Making Changes

Spiritually Fed: From Starving to Finally Filled What happens when 19 years of unanswered questions finally get answered? Growing up in Houston, JyKeith witnessed violence, wore a mask of anger to survive, and asked questions about God no one could answer. Those questions followed him through childhood trauma and a suicide attempt in his Navy barracks at 19. When he accepted an invitation to the Church Of Christ, everything changed. “I felt like I was being starved for so long, and receiving the words was being filled. When you finally get to eat after being hungry, everything just looks so good.” Jykeith’s story shows how spiritual hunger can prepare you to recognize truth when you finally find it. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Cold Open: “I’ve Been Starved for So Long” 02:00 – Growing Up in Houston: Violence and Survival 04:30 – Mean to Survive: Wearing a Mask to Stay Safe 07:30 – Supportive but Hard: Parents Who Pushed Him Not to Settle 10:00 – Age 11: The Question No One Could Answer 14:00 – The Bible Becomes His Escape 19:00 – Joining the Navy: Freedom Without Direction 22:00 – When Everything Falls Apart 24:00 – The Breaking Point: A Suicide Attempt at 19 26:30 – “Your Face Looked Empty”: The Supervisor Who Noticed 29:00 – An Ex-Girlfriend’s Challenge: Put Faith in God 30:00 – First Bible Study: Finally Being Present 33:00 – “How Do I Become a Member?” 36:00 – Southern Baptist vs. Church Of Christ: Structure Over Chaos 43:00 – “I’ve Been Starved”: Bible Study Every Day for a Month 46:00 – Persecution: Friends Say He Joined a Cult 51:00 – The Oxnard Community: Gentle Love for the First Time 54:00 – Baptism Day: Relief After 19 Years of Searching 56:00 – Being Called Young: “I Don’t Always Feel Worthy” 58:00 – How the Church Changed Him as a Father 1:00:00 – Six Sailors: From Saved to Savior 1:02:00 – “Change Is Necessary for True Growth” 1:04:00 – Closing: See Each Other a Little Better There were so many layers to JyKeith’s story. So many moments where we had to pause and peel back another layer to fully understand the positive, smiley man sitting in front of me. At the end, the person across from me wasn’t just someone who exuded positivity… but a young man fueled by gratitude for the life God led him to. Gratitude to parents who pushed him to not settle for the streets of Houston. Gratitude to the supervisor who noticed his troubled expression all those years ago. Gratitude to the INC members who not only helped him find his answers but also took him in as family. Gratitude to God… because he doesn’t have to live his life starved from the truth anymore. JyKeith’s story is proof that we may not always know the intricate layers of someone’s story, but we all have the ability to see them… to see the bits of them they’re showing us and recognize what they’re going through … and maybe even help them when they need it most. If JyKeith’s story resonated with you, or if you know someone who’s starving the way he was, share it with them. And if you’re currently struggling and need someone to talk to, reach out to a minister of the gospel in the Church Of Christ. For more Making Changes, visit incmedia.org or find us anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening. And may your change uplift you. Watch Frank Busbee’s Faith Speaks: https://incmedia.org/god-gave-me-reasons-to-smile/ Want to study the Bible one-on-one? Visit incmedia.org/study-with-us Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host: http://instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show: Instagram http://instagram.com/makingchangespodcast Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Unexpected Widow: Life After Loss Kim Figer’s husband Jon Jon died suddenly and unexpectedly, making Kim a widow at 32 Hours after her husband’s death, Kim went live on Instagram to tell the world. For years, people wondered how. How do you navigate devastation and go to work the next day? Kim takes us through what life looked like after sudden loss — the low moments that brought her to her knees, and the unexpected miracles she saw in her life and her son’s when she finally let go. Kim’s story is a masterclass in what it means to surrender completely and see God’s guidance even in the wreckage. Episode Timestamps 00:00               Cold Open: “Why Does It Feel Like It’s Almost Perfect?” 02:28               How Have the Last Few Years Been? “Miracles” 03:09               The Post Six Days Before: “I’m Not Going to Be a Widow Early” 04:26               September 28th: The Two Weeks Prior Felt Almost Perfect 06:18               “I’m Feeling Dizzy.” Then He Lost Consciousness 08:05               Turning Trauma Into Prayer 11:26               Why She Went Live on Instagram Hours After His Death 13:37               Her First Prayer: “I Prayed for My Son” 15:16               Going Back to Work the Next Day 17:14               Why She Responded to Every Single Message for Four Days 20:04               The Prayer for a Child That Looks Like Her Husband 26:07               Why She Never Stopped Performing Her Church Duties 30:09               What Peace Feels Like: “I’m Able to Breathe” 32:39               The Closet Prayer: When She Didn’t Know the Right Words 34:16                “Thank You God for Giving Me That Time” 36:14               Why Sudden Loss Was Actually a Gift 41:16               Grandma the Deaconess: Anointing Oil for Five Months 44:51               “You Have Nothing to Lose When You Put Everything in God’s Hands” 51:52               “I Walk Hand in Hand with God” 55:30               “Grief Is Love with Nowhere to Go” 59:15               Her Prayer for Troy: “Give Him the Ability to Truly Know You” 1:07:42           Spiritual Muscles vs. Physical Muscles 1:10:18           Reading Her Birthday Post: “I Can Finally Breathe” 1:12:19           Hope for the Hopeless: “Don’t Give Up” 1:13:46           Change Is an Opportunity to Seek God 1:16:41           Rapid Fire 1:19:07           Final Word: “Change Is Opportunity” Hours after jonjon died, Kim went live on Instagram. And for years, I wondered why. Now I know. It wasn’t just about her grief. It was about everyone else who lost someone that day. A son who lost his father. A mother who lost her son. Friends who lost their friend. Even in that moment, Kim was already surrendering. Kim didn’t choose this change. But she chose how to respond. It wasn’t ever easy… some days she struggled, some days she found herself on her knees — but she kept responding. Surrender over control. Prayer over panic. Gratitude over bitterness. And in that surrender… that’s where she kept seeing the miracles. Like Kim says, Change is an opportunity. Opportunity to seek God in every moment of your life… even the ones that break your heart. If Kim’s story moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear that surrender isn’t giving up… it’s finally letting go and leaning on God to guide you where you need to go. For more Making Changes, visit incmedia.org or find us anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening. And may your change uplift you. Watch: How Do Christians Respond to Suffering – https://incmedia.org/how-do-christians-respond-to-suffering/ Losing a loved one suddenly? Watch Part 4 of the CODA series, “The Year of Change” – https://incmedia.org/growing-up-coda-a-year-of-change/ Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host: http://instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show: Instagram http://instagram.com/makingchangespodcast Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Seeker: When God Changes You Overnight “If you had a list of a thousand things that I would do with my life, being a minister was not even on the list.” After finding God at Church Of Christ, joining the ministry was the last thing he wanted. Everyone kept suggesting it. He kept saying no. “There’s absolutely no way.” Then came the overnight change. He went to sleep with zero desire for ministry. He woke up wanting to be a minister. “Literally going to sleep, not thinking about anything, waking up the next morning. I want to be a minister. What?” God changed his heart overnight. Years later, his son Dontae would not only join the Church Of Christ, but follow him into the ministry, something Brother Barry never planned. This is what happens when God rewrites your plans. If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, make sure to press pause and go back to part one. Episode Timestamps 00:00               Cold Open: “It Wasn’t Even on the List” 01:46               Daily Bible Studies: Soaking Up the Doctrines After Baptism 02:16               The Volunteer Preacher Program He Didn’t Want 03:07               “I Had No Desire to Join the Ministry” 05:41               The Overnight Calling: “I Want to Be a Minister” 07:43               How Do You Know It’s Really a Calling? 