Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he's been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del's dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He's interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del's new book Dugout Devotions releases in February, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Dugout-Devotions-Inspirational-Stars-Faith/dp/156309133X

Cheryl Crofoot Knapp is passionate about using her life experiences to encourage others. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, speaker, author, blogger, and Mrs. Minnesota-America 1996. Her book, Undefeated Innocence: How God Helped My Parents and Me Navigate the Alzheimer’s Journey, combines personal and humorous anecdotes with Biblical truths to share His hope and encouragement to caregivers, and includes factual information and research. Cheryl was a caregiver for her parents who both died of Alzheimer’s. She cried out to God, “Where are you in Alzheimer’s?” Undefeated Innocence is a study of the Beatitudes with the fruit of the Spirit, and includes lessons and tools she learned in caregiving. Undefeated Innocence is a challenge to find God’s calling and to know that His grace is always sufficient. Cheryl believes that those who have been through much are called to give much. She encourages readers to find passionate patience, look for life’s collateral beauty, and recognize that it’s okay to store toothpaste in an underwear drawer. She and her husband are members of First Baptist Church of Mountain Home (Arkansas). She participates in Walks to End Alzheimer’s and has served in Bible study, worship, evangelism, and prison ministries. She founded Regifted Grace Ministry and shares her contagious faith at conferences, retreats, banquets, and churches, as well as on television and radio. Her husband Chuck is inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and is highlighted as one of only a hundred radio jocks in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

A murder . . . A mystery . . . A monster . . . Is there a vampire killer running loose in Transylvania, North Carolina? Last summer, Nick Caden became an Internet celebrity for almost a whole day when he discovered Billy the Kid's killer in the "living" ghost town of Deadwood. (Not the real Billy the Kid -- he's been dead for years.) When the owner of the Cool Ghoul Gazette learns of Nick's super sleuthing skills, he hires Nick to investigate the death of a vampire. In Transylvania, North Carolina, Nick finds a corpse with fangs, bite marks and a stake driven through its heart. But once he begins to peel back the clues surrounding the murder, Nick finds his new job is not only dangerous but could suck the life out of him. Review links: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FBM962X/ https://www.audible.com/pd/B08FBJ82DQ Listen to this audiobook for free! at audible.com/acx-promo with these promo codes: US codes: FHY7NLDZP9DLF J8K9ZLNES8QRE KX7CAQQ7PT3S8 KYFHS3BFXWSJB M2HMGG52XPFJZ MYKDSSUQBBYSD MYRJ5QQMTN2YA R5773ZAWQ5GWS RNUL68BBKTPYT UTLYWZZFMCMF6 WP3WKXF42ZRDP ZX2PRC79FTXJW UK codes: H5GDMEHKYG4Y9 HNHUFSM8UD6U6 NLPXNUZWDECFK RETKFZQXBRSYX RME69A3HY8LFB TYHS464ZD9WG2 UQP83QU46KYZU Y6P8PUDKYZ4Q4 YNBU6J2MAP8LU

Voddie Baucham wears many hats. He is a husband, father, former pastor, author, professor, conference speaker, and church planter. He currently serves as Dean of Theology at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. Voddie makes the Bible clear and demonstrates the relevance of God’s word to everyday life. However, he does so without compromising the centrality of Christ and the gospel. Those who hear him preach find themselves both challenged and encouraged. Voddie’s area of emphasis is Cultural Apologetics. Whether teaching on classical apologetic issues like the validity and historicity of the Bible, or the resurrection of Christ; or teaching on biblical manhood/womanhood, marriage and family, he helps ordinary people understand the significance of thinking and living biblically in every area of life. It is impossible to understand Voddie’s approach to the Bible without first understanding the path he has walked. Raised in a non-Christian, single-parent home, Voddie did not hear the gospel until he was in college. His journey to faith was a very unusual and intellectual one. Consequently, he understands what it means to be a skeptic, and knows what it’s like to try to figure out the Christian life without relying on the traditions of men. As a result, he speaks to ‘outsiders’ in ways few Bible teachers can. Voddie and his wife, Bridget have been married since 1989. They have nine children: Jasmine, Trey (Voddie, III), Elijah, Asher, Judah, Micah, Safya, Amos, and Simeon. The Bauchams are committed home educators. To find out more about Voddie, his books and resources, visit his web site at: https://www.voddiebaucham.org/  

A murder . . . A mystery . . . A monster . . . Is there a werewolf running loose in Sleepy Hollow? ★2020 Selah Award Finalist - Middle Grade Fiction★ When his mom's childhood friend invites Nick to stay on her estate in Sleepy Hollow, New York, Nick reluctantly agrees. On the train ride up Nick re-examines the news accounts in the "Daily Crawler" for any clues as to the mysterious death of Candee Brenneman. Law enforcement officials claim a wolf or some other large animal killed the jogger under a bridge in Rockefeller State Park. Large misshapen paw prints were found around the body. There were also bite marks on her hands, and arms. Her death, occurring during a full moon, have led some to suggest that a werewolf may be running loose in Sleepy Hollow. Nick knows there is no such creature as a werewolf, but as he digs into the case, he uncovers hints that part of the werewolf legend may be true. Now, as the last full moon of the month rises over Sleepy Hollow, Nick is about to learn that some monsters are real. And the worst kind of monster is the one you never see coming. Available online at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GCWWQR5/ and https://www.audible.com/pd/B08GCX9573 Listen to this audiobook for free! Email the author for free Audible codes.

