Bleeding Daylight

Roger Wheeler, a real estate agent from Iowa, discovered that comfortable Western Christianity was missing something crucial - the biblical call to share surplus with those in need. What started as orphan care work in Ghana evolved into a powerful revelation about global hunger within the Christian community. When Roger encountered families surviving on less than 1,000 calories per week, he couldn't ignore the contrast with his own abundance.   Through Shoulder to Shoulder ministry, Roger and his brother have now sent over $1 million to feed starving Christians in Zambia, working through 122 local churches with zero administrative overhead. But this isn't just about feeding the hungry - it's about what Roger calls a "food for faith exchange." As wealthy believers give from their surplus, they discover the deeper spiritual life that comes from true dependence on God. Roger challenges us to see ourselves as "a big herd of camels" struggling to enter the kingdom, while those we serve possess a richness of faith we desperately need. This conversation will transform how you think about poverty, wealth, and what it means to follow Jesus in a world of extreme inequality. WEBLINKS Shoulder 2 Shoulder Website Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Facebook Shoulder 2 Shoulder on Instagram

Douglas Ell joins Rodney Olsen on Bleeding Daylight to share his remarkable journey from committed atheism to evidence-based faith. With degrees in mathematics and physics from MIT and a successful legal career, Ell brings scientific rigor to one of humanity's biggest questions: Does the evidence point to God?   In this fascinating conversation, Ell reveals how examining DNA as digital code, understanding the fine-tuning of universal constants, and grappling with the origin of matter itself led him to conclude that science overwhelmingly supports the existence of a divine creator. He discusses his books "Counting to God" and "Proofs of God" sharing how he hopes to help others who struggle with the perceived conflict between science and faith. This episode offers compelling evidence that may change how you see the relationship between scientific discovery and spiritual belief.   WEBLINKS Counting to God Website

Pastor Michael Dennis embodies the courage to expand life's horizons rather than shrink them as the years pass. After over two decades of shepherding communities, he jumped headfirst into the world of stand-up comedy. What started as a pandemic dare from friends has evolved into a unique ministry opportunity in the most unlikely of places, comedy clubs where his faith meets the darkest corners of humanity.   Michael's journey from having zero interest in Jesus to becoming a pastor reveals the power of authentic relationship over religious culture. Now, as an empty-nester, he's discovered that comedy clubs provide unprecedented opportunities to meet young dreamers from around the world who are spiritually open in ways that traditional church settings never allowed. His story challenges common assumptions about faith, humour, and the intersection of sacred and secular pursuits, proving that God’s sense of humour might be bigger than we ever imagined.   WEBLINKS Michael Dennis on Instagram North Village Church

In this powerful episode, Rodney sits down with Sidhara Udalagama, a communications specialist at Compassion Australia who was born and raised in Sri Lanka. Sidhara shares her unique perspective on global poverty, having recently returned to her homeland with Compassion to capture stories of young women facing significant barriers. Her insights reveal the multidimensional nature of poverty and how it affects every aspect of human dignity, from the basic need to matter and be seen, to practical challenges like period poverty that force girls to abandon their education.   Through compelling stories from Sri Lanka, Uganda, and the Philippines, Sidhara demonstrates how locally-led approaches are creating lasting transformation in communities. From child-headed households where siblings care for each other, to aspiring fashion designers defying expectations, to mothers pulled back from the brink of despair, these stories showcase both the heartbreaking realities of poverty and the incredible hope emerging through compassionate intervention. Sidhara challenges listeners to expand their definition of "neighbour" beyond their local community to embrace a global perspective on care and responsibility.   WEBLINKS Compassion International Compassion Australia Compassion Australia on Facebook Compassion Australia on Instagram

In this deeply moving episode, Dr. Pamela Prince Pyle, board-certified internal medicine physician and author of "Anticipating Heaven," shares her remarkable journey from sceptic to believer. After witnessing her husband's dramatic spiritual transformation following a near-death experience, Pamela initially resisted faith for two years before encountering God's peace in a life-changing moment. Her story reveals the power of persistent prayer, authentic repentance, and the evidence of God's work in our lives.   As a medical professional with decades of experience in hospitals and emergency rooms, Pamela brings a unique perspective to end-of-life care. She discusses the difference between "good deaths" and difficult ones, sharing insights about near-death awareness versus terminal restlessness. Her practical wisdom helps listeners understand how to prepare for death well, turning what many fear into an opportunity for witness and peace. This conversation challenges us to live fully while anticipating heaven, offering hope to anyone facing mortality or caring for those who are.   WEBLINKS Dr Pamela Website Pamela on Facebook Pamela on Instagram Anticipating Heaven on Amazon

