Daring 2 Believe

Pain is something we all experience whether through a death of a loved one, dire medical diagnosis, unfortunate circumstances, or words/actions of another human being.  Anna Aiken, the founder of Daring 2 Believe, gets real and shares how she has walked through the valley of pain. Every valley is different but the one thing that stays constant and true is her complete dependence on God to guide her through it.  Lean in as she shares some painful experiences and what she has learned in the process. 

This Daring 2 Believe episode features a mother/daughter conversation & kicks off our SECOND SEASON. Perfect timing for Mother's Day Weekend!   It is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite episodes because it was an amazing opportunity to share the mic with my beautiful daughter Sarah Leake. It was such a treat to laugh, share thoughts, and experiences from a mother and daughter perspective. We answered questions from our listeners that ranged from parenthood, marriage, beauty secrets (LOL), and growth development.   Daring 2 Believe was founded and anchored on Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who BELIEVES that God will fulfill ALL that He has promised."  It all started as a small dream that was birthed while riding on school bus for a field trip. I am completely blown away that D2B has reached OVER 26 countries- Ethiopia, Sweden, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Rwanda to name a few and has amassed close to 4000 listens!! Daring 2 Believe's second season is based on the theme "ARISE" founded on Isaiah 60:1 "ARISE, SHINE, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."   You will hear stories from every day women who are making a difference by using their voices to bring God's truth to those in their sphere of influence. Every woman regardless of age, color, ethnicity, position, title, shape, and season in life matters to God. You are valuable. You are worthy. My heart is that these stories will INSPIRE, ACTIVATE, & ILLUMINATE. May you "dare to believe that God will fulfill all that He has promised." 

Kelli Brownlee shares her journey of recently losing her beloved father. Her story is wrapped in so much truth and wisdom.  Kelli Kinney Brownlee is a vocalist, songwriter, and minister devoted to sharing the gospel in song and word. She's recorded and traveled stateside and internationally with legendary gospel artists such as The Clark Sisters, Dorinda Clark Cole, Deitrick Haddon, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard & many other independent Christian artists. Kelli has a heart for mentoring and teaching worship leaders and has served in roles such as minister of music, creative arts director, and youth mentor. Kelli has also appeared on television as part of the Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, Trumpet Awards as well as the tv sitcom MIKE and MOLLY. Kelli has been married to her husband Ben who is a musician and producer for 15 years and together they have 3 beautiful children.

Hey D2B Family, You will be inspired by Julie's story of her struggle with self-worth, dyslexia, and infertility.  Julie David is the Director of Business Development at The UPS Store in Wexford where she focuses on print and design and loves to serve the community, especially the schools, through making their print journey easier and affordable. Julie is active at her church, North Way Christian Community along-side her husband of 23 years, Philip, and their three children: Ethan and Grace both 20 years old and Callie soon to be 17 years old.  Prior to working at The UPS Store, Julie had a very successful direct sales business for 15 years where she trained women across the country in person and through her YouTube channel to have a successful and thriving business. She loved being able to use her background and skills in education, public speaking, and professional training to help women find ways to grow in confidence and find success in their personal businesses. Julie shares how God has repeatedly redeemed the obstacles and disappointing moments of her life to bring about unexpected blessings and hope for the future.  Her story reminds all of us that God is with us in the hard moments of life, and He sees our whole journey even when we can only focus on the roadblock in our immediate path. Through her struggle with self-worth, dyslexia, and infertility, Julie discusses how God used these challenges to teach her the truth of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Melodie Leake has served in ministry alongside her husband, Jeff, at Allison Park Church for more than two decades. She has been actively involved in many roles at Allison Park Church, including serving as an Interim Campus Pastor, director of Sisterhood and as the Campus Liaison Pastor.  Her passion is to see women set free from past pain and released to be all that God has called them to be. She and Jeff have five children (four who are married to amazing spouses)  and five grandchildren. They reside in Allison Park, PA.

Cece Manning is one half of the lead pastoral team at Kinport Assembly of God in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she is the lead team member of the women’s and missions ministries at Kinport.  Cece’s heart is on the mission field, serving as a difference maker in India and Nepal, and always seeking opportunities in other areas around the world. She has a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in visual impairment and technology for the blind. Together with her husband of 12 years, Thomas, they have four children from ages 12 to 2 - Jameson, Parker, Miles, and Madeline.