10:19               That Same Feeling From Day One: It Never Changed 12:17               “That’s My Wealth in My Life” 15:11               The Impact of Changed Lives: Why It Makes the Sacrifices Worth It 20:54               Bringing Up Dante: Exposed to Church from Age 4 22:04               Five Years in the Philippines: When Barry Left for Ministry Training 24:00               “Can I Come Out?”: When Dante Asked to Move In 25:19               Giving Him the Gist: The History of the World in 90 Minutes 26:29               Teaching Independence: “You Can’t Stay With Us” 29:51               The Lesson: Parents Have Great Influence on Children 33:06               The Formula: Work Hard, Pray Hard, Lead a Holy Life 36:18               “My Secret Weapon”: Personal Prayer to God 42:20               Over 30 Years in Ministry: How Has It Changed Your Life? 44:22               “I Don’t Have Any Desire for Anything Here on Earth” 46:42               Brother Rene Never Gave Up: A Thank You Message 49:44               Looking Back: The Two Groups of People 53:44               Why It’s More Important Now Than Ever to Draw Close to God 57:49               Advice to Those Born and Raised in the Church 1:04:33           One Thing You Wish Everyone Understood 1:07:28           Brother Dontae’s Video Message: “Thank You, Dad, For Everything” 1:09:47           Brother Barry’s Response: “I’m Proud of My Son” Sitting across from him today, watching him tear up over that video from his son, I realized Brother Barry’s story was not just about a seeker finally finding his answer. It’s about what happens when you let God change you. Because the changes we make don’t just affect us. They ripple out to everyone watching. Our kids. Our families. People we don’t even know are paying attention. And maybe that’s what we can all learn from Brother Barry’s story. We don’t get to see the full picture of what God is doing. We just have to trust that wherever He guides us, even when it makes zero sense, even when it’s to a place that wasn’t on our list of a thousand things, He’s writing a story bigger than we can imagine. If Brother Barry’s story moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. And remember, your change doesn’t just uplift you. It uplifts everyone watching. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Watch https://incmedia.org/stories-of-faith/ Interested in attending a Bible study in the Church Of Christ? Set a time to speak. Connect with the Making Changes Host http://instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show: Instagram http://instagram.com/makingchangespodcast Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Seeker: When I Finally Stopped Saying No Brother Barry has had many labels in his life. Son. Jamaican. New Yorker. Navy man. Husband. Dad.  Minister of the Gospel. Host of Face the Truth. But if there’s one label that changed everything else. it’s seeker. This is the story most people don’t know about Brother Barry… the journey of a seeker who was looking for truth in all the wrong places, until God led him to the one place he did his best to avoid. Episode Timestamps 00:00               A Seeker’s Opening: “Could This Be It?” 02:15               Twenty Years in Media: How God Uses Technology to Spread the Gospel 08:20               Born in Jamaica, Raised in the Bronx: The Boy Behind the Minister 11:00               Two Parents, Two Churches: Growing Up Without Spiritual Roots 14:30               Religion as Rebellion: Why the Louder the Preacher, the Better 17:00               “Evidence That Demands a Verdict”: The Book That Confirmed God Was Real 21:30               Joining the Navy at 17: Chasing Structure After a Chaotic Childhood 25:30               Married at 19, Divorced at 20: When the Chaos Followed Him to California 28:30               The Club Epiphany: One Thought That Changed Everything 30:30               From Club to Bible: The Night He Became a Seeker 33:00               Enter Brother Rene: The Coworker He Kept Avoiding 35:30               Offended by the Truth 38:30               Every Church But His: Seeking Everywhere Except the Right Place 40:30               The Chaotic Church That Was the Last Straw 43:00               Talking to God Out Loud: “If You Exist, Show Me” 45:30               Going to Prove It Wrong: The Plan That Backfired 51:00               First Bible Study with Brother Joe Ventilacion: “What Is This?” 53:30               Couldn’t Sleep: The Night the Search Ended 55:30               The Chapel Was on His Route All Along 58:00               Obsessed: Never Missed a Bible Study After That 1:01:00            The Messenger Lesson: The Final Wall Comes Down 1:07:00            First Worship Service: Peace Like He’d Never Felt Before 1:08:30            Baptism Day: The Tears, the Injured Knee, and the New Life 1:12:30            Finally God’s son: What It Meant to Belong to God 1:16:00            All or Nothing: What It Really Takes to Seek God 1:22:00            What to Say to Seekers Who Say “That’s Too Hard” 1:27:00            From Seeker to the Pulpit: What happened next? Thirty-five years later, Brother Barry still tears up thinking about that first Bible study, the night he couldn’t sleep because he thought: could this be it? After years of a chaotic childhood, unstable homes, and churches that left him more confused than when he walked in, God led him right to the door he’d been passing every single day. But what he didn’t know was that his story was just beginning. Because God had a calling waiting for him that would blow up every plan he had for his young life. Now, if Brother Barry’s story spoke to you, or if you know someone who’s in the middle of their own secret journey, share this with them. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC Media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Watch Want to Find God? https://incmedia.org/want-to-find-god/ Interested in attending a Bible study in the Church Of Christ? Set a time to speak. Connect with the Making Changes Host http://instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Rate & Review: Spotify and Apple Podcasts Follow the show: Instagram http://instagram.com/makingchangespodcast Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes  

Click to expand transcript Growing Up CODA: Transition to Adulthood Brother Ronnie David:  How do you tell your mom and dad you’re not going to be with them anymore? We both moved up closer to the chapel in Atlanta, but now, it’s not a two hour drive. It’s a 20 hour flight now, if you want to see us. Aliw Pablo: It’s part 2 of our episode with Brother Ronnie and Rowel David, who are CODA, or also known as Child of Deaf Adults. In this episode, we’ll be talking about growing up CODA and how that prepared them to be later called into the holy ministry. We’ll find out how they came to the difficult decision of leaving their parents, who are both deaf, behind. Brother Ronnie David: I was shaking. What I said was, you know, we’re going to be leaving, because we’re gonna go study in the ministry now. And I braced myself because, you know, I know this was a shock for her. We never talked to her about it. She didn’t even talk to us about it. It was never discussed it, we’re going to do this. Aliw Pablo: You’re listening to Making Changes, a show about the changes we go through and the life lessons we learn along the way, but always with God by your side. I’m your host, Aliw Garcia Pablo.  Today’s episode is perhaps one of the biggest life changes we’ve ever talked about. Brother Ronnie David: Her words will be etched in my mind forever, I will never forget. Right, Rowell? Aliw Pablo: Two young men who have been their parents interpreters all their lives—at the bank, in school, in the workplace, at Church.  