’re on the right track.”  “The goodness of God and the goodness of this story is what’s going to win.” God’s heart is about justice, and mercy, and dignity, and caring for the vulnerable. . . this is what the Kingdom of God looks like at its purest. Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Maya’s work with Win with Justice. Check out Maya and Jonathan’s book, Love and Justice. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Colossians 3:23 Esther 4:14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Orsika Fejer-Baas will be the first to tell you that she never thought she would be the person who became a victim of abuse. But the hurtful behaviors of her second husband reached the point where they could no longer be ignored. Yes, as Orsika proudly proclaims, it was only by God’s grace continuing to work in and through her that she made it out of the quicksand. Guest Bio: Orsika Fejer-Baas’ childhood was magical. As an adult, her choices were less than amazing.  She moved from one failed relationship to another, had three children, and lost direction in life. She felt as though she let everyone down. Having experienced domestic violence, Orsika knew something had to change. She hit rock bottom and clearly understood the years of abuse were going to drastically transform her life for the better.  Her healing journey began well after escaping the abuse. Orsika lived through the pain, the shame, and the guilt of making decisions, which brought sorrow and potential unforgiveness. She understands, firsthand, the feelings of loneliness and desperation. Yet Orsika also knows the journey to healing is through our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Notes & Quotes: I just knew I wasn’t alone. I looked back in the sand and it was the one set of footprints, and it’s God carrying me through it. So it wasn’t ever, “Oh lord, why have you forsaken me?” You know, it was like, “Thank you Lord for carrying me.” “It was truly just by the grace of God that we made it through. God made sure that we were as safe in each situation as possible. And God protected me from, and us, the kids and I, from the free will of those who chose differently than maybe they should have.” “It’s important to share, to give people the hope that there can be a better life and escaping is the best option. You just have to be determined to not go back. And it is important to be able to tell God’s story in all of it, realistically, because that’s how I made it through.” “I found a peace through forgiveness, and that happened only through Christ, and that happened only through God.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT National Domestic Abuse Hotline Learn more about Orsika’s work with Out of the Quicksand at her website. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The problems of exploitation and injustice that many women in Lily Meschi’s home country of Iran are living through are close to Lily’s heart because they were once her problems—even when she was thousands of miles away in the United States. In her early adult years, Lily found herself in an overwhelming darkness of abuse and manipulation from which she found no possible escape. Yet, once she came to Jesus through the comforting words of John 1, a new type of life instantly started. Guest Bio: Driven by a passion for intentional living, Lily Meschi dedicates herself to serving in ministry for Iran Alive as the director of partner relations.  Born and raised in a Muslim family in Tehran, Iran, Lily’s life took a transformative turn when her family relocated to the US at the age of 18. Amidst struggles and hardships related to her identity as an Iranian woman, Lily discovered Christianity, finding solace and freedom in her newfound faith in Jesus Christ. This experience ignited her compassion for Iranian women who have faced similar oppression, abuse, and isolation.  By drawing from her personal journey as an Iranian woman, Lily provides profound insights into the challenges surrounding women’s rights in Iran. She has become a vocal advocate against practices such as arranged marriages of young women to older men in the Middle East, shedding light on societal norms that perpetuate injustice. Introduced to Iran Alive Ministries through a satellite TV program, Lily’s faith journey was further nurtured by the Gospel message presented by an Iranian woman, leading her to pursue education in Bible college to deepen her understanding of Christianity’s teachings and history. Additionally, Lily has shared her story and insights in various media outlets like CBN News, Today’s Christian Living, The Christian Post, and others. Notes & Quotes: “Growing up, I always knew Jesus was one of the greatest prophets who performed many miracles. I had great honor for Him, but he was nothing but a prophet. . . when she read to me that in the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, it was resolved for me. Jesus was God because He was from the beginning, was God, and was with God.” “I needed to understand that there's a loving Father that wants His children to live in complete peace and tranquility with Him, partnering with Him on this earth. And there's a purpose for everyone that is definitely not trauma. His purpose and plan for us is not to harm us, but to bless us, and to give us a hope and a future.” “It all boils down to our intimate walk with our Heavenly Father through the Holy Spirit and the work of Jesus Christ; to really become intimate with Him and learn about our purpose, our destiny, our assignment. So that on the day when we are taken up to heaven, we can say that I did faithfully what you have and the assignment that you have put before me.