Kevin Sorbo has enjoyed success on television for over twenty consecutive years, a feat rarely accomplished by an actor. Sorbo quickly rose to stardom in the title role of the hit series, Hercules, the Legendary Journeys. The immense popularity of the five initial 2-hour telefilms in 1993 resulted in the launch of a weekly series by 1994. The series not only became a breakout hit by becoming the number one first-run program in syndication, it also passed Baywatch as the most watched TV show in the world. Now the "God's Not Dead" and "Hercules" actor Kevin Sorbo is urging churches of all sizes to back faith-based and God-glorifying films, especially in a culture that has an “ever-increasing anger” toward Christians.  “I get stopped, and 80% of the time people say, ‘Please make more movies like ['God’s Not Dead'],’” Sorbo revealed in an interview on Abby Johnson’s hit podcast, "Politely Rude." “It’s amazing — pastors will stop me and say, ‘You can reach so many people. I'm a pastor of a small church.’ And I go, ‘I don’t care how small your church is. We need your support.’”

At the conclusion of a seminar on, “Trances and Visions: Exploring the Out-of-Body Experience,” the wealthy daughter of a prominent physician approaches Ricky with an offer. "If my father could fix things so your mother would receive the best cancer treatment for free, would you go back in time to clear my ancestor’s good name?" Ricky explains that he can’t simply will himself to have an episode and take a time-travel trip. "Absence seizures don't work that way. Even if I could go back, I can’t control when and where I end up.” But Ricky also knows there have been instances where someone claimed they slipped into a trance and saw past and future events. "They saw things," Ricky says to the rich girl, "but didn't change what happened in the past." Then, for the third time since last Christmas, Ricky experiences a short period of “blanking out” -- of staring into and sailing through space and time. Moments later Ricky finds himself in pirate land with Stede Bonnet, a rich sugar plantation owner who thought becoming a pirate might be a fun way to live out the rest of his life. And for Bonnet it was a Yabba Dabba Doo good time right up until the moment Ricky stepped aboard the Revenge. Set sail from Barbados with Bonnet’s crew as they slant west towards the North American coast, and run afoul of the British Royal Navy, the good citizens of Charleston, and the pirate Blackbeard. Will Ricky swing by the neck or die on the deck?  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08VD48YKM/ https://www.audible.com/pd/No-Good-Stede-Goes-Unpunished-Audiobook/B08VDYWD6D

2020 Selah Award Winner for YA Literature While searching for rumored treasure in a cave on Coffin Cay, a small island off the southwestern tip of Haiti (Hispaniola), Ricky suffers an absence seizure. During his last trance-like episode, Ricky uncovered a treasure from the Nuestra Señora de Riqueza, a vessel in an armada of ships sailing the Spanish Main. Now back on Coffin Cay with his parents, Ricky hunts for the treasure he found in the cave over three hundred years earlier during his trip back to pirate land. The End of Calico Jack is a fictional retelling of the pirate escapades of Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, and Mary Read. The story is based on historical research of the life of "Calico Jack" John Rackham. Some liberties have been taken in the telling of the story, but many of the events reflect what historians believed happened to Jack, Mary, and Anne.  Also, in real life those who suffer absence seizures may appear to be in a trance but cannot recall what happens during their episode.  Features: The Caribbean Chronicles are Award Winning Teen Novels * Historically accurate fiction (as close as possible) * Short, fun, fast read * Spiced with humor * No profanity or sexual overtones * No glorification of evil and wickedness Benefits: * Reinforces the Golden Rule * Honors family * Encourages readers to wonder "what if?" * One of the best books for boys who like to read * Also one of the best books for girls who like to read Get the audiobook online: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NVQ36FQ/ http://www.audible.com/pd?asin=B08NVR1L9N

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey tackles Krabbe Disease with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife Jill. Two weeks after Jim Kelly retired from his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, his son was born. He and his wife, Jill, were ecstatic. The protégé son had arrived full of life and promise. The Kelly family was growing and life seemed perfect. With their two-year-old daughter, Erin, shadowing their every move, Hunter adjusted to life…Kelly style. And while he initially appeared to be just a very fussy infant, Hunter was actually fighting for his life. The news of his fatal, genetic disease was shocking. It’s every parent’s deepest terror. Jim and Jill were told that Hunter would not live to see his second birthday. With no treatment, no cure, and ultimately no answers, desperation set in.  What do you do when your family’s world is turned upside down? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? How do you face the trauma and press on when all hope is gone?  The Kelly family turned to God. Following His lead, Jim and Jill have become authors and the founders of Hunter’s Hope. Find out more about their lives as they share this powerful testimony. You can also help discover more about Krabbe Disease by visiting http://www.huntershope.org.

Join host Marianne Jordan for an archived edition of  Christian-Devotions-SPEAK-UP with #1 New York Times bestselling author Nicholas Sparks. Nicholas Sparks has published twenty one novels and two non-fiction books, all of which have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 115 million copies sold worldwide in more than 50 languages. Eleven of his novels have been adapted to film, including The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven (on all of which he served as a producer), The Lucky One, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, Dear John, The Last Song, and The Notebook, with a cumulative domestic box office totaling more than $574M. Sparks lives in North Carolina, where he contributes to a variety of local and national charities. In 2011, he launched The Nicholas Sparks Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to improving cultural and international understanding through global education experiences for students of all ages.