Joni Cranston lives in Robinson Township and describes herself as a wife, mom, teacher, and musician.  She is married to David and has two sons; David, who is 24, and Jonathan, 16. She is an accomplished pianist and sings on the worship team at Allegheny Center Alliance Church where she and her family are active members.  Joni holds a degree in Education with a Bible minor, from Tennessee Temple University.   Formerly a middle-school teacher, Joni has been involved in leading women’s ministries for over 22 years.  For the last 16 years, Joni has been the full-time Teaching Director of Community Bible Study, a vibrant group of over 320 women and 100 children meeting weekly, primarily in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, but more recently, virtual online groups have formed, as well.   Joni has a passion to teach God’s word and takes seriously the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19-20 which says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  Joni finds great joy in seeing lives transformed by the study of the Word of God. Don't forget to register for the upcoming studies on Revelation and Daniel on www.pittsburghnorth.cbsclass.org

Kim Masengale is the founder of the She Is Conference and serves as the pastor of Summit Women at Summit Church. She is passionate about life and serving God will all of her heart, soul, & mind. She loves leading & pastoring alongside her husband, Mel. Kim’s heart is to help women of all ages discover their worth in Christ & the freedom that only He can give. Born and raised in Texas, Kim loves Tex-Mex, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with her family & friends. She has her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, Specializing in Marriage + Family Therapy. Kim is married to Mel, her college sweetheart and the lead pastor of Summit Church. They’ve been married for 21 years and have two daughters.

Corrin Pontzloff is the Communications Coordinator at Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side and a ministry student at Allison Park Leadership Academy. She has a passion for sharing the hope and love of Jesus with others, especially women and those grieving. Corrin loves writing to encourage others, deep friendships, a good dark roast coffee, and traveling and hiking with her husband Mike and dog Dottie. Corrin has two babies in Heaven and one on the way, and is expectant of the ways that the Lord is going to use her story to minister to others.

Daring 2 Believe fam...I can't wait for you to hear Sonita Bell's story! I mean did y'all see what she titled her story?! Refill your cup my friends before you listen because you will want to be sitting still. You do not want to miss all she has to share.  Sonita Bell is an awarding boutique owner & wardrobe stylist in the Pittsburgh area. She is the wife of Stanley Bell and bonus mom to her son Timothy Bell.  She attends The Lords Church of Pittsburgh where Niecy Dennis White is pastor. She serves as a facilitator for the Wisdom in the Raw series and Events Coordinator at TLC (The Lords Church). She is a woman of God who is tearing down the walls of religion and reaching women from around the world with the message of the gospel.

Daring 2 Believe Family ~ I can't WAIT for you to hear Gia's fun and vivacious story! She will have you laughing in stitches. Giannie is the founder of Grace International Ambassadors, which provides resources to internationals in order to help them with long term civic assimilation to the United States and helps bridge the communications with the community.  She has a Masters of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising.  Giannie has served on staff as the RED Youth Director at the Northside Campus for the past two years. 

Toni Simmons is the Life Coach & Founder, behind "The Diary of a Resilient Queen" blog and community where she teaches young girls and women how to level up in their faith in the face of adversity and resilience strategies to turn their obstacles into opportunities.  Through content, coaching, and resources young girls and women are taught to live a life of resiliency that helps them to reach their optimal wellness. Toni is also a mental health advocate, a wife, and a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Program student. Facebook Page: The Diary of a Resilient Queen Instagram: @thediaryofaresilientqueen Website: www.thediaryofaresilientqueen.com

Join Daring 2 Believe hosts, Anna Aiken, as she has a conversation with founder Jane Abbate of Messy Miracles https://messymiracles.com/ Jane is a follower of Jesus, wife to Bill, and mom to her three cats Bella, Luca, and Tony. Jane’s personal adventure of faith is rooted in her successful executive career when she learned firsthand the challenges, benefits, and downsides of success.  With a warm heart for women, Jane enjoys coaching, speaking, equipping, and encouraging women to lead fulfilling, purposeful, happy lives. Jane is the author of Where Do Broken Hearts Go? Healing and Hope After Abortion and a co-author of Learning to Follow Jesus for Women. A native of Pittsburgh, Jane now lives in Richmond Virginia.