Brother Ronnie and Brother Rowel have been their parents’ advocates and liaison to the world. But despite their deep love for their parents, they decided to answer God’s call to enter  the holy ministry. The stories they will share may shock us but certainly inspire us, on what happens when we have a change in perspective. What happens when we put our fears away, when we replace fear with confidence and trust in God instead, so that we can make room in our lives for His plans? Let’s listen in. [Show open] Aliw Pablo: When would you say that you both started to feel the calling into the ministry? Brother Ronnie David: There was one worship service I do remember. And the minister did say one thing that really stuck out to me, which was, “Even if you’re thinking about it, that’s already a sign.” And I remember after the worship service saying, “I’m thinking about it right now. But does that mean it’s a sign, like, should I join now? There [were] three other brothers in the local [congregation] who are talking about it. And our resident minister announced it after the worship service: “If there are any brothers who would like to join, please meet us in the sanctuary this afternoon at three o’clock,” something like that. But I do remember that three o’clock though. All I remember is when I entered that door, I saw my brother on the other side. And you know what? At that point, I wasn’t surprised he wanted to join. But there’s a reason why when the minister mentioned years before, that if you’re thinking about the ministry, it’s a sign already, until now, until that point, why I didn’t join right away, it was because I was kind of worried about my parents. I mean, they are good and faithful, but like we mentioned earlier, they didn’t have the best kind of jobs, I’ll admit. It was very labor intensive. They spent a lot of hours just to be able to make ends meet. We didn’t have the best life. I’m not going to sugarcoat that; it was really rough. There were hard times. In my mind, I was like, “Okay, me and my brother, this is where we[‘ve] got to have the comeback story. We’re going to get great jobs, you’re going to provide them a great life, and, and we’re all going to have big houses. And we’re going to tell them, “Mom and dad, we did this for you. We love you, you know.” But that Sunday at 3 p.m., that was kind of a different idea at that point. “Okay, now who’s going to take care of mom and dad?” I remember looking at my brother. We didn’t say anything, though. We joined. The minister had us sign a form, or we all prayed after. And I just remember, me and my brother already discussing, “We’re not going to tell Mom and Dad yet.” I don’t know. Why didn’t you want to tell them, Rowell? Brother Rowel David: I think for me, personally, I think it was because who knows if this is even going to go through. And who knows if we would even get approved? You know, this is just a pre-application. And so because, just like what he said, we were worried [about] who’s going to take care of mom and dad. I’m sure you know, in a regular person’s (way of) thinking they would—as parents who are deaf, who depend on their children, they would probably think the same thing. And so for us, it’s like, why would I want to put them through the worry? this may not even go through. So it’s like, you know, I guess it was one of those times where it’s like, we’ll cross that bridge when it comes. Aliw Pablo:  But you both hadn’t talked to each other at all about the ministry until you saw each other at the chapel that day? Brother Ronnie David: Oh, yeah, no way. We never spoke about it at all. Aliw Pablo: So, tell us about how your parents found out that you’re both joining the ministry. Brother Ronnie David: Because they announced it after the worship service one day. They said, “Okay, through the guidance of the Church Administration, these brothers were accepted to join the holy ministry.” And they mentioned all the names. And you know what, for a local of less, a little less than 100 people at that time, a little less than 100 brethren, to send five brothers at one time. I was pretty…it was a lot.  You could look around, their parents crying, you know, aunties, uncles, friends, cousins. It was super emotional. The only ones who didn’t feel it were probably my parents. Because they’re looking around wondering, why is everybody crying? Did something bad happen? I remember telling, like, the others, please do not say anything to our parents. Because it was still in my mind, who was going to take care of them? I don’t want to… I didn’t even want to think about what we’re going to say to them. They eventually (found) out. I remember we were in the car, and my mother did bring it up. She said, “Is it true what I heard guys? Is it true you both went to join the ministry?” And, honestly, I think we were both speechless. We didn’t know what to say. Brother Rowel David: If you remember I turned around, I  looked at you and I said, “Did you tell her?” And then you turned around, you looked at me, and you said, “No. Did you tell her?” You know, and I don’t know for me, because (she’s) deaf, of course, she didn’t hear us say that. But we were trying to have a conversation, we’re trying to get our stories straight so that we can figure out how we can tell her. Brother Ronnie David: Then there was a mom on the side, “I know you guys are talking to each other. I see you.” Aliw: I see you talking about me. Brother Ronnie David: But I’ll tell you what though, it was just kind of… it was quiet. Because how do you tell your mom and dad you’re not going to be with them anymore? How do you do that? Especially when we’re young, I mean, I think I was still young. I was like, 21, my brother was 19. And I do remember, like, I was shaking. I did tell her. I said, “Mom, Dad, so…” I didn’t apologize, what I said was, “You know, we’re going to be leaving, because we’re gonna go study in the ministry now.” And I braced myself because, you know, I know this was a shock for her. We didn’t…we never talked to her about it. She never even talked to us about it. It was never discussed that we were going to do this. But her words will be etched in my mind forever. I will never forget, right, Rowell? She said, “You know, I always prayed for this. I always hoped you guys would join.” Brother Rowel David: I think at that point, it really, I’m sure I can say this on behalf of both of us that—that was the moment for us where it’s like, “If this is what they want, what’s going to stop us?” You know, what… there should be nothing that would stop us, you know. I remember we had a conversarsation. We were sitting there in the sanctuary and we were talking to ourselves and we were saying, you know, “Why did we even think that we could take care of them better than God?” Like, we were so worried about who would take care of mom and dad, you know. We’re trying to go to the ministry, and we forgot what they have been teaching us our entire life, which is that God is always watching you, and God will always take care of you. And so if they were taking care of them, if God was taking care of them, before we even came into the picture, what makes us think that they won’t be able to do it without us? Brother Ronniel David: You have to keep in mind, because the situation at the time was, we were both working not only to take care of ourselves, but we’re also still taking care of our parents. I mean, I even quit school, because I couldn’t afford going to school and taking care of the family, as well. So I took off time from school just to focus on working and saving a little bit more money. And at that age, too, you can only imagine how it’s unfortunate, but I (didn’t) remember this simple thing that our parents have been teaching us all our lives, which is that God is there, and God will take care of you, and trust in God. Brother Rowel David:  And that and that was always our answer. That was always our answer when people would say that, you know, who’s going to take care of your parents when you guys leave? We would always say, “God will. God will take care of them.” Because that’s what they taught us. That’s what they taught us and it’s the truth. It’s the truth. We’re not going to let anything stop us. Aliw Pablo: Getting to the Philippines and studying in the  ministry was one thing, but their trials and challenges have just begun. Brother Ronnie David: If I could just put it in perspective, whe