On this episode of Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! our host Marianne Jordon interviews Emily Fitchpatrick of Hope House about the serious problem of sex trafficking - modern day slavery for young girls and women. Emily is the founder and executive director of On Eagles Wings Hope House. OEW is a refuge for girls who are rescued from sex trafficking. OEW offers assistance to those still trapped, and restores those that have survived by offering hope, empowerment, and a brighter future. OEW focuses on prevention, outreach, aftercare, and empowerment. Listen and learn how you can invest in a life.

Michael Wolff is founder and director or Reconnections Ministries. Jesus’ Great Commission to us was to make disciples, yet for all of modern Christendom’s preaching, teaching, and activities the polls reveal we are failing the vast majority of men. Just as it was 2,000 years ago when Jesus came to earth, the temple worship religious model now fails God’s people. It is our mission to help the many men now languishing in pews across this land to awaken to the reality of a literal kingdom of heaven on earth and engage the great adventure of the Christian faith! At Reconnections Ministries we seek the reawakening of Christian men because it was men God ordained to lead in their homes, their fellowships, and their communities. It is our passion and calling to help men find Jesus’ great adventure by following Him out of their temples and in to kingdom living in the marketplaces of life once again, and then beyond that to the establishment of true “Acts” church communities! You can also find Mike at work with Marketplace Saints, a ministry dedicated to creating communities across the country that bring individuals, businesses, and ministries together in one place for work, for fellowship and for community. 

This is a rebroadcast of an interview with Rob Cook, author and founder of 252 Underground. Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as Scott McCausey and Rob talk about the troubled youth in our country. Rob Cook has been working with teens for over thirteen years – meeting them on the street, lending a hand, buying a lunch, sharing his life and his faith. "I just want to do for others what someone did for me when I was a teen," says Rob. In 2006, Rob rented a building at 3 West Main Street in Lansdale, PA to create a place where teens could come, be accepted, hang out, hear good music, play games, meet some role models, and hear a story that changed the lives of millions. There have been many challenges, but the changed lives have been worth it! Rob has been writing since he was about fifteen years old. He is well known for short stories that are thought provoking – teaching without preaching. He tackles real life topics that no one else wants to address. Rob's first published work, Regener8, is scheduled to be released in September of 2012 through Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Keep an eye out for Regener8. Check out Rob’s ministry at http://www.252underground.com/252/.

This is a rebroadcast of a previously recorded episode of Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” The First Responders in your community do just that. They sacrifice comfort and safety to protect the lives of others, always waiting, and always wondering when they will find themselves answering the next call. Pat’s book, Answering the Call is a collection of inspirational stories based on his experiences as a street paramedic in Durham, North Carolina. Each unique story is written as a devotional with an insightful application section that offers the reader a glimpse into God's Word. Use it for your daily devotions, as a guide for your small group study, or simply to share Pat’s experiences and better understand the lives of paramedics and other first responders. Pat is a writer, a photographer, a paramedic, a volunteer chaplain, and an instructor of Emergency Medical Science. His stories are true, based on real experiences from the streets of Durham, North Carolina where he served as a street paramedic for seventeen years. 

This is a rebroadcast episode of Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! Join us this week as Zena Dell Lowe shares her faith and how it impacts her work in film. Zena is a screenwriter, producer, and filmmaker based in Bozeman, Montana, and one of the owners of the Mission Ranch and Mission Ranch Lodge. As an actress, Zena worked successfully in Hollywood for over thirteen years in theatre, independent films, and national commercials. In 2000, Zena transitioned to the writing and filmmaking side of the business when she attended the acclaimed Act One: Writing for Hollywood Program, which led to her first paid writing gig for the short film The Haunted Heart, for which she won a Silver and a Telly Award. Soon after, Zena was honored to become the Associate Director of Act One and began teaching at writers’ conferences around the country. In 2005, Zena moved back to Montana to help take over the family ranch after her mother’s untimely passing. Today, Zena helps run the family businesses, writes, produces, and directs full time. She also teaches classes on screenwriting and playwriting as an adjunct professor at Covenant College in Georgia, performs with the acclaimed Vigilante Theatre Company around Montana, and is the director of theatre arts at Journey Church in Bozeman. 

Ron Benrey passed away on MAY 11, 2014. This broadcast is from a previously recorded episode of Christian Devotions Speak Up! Ron Benrey was perfectly content in middle age with being sort-of Jewish. He saw Christianity as a collection of nonsensical teachings that most believers don't understand and can't explain. But on one ordinary August afternoon, God "flipped his switch"- without an invitation and without any warning. Almost instantaneously, everything Ron had heard about Christianity made perfect sense. Seconds later he knew that he'd become a Christian. Ron's efforts to learn how to write mystery fiction played a central role in his unexpected conversion to Christianity. Ron imagined writing himself into a novel and abruptly understood that the Incarnation was possible and how God could be a Trinity. The Day God Flipped My Switch tells the fascinating story of Ron's remarkable change of mind and heart-and the novel teaching approach that God used to convey the truth of Christianity to him. Whether you're a fellow late bloomer or you became a Christian much younger in life, Ron shows you how to use the same ways of thinking to build your faith and grow your understanding of Christianity. Ron Benrey, author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Christian Fiction, began his writing career as Electronics Editor of Popular Science Monthly. He is an experienced non-fiction writer who has written more than a thousand bylined magazine articles, eight published books, and scores of major speeches for the CEOs of Fortune-100 companies. Ron holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's degree in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a juris doctor from the Duquesne University School of Law. He’s a member of the Bar of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Suzie Benforado was a missionary for over 25 years who spent most of her missionary time in Romania. This is a rebroadcast of an episode shortly before her passing. "Before starting in this new ministry, I could have never imagined myself involved with a church planting effort. But now, I bit down the road, it seems to me that everything that I've ever done in my Christian life and as a missionary was preparing me for this time and this place. This is such an amazing feeling... knowing I am here for such a time as this." Her journey has been marked by many amazing demonstrations of God's power-- healings, deliverances, and salvations.Join in and listen to how God is changing the world one soul at a time.