Wow! I wished I knew Mauri Tate when I was a young mom.  Mauri Tate is a wife, mother of 3, an Independent Therapist, and an upcoming entrepreneur, and will soon launch Bridging the Gap Services, LLC . Mauri seeks to fulfill her many roles in life through the scope of her God given purpose. Mauri enjoys spending time with her family and friends and making memories.  You will want to sign up for her course Thriving in Motherhood. There are only a few spots left!! 

Hey Daring 2 Believe Family! You are going to absolutely fall in love with Ms. Debbie Lynch if you haven't already! She is warm, loving, and accepting of EVERYONE! I mean everyone! She makes you feel like you are family!  The story she felt lead to share is about being single for most of her life. So much gold in her story for ANYONE to hear! Listen y'all, people and things don't complete us.  So who is Ms. Debbie? Well... keep reading below. She's shared a bit about herself.  I was born and raised in Pittsburgh. At age 20 I married a man who was in the  Air Force and we lived in several US cities, and in Germany. At age 37, I was divorced and raised my two daughters as a single parent.  They are now married and blessed me with 5 grandchildren, ranging from 16 years to 2 months, 3 boys and 2 girls. I’ve worked most of my life and currently am one of the staff pastors of Allison Park Church, serving in the Pastoral Care area. I love to meet people, encourage them, and to serve as best as I can.  Currently, I mentor a group of young women and also lead a group of older adults. My grandchildren are the loves of my life, I also enjoy traveling, hiking, biking, and anything that I physically can do.  I am always up for an adventure. My favorite place to visit is Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  The beauty of God’s creation is breathtaking.  It’s where my soul catches up with my body.

Okay Daring 2 Believe Fam... Sarah gets real in her story and unpacks some things that we as a society shy away from talking and that is SINGLENESS. I love this girl's heart! I know her story will speak to any one of you whether you are single or not. I learned so much by just listening to her.  Sarah loves Jesus with all her heart. She is a part time explorer, full time coffee-enthusiast, and likes to draw cartoons on the side. Her real job is a crazy honor - serving as a children's pastor at Allison Park Church. She often dreams of the middle east, long walks in bookstores, and her next great AirBnB adventure.

Daring 2 Believe Fam- You will LOVE listening to Sarah's story. How many of us had plans that were all of the sudden altered, changed, or delayed?! I know I have! Lean in and hear what Sarah has to share.  Sarah Hemler lives in Pittsburgh, PA and is working on her PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Wow! I mean this girl is SUPER smart. But she doesn't carry an ounce of superiority! LOVE THAT ABOUT HER!!! In a world where people are throwing around their credentials, positions, and titles, THIS girl has a heart posture of gratitude and humility.  Sarah is  a Jesus-follower first, then engineer, musician, and worship leader who loves traveling and almost any kind of adventure. She is also passionate about sharing the gospel and using her resources for God’s glory, whether through her past mission trips to El Salvador and across Africa, serving the local church, or researching hydrodynamics and biomechanics to prevent slips and falls.

Christina Hanfere shares her story of complete surrender of her plan for God's plan. Some of the words you will hear in her story are HUMILITY, DYING TO SELF, and POWER OF PRAYER. There is no denying that she has a deep love for Jesus and a burning desire to tell anyone and everyone about Him. But her journey didn't start out that way.  Christina moved to Washington, DC in 2016 from Toronto and married Paul Hanfere.  In September of 2018, they moved on from a young adult ministry and officially launched Overflow City Church in the heart of downtown Silver Spring,  just 7 miles away from the Capitol.   She is currently a co-Pastor at Overflow City Church and oversees the discipleship process so that they can effectively raise up healthy disciples.  Christina also preaches the Word on Sundays and provides premarital counseling.

Wow! Wow! Wow! It doesn't matter how old we are, we've all struggled with a lack of confidence. Ellie Curry gets real and raw in sharing her story. You will love the tool she shares on how to kick those negative thoughts to the curb!  Ellie Curry, a certified life coach, built Own Your You to coach women on self confidence, self care, and creating a life you love. Own Your You was founded with the mission to help women learn how to believe in themselves. 

Friends~ You will love hearing from my sweet friend Shaundes Wilcox.  Shaundese was born in Miami, Fl to two teenagers. She surrendered her heart to the Lord toward the end of her senior year in high school. Three months after graduating she enlisted in The United States Navy where she served 5 years on Active Duty. After feeling a tug on her heart that there was something more she began to pursue God's will for her life to become a Military Chaplain. God has given her a heart for the nations and she wants to serve Jesus wherever she is sent. Loving God and loving others is her life Motto.