Former Naval Academy graduate and nuclear submarine officer Andy Felton's life took an unexpected turn when he faced serious health challenges including anxiety and infertility. Through these trials, he reconnected with his faith and developed a passion for nutrition, discovering a significant gap between theological wisdom and scientific research in Christian health resources.   In this enlightening conversation, Andy shares insights from his book "Nourished by Design: A Christ-Centered Approach to Nutrition." He explores how the Bible's rich theology of food extends far beyond simple dietary rules, revealing how our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing are interconnected. From the Garden of Eden to Jesus's table fellowship, Andy demonstrates how nutrition is deeply woven into our relationship with God and others. He addresses common misconceptions in Christian health circles while providing practical wisdom for nourishing the whole person according to God's design. WEBLINKS Nourished by Design

Join host Rodney Olsen as he speaks with John Knowlton, who brings together the worlds of entrepreneurship, faith, and family in remarkable ways. After building a successful wealth management firm and retiring at just 51, John has dedicated his life to helping others transform their thinking patterns for breakthrough results.   John's journey took an unexpected turn when he and his wife felt called to adopt two traumatized children, leading to a 15-year odyssey that tested every aspect of their faith and resilience. Through violent outbursts, massive financial challenges, and family stress that could have torn them apart, John discovered powerful principles about how our thoughts truly do shape our outcomes. His experiences as a jail chaplain provided real-world examples of how different thinking patterns can lead people from identical backgrounds to vastly different destinies. Now through his book "Thinking for Success" and the Abundant Thought Revolution movement, John is helping business leaders and individuals break free from limiting beliefs and unlock their full potential.   WEBLINKS Abundant Thought Revolution

Clint Leavitt believes that every great story we love is actually pointing us toward something bigger. As pastor of Midtown Presbyterian Church in Phoenix, he's discovered how fiction can serve as shadows of the deepest reality, and how narratives can pierce through our purely rational defences to reach the heart. His approach to ministry focuses on creating space for sceptics, deconstructors, and question-askers, building trust through shared stories and artistic mediums rather than demanding immediate belief.   In this conversation, Clint shares his journey from selling flip books on elementary school playgrounds to becoming a Tomatometer-approved film critic, pastor, and author. His latest book, "Cockroaches, God, Death, and Mangos," tells the remarkable refugee story of his friend from the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the bloodiest conflicts in world history since World War II. Through this friendship, Clint discovered how western colonization continues to impact current refugee crises, and how the church is called to expand its vision beyond national borders to embrace God's heart for the marginalised and displaced.   WEBLINKS The Leavitt Lens Clint on X Midtown Presbyterian Church on Facebook Midtown Presbyterian Church on Instagram   Midtown Presbyterian Church on Youtube

In this powerful episode of Bleeding Daylight, host Rodney Olsen sits down with Tiffany L. Jones, author of "The Cursed Brain," a devotional helping young adults navigate mental health challenges through faith. Tiffany shares her deeply personal journey of battling depression and intrusive thoughts since childhood, growing up in a home where mental health struggles were normalized, and finding herself exhausted from trying to manage her pain alone.   After years of believing she wasn't a "good enough Christian" because prayer and scripture study didn't cure her depression, Tiffany reached a breaking point and finally asked for help. Through professional therapy, medication, physical wellness, and authentic Christian community, she discovered healing and learned to fight the right enemy. Now she's dedicated to helping others know they're not too broken to heal, sharing hope through her writing, speaking, and youth ministry work.   WEBLINKS Tiffany L. Jones Link Tree

In this deeply moving episode, Jacke Rose shares the heartbreaking story of January 15, 2016, when her life changed forever. What began as an ordinary evening with family quickly turned into an unimaginable nightmare when her son Randy, a gentle and godly man, committed a violent act against his own family before taking his own life. Jacke walks us through the horrific phone calls, the rush to the hospital, and the moment she realized her worst fear as a mother had come true.   But this isn't just a story of tragedy—it's a testament to the power of hope and healing. After caring for traumatized grandchildren and processing her own complex grief, Jacke founded Grieving Moms Finding Hope, a ministry that has transformed the lives of mothers worldwide. Through her 12-week study program and retreats, she guides women from the darkest corners of despair to places of joy, laughter, and purpose. Jacke's story proves that even after life's most devastating landslides, it's possible to not just survive, but to help others find light in their darkness.   WEBLINKS Grieving Moms Finding Hope Jacke Rose on Facebook