Esther has a strong passion for mental health. She manages events and workshops sharing her story to inspire and influence the upcoming generation. In a secular world where identity is based on societal standards, Esther reassures that everyone has a unique gift that shouldn’t be compromised despite the current circumstances. Using her life experiences, she shares stories of how her Faith strengthened the third year of university. She has had several interviews with different pod-casters including Premier Gospel Radio, The Authors Podcast, Keeping It Real Radio, and Power Xtra Radio. She has been invited to the Barclays Wealth Management to talk about the vision of Authentic Worth, as well as speaking at her previous University (of Kent) at the Kent Africa Summit in March 2019. She has two years of property management experience and is knowledgeable in fashion. Esther is looking to support new and aspiring authors in writing their first book, providing them a platform to share their story and turn it into purpose.

Joleen Steel is the curriculum specialist for Camping Stick Kids. She has a B.A. in elementary education. She taught public school for ten years before deciding to open her own music studio and homeschool her boys. Joleen is a pastor’s wife and grew up as a pastor’s kid. Her love for the good news of Jesus Christ flows out of her and into the Camping Stick Kids curriculum. Her easy style and creative approach to teaching will encourage your student to learn the Gospel story and be able to share the good news with their friends and family. Joleen would love to have you visit the camping stick kids website and blog at campingstickkids.org.

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Dugout Devotions releases in February, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Dugout-Devotions-Inspirational-Stars-Faith/dp/156309133X

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Dugout Devotions releases in February, 2018. https://www.amazon.com/Dugout-Devotions-Inspirational-Stars-Faith/dp/156309133X

Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson have scuffs on their boots from all up and down the east coast and nothing is looking to slow them down.  Voted one of the “Top 20 Most Prospective Groups” by Music Connection Magazine, Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson’s unique blend of backwoods instruments, lyrical wit, and hardwood-pew values makes for an experience that will leave you with a smirk on your face and a tap in your toes. The band’s six-foot-three lead-singer, Zack Shelton, seen with acts such as Josh Turner, The Gaithers, and The Charlie Daniels Band is unmistakably no stranger to the stage. Being the son of Gospel musician Thomas Shelton, Zack gets his passion for music honest.  Teaming up with Zack to form 64 to Grayson is cohort Craig Cunningham. In January of 2018, Zack and 64tG released their newest album “Between the Pews” which marked their fourth full-length studio album.  The record's first two singles, “Mercy We Don’t Deserve” and “Jesus in That”, have captured the attention of listeners both new and old alike.  Geared toward an array of all ages and backgrounds, Zack Shelton and 64 to Grayson has lit a fire of a following that is burning brighter with each show.  “Whatever God is getting ready for us,” notes Zack, “we’ll be charging at it face first and full-throttle.” In September of 2018, Brody Allen was battling for his life and a small town banded together to give him one last Christmas celebration. The Lord welcomed him home late October. Now Brody's brother Andrew fights for his life following an accident. Zack has recorded a song in honor of #TeamBrody and hopes to raise money to help the Allen family in this time of need.

Long before his YouTube videos went viral, spawning an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a performance with the surviving members of Queen on “American Idol,” Marc Martel spent 13 years recording and touring the globe with Canadian rockers Downhere. Not only did the rock band visit all 50 American States, but also toured throughout Europe and even Northern Africa, collecting worldwide acclaim and four Juno Awards in their native land. Marc Martel has spent his career praising the Lord with his musical talent. From the famed group Downhere, to a solo musician and the Queen Extravaganza Tour lead singer, Marc's testimony shines clear. Enjoy this episode of music and insite into his life.   

Eddie is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. In 2016 LPC was named Publisher of the Year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference. LPC Books launched its general book publishing division in 2007.  Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries. She is a novelist and best-selling author. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Her latest award winning book is Liars Winter. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall, the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014. DiAnn  is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on: Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at diannmills.com Grace Egert is an elementary school student in Friendswood, Texas. She loves to write short stories for her family and friends. Grace's hobbies are basketball, gymnastics, reading, making videos, and hanging out with her friends. Want to take her out to eat? Her fav food is Chinese, and she loves root beer. Grace is active in her church. She enjoys short-termed mission trips.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott McCausey tackles Krabbe Disease with NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and his wife Jill. Two weeks after Jim Kelly retired from his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, his son was born. He and his wife, Jill, were ecstatic. The protégé son had arrived full of life and promise. The Kelly family was growing and life seemed perfect. With their two-year-old daughter, Erin, shadowing their every move, Hunter adjusted to life…Kelly style. And while he initially appeared to be just a very fussy infant, Hunter was actually fighting for his life. The news of his fatal, genetic disease was shocking. It’s every parent’s deepest terror. Jim and Jill were told that Hunter would not live to see his second birthday. With no treatment, no cure, and ultimately no answers, desperation set in.  What do you do when your family’s world is turned upside down? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? How do you face the trauma and press on when all hope is gone?  The Kelly family turned to God. Following His lead, Jim and Jill have become authors and the founders of Hunter’s Hope. Find out more about their lives as they share this powerful testimony. You can also help discover more about Krabbe Disease by visiting http://www.huntershope.org.