Click to expand transcript Making Changes: Growing Up CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Part 1 Brother Ronnie: And you know what, there is even one specific moment that I remember which is, the minister is giving—he’s wrapping up the lesson, he’s getting very spiritual; he’s giving the bayubay (advice).  Brethren are feeling it. And I look over at my mother, and I kid you not, she’s crying. And I don’t know why. I’m thinking, what are you hearing? What are you listening to? What were you getting from this?  Brother Rowel: You know, again as a child…what would go through my mind is, you can’t even hear, you know. Why is this important to you? Why does it matter? You can’t even hear. But as a child seeing that, and then finally being able to understand—it’s like, ok, let me stay awake maybe there’s a reason why.  Aliw: When I first learned about Brother Ronnie and Rowel David’s story, right away, I had so many questions. I was just so curious about how they grew up and became the people that they are now. You see, they’re brothers who are both CODA, an acronym for Child of Deaf Adults. They grew up in Georgia and are now both ministers of the gospel in the Iglesia Ni Cristo or Church Of Christ.  Brother Ronnie: I remember asking her afterwards, like, Oh, why are you crying? What did the minister say? And she said, “I don’t know, but I felt something. I was feeling something. And it made me feel like crying.” Brother Rowel: When me and my brother would talk about it, we would always say they really did worship, depending on the Holy Spirit, you know. Brother Ronnie: It’s one of the biggest lessons we ever got from them. And again, they never explained that to us. They never said anything about the Holy Spirit. They never put that into words but it’s based on the way they live, that’s how we learned it.  Aliw: From INC Media Audio, you’re listening to Making Changes, I’m Aliw Garcia Pablo. Today’s episode format is a bit different. This is a 2-part series where we’ll sit down with Brother Ronnie and Brother Rowel to see what it was like to grow up CODA and how that shaped their faith. This 2 part episode is so layered as you will see and feel. It’s about the struggle of growing up CODA, love for their parents but also the frustrations from the perspective of two young boys whose lives were filled  with setbacks and struggle.   Let’s listen in… Aliw: Hi, Brother Ronnie, Brother Rowel, thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us.  Brother Rowel: Thank you, Sister Aliw. Brother Ronnie: Thank you so much. Aliw:  We’ll start off by asking, what would you say? At what age, would you say that you realized that your home life was a little bit different from the rest of your friends in school or wherever? Brother Ronnie: It didn’t really hit me all at one time. It just kind of, eventually, I understood that our situation growing up is very different from other people. Like, for example, when we would go to the grocery store, and we’d help our mom pay. You know, we’d give the cashier the money, or if we have questions, we would talk for our mother. Same thing with going to the doctor’s office—my mother would want to tell the doctor something and the doctor tells us to tell our mom and we’d tell our mom. And then even when he came to school. The teachers are telling us okay, I need to talk to your parents, which have home phone numbers, I can call them. They call us later on, and I’m the one answering the phone. So, it was a gradual thing, I don’t think it was a specific age, but, the longer or the more we grew up with our parents the more I realized it really is different from other people. Bro. Rowel: For me growing up, I thought that everyone did sign language to their parents. I mean, yes, we had aunts and we had uncles, we had grandma and grandpa that we would speak to but for some reason, you know, of course, the mind of a child growing up, you just think, yeah, but when it comes to your parent, you do sign language. And so, you know, finding that out, noticing that about the other children, how they would speak to their parents, you know, it obviously showed me that it was different. But you know, the crazy thing is that, yeah, I noticed it. But then right after it was like, okay, we’re just different, you know? My situation isn’t like their situation. Bro. Ronnie: It’s funny because you kind of forget you’re doing sign language. You don’t even know you’re doing sign language anymore. We could literally just be talking to our parents and switch over to just talking or voicing out our opinions or whatever. It’s all one language at one point so… Aliw:  So, let’s back up a bit and give you a bit of their background. Their parents, Raquel and Ramon, were both born deaf, they met in the Philippines, got married in the Church and their mother migrated to Georgia first where the rest of her family were. We all know how hard it is to start a new life in a new country but how much more not being able to hear. Their parents both understood and signed Filipino Sign Language, but not ASL or American Sign Language. The brothers have some memory of what it was like for their mom.  Brother Ronnie: And back then, you know, websites, chat rooms, or Skype, all that didn’t exist. So, she really just kind of stayed at home. Her life was more like just observing things. It wasn’t really a community, (or) communicating with people, socializing, or talking to people, she would meet deaf people along the way, here and there. But there was still that lack of communication because they could never keep up with each other. They didn’t have phones or whatever, she didn’t have her own cell phone at the time. So, it was more on her just watching and looking, just waiting. My father…he came along a couple of years later on… Brother Rowel: My parents, when it comes to them, they’re—a very good trait they have is that they’re able to adapt to a lot of people, a lot of situations, and be able to find their way through. For example, our mother, she may be speaking with someone, and they don’t know sign language, but she’ll find a way to get her point across. It wasn’t until, of course, me and my brother, (when) we came along, that’s when she started using us just to make it easier. But even before then, yes, she had our aunt, our uncles and our grandparents, but if they have to do something, they would find a way to be able to (get) by. Aliw: So, would your mom write what she needed to say? And then just show it to people? Brother Ronnie: Exactly. She always had a paper and pen on her. Here’s a crazy experience she had. I actually remember her telling me about this. So, I’m the firstborn. And my mother—she wanted to go visit my father back in the Philippines again. She traveled to the Philippines by herself. You know, going into an airport with me, talking to the stewardess, trying to find out what her gate is. And you know how hectic an airport can be… Aliw: Right!  Brother Ronnie:… And going transferring from this flight to this flight. And still, until now, it gets me, how was she able to do that? I mean, she didn’t have a cell phone. She didn’t have a—she didn’t text anybody. Because she was able to get to the airport there in the Philippines and still from there, find my family without a phone or anything. Aliw: Yes, that—just finding those that will pick you up is so hard with the crowds of people.  Aliw: So growing up, you saw that your parents, your mom, specifically, never used her disability as an excuse. Brother Rowel: Even though after, you know, that process of finally understanding that they’re different. Even after that, she would always tell us, “No, I’m normal. I’m normal, I just can’t hear.” That’s what she would always tell us.  Brother Ronnie: It’s funny even until now, I don’t think she would consider that as a disability. Brother Ronnie:  So, she would teach us the normal things like drink water, or go clean, you know, clean the dishes, or go home apples, stuff like that. My brother’s favorite: food, you know, stuff like that. But it’s funny because my aunt’s, my uncle’s, I want to say, they don’t really know sign language like that. I want to say they don’t really know that well, but they can all talk, they can all fight, they can all laugh, they can do everything like regular siblings. Aliw: Their parents were simple people with humble but demanding jobs in the small town of Milledgeville, Georgia. Their dad worked as a furniture mover; their mom, she worked at the local hospital cleaning clothes. But both parents, despite being deaf and couldn’t speak, made sure their two boys were raised well.  Aliw: Okay, so when you are in , as little boys, you know, how were you disciplined as little kids  with you know, most parents would yell, they’d get mad? What was that for you? Bro. Rowel:  I’d say it’s very, you know, it’s one thing to get loud. Especially as a kid, it’s one thing to hear your parents get loud, but to see it, like to actually see it because they’re all, it’s all visual with them. It’s all facial expressions. And so when they’re mad, like you could you could put a wall in front of us. And you could tell by our voice, you’re mad, but then seeing it face to face? Oh, it’s scary. It is. But you know, I will say this, you know, not trying, you know—of course, we weren’t angels growing up, we were boys growing up playing around here and there. But I’d like to say that she didn’t—both my mother and our father—they didn’t really have to discipline us too much. But I feel like that’s because our mother really put the fear of God in us. My mom would always tell us, I may not be with you, but God sees you. You know, she would always say that. Brother Ronnie: I have to add to that story because I know exactly what my brother’s talking about. When he says (that) my mom said that God’s watching you—it’s because, again, my mom is visual. She’s visual. She can’t tell me what it means to hear. She can’t explain that to me. So,

