I Share Hope with 1MillionStories.org Podcast

Is the main feeling you have when you think about God condemnation?   Tired of feeling guilty? Like you’re not enough? That you don’t measure up? You’re not alone. Sheri Thompson grew up hearing about the Word of God, but not about the grace of God.  Left to try to live the “good life” through her own efforts, she became exhausted.  Often feeling as though she wasn’t enough and would never live up to expectations.  But when she was in high school,  she heard a message that changed her life…  She heard about a relationship with God that wasn’t about how good she could be, but about how good God is.   And over the decades, it’s a message that she has spent her time and her heart pouring into other teens and young adults through a ministry called Relentless Endeavor.   It’s a message of hope and release from a huge cheerleader for the next generation.     If you’ve wondered about why some kids are leaving the church and their faith, you might be surprised at what you hear on today’s podcast… and perhaps a little convicted. Is there someone in your life that needs a little more understanding?  Do we have a few beliefs that might be affecting how we view things or people we don’t understand? Sheri’s story is a reminder that God loves and wants to connect with all people of all ages.  And He’s using us to do it.

One bad decision changed his life forever. From physically incarcerated to spiritually liberated, this is the Matthew Maher story. After excelling in school and sports, Matthew found himself as a professional athlete living a life most only dream of.  But all that changed one fateful night when he had too much to drink. Matthew’s decision led to the loss of a man who was a husband and father.  He was incarcerated for 55 months in state prison but received an uncommon miracle, forgiveness from the victim’s son. After being the cause of such tragedy, Matthew learned a powerful truth and received a tremendous gift, the gift of forgiveness. Matthew says, “Forgiveness is cutting the ties of bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness in our own lives.  When we forgive someone, you’re setting yourself free from the root of bitterness.” Is there someone you need to forgive but can’t seem to let go? Jesus paid the ultimate price and tells us in His Word, the Bible, that all who seek Him will find eternal forgiveness through faith in Him.

Tammy Stearns is a mom, a missionary, and the Women’s Ministry Director of Project H.O.P.E in Nicaragua.     It’s a ministry that ministers to the poorest of the poor- dump women and their children, single mothers, prostitutes, those abandoned and suffering.  Her faith is deep. It has strong roots. It’s been tested.   Almost five years ago, Tammy’s daughter Taellor died while at their home in Nicaragua in a random and freak accident.     Taellor was only 19 years old. But on the day of their daughter’s death, Tammy and her husband determined to live out the faith they had been sharing with those around them.  To walk the talk, so to speak. If you’ve gone through heartache, or are experiencing it now, listen to the powerful words as Tammy shares how she made it day to day, determined to live without doubt, blame, or bitterness. Tammy found that the only way to make it through Taellor’s death was to hold on to Jesus Christ and His truth as tight as she could.

We’re made for life-long companionship and most people are hopeful they will find true love, someone they can build a life with.  In fact, data shows there are over 40 million Americans using online dating services looking for that special someone. But what happens when true love is replaced with something that's artificial, something not real or genuine and far more dangerous than we know? According to Real Marriage Research, pornography stats reveal that 70% of men between the ages of 18 and 35 view a pornographic site at least once a month. 90% of children ages 8-16 have already viewed pornography and the largest consumers of porn are 12 – 17 year-old boys. Jeff Isaacs is a pastor, happily married and has four beautiful children, but decades ago he had a secret struggle that could have ruined his entire future.    Divorce lawyers will tell you pornography is a huge cause for broken marriages. In this story of hope, Jeff will share his struggles, his victories, and helpful tips for those in this battle to make the necessary changes to not only save your marriage but yourself from future destruction. Jeff offers four critical elements to help those battling pornography overcome their struggle.

Jenilee Mullikin is a wife and a mother of two, beautiful, young daughters.  She is happy and joyful in the Lord, but it wasn’t always that way. Nine years ago, Jenilee’s life took a turn that she never thought would happen and it rocked her to her core.   At that time, she lost everything and as a young woman, she had to rebuild her life piece by piece, deciding once again what, or who, would be her foundation. There are many people hurting about life, relationships, or any number of other things impacting them daily.  While people can offer comfort, it is only through Jesus Christ that our hearts can find a place of peace and rest through the challenges of life. Jenilee’s story challenges us to look at our faith and trust in the Lord.  No matter what is happening in our lives, we need to ask ourselves, is God enough?  If I lose it all, will He be enough? These are difficult questions. God has promised that He will supply all of our needs, that He will never leave us nor forsake us. God is always on our side.  

