God's Men of Influence PODCAST

In a jail cell in 2002 Glenn felt God urging him to start writing books. With 7 years of a prison sentence for drug trafficking left he obeyed. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Glenn wrote for a year and then questioned if it was God who was urging him to write. Within a week a random letter arrived from Hope for Today Ministries in Tustin, Californiathat was addressed to an inmate who went home over a year prior. Inside the letter was a little note that said, “Here is what you asked for on how to write books.”  Over 17 years later, God has used Glenn to publish over 77 books. The first 10 books shined a light on the drug war and prison conditions that he spoke about on TV and in radio interviews. Then he started writing prayer books and became confused on how people would judge him, especially within the church. He began to realize that God’s Plan of Redemption is to be bold to explain what God delivered him from. He now writes about the prophecies of God that point to Jesus Christ and feels compelled to preach the Gospel.  In this episode Glenn discusses how he left his life as a drug dealer on the streets with his younger brother to sell meth surrounded by Mexican cartel and finally find his way to preach the Word of God. The Enemy had him locked in fear and self-loathing, but he found his way to Christ. Glenn’s journey is inspiring. Be blessed and be welcome at God’s Men of Influence. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Psalm 37:7-9 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."  In this episode Dino talks with Antonio Zanellato, the first guest who has yet to surrender to God. Antonio has never been a patient man, but is ready for change. He is trying to learn forgiveness so that he can let go.  If you can’t forgive, the devil uses that door as a way in. Antonio is from Italy and came to the US in 2009. He grew up fatherless in Northern Italy, but was taken to Naples to live with his Grandparents.  He was not close to his mother and had mixed feelings about his dad.  Antonio was waiting for his dad to rescue him, a day that never came.  As he grew older, Antonio never turned away from a fight and went from being a good kid to one who was not. From 14 to 19 Antonio robbed, defrauded and stole cars all along knowing that it was wrong and only for validation. At 24 he was sat down by a family member and was told no one is going to save you. This belief led to objectivism and atheism. Antonio did not care about others for the next 10 years. Antonio got married and came to America, but within a few years infidelity crept in.  When Antonio met his second wife Jan it changed his life.  Her love is so complete and when she got pregnant, Antonio began feeling closer to God, but was not sure what to do until he discovered the book “Wild Are Art” by John Eldritch. He went through many dark times, but the worst was just 2 weeks ago brought on by shame, fear and guilt. Antonio has a family and when he resigned his job without another, he put them at risk.  We pray for Antonio’s growth in God and we pray for his family and for him to find employment. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  In this episode Dino talks to Doug Travato about his journey to find God. They discuss pride, ego, gratitude, humility and God’s blessings.    Doug is a man who is very repentant about the people he’s hurt in his past. He grew in a non-Christian home in Southern California and was never disciplined.  Doug joined the strongest Italian gang in town.  Fighting, drinking and skipping school was the norm and continued into college.  At 26, he ran off to Reno and married his sweetheart from the 2nd grade.  She was the only Christian in his life and helped to save Doug.   Things took a dark turn when Doug’s wife was told she had an Aneurism of the Aorta. She needed immediate surgery.  She called men at the church to pray over her and when the doctors went to look for the Aneurism it was gone, but they wanted to open her up.  Doug fell to his knees and gave himself to God.  The next day he refused to let her go into surgery.  She got over her pneumonia and the Aneurism never re-appeared.  At a financial low point where it felt like his world was falling apart, a Christian brother told Doug “God doesn’t care about your comfort he cares about your character.” He began talking to Christ all the time.  His new mantra is “May the rest of my life be the best of my life for Christ.” For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

On Father's Day in 1974 Freeman Palmore's father passed away and at 17 years old he denounced God.  What was to follow was 28 years of drugs, alcohol, infidelity and male prostitution that took him away from his wife, 3 daughters and son from another woman.  Freeman Palmore never taught his children about God.  He believed God had left him, but it was he who turned his back on God.  Freeman abused drugs and alcohol and cheated on his wife until he was finally kicked out of the house.  He made his way to New Orleans where the substance abuse continued and Freeman became a male prostitute to pay for his addictions.  There he had a son, but soon left for California and the Costa Rica.  In 2002 a near death drug overdose sent him into rehab where he rededicated himself to God and his family.  Dino and Freeman also discussed: Abuse Infidelity Addiction Prostitution Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance  Making amends                                                                           This is Freeman's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Steve Murrin is a recovering sex addict who found himself in such pain that he planned his own suicide.   The grace of God stepped in and with a cinderblock and chain in his trunk, Steve called a crisis hotline.  The police tracked his car down and admitted him to a hospital where he was kept until his crisis was over.  Unfortunately, the deep rooted pain from being abused as a child by his stepfather left the scars that led to his addictions yet again.  Steve had no good answer when his 10 year old daughter asked him why he wanted to die and no good way of dealing with the pain when her mother took her and moved them away.  When the dark thoughts came again and all hope was lost, Steve was saved by 3 books given to him by a friend.  The day he handed back the 3rd book, he was hungry for the Word of the Lord.   In this episode Steve and Dino discuss: Abuse Pornography Addiction Suicide Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is Steve's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Jerry Fisher and his brothers were beaten by his father.  Although he has forgiven his father, it left deep wounds that he still reconciles today.  In his 30's Jerry traveled for work, made lots of money and lived like he was single, but it wasn't the way to happiness.  At 40 years old Jerry found Christ.  A few years later, he brought his daughter to recovery at Mariner's Church for a meth addiction.  Jerry was angry with her boyfriend, whom he believed was the cause of her 3 year addiction.  God spoke to Jerry.  He drove to her boyfriend's house and reunited him with his own estranged father.  In this episode Jerry and Dino discuss: Abuse Marriage Infidelity Divorce Addiction Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is Jerry's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