Karl’s first book, An Eye for Glory: The Civil War Chronicles of a Citizen Soldier (Zondervan, 2011), received a number of accolades including PW’s “Top Inspirational Fiction Pick,” a Christy Award Finalist designation, and 4.7 out of five stars on Amazon. Karl grew up in the picturesque town of Woodbury, Connecticut. From youth Karl has been a serious student of the Civil War. His first book took ten years from conception to completion. Thousands of hours were spent researching every detail through copious reading, Internet research and personal visits to each battlefield. He was committed to making the novel as historically accurate and believable as possible. Karl lives in Naugatuck, Connecticut with his wife of thirty-three years, Jackie. Discover more of Karl's writing ministry at www.kbacon.com.

After years of working with broken people through different recovery venues such as divorce and various 12-step groups, Robin Gilbert Luftig founded Renew Ministries in 2009 with the purpose of sharing God’s plan for healing with spiritually- and emotionally-broken men and women. She has written From Pain to Peace: A Journey to Peace After Divorce and often speaks on what she discovered from her research. Robin communicates openly and practically with great energy, passion, humor, warmth, and grace. Because of her compassion for brokenhearted people, Robin counts serving all of God’s people as one of her greatest privileges in life. Robin is currently working on, God’s Best During Your Worst. This personal memoir tells of redemption and triumph over brokenness when she faced paralyzing fear and discovered there is no place so far from God that He cannot reach through and redeem a willing heart. Robin and Lew are the parents of five wonderful children. Discover more of Renew Ministries and Robin’s testimony at www.robinluftig.com.

Catherine Jacobs has lived in the SC Lowcountry for 25 years.  During that time she raised her family of four children and became heavily invested in her community church.  St. Paul’s, Summerville, eventually became both a place of worship and employment, as she served on the parish staff for 14 years as the full-time Director of Children and Family Ministry. As part of this team, Catherine transformed the children’s ministry into a center for training parents and grandparents who encourage their children to become life long followers of Jesus.  This passion for increasing the impact of a parent and grandparent’s impact on their child’s heart led to the creation of Pass the Legacy. Today, Catherine continues her service to the Kingdom and fellow grandparents and grown parents through the ministry of Pass the Legacy: www.passthelegacy.wordpress.com.

Del Duduit a life-long resident of the Southern Ohio area and an award-winning writer. As a sports writer, he won two Associated Press awards for columns. As a broadcaster and news director, he received an award from the Ohio News Network. In television, Del earned a sales award from The WB Network. For the past several years, he’s been a pharmaceutical sales professional.  Del’s dabbled in the freelance arena and has many articles published in Sports Spectrum — a quarterly magazine dedicated to highlighting Christian athletes. He’s interviewed Andy Pettitte of the New York Yankees and recently spent some time with Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Del is a contributing writer for OneChristianVoice.com, Sohiovoice.com, and also a guest blogger for Almost an Author, and have been published in The Sports Column as well as ToddStarnes.com and Clubhouse Magazine — a publication of Focus on the Family. In addition, Del writes for PM Magazine, a quarterly publication that highlights the positive aspects of Southern Ohio, where he lives with wife Angie. They have raised two godly men who are both preachers, and Angie sings and plays piano at Rubyville Community Church. Del’s new book Buckeye Believer, 40 Days of Devotions for the Ohio State Faithful releases in April, 2018.

The heartbeat of Life Action has always been their local church team ministry, because of the interaction and involvement with God’s people in a personal and protracted way. Not only are biblical truths preached, they are lived out in front of the body of Christ. It’s about putting new life into action! Life Action is burdened to challenge God’s people to quit “playing church.” They not only have a vision for revival, but a passion to see God use this ministry to bring revival to His church. Life Action Ministries has three Revival Teams that travel the country sharing this message of hope. Each team is comprised of two Revivalists and their families, as well as a worship team and youth team. Schuyler Baxter lives in southern IL and has traveled with Life Action for one year as an electric guitarist. He’s been familiar with the ministry for a long time. Over the last 7 years, four members of my family have traveled on road teams. Cameron McCausey calls Michigan home and has been touring with Red Team for three years. His time with the ministry has grown his faith, where he leads worship with a guitar in his hands. Josh Beam resides in Drummonds, TN and has played instruments all his life. He is the current drummer of Red Team and takes the reigns as worship leader next year.

Doug Smith is a grateful follower of Christ and an avid Bible student who is willing to follow the truth wherever it leads. He brings an insider’s perspective on the power of technology, informed by over two decades of web programming experience and a lifetime of Bible study. Doug writes and speaks on the desire-shaping influence of screens, Christian theology, and apologetics. He is blessed by his wife Lyneta, who is also an author and speaker and writes at ww.lynetasmith.com. Smith and his wife are empty nesters, and share four grown daughters and two grandsons. They were homeschoolers for many years. The Smiths currently live near Nashville, Tennessee after living most of their lives around the Pacific Northwest. Discover more about Doug at www.thatdougsmith.com.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! when Scott talks playoff baseball and Jesus with former Los Angeles Angels player Terry Evans. Terry Evans was born and raised in Dublin, GA, where he continued to live until he graduated from Trinity Christian School in 2000. He went on to attend Middle Georgia College for two years before being drafted and signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. After five minor league seasons, Terry made his first big league appearance in 2007 with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He played in parts of three Major League seasons with the Angels and eleven full seasons in the minor leagues with St. Louis, Anaheim, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Kansas City. Terry retired after the 2012 season with the Kansas City Royals organization and came on staff with UPI full time October 1st of 2012. Terry is the chaplain for the Atlanta Braves and currently resides on the north side of Atlanta, in Woodstock, where he leads Bible studies for current and former players around the Atlanta area. Terry also assists international trips to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico with the possibility of leading these trips in the near future. Terry is married to his wife, Tanner, and they have three sons: Asher, Jude, and Isaac.

