Aside from leading the city of Kokomo as the mayor, Tyler Moore shares how he met his wife, Ann, and how God has been working in their lives since birth. Tyler and Ann's paths crossed as they were both leading teens and seeking the wisdom of God. In hindsight, it was a divine appointment that they both were at the same event (Destination Jesus), working with their parish's youth. They both recall seeking God’s direction for their lives when they met and started down the path to th...
Rev. Ruth Lawson is a humble follower of Jesus with a servant’s heart. Raised in a ‘heaven focused’ home, she is a living example of the prayers of her parents. Crossing paths with Ruth is a gift to everyone she encounters. Originally from Ashland, KY. Ruth and her husband came to Kokomo in 1983 via a few other states, to serve a local church. She strives to be the catalyst to unite all the different churches. For 30 years, she’s help facilitate an opportun...
Picking up where we left off after part one of this inspirational story about Taylor’s journey from a tragic accident to a triumphant victory! She clearly has defied the odds at EVERY STEP of this journey. She started her time in recovery Grand Rapids, MI at Mary Free Bed in early June where she recovered for 181 days. Making strides and juggling setbacks never stopped Taylor and her family from believing that God was always in control. She crossed several finish lines, incl...
From tragedy to triumph! Taylor Godfrey is a living, breathing miracle – against all odds. She’s in the studio with Crystal and Jen because of what can only be described as GOD. Grab a tissue, and settle in to hear the story of what this family walked through after a traumatic car accident in May of 2020 during COVID. What started out as a ‘normal’ day turned into a long journey for Taylor and her parents, Natalie and Rodney Godfrey.Show linksIn the Waiting: One Mom’s ...
Married to wife Linda for 53 years, this seed planter is a remarkable teacher, writer, and follower of Jesus. They have been blessed with four sons and four daughters-in-law. After 35 years as a pastor, Gary passed the pulpit in 2016, but his teaching career wasn’t over. After being an Adjunct Professor at Indiana Wesleyan for a season, he continued to create inspiring writing.Once you plant the seed, you never know how it’s going to grow … and how it’s going to bless ...
The statistics and reality of Human Trafficking is shocking. It’s about more than just sexual exploitation, it’s about forced labor and forced begging. Over 50 million people across the world are currently being trafficked and over 1/3 are children. Did you know Kokomo is considered a ‘hot spot’ in the state of Indiana? *Listen to this difficult conversation to better understand how you can raise your awareness of what Human Trafficking is, and how it’s happening right here in Ho...
If you aren’t familiar with their story, listen to this episode and hear how they choose joy while walking through tragedy, loss, pain and grief. This couple has a very transparent conversation with Crystal and Jennifer about the sudden loss of their daughter Jordan in 2019. Death is not easy to talk about or wrap our heads around. We all process grief differently. Sheriff Asher has been in law enforcement for over 30 years here in Howard County and knows how precious...
A great conversation with two of the local leaders of the Kokomo BSF groups, Tonda Cockrell and Jennica Fishero. BSF is a non-denominational, 4-fold, Bible Study. These intensive Bible studies take place in-person or virtually around the world from September to May. Locally, these two groups meet weekly on Thursdays. There is a morning group that meets at Upper Deer Creek Church and the evening group meets at Grace United Methodist Church in Kokomo. To learn more...
Leanne Fogg has always followed the call God put on her life! Her role as the Executive Director at the Kokomo Habitat for Humanity is a great example of that obedience. Crystal and Jennifer had a great conversation with Leanne. She stressed that they build ‘affordable’ housing, and there is a long and detailed process for partner families to qualify and start the year-long process. Getting a home in this program creates a generational change for the family that they w...
Her 37-year career with the Kokomo YMCA is truly a reflection of her walk with Christ. As the leader and CEO, Trish values 'belonging' and works to continually support our community. This family-focused, Christ-centered leader has made a huge impact on the entire YMCA community. Continually ensuring that they are about more than just letters in their name, the YMCA is about bringing Christian principles into practice. Our local YMCA has been impacting our community for...
