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In this episode, host Diana updates listeners on her trauma therapy before welcoming returning guest Mark Sowersby along with his wife, Jennifer. The couple discusses their new book, 'Letters to the Weary,' a 21-day devotional aimed at helping readers find rest and support through God's word. They share their personal journey of marriage and healing, offering insights for dealing with trauma within faith. Additionally, Mark talks about their award-winning short film based on his life and his involvement with the TCT Network's show 'Ask the Pastor.' The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer for listeners. 00:00 Introduction and Host's Update 02:23 Introducing Today's Guest: Mark Sowersby 03:46 Mark and Jennifer's New Book: Letters to the Weary 05:22 Mark and Jennifer's Personal Stories 11:29 Navigating Marriage and Healing Together 16:50 Writing and Publishing Letters to the Weary 19:07 Interactive Devotional Experience 20:07 Connecting with God Through Devotion 21:14 Personal Reflections and Genuine Writing 24:18 Film Project: Forgiving The Nightmare 26:01 Future Plans and Community Engagement 30:41 Final Thoughts and Prayer https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Weary-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475399 Bio: Mark and Jennifer have been married for over 20 years and have four beautiful children. Mark is a Lead Pastor and graduate of Northpoint Bible College. He is the author of Forgiving the Nightmare and has shared his testimony across the country in churches, seminars, and a variety of media platforms, including The 700 Club, Fox Digital, TCT Ask The Pastor, CTN, God TV, Cornerstone Network, and over 350 podcasts across the globe. https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Subscribe to the podcast: https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Social media links: Join our Private Wounds of the Faithful FB Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1603903730020136 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Keep in touch with me! Email subscribe to get my handpicked list of the best resources for abuse survivors! https://thoughtful-composer-4268.ck.page #abuse #trauma Affiliate links: Our Sponsor: 753 Academy: https://www.753academy.com/ Can't travel to The Holy Land right now? The next best thing is Walking The Bible Lands! Get a free video sample of the Bible lands here! https://www.walkingthebiblelands.com/a/18410/hN8u6LQP An easy way to help my ministry: https://dswministries.org/product/buy-me-a-cup-of-tea/ A donation link: https://dswministries.org/donate/ Transcript: Mark and Jennifer Sowersby [00:00:00] Welcome to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast, brought to you by DSW Ministries. Your host is singer songwriter, speaker and domestic violence advocate, Diana Winkler. She is passionate about helping survivors in the church heal from domestic violence and abuse and trauma. This podcast is not a substitute for professional counseling or qualified medical help. Now here is Diana. Hey everyone. Welcome to the podcast. So excited that you're here with me today. We have a great show for you today. I hope you're doing well. A little update on my trauma therapy that I mentioned to you. I don't remember which episode that was, but I'm on like session five. And things are going well. We are still in the [00:01:00] process of me telling my story. we haven't done a whole lot of unpacking. Mostly touching base with me as to how am I feeling, while I'm sharing with her all these things that I went through. Now I'm being more detailed telling her my life story then when I was telling my story on the podcast, and even when I tell my story in my Mending the Soul groups. There's a reason of course for that so she has a complete picture and able to pick the correct treatment plan to help me. So, uh, today I got a bill from my insurance company, for a hundred dollars. And up to this point, my invoices have been zero, which I'm assuming mental health with my insurance has been covered a hundred percent. So I was kinda like, what's going on? I sure hope that I don't owe a hundred bucks every time I go see her, because I would not be able to afford that. [00:02:00] So I will be investigating about why I got an invoice, but again, don't be afraid to reach out to a trauma therapist, somebody that is licensed where you live, the state you live in, the country you live in. If you need help, send me a message. I'll do my best to help you find something in your area. So, Now onto our podcast and our guest today. I'm really excited because I have a returning guest today, a friend of the podcast, Mark S owersby. He's been on the show twice so far. And I really want you to go back and listen to his previous episodes because he is probably in my top five guests that I've had on the show in the last five years, the life of my podcast. That's why he's back on because he is excellent and, Mark is bringing his wife, [00:03:00] Jennifer, today, which will be fun. Mark was on the show on season one and that was episode 11. So he tells his story, I guess as much as you can tell your story on a podcast in an hour. and he's had this book, Forgiving The Nightmare is excellent. That is about his story. He's been on a lot of very prominent podcasts and he even has a movie about his life that he has film this past year. The second time, he was part of our Bible series. How can I trust the Bible when I've been abused? So please go back and listen to those. They are excellent. You'll be blessed. He is on the show again because him and his wife have written another book just as recently called Letters to the Weary. Of course I am wanting to know all [00:04:00] about it. But let me read you a little bit of the synopsis on the back of this book. Life is filled with moments of confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. These struggles combined with everyday life can feel impossible to overcome. Do you find yourself feeling weak and tired at the end of each day instead of fulfilled? Do you complain more than express gratitude? Have you lost hope that things can actually change? Letters to the weary is a devotional that will inspire and encourage you to find a place of rest, support and understanding. Understanding your situation is not enough. We want to show you a way out. Letters to the weary is filled with testimonies, scripture, and encouragement bringing the reader to a [00:05:00] place of peace. It has been said that habits can be broken in 21 days. That may or may not be true, but we do believe if you wholeheartedly commit to prayer and pursuing God for 21 days, our life will be forever changed. That sounds pretty good, doesn't it? I'm always looking for really good devotional. So Mark, individual bio is Mark Sowersby is a speaker, writer, pastor. In 2019, pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood, and how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. He now speaks about his story and testimony of healing, forgiveness, and freedom. Through his ministry Forgiving the Nightmare. So on his website, he is got a lot [00:06:00] of videos, his video testimonies on there. I'll let you watch that. But you really are in for a treat. You're gonna love Mark. I hope that you enjoy my conversation with Mark and Jennifer S Alright, we have back to the show today, Mark Sowersby, and for the first time we have his lovely wife, Jennifer, on the show. Welcome. Thank you. Thank you. It's to be so much good to be with you. Yeah, this is number three. I mean, you're just like a friend of the podcast, a regular here on the show, Mark. Well, it's always a blessing to be with you and be able to share. The testimonies and stories and the victories of the Lord with you and your audience. So thank you so much for having me on, and I'm really excited that my wife could join me. Uh, I'm really great. That's really a blessing. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, this is gonna be fun. [00:07:00] And of course we all know about Forgiving the Nightmare and your story. Mark, we heard your story and then you were back. That was episode 11 was your story. That was season one. Wow. Thank you for being on my first season when I was starting out. I'm on year number five now, and then you run episode 100, you did our Bible series. How can I trust the Bible? Yes. Amen. I remember that. Yep. That was a great series. So you're back on the show to talk about your new book, Letters to the Weary. That sounds awesome. There it is. Yeah. There's a picture. There you go. There you go. Gotta get the angle right. Letters to the, we, our new book, A 21 day devotional. It's, we're really excited about it. I wrote it with my wife Jennifer, and, we're really blessed to be able to have this, just published and released. Oh, just a few, about a month ago. [00:08:00] It's brand new right out there. It's. It's a little different from the first book I wrote, and that was testimonial with some scripture references and kind of a how to and a hold on to God. And this is just, I got to put my pastor hat on and kind of share a little bit. So Jen and I were really excited to be able to write this devotional together. What do you think, Hon? Yes, it was a good time to be able to do it together and to collaborate and I'm honored to write something like this with my husband. So, Jennifer, tell us about your story, your background. 'cause we haven't met you on the podcast before. Well, I came to know the Lord when I was five years old. My kindergarten teacher led me to the Lord and I've been following Jesus ever since. And he's kept me from things. I don't have the testimony where I did things and then I , you know, recovered from them. I have the testimony that God kept me from ever doing them. Absolutely. [00:09:00] Some people feel bad that they don't have this, well, I did drugs or I was a rebel or something. I really appreciate the stories that, I lived a faithful Christian walk my whole life. That means that it is possible. It is, it is, it is possible. Like that God can use you and, you can live a holy life. Now how did you and Mark meet? I was the three to five year olds coordinator at church. And he was the children's pastor when I was old enough to meet. We've known each other for a long time, but he is seven years older than I am. So when he realized who I was, I was an adult by that point, and he was like, oh. We were friends. And then when I was in my twenties, I went off to finish college and he realized he missed me. And he was praying about [00:10:00] who the Lord would lead to him to marry. And he's like, God, I need this type of person. I need that type of person. And he said he felt like the Lord was saying, Hey, McFly, there's a girl down in Florida. She'd be the right one. Right. I knew Jen so long that, you know, I, I knew her parents and when I first got saved her, uh, mom and dad were involved as youth group leaders and like anything else, you go over people's houses for cookouts and pizza parties. And, and Jen was there, but she was always the kid, you know, she was just the kid of the youth leaders, youth directors, youth helpers, and never really on the radar. And when I finished Bible college, I came back and Jen was our three to 5-year-old director, but she was as, as I say, she was all grown up. You know, she was all grown up and, but really she wasn't like, I never saw her that way until one day in the prayer, prayer closet, the Lord said, Hey, McFly, uh, you know, she's right in front of you, you know? So, uh, we. We started a relationship, and I remember when I went to the lead pastor of the church, I, when [00:11:00] Jen and I were getting serious and we started to date, I, I went into the senior pastor's office just to kind of let him know. And I, and I said to him, Hey Pastor, I want you to know Jen and I are gonna date. And he started to laugh and he said, you are the last two to know this. Everybody has known this. The whole church knew that you two were gonna date, you're the last two. So, uh, we started to date and then. The rest, as they say, is history with four kids. And we're getting ready to celebrate 22 years of marriage. Wow. Amen. I love that story. And, I know your story really well, Mark, and the suffering and the abuse that you went through. I know Jennifer had to be, a huge, huge support through all of the recovery and raising a family. So tell us, Jennifer, what was it like, supporting him in that way with his past and such? I think we just, we just live life and I'm naturally, I think I'm a nurturer, so I think I, helped in that way. But, God had [00:12:00] already done a huge amount of healing before we were together because he's seven years older than me. When we got together, I was 25, so he was, almost 33 by the time we got married. So God had already done a lot in his life. Even when you're healed of things, there's still scars. Like after you've had surgery. Like I had carpal tunnel surgery, many years ago. And even though the site healed for over a year, I couldn't put weight on that wrist without pain because the scar tissue was there. And I think the same thing happens when you're healed. Emotionally or from other things, you know, traumas that have happened to you, you still have scars. That doesn't mean you're not healed. It just means that there's scar tissue there and. So we had to walk through that. Amen. Amen. I think that's a good way to put it. Yeah. You know what, you don't know what you don't know, you know? So, of course a lot of my [00:13:00] trauma and hurts, pains, wounds, I brought to the altar. I dealt with my counselor coaches, pastors and friends, but that I've never married, I never had that closeness of a wife, the intimacy of a marriage. You know that connection that you have. So I didn't know what I was gonna carry in there because I didn't know what marriage was like, and I didn't know how to, prepare myself or warn her or say here. I, we just kind of grew into this marriage together. We both brought our baggage in. My baggage was obviously loud and big, but we both carried our pain as people do. And what we learned is we had to go to the altar of God. Uh, we had to go and lay our, our marriage down, our hopes down our family down. We laid all those moments, and it didn't mean that it was always easy. There were moments of tears and prayers and challenges and trials and blessings, but as we learned to trust the Lord, you'll hear me say all and each other and each other because we had to communicate. I mean, there were, we had to have some frank conversations about things and [00:14:00] mm-hmm. You know, where we, where I expressed where I was hurt in our relationship in the beginning and, and then that left its own scars. Not that I was hurt because he did something wrong, just the pain of going through feeling like I had done something wrong because I happened to touch one of his scars, you know, where it brought pain to him. So he handled it the way he did and then I handled it the way I did. 