When Jamie Looney left the military, his life took an ugly turn toward drugs, alcohol and infidelity.  He and his wife Crystal, obsessed with partying, became less involved with their children.  Jamie's oldest son Sebastian began using drugs. Although Jamie and his wife eventually found Christ, it was too late to change the path Sebastian was on, until on Christmas Eve he was arrested for a serious crime.  This is Jamie's testimony. In this episode, Jamie and Dino discuss: Growing up on the Yakama Indian reservation where drugs and alcohol were prevalent. Deploying as a Marine and the effect on his family. Leaving the military. Drugs, Alcohol and Infidelity in his marriage. Finding Christ through influential Christian men. His son's spiral into drugs and crime. Driving from Minnesota across the country on Christmas Eve to be at his son's arraignment. Surrendering to Christ when his son is sentenced to 17 years. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Correct your spiritual damage as early as you can.  Today at 70 years old, Dino's guest Jim Hogan is an ambassador for Jesus Christ, but it has not always been the case.  In this episode Jim and Dino discuss Jim's "Standing Stone Ministry" as well as: 1. Jim's marriage of 48 years 2. Growing up in a dysfunctional alcoholic family. 3. Finding and losing Surrogate parents in a terrible accident. 4. The loss of a mentor to suicide. 5. Building and losing a multi-million dollar business. 6. Ego and Isolation. 7. Dealing with Financial Loss. 8. Moral troubles inside a popular ministry.  Recommended Books: 1. Leadership is an art - Max Depree 2. Team of Teams - General Stan McChrystal 3. Prayer Shield - C. Peter Wagner "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[ have been called according to his purpose" - Romans 8:28 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Betrayed and molested by a family member, Eric Botelho had many trials before finding God. In this episode Eric and Dino discuss his sober living homes Sanctuary House as well as: 1. His Christianity - God did not call him to be comfortable or safe. 2. Radical Encounters with Jesus.  3. The Effects of sexual molestation by a trusted family member. 4. Running with a crew and being the only survivor with his brother. 5. The power of his mother in the fight against his addictions. 6. Adulterous relationships. 7. How his family was pushed away by the Catholic Church. 8. God put people in his life to show him Jesus. 9. Choosing faith on days you don't feel it. 10. Seminary Training 11. Anchored Recovery Community   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Dino continues his conversation with Jon Lugo.  What is the purpose behind our trials?  This answer is beyond us.  We only need to know that there is a purpose.  We call this knowledge faith.  In this episode  Jon Lugo discusses: Coming clean about his drug dealing. Seeing God for the first time in his parents forgiveness Being Unprepared to Surrender to God. Telling the truth to 110 fraternity brothers Safely removing himself from the drug dealing organization. Working through his fear. God reveals himself amidst massive withdrawal symptoms. Becoming a prayer leader at church. Reconnecting with his ex-girlfriend, breaking up with her, becoming friends with her and marrying her. Allowing God to guide his life.   "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - Jame 1 Verse 2&3  For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode  

What is the purpose behind our trials?  This answer is beyond us.  We only need to know that there is a purpose.  We call this knowledge faith.  In this episode Dino talks with Jon Lugo about his faith as well as: 1. The Power of Sharing Your Christianity 2. The Pain of Denying Jesus. 3. Drugs and Alcohol. 4. Selling drugs at church. 5. Fighting with a pipe, arrested & sent to court. 6. Unleashing his drug addiction in college. 7. Selling drugs on a large scale. 8. Being attracted to evil. 9. The power of guilt. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - Jame 1 Verse 2&3 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Anger is the thorn that drives our guest David Kamashin to his cross. After a life filled with addiction, prison, theft and homelessness David has been delivered and sees the Gospel in everything.  In this episode, Dino and David discuss: 1. Alcohol, drug and sexual addiction 2. Sex offense  3. Prison 4. Fatherhood 5. The power of meth amphetameme 6. Adultery 7. Theft 8. 12 years of homelessness 9. Dealing drugs 10. Radical Recovery Ministries 11. Fuel Ministries Recomended Books: Crazy Love - Frances Chan Radical - David Platt "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." - Hebrews 12:1-2 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.  Nobody understands this better than our guest Steve Woodson.  In this episode Dino & Steve discuss: 1. Drinking, Drugs and Drug Dealing  2. Promiscuity, living in the flesh 3. The Impact of Spreading Yourself Too thin on Your Spirituality 4. Hearing the Lord's Voice 5. The threat of Prison and much more. "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord" - Psalm 1 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

How does a man go from dealing drugs and working with a motorcycle club to becoming a Chaplain who manages a sober living facility?  Only God can do this.  In this episode Dino and his guest Danny Simmons discuss: 1. The nature of man's evil 2. Drug manufacturing and dealing until age 59 3. Turning point: admitting to his family who he was 4. Being broken 5. Losing a child to a violent man 6. Surrendering to God 7. Learning to forgive 8. Fuelministries.org Danny's Recommended Book A Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren Disciplines of A Godly Man - Kent Hughes "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" - James 8:36

When you believe you can are in control and can walk without the Lord is when you fall.  Faith requires true humility and surrender to God.  In this episode Dino and guest Justin McIntee, discuss being the son of a drug dealer and the power of humility as well as: 1. Battling Selfish Thoughts. 2. Fully Surrendering to the Lord. 3. Praying for Others to Find Faith. 4. Being the Son of the Largest Drug Dealer in Orange County. 5. Falling Into Drugs and Alcohol. 6. The Nature of Addiction and How to Walk Away. 7. Hiding From the Lord in Shame. Recommended Book: A Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren "Humble Yourself Before The Lord and He Will Lift You Up" - James 4:10 

Most people don't think God is listening to them, but when you walk in his word you realize how attentive he really is.  The Word becomes flesh and today's guest Matt Arellano talks about going deep into Scripture and dwelling in the Word.   Dino and Matt also discuss: 1. Losing Your trust In the Lord 2. Stepping out in faith 3. Fighting pride to stay humble 4. Fuel Ministries  5. The Pain of pornography & justification, 6. Habitual sin and much more... For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" - Romans 12:2

Before his was a major league baseball pitcher, Tim Fortugno was the angry son of a single mom and then an abusive stepfather.  He struggled with poor choices like stealing, drugs and alcohol abuse that led him to trouble with the law and a juvenile home.  Tim had thoughts of suicide and murderous rage for his stepfather, but God protected him.  Tim was rejected when at 16 his mom told the court that she no longer wanted him at home.   Tim was put into a Christian foster home and at 17 he gave his life to the Lord.  At 21 he came to California, met his wife and was brought back to his love of baseball.   Tim was pitching and no longer checked in with the Lord.  He hurt his arm and entered a very dark time, until he came back to God. After years in the minors, Tim found himself pitching for the Angels in Anaheim as a 30 year old rookie.  Now Tim works as a scout for major league teams. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

As parents, we all strive to ensure when our children reach a pivotal crossroad, they listen to the words that we’ve taught them, but most importantly, that they listen to the Lord. Dr. Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and Research Scholar for Reasons to Believe. Jeff grew up in an upstanding Christian family in a small Midwestern town in Missouri, and like many of us do, he found himself moving down a sinful path to a place of concealment. While he did practice Christianity, it wasn’t until his ways were exposed that he truly found a foundation for his faith. His parent’s, while disappointed, left faithful words of encouragement and love to him that would prove to be a pivotal point in his Christian Life. Today Jeff dedicates his life to helping others understand the correlation between Christianity and Science. Like his other colleagues from Reasons to Believe, he uses scientific discoveries as a tool to prove Christian truths, rather than contradict them. He also works with 3rd-5th grade level children, teaching them how to fine tune their basic moral compass, and helping them grow into better Christian adults. “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1   Recommended Books: The Knowledge of the Holy – A.W. Tozer The Pursuit of God – A.W. Tozer  