Karen Nolan Bell, an award-winning writer of fiction and memoir, writes as Karen Lynn Nolan. Her debut novel, Above the Fog, releases in November 2018. Karen’s stories appear in the anthologies, Stupid Moments, Merry Christmas Moments, and soon-to-be-released Coola-nary Moments. Her other loves include music, theater, art, reading mysteries, and being pampered by her only son. She resides in Atlanta. Contact Karen at karennolanbell@gmail.com, on Twitter @KarenNolanBell, or www.diamondsinmycoalbucket.blogspot.com.

Andy Clapp is an author and a pastor who lives in North Carolina. His passion for Jesus has pushed him to strive to reach a lost world as a pastor and as an author. Whether it is speaking to a group of ten, delivering a message to over a hundred, or in those quiet moments while in his office writing, his goal is to lead others to Christ. Andy lives in his hometown with his wife, Crystal, and their two daughters, Cheyenne and Autumn. He is represented by Cyle Young, Hartline Literary Agency. To learn more, continue through the website: www.andyclapp.org.. Make sure you check out his blog and sign up for his newsletter.  

     Cheryl Crofoot Knapp is passionate about using her life experiences to encourage others. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, speaker, author, blogger, and Mrs. Minnesota-America 1996.        Her book, Undefeated Innocence: How God Helped My Parents and Me Navigate the Alzheimer’s Journey, combines personal and humorous anecdotes with Biblical truths to share His hope and encouragement to caregivers, and includes factual information and research. Cheryl was a caregiver for her parents who both died of Alzheimer’s. She cried out to God, “Where are you in Alzheimer’s?” Undefeated Innocence is a study of the Beatitudes with the fruit of the Spirit, and includes lessons and tools she learned in caregiving.         Undefeated Innocence is a challenge to find God’s calling and to know that His grace is always sufficient. Cheryl believes that those who have been through much are called to give much. She encourages readers to find passionate patience, look for life’s collateral beauty, and recognize that it’s okay to store toothpaste in an underwear drawer.         She and her husband are members of First Baptist Church of Mountain Home (Arkansas). She participates in Walks to End Alzheimer’s and has served in Bible study, worship, evangelism, and prison ministries. She founded Regifted Grace Ministry and shares her contagious faith at conferences, retreats, banquets, and churches, as well as on television and radio.         Her husband Chuck is inducted into the Minnesota Broadcasters Hall of Fame and is highlighted as one of only a hundred radio jocks in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland.

A Speak UP Merry Christmas from the Christian Devotions Ministry Founders Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles. Eddie is Founder and CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas and co-founder of Christian Devotions Ministries. He is also an award-winning novelist of middle-grade fiction for boys. In 2016 LPC was named Publisher of the Year at the Greater Philadelphia Writers Conference. Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Susan is a versatile writer, creating both fiction and non-fiction for adults and children. Her debut novel, The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, released on March 17th, St. Patrick’s Day! Before Susan jumped into the fiction world, her first two books were nonfiction, co-authored with her husband, Dale. Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage made the Tyndale best-seller list for several weeks, went international with an Indonesian version and a Spanish version, and has helped thousands of couples. Their second book, The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness, has helped thousands of couples getting ready to blend their families. Susan is the Founding Editor of Thriving Family magazine and the former Editor/Editorial Director of 12 Focus on the Family publications including the Focus on the Family magazine and the Focus on Your Child newsletters. Susan is also the author of her first two indie-published picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. After many years writing non-fiction, Susan’s writing has taken a fresh new turn, impassioned by extensive research into her own family’s history. She is thoroughly enjoying her second life as a novelist. She loves the world of fiction and letting her imagination run wild to create inspiring stories. Susan is vice president of Christian Authors Network (CAN) and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), the Association of Women Speakers & Authors (AWSA), the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and Evangelical Press Association (EPA). Discover more about Susan and her books at www.susangmathis.com.

Bethany and her husband Joe both grew up in frugal families. Bethany grew up on garage sale clothes and never remembers her parents driving new cars. Ever. Being homeschooled, she was raised outside of mainstream culture. Because of personal connections and work ethic, neither she or Joe had a problem finding jobs; Bethany worked as a secretary and Joe worked in construction. Once married, Bethanay quit her job and become a full-time housewife. Joe recently took over the family business, so there was plenty of opportunity for Bethany to help in that area as well. She also pursued writing, hobby farming, gardening, selling things on Ebay and other projects. Bethany finds homemaking incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Why be frugal if you don't have to? When you lower your standard of living, it creates a cushion of extra money. Depending on your income, this can be a huge cushion. Everywhere you look, people are eating, wearing, and driving their money away. They are throwing away their influence and ability to make the world better. It’s often not intentional; it's just the way folks have been raised. Being frugal helps save for the future or help a friend in need. Discover more about Bethany and her books at www.therenaissancehousewife.com.