'cause again, neither one of us had been married before. Neither one of us had, dealt with things together. So we've had to deal with things, by communicating and working through things and god has the victory. Amen. Amen. And that's true. You know, like I, I'll have to say, if you come to our church, I'll pray for couples at our altar. I'll say, Lord, help us grow closer to you so we can grow closer to each other. And I would say those early [00:15:00] years of marriage, as many early years of marriage as you're trying to figure it out. Uh, you could have, uh, perfect backgrounds or you could have broken backgrounds, but you're trying to figure it out. Uh, time, money, communication, family, uh, re intimacy, intimacy, responsibility, all those things that, uh, you're trying to figure out. And, and just like anybody else, we had our ups and downs, but we had the altar to hold onto. We had the word of God to guide us and we had friends that would hug us and love us through it. But 22 years we've done pretty good. When there were times where it was difficult, that's when you run to God, because he's the one who fixes everything. He's the ultimate healer. So when I didn't understand what was going on or when we were having, um, troubles and learning to communicate and learning to walk, navigate through these things, that's when I would spend time with God and I would just cry out to him. Amen. And that's why I'm [00:16:00] so glad now that we've been able to. You'll come together and, and work together and parent together and have a home together and a ministry together. And it's blessing that my wife has beside me. So that's what's really excited that we published this book together. These 21 Devotions. Uh, we both poured ourselves into 'em. Jen wrote some independently. I wrote some independently. Most of them we collaborated on. She knew a better word than I knew. I thought it about this way, she thought it about that way. And it was just a wonderful collaboration of a a 21 day devotional to pour everything that we're talking about you into these pages, to talk about communication and, and trust and ups and downs and lefts and rights, and, and how all God gets the glory. And that's what we wanted to give in this, uh, new, our new book called Letters to the Weary. So I see that it's on Amazon. Did you self-publish this or do you have the same publishers Forgiving Nightmare? We publish. Yeah. Yep. We work with the same [00:17:00] publisher. He is, uh, our publisher's been a blessing to us. He is really helped us hold, holds our hand. He is been my friend. He has been my writing coach. He is just kind of been everything to help me write these books , and him and his, team has been behind me a hundred percent. They were amazing. So you have testimony, scripture, encouragement. Can you give us an example of one of them? Well, I'll tell you what I have, which, like the format. So, so we wanted to write it like a letter and Yes, what happened is I wanted somebody able to go in and read it and have enough of the day, you know, and somebody said, why 21 days? Why not 30 days? Why not 90 days? Why not 365 days? And I can just tell you Jen and I, the church we grew up in, it was very common for in January, people would do a 21 Day Daniel Fast. It was kind of a tradition. It was just something that our church we grew up in, they would celebrate, the New Year by con doing a Daniel Fast. There's a book called The Daniel [00:18:00] Fast has to do with dieting and things like that. So whenever I thought about fasting or devotion, I always thought 21 days. It is one of those things that got caught in my head. So, because that was in my spirit, in my head, we wrote this 21 day devotion, but we wanted 'em to be independently. We wanted 'em to standalone. Like, uh, the reader is reading a letter in my first book, forgive the Nightmare. We talked about the trauma. We talked about the hard times. We talked about the big picture, the, but I wanted to say, okay, you've laid your trauma at the altar, you've given it to Jesus. Now what. Now how do I wake up Monday and Tuesday, and now what do I do? And we hope to put in the pages. Of letters to the weary. The next part, what do I do Now? I've given the big part to Jesus. I've walked in victory. I've claimed it. I've confessed it. I believe it. I stand on the word, but now I gotta get up Monday and go to work. So we hope this, uh, this devotion in which again is filled with scriptures and testimonies and as you heard, real, real trials and ups and downs and victories that have poured [00:19:00] out of the. The valley and out of the grace of God, we've tried to pour into this book and let God, uh, be blessed and honored by it. I hope that when you read it, it feels like you're sitting down reading a letter from a friend and, and that's pointing to Christ and that's why we put the entire scripture in. We don't just put the references is what we write, we fill out the entire scripture and that way ultimately you're pointed to the Bible, which. God's word and it is amazing. If you're not reading the Bible, you should be. A spot, they're asked questions or reflections. Mm-hmm. And we, we put something in our devotion called the big question. So every, after every one of them, after every 21 of these devotions we have the big question. We left space in the book to journal, to write, to put your thoughts down. So again, we wanted to be interactive. We just didn't want it to stand on the shelf. We [00:20:00] picture people a big old cup of coffee, the word of God, and our devotion, and they go in their prayer closet and, and serve the Lord that way. Yeah, I think that it's a, a smaller book, then you can actually finish it and, get the process starting of connecting with God. Maybe you don't know where to start with reading the Bible or prayer. You're a new Christian, or you've been away from the Lord because of, of course, trauma and abuse. You know, we're on the couch with God. We, don't understand why he allowed this to happen. This looks like it'd be a great transition into connecting with the Lord, just a short 21 days. With some of my background, not only the trauma of abuse, but the trauma of academia being a dyslexic, you know? Yeah. In both of my books, I thought, well, what would I wanna read? I wouldn't wanna read this. 607. Now my wife may wanna read the big books, but I read something you could [00:21:00] read in a plane. I think I would've been too intimidated if somebody handed me this. For me, I wanted to be able to read it, digested it, and then move forward. So I tell people my books aren't huge. They're not big books, but they're full reads. Right. Uh, so that's how I always identify 'em. We really hope that it pierces the heart. We hope the scriptures fill the soul and confession of praise comes out of one's mouth. And they're written to be something you can do even when life is crazy busy. Yeah. So I, I'm a mom, the other thing, and so we wrote it in between life, so. We wrote it, you know, I would work on it when I was dropping the kids off at school. I'd be sitting in the car and, on the computer or, in between making dinner. And so it was written with life going on around us. And so I hope that, he ministers to each person who reads it. Both of my books. I've always wanted to be really genuine. I. Really genuine [00:22:00] to the reader. And we tried to be genuine in this book. We tried to be as genuine and forgiven the nightmare just to say, look, we're real people. We love an awesome God. We got ups and downs, lefts and rights. We got bills we're trying to pay. Uh, we got cars that are trying to fix. Life isn't always beautiful and there's hard days and tough days, but God is always good. And we wanted to share that in. In our books, and we wanna share that in this devotional letters to the weary. Again, hopes it challenges you, makes you think, it makes you praise. We wrote it not only for the individual, but we think it would work good in a group too. Yeah, A bible study, a a men's group, a women's group, a grieving group, uh, a counseling group, a so we figure it has, it covers a wide variety of topics. Anywhere from hearing God's voice to knowing you're loved, when you're having sleepless moments, when you're feeling like you just wanna blend in and hide just all different, topics. When you're not sure you wanna follow God, there's even a topic [00:23:00] on that. Yeah. When you're not sure where you wanna go. But God is faithful and he loves us and he is there for us. He's there. 24 7, 365. It says in the Psalms, where can I go from your presence? If I made my bed, in the depths, who are there if I, up to the heavens are there. So no matter where you go, God is there. Yes. Like I love that scripture. We, we've been in the pits before, haven't we? Yep. Yeah, we have. We have. Yeah. But once you get out of the pit, it's an amazing view when you're out of it. Yeah. It is amazing when you get out. But it's nice to look back and see. When I was in the pit, God was still there with me, even though I couldn't sense him there. Yep. Yeah. Yep. Even though I walked through the valley, I shadow death. I shall fear no evil. Yes. Yeah. Amen to that. Now Amazon, is that the main place that we can find the book or is there other spots? Well, that's probably the easiest and [00:24:00] biggest place to find the book on Amazon, but it is on Barnes and you can go barn, Walmart. You can go to any search engine where they sell books. You go to our website and you can, connect there with the books. But really, if you want worldwide distribution and you want everybody to find it, Amazon is king in that world. I hear you're this big movie star now. You have a short film about your life, Mark. Let's hear about that. Yeah, well, thanks. It's a great project. I don't know if I'm a big movie star, I might be big, but I'm not a movie star. So, what happened was a few years ago I connected with a great young director and he and I got ahold of my book and, we started to discuss what to do. Well, it's a full book and in that there's so many twists and turns, ups and downs. It's about a life. It's about victory, it's about challenges. So we kind of had to take a snapshot of one scene of the whole book. And, uh, we made a 20 minute movie and. We had a set and he had a cast and [00:25:00] we had the lights and we had the DP director of, we had it all. We had editors and, and, this young director, he was just ready to go. Tru Vine, studios, Tru Vine Pictures, a great young guy named Henry Kay. And he has just been my partner and my blessing. So, so it took us about a year to make it from the moment we filmed it till I went through editing and sound and all the things that needed to be done. And then we started putting in film festivals. And, before you'd know it, we were nominated for many film festivals, all Christian film festivals, and there's one called The Crown, a Crown Film Festivals, which they tell Crown. Mm-hmm. Crown Sports. And which they tell me is, uh. Kind of one of the most prestigious, or one of the most, recognized one in the Christian circles. And we were nominated for the best short film, at the beginning of this month. And we walked away with a bronze. So they give a bronze of silver and a gold, and. And we won the bronze in the best short film category for the Crown's awards. And so we're [00:26:00] excited about what God's doing with that. We hope to do a feature film, that's our prayer, that Lord, we could do a 90 minute, two hour feature film where we get to tell the whole story. But for Forgiving The Nightmare Short film, we call it Forgiving Nightmare film. You can actually go online. There's a website called Forgiving the Nightmare Film, and you can find a little, blurb or a little preview of the film there. And on your website you can see a clip of the film as well. Yeah, you can see a clip there@forgivingthenightmare.com. But, again, it's 20 minutes long. We don't have the whole thing online yet because we're still in festival season. And so when that's done, we'll be releasing it online, but. Yeah we're excited that we walked away with that bronze