“God, Family, Career.”  This is the order in which David Rivera listed his priorities during perhaps the most pivotal job interview of his life. God called to him and asked him to be honest, and that all pieces would fall into place thereafter, and they did. David has enjoyed a beautiful life as a Christian, but he hasn’t always walked with the Lord.  Today his life is immersed in an organization many of us have seen or read about in the last six months, the Ark of Noah Foundation. This organization, with David as it’s President, is working to bring a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark from the Netherlands to Brazil. The Ark is an interactive, informative, cultural Biblical museum and event center. The Ark of Noah will provide a Judeo-Christian Bible based experience for young and old in the underprivileged communities around Brazil, and they need our help to make it happen. Please help them and donate. Every dollar counts. Visit their website and facebook page so you can play a part in this incredible movement.  www.arkofnoah.org www.facebook.com/ArkOfNoahFoundation  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

When we read and hear about the story of Noah’s Ark, we can’t help but picture a gargantuan vessel, capable of withstanding floods and able to corral a zoo’s worth of animals. Our guest, Herald A.M.A. Janssen, is the director for an organization called The Ark of Noah Foundation, and they have created a full-scale replica of biblical proportions. A native of the Netherlands, Herald leads the European division on a campaign to raise the funds they’ll need to transport the Ark all the way to Brazil. Herald's journey to this foundation was filled with love for the Lord, and while he's had an excellent Christian life, it did not come without its struggles. He faced a dark time while working in asset management in Germany, when he was unfairly accused of corporate fraud and spent over ten years struggling to stay afloat financial and prove his innocence. Herald kept his faith in God throughout the whole ordeal, and his prayers were answered. He was later called to play a part innovative organization. The Ark of Noah's mission is to spread the gospel to the many underprivileged communities in Brazil and other countries in South America. With our assistance and support, we can help them instill hope in the lives of many deserving children and families. Recommended Verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

Dr. Fazale “Fuz” Rana became a Christian during graduate school while studying biochemistry at Ohio University. Having been raised by a Muslim father, this created a tense rift in their relationship and was unable to be mended even on his father’s dying day.  In this episode, you’ll hear our third guest from the organization, Reasons To Believe, takes a logical and scientific approach to demonstrating the truths of the Bible. He has authored several groundbreaking books, including Who Was Adam?, Creating Life in the Lab as well as recently released Dinosaur Blood and The Age of the Earth. Dr. Rana, Through research of the cell’s complexity, elegance and sophistication coupled with the inadequacy of evolutionary scenarios to account for life’s origin compelled him to conclude that life must stem from a creator. And since his father’s passing, he has dedicated himself Christian apologetics and the use of science as a tool to build bridges with nonbelievers. “Not to us, LORD, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” Psalm 115:1 Recommended Books: Dinosaur Blood and The Age of the Earth –Dr Fazale Rana Who Was Adam – Dr. Fazale Rana For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influencecommunity, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook forour daily devotionals and updates and please like ourpage www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes andleave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from thisepisode.

Philosopher and theologianKennethRichard Samples has a great passion to help people understandthe reasonableness and relevance of Christianity’s truth claims. Heis the senior research scholar at Reasons to Believe and the author ofseveral books, including Christian Endgame and 7Truths That Changed the World.Kenneth lost his brother tosuicide at a young age, which certainly reshaped his childhood, buthe believes that there was good that came from it. It was at thisdark time that he began to ask more spiritual questions that helpedhim become the Christian man that he is today.Kenneth is our second guest fromReasons to Believe, which educates people on the marriage betweenscience and Christianity. Kenneth encourages believers to develop alogically defensible faith and challenges skeptics to engageChristianity at a philosophical worldview level. “And we know that in all thingsGod works for the good of those who love him, who havebeen called according to his purpose.”Romans 8:28Recommended Book:Without a Doubt – Kenneth SamplesFor past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influencecommunity, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.orgJoin us on Facebook forour daily devotionals and updates and please like ourpage www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence  Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes andleave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from thisepisode.

“Confrontation of our own depravity teaches us compassion.” These are wise words spoken by our latest guest, Pastor Jack West. Jack specializes in Care and Recovery at the well-known Mariners Church in southern California. Jack is able to connect and help people struggling to overcome many forms of addiction. Having personally dealt with drug abuse and alcohol addiction, Jack utilizes not only his past experiences, but reaches people by demonstrating the power of the Lord’s will to love and heal us. Jack makes it a point to reference, “If you never get better, God still loves you,” and those words are as comforting as any. Listen to Jack’s story of how his faith in God brought him to a life of healing and helping people who struggle with many physical and psychological issues.   “Jesus wept” - John 11:35   Recommended Book: In the Grip of Grace – Max Lucado For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Astronomer and best-selling author Dr. Hugh Ross travels the globe speaking on the compatibility of advancing scientific discoveries with the timeless truths of Christianity. His organization, Reasons to Believe, is dedicated to demonstrating, via a variety of resources and events, that science and biblical faith are allies, not enemies. If you ask many people, you’ll find that there tends to be a divide in how they feel about this topic. Do you pick creation or evolution? Do you believe in a young earth or an old earth? Modern science has developed so many complexed discoveries, we almost have no choice on whether or not we compare them to what we’ve always known to be the biblical truth. Our ministry was blessed with the opportunity to speak with this world-renowned figure, and in this installment, you’ll hear answers to some of your most burning questions. 1 Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.   Recommended Book: Why is the Universe the Way it is – Hugh Ross For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

  Mark Murray is a participant in various Christian organizations and ministries. His primary goal within these entities is to teach proper handling and understanding of money. In this installment, Mark makes it clear that it isn't people or governments who own our currency, but that God does.   With over 20 years of experience with Crown Financial Ministries, Mark has amassed a wealth of knowledge regarding our personal and business finances. For the last 5 years, he has spread the teachings of acclaimed author and motivational speaker, Dave Ramsey, and his renowned Financial Peace. He not only will show you how to budget correctly, but he will explain how this can positively affect your marriage, your business, as well as your relationship with God. Mark is a believer that integrity, honesty and reputation are values that a Christian businessman needs to live by.