In this episode of Bleeding Daylight, seasoned chaplain Ben Boland shares his 15+ years of experience ministering to older adults and people living with dementia. As both a practitioner and scholar who has contributed to academic journals and spoken at international conferences, Ben brings unique insights shaped by his professional expertise and personal journey supporting his father who lives with advanced dementia.   Ben challenges our culture's discrimination against older adults, revealing that 50% of people globally hold ageist attitudes - including older people discriminating against other older people. He emphasises that our value isn't tied to productivity, beauty, or youth, but to our relationship with God as His beloved children. Through practical wisdom and theological depth, Ben demonstrates how good dementia ministry becomes intergenerational evangelism, reaching entire families with the gospel while providing desperately needed care and support.   WEBLINKS Ben on LinkedIn Ben on YouTube Priceless People on Amazon Priceless People at Word Priceless People at Koorong

In a world more connected than ever before, we're paradoxically facing a global loneliness epidemic. Dr. Jake Thurston, lead pastor and author of "You Need Friends," joins host Rodney Olsen to explore how we've lost the art of meaningful connection and what we can do to reclaim it. From the architectural changes that replaced front porches with garages to the rise of tribalism and social media's hollow promises of connection, Jake reveals the complex factors contributing to our isolation.   Drawing from his decade of research and the ancient Christian practice of spiritual friendship, Jake offers practical solutions for building the deep, vulnerable relationships our souls crave. He discusses how the decline of faith communities, our fear of vulnerability, and our individualistic culture have left us surrounded by people yet profoundly alone. This conversation provides hope and actionable steps for anyone longing to move from surface-level interactions to life-changing spiritual friendships that can transform both our mental health and our relationship with God.   WEBLINKS You Need Friends Website Jake’s Instagram You Need Friends on Amazon

Brad Church's faith journey reads like a roadmap through the messy reality of Christian living. From a six-year-old's spark of faith in Sunday school to teenage drug use, from business success to bankruptcy, and through the ongoing battle between spirit and flesh, Brad has discovered profound truths about God's relentless grace. His story challenges the perfectionist expectations often placed on believers while offering hope to those who struggle with internal spiritual conflict.   In this honest conversation, Brad shares insights from his book "The Stranger's Conflict," exploring why Christians are called strangers in this world and how to navigate the tension between our sin nature and our spirit's desire for God. His perspective on avoiding "checklist Christianity," understanding God's true character, and finding authentic community provides practical wisdom for anyone wrestling with their faith journey. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian, Brad's story reminds us that God's grace meets us exactly where we are.   WEBLINKS Brad Church’s Website Brad Church on Facebook Brad Church - Goodreads

Larry O'Nan brings over 50 years of experience in Christian nonprofit fund development to share transformative insights about biblical stewardship. After unexpectedly losing his dream job in music ministry, Larry discovered his true calling when handed 28 boxes of unclaimed pledge cards worth nearly $2 million. This moment launched a career that would revolutionise how Christian organizations approach funding and partnership development.   Throughout this conversation, Larry challenges common misconceptions about stewardship, explaining how it encompasses far more than just financial giving. He shares the powerful concept of "freedom to fail" that enabled him to build one of the largest fund development entities in Christian work, growing from a desperate situation to managing 125 people across seven departments. His book, "Intentional Living and Giving," offers both theological foundations and practical guidance for understanding our role as stewards of God's resources - including our time, talents, and treasure. Larry's approach transforms fundraising from transactional exchanges into genuine partnerships where people own the mission alongside the organisation.   WEBLINKS Larry O’Nan Website Larry O’Nan on Facebook Larry O’Nan on LinkedIn  

Nathan Walters' journey from devastating childhood trauma to international mission leadership demonstrates the profound ways God can redeem our deepest pain. At age nine, Nathan's mother was killed in a violent attack, followed by the loss of his beloved grandmother just three years later. What could have destroyed his faith instead became the foundation for a life dedicated to serving others across the globe.   Now serving as President of Mission Discovery, Nathan has spent the past 15 years leading transformative mission trips that create lasting, gospel-centered impact in communities worldwide. His approach to short-term missions goes far beyond surface-level service, focusing on genuine partnerships with local leaders and authentic transformation for all involved. Through stories of remarkable redemption, unexpected callings, and the ongoing work of healing, Nathan reveals how God continues to work through broken people to accomplish His purposes. His insights on discerning God's voice, embracing difficult callings, and creating meaningful mission experiences offer practical wisdom for anyone seeking to live out their faith in service to others.   WEBLINKS Mission Discovery Mission Discovery Facebook Mission Discovery Instagram Mission Discovery X