JD Asbell is a distinguished leader in business and the president of We Buy Ugly Houses Cityscape Properties.  He and his family own multiple businesses and are leaders in the real estate marketplace.  But there was a time when he was married to corporate America.  Traveling the world, flying first class, chasing the American dream and his marriage was falling apart.  All he wanted was to attend his kids events and be their baseball coach... In this IShareHope story, JD Asbell shares how he came to faith in Jesus Christ at 33.  Through his straight forward dialogue, JD offers insight to anyone wanting to mend a broken marriage, be more effective as a leader, and live life to the fullest as a follower of Jesus.  One key point JD unveils for those who truly want to grow, do and be more, is to be transparent.  You must engage. And this means inviting trusted Christians into your life and allowing them to speak openly and honestly to you.  

From a young child singing at her father's evangelism crusades, to a young wife helping to lead a church youth group, growing up in ministry, Danielle has seen and faced many of the joys and trials of leadership.  In 2011, she and her husband, began Journey Church International.  The church plant started with just five families, has grown into a thriving center of worship with four services, and given over a million-dollars away to missions.  Danielle shares how she came to faith in Christ and her thoughts on what it takes to grow into leadership.  While her experience has been built from a lifetime in ministry, the wisdom and insight she shares is applicable to everyone in a leadership capacity. Has God been taking you through a season of preparation and training? Is He shifting your focus to do something new and make more of an impact? We hope your encouraged you to take the necessary steps and follow His path. You’ll never be disappointed.

Kerrie Bryant has worked with some of the nation’s best brands and organizations, activating large marketing campaigns and corporate partnerships. After eight years in professional sports with the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, Kerrie felt she was being called to do something bigger. Her bubbly personality, positive outlook on life, and personal relationship with Jesus Christ has paved the way for a new calling. Helping others who are facing life-threatening medical conditions. Kerrie is the Executive Director for HopeKids of Kansas City and is on mission to make a lasting impact on her community. Has God been taking you through a season of preparation and training? Is He shifting your focus to do something new and make more of an impact? I want to encourage you to take the necessary steps and follow His path. You’ll never be disappointed. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

Gary Kendall has a gentle spirit with a love for people and a passion to make a difference in the world. In 1985, he and his wife Belinda along with a group of 27 adults gathered together to plant Indian Creek Community Church.  Since then, the church grew significantly and steadily. Under his leadership, 80 additional churches were planted through a church planting movement. In today’s podcast, Pastor Gary will share some of his greatest blesses as well as some of his most difficult challenges, also providing insight and guidance to you to help you discover and pursue God’s plan for your life Pastor Gary has since retired from his Senior Pastor position and is now on mission to love KC.  He’s now using his influence and reach to challenge pastors and Christians to be more intentional about their prayer and care for others all the while sharing the message of hope through Jesus Christ. To accomplish all that God has for you, you must have times to dream and cast vision, time with your spouse if your married, and personal accountability.  But most importantly time with the Lord Jesus Christ through prayer and study of His Word. Today's podcast will help you take those steps. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

Integrating faith and career can be quite challenging for any Christian businessman or woman. However, Trae Allen, founder and owner of Allen Building Specialties, will tell you, it’s been the key to his success. Launching with just one client, his company has become well respected and known as one of Kansas City’s most trusted custom design, build, remodel, and general contractor companies. But long before his success in business, he faced some difficulties along the way.  He maneuvered the pain that comes when a mother battles a sickly mental disease and at the age of thirteen he tangled with the insecurities of being in a blended family. Yet through it all, the devotion of loving grandparents and his faith in Jesus Christ enabled him to endure. Trae and his family are some of the most humble people you’ll ever meet and it’s an honor to have him with us on today's podcast. One of the greatest keys to a fulfilling life outside a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, is discovering the joy of giving back. Are you giving generously to others who are in need? Find a mission you can wholeheartedly give yourself to. If you've never begun a relationship with Jesus Christ be sure to click the About Jesus button to learn more about the love, joy, peace and forgiveness He has waiting for you. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

It’s a 24/7, 365 day a year responsibility.   Families with special needs children, youth, or adults understand the journey can often broaden a family’s awareness, love, and appreciation for one another but it can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Dr. Stephen Hunsley’s story comes with the experience of not only having a son with autism but also losing that son after only five and a half years of life on this earth. Mark has gone on to be with the Lord but his life and legacy continue to live on serving over 650 special needs individuals and has helped launch a special needs ministry in over 150 churches. If you are in any way connected to special needs or you are exploring the possibility of beginning a special needs ministry in your church, you’ll want to listen to this interview. Dr. Hunsley is the Director of SOAR and also serves on the pastoral team of Grace Church in Overland Park, Kansas. The statistics Doc shares are shocking and it is critically important that the church come alongside families that have special needs individuals and offer support. If you’re listening and you need support because you have a special needs child, please click the prayer request option and we’ll help you get connected to the right people. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