  There's nothing better than knowing when you've turned someone's day around, or even better, turned their life around. This is what our guest, Wayne Tesch, has made of his legacy. Wayne was born into a Christian home where his father taught him strong moral values. Instead of taking his loving upbringing for granted, he put it to good use.    In 1990, Wayne and his wife, Diane, formed a non-profit organization that hosts distressed foster children for a week of fun at camp all over the country. Their organization, Royal Family Kids, is present in 48 states and 5 different countries, and is pieced together through a community of Christian churches that all have the same goal: Confront child abuse. Wayne, Diane and Royal Family Kids provide a Cathedral of the outdoors for many children around the world. In fact, over 7,700 foster children were able to be a part of this wonderful movement in 2015 alone.   "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him." - Psalm 40:1-3     Recommended Book: The Making of a Leader - Frank Damazio   Recommended Video: C.A.M.P (on Netflix)   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Ken Dirrim has lived a strong Christian life, but like many of us do, he’d come to a point in his life where he found himself focusing on other things and not giving his full attention to God. At times he battled himself on which path he would take: to feel success, or to be a man of God. It wasn’t until he came home from work and his eight year old daughter approached him and asked, “Is this my loving dad or his evil brother?” that he realized it was time to allow himself to be more attached to the Lord. Ken, a native of the United States, now lives with his wife in Athens, Greece. He is a servant of the Lord who spends his time there helping embattled individuals that risk their lives to escape the clutches of unjust persecution. God called upon Ken and asked him to take part in the Helping Hands ministry, where he helps these people get clean and fed while teaching and demonstrating the gospel. “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” - Leviticus 19:33-34 We often find ourselves judging or misunderstanding people that we don’t know well: refugees, immigrants and naturalized citizens. Today, nobody’s bloodline predates immigration, so be kind to your fellow man. Verse: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 Recommended Book: Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World - Tom Doyle For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Finishing well is better than starting fast.  That’s the mantra Jonathan Daugherty from Be Broken Ministries gave us on today’s show.  Jonathan’s biggest struggle in life has been with fear.  Fear had pulled him to secrecy and isolation after his exposure to pornography and sexual deviance led him toward darkness.  God’s strength has helped Jonathan to speak about his fear and help others with his story.  This is Jonathan’s testimony.“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” - Ecclesiastes 7:8 Recommended Books: Bondage Breaker by Neil Anderson Victory Over the Darkness by Neil Anderson For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Mark Martinez has struggled like many of the men that appear on our show. However, his problem was unlike most of the guests that we host on our podcast. Mark spent a large portion of his life with his faith and God on the backburner and essentially out of his life. It wasn’t until he was 26 years old when he realized that spirituality was what his life was lacking, and what was keeping his life from feeling complete. It was at that time that he sought after and studied various religions around the world and found his place in Christianity. His past feelings of displacement within his faith inspired him to do something truly unique for children going through a very vulnerable time in their lives. Mark, a father of two adolescent girls, founded CROP Ministries: A non-profit organization that pairs children with their parents during a highly transitional and impressionable period as they mature. CROP (Christian Right of Passage) provides Christian mentorship programs that help parents properly guide their children through adolescence and into young adulthood. Parents and children of all walks of life can benefit from the message and lessons taught within Mark’s ministry. Listen in to hear about how he’s helping families. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” – 1 Peter 1:3   Recommended Book: Already Gone – Ken Ham For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

Dr. James Reeves was a child of neglect and abandonment. Born into a home with no parental supervision, he was able to come and go at will. If he didn’t want to go to school one day, no one would be there to stop him. He is the son of a drunk wanderer and over-worked mother, who were both unable to give him their love and attention. As a young man he found himself getting into drugs, alcohol and sex before going off to college where upon his return, his father soon passed away at the age of 41.It wasn’t until his mid thirties, after he’d earned his doctorate degree and become a pastor that he had realized that he was harboring resentful feelings towards his father. These hateful emotions were the roadblocks keeping him from being truly at peace with life, and finding the ability to trust in Jesus and forgive his father. It is only fitting that a 12-step graduate and new member of his church was able to guide him through a process with deep biblical roots that would finally allow him to let go. Dr. Reeves is the founder of City on a Hill, a ministry which he refers to as a “hospital” because of their extraordinary belief in healing the heart, as well as the head and the hands.   Romans 12:2 - “ Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind"          Contact information: james@jamesmreeves.comwww.jamesmreeves.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

James Knight is a full time staff member at City on a Hill church, Certified Peer Support Specialist, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Student and a devoted father and husband.  As a child, James made bad decisions forcing his parents to leave their church out of shame.  His biggest weakness is being judgemental as a Christian without knowing a person’s life story.  This frames many of his discussions as he mentors other Christians.  James teaches that there is good in everyone, but you must look to find it. After 30 years of bad choices, James looks back and reveals that at 12 he experimented with pot and alcohol, at 18 he shot up meth amphetamines and he spent the next 20 years pursuing a life of crime, sex and debauchery.  Among many other things James began manufacturing different drugs for consumption.  This is his testimony   “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Welcome to God’s Men of Influence 100th show.  This show is different from our typical show because it’s not a testimony, rather Dino asked Pastor Ryan Tirona listener questions and he gave us answers directly from the scriptures.  Dino and Ryan delve into questions about suicide & mental illness, the nature of how we’re saved, what happens when we die, who is Jesus, living without fear and much more.  Thank you for being part of our community. Enjoy our very special 100th show with special guest Pastor Ryan Tirona. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