Selah Award winner, and Carol Awards finalist, Linda Wood Rondeau writes to demonstrate that our worst past, surrendered to God, becomes our best future. Her books are inspired by her many years as a social worker, why her voice hits home with complex characters who walk off the page, and why readers relate to her non-fiction as well. Humor, another guarantee in a Rondeau book, is also prevalent in her non-fiction. She is a frequent guest on blogs, online magazines, traditionally published periodicals and writes a recurring column for her hometown newspaper, Malone Telegram. The author is a breast cancer survivor and a recovering food addict. A Toastmaster graduate, she enjoys speaking to groups on her experiences as well as the writing life. The author loves to hear from readers. You may contact her through her website, www.lindarondeau.com, on Facebook, Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Google Plus, Linked In, or via any of her publishers.

Katie Heid has spent the better part of her career talking. Whether it’s been as a women’s retreat speaker, member of her church’s speaking team, radio and television reporter, teacher, or a mom who has to repeat things one too many times, it’s clear she’s got the gift of gab. She also loves Jesus and people. Her lifelong journey with Jesus has shown her that since his greatest passion is loving people, that should be her passion too. Katie lives a chaotic life in Michigan with her husband and two sons. It’s a life she wouldn’t trade for the world. (Although, she would rent it out in exchange for a good nap.) Find her on her web site at www.uncomfortablegrace.com.  

Michelle has been a sought after speaker for over 20 years. Her transparency and engaging style when speaking about real-life situations as a woman, wife and mom move her audience to both laughter and tears. Whether speaking about sex in marriage, what it looks like to respect your man, how to fight the blues, or the remarkable story of how her third son, Tanner, had half of his brain removed at the age of eight. Michelle will take your group on a transforming journey where each woman attending will come away refreshed, equipped and delighted she came to your event.

Cindy Sproles is an author and speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions Ministries and the cowriter of the popular He Said, She Said Devotions written with her cofounder, Eddie Jones. She is a novelist and best-selling author. Cindy’s devotions and articles are published in Christian newspapers across the eastern seaboard, including having been used to represent legislature for protection of the elderly. She is a speaker to women’s conferences addressing not only the heart of women, but also their biblical responsibilities to their families. As a teacher and speaker for Christian Writers Conferences, Cindy teaches writing skills and how to write placing God in the forefront.  She is a contributing author to CBN.com and is the Executive Editor for www.christiandevotions.us and the Managing Editor for Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas’ imprints: SonRise Devotionals and Straight Street Books. She is a certified life coach and mentor, an eldercare specialist and a special needs advocate. Her book, New Sheets – Thirty Days to Refine You Into the Woman You Can Be is being used to help raise funds for Hope House, an abortion crisis center and her novel, Mercy’s Rain, is giving a voice to children who suffer sexual child abuse. Cindy is also the coauthor of He Said, She Said – A  Devotional Guide to Cultivating a Life of  Passion. She is the mother of four adult sons and  lives in the mountains of East Tennessee with her husband. Cindy can be contacted at www.cindysproles.com or by emailing cindyksproles@gmail.com.

Carol McClain's always been a story teller. As a child, she composed plays and forced her friends to act. She'd help rally the neighborhood kids and together they'd re-enact their favorite TV shows. Sadly, when the boys played, she never got to be the heroine--just the damsel in distress. Since then she's discovered the benefits of needing rescue, and so it's a role she prefers. McClain lived most her her life in rural, upstate New York where taught high school English for more than thirty years. After years of teaching students how to write, she turned her attention to her own novels. She has three books. DWF: Divorced White Female and Waters of Separation both were Grace Award Finalists. Her latest release, The Poison We Drink was released in December 2016. She spends her time now writing, playing with her Springer spaniel and exploring the world with her husband. You can connect with her at www.carolmcclain.com or on facebook or twitter.

"Five years, two children later and a lot of life in between, I am putting my heart to paper and letting it peek into the open air once again. These years have been good and sweet and tragic and broken all at the same time. I lost one of my dearest friends and one of my greatest champions very suddenly and far too soon, my momma. The painful end to my label career gave my spirit much needed space to breathe and time to re-collect my heart and passions. The hiatus of one career marked the beginning of a new one in motherhood. So here it is, a reluctant attempt to find my voice in the calm rolling wake of life's hurricane...." - Lanaé? Lanaé's haunting, ethereal voice has been heard in multiple mediums: TV shows, film, and at Christmas time, her evergreen arrangement of "Carol of the Bells" is played on radio stations all over the country. Her moving, translucent lyrics layered over sounds that are interesting, yet accessible have landed her on stages all over the world from Denmark to the United States and many cities in between, playing festival stages in front of thousands all the way down to intimate songwriter nights. Her husband Josh has stood by her this whole time. He has been involved in the music industry himself for 15 years, holding various roles at record labels and artist management companies. However, it wasn't until Lanaé's most recent, self-titled, EP that the two of them had a chance to work together.  Lanaé's new song, "I Still Do" gives a glimpse into their relationship and why working together on this new EP is their best season together yet. Living in Tennessee with their two children, the two of them will be celebrating their 10-year wedding anniversary next year. Discover Lanae’s music: www.lanaemusic.com

Molly White is a former Texas State Representative in House District 55. Prior to running for office she was a pro-life, grassroots activist, public speaker and published author. From 2001 to present day Molly serves as the Texas Leader of Operation Outcry, a project of the Justice Foundation. She was the founder and director of Redeemed for Life Ministries and Women for Life International, a co-host on Faces of Abortion television show and the host of the Redeemed for Life radio talk show. Molly White has appeared on numerous national and international television shows, news stations, documentaries, press conferences. Her expertise on pro-life issues has resulted in invitations to speak at Christian, political, civic, and medical events all over the United States and seven different countries. She has led the largest pro-life delegations to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women conferences, and has attended the UN Conference on Population and the World Conference on Youth both in New York and Geneva, Switzerland. During these events Molly met with heads of nations, political leaders, Christian leaders, and hundreds of women leaders to talk about the importance of defending life, motherhood, marriage, and families. White’s most rewarding work is leading dozens of people to Christ and ministering to countless hurting men and women all around the world, including on the floor of the House of Representatives. Molly graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in psychology. She has been married to Ronald White for 27 years. Together they have 3 children and 4 beautiful, sweet, adorable, fun, smart, fantastic grandchildren.