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT National Domestic Abuse Hotline Find out more about Lily’s work with Iran Alive Ministries Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: John 1:1 John 1:14 John 15:5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich knows what it feels like to be an outlier. Starting a personal relationship with Jesus in his late teens, Rich’s curious mind was drawn to the diverse tapestry of Christian traditions—both past and present. But that curiosity was a necessary foundation for his faith. In fact, it’s that passion that continues to define and shape his ministry. Guest Bio: Rich Villodas is the Brooklyn-born lead pastor of New Life Fellowship, a large multiracial church with over seventy-five countries represented in Elmhurst, Queens. Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary. He enjoys reading widely, preaching, and writing on contemplative spirituality, justice-related matters, and the art of preaching.  He’s been married to Rosie since 2006 and they have two beautiful children, Karis and Nathan. His books, The Deeply Formed Life and Good and Beautiful and Kind, are available wherever books are sold. Notes & Quotes: “I came to Jesus not because I believe that He rose from the dead. I came to Jesus because [the preacher] said to me that there is hope. There is life if you put your trust in Him. In that moment, all he said was “God can put you back together,” and that’s all I needed to hear.” “We have global historic theology and expressions of faith within Christianity, and lots of folks just want their tradition. There’s a feast before us, but there’s something missing here.” “I think I learned a lot from my failures in 2016 and 2017 with how I alienated a group of people in our church unwittingly, that I changed course in 2020. I was able to be faithful to what I believe are gospel values, but in a way, do my best pastorally to remain emotionally connected to people.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Check out Rich’s books, The Deeply Formed Life, Good and Beautiful and Kind, and The Narrow Path. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Ezekiel 37 Matthew 17:1-13 Malachai 4:5-6 Micah 6:8 Luke 4:1-28 Isaiah 61:1-3 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As a self-described “recovering perfectionist,” Jeanne wanted to be the one doing it all; breaking barriers and making space for everyone at the table. That desire was the foundation for many of the successes she’s achieved in academics, leadership, and ministry over the years. Yet it was through her personal loss that she fully understood that her superpower wasn’t the ability to juggle it all by herself. Her true strength came from leaning on God and those He brought into her life. Guest Bio: Dr. Jeanne Porter King is called to lead and make a difference in the lives of others. Through the ministry of the spoken and written word, Dr J, as she is affectionately called by her congregation, is a preacher, teacher, author, and business owner. Her messages have been called transformative, helping listeners unlock issues of identity, purpose, and destiny. Dr. Jeanne Porter King currently serves as the executive pastor at Christ Community Church, along with her husband, Dr. Carl E. King, Sr., the senior pastor. Additionally, she is the founder and principal consultant of the TransPorter Group Inc., with over 30 years of consulting and training experience in a variety of industries as well as with community groups, governmental agencies, churches, and other faith-based institutions. Through TransPorter, she has been blessed to travel across the world, training seasoned and aspiring leaders. In addition to her other work, Dr. Jeanne Porter King has authored numerous books and articles on leadership and is committed to developing and coaching leaders for the kingdom. Her books include Leading Well: A Black Woman’s Guide to Wholistic, Barrier-Breaking Leadership and Caring Well: 90 Self-Care Devotions for the African American Caregiver.  Dr. Jeanne Porter King received both her bachelor’s and master’s of science degrees from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. She has also received her master of arts in theological studies from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago and a doctor of philosophy in communication with an emphasis in cultural studies from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. Notes & Quotes: “We can care for others, but we have to do it in a way that we also care for ourselves and we don’t harm ourselves.” “If Jesus found [the women at the well], He could find us as Black women. And what we bring to the table are gifts that, through spending that time with the Lord, we bring out and can lead out of.” “We don’t have to mask up and be more than we’re supposed to be. We can draw from this inner strength that comes from that well of the Holy Spirit and from the cultural traditions that are given to us.” “I try to work toward excellence, but the notion of trying to be perfect came out . . . . I had to give myself permission to step away from that.