James is a child of God, but he wasn’t always.  As a child he went to 4 hour services at church and because it was so interactive, it went by very quickly and was engaging.  He is very analytical in his approach to God and his beliefs and this analysis brought him from being a casual believer to a man of God.  At times he finds himself looking away from Jesus and he knows that these are the times he faces trouble in his life. This is why he makes prayer the center point of his family life. In college James questioned the foundation of his faith at his Christian college.  For a few years his faith took a back seat to the level that he lost the point of why he had faith at all.   The amount of information and change was a force that was difficult to handle and James was not actively involved in a church during this time.  During a trip across country, James was challenged to fast and pray about his faith.  When he got to D.C., he found a church and attended every event.  A member of the church said to him “let’s pray, God told me you will get the job you want.”  The next morning he got a call and received the job he prayed for, he was only 22.  This was the beginning of his true path and this is his testimony.   A Plain Account of Christian Perfection - John Wesley A Letter to the Philippians - Polycarp “Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God,  instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.” - Hebrew 6:1-3 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Brad is a 45 year old Father of 3 from Grand Rapids MI.  In August of 2014 he moved his family to Irvine, CA knowing no one.  Brad’s biggest weakness is based around trust.  Brad believes his trust as a child was broken due to abuse.  Luckily, he has in him a glass is 99% full attitude which leads him to want to inspire people.  At 28 years old, he allowed himself to get into a bad 10 year Real Estate deal that threatened his family’s security.  Now he realizes that it was his greed that led him down that path.  The healing is in the telling and when you bring it into the light, you should have men of God around to support you. In 2008, Brad read a story about a family who needed bikes.  He and his family took the afternoon, bought bikes and hunted down the family from the newspaper.  I Like Giving was born as a way for people to tell their inspiring stories of giving like Brad’s family. www.ilikegiving.com   “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” -  2nd Corinthians 9:7   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Mike Long is a Pastor and the Executive Director of “Voice of Refugees.”  He is the father of 8 children and teaches that there is a new love shared in God.  Sometimes he is too trusting and believes the best in other people, but he knows no other way to live in Christ.  The world doesn’t trust enough.  Pastor Mike had a grandchild in distress during birth and God’s sovereignty became very apparent.  He used to think that he would be a missionary traveling the world, but instead “Voice of Refugees” is Pastor Mike’s missionary work that comes to him.  Over 50% of people will never get out of Refugee camps.  The Church is the largest giver of relief to these camps. www.VORservices.org Recommended Book - “Seeking Allah Finding Jesus” - Nabeel Qureshi “A Wind in the House of Islam” - V. David Garrison   “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” - Jeremiah 9: 23/24 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Specialist in child sex trafficking Opal Singleton started her work in Cambodia in 2008. What she discovered is that sex trafficking is now in the purview of gangs and drug cartels.   These organizations target the most vulnerable kids from foster care and those who have run away from home; however, these are not throwing targets.  Now that they can use technology and social media they could be coming after your children as well.   Human trafficking is a crime of psychology. Fathers are key in the fight against sex trafficking and must be involved in the solution.  Our children carry devices that allowed them to be in contact with over a million predators.  Opal has trained over 50,000 people about the dangers of human trafficking and understanding how and why it happens. http://www.millionkids.org/ For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Western Regional Director of Global Media Outreach (GMO) Gary Schneider tells the story of the Gospel to millions of people around the world online.  There are over 6000 missionaries online to disciple new converts from the previous day.   Today, Gary is a man of great faith who brings people to the Lord, but he never expected as a young man to follow this path. Gary grew up in a home with an alcoholic father.   When he was 14 his parents got divorced and from age 14 to 17 things were very dark. There were many accounts of Gary being a bully and even a time when he went to jail.   He had one friend from high school named Keith who had a transformation.   Gary went with him to a youth group and learned what it was that had changed him so dramatically.  Gary committed himself to God and started on his path to ministry.  This is Gary’s testimony. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,the new creation has come:The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2nd Corinthians 5:17 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Married for 6 years and a father of 3 at age 28 Rob is living a truly fantastic life; however things were not always that way.  When Rob’s wife was pregnant with their second child the doctor revealed a cleft palate during a sonogram.  Fear struck Rob and his wife and they went to work immediately trying to figure out what to do next.  God always provides and began showing up in the form of friends donating time, support and information and a random act of monetary kindness from a stranger, but the struggle was just beginning. Rob’s son was born with a very dramatic version of a cleft palate.  He had no lip and one nostril missing.  Many tears were shed knowing that their child was going to have to suffer many years of surgery and procedures.  Rob believes that God is using his son’s condition as a way to bring other blessings and opportunities into their lives.  Although having a child with special needs can drive a wedge between a couple, they take it on as a team undivided.  This is Rob’s testimony. “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,I know that full well” - Psalm 139:14 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Skip Lanfried's concern for people began with his relationship with the Lord.  He helped children because he was supposed to, but his true compassion was something that came to him much later.  His fight is against Human Trafficking the definition of which is holding anyone against their will and forcing them to do something against their will. This is slavery and today human slavery is at an all time high.  There are almost 30 million people in slavery around the world.   India is the center of all slavery where the most extreme poor are forced into servitude. Bonded servitude is forced labor and is a form of slavery as is child labor and sex slavery.  Approximately a million children go missing every year.  They are manipulated and forced into the slave trade.  Some children are purposely maimed and then told to beg.  This is Pastor Skip Lanfried's Fight against Human Trafficking. Recommended Book - “Seduced” by Opal Singleton www.millionkids.org , www.friends.church For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Skip is a champion for those who suffer injustice.  He demands honesty and integrity in his life, but mot of his young life he moved too fast and forgot that God is in charge. The first few years of his Christian Transformation turned him upside down.  5 years ago Skip suffered meningitis and was hospitalized for months.  It changed his ability to focus and therefore changed his relationship with God.  He was not willing to listen to what he needed and quickly discovered that he was not in control.  His world again was turned upside down. Through his faith Skip found the willingness to lean into what others are not willing to. His concern for people began with his relationship with the Lord.  This is Pastor Skip Lanfried's testimony. “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard” - Acts 22: 14,15 Recommended Book - “Seduced” by Opal Singleton www.millionkids.org , www.friends.church

Eric Heard was a boy in a man’s body who got exposed.  He was weak in life because he couldn’t be who God wanted him to be.In the American culture we do not teach the rites of passage that allow a boy to become a man.  Fathers are too busy to speak truth into their sons.  This is a generational problem and Eric decided early as a father that he would never be absent.  He wanted to bless his son with the knowledge of who he is as a man.  It is men’s responsibility to step up and make order out of chaos. This is a very special show where we get a glimpse of a Pastor's perspective on Fatherhood. Recommended Book - “How to Raise a Modern Day Knight” by Robert Lewis For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Eric Heard came from a family full of drugs and hate.  As a 17 year old child he considered throwing himself in front of a truck.   He was an unwanted child who was a product of his parents infidelity. His mom was an alcoholic who had been molested by her step-dad and tried to abort Eric 3 times. He never felt connected to his parents.   He began drinking in 3rd grade and the drugs came around the 6th grade and began selling marijuana in 7th grade. The addiction was medicating pain and it kept escalating because the drugs only can cut the pain temporarily and then you feel the pain worse when you wake up. When you look at his childhood it seems improbable that Eric would become a well respected Pastor, but that's exactly what he did.  In this show Eric talks about the men in his life that helped him heal from his sexual deviance, his fear of scarcity and his belief that he wasn't worthy of God's love..  There is a ripple effect of sin and so you must uproot the sins in your life.  The vigilance of keeping up the calling of God and the belief that you are Chosen, Holy and Loved by God will give you the strength to be the man you want to be.  This is Eric's testimony. Recommended Book - “Silence of Adam” by Dr. Larry Crabb

Ryan is a Pastor and is married with three kids, but this is a very different marriage than his first one.  His testimony talks about the struggles and pressure that a pastor and pastor’s wife feel, and how he changed his approach in his second marriage to one of humility.   “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” - Psalms 16:11 Biggest Weakness - Ryan is a self-reliant addict rather than relying on Jesus.   We have less trust in God than we think we do.  Your money will let you down, but God never will. Dark Time - Ryan was married in 2003 as a young pastor and 4 months later his wife said she didn’t want to follow Jesus.  The spiritual rift kept pulling them apart.  She finally left and then he was asked to step down from his job as a pastor because he was separated.  7 months later he was drinking too much and literally banging his head on the wall.  God came to him in the form of 3 friends although many of his friends could not bring themselves to call.   Ryan bought a one way ticket to Hawaii, went to the beach and asked God to be his father and to let him know that he was still around and loved him. He spent time with the Bible and began to see it as a true story of love rather than rules His ex was a full Christian, but she didn’t have the same convictions as Ryan.  As a pastor, Ryan believes he was arrogant which may have pushed his wife away.   Ryan was trying to be his own savior and it was a lot of pressure for his wife. In his 2nd marriage he know longer wants to be right.  He never wants his wife to apologize before he does.  He is much more open to being wrong, because he was wrong so many times in the past. Today Ryan wants his children to see Jesus as the one who has all the answers not him.   As a father he pastors.  If his child is hard-hearted he gives him the law, if their broken-hearted he gives grace.  Grace will always be there for him, but there needs to be a balance between Grace and Law.   Recommended Book - “Prodigal God” by Tim Keller “Three Free Sins” by Steve Brown God’s Men of Influence - Someone who treasures Jesus and looks for all his satisfaction in Jesus. rtirona@thechapelfh.org For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence   Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