When citizens of the United States of America think of the word champion, they think Team USA.  Those who have earned their way to compete on the world stage at the highest level. Preparation through complete physical exertion, perseverance, discipline that comes at a great cost, and dedication that has many professional athletes in awe.  Those who participate on Team USA in any sport are the best of the best. JD Bergman is an All American in every sense.  A native of Ohio and one of the best wrestlers the United States has to offer.  Bergman is an eight-time International Tournament Champion, fourteen-time International Tournament Medalist, ten-time USAW National Champion, two-time US Open Champion, two-time USA World Team Member and most importantly a follower of Jesus Christ.  This is an intriguing interview with one who has already accomplished so much but JD has his eyes and heart set on the grandest prize of all, completing God’s mission for his life and yearning to someday hear those words from the lips Jesus Christ Himself, well done thy good and faithful servant. One thing is true, God created you on purpose for a purpose and now’s the time to go for it. Take JD’s advice and begin today setting those disciplines in place that will put you on the path to fulfilling God’s mission for your life. If you have prayer concerns, need to talk with someone, or learn more about Jesus Christ, just click the appropriate links. If you’ve not subscribed to us on iTunes I want to encourage you to do so.   ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

Since 1924, the City Union Mission has provided warm beds, nutritious food and a place of safety for thousands of poverty-stricken and homeless men, women, and children in the Kansas City area. They receive no government support and rely entirely on the faithful giving of individuals, churches, groups, foundations, and businesses who have a heart for the poor and homeless. In 2016, the City Union Mission provided 134,865 Nights of Shelter, 256,915 meals served, 12,383 medical services were provided and 567 decisions for Jesus Christ. Dan Doty is the Executive Director of the City Union Mission and shares his story and life’s work on today’s podcast. So grateful to him and other men and women in our community that are on the front lines of touching lives every day in such practical ways. If you’re able to personally volunteer or you can assist by encouraging your church or employer to get involved by providing volunteer support in any way, visit cityunionmission.org to let them know. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

You’re a missionary in the middle of the jungle and your computer cable catches fire every time your refrigerator turns off.  What do you do? This is a fascinating interview and a behind the curtain look at what it takes for those serving in the most remote places on the planet. Tim is what’s been called, the MacGyver of missionaries, providing basic and high-level training as well as tech support to missionaries around the world.  Growing up in Haiti, Tim is a seasoned missionary himself and understands the complexities that come with traveling abroad and getting stuck with the most difficult challenges people face on the mission field. Are you being called to enter the mission field in the most remote parts of the world? There’s one more book you’ll need beyond the Bible to help you navigate the terrain. You can learn how to survive on the mission field so you’re fully equipped and ready for the mission God has called you to. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS

It’s no secret that one of the biggest epidemics men face today is pornography among many other struggles.  It’s an addiction that’s a quiet killer of countless marriages and families across our nation. How can men fight against this temptation and redirect the course of their life to a solid foundation built on character, integrity and accountability? Rod Handley is the Founder & President of Character that Counts.  He’s a former COO/CFO & Sr. VP of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, who’s served as Chaplain for the Seattle SuperSonics & the Kansas City Royals.  Over the last thirty years, Rod has conducted hundreds of chapel services for NFL, NBA, MLB, College & High School Teams and has authored over 20 books. Rod knows men, and he’s on a quest to help them clean up their hearts and minds, restore broken lives, marriages, and combat the enemy that seeks to steal their influence in life. He’s been married to his wife Janna for 25 years and together they have four terrific children.  Yet, with all of his experiences and accolades, Rod will tell you his most important priority is his wife and kids.  This is an incredibly insightful and applicable interview.  As a man, you can’t help but resonate with the truths Rod shares.  Are you in a dark place, struggling with challenges that every man battles? Take the advice Rod shares and implement the three keys to developing a stronger character, integrity and accountability in your life.     If you’ve never invited Jesus Christ into your life, that's step one.  Click the About Jesus button to learn how you can begin that relationship today. ABOUT JESUS | SHARE YOUR STORY | PRAYER REQUEST | FOR PASTORS