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Jeanne’s leadership work here. Check out Jeanne’s newest book with Our Daily Bread Publishing, Caring Well: 90 Self-Care Devotions for the African American Caregiver. Get your copy of Jeanne’s book, Leading Well. Jeanne’s Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: John 4:1-26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagine having it all—fame, success, money, love. Now, imagine losing it all overnight because you did the right thing. After having his modeling and acting stardom on the rise for so many years, Cameron Arnett’s life came to a halt after his conversion to Christ made him think and act differently. He thought he found his true calling in happily teaching the Bible and doing ministry for the next two decades. But God wasn’t done with Cameron’s “Hollywood” story yet. Guest Bio: Cameron Arnett is an award-winning actor in television, film, and theater hailing from Port-Au-Prince Haiti. Starting a successful career in the arts and entertainment in the late '80s and '90s, Cameron has appeared on almost every major network. Past television credits include NBC’s Miami Vice, Fox’s Star Trek: The Next Generation, ABC’s China Beach and Doogie Howser MD, VH1's Single Ladies, and Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns. Today, Cameron travels an average of thirty weeks a year shooting faith-based and family-friendly projects, appearing in at least 35 films in the last ten years alone. Through Camy Arnett Production Studios (CAPS), he and his wife, Mrs. BJ Arnett, continue to occupy an ever-growing space within the content building of faith and family-friendly films. Cameron is also an author, speaker, film director, producer, and voice-over artist. Notes & Quotes: “The church that I was going to gave me a watered down, no power, regular existence, kind of a Jesus that could save you, but that couldn't change you. . .that's the Jesus that I wanted on the inside. I received that one, and that one converted me. I started making converted decisions, and those converted decisions started giving me anti-world results.” “Following God had to cause us to unravel all the stuff that we had put together in our personal lives. And then He re-raveled what He wanted.” “I look back at my life and deliberately call God my orchestrator. Between being my orchestrator and being the faithful God, those two things have been like the continual demonstration of God in my life.” “[God] has put together every dot, and every dot has meant something. Even the things I thought were not good and didn't think they were a promotion, prosperity, or going forward. It was a dot that He had planned to reconnect at some point in time. Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Cameron’s newly released film, The Forge. Follow along with The Forge on Instagram. Cameron’s Facebook Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Matthew 16:25 Exodus 3:1-10 Ephesians 4:13 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Living out our faith isn’t always as straightforward as we would like—especially when the realities of our broken world are too loud to be ignored. Being both bilingual and bicultural, Dr. Danny Carrol thought he would be fully comfortable in his new life living and teaching across Latin America. In reality, the opposite happened. But processing this discomfort actually became the catalyst of his mission to bring the Bible’s view of immigration center stage, showing others how the story of migration is a chapter within all of our stories, and the positive response we can have knowing that our true citizenship always lies in Heaven. Guest Bio: Dr. Danny Carroll is half-Guatemalan and was raised bilingual and bicultural. In his youth, he spent many summers in Guatemala and later taught at El Seminario Teológico Centroamericano in Guatemala City for thirteen years. The realities of Central America sparked Dr. Carroll’s fascination with the Old Testament.  The relevance of the biblical text for the challenges of poverty, war, and politics in those developing countries led him to a passionate focus on Old Testament social ethics and the social sciences. Additionally, his studies in English literature and literary theory have generated an ongoing engagement with literary approaches to the Old Testament and critical studies. Experiences in this country and abroad have led him to a deep appreciation for the unique contributions that ethnic minorities, women, and the global church make to the interpretation of the Old Testament.  