#88 Addiction and Finding God in Prison - Brian Johnson Brian Johnston is a very different man today than he once was.  Brian suffers from a mental disorder and addictive personality which pulled him away from Jesus during the darkest times in his life.  It wasn’t until his last prison sentence that he finally understood why he was making such bad choices and how God could lead him toward the life he wanted.  This is his testimony “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future - Jeremiah 29:11 Biggest Weakness - The shame of his past still affects Brian.  It makes it more difficult to focus on all the good he has in his life.  It is difficult for him to forgive himself.   Biggest Strength - Love.  God taught him to love himself and love others.  He gives love now as much as is possible. Dark Time - Raised Christian with good parents.  There are things in his family like addiction and mental illness that ultimately became the problem for Brian.  He began abusing his ADD medication in high school.  Once he went off to college he began partying and had a manic episode which was the onset of bipolar disorder.  That was the start of some really bad decisions.  Brian relied on Marijuana as a stability, but when he stopped using the bipolar really advanced.   In college Brian took way too much medication in an attempt to commit suicide due to his disorder.   He spent a long time trying to self medicate away from his bouts of depression. Brian became a missionary which was helpful. but when he came back he fell into bouts of depression.  He underwent electroshock therapy which helped to get past the depression, but did not help the addiction. His first arrest was during a manic episode.  Brian had began taking Meth and stole a car to sell in Mexico.  He was sent to jail for 6 months. There were many times he experienced jail in Mexico and had gotten back alive. In 2010 he was arrested again and sent to prison for 16 months.  This time in prison God finally got his attention.  Brian is grateful that he was arrested, because he got sober. Spending time with his bible aided in his recovery more than anything else. Brian was unprepared to be in prison, but he believes that God has plans and based on Brian’s actions, he needed to be there.   He had to learn what led him there and how he could avoid returning.  Once he started walking with God, he felt a little protected. Once he got out anger was a new struggle for Brian.  Prison had changed him.  His anger led to a 3 day relapse in Mexico.  Fortunately he made it back. His life today is very good and it’s all because of Jesus.  Brian had always had the conviction that he wouldn’t make it, so he is constantly aware of everything he has.   Brian has a fiance and is getting married soon. His parents learned about co dependency and put their foot down which also was key in his recovery. Best Advice - Have a conversation with God about why your life is happening the way it is. Recommended Book - “The Meaning of Marriage” - Christian Geller   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God has a purpose for your life regardless of whether you’re adopted or not.  Paul Aubin is a Chair person for a faith-based organization named Convene focused on CEO’s building Christian based businesses and comes on to tell the remarkable story and mystery behind his adoption. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Mathew 25:21   Married to a Women’s Pastor who works with couples named Margaret.  Together they have 7 children. Biggest Weakness - Because of his adoption he seeks validation and acceptance through sports and work.  Now he gets affirmation from God, but he still struggles. Biggest Strength - God has made it clear that he is to lead other men to be men of God.  To lead men from pride to humility. Dark Time - in 2000 things went bad for about 5 years.  When Paul lost his job, he lost his identity.  He went through financial issues, divorce, health problems and a loss of friendships.  The missing piece was a connection with God and other Godly men.   Soon after Paul was saved he met his wife Margaret who is a women’s pastor.  He desperately didn’t want to be less than in his faith. In 1991 he discovered that his cholesterol was very high.  His liver was creating too much and he needed to find his birth parents so that he could be properly treated. While at a business function he was given a sign from God in the form of an adoption seminar.  As it turned out there was a cover up to protect his birth father.   Paul tracked down his mother and talked to her for 45 minutes on the phone.  He flew 3000 miles to meet his mom and she said she couldn’t.  He had no idea how many people could be hurt. The investigator helping Paul named Nancy, decided that there has been a cover up.  She had a thought and found a man who was a family friend, that looked exactly like him.  The man named Ted  was a Catholic Priest.   He met with his family friend Father Ted for the first time and noticed the low cholesterol lunch.  Paul, addressed it with Father Ted and slowly the information came out that he’s found his birth mother.  Paul felt God’s hand on the meeting. When he got back to the hotel there was a message from Father Ted who wanted to spend more time with him.  They got together the next day and just spent time getting to know each other.  Paul drove away still not confirming. After Paul told his aunt Kris his suspicions, she went to her brother Father Ted and got him to eventually reach out to Paul and remove the mystery. Father Ted met with Paul again and gave him the whole story.  Father Ted told the bishop and was sent to Vietnam and became a chaplain war hero on the front lines. Paul later went to Harvard Business School and finally reached back out to his mom and met her for the first time.  He had a picture of his mom in his mind and when he met her she was completely different.  She was very attractive in a business suit and they sat down in a coffee shop at the hotel for 3 hours.  This was closure for Paul. Secrets of the Father - by Paul Aubin is his book about his story.  It took him 20 years to write. Advice for those who were adopted - Before you go on a search understand why you are doing it.  There are other lives at stake so tread lightly.  Pray about it as well and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Paul used to think he was a mistake, but now knows that God does not bring children into the world by mistake. Recommended Book - “The Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren “The Critical Journey” - by Janet O. Hagberg, Robert A. Guelich paul.aubin76@gmail.com   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

God has a purpose for your life regardless of whether you’re adopted or not.  Paul Aubin is a Chair person for a faith-based organization named Convene focused on CEO’s building Christian based businesses and comes on to tell the remarkable story and mystery behind his adoption. “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ - Mathew 25:21   Married to a Women’s Pastor who works with couples named Margaret.  Together they have 7 children. Biggest Weakness - Because of his adoption he seeks validation and acceptance through sports, women and work.  Now he gets affirmation from God, but he still struggles. Biggest Strength - God has made it clear that he is to lead other men to be men of God.  To lead men from pride to humility. Dark Time - in 2000 things went bad for about 5 years.  When Paul lost his job, he lost his identity.  He went through financial issues, divorce, health problems and a loss of friendships.  The missing piece was a connection with God and other men.   Soon after Paul was saved he met his wife Margaret who is a women’s pastor.  He desperately didn’t want to be less than in his faith. In 1991 he discovered that his cholesterol was very high.  His liver was creating too much and he needed to find his birth parents so that he could be properly treated. While at a business function he was given a sign from God in the form of an adoption seminar.  As it turned out there was a cover up to protect his birth father.   Paul tracked down his mother and talked to her for 45 minutes on the phone.  He flew 3000 miles to meet his mom and she said she couldn’t.  He had no idea how many people could be hurt. The investigator helping Paul named Nancy, decided that there has been a cover up.  She had a thought and found a man who was a family friend, that looked exactly like him.  The man named Ted  was a Catholic Priest.   He met with his family friend Father Ted for the first time and noticed the low cholesterol lunch.  Paul, addressed it with Father Ted and slowly the information came out that he’s found his birth mother.  Paul felt God’s hand on the meeting. When he got back to the hotel there was a message from Father Ted who wanted to spend more time with him.  They got together the next day and just spent time getting to know each other.  Paul drove away still not confirming. After Paul told his aunt Kris his suspicions, she went to her brother Father Ted and got him to eventually reach out to Paul and remove the mystery. Father Ted met with Paul again and gave him the whole story.  Father Ted told the bishop and was sent to Vietnam and became a chaplain war hero on the front lines. Paul later went to Harvard Business School and finally reached back out to his mom and met her for the first time.  He had a picture of his mom in his mind and when he met her she was completely different.  She was very attractive in a business suit and they sat down in a coffee shop at the hotel for 3 hours.  This was closure for Paul. Secrets of the Father - by Paul Aubin is his book about his story.  It took him 20 years to write. Advice for those who were adopted - Before you go on a search understand why you are doing it.  There are other lives at stake so tread lightly.  Pray about it as well and ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. Paul used to think he was a mistake, but now knows that God does not bring children into the world by mistake. Recommended Book - “The Purpose Driven Life” - Rick Warren “The Critical Journey” - by Janet O. Hagberg, Robert A. Guelich paul.aubin76@gmail.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