award and now people are saying, let your people call my people. We don't know what God's gonna do next, but we believe it's all in God's hands. Well, that sounds really exciting. It probably cost a lot of money to do that. Well, there was a budget for it. You're right. And I have to be honest, when you say make films, I wrote the story. It was about my life. But really my [00:27:00] director and his team put it together. I have to, tip my hat. Yes, it was my story. Yes. He gave me room to collaborate, but it was really his eye and his art that, brought this film together. There was a budget, I think we did ours for about, 14 to $17,000. It was a commitment to doing it, but most films are done for much more than that, so. Oh, yeah. Yeah. So we're, we, were blessed to have a good team, a lot of volunteers, but we were given free access to a hospital area. The main scene is being filmed in like a hospital room and it's so hard to find hospital space, because they're always being used and you find when they're very costly to rent for the day. But God just gave us favor with a school and they, allowed us to film at this place. So a lot of stories where God just gave us favor. We're blessed. It's out there. We hope to continue to, move forward to see what God's gonna do with it. Ultimately, our prayer is [00:28:00] to make a feature film. I thought about Matt Damon playing me. What do you think? I was just gonna say if I, you had somebody in mind, who would you want to play you? Well, I think it's, first I thought about Arnold Schwartzenegger. What do you think? Me and Arnold? Matt Dammon, Mark Walberg. Yeah. Mark. Mark. I dunno. But no, I'm just happy to have our story told. Who could play my wife? What supermodel will play her, so? Yes. When it comes out where we can all watch the film, that's gonna be a great day. Has anybody come up to you yet and given you any feedback from the festivals? Yeah, yeah, this really changed my life, or. We've heard how people have been touched by it. We've heard how people have been ministered to it. We've heard how people have said they have felt the Holy Spirit through it and in it. Mm. Uh, we've heard a lot of great comments. Again, we are in this film festival season, but from what I understand [00:29:00] is the plan right now is to release it on probably YouTube or something of that way. Probably, late summer, early fall. When the seasons are over. So we'll kind of release it that way. So keep looking for us and we'll keep, continue to promote it. I'm sure when it's released on YouTube or one of these social networks, we'll be able to promote a lot of it and let people know it's out. We do wanna bring lots of eyeballs to it because we believe the story. The story's not about abuse. The story's about forgiveness. The story's about how to overcome that trauma, and we tried to tell that in Forgiving The Nightmare. And we try to share that in Letters To The Weary. We don't wanna just talk about the pain, we wanna talk the victory, right? We wanna be honest, right Jen? We've always wanted to be honest, but we also wanna say, listen. We got a hold of Jesus. As much as those early years , were trials sometimes and learning to communicate and learning to walk through. I think today we could say, we're about ready to have a 20-year-old, Jennifer. Wow. You are gonna be a mom [00:30:00] of a 20-year-old. Our daughter's Just 17, 12, 15, 17 and 20. They're all teenagers. Woo. We have, two of them driving. So, we talk about the early years where I brought in my mess. She brought in her life and, but there's so many victories today, where God has moved. And, my wife is now teaching a women's group. She's counseling with women. She's writing, these books. So I've just seen God bless my wife and help her grow. And I know that I'm growing and together the Holy Spirit's moving us forward with Forgiving the nightmare film, Forgiving Nightmare Books, and all the different expressions that God lets us do. Yeah. Amen. So you've shared so much today, much about your relationship, your marriage, and the stuff the Lord's blessed you with to minister to others. Anything you want to leave our listeners with, if you both want to, give your last piece of love and [00:31:00] advice to them. Well, Jesus says to come to him, all you who are weary and heavy burdened and he will give you rest and that's why we wrote this book. So you have a chance to pause and take some time and come to the father who loves you. With an everlasting love. Amen. And spend time with him. Amen. Pain, trauma loves to isolate people. Loves to, make us feel we're all alone. We're no good, we're bad. No one will ever understand. And like my wife said, God wants us to come to him and to have that moment of Selah where we just pause and we hope that when you pause, you pause with the word of God. And if either of our writings, our ministry letters to the weary, Forgiving the nightmare can help you in that journey. Let us just come to the Lord no matter who we are. Let's come and let God touch us and heal us, and we love God. And thank you so much for having us on. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Yes, this has been great. And [00:32:00] having you, Jennifer. On the third time that Mark's been here. You guys are always welcome to come back. If you do another book, another movie, you can just come on and I'll definitely, look forward to that. You guys are gonna probably do more stuff down the pike for sure. However the Lord leads. We're really blessed. Hey, I just want you to know on Mondays you can find me on the TCT network. I'm on a part of, I'm on a show called Ask the Pastor. So, you may have it in your market. But if not, you can go, always go online, on Facebook, on Instagram, go to TCT and it's a wonderful network. They have a program called Ask the Pastor, and at 2:30, every Monday, I'm a part of a panel. I'm not the host, I'm just one of the voices of the panel. But if anybody wants to catch me, see my ugly mug, uh, you know, just turn to, to ask the pastor on TCT Network. Oh, and we can ask questions? [00:33:00] You can, you can. You can do it in and stump the pastor? I think some people think it's called that, but it's really called Ask the Pastor. Oh, absolutely. I'll put everything in the show notes for you listeners. And I don't remember if I asked you this before, Mark. Can you say a short prayer for our listeners before you go? I would be honored. I'd be honored to. Father. God, we just thank you so much for your goodness and grace. Lord, we thank you that you love us, that you're still the lifter of our head. You're still the lover of our soul Lord, and the empty tube still matters and the cross where you died for our sin still has power. But Father your word still goes forth and it wants to heal, deliver and set free. So I pray for everyone, with a heavy heart today. Lord, I pray the lie of the enemy that isolates and robs from them their dignity, their value. Lord, I just pray that those words fall short and Father, we hear the word of God. It reminds us that we are delivered, made [00:34:00] new and set free. And Father, I thank you for our host today. I pray you bless her. I pray you bless this show. I pray, Lord God, that you go before us and touch us. In Jesus' name. Amen and amen. Thank you guys. Love you guys. Thank you. Thank you for listening to the Wounds of the Faithful Podcast. If this episode has been helpful to you, please hit the subscribe button and tell a friend. You could connect with us@dswministries.org where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Mark Sowersby, author of the book Forgiving the Nightmare. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. He now speaks about his story and his testimony of healing, forgiveness and freedom through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. In my book review, I stated Forgiving the Nightmare is more than an abuse memoir or Christian instruction - it's a story of grace, overcoming, and forgiveness. Mark doesn't sugarcoat the truth, whether that truth is about his childhood abuse or about his difficulty moving beyond that abuse. In fact, he is so honest that he will be the first to admit that forgiveness will be a lifelong journey. What I loved most about this book is the hope. Each page leads the reader down a path to something better. No matter what trauma you've suffered - and haven't we all had some trauma in our life - there is light on the other side. For Mark, this comes by way Jesus Christ. And Mark shares ten trail markers to help those who are seeking to forgive the nightmares in their own lives. Do you know what happens when you hold a nightmare to the light? It loses power. And that's exactly what Mark discovered. It's a beautiful book that will fill you with the desire to do better, be better, love better, and forgive fully. Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1 Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290 You can follow Author Mark Sowersby https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ FB:@forgivingthenightmare IG: @forgiving_the_nightmare_/ X: @SowersbyMark LinkedIn: @Mark-Sowersby Purchase Forgiving the Nightmare on Amazon: Paperback: https://amzn.to/41gr585 Ebook: https://amzn.to/41gr585 Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #marksowersby #forgivingthenightmare #memoir #christianmemoir #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview *As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
SO the broadcast from Mars was a failure and what do you do when that happens? Broadcast from Venus of course, AND you get an extra special Venusian Expert to help out with the lay of the land, a guy who KNOWS women are from Venus, BILL CLINTON!!with all that happening we have our returning guest and good friend of the show, PASTOR MARK SOWERSBY with his new movie trailer and another new book! We also discuss our current state of country and laugh at it all because we know Gods got us covered and we're wrapped in his love!And we couldn't do this as well with out MRS A'S FAMOUS SALSA BUENA, RABBITINREDRADIO.COM, & Spreaker Prime & iHeart Radio & The Colonel with THE ADVISER facebook Group and our friends at Creative Clothing/Coatings!!
Pastor Husband Father and Author Mark had been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 21 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister 26 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. IPastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family.Mark Sowersby is a man on a mission. A mission to help people who have experienced hurt, abuse, and pain to find freedom and peace through God's love and the many facets of forgiveness. Mark's message and ministry are based on his personal healing and forgiveness after a nightmare of suffering through years of childhood sexual abuse. Today, Mark is a conference speaker, pastor of a church in Massachusetts, and a frequent guest on television talk shows, where he shares his story – from the nightmare itself, to recovery, to forgiveness and wholeness. Mark offers a range of conference topics from forgiveness, abuse recovery, and specific talks within the broader topic of childhood sexual abuse – as
WARNING: This episode may be triggering for some due to the nature of the topic. In this episode, I had a meaningful conversation with Mark Sowersby. He shares his testimony of overcoming the trauma from sexual abuse and how he was able to forgive. Here is a little bit of info about Mark Sowersby: Pastor Husband Father and Author Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 21 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister 26 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. Click the link below to connect with Mark Sowersby and also find out more about his book, Forgiving the Nightmare: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Feel free to follow, leave a review/rating/comment, and share with a friend if this was helpful! You can catch up with me @beechannel27 everywhere! #newepisodealert #newepisode #faithbasedpodcasts #christianpodcasts #fromvictimhoodtovictory #marksowersby #forgivingthenightmare #trauma #abusesurvivor #testimony #gentlereminder #needtoknow #fyi #beechannel27
“The language of an abuser is lying. “ ~ Mark SowersbyOverview: Many people go through trials, or like Mark, “nightmares”. There is a process we can go through to find hope, redemption, peace, and grace in our lives. Overcoming Childhood Sexual Molestation and other horrific traumas, hurts, and wounds is possible. See how Mark did it, and you can too!Guest Bio: Pastor. Husband. Father. Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 19 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family.SHOW NOTES: Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/Mark's Book, Forgiving the Nightmare: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186 REMARKABLE LISTENER SPECIAL OFFER(S):Save 30% – 80% on EVERYTHING you order at MyPillow.com with free promo code, “REMARKABLE“. Yes, that's right! Save a ton of money on all 250+ quality, comfortable, cozy products at MyPillow.com with Free MyPillow Promo Code, “Remarkable“. Enjoy and be ready to sleep better than you ever have! CORE THEMES, KEYWORDS, & MENTIONS:Illegitimate child, rape, pedophile, homosexual pedophile, life journey, abuse at home, dyslexic, groomed by an abuser, grooming children, protecting children from abuse, raped, burned, beaten, forgiving the nightmare, forgiveness, unforgiving, stealing their innocence, sexual molestation, physical abuse, church, salvation, traSupport the Show.Want Even More?