Dr. Carroll has been involved with Latino/a believers and teaching on the Bible and immigration for many years. His research focuses on prophetic literature and Old Testament social ethics. He has recently published a major commentary on the book of Amos and a book on the prophetic voice for today. Currently, Dr. Carroll is co-editing an extensive project on the state of Old Testament studies in addition to working on a volume on Old Testament ethics. He also is the senior editor of a new Old Testament commentary series, The Bible in God’s World (Wipf & Stock). Notes & Quotes: “Because once you begin to look at it, you begin to realize that the history of humanity is the history of migration—whether it’s voluntary or forced.” “Migration is actually used as a metaphor for the Christian faith, like in 1 Peter. We were all foreigners and strangers. All of us are. This is not our homeland. We have a different king. We have a different citizenship. We are strangers in a strange land. “We know what it means to be strange. Language, food, nonverbal language, with how you dress, how you celebrate Christmas and birthdays. We know what it means to be strange. . . and maybe God has brought us to this place to help them remember.” “Oftentimes, in evangelical circles, [theology] is receiving what has been given to you and then applying it or something. Whereas, liberation theology is about rethinking how you do theology and you’re doing it from your context in a commitment to that context.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Get your copy of Dr. Carrol’s book, The Bible and Borders, here.  Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Romans 13 Genesis 12 Genesis 1:28 Exodus 2:22 Exodus 23:9  1 Peter 2:13–14 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Get another chance to hear encouraging words from contributing voices of The Whole Man Project! We’re sharing some of the powerful moments from this past season of Where Ya From? with pastor James White, Dr. Nii Addy, Dr. Maliek Blade, and pastor Jerome Gay. Explore some of perspective-changing conversations and moments, while hearing some personal stories of struggles with pursuing wholeness in God that we all can relate to.  Guest Bios: James White has served as the senior pastor of Christ Our King Community Church in Gardner, North Carolina since its inception. In addition to his role as the executive vice president of the Center for Social Impact for the YMCA of the North in Minneapolis, he is a highly sought-after consultant, concerning cultural transformation through diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Pastor Jerome Gay is the lead pastor of Teaching and Vision at Vision Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is also the Founder and President of The Urban Perspective and the author of four books, Church Hurt, Talking to Your Children About Race, The Whitewashing of Christianity, and Renewal. Dr. Maliek Blade, a compassionate author, and CEO of the Whole Brother Mission, is passionately dedicated to improving mental wellness for Black men and their families through a nationwide network of culturally competent mental health professionals. Dr. Nii Addy is the Albert E. Kent associate professor of Psychiatry and an associate professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at the Yale School of Medicine. In addition to his campus work, Dr. Addy hosts the Addy Hour podcast, discussing topics at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, faith, culture, and social justice. Notes & Quotes: “Being whole is what’s possible when we take all the different pieces of ourselves—our past, our relationships, our inner world, our work, our need for rest—and offer those up to God. He can take those broken pieces and make artistic restoration out of them.” “The thing about the Scriptures is it has a lot to say about our thought life, our meditations, about the things that we think about and how when we offer those things to God, he can give us a greater sense of reality and a better sense of ourselves.” “[Jesus] reiterates in the gospels that when we put everything—all of our whole selves—through the lens of the gospel, our head, our heart, our hands, and our soul, then we’re able to be whole men.” “God has value for me being accepted, loved, and forgiven. These are the things that God thinks about me.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Go deeper into the resources of The Whole Man Project here.  Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Deuteronomy 6:5 Mark 12:30-31 Isaiah 43:4 Proverbs 20:5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You are more than labels. Aitina Fareed-Cooke knows that better than anyone. As a little girl in the foster care system, Aitina was stamped with the “failure to thrive” label—one that many people thought meant that her life was destined to go down only one type of path. Yet God's intervention came in the form of an adoptive mother, a passion for creating and storytelling through music and art, and an unplanned pregnancy. All of these moments shaped her into the person she needed to be, helping her to celebrate her privileges in order for her to come alongside the next generation of creatives who carry the same labels she did so they too can choose the opportunities that define them. Guest Bio: Aitina Fareed-Cooke was told at a young age that she would be a "failure to thrive" as a result of her biological mother's addiction to drugs. But despite being labeled emotionally handicapped by the system, Aitina refused to be defined by it. Instead, she found solace and empowerment through her faith in God and her voice within the creative arts, rewriting her own narrative.  