What happens when your skeptical neighbor becomes your sister in faith? For years, Kim said, “I don’t need church. God is everywhere.” But one Sunday, she chose to attend a worship service in the Church Of Christ. That decision changed Kim’s life and also deepened the faith of her friend Aliw, host of Making Changes. It’s the story of how God moved the pieces in their lives to bring them together and bring them both closer to Him in ways they never expected. Finding God was just the beginning. Real peace comes when you choose Him daily. 00:00 – “When You Believe, Faith Doesn’t Die – It Only Grows Stronger” 02:05 – The Reunion: God’s Favorite Meets Her Best Friend After Years Apart 06:15 – The Seamless Move: How Everything Fell Into Place for Tennessee 10:09 – From “I Don’t Need Church” to Never Missing Service 13:18 – The Saturday Night Call That Changed Everything 14:17 – Walking Into Light: Angels Singing at First Worship Service 17:03 – Why She Never Wanted to Leave After That First Day 23:01 – When Every Doctrine Made Perfect Sense Immediately 24:18 – Sharing Truth with Neighbors: The Captain of Neighborhood Watch 27:13 – The Bible Study That Ended with Slammed Books and Red Pens 29:39 – Getting Andrew and the Kids to Follow God’s Call 35:07 – The Heart Transplant Crisis: When Faith Meets Life and Death 38:06 – Approved at the 11th Hour for the Grand Baptism 43:22 – Why Faith Only Grows Stronger After 16 Years 46:15 – The Maturity to Follow God’s Disciplines, Not Just Beliefs 49:38 – What Her Christian Friends’ Drinking Taught Her About Hypocrisy 52:05 – Being the Only Black Woman: Overcoming Cultural Questions 58:08 – From Heart’s Calling to White Shoes: Becoming a Deaconess 1:01:27 – Why She Keeps Wanting to Do More for God 1:04:01 – Raising Kids to Serve God Properly, Not Just Be Happy 1:08:52 – Church as Daily Recharge and Safe Haven from a Nasty World 1:12:03 – How Their Friendship Changed Both Their Faith Perspectives 1:18:48 – Change Is Transformation That Impacts Others Kim’s change wasn’t just about joining the Church; It was about understanding that membership is not a destination, but a doorway into deeper spiritual maturity… a deeper connection with God…and a deeper purpose in life. This was a woman who had moved from simply being in the church to truly becoming God’s child. Or God’s favorite, as she proudly puts it. And maybe that’s the change we all need to make….not just once, but again and again, as we grow into who God is calling us to become. If this story has moved you, or you know someone who needs to hear it, share it with them. And don’t forget to subscribe to Making Changes wherever you listen to podcasts. And remember, change can also be a transformation that makes you a path for others to find their way to God. So make that change. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with the Making Changes Host Rate & Review: Spotify and Apple Podcasts Follow the show: Instagram Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

The bond their parents instilled in them would carry an older brother through seven years of patiently waiting… and be solidified in one night when the three brothers prayed together, now bound by something deeper than blood. This is a story that proves some relationships are worth praying for, no matter how long it takes. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Three Brothers, One Bond: Growing Up with Pecking Calls 02:18 – The Age Gap Chronicles: From Only Child to Big Brother 06:01 – Pecking Calls and Countdowns: The Brotherhood Rules 1:03:39 – Building Deeper Relationships: From Surface to Spiritual Depth 1:12:41 – Little Glimmers of Hope: Mom Singing, Dad Nodding 1:20:05 – What 18 Years of Patience Has Taught Them 1:25:09 – Parenting with Purpose: Teaching Kids Through Experience 1:29:26 – The Domino Effect: One Calling Changes Generations 1:35:54 – Getting Emotional: Racing Against Time 1:41:22 – Rapid Fire: Funny Brother, Sensitive Brother, Marriage Advice 1:44:18 – Change Is Everything: Blessing, Growth, and God Eighteen years later, Harmony, Aries, and Adonis still gather after every Sunday worship service to pray for their parents. They’ve learned that the most profound changes don’t happen overnight – they happen one invitation at a time, one prayer at a time. So if you’re waiting for a loved one to change their heart…or know someone who is… share this story, and remind them that God’s answers are always… always worth waiting for, no matter how long it takes. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Watch Want to Find God? Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Ez thought she had everything under control. From the moment of diagnosis, Ez shares her powerful journey from needing control to complete surrender, letting go of everything she thought mattered and turning her pain into service to God and others. 00:00 – The Journey Begins: From Control to Surrender 03:04 – The Unexpected Diagnosis That Changed Everything 07:44 – First Response: “I Trust You” 10:58 – Breaking the News with a Whiteboard Presentation 15:25 – When One Surgery Becomes Six 20:00 – Finding Light in the Darkness Through Daily Anointing 27:26 – Lessons in Faith: What Prayer Really Means 36:47 – The Deeper Roots: How Trials Strengthen Faith 44:03 – From Recipient to Giver: Becoming a Deaconess 48:06 – Advice for Patients: Creating Your Healing Team 51:43 – What NOT to Say to Someone with Cancer 56:53 – Living in Remission: Fear, Faith, and Moving Forward 59:04 – Teaching the Next Generation Through Example 1:01:05 – Why We Need Sharp Edges to Be Rounded Out 1:03:39 – Rapid Fire: Favorite Meals, Congregations, and Life Advice Ez started her journey believing she could control everything…but after her cancer diagnosis she realized her power wasn’t her ability to plan every detail in her life. It was surrender. Surrender to God’s will. Surrender to God’s plans. From telling God, ‘I trust you’ in her darkest moment to becoming a deaconess serving others in theirs, Ez discovered that letting go of what she couldn’t control gave her access to something far more powerful – purpose, peace, and the ability to transform pain into service. If you’re struggling to control something today, remember Ez’s words: ‘Change is an opportunity.’ So, let go and surrender to the change God has in store for you. And if you’re a woman listening to this or know someone who needs to hear this, please – take action on what Ez learned the hard way. Fight for your health. Be your best advocate. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes  

At their lowest moments, Mary and Rashad couldn’t have imagined that their story was just getting started. That the same circumstances that nearly destroyed them would become the foundation for something beautiful. This conversation explores the transformative journey of Mary and Rashad, who faced significant challenges and ultimately found redemption through faith. They discuss their experiences with hitting rock bottom, the importance of intentional prayer, the role of community in healing, and the commitment required in relationships and parenting. 00:00  From Rock Bottom to Redemption 02:59  A New Spiritual Journey Begins 05:52 Experiencing a Different Kind of Worship 08:54 Building a New Community 11:44 Navigating Relationships and Forgiveness 14:57 The Importance of Commitment 17:52 Baptism: A New Beginning 20:49 The Transformation After Baptism 23:40 Facing Life’s Challenges 26:38 The Role of Prayer in Marriage 29:39 Parenting with Faith 32:40 Finding Freedom in Faith 47:52 The Power of Forgiveness and Experience 49:03 Learning from Mistakes and Consequences 50:31 Parenting with Faith and Guidance 50:49 Navigating Family Traditions and Beliefs 54:12 Understanding the True Meaning of Christmas 55:58 Inviting Family into Faith 01:01:05 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear 01:04:46 The Impact of God on Relationships 01:09:43 Finding Peace Through Surrender 01:14:52 The Role of the Church in Our Lives God didn’t wait for them to clean up their act first. He met them right there in the mess and showed them the way out. And it wasn’t some overnight miracle. It was messy. It was work. It was choosing God even when their hearts could have chosen an easier way out. But through all of that messiness, their story shows us what’s possible when we let go of the brokenness and surrender completely to God. If Mary & Rashad’s story resonated with you, or if you know someone who’s been trying to control their own story instead of letting God write it, share these two episodes. Sometimes we need to hear that surrender isn’t giving up – it’s finally letting go. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Watch Part 1 of Mary & Rashad’s Story Read the Knowing When to Give and When to Take:  Watch Why God’s Guidance in Marriage is Important  Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Two broken people seeking for answers find each other in pain. Church hurt, religious trauma, and childhood abuse bring Rashad and Mary together in their desperate search for healing and truth and in the process, find God waiting for them. 00:00 The Journey Begins: Meeting at a Casino 02:18 First Encounters and Shared Colors 05:39 Rashad’s Spiritual Background: From Church Builder to Club Life 10:26 Mary’s Childhood: Growing Up with an Abusive, Alcoholic Father 15:07 Breaking Free from Family Dysfunction 16:54 What They Sought in Each Other 19:19 The Interracial Dynamic: Love Beyond Color Lines 21:19 Mary’s DUI: The Three Days That Changed Everything 25:52 Rashad’s Bible Study Journey: 28 Lessons and Secret Transformation 32:29 The Double Life Dilemma: Mixing Light with Darkness 37:43 The Crossroads: Choosing God Over Comfort 42:10 Prison Phone Calls: Reading Job Behind Bars 46:41 Separate Transformations, One Divine Plan 48:02 Choosing Light: Opening the Door to Change But their story doesn’t end here. In part two of this episode, you’ll hear what happens after Mary called the minister, Brother Mike, their baptisms, and how they learned that true freedom isn’t about having no rules – it’s about joining God’s club and following His way. Their transformation from from choosing pain to choosing God, proves that sometimes the most beautiful stories come from the most broken beginnings. If Mary and Rashad’s story resonates with you, or if you know anyone who’s been choosing their pain over God’s healing, share this episode. Sometimes we need to hear that God can write a better story than we ever imagined. Don’t forget to subscribe to Making Changes wherever you listen to podcasts, and remember – change isn’t just inevitable, it’s necessary. You might as well change for the good. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Check more Stories of Faith. Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Growing up, Brother Bernard watched his Filipino immigrant father sacrifice everything to start over in America, yet somehow stay completely devoted to his faith. The question that never left Brother Bernard alone: Why? Why was his dad’s faith so strong? In This Episode 00:00 The Search for Meaning 02:54 Lessons from a Father’s Faith 05:43 The Journey to the Ministry 08:40 Finding True Happiness 11:42 The Call to Serve 14:50 Faith Through Adversity 17:41 The Impact of Faith on Family 20:45 The Role of Gratitude 23:28 Transformative Changes in Life 26:42 The Legacy of Faith 29:32 Navigating Life’s Challenges 32:22 The Blessings of Service 35:11 The Importance of Perspective 38:10 Embracing Change 41:01 The Power of Connection 43:42 Lessons for Future Generations 46:37 The Bigger Picture of Life 49:27 The Importance of Faith in Grief 52:16 The Journey of Self-Discovery 55:14 The Role of a Parent 57:40 Final Reflections on Faith and Family   Brother Bernard’s journey to joining the ministry shows us that sometimes the greatest changes happen when we stop to understand the why behind what we do, why we’re here, and the true purpose God gives us. If Brother Bernard’s story resonates with you, or if you know anyone who has ever felt that feeling of getting everything but still feeling empty, share this episode. Sometimes we need someone to tell us that sacrificing for our true purpose doesn’t mean we’re at a loss… the truth is, it can be the complete opposite. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Watch Erribelle Celestino’s Faith Speaks  Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Feeling discouraged about inviting friends to faith? This week, we’re revisiting one of our most replayed moments from last season, the powerful story of Brother Andrey Silva and his friend Errol Viray. It’s a reminder that persistence can transform lives, and why you should never give up on the people you care about. In This Episode [00:00] Introduction to the episode and revisiting a memorable story. [01:15] Brother Andre Silva shares advice on helping friends find faith. [03:45] The significance of perseverance and trust in God. [06:30] Embracing change with God as a guiding force. [09:00] The impact of a life of service and spiritual fulfillment. [12:00] Reflections on change and the importance of a strong foundation. If this reminder resonated with you, make sure to share this episode with someone else. Thank you for listening to Making Changes and joining us this season. If you want to listen to the rest of this conversation with Brother Andrey and Brother Errol scroll down to the 2-part episode called “Life of Service” It’s amazing story that every one needs to hear. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Life of Service Part 1 Life of Service Part 2 Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Most people know James Raiz as the box office artist behind Marvel Studios’ biggest hits, the energetic host of Time to Draw Live with over a million YouTube subscribers. But behind the viral videos and sold-out shows, James faced a change that would redefine everything he thought he knew about strength. 00:00 Introduction to James Raiz 02:15 The Influence of Family and Cultural Expectations 05:30 Discovering Art as a Career 09:45 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Challenges 13:20 Creating Art for the Church and Community 17:05 Navigating Personal Trials: A Wife’s Illness 21:30 Finding Strength in Family and Faith 25:45 The Impact of Art on Personal and Professional Life 30:10 Embracing Change and Growth 34:00 The Journey with Marvel and Star Wars 38:20 Teaching and Inspiring the Next Generation 42:00 The Power of Authenticity and Values 45:30 Looking Forward: New Beginnings and Joy 48:00 Closing Thoughts and Reflections James’s story is one of resilience and faith. Because here’s what he learned in the space between Marvel premieres and midnight prayers: we don’t become who we’re meant to be in the comfortable moments. We become who we’re meant to be in the moments that require us to hold on when everything in us wants to let go. If James’s journey inspired you, share this episode with someone who needs to hear that change is possible. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with Aliw Garcia Pablo, the Making Changes Host  Follow James on Youtube @BoxOfficeArtist Watch Maynard Binaday’s Faith Speaks Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

At 31, JP faced a health scare that would change everything. He had to make a choice. Accept the labels that had defined him his whole life – “the smart kid,” “not the athletic type,” “the one who sits on the sidelines” or take a step outside of the identity he had given himself. 00:00 The Fear of Change 03:01 Defining Health and Identity 06:01 Comfort Food and Emotional Well-being 08:58 Catalyst for Transformation 12:08 Taking the First Step 14:59 Building Momentum and Small Wins 18:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt 20:59 From 5K to Marathons 23:58 The Journey to the New York City Marathon 27:24 Facing Challenges: A Father’s Cancer Diagnosis 32:41 The Importance of Health and Nutrition 37:48 The Role of Faith in Personal Transformation 40:51 Consistency Over Perfection in Habits 42:16 Finding Identity Beyond External Perceptions 45:08 Prayers for Persistence and Endurance 46:08 Running as a Metaphor for Life’s Journey 48:09 Tears of Gratitude and Future Goals 51:48 Family Pride and Shared Accomplishments 53:05 The Deeper Meaning of Running and Support 55:19 The Power of Small Steps in Change JP’s story began with a prayer in a gym parking lot, but it didn’t end there. The man who once believed he wasn’t “the athletic type” is now encouraging young people in his New Jersey congregation to lace up their running shoes. He’s showing them the same thing his father showed him in that hospital room… keep going, even when life gets tough. If you’re sitting in your own parking lot right now, maybe it’s time to pray, take a deep breath, and see what’s possible when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you. If JP’s journey encouraged you, share this with someone who needs to hear that faith can grow even when life feels difficult. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with the Making Changes Host on Instagram.com/aliwgarciapablo Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