How do you forgive someone who has hurt you so deeply? Today on the podcast I talk with Mark Sowersby about his testimony and his book Forgiving The Nightmare. Find out more about Mark at https://forgivingthenightmare.com/
Pastor Husband Father and Author Mark had been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 21 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister 26 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. IPastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family.Mark Sowersby is a man on a mission. A mission to help people who have experienced hurt, abuse, and pain to find freedom and peace through God's love and the many facets of forgiveness. Mark's message and ministry are based on his personal healing and forgiveness after a nightmare of suffering through years of childhood sexual abuse. Today, Mark is a conference speaker, pastor of a church in Massachusetts, and a frequent guest on television talk shows, where he shares his story – from the nightmare itself, to recovery, to forgiveness and wholeness. Mark offers a range of conference topics from forgiveness, abuse recovery, and specific talks within the broader topic of childhood sexual abuse – as well as simply sharing his personal story when invited to do so.
Today on The Rooted in Christ Podcast, we're sitting down with Mark Sowersby., a speaker, writer, and pastor. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood, and how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. We're talking to him about his journey to healing, and we hope that it can help you too! Find Mark's book and all his other info here!: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/book/ Follow Redwood: https://linktr.ee/redwoodchristianministries --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/redwood-christian-ministries/support
"Everybody's story starts with someone else's story" is how Mark began our time together. For Mark, the "someone else" was his mother, who suffered multiple heartbreaks. Mark was born out of an affair, and his mom took all the shame and blame. For his first 7-years, he lived with his mom, grandma, and siblings from his mom's first marriage. But then his mom remarried, and that's when the nightmare began. His mother's husband began abusing Mark in every conceivable way. It was ugly for 7-long years until the abuse stopped. But it left behind an identity scarred by trauma and dysfunction. At 16, faith entered Mark's story, and little by little, he started chipping away at the trauma. But a victim mentality was deeply rooted within him. But God gently, graciously, and patiently led him into healing and a victorious mentality. Mark is passionate about sharing his story to help others. Bio: Pastor. Husband. Father. Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 19 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. Connect with Mark: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Resources https://daniellebernock.com/ https://clarity.fm/daniellebernock https://www.daniellebernock.com/coaching/ Join my community https://dani-daniellebernock-com.ck.page/31bfe7d9fa Additional resources: Books: Emerging With Wings https://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Wings-True-Story-Heals/dp/0996103317/ Because You Matter https://www.amazon.com/Because-You-Matter-Ownership-Really/dp/0996103333/ Taco ‘Bout Your Value Taco ‘Bout Your Value https://www.amazon.com/Taco-Bout-Your-Value-Self-Esteem/dp/0996103376/ Socials: https://www.facebook.com/daniellebernock/ https://www.instagram.com/dbernock/ https://www.youtube.com/c/DanielleBernockLovesYou https://twitter.com/DBernock https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-bernock-6ab50467/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dbernock Listed on Feedspot: https://blog.feedspot.com/overcoming_adversity_podcasts/ Disclaimer: Opinions do not replace the advice from a qualified medical professional, and Victorious Souls might not agree with some content shared by guests. #victimtovictorious #abuse #childhoodtrauma #affair #traumahealing #faith #littlebylittle #overcomingadversity #christ #teenagers #identity #trauma #forgiveness #nightmare #breakthrough #liveinterview #author #loveheals #godheals #godlovesyou #becauseyoumatter #daniellebernock #thatladyontheinternetwholovesyou --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/victorioussoulspodcast/message
Melissa and Amanda are thrilled to welcome the first man to the table, Pastor Mark Sowersby. Mark shares his journey of forgiveness and healing from sexual abuse. Learn more about Mark and his book "Forgiving the Nightmare" at https://forgivingthenightmare.comThank you for joining Melissa and Amanda at the Table! This has been a production of Asha Media. Please share the Tablecast with other women by leaving us a rating on your listening platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please help us share it more with other women just like you by leaving us a rating!
October is Pastor's Appreciation Month! What better way to start introducing Christian men into the mix than starting with a PHENOMENAL Pastor?! Mark Sowersby wrote the book, Forgiving the Nightmare. A true story of abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather. It is amazing that Mark turned into such a devoted man of God after all he had endured growing up. Listen to Mark share his story of how he was finally able to forgive the monster that tortured him for years. Mark Sowersby Book, Forgiving the Nightmare. Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com Email: mark@forgivingthenightmare.com
Your nightmare may be a trauma of any kind, a story of pain, abuse, and hurt. Pastor Mark Sowersby from New England, MA shares his story for God's glory to help people find healing in Jesus Christ. He admits his journey is a messy one but one with a beautiful outcome. Tune in and be uplifted, and encouraged - know you are not alone and that healing is only found in Jesus Christ. Connect with him @ www.forgivingthenightmare.com; follow him @forgivingthenightmare or Mark Sowersby and get his book on Amazon- Forgiving the Nightmare. Do you want to be a guest on the show or connect with me? Send me an email @info@aaopcs.net To purchase book, Empowerment for you: Encouragement for your Emotional and Spiritual Wellness, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JRQC2M4 and to purchase the Empowered to Empower you Reflection Workbook, visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09MDGXRVW --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bewindi-aquilla-bobb/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bewindi-aquilla-bobb/support
Have you been the victim of abuse? Have you experienced trauma in your life? Are you finding it difficult to forgive someone who hurt you? In this episode Minister Paula talks with the Author of Forgiving The Nightmare,Pastor Mark Sowersby. Mark Sowersby is an ordained minister and has been in ministry for over 25 years. He and his wife, Jennifer have been married for seventeen years and are the parents of four children. He is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in central Massachusetts. Mark and Jennifer launched Forgiving The Nightmare Ministry in 2020. Mark's testimony is not for the faint in heart. It is a testimony of forgiveness, God's grace, and overcoming in the midst of life's hurts, pains, and abuses. Although we can't change the past, by God's Grace and the power of prayer we can forgive the nightmare. Mark's testimony reminds us there is hope in Jesus! Connect with Mark Sowersby via email mark@forgivingthenightmare.com and website https://forgivingthenightmare.com/about/ To purchase book: Forgiving the Nightmare https://a.co/d/6Birgtt "God became bigger than the hate and louder than the hurt.” Mark Sowersby
On this episode we have a special guest who will share his testimony. How do you forgive when you've been wounded deeply? Pastor Mark Sowersby shares his testimony with his ministry and book by the same name, Forgiving The Nightmare. If you are in an abusive situation please reach out to someone. There is a way out. https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186 https://www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare?mibextid=LQQJ4d http://linkedin.com/in/mark-sowersby-660aa1236
Contact AmyContact Mark, Buy Forgiving The NightmareMeet Mark Sowersby. Speaker. Writer. Pastor. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with abundant forgiveness, joy, and life. It is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and the Wednesdays With Watson podcast is honored to welcome Mark Sowersby to the show. Mark is the author of "Forgiving The Nightmare," his harrowing story of unspeakable abuse for seven years of his childhood. Mark walks us through his story and his journey to forgiveness. You ARE:SEEN KNOWN HEARD LOVED VALUED
The Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA, Mark Sowersby, discussed the childhood abuse that he suffered and the freedom he has found in Jesus Christ, a story that he relates in his book, Forgiving the Nightmare. You can find out more online at forgivingthenightmare.com.
The Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA, Mark Sowersby, discussed the childhood abuse that he suffered and the freedom he has found in Jesus Christ, a story that he relates in his book, Forgiving the Nightmare. You can find out more online at forgivingthenightmare.com.
*Trigger Warning: Graphic description of child and sexual abuse shared in this interview. Mark Sowersby's abuser left him broken, insecure, and searching for dignity and value. A mountain of pain before him, an invitation to church set him on the path to healing. While on a church youth trip, he chose Christ as his Savior. Step by step, God helped him experience healing. Eventually, he was able to write his book Forgiving the Nightmare, outlining his story and the hope one can find after abuse. Tune in to listen to this episode.
Forgiveness // S3E11 Join us for part 2 of our conversation with Mark Sowersby where we discuss these topics and more:Is forgiveness something we do to benefit ourselves or is it for the other person?Can avoiding forgiveness or deciding not to forgive someone causes more pain?Can our suffering prepare us for something greater such as ministry?How do we identify our own nightmareIf you are experiencing your own nightmare and need help be sure to check out these resources:https://forgivingthenightmare.com/https://www.forthechildren.orgConnecting forgiveness and kindness in scripture:Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as god also forgave you in Christ. “Colossians 3:12-13“Therefore, as gods chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.