Andy Jones should be locked away in prison, but God saved him.  Through a life of molestation, drugs, sex, theft and domestic abuse God was with him, but he refused to listen.  Andy has served as a ministry leader at Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Seacoast Grace Church, a ministry that helps broken people find their way back to God through a 12 step Christ based program.  This is his amazing testimony. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” - John 8:7 Biggest Weakness - Profanity Biggest Strength - Compassion and empathy Dark Time - Born to an alcoholic mother and father Andy struggled as a child.  At 7 years old he was put into a mental institution.  He was a wild child that his parents couldn’t handle.   If you misbehaved, you were locked into the white room where he saw his mom leave on a visit.   Andy stayed there for 16 weeks and then bounced back and forth between his mom and her crazy boyfriend and her dad and his abusive girlfriend.   Because he wet the bed, she would beat him regularly.  In school he was in special ed classes and fought a lot.  Andy was an outcast, but he found adults that he could spend time with. In junior high, Andy ran around with a crew called the River Rats.  During this time is when he began stealing and handling guns.  In the 8th grade he ran from the cops and ending up in jail for 30 days. Early on he was molested by a babysitter and other older men and women, but it seemed normal.  He explored sex for many years in situations he shouldn’t have. In his marriage Andy has learned that the most intimate thing he can do with his wife is pray. During high school, Andy tried to change, but he brought himself wherever he went.  He was a drug addict, sex addict and became very violent.  He began stealing again, took acid  and one night shot up a Toyota Dealership and gas station.  2 credits short of graduation he got 7 class A felonies.  They sent him to the penitentiary at 17. Prison was a gladiator school.  It’s a University for Felons where he could learn to be a better criminal. His grandmother was a woman of faith that saved his life.  She was a prayer warrior for Andy.  He always knew God had a plan for him, but he didn’t want to listen. Andy got his girlfriend pregnant and got married.  He tried to get sober, began meetings, but it didn’t work. He left his wife and kids and became addicted to smoking cocaine.  He couldn’t pay child support and was thrown in jail.  His ex-wife bailed him out and they remarried and had twins.  Andy still couldn’t stay clean.  He confesses that he was a very abusive husband. Andy moved back to California worked at a bar and found his next victim whom he stayed with for 20 years. When he met a stranger who broke down he became addicted to methamphetamines.  He was soon asked to deal meth and it became a big deal.  Although Andy was making a lot of money he never sent child support.  He was again arrested for not paying child support.  It was God saving him from a much worse prison sentence. He met a bank robber in prison who he took out on his first night back on the streets.  They found him dead in Andy’s car from a heroin overdose. At one point he was very high and snuck into a house to shoot up some guys who stole his stuff.  He ended up shooting a man in the chest.  He went on the run, but they tracked him down.  Nobody died, Andy got on his knees and prayed.  He got a deal for 5 years and knows that God had a plan. In prison Andy contracted Hep C from a heroin needle.  When his mom died, he couldn’t grieve while he was inside. Once he got out his 15 year old son wanted to have a relationship with him, but he didn’t know how to be a dad. One night a homeless crackhead came to him and said you need to straighten up.  This was Andy’s angel. Andy found out that his children had been raped by their stepdad since they were 7, but God had lifted his rage. Andy has held his job now for 15 years. He met his wife Cassie and she took him to Celebrate Recovery.  He’s been clean and sober since June 6th, 2003. Feed yourself with scripture.  Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Seacoast Grace Church is a ministry that helps broken people find their way back to God through a 12 step Christ based program and Andy became a minister there.  

Andy Jones should be locked away in prison, but God saved him.  Through a life of molestation, drugs, sex, theft and domestic abuse God was with him, but he refused to listen.  Andy has served as a ministry leader at Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Seacoast Grace Church, a ministry that helps broken people find their way back to God through a 12 step Christ based program.  This is his amazing testimony. “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” - John 8:7 Biggest Weakness - Profanity Biggest Strength - Compassion and empathy Dark Time - Born to an alcoholic mother and father Andy struggled as a child.  At 7 years old he was put into a mental institution.  He was a wild child that his parents couldn’t handle.   If you misbehaved, you were locked into the white room where he saw his mom leave on a visit.   Andy stayed there for 16 weeks and then bounced back and forth between his mom and her crazy boyfriend and her dad and his abusive girlfriend.   Because he wet the bed, she would beat him regularly.  In school he was in special ed classes and fought a lot.  Andy was an outcast, but he found adults that he could spend time with. In junior high, Andy ran around with a crew called the River Rats.  During this time is when he began stealing and handling guns.  In the 8th grade he ran from the cops and ending up in jail for 30 days. Early on he was molested by a babysitter and other older men and women, but it seemed normal.  He explored sex for many years in situations he shouldn’t have. In his marriage Andy has learned that the most intimate thing he can do with his wife is pray. During high school, Andy tried to change, but he brought himself wherever he went.  He was a drug addict, sex addict and became very violent.  He began stealing again, took acid  and one night shot up a Toyota Dealership and gas station.  2 credits short of graduation he got 7 class A felonies.  They sent him to the penitentiary at 17. Prison was a gladiator school.  It’s a University for Felons where he could learn to be a better criminal. His grandmother was a woman of faith that saved his life.  She was a prayer warrior for Andy.  He always knew God had a plan for him, but he didn’t want to listen. Andy got his girlfriend pregnant and got married.  He tried to get sober, began meetings, but it didn’t work. He left his wife and kids and became addicted to smoking cocaine.  He couldn’t pay child support and was thrown in jail.  His ex-wife bailed him out and they remarried and had twins.  Andy still couldn’t stay clean.  He confesses that he was a very abusive husband. Andy moved back to California worked at a bar and found his next victim whom he stayed with for 20 years. When he met a stranger who broke down he became addicted to methamphetamines.  He was soon asked to deal meth and it became a big deal.  Although Andy was making a lot of money he never sent child support.  He was again arrested for not paying child support.  It was God saving him from a much worse prison sentence. He met a bank robber in prison who he took out on his first night back on the streets.  They found him dead in Andy’s car from a heroin overdose. At one point he was very high and snuck into a house to shoot up some guys who stole his stuff.  He ended up shooting a man in the chest.  He went on the run, but they tracked him down.  Nobody died, Andy got on his knees and prayed.  He got a deal for 5 years and knows that God had a plan. In prison Andy contracted Hep C from a heroin needle.  When his mom died, he couldn’t grieve while he was inside. Once he got out his 15 year old son wanted to have a relationship with him, but he didn’t know how to be a dad. One night a homeless crackhead came to him and said you need to straighten up.  This was Andy’s angel. Andy found out that his children had been raped by their stepdad since they were 7, but God had lifted his rage. Andy has held his job now for 15 years. He met his wife Cassie and she took him to Celebrate Recovery.  He’s been clean and sober since June 6th, 2003. Feed yourself with scripture.  Celebrate Recovery Ministry at Seacoast Grace Church is a ministry that helps broken people find their way back to God through a 12 step Christ based program and Andy became a minister there.  