At 47, most people are settling into their careers, not starting completely over. But Ted Teodoro wasn’t most people. After retiring from a successful 20-year finance career, Ted did something that shocked everyone who knew him – he applied to become a police officer, chasing a childhood dream he’d carried for decades. 00:00 Chasing Dreams: A Cop’s Journey 10:30 The Immigrant Experience and Parental Expectations 20:17 Faith and Trusting God’s Timing 27:22 Navigating Career Changes in Midlife 28:02 Exploring New Horizons in Law Enforcement 29:27 The Academy Experience: Ego and Growth 32:20 Reflections on Youth and Resilience 33:41 Standing Firm: Balancing Faith and Duty 36:35 Navigating Life’s Forks: Faith vs. Career 39:42 The Importance of Faith in Challenging Times 45:33 Never Give Up on Your Dreams 47:34 Lessons Learned: Gratitude and Growth 49:20 Risking It All: The Role of Faith in Pursuing Dreams 51:08 The Need for a Higher Power 52:57 Embracing Change for Personal Growth 58:16 Final Thoughts: Change is Good Ted’s story proves that dreams don’t have expiration dates and that putting God first doesn’t mean giving up on who you’re meant to be. After 20 years in finance, he didn’t just change careers; he showed us that we can chase our dreams without compromising our faith. So if you’re carrying a dream that won’t let go, remember: it’s never too late to start over, just make sure to consult God and ask Him to guide your decision… that’s what Ted did and now he’s living his dream. If Ted’s journey encouraged you, share this with someone who needs to hear that midlife can be the beginning of their greatest chapter. Connect with the Making Changes Host, Aliw Garcia Pablo on Instagram. Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

Rhea Mae’s life changed when doctors said she had an inoperable brain aneurysm and might die. Instead of living in fear, she discovered how a mindset change can help her build resilience no matter what new obstacle was thrown at her. Her story shows how the lessons she learned in the worship services helped her go from asking ‘Why me?’ to saying ‘Use me’ for God’s purpose. 00:00 The Journey Begins: A Life-Changing Diagnosis 10:03 Faith and Trust in God During Trials 20:05 Transforming Mindset: From Fear to Gratitude 29:58 Facing New Challenges: The Cancer Diagnosis 36:47 Navigating Life’s Trials 39:00 The Power of Prayer and Faith 44:40 Resilience Through Resistance 48:43 Choosing to Share Your Story 52:08 Living with Intention and Gratitude 56:08 Embracing Change and Growth Meng’s story is such a powerful reminder that we don’t get to choose our trials, but we absolutely get to choose how we respond to them. From brain aneurysm to cancer, she chose surrender over bitterness, trust over fear. So if you’re asking “why me?” remember: your current chapter isn’t your final chapter, and God is writing a story far better than you can imagine. If Meng’s journey encouraged you, share this with someone who needs to hear that faith can flourish in the hardest of seasons. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you. Connect with the Making Changes Host, Aliw Garcia Pablo on Instagram. Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes

This conversation explores the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving for aging parents, particularly focusing on the experiences of the sandwich generation.  Bernie and Jerry share personal stories of loss, adjustment, and the complexities of navigating new roles as caregivers while balancing their own family responsibilities. 00:00 The Role Reversal: Becoming Caregivers 03:05 Navigating Sudden Loss and Immediate Change 05:59 Adjusting to New Living Arrangements 09:08 The Emotional Journey of Caregiving 12:00 Acceptance and the Bittersweet Nature of Aging 14:57 The Challenges of Communication and Connection 18:09 Finding Peace in Caregiving 20:59 The Sandwich Generation: Balancing Multiple Responsibilities 24:03 The Impact of Menopause on Caregiving 26:57 Sibling Dynamics in Caregiving 35:03 Navigating Family Dynamics in Caregiving 38:33 Coping Mechanisms and Emotional Resilience 41:43 Faith and Acceptance in Caregiving 44:53 Finding Strength in Community and Support 49:05 The Role of Faith in Caregiving 51:45 Embracing the Honor of Caregiving 54:44 Anticipatory Grief and Its Challenges 57:56 The Importance of Communication in Caregiving 01:00:11 The Spouse’s Perspective on Caregiving 01:06:10 The Power of Prayer in Relationships 01:09:38 Navigating Caregiving Challenges 01:12:20 Acts of Love in Difficult Times 01:16:31 Lessons Learned Through Caregiving 01:22:50 Preparing the Next Generation 01:26:39 Finding Strength in Change Bernie and Jerry’s story shows us that caring for aging parents isn’t just a duty. It’s discovering love, patience, and faith we never knew we had. So even when we feel overwhelmed and lost, God is shaping us into exactly who we need to be.  Now if you’re in the sandwich generation or facing your own difficult season, remember, God chose you for this assignment and He will give you strength to see it through.  If you found value in what you heard today, share this with someone who needs to hear that they’re not alone in their struggles.  For more Making Changes podcasts, visit incmedia.org, the INC media app, or find it anywhere you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening, and may your change uplift you.   Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes 

In this episode of Making Changes, host Aliw Garcia Pablo explores the theme of change through powerful stories from individuals who faced various life transitions. From a father’s prayer during a medical crisis to a young professional discovering her artistic talents during the pandemic, each narrative highlights resilience, faith, and personal growth. 00:00 Embracing Change: Life’s Unexpected Turns 02:14 Faith in Crisis: A Father’s Prayer 04:57 Promises and Sacrifices: A Journey Abroad 06:33 Pandemic Discoveries: Uncovering Hidden Talents 08:34 Cultural Lessons: Finding Joy in Service 10:43 The Transformation of Parenthood 12:45 Small Changes, Big Joys: Discovering New Passions 15:01 Evacuated Blessings: Appreciating What We Have 16:50 Taking Risks: The Leap into Business Ownership 19:00 Life’s Timing: Patience and Growth 21:08 From Trauma to Triumph: A Journey of Healing   That’s what this season of Making Changes is all about. The continuous process of becoming, whether it’s through crisis or choice, sudden events or gradual evolution, we’re all works in progress. So thank you for listening and watching. We’ll be back with more stories of transformation. Until then, make sure to subscribe to Making Changes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to And if you have a minute to spare, make sure to rate and give us a review. This will help us make sure that more people will get to listen to these amazing stories of change. Thanks for listening and may your change uplift you. Rate & Review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram. Visit our website: incmedia.org/making-changes 