Forgiveness // S3E10 Forgiveness in the Bible is a "release" or "dismissal" of something. In this episode Mark gives us glimpse of his testimony and although it is difficult to hear about the nightmare that Mark endured, it is glorious to see the triumph God has given him, both physically and spiritually. In part 1 of our discussion Mark shares part of his testimony and a great word on a faith that can move mountains and the importance of perspective. Make sure to get a copy of Mark's book, "Forgiving the Nightmare"https://forgivingthenightmare.com/Forgiving the Nightmare (FTN) has been asked to produce a TV series. If you would like to donate to this ministry for this great cause please see the link below:https://www.givesendgo.com/FTNTV?utm_source=sharelink&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=FTNTV
In this episode, we talk with speaker, writer, and pastor Mark Sowersby about his book Forgiving The Nightmare. Mark shares details of the horrific abuse he endured for seven years at the hands of his stepfather. He shares his escape from being raped, burned, beaten, stabbed, and sold for prostitution and how God helped him to forgive the unforgivable. Do you have a topic suggestion, question, or feedback? Text or leave a voicemail on the show's hotline 24/7 at 248-301-2010. Donate to the show: paypal.me/thinkingoutloudmediaTo learn more about Mark and his ministries, please visit https://forgivingthenightmare.com/Support the show
Reverend Mark Sowersby Discusses his new book "Forgiving the Nightmare" He recounts his survival of both sexual, emotional, and physical abuse fro age 7 to 14 at the hands of his mothers husbandMeet Mark Sowersby. Speaker. Writer. Pastor. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. He now speaks about his story and his testimony of healing, forgiveness and freedom through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. . Forgivingthenightmare.comhttps://www.instagram.com/forgiving_the_nightmare_/https://twitter.com/SowersbyMarkhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKS97tXY8cSiQLfRXXBCMXwhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sowersby-660aa1236/Book Pastor Mark to SpeakPastor Mark Sowersby has a testimony to share about how he was set free from a nightmare of abuse and years of suffering. Condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance.Mark's ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare is on mission to help those who have experienced hurt, abuse, and pain find freedom and peace through God's love and the many facets of forgiveness.His testimony, told to live audiences, on television, and through his book, is a powerful reflection of the love of our Savior. Since 2019, he's been sharing his story around the world of how he went from hurting to health, from death to life.Transcript Link herehttps://forgivingthenightmare.com/How do you move past the pain that keeps you up at night, leaves you isolated, untrusting, and afraid? How can you possibly forgive them, especially when they don't deserve forgiveness? Pastor Mark Sowersby shares his testimony with his ministry and book by the same name, Forgiving The Nightmare.Pastor Mark Sowersby has a testimony to share about how he was set free from a nightmare of abuse and years of suffering. Condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance.Mark's ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare is on mission to help those who have experienced hurt, abuse, and pain find freedom and peace through God's love and the many facets of forgiveness.His testimony, told to live audiences, on television, and through his book, is a powerful reflection of the love of our Savior. Since 2019, he's been sharing his story around the world of how he went from hurting to health, from death to life.Mark Sowersby·00:01John already knew that he was the Messiah. But the stress of prison, this man who lived outside that ete locust that walked everywhere, now he's confined into a prison. The stress of that started to steal his faith away. So he didn't need answer. He was there in the Jordan River with a votes for he just needed a testimony. Asked John. Does he remember? Remember? Does he remember? So I think in my sense I was in a prison of abuse, but I was free in Christ. And I had my answer that the ugliness of abuse is never what God intended for me. But I needed a testimony, not just answer. Introduction·00:44Marcus Averillius said, what we do in life echoes through eternity. What is your life echoing through eternity? Welcome to Echoes Through Eternity with Dr. Jeffrey Skinner. Our mission is to inspire, engage, and encourage leaders from across the globe to plant missional churches and be servant leaders. So join us and hear the stories of servant leaders reverberating lives as God echoes them through eternity. Brought to you by Missional church planting and leadership development and Dynamic church Planting. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·01:15International welcome in Echoes Through Eternity. I am your host, Dr. Jeffrey D. Skinner. What is God echoing through your life today? I am joined in the studio today by Reverend Mark. Soarsby this is a pretty I just want to give a cautionary tale here. We generally deal with very G rated material and today is a very serious subject. We all recognize that we live in a fallen world and that no one is perfect except for Jesus. There's been one perfect man that has lived and we are certainly not it. And so our homes have a degree of brokenness. All of them do. And some of them have a further degree of brokenness than others. Mark has experienced some trauma and we'll be talking a little bit about that trauma today. He was sexually abused. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·02:05And so if you have young children and are listening to this podcast, probably do not want them listening to this one. I will always give you a warning. We're not going to get explicit or anything like that, but certainly just want to give you an opportunity that if you are particularly sensitive to that topic or if you have young children, then this probably will not be the episode for you. I think it is an important conversation to have within Christian circles because we do live in a fallen world and this is prevalent in the Kingdom of God as well as outside the kingdom, unfortunately. We know people that have been abused by parents, but also people have been abused by pastors, unfortunately, and Christian leaders. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·02:48And we're to the point that where we have to do background checks and things like that on Christian leaders today to be sure of that. So that being said, I just want to give you guys a second to check out the podcast. If you have just knowing what's coming here. Again, we will not be explicit, but I do want to offer cautionary tale to kind of let you know that today's subject matter is a little bit PG in the sense that it's very sensitive conversation here. We will not be explicit. I do want to say that beyond that, welcome in, Marcus. It's great to have you, man. Mark Sowersby·03:25Hey, thank you for having me, Dr. Jeff. It's wonderful to be with you and your audience today. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my testimony. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·03:33Yeah. And so Mark and I got connected through the podcast, through Echoes Through Eternity website. He reached out, said, hey, I've got a book, just wrote basically my personal story. I'd like to send it to you. You read over it, and if you feel like there's a fit for your podcast, have me on and I read it. Very good book is very personal stuff here. And as you said, it is your story, it is your journey, and it's what God has taught you through that journey. And one of the things that you say in your book is that when you go through something with God, make a record of it, record it, journal it, do something to mark that place. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·04:12We don't build altars to God necessarily anymore as we cross over these places, but we certainly see those as times where they became milestones in the journey of leaders from the Bible times. And so today, whatever that journey is for you, that is one of the things that you encourage. So, yes, the title of the book I'll show you here is Forgiving The Nightmare. It's going to show up backwards on your screen if you're watching on video. And we will include all of Mark's contact information. He's got lots of things in the work. He's been on 700 Club. God is using his story. But anyway, it is great to have Mark in the studio today. And again, the name of the book is Forgiving The Nightmare. Mark Soresby will put all that in the show notes there. He will have a blog. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·04:59He'll be doing a guest blog. We'll have that up for the show as well. That will be linked in the show notes. Anyway, I just want to get started here. Great having you, Mark. Thanks again, brother. Let me ask you a quick question here. So you are a danger in the Assemblies of God, right? Mark Sowersby·05:14I am. That's right, of God. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·05:17And you and I were talking before the show. We've got a mutual connection in the Church of Nazarene. You had a former pastor who was in the Church of Nazarene coming to Assemblies of God. Mark Sowersby·05:28Yeah, I kind of grew up in a church that had a blend of assembly of God, Nazarene. So I have a soft spot for both Fellowships, both churches in my heart because I had a lot of great Nazarene people. If you would love me. And the title on the door said assembly of God. That if you walked into the church, it was definitely a blend of both fellowships, learning to come together and to love each other and to lift up the name of Jesus. So, yeah, I would say there's a lot of nazarene in this AG guy. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·06:02Yeah, well, it's all part of the kingdom, right? And that's what we want to celebrate. And we're all lifting up here at the Kingdom of God. We can all have our opinions and interpretations, but in the end, it's all about Jesus, right? Mark Sowersby·06:13That's right. That's right. Dr. Jeffery D Skinner·06:20Well, Mark, let me get a quick question here. Who would you say this book is for? I know were talking a little bit before you said that it was really less about abuse and more about trauma. Who would you say it's for? Mark Sowersby·06:31Well, I think there's a three statement answer for this. First, when I stepped out to do this, I felt the Lord was calling me to do this. So it's the answer, the yes to the call, to allow myself to be so wid
Episode 10 told the story of how God used a casual lunch and two simple questions from a friend to change Frank Rich's life. In this bonus episode Frank talks about the ways that his changed life has lead to positive improvements in his relationships and how his faith helped him break a 20 year pornography addiction. He also gives language to a common theme in this podcast—"rock tops moments." At the end of this episode you'll hear the testimony of Mark Sowersby. Mark found about this podcast and sent us a video to play. His story is one of being abandoned and abused as a child, but it is also a story of incredible healing and forgiveness through Jesus. "That decision of receiving that mercy of God...has been the benchmark of my life forever." Rebuilt Recovery TestimonyPodcast.comTestimony Podcast on Instagram Chad Harms on InstagramDonate to the Show
Interview with Mark Sowersby. Mark talks about the nightmare of child abuse, and, his journey of forgiveness and victory through Jesus.
Meet author, Mark Sowersby. Mark is a speaker, writer, and Pastor. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with an abundance of forgiveness, joy, and life. To find the book or learn more about Mark click the link below:https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Support the show
Special Presentation- Forgiving the Nightmare w/ Londen from LICMC.net as your host and Mark Sowersby the author of the book. Preview this Powerful interview that will help you heal your broken heart. To get the book by Mark: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ Watch the full presentation here: https://www.youtube.com/live/SyN8WU_2ui0?feature=share #ForgivingtheNightmare #MarkSowersby #Amazon #BrokenHearts #Healing #ValentinesDay #God #Faith #Forgiveness --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irene-washington/message
Special Episode Trailer- Forgiving the Nightmare w/ Londen from LICMC.net as your host and Mark Sowersby the author of the book. Preview this Powerful interview that will help you heal your broken heart. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/irene-washington/message
We all have a trauma, trauma and hurt is a part of life! But you are not alone! On this weeks episode we speak with Pastor Mark Sowersby on the topic of forgiveness and how he ultimately came to the conclusion that God is bigger then his problems! Click the links below to check out Pastor Marks book forgiving the nightmare as well as a link to hit website and also a link to the called to act merch store if you feel led to support the ministry in that way! God bless! Pastor Marks book: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186 Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com Called to Act store: https://called-to-act-podcast.myspreadshop.com/called+to+act+podcast?idea=63487ac35d67384d00868bb9 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Even though your past can be painful, it doesn't have to be your identity.Today's featured bonus author is father, husband, and Pastor, Mark Sowersby. Pastor Mark and I had a chat about his book, “Forgiving the Nightmare”, his process of dealing with the tough memories to write it, and more!! Key Things You'll Learn:What led him to become a pastor after going through abuse as a childThree leadership lessons learned from being a pastor Mark's Site: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/Mark's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186 You May Also Like… 290 – “The Forgiveness Solution” with Rev. Misty Tyme (@Rev_Misty_Tyme): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/290-the-forgiveness-solution-with-rev-misty-tyme-rev_misty_tyme-c2h/ Ep. 539 – “Run to the Father” with Michael Towers (@mikesbestlife): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-539-run-to-the-father-with-michael-towers-mikesbestlife/ Ep. 368 – “Unfailing Grace” with Julie Carrick (@julie84602521): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-368-unfailing-grace-with-julie-carrick-julie84602521/ Ep. 364 – “7 Deadly Thoughts” with Pastor Travis Hall (@PastorTHall): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-364-7-deadly-thoughts-with-pastor-travis-hall-pastorthall/ Ep. 336 – “The Radical Gospel” with Jayson Derowitsch (@JaysonDerowits1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-336-the-radical-gospel-with-jayson-derowitsch-jaysonderowits1/ #HolidayBonus Ep. – “Fireproof” with David Hollenbach III (@HollenbachLEAD): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holidaybonus-ep-fireproof-with-david-hollenbach-iii-hollenbachlead/ #Bonus Ep. – “Perfectly Flawed” with Janae Sergio (@janae_sergio): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-perfectly-flawed-with-janae-sergio-janae_sergio/ Ep. 564 – “Bigger Better Braver” with Nancy Pickard (@cnancyrun): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-564-bigger-better-braver-with-nancy-pickard-cnancyrun/ 229 – “Unbroken” with Tajci Cameron (@TajciCameron): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/229-unbroken-with-tajci-cameron-tajcicameron/
Mark Sowersby is an ordained minister with the Assembly of God church for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Mark is the founder of Forgiving the Nightmare ministry. He is a guest speaker as well. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College.
Forgiving the Nightmare is a testimony of forgiveness, God's grace, and overcoming in the midst of life's hurts, pains, and abuses. Mark has been rescued and restored through the power of God's Word and prayer.