While a large, floppy straw hat is her favorite, Ane Mulligan has worn many different ones: hairdresser, legislative affairs director (that's a fancy name for a lobbyist), drama director, playwright, humor columnist, and novelist. Her lifetime experience provides a plethora of fodder for her Southern-fried fiction (try saying that three times fast). Ane firmly believes coffee and chocolate are two of the four major food groups. Her passion when she isn't writing her Southern-fried Fiction, is Community Theatre. She's Creative Director of Players Guild@Sugar Hill, an avocational non-profit theatre group, where she and her husband act, direct, build sets, and are chief gofors.  Contributor to the award-winning literary site, Novel Rocket, Ane resides in Sugar Hill, GA, with her artist husband, her chef son, and a wooly mammoth.  If you'd like to see a map of Chapel Springs showing you where all the characters live, visit http://www.anemulligan.com

Jake McCandless is an author and former pastor who serves as the executive director and lead speaker for Prophecy Simplified. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Central Baptist College (2004) and an Advanced Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2009). Much of his theological training has been in the field of eschatology. He has received numerous academic awards and recognitions in ministry, such as the Zondervan National Greek Award and the prestigious Yousef Costa Excellence in Preaching Award from Central Baptist College. He has spent the past eleven years as lead pastor of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, AR, and just recently made the difficult decision to step away from the pastorate to lead Prophecy Simplified.  He spent seven years as a youth evangelist with Sold Out Ministries and has been involved on staff in churches since 1998. Jake is an award winning author. His book is titled Spiritual Prepper. He also writes for several publications such as the Baptist Press, Almost an Author, and Inspire a Fire. You can discover his ministry here: http://prophecysimplified.com. Jake is married to Amanda. She’s an elementary school teacher, but currently stays home with their two daughters, Andrea (2011) and Addison (2013). Jake enjoys time with family, ministry, hunting, fishing, coffee, writing, and college football.

Jo Ann Maxwell has had a successful career as a teacher and a senior level nonprofit executive. Since retiring, she has been assisting her aging parents. She is active as a volunteer at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, NC. Jo Ann loves to read, play Mahjong, play brain games on her tablet and swim (which is her real love). She loves the Lord and is active in her church. Jo Ann tries each day to live out 2 Corinthians 3:3–”clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” When Jo Ann Maxwell was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 60, signs along the way in her life became clear. Her faith, independence, and fearlessness in life were threatened. You are invited to share her struggles and find the hope she has. Fearless is how Jo Ann worked through various trials and tribulations to find the fearless spirit she thought she lost. She gives God all the glory for never giving up on her. Find her book at http://www.westbowpress.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=SKU-001082593.

Tim Martin has been involved with baseball his entire life. His quest to make his dream come true started in 1984 with a free agent signing to the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played in the Gulf Coast League and the NewYork Penn League in his first two season of professional baseball before Tommy John surgery ended his playing days. After ten years separated from the game, he returned as a coach and a scout. His days coaching high school baseball for Minford High were fruitful, as he led the team to a 331-142 record. This earned him the Ohio District Coaches Hall of Fame award. Tim also continues to scout for Major League Baseball. Over the last twenty years, he’s been employed by the St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Florida Marlins and now with the Boston Redsox. 

Chad and Leslie are motivational teachers and speakers whose greatest passion is to see the Great Commission completed in their lifetime. As entrepreneurial, mission-focused leaders, teachers, and award-winning writers with extensive international experience, Leslie and Chad love theology made practical – where good thinking leads to active engagement in a broken world. In 2000 they co-founded 10/40 Connections which seeks to meet tangible needs through the Name of Christ. Since its founding, 10/40 has helped rescue and restore thousands of women from trafficking, fed and educated hundreds of at-risk children, planted numerous house churches among unreached people groups, installed dozens of water wells offering clean water to thousands, promoted teaching that advocates for the unborn and women, and more. They write curriculum that encourages the Church in the least-reached areas of the world, and they equip believers who want to engage in practical cross-cultural living. Chad and Leslie have lived in India, China, and the Middle East. Both graduated from Fuller Seminary with doctorates of Missiology in 2009. They now serve as Lausanne Catalysts for “Men and Women Partnering in the Gospel,” with the Lausanne Movement. Married for eighteen years, Chad and Leslie direct 10/40 Connections (www.1040connections.org) from Chattanooga, TN and travel internationally and domestically for 10/40 Connections. They have four children – Joeli, Joy (in heaven), Eden Samuel, and Phoebe (recently adopted from China). They are represented by Diana Flegal of Hartline Agency. Their manuscript Engaged in Love and War: Awakening Commitment and Courage is now available: https://www.amazon.com/Engaged-Love-War-Awakening-Commitment/dp/1541129512