Aliw Pablo: You know, it’s not everyday that I get to catch up with an old friend. Aliw Pablo: Okay, go. Brother Andrey Silva: It’s part of the blooper reel. Can we put a blooper reel together? Aliw Pablo: Yes! Aliw Pablo: And it’s even more special when that friend is someone who’s gone through so many unique life-changing experiences. Like my friend, Brother Andrey Silva. Aliw Pablo: Okay. Hello, Brother Andrey Silva. How are you? Brother Andrey: Great. How are you, Sister Aliw? Aliw: I’m good. Welcome to the Making Changes Podcast. Brother Andrey: Glad to be here. [Show open] Aliw Pablo: If you were a young adult in the nineties like me, you might’ve heard of Brother Andrey. He was the lead singer of Kai, the first (and until now, the only) Filipino boy band who found mainstream success and popularity in the US. A lot has changed since his music career with Kai. Now, Brother Andrey is a minister of the gospel in the Church Of Christ. So today, we’re going to talk about all of the changes he’s gone through, and the life of service that God has paved for him. I’m Aliw Garcia Pablo, and you’re listening to a special episode of Making Changes. Aliw Pablo: Well, we’re so glad that you traveled all the way here from Texas. Brother Andrey: Yes. Aliw: Just to be here on our podcast today. Brother Andrey: Thank you for having me and praises be to our Lord God. Aliw: So Brother Andrey, for those that are, you know, who may have known you from years and years ago, like you and I have known each other for like thirty years already. Well, our age has just been revealed. But for those that have known you for a long time and are probably wondering what happened… Brother Andrey Silva, where have you been? What have you been up to? Brother Andrey: I’ve been in Africa for the… decade, almost a decade. I was assigned there as a minister, doing the work of the ministry in Africa. You know, I often tell the brethren that, you know, as ministers who are assigned there, we were able to have a front row seat to the amazing things that our Lord God was doing for the Church on that continent. It was a lot of work, and so we also witnessed how God truly upheld us as we fulfilled our duties in the ministry; taking care of the brethren, making sure that the Church would progress and grow, which was the aim of the Church Administration in the first place for sending us there. Many memorable experiences. I learned how to ride a horse in Africa. Aliw: I have seen those pictures, like on mountain tops, right? Brother Andrey: Yes. There in the country of Lesotho, which is known as the Mountain Kingdom, there was a group of people or a village there in the middle of the mountains, who were thirsting for the words of God. And we’ve had brethren who are from there wanting us to share the words of God there, and so we would have to ride two hours on horseback up and down about five mountains before we would reach that village. A village called Ha-Lerumonyane Village.  And a memorable experience in that place is the first time I was able to go there. ‘Cause I remember how difficult it was to get there, you know, it’s very- Aliw: Have you ridden horses before? Brother Andrey: That was the first time, and so very painful. Aliw: I can imagine. For two hours? Brother Andrey: Two hours on a mountain, rocky. Aliw: One way. Two hours on a mountain, one way. Brother Andrey: One way. Two hours, one way. But to finally get to that last mountain, and as soon as you get over that peak, the village can see that you’re almost to their village. They’re still quite a distance away, but they’re waiting to see that silhouette to cross that peak. And as soon as they saw us along with the translator and the other Basotho people that were with me, you start hearing the village singing and chanting. Aliw: Wow. Brother Andrey: Singing and chanting. I was like, “What is that? What are they singing?” You know? I was asking my translator. He said, “Oh, they’re singing a song about how the minister is now here and we will be able to hear the words of God and such.” And so, that was a very touching moment, just to see how they were thirsting to hear the teachings that we have inside the Church, and so that was a very touching moment for us. Yeah. Aliw: You know, speaking of music, I mean we know that, you know, you are very musically gifted and to be able to spend a decade in a country where people, I mean, music is their language. Brother Andrey: Yeah. Aliw: Were you able to also, you know, do music while you were there? Brother Andrey: We were able to have many musical projects there by the mercy of our Lord God, you know. And as mentioned music is a very natural thing for the African people. Brother Andrey: When they’re happy, they sing. When they’re sad, they sing. When they’re angry, whatever emotion they’re feeling, they convey it through song. So, you know, to have music made for the Church was very easy, very enjoyable, to work with the brethren in regards to that. Brother Andrey:  We were able to make different ranges of music to the traditional type of African music, to what they like to call Afro-beats, more contemporary music, we were able to do that. And music videos as well. And so, that was one of the more memorable things as well, to be able to connect to the brethren that way. Aliw: And when you, you know, when you think back, Brother Andrey, when you were growing up here in the Bay Area, in a million years, did you ever imagine spending a whole decade in Africa in a life of service? Brother Andrey: I didn’t think in two million years that I would ever get that experience, but you know, when I first heard that I was going to go to Africa, of course, I was excited. You know? It’s because for the most part, the continent was somewhat of an untouched region when it came to the works that we have in the Church. There was a presence already in certain countries, but continent as a whole, there was still a lot of work to be done because our mission was the expansion of the Church in Africa. And so, you know, the guidance of the Church Administration, you know, pulled us through so many times. The inspiration that we received from our beloved Executive Minister pulled us through so many times. Those difficult times when, you know, we were driving those long distances, leaving the house when the sun wasn’t even up yet, coming home when the sun had already set, not getting to spend time with our family as much. You know, they understood what the mission was, why we were there, and so they were very supportive. Aliw: Yes. We’re going to just take, take a trip down memory lane a little bit to just kind of really show just how full circle your life has come, you know? For those of you watching us at home or listening to us, if you were a teenager in the nineties, then you probably have heard of a little group called Kai. Do you remember that group, Brother Andrey? Brother Andrey: Oh yeah, yeah, yeah. Aliw: So you know, it’s just so amazing that you’re talking about making music in Africa and just all the experiences you had there, but in reality, it seems like God was already paving the way. Brother Andrey: Absolutely, yeah. Aliw: So take us back to you know, when you were a teenager here in the Bay Area, which by the way, I should say I do remember when–because we were both in Fremont local, right, in the nineties–you and some of the guys there, you guys would always sing acapella in the mens bathroom because the acoustics were really good. Right? But how did you end up in a group called Kai, and how it just became to be still to this day, the only Filipino boy band that actually reached mainstream? How did it all begin? Brother Andrey: Well, like you mentioned, you know, it all started in the local congregation of Fremont. You know, me and my brother and two other brothers had a little acapella group and, you know, we used to sing, for church functions. Aliw: So here’s the origin story of Kai—one day, Brother Andrey went to a family party, where he started to jam on the piano with a cousin whom he hadn’t met before. He later found out that Brother Andrey sang with a group of his friends at Church, and invited him to one of their practices.  Brother Andrey: And ever since then, at that point, you know, we were developing, musically, you know, even more. To the point where, you know, we were almost going to call it quits because, you know, we had been doing it, maybe, two years at that point. Aliw: And you guys were all in high school? Brother Andrey: We were all in high school, and some of us were graduating. Already wanted to move on, go to college, you know, think of our future careers and all of that. And then, before we were going to hang it up, you know, the gloves, we all decided, you know, this. We should record a song, just so we could show our future kids that—”hey, look, Daddy used to sing.” And we recorded this song and it was a song called, “Say You’ll Stay”. And, we decided, you know, well, just for fun, you know, since we’re going to quit anyway, but let’s just send it out to all these radio stations. Because we had friends. who were also working at radio stations, who kind of gave us, you know, the information to where to send it. And so we sent it out just for fun, not thinking anything of it. And before we knew it, you know, these stations were starting to play it and it was gaining popularity, like people were actually starting to request it. It started there in the Deep South, there in Louisiana— Aliw: Louisiana of all places! Brother Andrey:  Yeah, and so before we knew it, it was gaining popularity, getting noticed by Billboard. You know, we were charting on Billboard as an unsigned act. And so, that’s when we were getting calls, you know, from major record labels. And so, you know, I guess the rest is history, right? Then we went on to do some things in the music industry. Aliw: And what was that one big record label company that actuall