Your Hope-Filled Perspective with Dr. Michelle Bengtson podcast
Episode Summary: How do you forgive someone who hurt you emotionally? How do you forgive someone who traumatized you? How do you forgive someone who isn't sorry? Our guest, Mark Sowersby, shares a gripping testimony of forgiveness, God's grace, and overcoming in the midst of life's hurts, pains, and abuses. Join us as we talk about how to forgive someone who has hurt you and isn't sorry. Quotables from the episode: I was an abused victim but I learned that was not my identity. My identity was a child of God. I came to realize, I'm not a victim—I'm victorious because I made it through. The first casualty of trauma is the loss of trust. When you ask God hard questions, you get hard answers, but you get the right answers for you. If you start by moving a pebble, then a stone, then a hill, eventually with faith you will move mountains. God became bigger than my mountain of pain, abuse, and trauma. Forgiveness comes through Jesus. Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation. Trusting God is where forgiveness begins. Scripture References: Psalm 10:14 NIV “But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” Acts 10:34 KJV “Then Peter opened his mouth and said, ‘Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.'” Recommended Resources: Forgiving the Nightmare by Mark Sowersby Trusting God Through Cancer 1 Trusting God Through Cancer 2 Revive & Thrive Women's Conference Subdue Stress and Anxiety: Fifteen Experts Offer Comprehensive Tools in Ten Minutes a Day. Use my link plus discount code BENG99 to save $90 on course (course will be $99.) Free Download: How To Fight Fearful/Anxious Thoughts and Win Breaking Anxiety's Grip: How to Reclaim the Peace God Promises by Dr. Michelle Bengtson Breaking Anxiety's Grip Free Study Guide Free 7-Day YouVersion Bible Reading Plan for Breaking Anxiety's Grip Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor's Personal Journey Through Depression by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Hope Prevails Bible Study by Dr. Michelle Bengtson, winner of the Christian Literary Award Reader's Choice Award Social Media Links for Host and Guest: Connect with Mark Sowersby: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram /YouTube Connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson for more hope: Order Book Breaking Anxiety's Grip / Order Book Hope Prevails / Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter (@DrMBengtson) / LinkedIn / Instagram / Pinterest / YouTube Guest: Pastor. Husband. Father. Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. Hosted By: Dr. Michelle Bengtson Audio Technical Support: Bryce Bengtson
Pastor and author Mark Sowersby speaks with The Testament Podcast via Skype from Massachusetts. His testimony of Jesus finding and saving him after a rough childhood that seemed to have a hopeless future is nothing short of a miracle from the Lord. The Lord has been using him and continues to use him to share the good news of the salvation of the Lord. Don't miss this episode and when you get a chance, check out his book, Forgiving The Nightmare! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thetestament/support
Guest speaker, Pastor and author Mark Sowersby
Peak Performance Master Coach Kim Yeater speaks with MARK SOWERSBY, Survivor, Pastor & Author of the book, “Forgiving The Nightmare” and CASPAR MCCLOUD, Author, Artist, Equestrian, Minister & “The Next Jimmy Hendrix”-Atlantic Records, Caspar debuts his new album, “Walking In Authority.”This powerhouse guest lineup brings hope, inspiration, joy and help to walk in authority by forgiving the nightmare!!!LISTEN IN LIVE SATURDAY 11AM PST 96.1FM NORTH COUTNY, 1170 AM SAN DIEGO or VIA STREAMING at: https://theanswersandiego.com/radioshow/take-your-power-back See all past shows on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v1jtcmd-exposing-the-voting-fraud-and-taking-your-power-back.htmlListen In on all Podcast Platforms: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1134812/11304518The Take Your Power Back Show with Peak Performance Breakthrough Coach Kim Yeater is an empowering program that will encourage you to step into your power and take action in your leadership and allow your voice to be heard. Every week we will highlight freedom-loving Americans who are making a positive impact in the world by standing in truth amid adversity. Learn how to Take Your Power Back in your Freedom, In your personal & professional life, in utilizing technology & creativity, and in your Faith. Be inspired, Be encouraged, Be transformed! Together, Let's Take Your Power Back! BE A SPONSOR,SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS,HELP US HELP YOU!!!!GO TO: https://TAKEYOURPOWERBACKSHOW.COM MY PILLOWAre you tired of NOT getting a good night's sleep? Then Tap in to Patriot Mike Lindell's' Complete Mattress Sleep System!!! SAVE 66% on ALL MY Pillow products!!! Go to: https://MyPillow.com/KIM PROMO CODE: KIM and get your Complete mattress sleep system today! UNLOCK YOUR LIFEAre you a business owners, entrepreneurs or leaders who is feeling frustrated and stuck because you are not performing at the level that they know that they are capable of?Then Go to: https://UnlockYourLifeCoach.com and set a time with Coach Kim for a Strategy Session to Unlock Your Life!!!https://youtu.be/-G_85j9i94Q PEAK PERFORMANCE PATRIOT SHOPPING CLUBIf you're tired of shopping at the big Box Retailers that have no interest in your wellness, and you want to shore up your immune system and finances then make the switch to a Patriot manufacturer where products are made here in America with the best of science and nature. These products are better, safer, less expensive and SAVE 30- 50% every time you shop! Go to: https://PeakPerformancePatriotShoppingClub.com for your virtual tour today! PUBLIC SQUARE: If you are looking for the largest directory of freedom-loving businesses the nation has ever seen PublicSq is the first app to connect to freedom-loving Americans within a local community with the businesses that share your values. Go to: https://TakeYourPowerBackShow.com to download the PublicSq. app today and join other freedom loving patriots who share your values!https://publicsq.typeform.com/PSQFree#source=KimYeater259 SAN DIEGO BAY ADVENTURESSan Diego Bay Adventures is your place for fun! Jet ski rentals, kayaks & paddle boards. Located on the Big San Diego Bay.Arrive as a guest and leave as family!!! https://SanDiegoBayAdventures.com El Gringo Hot Sauce- San Diego's best Hot Sauce Fruit infused slow roasted hot sauce!!! Blackberry Jalapeño, Pineapple Habanero, and Mama's blend!!! Treat your taste buds today and order yours today at: https://ElGringoHotSauce.com
In 2019 Pastor Mark Sowersby went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past abuse and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. Listen Live on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8 AM CST on 99.1 FM WOMI Owensboro 1490 AM. Keep reading...
In this episode of The On My Mind Podcast with RemyKeene, I have a fantastic conversation and interview with Pastor Mark Sowersby. He shares about overcoming Trauma from his childhood and the key to living with that hurt. His testimony is powerful and I hope it inspires you in some way, no matter the trauma that you've gone through you will be able to pull essential nuggets from the encouraging words in this conversation. The episode is a bit longer than our normal style but I encourage you to listen to the entire thing. You can find more from Mark Sowersby here: www.forgivingthenightmare.com Get the Book Forgiving The Nightmare: HERE LinkedIn: HERE Facebook: HERE Meet the Guest: Pastor. Husband. Father. Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. Support The On My Mind Podcast Share this Episode with a Friend. Visit our website: https://theonmymindpodcast.com/ Podcast on Anchor: https://anchor.fm/theonmymindpodcast You can follow on social media at the following links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnMyMindPods TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theonmymindpodcast?lang=en Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn-0QR9Pa7UkQ7oyiWsu38w Please feel no obligation. You can support the podcast financially by clicking on the support button at the top of the page on this link through Anchor our podcast host. It is very appreciated if you do: https://anchor.fm/theonmymindpodcast ----------------------------- This show is produced, edited, and hosted by @RemyKeene Special Thanks to StreamBeats by HarrisHeller Song: Rocktune by Audionautix --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theonmymindpodcast/support
Pastor. Husband. Father. FriendReverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry and book Forgiving The Nightmare. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Upstate New York, spending time with his familyhttps://forgivingthenightmare.com/?fbclid=IwAR0ai3IXbRQcnoINAsX_TQcccWoRHzCksJmSEgFv3eKXc8IoDuo3oGHm-tc
Forgiving the Nightmare Mark Sowersby pt 2 https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT ()Forgiveness. That's something all Christians are called to do, right? Sometimes, it is easier to say rather than do though. But for some, life is not all sunshine and roses. It's a nightmare. One that they cannot wake up from. One that drags them further and further into a deepening pit that they cannot seem to climb out of. Our guest today lived that nightmare… Suffering from physical, emotional and sexual abuse from the age of 7 until 14, in ways that most people cannot even imagine, Mark Sowersby emerged hurt, broken, resentful, rebellious and, well, the list goes on and on. Then, one day, someone asked him to go to church. He heard the message of salvation and a seed was planted. Forgiveness did not pop up like Jonah's gourd. No, it took time. Matthew tells us we need to forgive… But sometimes, there are time gaps between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Pastor Mark Sowersby is the author of a great book detailing his journey. It's titled, “https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (Forgiving the Nightmare.”) Mark is also the lead pastor at Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. He is here today to discuss his book and to share his story in the hope of touching someone somewhere with that same kind of seed. The seed of forgiveness. This is the conclusion of a great, two part interview with Pastor Mark... In your book, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare,”) you talk about the “journey” that you are on. Can you share with us about, what you call, “forgiving at different levels?” Are there still times when something happens that brings those nightmares back and you must forgive again? Do you still have a relationship with your mother? Your personal ministry is also titled, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare.”) Every person has their own kind of “nightmare” which they are living with. Something that the devil has used to try and keep us in some sort of bondage and not serving the Lord the way we would like to. How do you help those like that to overcome their nightmares? Pastor, this has all been so interesting. How can someone order your book, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare?”) Is it available on Amazon? If someone wanted to get in touch with you, to ask a question or possibly do an interview such as this, how can they do that? How can someone get in touch with you? I'll put links to all this down in the show notes below… Folks, not everyone has gone through life carrying the burden Pastor Mark has had to carry. But each one of us has had to carry something. Jesus is big enough to handle it. Jesus can remove those burdens and help you to forgive. Forgive those who have hurt you and even to forgive yourself. If you prayed that prayer with Pastor Mark, reach out to him today, right now! Let him know that you prayed with him. Amen! Be sure to order his book, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare.”) The links to get in touch with Pastor Mark and to order his book are below. Click them right now – while you are thinking about it! CONTACT INFORMATION: https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT () Email: Mark@forgivingthenightmare.com Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ (https://forgivingthenightmare.com) Book: https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare”) – on Amazon
Forgiving the Nightmare Mark Sowersby pt 1 https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT ()Forgiveness. That's something all Christians are called to do, right? Sometimes, it is easier to say rather than do though. Don't shout me down when I'm preaching good! You know what I'm talking about! But for some, life is not all sunshine and roses. It's a nightmare. One that they cannot wake up from. One that drags them further and further into a deepening pit that they cannot seem to climb out of. Our guest today lived that nightmare… Suffering from physical, emotional and sexual abuse from the age of 7 until 14, in ways that most people cannot even imagine, Mark Sowersby emerged hurt, broken, resentful, rebellious and, well, the list goes on and on. Then, one day, someone asked him to go to church. He heard the message of salvation and a seed was planted. Forgiveness did not pop up like Jonah's gourd. No, it took time. Matthew tells us we need to forgive… But sometimes, there are time gaps between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Pastor Mark Sowersby is the author of a great book detailing his journey. It's titled, “https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (Forgiving the Nightmare.”) Mark is also the lead pastor at Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. He is here today to discuss his book and to share his story in the hope of touching someone somewhere with that same kind of seed. The seed of forgiveness. Help me welcome to the program, Pastor Mark Sowersby. Pastor, thank you for taking the time to join us today! First question, other than that brief information I just shared, can you tell us in your own words, “Who is Mark Sowersby?” Your father was absent during your upbringing and you were raised by your mother. But that does not sound like it was a nurturing relationship either. Share with us just a little of what growing up in this environment was like? Did your mother know what was happening? Did any teachers or anyone in authority ever question what was going on? Did you have any friends you confided in? You said it stopped about age 14. How did your uncle provided the support you needed? How did you come to meet the Lord? How did you receive your calling into the ministry? Surely, the enemy tried to dissuade you from answering that calling, right? You're familiar with the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel who touched his hip and gave him a new name. The Bible says, basically, he walked with a limp the rest of his life, that's the way I see it. But it was a continual reminder that his past was past and he now had a new name, Israel. He could never forget that the “old Jacob” was different from the man named “Israel.” Do you see yourself relating to Jacob in that matter? Why did you write your book, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare”) at this point in your life? Folks, not everyone has gone through life carrying the burden Pastor Mark has had to carry. But each one of us has had to carry something. Jesus is big enough to handle it. Jesus can remove those burdens and help you to forgive. Forgive those who have hurt you and even to forgive yourself. Be sure to order his book, https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare.”) The links to get in touch with Pastor Mark and to order his book are below. Click them right now – while you are thinking about it! CONTACT INFORMATION: https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT () Email: Mark@forgivingthenightmare.com Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/ (https://forgivingthenightmare.com) Book: https://amzn.to/3yTDIGT (“Forgiving the Nightmare”) – on Amazon
Todays Guest is Mark Sowersby and not only is he about one of the nicest guys you'll meet but, he's been a victim of abuse and survived and wrote a book on how to forgive and live! His book, Forgiving The Nightmare talks about his story and overcoming the abuse and learning to live by giving forgiveness. Mark is also a Pastor and has a great gift and we are excited to speak with him and you!We also have our Random 9 List and other fun.And of course we couldn't do this as well with out @PJsCoffee of New Orleans and our latest SELLOUT to @Spreaker Prime and @iHeart Radio!!!!