During a dark time 23 year old Jon Farkas found the God’s Men of Influence podcast. After listening to the James & Teri Craft show and a drive he cried for 2 days.  Since then he’s been listening and letting the testimony of men inspire him and open him up even further to God’s love.  This is his testimony. So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed. That, however, is not the way of life you learned  when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-24 Biggest Weakness - Being judgemental of people.  He looks at people as if he is better than, but is humbled when he finds he is not..   Biggest Strength - The love of the father. Jon was adopted and grew up in an evangelical home, but it was dysfunctional.  He never felt close to God. Jon feels emotionally disconnected to his adopted parents and therefore doesn’t feel like he belongs anywhere.  He was always getting in trouble as a kid. Dark Time - The last few years he’s brought many self-destructive issues into his relationship.  His girlfriend was very stable, but he was not.  He was addicted to porn and was unfaithful.  She got pregnant had the baby and then he was unfaithful again.  He told her what happened and they separated.  Jon ran away and got into other relationships and partied.  His girlfriend moved away with his son and won’t let Jon be a part of his life.   Jon went to Missouri where they are now living.  He played with his son and began making excuses for not being there for him.  On his drive back he found the God’s Men of Influence Podcast. He realized he was driving people away with his actions and has decided to surround himself with men who will hold him accountable. Jon thought he needed to separate from his son to get things right in his life, but now he realizes he needs to be with his son. His son’s mother wants him to give up his rights to be with his son, but he now he won’t.   Jon considered ending his life, but thought about his son and now he wants to be the father he never had. Recommended Books:  “How To Raise A Modern Day Knight” & “The Purpose Driven Life”

March 3, 2011, Jessie Rees (age 11) was diagnosed with an incurable form of Brain Cancer.  She moved to heaven on Jan 5, 2012 and Erik knows that through Jesus he will see her again.  Erik has to invest in his family everyday, there is no rewind button.  This is his testimony.   “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” - Ephesians 2:10   Biggest Weakness - Selfishness.  We all fight it, but this hit him hard after Jessie was diagnosed.  Erik had taken his family for granted. Biggest Strength - Faith in God.  It’s what got him through the death of his daughter.  Erik yelled and screamed at God, but has held on to the promise of heaven. Dark Time - Grew up in an abusive family with an abusive father, but although the time with Jessie was very dark, she was the silver light.  Every dad wants to save their child and when you can’t the only option is to trust. Jessie asked the question “when do the other kids go home?”  After hearing the answer she asked, “How can we help them?”  This changed everything. She created bags for the kids who couldn’t leave the hospital.  Jessie’s middle name was Joy and so they came up with Joy Jars.  Erik and Jess did this in the garage and then would bring them up to the hospital on her next visit.  During Jessie’s 10 month 2 day fight she sent over 3,000 Joy Jars to children with the message of NEGU (Never Ever Give Up). To donate go to www.jessie.org Erik uses Jessie’s NEGU motto to get through every day.  He spends a lot of time pastoring to families of children with cancer. Our faith does not tell us to sit on the sidelines, so Erik focuses on creating smiles. Erik had prayed and screamed and begged God to help his daughter.  When she wasn’t, he took the only choice he had which was to believe in God, his family and to not be bitter for their sake.  God had answered the prayer that Jessie wouldn’t suffer. After Jessie went to heaven, Erik’s wife went through severe depression and despair.  It took them a year to a year and a half to get through the initial grief. Jessie’s mom is now heavily involved in the foundation. Great Advice: Find people to be your anchors, who know you as well as God does and be real with them.  Get help. God’s Man of Influence - Allow God to work through you to do good in the world. Recommended Book: “Living the Life You’re Meant To Live” by Tom Patterson For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.

What happens when you grow up lacking affection from your parents?  Insecurity, fear of transitions and anxiety ruled Mark Giraud until he read his bible and began to heal.   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” - Proverbs 3, 5 & 6 Mark is a wealth consultant for Vantaquest.  At Vantaquest, they encourage clients to find their calling not only financially but in life. Today Mark is grateful that God has brought him to a place where he can be obedient and happy in his relationship with the Lord and his family.  He’s very involved in Celebrate Recovery ministry. Biggest Weakness - A drive to perform that became a false Idol and an effort to control. Biggest Strength - Commitment to Christ and be faithful. Dark Time - Grew up in New Orleans and was missing a lack of emotional connection with his parents.  Normal transitions were difficult for Mark, because life felt scary.  Mark struggled with low self-esteem and anxiety.  He was socially awkward and when his parents divorced it made things worse.   The lie was that he had something to prove and led to a performance focus that left him empty.   His life looked OK when he was first married, but he was dying inside. At 25 he became a Christian when he missed church on Christmas Day and went back to reading the bible. God showed Mark a book “How People Can Change” by  and this taught him about community.  Mark found a counselor who said he was not loving his wife well by not confronting her problems. His wife wasn’t interested in transforming their marriage. Mark had to change the pattern of avoiding conflict and he couldn’t do it without community and God. In every addicts life, there’s always an enabler helping them to continue their behavior.  Mark became very intentional about getting better.  He had to acknowledge the things from the past and grieve for them with God.  Then he repented for carrying the lies with him about himself and take responsibility even though it was easy to feel like a victim. God’s Man of Influence - Be aware that the Holy Spirit lives within you.  Seek God’s will and be obedient to it. Recommended Book - “S.H.A.P.E” by Erik Rees 562-598-7800            mark@vantaquest.com For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.