Aitina now serves as a Creative Arts Strategist, National Recording Artist, and founder of Get Fokus'd Productions (GFP), an award-winning media arts production company that has been recognized for its exceptional work within the community of Buffalo New York. Get Fokus'd Productions is a company in which creatives partner together to capture 'human-first' stories, a method that prioritizes empathy and connection. In collaboration with a collection of creatives, and through the mentorship of emerging artists, Aitina amplifies community voices using a social design approach, creating a ripple effect of positivity within the creative arts. She earned her BA in English and MS in Education at Buffalo State University and currently serves as a foundation board member utilizing her educational experiences as a mechanism to forge her own creative path.  Her musical career has led her to executive produce four full-length albums and collaborate with Grammy award-winning artists, resulting in an impressive collective stream count of over one million through distribution services. Aitina's remarkable accomplishments have firmly established her as a beacon of inspiration and a catalyst for positive transformation within the creative arts industry. Notes & Quotes: “These are tools that I can use to showcase . . . the truth and what I believe which is you know at the end of the day, [that] God is agape love, unconditional love. All of these different moments and things that happen in my life, utilizing the creative arts is an opportunity to share that.” “The more that I learned about love through the gospel, the more that I put people in my circle that had love for themselves, for God, and for me. The more that I learned from that circle of individuals, the more it led me to understanding, “I love me.” “I don’t have to accept the chains. I'm literally free. There's freedom in Christ. Freedom in this space of creativity or whatever the case is. I have this freedom and ability. Now what do I do?” “You come from a creative being who created you. We all have. That's privilege. Period.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Aitina’s work with production company Get Fokus’d Productions Listen to Aitina’s song Privilege off the Juneteenth: Faith and Freedom deluxe soundtrack on Spotify, or watch the full music video on YouTube. Follow Aitina on Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Genesis 50:15-21 Romans 8:14-15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has it ever felt like you could only choose faith or fact—not both? Well, acclaimed Yale neuroscientist Dr. Nii Addy invites you to see another option, one that connects our brains with our faith. Growing up in the United States with parents who immigrated from Ghana, Dr. Addy has always preferred the unexpected . . . even when living out his relationship with Jesus in a scientific community that—on the surface—seems polar opposite to faith. Hear Dr. Addy’s journey of learning about the connection between Scripture and science, and his open invitation for others to experience it too. Guest Bio: Dr. Nii Addy is the Albert E. Kent Associate Professor of Psychiatry and an Associate Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology at the Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Addy directs a federally funded research program investigating the neurobiological basis of substance use disorders, depression, and anxiety. His team also studies the ability of tobacco product flavor additives to alter nicotine use behavior and addiction.  Dr. Addy is the inaugural Director of Scientist Diversity and Inclusion at the Yale School of Medicine, focusing on supporting the faculty development of basic scientists from underrepresented groups at the School of Medicine. He also contributes to graduate student and postdoctoral training and diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and initiatives through his efforts on campus and in professional scientific societies.  In addition to his campus work, Dr. Addy hosts the Addy Hour podcast, discussing topics at the intersection of neuroscience, mental health, faith, culture, and social justice. He has presented scientific lectures at universities throughout the United States and Europe, and he serves on the Board of Trustees for The Carver Project, aimed at empowering and connecting individuals across university, church, and society. Dr. Addy is also a contributor to The Whole Man Project, a book and video series provided by VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. You can learn more about The Whole Man Project—and preorder the book—here! Notes & Quotes: “I've also noticed over the years that as I've been in different environments, there are lots of people who’ve had intellectual or scientific oppositions to faith. But getting back to the relationship, whenever I get to know those folks more, every single time, there's always something deeper.” “God has opened opportunities where I've been able to bring people back into relationship with God because they were able to watch me as a scientist operate in both places, and [they] have enough curiosity where before they were told that their faith and their science were in opposition, and [now] have realized that's actually not the case.” “We keep setting up these different dichotomies. Like, either it's science or it's God as if the two don't meet.” “God has given us different tools where we can use our faith and spiritual practices—prayer, meditation, being in community. All those things can help people navigate through addiction. All those things also impact the brain.”  “If we do [think about ourselves and situations] from a perspective that God has given us through the Scripture, that's going to change how we actually approach those situations. If we do that long enough, it's actually going to change aspects of our brain as well.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Dr.Nii Addy’s involvement in the upcoming The Whole Man project, provided by VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Explore all the powerful topics and guests featured on Dr. Addy’s video and audio podcast, Addy Hour, here. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Philippians 4:6-8 Mark 14:32-36 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever searched for your love and worth in all the wrong places? Pastor Jerome Gay will be the first one to tell you he has. But it was his father—the person who should have been helping him define these things—not being able to provide what he needed that led Jerome to search for anything to help him earn it. Through twists and turns, Jerome finally found the One who freely loves him—and all of us—with no strings or conditions. And that love has been the fuel for his mission to train up others to grow, teach, and preach the truth of the gospel that makes each one of us…whole. Guest Bio: Pastor Jerome Gay Jr. was raised in Southeast Washington, DC before moving to Raleigh, NC in 1997 to attend Saint Augustine’s College—graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. While there he founded a campus-wide ministry that emphasized the gospel and biblical orthodoxy in the urban context, resulting in the decision of many students to profess Christ as Savior.  Upon graduating, Jerome served as an elder for several years. After fervent prayer, he was led to plant Vision Church in Raleigh, North Carolina in October of 2010. As the Lead Pastor of Teaching and Vision, Vision Church has grown by God’s grace and is impacting the inner city by missionally engaging people with the gospel of Jesus Christ through discipleship, leadership development, service, and holistic empowerment. Jerome has a vision to see gospel-centered churches and leaders raised within the urban context and sent out to plant other gospel-centered churches.  Jerome is also the Founder and President of The Urban Perspective and the author of four books, Church Hurt: Holding the Church Accountable and Helping Hurt People Heal, Talking to Your Children About Race, The Whitewashing of Christianity: A Hidden Past, a Hurtful Present and a Hopeful Future and Renewal: Grace and Redemption in the Story.  Jerome is also a lead contributor to The Whole Man Project, a book and video series provided by VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. You can learn more about The Whole Man Project—and preorder the book—here! Jerome is the proud husband to his wife Crystal and father of two. Notes & Quotes: “Uncertainty is what makes you walk by faith and not by sight.” “I believe you most aptly understand God's will in hindsight. He knows the end from the beginning. We don't. We're living it.”  “My contention for the church is we're saying that there's one way, which I concur, that there's one God, I concur, and that there's one book. Again, I concur. We're saying that that's just one for 8 billion people. If we're going to make that claim, and we are, we need to be able to defend it. We should not make that claim that there's one book for 8 billion people and not be able to answer questions.” “We must stop giving faith-based answers to fact-based questions.” “We want to come back to that gospel foundation so that we can have men that are mentally, emotionally, and relationally well and whole.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Jerome’s involvement in the upcoming The Whole Man project, provided by VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. You can order any of Jerome’s books, Church Hurt, Talking to Your Children About Race, The Whitewashing of Christianity, and Renewal using these links.  Check out Jerome’s work with The Urban Perspective and listen to the podcast on your preferred streaming platform.  Jerome’s Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Psalm 77 1 Corinthians 7:32 Jude 1:20 Ephesians 6:17 Hebrews 4:12  Genesis 2:18 Matthew 5:13-16 Mark 1:15 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