Today, Mark Sowersby joins Janell on the podcast. Mark shares about his experience of being abused as a child, how his identity was impacted by the abuse, and how he dealt with it. He shares how he came to faith at 16 years old, meeting his biological father at 45 years old and much more.Mark and Janell chat about what it means to forgive, dealing with the desire for justice, overcoming darkness on a practical level, dealing with dry seasons of faith, and more! We hope this episode is an encouragement to you!About MarkIn 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance.He now speaks about his story and his testimony of healing, forgiveness and freedom through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. ___________________We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here!FSR s5e22 with LekeFSR s5e23 with MabelForgivingTheNightmare.comForgiving the Nightmare - Mark SowersbyMark's InstagramBleeding Daylight Episode with Mark SowersbyThe Footprints PoemJohn 15
Mark Sowersby speaks abut healing, forgiveness and shares his life story which is the heartbeat of his book 'Forgiving the Nightmare'. A challenging and liberating discussion - listen now. Help keep this podcast on the web by simply buying me a coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mattmcchlery Advertise on this podcast https://www.mattmcchlery.com/product-category/podcast-advertising/ Visit Mark Sowersby's website forgivingthenightmare.com Visit Matt McChlery's website mattmcchlery.com
Mark Sowersby is Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, Massachusetts. Meet Mark Sowersby. Speaker. Writer. Pastor. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the nightmare of abuse and years of suffering he experienced in his childhood. And how condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. He now speaks about his story and his testimony of healing, forgiveness, and freedom through his ministry, Forgiving The Nightmare. "It's far more than just forgiving the abuse. It's walking in forgiveness. It's walking in joy. It's not allowing the things of the past to have control over the things of the future." Forgiving The Nightmare Forging The Nightmare Website: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/about/ (https://forgivingthenightmare.com/about/) Mark's email: mark@forgivingthenightmare.com To Book Mark as a Speaker: https://forgivingthenightmare.com/contact/ (https://forgivingthenightmare.com/contact/) Follow on Instagram: @forgiving_the_nightmare_
Reverend Mark Sowersby is a husband, father, and an ordained pastor. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assemblies of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. It's a miracle and a work only God can do that brought him into and sustained him in ministry. In this conversation, learn about the story behind his book, Forgiving the Nightmare, and how God is working in and through Mark both in spite of and because of his story. Connect with our guest at forgivingthenightmare.com. Please welcome Pastor Mark Sowersby! Connect with Mark: www.forgivingthenightmare.com www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare / @ forgivingthenightmare www.instagram.com/forgiving_the_nightmare_ www.youtube.com/channel/UCKS97tXY8cSiQLfRXXBCMXw/ #OGHG #testimony #forgive #forgiveness #faith #healing #redemption #BloodoftheLamb
Pastor Mark Sowersby is an ordained pastor in the Assemblies of God, serving as lead pastor at Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. He's served in ministry for over two decades, but his journey to healing has taken over 50. Hear his powerful story and testimony of grace, forgiveness, and the power of God to heal. Connect with Mark at forgivingthenightmare.com.
Slam the Gavel welcomes Reverend Mark Sowersby. He is a Pastor, Author, Husband and father. Pastor Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry through his book, Forgiving The Nightmare. His book has been recently endorsed by Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker. Excellent discussion on forgiveness and how in forgiveness there is justice and peace. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in State of Maine New Hampshire and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. To reach Pastor Mark Sowersby: mark@forgivingthenightmare.com and can be found on Forgiving the Nightmare onFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. https://youtu.be/W07oCKAOibkSupport the show(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)http://beentheregotout.com/https://monicaszymonik.mykajabi.com/Masterclass USE CODE SLAM THE GAVEL PODCAST FOR 10% OFF THE COURSEhttp://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/Music by: mictechmusic@yahoo.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri)
Slam the Gavel welcomes Reverend Mark Sowersby. He is a Pastor, Author, Husband and father. Pastor Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019 Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry through his book, Forgiving The Nightmare. His book has been recently endorsed by Mark Batterson, author of The Circle Maker. Excellent discussion on forgiveness and how in forgiveness there is justice and peace. When he isn't serving his congregation and his community through ministry, teaching, and support, you can find him on all the trails and lakes in State of Maine New Hampshire and Upstate New York, spending time with his family. To reach Pastor Mark Sowersby: mark@forgivingthenightmare.com and can be found on Forgiving the Nightmare onFacebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. https://youtu.be/W07oCKAOibk Support the show(https://www.buymeacoffee.com/maryannpetri) http://beentheregotout.com/ https://monicaszymonik.mykajabi.com/Masterclass USE CODE SLAM THE GAVEL PODCAST FOR 10% OFF THE COURSE http://www.dismantlingfamilycourtcorruption.com/ Music by: mictechmusic@yahoo.com
Mark Sowersby's story is a story of how God's abounding grace transformed his life, setting him free from a nightmare of years of childhood abuse, neglect, and suffering. Over time, condemnation, shame, and guilt were replaced with forgiveness, joy, and life in abundance. Don't miss the powerful testimony of healing, forgiveness, and freedom. Find his book, "Forgiving the Nightmare", on Amazon. https://www.hopealongthejourney.org/ https://www.facebook.com/HopeAlongTheJourney https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-cravens7/support
Today's special podcast deals with unforgiveness and the power we can have over it. Mark Sowersby shares his testimony of abuse in his childhood and how he found victory over unforgiveness through the power of Christ. Join David Novak as he welcomes this special guest.
WARNING MATURE CONTENT How do you forgive when you've been wounded deeply? How do you move past the pain that keeps you up at night, and leaves you isolated, untrusting, and afraid? How can you possibly forgive them, especially when they don't deserve forgiveness? My guest this week is Mark Sowersby. Mark, shares his heart with me about walking through the pain and torment of being sexually abused and molested for seven years. Join me as I walk in Mark's work boots. •To learn more about Mark click below.https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com/ •Remember when you walk in Other People's Shoes you get a different perspective!•Other People's Shoes would love your financial gift to help support the show click here•Have questions or want to give feedback call or text: 203-548-SHOE•If you enjoy the show consider subscribing on your favorite podcast platforms, so you don't miss an episode. We would also love it if you could leave us a review click here!•To hear other episodes go to:www.opspodcast.com•Social Media:**Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: ** @opspodcashow
The Pantry Podcast | Spiritual Nutrition for Christians Craving Christ
God’s Dictionary with Mark Sowersby // E04S09 Living hope, living salvation, the living word. His word. Through it God shows us His great love for us and through this love leads us to obedience. Step by step he guides, even in the “valley of the shadow of death.” Today, author and Pastor, Mark Sowersby, joins...
Reverend Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 17 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, MA. Pastor Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. In 2019, Pastor Mark went through a time of great healing. He began speaking about the experiences of his past and God's grace and the transformational work of forgiveness in his life. He now speaks about his story through his ministry and book, Forgiving The Nightmare. Reverend Mark shares his story of grief, a difficult one since he needed to heal, forgive, and grieve. Reverend Mark encourages everyone to be compassionate with their grief journey and remember that each individual grieves in a unique way. Key Takeaways: Reverend Mark shares his grief story. Reverend Mark talks about the loss of her mother. What do you really lose when a loved one passes away? You can understand and forgive the ones who passed. Accept your loved one for who they were in order to heal and free yourself from pain. Grief is a part of being human, but don't let it become your identity. No one can tell you how to grieve. Faith is super important in your grief journey. Welcome anyone that offers to pray for you! Two totally conflicted emotions can coexist: Hope and despair, love and hate, can all live in the same space. Reverend Mark talks about what motivated him to write his book Forgiving the Nightmare. No one can live a perfect life, but we can live a forgiving life and one with purpose. The honest answer to the question “How are you?” often is “I don't know.” Grief is truel there is no right way of grieving but your own. Resources Tendrilsofgrief.com Email Susan: susan@tendrilsofgrief.com Meet Reverend Mark Sowersby Visit Reverend Mark's website Forgiving The Nightmare Forgiving the Nightmare, Mark Sowersby
Amber has a conversation with Mark Sowersby about being victims of childhood sexual abuse, ways they were impacted & how to choose to forgive. Check out Mark's book on his website www.forgivingthenightmare.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/keepingitrealwithamber/support
DO YOU know someone who NEEDS TO LEARN how to forgive? - DO YOU know someone who NEEDS healing and redemption from the effects of abuse? - THEN THIS CONVERSATION IS A MUST. - In this interview, Pastor Mark Sowersby shares the amazing journey that led him to a church that loved him towards a relationship with Jesus Christ. Little did that church youth group know, that this 16-year-old had spent more than half his life being beaten, raped, burned, and sold as a sex slave BY his stepfather. - YOU JUST NEVER KNOW what people are going through...THIS STORY PROVES THAT THE LOVE OF JESUS can save anyone!