Jean Merrell (Founder) & Emily Parry (Administrator) share the journeys that have led them to be involved in guiding this amazing ministry in Kokomo. The Way 2 Him, Inc. is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit ministry. The Way is a residential 67-hour experience, which provides an opportunity to step away from the daily routine of life and enjoy a time of self-examination, Christ-Reflection, and discipleship. The retreat will inspire, challenge, and equip persons for Christian action in t...
Our friend Kelly is a member of a multiple generation family of Howard County (the Obermeyer crew). God wove Kelly’s passions and gifts into her path as she left and ultimately returned to Howard County. She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to whatever she does. In this episode, she shares about the power of place. Kelly is the Executive Director Resource Development at Ivy Tech Community College (Kokomo). It’s just a delight to sit and talk with Kelly as she ...
Nolan is a 2024 graduate from IWU who majored in Business Finance and minored in Sports Ministry. This Ohio native is also a great teacher & trainer with a passion for the next generation. He’s been our Cross America ‘intern’ this summer while being engaged to our founders daughter, Klair Merrell (hear her story on Season 1, Episode 3 ). Nolan is not afraid of a challenge and has walked through one recently that strengthened his relationship with Christ. Listen to ...
A conversation with Board Chair, Teresa Devaul and Marketing & Communications Director, Emily Hemersbach.Listening, leading and responding to the needs of three different counties in Indiana; Howard, Clinton & Carroll. They are a conduit for our community to connect the right resources with the right people. Learning about this amazing organization was very valuable for Cross America. They do so much for our community, it’s a real blessing to our ‘rich’ generous soil. ...
God knew from the start of Morgan’s life that it would be an interesting journey as he pulled him towards his true calling and identity in Christ. What a journey and story it is. Clearly, God orchestrated it all. Be prepare to be inspired, laugh and be in shear AWE of how God works in our lives. It might surprise you to know that great leadership is about more than just a title.Since his birth in 1976, he was “baked in” to be a drummer. He let his passion for music and drumm...
Born with an intuitive God-given sense of adventure & inquisitive mind, this soul farmer takes her role as a seed planter literally! An “ALL IN” farmer's wife born in Canada to two Austrian parents now leads women to find their voice in farming. She walks boldly in the current arenas where she works to find common ground in agriculture with this verse from the Bible as her guide. From Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise...
This is a true love story about how God pursued sweet Sherry Stoneking to be HIS! Hearing about the journey of her life as the child of an alcoholic in the 60’s, and the oldest child of 13 who escaped to the FBI. It’s no mystery how God used everything to bring her closer to Him and to draw others to her story. Breaking free from her baggage and barriers to living fully. SHOW LINKS BALL STATE UNIVERSITY https://www.bsu.edu/Campus House https://www.bsucampushouse.org/our...
For Todd, the meaning of life became more vivid once he surrendered and let God take control. And what an adventure it’s been. From awards and accolades, he’s had a blessed life with incredible opportunities to shed light on everything he sees.This creative architect is also a media producer, photographer, filmmaker, Christian missionary, and follower of Jesus. A storyteller at heart, he used all his god-ordained gifts to share missions and ministries in 33 countries. ...
It makes perfect sense that our guest would work in corporate lending at First Farmers Bank & Trust. His family has been farmers in this community for multiple generations. We are thankful for our partnership at Cross America with FFB&T as sponsors of our community podcasting studio. Hear how Alec intentionally seeks God from every angle of his life as he digs deeper into God’s words. SHOW LINKS First Farmers Bank & Trust https://ffbt.com/Taylor University ...
To know Marianne is to love her! She’s just a joy to be around, and always worshiping Jesus! She grew up in Clinton County as one of 10 children. After graduating from Purdue, and trying out for the Olympic Volleyball Team, this talented athlete married her husband, Clint. They were blessed with six children. And are now grandparents to 7 grandchildren.In 2019, after walking through 17 days of life-altering tragedy, she shared that it was all just too much to process.&...