None of us were created to live a life defined by failures and mistakes—a reality that Jermaine Wilson knows firsthand. During the years when teens should be having the time of their lives, Jermaine was sitting behind bars. Carrying the destructive cycle he felt there was no escape from, Jermaine quickly found himself put back into prison after only a short experience of freedom. But it was spending his most formative years behind bars that gave him the time and perspective needed to build a relationship with God. A relationship that would completely transform his life and take him to the most unexpected places—all the way to city hall. Guest Bio: Jermaine Wilson is the Mission Ambassador for Prison Fellowship and former two-time mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas. As a servant leader, his passion for helping others stems from his humble beginnings and troubled childhood. Jermaine spent seven years behind bars—four of them as a juvenile.  While incarcerated as an adult, Jermaine participated in biblically based programs through Prison Fellowship and experienced the life-transforming power of God’s Word. With renewed purpose and vision, he no longer saw himself as a failure and a mistake. After his release from prison, Jermaine created a nonprofit organization, Unity in the Community, to establish trust between citizens and law enforcement. When his criminal record was expunged, he increased his political and civic involvement. In 2017, he was elected city commissioner for Leavenworth, Kansas, and Mayor in 2019. In 2020, he became the first formerly incarcerated person to serve on the Kansas Sentencing Committee.  Jermaine is an ordained minister, husband, and father of five children. Notes & Quotes: “I’ve learned that I had to be broken down and stripped away from everything I had in order for God to get my attention. I tell people that I lost my freedom, but discovered my purpose.” “God didn’t create me to fail. God [has] a plan and a purpose for my life. But it took me going to prison, losing time to find a better time and to have quality time with him.” “We spend so much time preparing returning citizens for society, but not enough time preparing society for returning citizens.” “God will use and choose whoever he wants to use . . . and he’ll take the foolish things of this world to confound the wise, and the process prepares us for our purpose in life.” Links Mentioned: FINAL TRANSCRIPT LINK Learn more about Jermaine’s work with Prison Fellowship. If you’re interested in getting more information about Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree program, check out the program’s homepage.  Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Malachai 2:14 Story of Joseph: Genesis 37-50 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We all dream of a life filled with success and glory. But just like Moriah Smallbone knows, real life in the spotlight isn’t always glamorous behind the scenes. Being on her own at 17 and traveling from place to place eventually took its toll. And in the middle of her pain and stress, Moriah realized she had to make a change. Those moments helped shape the bravery that has since led Moriah to chart her own course—one that is constantly inviting the Holy Spirit to help discern when love and grace are required—or what needs to change. Guest Bio: MŌRIAH is a Mexican-American recording artist, actress, and producer from Los Angeles, California. After signing with SONY/Provident in Nashville, Tennessee, her sophomore album BRAVE hit number 9 on Billboard’s CCM Charts and included a collaboration with GRAMMY award-winning rapper Andy Mineo. Her film credits include the starring role in Because of Gracia (2017) and legendary singer Loyce Whiteman in the upcoming Ronald Reagan biopic alongside Dennis Quaid (2024). She plays the role of Bathsheba in the television series The Chosen (2023). Earlier this year, MŌRIAH wrapped filming Journey to Bethlehem, a cinematic musical starring Antonio Banderas released through Sony Affirm this past November. As a music and film producer, MŌRIAH co-hosted K-LOVE/AccessMore’s most successful podcast called BECOMING:us alongside her GRAMMY AWARD-winning husband Joel Smallbone. She co-produced the film Unsung Hero which is set to release in Spring 2024. She has fully self-produced and written her latest EP Curtain Call as well as all accompanying live performance videos. MŌRIAH is currently writing songs for a country album in her home in Nashville, TN with GRAMMY AWARD-winning producer Paul Mabury. Notes & Quotes: “I think we’re such a purpose-obsessed culture, right? Like, we want to find our purpose, but sometimes I wonder if it’s way more simple than that. Sometimes I wonder if it’s just like, how can you help the world around you? How can you help the people around you?”  “I think there’s a difference between suffering and misery. And we can’t avoid suffering. Life is going to be hard. Things are going to be disappointing. We are going to be mistreated. But how we choose to respond to suffering can grow our character.” “In my experience, I’ve been most miserable when I have forced myself to stay in a situation where I did not need to be”.  “If I’m living in love, if I’m in that place where all that I’m doing is coming from a place of love, then, is there the grace to keep going in this relationship, in this project, in this work, in this path? Or is it time to cut the cord?” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Follow along with Moriah’s current and future projects through her website.  