Today we travel to Massachusetts to chat with husband, father, pastor, and now published author, Mark Sowersby. Mark shares of his horrific childhood and his journey to forgive his offenders, If you are a person today who is struggling with forgiveness, take a listen to Mark's story and check out his newly published book, Forgiving the Nightmare. Website: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C886EAFRYUJN&keywords=forgiving+the+nightmare&qid=1646081915&sprefix=forgiving+the+nightmare%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 Twitter: @sowersbymark Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare
Today we travel to Massachusetts to chat with husband, father, pastor, and now published author, Mark Sowersby. Mark shares of his horrific childhood and his journey to forgive his offenders, If you are a person today who is struggling with forgiveness, take a listen to Mark's story and check out his newly published book, Forgiving the Nightmare. Website: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com/ Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3C886EAFRYUJN&keywords=forgiving+the+nightmare&qid=1646081915&sprefix=forgiving+the+nightmare%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1 Twitter: @sowersbymark Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare
Mark Sowersby shares about forgiveness and his personal testimony of overcoming years of child abuse, real steps he took through the grace of God. He is passionate about God's Word and seeing people overcome their hurts and wounds. He believes the value he brings is sharing the Gospel. Check out his book "Forgiving the Nightmare" and Website: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com You can also find Forgiving the Nightmare on Facebook and Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=forgiving+the+nightmare&qid=1638887043&sr=8-2Valuable Voices Podcast with MirandaAdding value to the world with amazing people who have made an impact on my life and others that I can't help but share with you!Apply to be interviewed here - https://linktr.ee/mkward7878Check us out on:Youtube - https://youtu.be/gbpxpRT64TgApple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/valuable-voices-podcast-with-miranda-ward/id1529343260
The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast with Sovann Pen
Mark Sowersby is my guest for episode 54 of The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast. In this episode, we talk about his book, Forgiving the Nightmare Book, on forgiveness and healing from childhood neglect & abuse. Mark Sowersby has been married to his wonderful wife Jennifer for 18 years and is the father of four children. Mark has been an ordained minister with the Assembly of God for over 25 years and is currently the Pastor of Calvary Community Church in Dudley, Massachusetts. Mark holds a BA in theology from Zion Bible College/Northpoint Bible College. Website: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com/ Order Forgiving The Nightmare Book here: https://www.amazon.com/Forgiving-Nightmare-Mark-Sowersby/dp/1951475186 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forgivingthenightmare Mark and I met through the Christian Podcasters Association Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/804999833009547 The Courage, Coaching and Counseling Podcast launched March 30th, 2021. I write more about marriage and parenting on my blog www.SovannPen.com You can get a copy of "Bridging The Gap Between Where You Are and Where You Want To Be" by subscribing to my website. http://www.sovannpen.com/welcome-to-my-website/ You can watch the show on my Youtube channel. You can watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/DE3JtzeHRxk The purpose of the show is to encourage and inspire you to be more courageous in life and to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. It is for those who may be struggling with mental illness, relationship struggles, or seeking clarity and direction in life. People who are interested in personal growth, emotional and spiritual health. Moms and Dads who would like help with their marriage and/or parenting. And people who are interested in how church leaders and mental health providers can work together to care for people. You can connect with me: htps://www.instagram.com/sovannpencounseling https://www.facebook.com/CourageCoachingCounseling https://twitter.com/SovannPen http://www.sovannpen.com/
Pastor and the Author of Forgiving the Nightmare Mark Sowersby joins this episode and talks about: The 3 things he's always known and been reminded. The ways people celebrate, forms of celebration, seasons of celebration and how it impacts people. The different expressions of life. Having Dyslexia and writing a book. The moment God put on his heart to write a book and the person who gave him the title. The encouragement he got to go to Bible college and the woman there who changed his life. Leading by serving. The nightmare and the scars of his child abuse. Coming across "religious" people who told him not to tell his story. Wanting to feel a certain way about his abuse and abuser and feeling another. The day the abuse stopped and the person who became his defender. The right time in his life to meet his Biological father. What he felt after becoming a father and trusting the Lord through it. Connect with Mark on Facebook; the Facebook group Forgiving the Nightmare and www.forgivingthenightmare.com Watch this episode on The Intentional Encourager Podcast YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5sPhyAQPOTY
097 – What happens when you forgive someone?For Mark Sowersby, forgiveness brings freedom.Mark is a Pentecostal preacher and shares a powerful testimony of forgiveness in this week's episode. As a child, he was abused sexually. But freedom did not come when the abuse stopped after seven years. It took decades for Mark to find true freedom and it only came as he was able to forgive his abusers.At one point Mark thought he could just forgive his abusers and it would all be over. But he has realized that forgiveness is a journey. All too often, Christians want to forgive someone because they know they're supposed to, and they say the words, but don't really deal with the deep levels of forgiveness required.We have to be willing to take this journey and trust in God's help along the way. We can't forgive someone all by ourselves. It's only with God's love and forgiveness that we can forgive others.Two things propelled Mark on this journey of forgiveness: He was sick and tired of being sick and tired. He had hit rock bottom. His mother passed on, which stirred a lot of emotions and feelings and caused a lot of self-reflection and praying. It caused him to turn to Christ.Mark says there are a lot of people who are hurting because of what has been done to them and they haven't been able to forgive. They don't want to go through the process because they think it's too hard or they don't want to forgive.Here are some of the points Mark makes about forgivenessDon't make excuses for going on the journey of forgivenessIt's important to find individuals and communities of people who you feel safe with that you can talk to about your feelings Forgiveness needs to start in your prayer closet. You have to be honest with God. Ask God where to start, who to talk toTo get out of the victim mentality we need to be sober about what happened to us. You can't pretend those things didn't happen. For him, God's Word, God's love, God's grace, God's voice, became louder than the voices from the past. Don't use your victimhood as a bubble to live in to protect you from having to deal with facing uncomfortable issues of the pastLetting go of identifying as a victim can be scary but it forces you to accept personal responsibility for your own actions. When you forgive someone, they no longer have any power over you. It's not allowing them to have real estate in your mind any more. That's where the freedom comes.True forgiveness begins with getting to know God better. It's about surrendering to GodYou can't bury the hurt feelings. They have to come to the surface to be healed.James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.To register for the 10 week class, The New Testament Angels Still Speak to Us Today, go to Angel ClassSupport the show
Church Hurts And is a listener-supported podcast. Go to ChurchHurtsAnd.org to click on the DONATE button and become part of our support team. Have you ever had something happen to you which has haunted you for your entire life? Forgiving the Nightmare with Mark Sowersby “I really don't like Bob. He's rather arrogant and aloof I think.” “Oh, he's not that bad if you get to know him.” “Well, who would want to get to him? He's a jerk.” “Well, he's been through a lot in life. Give him a break.” Who among us has not had a conversation like this? I heard it so often when I was younger I got sick of it, but it got me thinking. What is it about people who manifest unattractive relational skills which drive people away, but whom underneath can be really nice people? And since I don't have the time to get to know everybody, what should I learn about how I should behave? Now that could be a book, but let me jump to the conclusion. Every person you meet has a story. Part of that story will probably include some very vulnerable life-changing events or relationships which made an indelible imprint upon them. I am not talking about the kind of things that come up in a two-minute cocktail party introduction. “Hi. My name is John and I had an evil stepmother who defined my childhood. How are you?” That isn't how it works, is it? But then there are those rare moments, those times in life when another opens up to you in a moment of vulnerability. They wouldn't be doing this if a certain amount of trust hadn't already been built. And then it comes. You hear a bit of their nightmare. Everything changes. They wonder if you will run away, ask more questions, or be frozen by the reality of it all. Today we have someone with a real nightmare and the courage to bring it into the light. He's even discovered some life principles which others have used to get them through their own nightmares. Let's welcome Pastor Mark Sowersby to Church Hurts And. For more about Mark: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com John Bash is a shepherd with Standing Stone, a ministry that ministers to ministers, a need as important in this time as any in our lifetime. Consider joining this support team at www.churchhurtsand.org.
Church Hurts And is a listener-supported podcast. Go to ChurchHurtsAnd.org to click on the DONATE button and become part of our support team. Have you ever had something happen to you which has haunted you for your entire life? Forgiving the Nightmare with Mark Sowersby “I really don't like Bob. He's rather arrogant and aloof I think.” “Oh, he's not that bad if you get to know him.” “Well, who would want to get to him? He's a jerk.” “Well, he's been through a lot in life. Give him a break.” Who among us has not had a conversation like this? I heard it so often when I was younger I got sick of it, but it got me thinking. What is it about people who manifest unattractive relational skills which drive people away, but whom underneath can be really nice people? And since I don't have the time to get to know everybody, what should I learn about how I should behave? Now that could be a book, but let me jump to the conclusion. Every person you meet has a story. Part of that story will probably include some very vulnerable life-changing events or relationships which made an indelible imprint upon them. I am not talking about the kind of things that come up in a two-minute cocktail party introduction. “Hi. My name is John and I had an evil stepmother who defined my childhood. How are you?” That isn't how it works, is it? But then there are those rare moments, those times in life when another opens up to you in a moment of vulnerability. They wouldn't be doing this if a certain amount of trust hadn't already been built. And then it comes. You hear a bit of their nightmare. Everything changes. They wonder if you will run away, ask more questions, or be frozen by the reality of it all. Today we have someone with a real nightmare and the courage to bring it into the light. He's even discovered some life principles which others have used to get them through their own nightmares. Let's welcome Pastor Mark Sowersby to Church Hurts And. For more about Mark: https://www.forgivingthenightmare.com John Bash is a shepherd with Standing Stone, a ministry that ministers to ministers, a need as important in this time as any in our lifetime. Consider joining this support team at www.churchhurtsand.org.
I had an awesome time interviewing Mark and listening about his childhood and the things he's endured. This is definitely worth your time to listen. Stay rooted!
Pastor Mark Sowersby shares his amazing testimony to help those who have experienced hurt, abuse, and pain to find freedom and peace through God's love and the many facets of forgiveness. His remarkable journey was one where he finally was able to truly feel the love of God, by Forgiving the Nightmare. For all those who have struggled with forgiveness, this podcast will especially meaningful. Connect with us at: https://www.hopealongthejourney.org/ --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/mark-cravens7/support
Being with family should be the safest place in the world. For many, tragically, it isn't. Mark Sowersby survived childhood sexual abuse by someone he should have been able to trust. I've chatted before with Mark and the first thing I noticed about him was that he just radiates joy. I've asked him to share his incredibly compelling story with us, and to also talk a bit about some related issues from this week's book. The author of “Murder By Family”, Kent Whitaker, is a victim himself. We usually hear about parents who are the abusers, but in this case it was the child abusing the parents' trust in him, which eventually led to murder. What would you do if you found out that a family member wore a mask that made it seem like everything was alright, then you found out that behind the mask was someone committing horrifically evil acts? Both Mark and Kent had a choice to make. They knew God would give them the strength to forgive if they wanted it. But did they really want it? Check out these links for great resources related to today's episode: Learn more about the My Stuff Bags Foundation Advice on how to forgive an abuser Buy "Murder By Family" Mark's website Join my email list - scroll to the bottom of the homepage!