Hear more of Moriah’s story in the Unshakable Moxie video series, created by Our Daily Bread Ministries.  Listen to Moriah’s music with this Spotify playlist Follow Moriah on Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever been confronted with a situation where you felt like you had to be the one to say something? Maliek Blade found himself in that very place when he realized there was a mental and emotional health crisis hitting too close to home that he could no longer ignore. And it was that moment of realization that helped him prepare the way for his life’s path advocating for the “wholeness” of his brothers and destigmatizing the mental and emotional vocabulary that has been desperately needed for generations. Guest Bio: Maliek Blade, a compassionate author, and CEO of the Whole Brother Mission, is passionately dedicated to improving mental wellness for Black men and their families through a nationwide network of culturally competent mental health professionals. With a doctoral-level background in counseling, he brings expertise and empathy to the cause, driving initiatives that destigmatize mental health and enhance access to crucial support. Maliek is also a lead contributor to The Whole Man Project, a book and video series provided by VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries. You can learn more about The Whole Man Project—and preorder the book—here! Notes & Quotes: “We need to not allow our experiences with people that say they're representing God to frame how we see God. . .and that's not an indictment on God, but that's further evidence of the brokenness of people.”  “Wholeness is having the posture to pivot where necessary. The awareness that I may need to change certain aspects of myself, and then also the fortitude and ability to pour into the lives of others.” “Your mental and emotional health matter, but we have this soul element [and] spirit, [and] salvation is a huge piece. “You can have Jesus and a therapist the same way that you have Jesus and a primary care physician.” Links Mentioned: FINAL TRANSCRIPT LINK Learn more about Maliek’s work with Whole Brother Mission. Check out Maliek’s book, Whole Brother, on Amazon. Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: Isaiah 64:8 Hebrews 11:1 Colossians 1:28 Philippians 4:8 Proverbs 20:5 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Genesis 2:24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you were to ask Lina AbuJamra what her “ministry thing” is, part of her answer would be a word none of us enjoy hearing: pain. From growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, to processing the loss of dreams, relationships, and career, pain seems to be the soundtrack of her life. But Lina will tell you that the truth that she continues to cling to every day is always louder than the pain. Because of God’s faithfulness, He’ll always create something beautiful out of the chaos. Guest Bio: Lina AbuJamra is a pediatric ER doctor who now practices telemedicine. In her “spare” time, she enjoys attending her nephews’ football games, traveling, and lingering over a fine meal.  As a podcaster, conference speaker, and a popular Bible teacher, she founded Living with Power Ministries to provide medical care and humanitarian help to Syrian refugees and others in disaster areas. She also hosts a radio show and is the author of several books. Notes & Quotes: “When a person's life is radically changed by Jesus, you cannot stay the same.” “I thought I knew what it means to be a Christian. I thought I knew what God wanted for my life. And that was the beginning of what has been a life that is above and beyond what I could have asked or thought. But that in it, I thought was at seasons, the worst thing that could be happening for me.” “So I look back and I think, yeah, we were all abused in that system. But I think the biggest gift that comes out of leaving those places as hard and mucky and chaotic as it is, is that God then finally gets you to a place where He shows Himself to you afresh.” “We have confused what comfort is, what success is, what faithfulness is, all these concepts, and it has been harder for us to decipher the goodness of God in the American church than it is in an Assyrian refugee camp.” “If we want to see the goodness of God and experience survival, we're going to have to be willing to suffer a lot more than we are right now.” Links Mentioned: FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT Learn more about Lina’s Ministry Living With Power Listen to Lina’s podcast, The Hope Podcast, on your preferred streaming platform. Hear more of Lina’s story in the Unshakable Moxie video series, created by Our Daily Bread Ministries.  Invite your friends, family, or church group to go through Lina’s newest Bible study, Unshakable Moxie, provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.  Follow Lina on Instagram Visit the VOICES website to sign up for emails. Get new episodes sent straight to your email.  Tell us how much you love Where Ya From? by rating us five stars and leaving us a review.  Check out VOICES from Our Daily Bread Ministries Follow VOICES on Instagram. Verses Mentioned: 2 Samuel 11 Psalm 22 1 Timothy 6:3-5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices