Podcasts about volunteers

When hope is tied only to a desired outcome, disappointment becomes inevitable. Katherine Wolf knows this truth more personally than most. At just 26, with a newborn in her arms and a lifetime ahead of her, she suffered a massive and unexpected stroke that changed everything.Today, through her writing, speaking, and nonprofit ministry Hope Heals, Katherine invites others into a deeper, sturdier hope—one that can withstand even the darkest valleys.On today's show, she joins us to share her journey: how suffering reshaped her faith, her understanding of God's goodness, and even her family's finances.A Life Forever ChangedIn 2008, without warning or symptoms, Katherine experienced a catastrophic brainstem stroke caused by a congenital condition she never knew she had—an arterial venous malformation (AVM). Overnight, she went from fully able-bodied to fighting for her life.A 16-hour surgery saved her, but her new reality included significant impairments. Today, she uses a wheelchair, has facial paralysis, reduced function in her right hand, and additional physical limitations. Still, she radiates joy and purpose.“I did live—and I'm doing great,” she says with her trademark resilience.Katherine describes the stroke as the moment “the pebble hit the metal”—a collision between everything she had learned about Jesus and the hardest chapter of her life.Years of Scripture, sermons, prayer, and discipleship prepared her for a moment she never imagined. “This is no longer a drill,” she remembers telling herself. Her long walk with Christ, though imperfect, had built a foundation strong enough to stand when everything else fell apart.In her memoir Hope Heals, she writes that suffering is not the end of the story—but the beginning of a new one. Christian hope does not deny pain; it declares that pain will not have the final word.Katherine's more recent book, Treasures in the Dark, draws from Isaiah 45:3—God's promise to give “hidden treasure” in the shadows of our lives so we might know Him more deeply.“If we must walk through darkness—and we all do at some point—why not gather the treasure God has placed there?” she asks. In other words, don't waste your pain. Let God use it to form you, deepen you, and show you His faithfulness in ways comfort never could.Hope Heals: A Ministry Born from SufferingOne of the greatest treasures to emerge from Katherine's hardship is Hope Heals, the nonprofit she and her husband, Jay, founded.Hope Heals CampTheir flagship outreach is a fully scholarship-supported summer camp for families affected by disability. Guests experience rest, community, and the love of Christ through what Katherine calls “inter-ability community”—people with and without disabilities sharing life together.Volunteers and families leave forever changed. The joy is contagious.Mend Coffee ShopIn Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, Hope Heals also operates Mend, a universally accessible coffee shop that employs people with disabilities and creates a space where everyone belongs.Katherine describes both initiatives as “glorious,” a word she uses often—and always with delight.The Financial Realities of SufferingMedical crises don't just affect the body; they often reshape a family's finances. Katherine knows this firsthand.When disability or sudden illness enters a story, she notes, “the finances can be ravaged.” Many families drain savings, take on debt, or scramble to fund treatments and therapies.But Katherine also speaks about “invisible wheelchairs”—the unseen burdens that hold people back. Financial instability, she says, can be one of the most crippling.Her encouragement? Everyone carries some kind of hardship. You are not alone. God gives us community and wisdom so we don't walk these valleys in isolation.For Katherine, surrender has become a central theme of her spiritual life, including how she views money.“Surrender is relief,” she says. “It's not God binding us up—it's letting Him take the wheel.”This posture doesn't magically erase financial challenges, but it reframes them. It anchors us in trust rather than fear. And it reminds us that provision comes from God, not our own strength.Hope for Anyone Facing UncertaintyKatherine's story speaks to those walking through overwhelming medical challenges—but her final encouragement reaches everyone, regardless of circumstances.Trusting God means you don't have to live afraid of what may happen next.Your circumstances may feel anything but okay, but when Christ lives in you, the deepest good in your life is already secure.“The good things of God,” she says, “are not external—they're inside of you when you know Him.”That truth allows us to face uncertainty with confidence, surrender our financial fears, and discover a hope that holds—no matter the storm.Learn MoreTo explore Katherine's ministry or support her work, visit HopeHeals.com.If you're near Atlanta, stop by Mend coffee shop in Buckhead—a place of belonging, beauty, and community. Katherine will also be speaking at the upcoming Kingdom Advisors Conference, where thousands of financial professionals gather to grow in biblical wisdom and stewardship. Learn more at RedeemingMoney.com.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I invested based on the advice of a family friend who said it was guaranteed, but I lost $15,000. I'm single, I don't have much, and I was expecting this investment to return about $25,000. Now I'm just praying I'll have enough for rent next month. I'm calling to ask how I can recover from something like this.I have some real estate properties I want to leave to my children, and I've heard that putting them in a trust can help avoid capital gains. Do I need a trust for that? And should I also have a will?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Hope Heals | Hope Heals Camp | Mend Coffee & GoodsHope Heals: 
A True Story of Overwhelming Loss and an Overcoming Love by Katherine and Jay WolfTreasures in the Dark: 90 Reflections for Finding Bright Hope Hidden in the Hurting by Katherine Wolf with Alex WolfWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brian Hadad of Sports Talk Mississippi analyzes Mississippi State going to a bowl game and welcoming back former HC Zach Arnett as an assistant. Chuck and Heath discuss Notre Dame's AD saying their relationship with the ACC is damaged long term. David Lake of Inside the U takes stock of Miami reaching the playoff. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dennis interviews Nicholas Samuels, a humanitarian worker in Ukraine, discussing the critical aspects of medic safety, planning for evacuations, and the importance of understanding the broader context of the ongoing war. Nicholas shares insights on the challenges faced by medical volunteers, the necessity of being aware of threats like drone warfare, and the balance between mobility and capability in medical operations. He emphasizes the need for thorough planning, patience, and the importance of gathering accurate information before engaging in humanitarian efforts.TakeawaysPrioritize your own well-being as a medic.Outsourcing security to others is not advisable.Drones pose a significant threat in modern warfare.Planning for evacuations should account for delays.Gathering accurate information is crucial for operations.Patience is essential for new volunteers.Training should not be rushed before deployment.Understanding the local context is vital for safety.Volunteers can help by fundraising and raising awareness.War is about more than just combat; it's about values and morality.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine01:56 The Importance of Medic Safety06:07 Balancing Mobility and Capability09:48 Planning for Evacuations13:53 Gathering Information and Reconnaissance18:37 Advice for New Medical Volunteers25:55 Understanding the Broader Context of the WarFor more content, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.prolongedfieldcare.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Consider supporting us: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care⁠⁠

This week on Gun For Hire Radio… America never had a revenue problem. We have a theft problem. Our government is a multi-trillion dollar a year theft and money laundering operation. It becomes clearer every day. There is absolutely no reason for the US Congress to exist at this point. It's a joke, a bunch of B-movie actors living out their Hollywood dreams, obstructing all action that could solve our fiscal, foreign policy, immigration/population problems. As I Say, “Once  you realize they hate us, it all makes sense”! Please Listen, Learn, Like, Follow, Share, & Volunteer. The post The Gun For Hire Radio Broadcast: Episode 759 appeared first on Best Gun Range NYC and NJ Area | Gun Range Near Me.

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In this episode, we hear from Shelby Hladon whose desire to spend more time with her sons has led to a post-military career as a volunteer, especially when it comes to youth and veterans.

On this bonus episode I'm joined by Evan & Ruston Pierce from TheVolBros.com to preview Saturday's Top 25 tilt with Tennessee. The guys provide early-season observations of the Volunteers and explain why they don't like the timing of this game. We also discuss each team's overhauled rosters and how they've meshed, the Illini's shooting woes, the position battle that could determine the winner, and which under-the-radar player could help swing the game for Tennessee. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When collegiate athletes are also cadets, coaching requires adaptability and flexibility at its finest. In this Gatorade Performance Partner Special Episode, Scott Caulfield shares his coaching philosophy as the first Director of Strength and Conditioning at Norwich University, a senior military college. Coach Caulfield oversees 23 varsity teams and over 600 student-athletes — including Corps of Cadets members and civilians — while also serving as a campuswide resource and adjunct instructor. With field training taking precedence, he describes adapting to varying student needs, goals, and readiness levels. As a veteran and Vermont native, he reflects on returning home and the higher service component of preparing students for careers beyond sport. Coach Caulfield also brings his certified therapy dogs into the weight room, creating an “immediate barrier breakdown” that helps students feel at ease. He calls on coaches to get involved, take advantage of NSCA Foundation opportunities, and keep pushing the profession forward. Reach out to Coach Caulfield on Instagram at: @coachcaulfield, and see his weight room therapy dogs at: @atm_riv_g_therapydogs. Explore the latest from the Norwich weight room at: @norwichsc | Email Jon at: jonathan.jost@pepsico.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs or LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs. Explore scholarships, grants, and assistantships at NSCA.com/Foundation. Apply for volunteer leadership opportunities by December 15 at NSCA.com/Volunteer. Read the free TSAC Report article on coaching philosophy to enhance communication between strength and conditioning professionals and firefighters, co-authored by Scott Caulfield. This special episode is brought to you in part by Gatorade Performance Partner. Learn more and join their community at GatoradePerformancePartner.com.Show Notes“I say we have everything we need, just not everything we want. But we can get the job done. And so you have to be adaptable and flexible-- again, I go back to those two words-- with your philosophy because those things change as your resources change, as your setting changes, as your weight room size or differentials change. So it's been a super cool evolution to just, again, continually think about, all right, what do I stand for? What do I want these students to stand for?” 12:40“Both of them (Alfie and River) have gone through a certified therapy dog program, […] but it's a game-changer. Not everybody loves lifting weights. A lot of people are scared by it. […] It's an immediate barrier breakdown in the weight room that just kind of gives people a sense of calmness.” 17:00“We also have increased and are increasing the amount of funding between research and coaching advancement. So we look at the numbers, the percentages of what goes to research grants, which goes to grants for coaches. And we're pushing that level more toward the coaching side to make it more balanced.” 20:38“Volunteer applications open every fall for the NSCA and foundation. The foundation is an exciting area if you're a young or aspiring strength and conditioning coach to find funding opportunities. But more than that, you can build really strong connections through mentorship, internships, and other programs that come out of the NSCA foundation.” 22:50

Welcome to Episode 199 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! Lisa Morales aka Chaoticquixotic joins us to unpack her latest adventures roaming the Catskills and Adirondacks, sharing the kind of stories that remind you why we keep returning to the mountains. We also dive into a Utah dad who took a “family outing” to a… questionable level, an Adirondack rescue that proves Mother Nature always has the last word, and the first real snowfall that finally turned the mountains back into the magical snow globe we've been waiting for. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I'm just grateful you're here. And as always... VOLUNTEER!!!!Links for the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast, Donate a coffee to support the show! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills, Like to be a sponsor or monthly supporter of the show? Go here! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membershipThanks to the sponsors of the show: Outdoor chronicles photography - https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/, Trailbound Project - https://www.trailboundproject.com/, Camp Catskill - https://campcatskill.co/, Another Summit - https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summitLinks: Chaoticquixotic, Rescue on Ampersand, Utah man faces charges, Forest Ranger Foundation, Chasing the gridVolunteer Opportunities: Trailhead stewards for 3500 Club -https://www.catskill3500club.org/trailhead-stewardship, Catskills Trail Crew - https://www.nynjtc.org/trailcrew/catskills-trail-crew, NYNJTC Volunteering - https://www.nynjtc.org/catskills, Catskill Center - https://catskillcenter.org/, Catskill Mountain Club - https://catskillmountainclub.org/about-us/, Catskill Mountainkeeper - https://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/ Post Hike Brews and Bites - 1911 Sugarplum, Truss and Trussel#hiking #backpacking #46er #adirondacks #history #hikethehudson #hudsonvalleyhiking #NYC #history #husdonvalley #hikingNY #kaaterskill #bluehole #catskillhiking #visitcatskills #catskillstrails #catskillmountains #3500 #catskills #catskillpark #catskillshiker #catskillmountainsnewyork #hiking #catskill3500club #catskill3500 #hikethecatskills #hikehudson

If you want to serve like Jesus, visit www.joniandfriends.org for the calendar of Wheels for the World trips. Sign up for one today! -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Corey Lucas and Kaj Carlson sit down in the Cedar Run Decoy Co. studio with Craig Curtis, whose name is synonymous with ducks and conservation in southwest Michigan and beyond.As a long-time regional director for Ducks Unlimited, Craig has extensive knowledge on how conservation is funded, the demographic of Ducks Unlimited members here in Michigan, and what "Ducks" has been able to accomplish on the landscape.The guys dive deep into Craig's journey to become a staff member of DU and how his past experience led to the perfect job at the perfect time. Craig talks about the importance of family and community that guided his path and how he navigated balancing the demands of the position.Great conversation with a truly genuine person who sacrifices to put more ducks and wetlands in North America for all of us! Volunteer to be a member of your local Ducks Unlimited chapter!Learn more here: https://www.ducks.org/volunteerSend us a text

Galva Mayor Rich Volkert joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the tax levy, comprehensive plan, snow removal, winter street parking, and the Ol' Fashioned Christmas event. Mayor Rich Volkert recapped Monday's city council meeting, highlighting the approval of a lowered tax levy ordinance—though changes in property assessments could still impact homeowners' bills. The council also adopted an updated comprehensive plan, paving the way for future grants and downtown revitalization. Mayor Volkert addressed snow removal challenges, urging residents to move their cars for effective plowing as winter weather persists. He mentioned a water main leak that the city is working to fix. The rescheduled old-fashioned Christmas celebration will proceed this weekend, featuring rides, lighting, and local business participation. Volunteers have been setting up the decorations despite wintry conditions. The minimum bid for the old Lord Chevrolet building is $24,000.

Just east of downtown St. Paul, near Pig's Eye Park along the river, people at a homeless encampment are facing this winter's first subzero temperatures. Recent reports say the camp has grown in the last six months and comes at a time when several St. Paul shelters say they're at capacity. It's a site that's far away from many homeless support services and organizations. Volunteers and the city's homeless response team have been regularly coming to the camp to provide supplies and support. Minnesota Now host Nina Moini spoke with St. Paul's director of safety and inspections, Angie Wiese, to learn more about the situation.For more information on warming spaces available in Ramsey County, visit the county's website.

Brandon, lost in Samanthas case gets an unexpected phone call.

In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Justin Burniske, Co-Founder of Volunteer Me at Meta-Dao, to explore how associations can improve the volunteer experience. They discuss strategies for recruiting beyond the usual pool, setting clear expectations for volunteers, and leveraging technology to streamline processes. Justin shares insights from his work with associations and his experience on the ASAE Tech Council, offering practical tips for creating inclusive, efficient, and rewarding volunteer programs.Themes and Topics:Volunteer Recruitment Done RightMove beyond the same networks—expand your reach for diversity and inclusion.Use segmentation and targeted marketing instead of blasting everyone.Setting Clear ExpectationsDefine time commitments and responsibilities upfront.Communicate rules of engagement to avoid confusion and frustration.Streamlining Selection and ManagementShift from subjective choices to structured, criteria-based evaluations.Stop drowning in spreadsheets—centralize data for efficiency.Leveraging Technology and AIVolunteer platforms can automate workflows and improve transparency.AI can help—but beware of reinforcing historical biases.Creating a Positive Volunteer ExperienceMake opportunities easy to find and filter (e.g., by time commitment).Follow up with applicants—especially those not selected—to keep them engaged.

What do faculty really think about transfer students and transfer policies? This episode explores that question through anonymous responses from nearly 4,000 CUNY faculty surveyed in 2021. Dr. Lexa Logue, who led the research, joins host Heather Adams and Emily Kittrell from NISTS to unpack what faculty said when given anonymity to speak candidly. Volunteer readers share direct quotes—some affirming, some negative, and some offering solutions. We examine the data honestly to identify where the system needs to change. Content note: This episode includes blunt language and deficit framing about community college faculty and students.Special note: Please help us send a huge THANK YOU to all the amazing volunteers who contributed their time and voices to this episode. You're awesome, and your clips sound fantastic! We couldn't have completed this special project without you.

Volunteer firefighters on Pender Island, B.C. are getting plenty of attention for some of their fire safety videos that have remade an iconic scene from the film Twilight to get their message across. We speak with Todd Bulled, the volunteer firefighter behind the videos about where the inspiration came from.

Inside a phone-free kitchen in Hartford, teens prepare beautiful meals for neighbors in health crises—and, mentored by patient adults, discover confidence, belonging, and voice. Healing Meals Founder Sarah Leathers shares the five simple practices that turned service into community transformation.Chapters00:00 – Intro & Welcome05:18 – How Healing Meals Supports Teens and Families11:12 – Measuring Impact: Surveys and Data on Teen Growth18:18 – The Transformative Power of Volunteering30:20 – The Secret Sauce Behind Healing Meals' Success34:03 – Break36:19 – Inside the Healing Meals Kitchen44:20 – Teens Realizing Their Impact on Others47:36 – How Healing Meals Changes Career Aspirations52:27 – The Power of Intergenerational Relationships54:06 – How to Get Involved and Spread Kindness01:00:32 – Staying Hopeful and “Overly Optimistic”01:04:11 – Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi Johnson breaks down a common misconception in the nonprofit world: Who is ultimately responsible for shaping your organization's volunteer culture? After receiving pushback from a newsletter statement, Tobi walks us through the deeper nuance of volunteer culture, how it forms, why it goes wrong, and most importantly, why the CEO, not the volunteer manager, is the true culture owner. Whether you're a leader of volunteers or a senior executive, this episode will give you clarity, relief, and a roadmap for healthier culture-building moving forward! Full show notes: 191. Who is Ultimately Responsible for Your Org's Volunteer Culture?  Volunteer Culture - Episode Highlights [02:00] - Why “Vision” = Culture [03:00] - What Is Volunteer Culture? [05:00] - The “Emotional Brand” of Your Organization [07:00] - How Culture Is Formed (Often Invisibly) [09:00] - Unintentional Culture Builders [11:00] - Why You Need a Culture Audit [12:00] - 7 Signs Your Volunteer Culture Is in Trouble [14:00] - When the Loudest or Most Overwhelmed Person Is Driving Culture [17:00] - Who is Ultimately Responsible for Volunteer Culture? [18:00] - Role of Senior Leadership & Department Heads [20:00] - Role of Volunteer Managers & Direct Supervisors [22:00] - Role of Volunteers Themselves [23:00] - What Happens When the Wrong Person Is Steering Culture [25:00] - Why Volunteer Managers Can't Shoulder Culture Alone Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab  Volunteer Nation Episode #168: Note to Nonprofit Execs – Supporting Volunteers is Everyone's Job Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause. For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

Steve from Matthew 5:42 Ministries, and Briseidy and Hallee from Next Generation for Christ joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their service to the community, volunteer needs, monthly community meals, working with the homeless, and clothing and furniture assistance. A group of dedicated teens from Next Generation for Christ is making a difference in Kewanee by organizing free monthly community meals at First Christian Church, which are on the last Saturday of the month. Volunteers of all ages prepare and serve food, with donations in the form of cash, checks, or supplies eagerly accepted. Their efforts extend beyond meal service, as members personally deliver food to homebound individuals and those experiencing homelessness. Their efforts don't stop there; December will see a Christmas event offering crafts and fun for kids, while parents can enjoy a night out. They will need volunteers to assist in babysitting the children. Partnering closely with Matthew 5:42 Ministries, they also support initiatives in furniture, clothing, and resources such as job applications and resumes. The Thanksgiving community dinner drew an impressive 148 attendees, with 30 dedicated volunteers serving up hearty meals. Organizers expressed gratitude as every bite was enjoyed, leaving behind no leftovers, a remarkable feat considering previous years often resulted in surplus food donations to local hospitals and emergency workers. The demand for meals underscores a growing need in the community. Organizers encourage local teens and anyone interested to join efforts through volunteer programs such as Key Club or Matthew 5:42, extending a warm invitation to both contributors and helpers. The First Christian Church is coordinating volunteer sign-ups and donation opportunities. Call 309-853-4298 if you need assistance, want to volunteer, or want to donate. A local church is preparing a special Christmas festival this December, offering a unique opportunity for parents to enjoy holiday shopping or a night out while their children are cared for. Aimed at kids ages five to eleven who are potty-trained, the event promises crafts, games, and a variety of fun activities. Organizers are still finalizing the exact date, with December 13th as the tentative choice. Updates and finalized details will be shared on the church's "Next Generation for Christ" Facebook page. Volunteers with skills in babysitting, crafts, or creative arts are encouraged to get involved and help make the event a festive success. First Christian Church is preparing to launch a community food pantry, with donations of canned goods now being accepted. Michelle Quagliano will lead this new outreach, an extension of the Matthew 5:42 ministry. The initiative is supported by a dedicated team, each focusing on essential needs—from Paula handling clothing distribution to Steve managing furniture donations. The food pantry is expected to open its doors soon, once shelves are fully stocked. Next-Gen, a local youth group, is also collaborating to ensure success. Organizers invite the community to contribute as they work together to address hunger and support families in need. Next Generation for Christ, launched three years ago, embarked on their journey with a visit to a Native American Reservation in Arapaho, Wyoming—a trip that left a lasting impact on its members. Beyond providing meals, the organization extends support to the community through various outreach activities. Volunteers assist with educational programs, youth mentorship, and cultural exchange events, fostering strong connections. They participate in cleanup projects and help facilitate access to essential resources. Group members emphasize that their mission goes beyond service, aiming to build lasting relationships and address the broader needs of the local population. Matthew 542 has become a cornerstone in the Kewanee community, focusing not only on feeding those in need but also building lasting trust with the area's homeless population. Over the last five years, this initiative—anchored by the First Christian Church—has expanded to reach more individuals, partnering with groups like Next Gen and Finish Well Ministries. Volunteers regularly deliver meals and essentials, fostering relationships and understanding. The unique approach ensures everyone is welcome at community dinners, regardless of their circumstances. Organizers say the key is treating guests with respect and dignity, paving the way for further help and spiritual support. Paula is gearing up to launch a series of clothing drives starting in January, aimed at providing essential items to those in need. Alongside these initiatives, resource fairs and job application workshops are planned to empower community members with new skills and opportunities. Within the Matthew 5:42 service, volunteers and staff often work shoulder to shoulder with recipients, forging a sense of shared purpose. Michelle also has exciting updates on the food pantry, ensuring broader community support. Many recipients of furniture assistance become regular volunteers, a clear sign of impact as the cycle of giving continues to grow and inspire others.

#podcast #politics #progressive #Democrats #MAGA #Republicans #Michigan #MopUpMichigan #CorporateGreed #CorporateCorruption #GovernmentCorruption #DTE #ConsumersEnergy #CorporateDonors #Democracy #Trump #WorkingClass #Jobs #DataCenter #RxKids #Authoritarianism #Democracy #LeftofLansing Here's Episode 158 of Michigan's Premier Progressive Podcast! 00:00-15:38: Trump Regime & Corporate Cronyism/Utilities & MI AG Race Pat Johnston starts this week's episode covering the many ways the Trump Family and the Trump Regime are using the government to enrich their pocketbooks while telling working class Americans they're wrong to say they can't afford to buy things anymore. Pat also shares how individuals from DTE & Consumers' Energy are suddenly engaged in next year's Attorney General race in Michigan. Now, why is that? 15:39-38:00: Melinda Billingsley on Mop Up Michigan Prop. Melinda Billingsley from Voters Not Politicians joins us to talk about the Michiganders for Money Out of Politics ballot initiative. Better known as "Mop Up Michigan," the proposal aims to end corporate influence in the state by banning corporations from making political contributions to politicians if they are doing business with the state. Volunteers are gathering signatures in order to put the question on the ballot for voters in 2026. This gives voters the chance to take a big step in ending the corporate donor grip in Lansing that's infecting both sides of the political aisle. Click to learn more about "Mop Up Michigan." 38:25-42:01: Last Call Rx Kids  In this week's "Last Call," evidence is coming in showing how successful the Flint Rx Kids program has been during its first year of implementation. Pat argues it's time to make this program available statewide. 42:03-44:32: Ending Please, subscribe to the podcast, download each episode, and give it a good review if you can! leftoflansing@gmail.com Left of Lansing is now on YouTube as well! leftoflansing.com NOTES: Michiganders For Money Out of Politics... aka "Mop Up Michigan."  mopupmichigan.org "Bah humbug: Tariffs muffle holiday cheer, raise prices, squeeze margins." By Myesha Johnson of The Detroit News (via The Morning Sun). "Ballot initiative seeks to ban political contributions from monopoly corporations, like utilities." By Kyle Davidson of Michigan Advance "Utility lawyers' donations to Michigan AG candidate raise conflict-of-interest concerns." By Tom Perkins of Michigan Advance "Electricity prices jump after Trump rejects disaster aid for Michigan utilities." By Thomas Frank of Politico "Ballot proposals advance, aiming to get ‘dark money' out of politics." By Georgia Hill of MSU Spartan Newsroom "Study: Rx Kids decreasing infant maltreatment allegations in Flint." By Steve Carmody of WKAR News in Lansing

Volunteer fire departments and EMS organizations face risks that most businesses can't even imagine. From wrongful termination claims to the unique dangers of the job, they need more than a standard policy, and they need a partner who understands the fire service from the inside out.My guest, Ed Mann, served as the Pennsylvania State Fire Commissioner for 15 years before joining Provident Agency. In this episode of The Broker's Voice, he shares the game plan for protecting first responders. We get into the critical importance of Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) for volunteer departments, how Provident's lifetime benefits protect those injured in the line of duty, and the powerful educational resources they provide to keep departments safe and compliant. This is the guide for brokers who want to serve the people who serve our communities.▶▶ Sign Up For Your Free Discovery Callhttps://calendly.com/aneary/strategy-sessionCONNECT WITH ANDY NEARY

Diana revisits a former interview with the late Dave Ebert, who went to be with Jesus in July 2024. His wife, Bobbie Ebert, joins the conversation to discuss their unique ministry. The couple uses improv comedy as a tool to help survivors of sex trafficking rediscover their voice, improve communication, and build confidence. Bobby shares her personal story of overcoming abuse and finding faith, while Dave discusses their journey into full-time ministry and their goal of creating a residential facility to support survivors. The episode also touches on the importance of laughter and joy in the healing process and provides details on how listeners can support their mission. 00:00 Introduction: Comedy and Sex Trafficking? 00:23 Sponsor Message: 7 5 3 Academy 01:11 Welcome to The Wounds of the Faithful Podcast 01:42 Introducing Dave and Bobby Ebert 02:12 The Power of Improv Comedy in Healing 04:48 Dave's Ministry Journey 07:50 Bobby's Testimony and Healing Journey 15:38 How Dave and Bobby Met 24:16 A Surprise Proposal 25:29 The Significance of the Ring 26:07 Life After Marriage 27:11 Transition to Full-Time Ministry 28:11 Using Comedy to Heal Trauma 29:24 The Missionary Journey 32:16 Fundraising and Support 32:48 Future Plans and Goals 35:06 The Power of Laughter 41:17 Final Thoughts and Call to Action The website is still up after his passing. Bobbie may be keeping the ministry going in his place. www.gifts4glory.com   Website: https://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/   Dave and Bobbie Ebert [00:00:00] What does comedy and sex trafficking have to do with each other? It's not what you think. We have my guest, Dave Ebert on the show again from the first season of the show to talk to us about his ministry once again. So find out the answer to my question next on The Wounds of the Faithful podcast. Special thanks to 7 5 3 Academy for sponsoring this episode. No matter where you are in your fitness and health journey, they've got you covered. They specialize in helping you exceed your health and fitness goals, whether that is losing body fat, gaining muscle, or nutritional coaching to match your fitness levels. They do it all with a written guarantee for results so you don't waste time and money on a program that doesn't exceed your goals. There are martial arts programs. Specialize in anti-bullying programs for kids to combat proven Filipino martial arts. They [00:01:00] take a holistic, fun, and innovative approach that simply works. Sign up for your free class now. It's 7 5 3 academy.com. Find the link in the show notes. 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 . 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. Hello friends. Welcome back to the podcast. I'm so glad to be here with you. We have a great show for you. More Dave Ebert. If you didn't hear Dave's first interview, please go back and listen to it. It was excellent. He told his personal [00:02:00] story and then how he started his ministry. He's gonna bring his wife tonight because they're doing this together. So you wanted to get the answer to the question that I posed in the beginning. The power of improv comedy in healing and growth. Reverends Dave and Bobby Ebert are on a unique mission to minister to survivors of sex trafficking using the power of improv comedy. With their help survivors find their voice, tap into their creativity, improve communication, and rediscover confidence as US missionaries. They use their unique calling to help those in need and bring light to the darkest of situations. So there areas of focus on their webpage here. Use comedy to break down walls and find the good soil for the seeds of God's word to be [00:03:00] planted. Rebuild confidence through fun, creative games and challenges. So these survivors are better prepared to reenter society. Provide a needed respite from the challenges of healing and recovery by creating a safe, fun, and laughter rich environment. Demonstrate the love of the father and share the redeeming power of Christ to encourage forgiveness of those who inflicted the unimaginable trauma. So I think you're gonna really enjoy Dave and Bobby. I mean, what, what could go wrong with comedians, right? I know that you're going to be blessed with their stories and their vision to help sex Traffick victims to heal. So without delay. Here's my conversation with Dave and Bobby Ebert. Please welcome back to the [00:04:00] show, Dave Ebert, and we also have his wife Bobby, on the show with us tonight. Welcome both of you guys. Thank you, Diana, for having us back or having me back. And then first time guest, long time listener. Bobby, thanks for having us. This is gonna be great having, uh, comedians on the show again, and you're on episode 12 of season one. So I definitely wanna see what you've been up to since then and you have some updates for us today. Yeah, absolutely. Did you want us to start? There's, there's a lot to cover. Yeah. Just remind the folks what you do, and then I'll have Bobby tell the folks a little bit about herself and what role she plays in the ministry you have there. Awesome. So for the last, decade, I've, run an improv ministry based here in Chicago where we sp spring the, light of Christ into various rooms using comedy to bring people together. [00:05:00] Most of our shows have been either ministry to the homeless or it's been fundraisers where we've raised funds for everything from animal care shelters to people who lost part of their home in a fire. To camps for foster kids, and it's all about bringing people together and uniting them in laughter. 'cause I truly believe that laughter is a gift from God because he knew that things would get stressful and science bears out that laughter is such a stress reliever, such a healthy benefit for the body that there's no way that happened by accident. God designed laughter as a gift to help us, kind of deal with, the things that are stressful and help us forget the things that really aren't our burdens to carry. And part of that ministry included for the last four and a half years have been working at Salt and Light Coalition in Chicago, working with survivors of sex trafficking, using improv as a way to kind of break down the walls that they've had to put up to just to survive because mm-hmm. Frankly, they've [00:06:00] been through hell on earth. And to survive you've gotta develop some calluses and around their heart, around in inside, there's just so many calluses and walls that are up and the gift of laughter kind of unlocks that and allows them to really advance in their healing. Mm-hmm. I'm such a big supporter of what you do, Dave, and, um, when you talk about. Oh, God created humor. I, I really wished in scripture there was more of like Jesus laughing or Jesus telling jokes, don't you? Yeah, I would think that the human experience would tell you that you get 13 men just camping out, walking the water in wilderness. They're gonna crack some jokes. They're gonna make some funny things like James and John teased Peter, oh, help me Lord, I'm drowning. Help me. And he would fire back, Hey, at least I got out of the boat. And the whole, the verse where, Jesus is talking about is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle. To me, that's. [00:07:00] That could be taken as a sarcastic moment, like just Jesus in front of everybody, just like making this comment, which is so ludicrous. It could easily be interpreted as being of a funny comment. Like, I mean, camel obviously can't pass through a needle. So I think that there are moments you can find in scripture that, that are funny. It wasn't his focus. Mm-hmm. But. Proverbs 17:22 says, Lightheart is like good medicine. Some translations say laughter is like good medicine. So I think mm-hmm. If it's covered at least once, then we can stick to it. 'cause the Bible is true from front to back. But yeah, it would be kind of fun to hear like open night in Jerusalem, open mike night. Yeah. That's awesome. So Bobby, why don't you tell the folks about your background and how you met the Lord maybe, and how you met Dave. Yeah, so [00:08:00] I am Bobby Ebert, Dave's wife. We've been married for eight years and. My testimony starts in my childhood is through a series of abuse growing up all the way from junior high all the way through high school. Um, it became pretty serious. The police ended up being, getting involved and just a wide variety of things that happened with. All of that and being severe trauma, the Lord revealed to me in a vision, my sinful nature. And so how that happened was I was in a counseling session at a crisis center, and it was in the middle of that crisis center session that. The Lord gave me this vision of a Santa Claus list where it has one size, all naughty and then a nice, but instead of it being naughty and nice and who's on that list, and it was all of my sins and I could read [00:09:00] them and I just remember like staring off in this what would look to other people as if a day I was in a daydream and I was just feeling mortified. About myself and the counselor had no idea what was going on. I was just looking off and the car ride home, I was just very silent. I was staying with my best friend and her family, and so they were my transportation, obviously, and I would just start repenting and just like asking Jesus to forgive me for salvation and. So one thing that I had a hard time wrapping my mind around was how does the blood of Jesus actually cleanse us? That is a dirty substance. How does that actually cleanse us? And I could not wrap my mind around that until that moment of [00:10:00] salvation and that veil was, it came right off and I just had like this instant understanding. So that was pretty amazing. And fast forward through. A few more years of going through like hope and healing and some other counseling sessions like the Lord did a really huge work in my heart and in my spirit, and even in my mind, like just completely renewed me and healed me. There is one Wednesday night I went to a church service where I was attending at that time. Happened to be at the back of the subdivision where I grew up and my dad still lived. In our childhood home at that time and on the way to church that Wednesday night, the Lord convicted me and told me three times, forgive your father. Mm-hmm. And I said, no, I am not. And after that third time I said, fine Lord. I will forgive him [00:11:00] if I drive by his house. I see the lights are on and he is up and awake. So after service, I drove by and I pulled in front of the house, and of course all the lights are on, doors are open, windows are open. He is watching tv. So I'm like, Ugh. So I arrived unannounced. And he let me in and we chatted and I had no idea why I was there. And finally I get up to excuse myself so I can travel home. It was a 45 minute ride to where I was living 'cause I had since moved in with another family member. And as I'm walking out the door. I literally have my body half in and half out of the door. And I turned and I said, I forgive you. And I was walking out that door and he says, hold on a minute. You get back in here there bubble. [00:12:00] And he says, what is this a 12 step program you're going through? So I came back and I sat back down and I just told him I could give you everything that has ever happened in my childhood, everything that you've ever done, and all the, I went on and he is like it created this special moment where he opened up and started talking about his childhood and the trauma and different things that he experienced, and he was still very unrepentant. Still is to this day, still denies everything that has. Ever taken place mostly 'cause he is protecting himself and from being vulnerable and having to actually repent. But it created this beautiful moment that had I disobeyed God, my dad to this day would [00:13:00] not be open. To hearing about Jesus. He doesn't always wanna hear it from me, but he'll ask me questions. He'll ask me questions, and he'll ask Dave questions and Dave has his. Unique way of being able to create this bond with my dad, where my dad's more open to speak with him versus me. And that's okay. Yeah. Uh, because he's still gonna get the gospel. Totally. So I'm glad that he's open and he's been. Open for 15 years now, and now he is just starting to do a Bible study with a friend. So God will use anybody and it doesn't have to be me. I planted, I watered seeds, but God gives an increase and he'll use anybody and I just pray, Lord. I don't care who it is, I just pray for his salvation. Mm-hmm. And he's, really into the chosen. And the chosen brings the word to life in a way that ma most people [00:14:00] haven't even thought of before. And so the chosen has been really powerful and getting him closer and closer to taking that final step and like, yes, Lord, I'm yours. So it's been really exciting to see over the last eight years to see, her dad really grow in that way. And, get closer and closer. He's in a crockpot right now. Yes. And a few more hours he'll be ready. Wow. I've talked about the chosen on the show before and some of the guests, and I don't necessarily like some of the liberties they take with some of it, who am I? If the show is getting people to get in the Bible? Mm-hmm. To come to church or to start asking questions. Or renew their relationship with Jesus. So I just let God do what God does, right? Yes. And I think that's a healthy place to be, is that you don't have to think that they're getting everything perfect or doing it right. I, and you know, there are times that we've looked at each [00:15:00] other like, maybe they could have done it differently, but like you said, it is getting people excited about the word and prayerfully people are not forming their entire doctrine and faith based on a TV show, but at least getting their appetite wet for more of the living word. Yes. Awesome. I really just love your story, Bobby, and that you are obedient to what God had called you to do, even though it maybe you were a little afraid to approach your father, but it looks like God's blessing you in that way, and even the healing from the trauma that you've gone through, that's a journey too. Now, how did you meet Dave? I was previously engaged and after that engagement broke off, I was like, Lord, like it's just you and me. And some of that was just a couple years of healing and being able to move on from that previous engagement. [00:16:00] 'cause it was a long-term relationship. We were together for over five years, so. I've been told by a counselor in the past that when you have something happen, you count how many years you've experienced that, divide it in half, and that's about how long it takes to like be able to move on from that, to heal from that. And it was probably about that halfway mark that I really felt like I was ready to move on and I. The Lord was blessing me to move on and to be open to dating again. And there's a few people who presented themselves, and Christians and non-Christians and the non-Christians. I was like, well, you're gonna be wasting your time and you're gonna be wasting my time. Mm-hmm. Yeah. But. Even the Christians who presented themselves, they weren't, they still weren't the right ones that God wanted for me.[00:17:00] And I am grateful because the Lord really showed me to be more discerning. So fast forward, I one day was like, I've always been against. Online dating, meeting people through dating websites and stuff. But I was like done. I was tired of being single and crying my eyes out in my pillow every night and I said, Lord, I don't care I doing this. So I signed up for Christian Mingle that night, and the next day I met a friend of Dave's and we got together and. We kinda. Tested things out for a couple of months and it wasn't a right fit to. But during that time I met Dave. He was actually dating somebody else that he had met, ChristianMingle. And actually I met her on Plenty of Fish. [00:18:00] Oh, sorry. Free site. Well, you were on Christian Mingle though, so the free version. I paid. Alright anyway, so we would all hang out as a group of friends and his relationship ended. My relationship ended with his friend and. Fast forward about three, four months. It's December, and the guy I was dating, he was having a Mark Schultz concert at his church and he needed help and I was like, you need some help. So I'm like, I volunteered to help as concert because he really. Volunteers. And so it was when we were there that Dave in showed interest in me and inquired like, so what is going on between the two of you? And he gave his blessing for Dave to make his move. And whoa, Dave and I [00:19:00] was, he friended me on Facebook along with some other people I met at the church that night. So I was like, okay, whatever. It's just people that I've met. Friending me on Facebook. But then we would start chatting on Messenger for hours on end, and he would try flirting with me. And I was like, Dave, stop. You're like, you're flirting with me. Stop. And I would use his cheesy line, be like, Hey, I can't help it. I'm a Libra, I'm a hopeless romantic. What would you say, Dave? Give us one of your best lines here. I would just say she had a nice smile, just simple, flirty stuff, trying to make her laugh through Facebook Messenger. Yeah. I don't really even remember any of my deadlines. I honestly don't remember either. But fast forward, come March, he asks me to go to a concert. Oh, he is asking me out on a date, and I wasn't for that. And so I assume like a bunch of your guy friends are going and he is like, well, actually mm-hmm. [00:20:00] It's just one friend of mine, my sister, and I'm asking you, and I was like, crap. So I agreed to go and it was so awkward. How do I connect with these people? His sister ended up not going, so it was just me and his friend that he had started to improv the group with. And finally after the concert, his friend started talking about. Moody Radio, moody Church here in Chicago. Okay, here's a point of connection. Here's something to strike up a conversation. And so we started to converse about that and Dave was freaking out thinking, oh no, they're connecting, but we really weren't connecting like that. So he walks me to the train after I protested. 'cause the train was literally right across the street. I could walk myself and. It is Chicago is late at night. At night, [00:21:00] and you're not letting her walk by herself to the train. Mm-hmm. No. I've been to Chicago, but I'm not afraid of the city. So I've had plenty of experiences on my own and as a young kid in the city in some rough neighborhoods. So I am pretty confident. But anyway, I let him walk me to the train, and I have this anxiety about making sure I'm on the trains right away. And so I'm not missing my trains. So I get on this train and he's literally like, what? No hug. All right. So for context, I walked her all the way to the platform of the train. We're talking, and as soon as the doors opened, like literally as soon as they came apart, she was gone. No. So the lamest of lame ploys, I'm like. What, no hug. So she came back out, gave me the side bro hug, and then came back to the train. And here I am leaving this date thinking like, [00:22:00] man, I am in the friend zone. And then know what the friend zone is. So the next day we are talking on the phone and we're talking about this. Concert and what happened, and so to give some back info, the movie Courageous, if everyone has seen that at the end, they're doing the Father's Day speech and they're listing off all the I will declarations that they will do as fathers and men of the home and husbands. When that movie came out and I saw it, I was like, okay, Lord, whoever I marry really has to follow all of those declarations. And so we're on the phone discussing this date and at the, towards the end of the conversation, he starts saying all of these declarations. And he had never seen the movie. And so it was like literally God [00:23:00] was slapping me upside the head and I literally was on my couch like. Oh my. This is my husband. Well, okay Lord. So then it went from there. We dated for seven months, got engaged and got married seven months after our engagement. And now here we are eight years later. I propose at the end of church service. Yes, I had coordinated with, our pastor and I asked him to say, set it up as like a testimony stay. 'Cause it was two weeks before Thanksgiving, set it up as like, do you have any Thanksgiving testimonies? So a couple people shared and then when I realized that nobody was gonna go after, go next, I, that's when I started my testimony and then stood up to the platform and proposed and I was like, wow. Yeah, so, but it's funny though, because he stood up in his seat, well, not on his seat, from his seat, [00:24:00] and started to talk to the congregation, introducing himself and stuff. Okay. But then when he moved up to the front of the church, oh my gosh, Dave, this is not one of your comedy shows. You don't have to stand in front of everybody. You had no clue, huh? Yeah. And so one of the men in the church, he kind of thought it was funny too, and he is like, well, what is this? Like some kind of proposal happening. And as soon as he said that, I started backing up. 'cause I'm on the platform as part of the worship team. I interpreted. The worship in ASL. So I literally was backing up to the wall as far as I could go, and he starts his proposal and you hear the gasps and stuff, and I'm like, oh my goodness, because I'm not. Usually comfortable being center of attention and all [00:25:00] eyes were on me and I was no pressure freaking out. Were you happy that he proposed? Yes. And he will tell everybody that when he. I asked, will you marry me? That I never said yes, but I did several times with my head buried into his shoulder and in his ears. But what is true, I did not give her the ring. She snatched it out of the box. I did. But this is what is really cool. And so God ordained is the ring that he proposed with is his mom's ring. But it also happens to be the same exact ring that I used to look at in the old Sears and service merchandise catalogs when I was a kid. When I was a kid. Mm-hmm. So it was a sign that, yes, this really is of God and this, it really is your [00:26:00] husband. I've never heard that before. That is, yeah. That is something else. Yes. Wow. Years later, and I don't remember. You don't have any children, right? Not yet. Not yet. Not yet. Okay. We're working on it. Not right now though. Yeah. That'll drive up the ratings, the tmmi ratings, because it's been a few years. I didn't wanna assume, but sorry. No, we just go with it here. Yeah. And yeah, I can't make this stuff up. Right, right. Now you were doing the comedy, the improv, like part-time, right? And you were pastoring, weren't you, Dave? We were co children's pastors and have been together basically since we got married. And so that was, that's part-time unpaid volunteer here. [00:27:00] 'cause we've been at small churches. Mm-hmm. And building up rewards in heaven. Yes. Yeah. The economy was part-time and we get paid every once in a while, but it was never an income generator. So I've had a few different jobs that paid the bills, but what's different now is in October of 22, I got laid off and the Lord showed us through several circumstances that it was time to get into full-time ministry. And so this September we went through missions training and we are now a US missionary candidate. And we'll be doing what I've been doing in salt and light full time, which is working with survivors of trauma, using comedy and improv to unlock their creativity and their communication skills and remind them that it's okay to laugh, it's okay to, mm-hmm. Let your guard down and find joy in life. Yeah. So we've been working with specifically trafficking survivors, and the need is [00:28:00] they need to know that. There's hope for them and there is a future for them, and that their hope is in Jesus and that their future is in Jesus as well. So through the comedy, what we do is like the improv workshops with them, and through that we're able to break down the walls in their hearts and turn stone hearts into hearts of clay, and we're able to share the love of Jesus with them. And what's really awesome and was the unwritten benefit and the unwritten aspect is that I, I am a man coming in with these women who survived being abused and just put through literal hell on earth by men. So they're getting a chance to see that, number one, there are. Healthy men that you can trust. Mm-hmm. And also because we're married, Bobby's been able to come to a few of the workshops now, and they're [00:29:00] able to see that there is a possibility of a healthy marriage. And we get to model those things while we're also having fun and seeing God really break down a lot of walls. You lost your job in 2020. I lost my job in 2022 also. It's just amazing how God moves us in a different direction and it's definitely changed my life. And you might remember from our first conversation, Dave, that I was a missionary for 13 years Baptist ary as a church planter. Now that process of becoming a church planter, it's probably different than the process that you're going through to become missionaries, or you just went through candidate school and what does that look like? So it started in January with the application very in depth, had to find 10 references, which to me was like they're serious because especially for guys, we don't have that many close people. We're [00:30:00] just like, we have, Jesus had like really three close people. Mm-hmm. Then he had the 12 disciples, but he had three. And it's like, how am I supposed to have three times as many friends as Jesus, but we got the re re it calling people. Right? And this is Dave, um, Dave Ebert? Yeah. Yeah. The comedian. Oh no. Yeah, that, that's me. And so it was kind like trying to find a groomsman for the wedding. Calling up people from third grade, Hey, uh, what are you doing this weekend? What's your dad doing this? I heard from him for 10 years. Right. And usually when you hear somebody out of the blue after 10 years and they talk really friendly, usually they're trying to get you in some MLM. Right, right. Hey, hey, you wanna buy my tell you about what I'm doing? Yeah, exactly. Yeah. doTERRA unto others as you would have doTERRA unto you. But, so there's application [00:31:00] process and there were interviews with the head of missions, then interviews with the people who would be over my specific department. Several testing a lot of forms that fill out Yeah. Psych tests. Psych tests, psych tests, and then, yeah. Yeah. Make sure that. We can at least lie well enough to, no, I'm kidding. No, to make sure that we're ready because Yeah. When you walk out into full-time ministry, especially with missions where you're responsible for your own fundraising and support raising. It takes a toll and you have to be healthy. You have to be in a good position also. You have to be in a place where you're not like escaping the world to say, oh, I'm just gonna be a missionary and get away from stuff. Mm-hmm. So they do a very good job of vetting and making sure that you're healthy and ready. Yes. And then the candidate school, the orientation was six, 10 hour days of. Learning about fundraising, about how to, honor the [00:32:00] gifts that people give, and also the different rules and regulations that we have to follow because we are accountable to our home church, to our home district as well as to the national assemblies. So a lot of training, a lot of prep, a lot of numbers. And now we're hitting the road calling every pastor we know. The churches that we visited for fundraising with the comedy team, we're connecting with them and just asking them for support. Because what we're gonna do is we're serving organizations that don't have a budget to hire an improv coach. So we wanna go and serve them free of charge and just rely on the body of Christ to make sure that our cats don't go homeless. The goal is to also eventually open our own facility. Wow. So like a home, like a residential home? Yeah, like a residential facility for survivors, men, women and children. And to offer [00:33:00] them a comprehensive therapy as well as job training skills and things to get them on their feet so that once they're on the, in this place where they're ready to start over. If they're ready to start over and start building a life, instead of many trafficking victims when they come out of trafficking, unless they have an organization that walks in hand in hand, they either fall back into drugs, they fall back into that lifestyle again. Or worse, they fall into depression and impossible suicide because. They end up escaping, but they have a record. Yeah, because they're, they've probably been picked up by the police several times. They've also probably got a drug record because either the people that they were quote unquote working for or by their own desire to survive, they. End up on drugs, just trying to cope. Mm-hmm. In many cases, and courts really don't care why you're being arrested for being intoxicated or on drugs. [00:34:00] They just know that you are. And so that makes their lives really hard once they escape, because who's gonna help them? They've got a rap sheet, they've probably got no place decent to stay. Mm-hmm. They might have kids that are now in the system, so they have a lot stacked against them when they get out. We want to be another or be an organization that gives them all the tools they need to not only escape and survive, but to actually start to thrive. Mm-hmm. They can leave their past behind and it will be just a beautiful testimony to share of God's goodness that no matter what you're going through, God can redeem it and heal it. And, we wanna do our own facility here in Illinois and we also wanna reproduce what we're doing because. We believe it's valuable and it's unique, and it helps kind of fill in some of the gaps that traditional therapy might leave. Mm-hmm. Because a lot of the times these survivors have felt betrayed or felt like they can't trust people, [00:35:00] and so traditional therapy doesn't always work. It doesn't always help them free themselves from their past. Yeah. So when comedy is entered into the picture. We can kind of till that soil a little bit so that now therapy is a little bit easier because now the, some of the calluses and the walls are torn down. Yeah. So then you open doors for other types of healing methods once you get through that big block wall. Right. It's been amazing 'cause we've seen women open up publicly for the first time and share their stories where. Traditional therapies may not have worked in that way, if that makes sense. They find more freedom when they start to laugh. When you laugh in a room with other people, there's like this bond that happens where you feel safe because now you have all admitted something about yourselves. If you go to a comedy show and you hear a group of 500 strangers laughing, they're not strangers when they leave that comedy show because in the midst of that, [00:36:00] they laughed and admit they have something in common. And when you admit that you have something in common with 500 other people, now you don't feel alone. Now you feel a little bit of safety and we've seen these women, , find that they are, feel safe enough to share their story for the first time in any kind of a public setting. And as once you shed light on your pain and shed light on what you're struggling with, it doesn't seem quite as big and as daunting and shedding light on it allows you to give it to God and let him finish the healing. Like you say, the laughter is so powerful because it makes you feel good, and then the laughter makes you feel better because all those endorphins and the serotonin levels are. Where they're supposed to be. And you look on the world in a different perspective. It's crazy. Like I, 10 minutes ago I was depressed and now I think I'm gonna make it. And here's something I like to talk about is. When you laugh, when you have like a deep [00:37:00] laugh and you're like truly just enjoying the moment, you naturally lift your head up and automatically your eyes are lifting up. Mm-hmm. It's almost like it's a form of worship when you have a good laugh. Wow. Because you're looking up to where your help comes from. Wow. And. It's just a beautiful sign because when you're laughing you just, you're letting this energy go, whether it's stress or it's just, you're even fatigue. When you let it go, suddenly your shoulders lift up. Suddenly your blood pressure drops and you're reminded that there's more than what's here right in front of you. You lift your eyes up and you realize there's so much more, and that's just a beautiful thing to see. Let's also think about it. God is our father, and what good father doesn't take joy in laughing with his kids. And when you see a healthy father and child relationship, they have moments of giggles and cackles and tickle fights. So [00:38:00] what Good father him doesn't take joy in laughing and enjoying the presence of his kids. So I think that when we laugh. In those moments of where it's pure and it's just joy. He laughs with us. And I think that those, like I said, are moments of worship in a way because we're reminded of his goodness. Yes. God give us a gift. I think that. People outside the Christian community, they, they view us as fuddy daddies and stuffed shirts and that we don't ever have any fun. And we're serious all the time and we're about reading our Bibles and praying all the time and that we don't have any fun. But I like your perspective. Of showing the world that it is a gift from God. And we do have fun. And like I said earlier, talking about Jesus and the 12 disciples, you get a group of guys together that they're gonna goof off, they're gonna laugh. And the adoration that the disciples have for Jesus less Judas is [00:39:00] scar, the adoration. That does not happen when it's just a militant leader saying, thou shalt, there has to be moments of levity, moments of bonding, and pure joy. That's more than just. A rabbi teaching his students the love that they had, the love that they felt for him to be willing to die for him for his name. That doesn't happen in a military setting that happens in relationship where there's moments of levity and laughter, and I can't wait to eventually be and be in heaven and hear Jesus tell some jokes. That'd be amazing. Like why did you really call them Sons of Thunder? Right. Probably farting around the campfire. Ah, yes, exactly. Jesus. Pull my finger. Some people have like checked out at this point. Oh [00:40:00] man. Love it. I'm so glad you're gonna create a center as a goal in the future after the show, I definitely wanna give you some folks to connect with that. I know I've got a lot of connections, but we have the Dream Center here in Phoenix. Okay. And I've gone to a few of their fundraisers and they're an incredible place. They have this center for trafficked women and. And men, and we're very close to Mexico, so we get a lot of trafficked people here in Phoenix. And there'd be somebody to connect with for sure. 'cause they could show you how to create the facility and what not to do, and what to do and what they've learned. They create like apartments for these girls. They're like designer rooms. They're not just like bunks and dorms and stuff. I've seen these rooms. They're incredible. They treat the girls like they're princesses. It's really. Wonderful. And they do teach the skills of how not to go back on the streets and finding your worth in Jesus and your [00:41:00] value. You're not just a piece of meat to be used, you are a daughter of the king. And so yeah, I'll definitely give you their contact information. Do you know Mark Sowersby? Oh yeah. Mark. He's, he's been, uh, on my podcast before. He's a survivor. Yeah. Big time. So. I know that we talked about a lot of different things. Was there anything that we didn't cover today that you wanted to share with the audience? Yeah. So if the Lord is leading you and you feel like, feel like the Lord's saying, support this ministry and uh, give us the opportunity and the tools to go out and reach more survivors of trafficking. 'cause we're working in Chicago right now. And there, there's a plenty of harvest there, but there's also other places that we want to serve as well. Yes. You can go to, partners.gifts fork glory.com and that'll take you right to the, ag website where our, page is. And you can log in and, or you can sign in as a donor. And if you can do one time gift, [00:42:00] if you can do a monthly gift, or if you wanna do the faith promise, which is just your promise between you and the Lord of what you're. Willing to commit to support us. Anything is gonna help us get there. The website is partners.gifts for glory.com and whatever the Lord puts on your heart is gonna be, well appreciated and is gonna be used to serve many survivors. And you know, part of what we're doing is also doing podcasts. 'cause we wanna raise awareness that this is an issue. Mm-hmm. And we are hoping that between working with survivors. Doing advocacy by going, on podcasts or media that eventually we'll work ourselves out of a job and that there will be no more trafficking, there'll be no more slavery. That would be the biggest blessing of all is if we could work hard enough and the Lord would move enough that we would see an end to it. Mm, amen. Yeah. Even if you don't have the money right now to support. Dave and Bobby, you can definitely share this episode. Tell your friends [00:43:00] about the ministry. I definitely have that in the show notes, and we're gonna share the podcast episode like crazy and anything else you wanted to share. If you're listening or watching, be sure to subscribe to the wounds of the Faithful. Check every episode out and I'll go back and see how much I've changed in the last two years since the first time I was on. Yeah, I'm gonna put the episode of Dave's testimony, his story in the show notes, so you guys can just click on that and listen to that. This was great. Had a lot of fun and laughter and learn some things, and you guys are always welcome to come back on the show and give us an update. Absolutely. To see how you're doing and when you open your center up in the future someday. Then I'm gonna come and cut the ribbon. Absolutely. I've been in Chicago a few times. It's a nice city, so God bless you guys, and we wish you the very best. Thank you so much for having [00:44:00] us. Yes, Diana, thank you so much for having us. We love you and we love the show. Love you guys too. 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 at DSW Ministries dot org. Where you'll find our blog, along with our Facebook, Twitter, and our YouTube channel links. Hope to see you next week.    

How do you help students understand prophecy and the end times—without overwhelming them? In this unique episode of Youth Worker on Fire, Doug Edwards joins us from Israel, where he and 1,000 pastors, youth pastors, Christian educators, and influencers were invited to gather for the historic Ambassadors Summit 2025. Doug explains why blessing Israel matters, why Scripture repeatedly points us back to God's promises over His people, and how these truths deeply impact the next generation. Watch the nightly broadcasts from the trip: https://ambassadorsummit.org/ Drawing from his own middle-school experience learning about the book of Revelation, Doug shares how teaching students about Daniel, Matthew 23, Luke 21, and the book of Revelation shaped his early faith journey—and why students are NOT too young to learn about these biblical foundations. In this episode, Doug unpacks: ✅ Why Christians are called to bless Israel ✅ The biblical pattern: those who bless Israel are blessed ✅ How Balaam tried to curse Israel—and why God didn't allow it ✅ What the Bible says about end times and modern events ✅ Why youth ministries must not avoid prophecy ✅ How teaching end-times Scripture can lead students to salvation ✅ What the Ambassadors Summit 2025 means for global ministry You'll also hear how Doug's own salvation story was connected to learning about prophecy—and why your middle schoolers and high schoolers are ready for these conversations too. This episode equips: • Youth pastors needing biblical clarity • Volunteers wanting confidence in hard topics • Parents wanting to disciple their students • Anyone trying to understand Israel's place in Scripture If you've ever wondered how to introduce students to end-times teaching in a way that is biblically sound, age-appropriate, and spiritually transformational—this episode will guide you. Watch the nightly broadcasts from the trip: https://ambassadorsummit.org/ _________________________________________________________________________________

Mark Clifton and Mark Hallock unpack practical ways churches can reach small towns and rural communities, drawing from the Converge article, “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community.” If you're a pastor or church leader in a small town, this episode will help you think more strategically about evangelism, outreach, and community presence in a rural context. In this episode, they discuss how to: 1. Make sure no second-time guest slips through the cracks. Create simple follow-up systems for visitors. Help guests connect with real relationships, not just programs. 2. Get your church into the local news and community conversation. Look for ways to serve that are newsworthy in your small town. Build relationships with local media, schools, and civic leaders. 3. Get “schooled” by engaging your local schools. Support teachers, staff, and students in practical ways. Volunteer, mentor, and show up consistently at school events. 4. Be offensive—in the right way. Play offense by taking the gospel outside your building. Move from a “come and see” mindset to a “go and tell” lifestyle. 5. Bust out of the Sunday morning box. Think beyond worship services to weekly rhythms of mission. Use everyday spaces and everyday routines for intentional outreach. 6. Be a regular in your community. Build a faithful presence at local coffee shops, restaurants, and parks. Become known as a pastor or church member who genuinely cares. Ideal for: Rural pastors Replanters in small towns Church leaders looking to reach their local community more effectively Resources Mentioned in This Episode Article: “10 Ways to Reach Your Rural Community” by the Converge Network Use this conversation as a practical playbook for rural church revitalization, small-town church outreach, and community engagement that keeps the gospel at the center.

 KEY TAKEAWAYSHospice isn't a crisis response—it's a planned, values-based care transition.Patients are guided into hospice through ongoing conversations with their care team, not sudden decisions.Your Health's model is uniquely team-based.Clinical teams—NPs, nurses, social workers, CHWs, SSAs—collaborate long before a hospice referral happens.Eligibility is defined by Medicare, but the experience is defined by the patient.Patients choose what services they want: chaplaincy, volunteers, home aides, social work, and moreFamily support is a major part of the program.Hospice helps families avoid panic, emergency room visits, and uncertainty by educating them and offering 24/7 resources.Non-clinical roles are essential.Volunteers, chaplains, and social workers play major roles in emotional, logistical, and spiritual support.Respite care is a game-changer for caregiver burnout.Five-day facility stays covered under the hospice benefit help families regroup, rest, and sustain caregiving.Your Health provides continuity “from pediatrics to end of life.”The organization's ecosystem lets patients receive personalized care at every stage of their life journey. www.YourHealth.Org

Sometimes when we're asked to volunteer, we're not exactly enthusiastic about it. But volunteering doesn't only benefit the organization or group the service project is helping–it also benefits those who volunteer to help. Let's discuss how giving service to others gives back to you too!.   .   .A full transcript of this episode is available in the 10 for Teens + Tweens Ep. 141 show notes on EmpowerfulGirls.com.

The grinch who stole Thanksgiving dinner takes an 80-year-old volunteer’s car while she serves meals to the homeless in Portland. Five Washington children are found living in a trash-filled car with three dogs and visible drug paraphernalia as three adults are jailed on child and animal cruelty charges. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are in full swing, marking the beginning of the giving season. This year, as we search for gifts for our friends and family, let's also keep in mind the needs of our community by taking time to make a positive impact now and even throughout the following year.  Links: Learn more about Giving Tuesday Participate in our Share 'Cuz You Care campaign (Votes accepted until December 4th, 2025) Check out TCU University for financial education tips and resources! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Learn more about Triangle Credit Union Transcript: Welcome to Money Tip Tuesday from the Making Money Personal podcast.  Today is Giving Tuesday, a day celebrated worldwide to honor the countless individuals and organizations dedicated to serving those in need. This global initiative promotes generosity and fosters a sense of shared humanity, ensuring that everyone can receive help through acts of service and giving.   Take a moment today to reflect on how you can contribute to the mission of Giving Tuesday by helping and serving others. Here are a few inspiring ways to celebrate today and throughout the week:  Collect Goods for Your Neighborhood Direct your efforts toward local organizations that truly make a difference. Many community groups—homeless shelters, humane societies, food pantries, and soup kitchens—always need donations. Visit their websites to find out what items are most urgently needed. You can gather items individually or come together with friends or family to make a bigger impact.   Clean Up Your Neighborhood If you enjoy being outdoors, take the time to beautify your community. Giving back to your community doesn't have to involve physical items and can involve giving your time to improve your surroundings. One great way to do this is to pick up trash in local parks, along roadways, or in other overlooked areas. Just be sure to stay safe by wearing bright clothing so that motorists can see you easily while you work especially when on the side of the road.   Volunteer at a Local Organization While donating is wonderful, volunteering can create an even greater impact. If you love interacting with people or are looking for a fulfilling way to give back, try giving your time to help organizations by assisting with in-person needs. Many local nonprofits need volunteers to help with tasks like food service, shelf stocking, food distribution, or even dog walking. Most organizations offer simple sign-up forms on their websites, allowing you to choose a time slot that works for you. Consider how you'd like to contribute and explore the opportunities available.   Create and Share Kindness Kits Sometimes, the chance to give comes unexpectedly. You might encounter someone in need—a person on the street, someone at the grocery store, or a local coffee shop. Prepare a few kindness kits to keep in your car or with you, so you can easily share them when the moment arises. Include items like basic hygiene products, gift cards, encouraging notes, snacks, and maybe an extra special item or two. With these kits on hand, you'll be ready to spread kindness not just during the season, but throughout the year.   On this Giving Tuesday, embrace the spirit of generosity and take action to uplift others. Additionally, don't miss your chance to participate in our Share ‘Cuz You Care campaign by voting for the nonprofit organization that you believe deserves the top donation from Triangle Credit Union. Visit trianglecu.org or click the link in the show notes to learn more.   If there are any other tips or topics you would like us to cover, let us know at tcupodcast@trianglecu.org. Like and follow our Making Money Personal FB and IG page and look for our sponsor, Triangle Credit Union on social media to share your thoughts.   Thanks for listening to today's Money Tip Tuesday and check out our other tips and episodes on the Making Money Personal podcast.   Have a great day! 

Ivan Pardo, Founder of Solidarity Tech used his organizing platform to successfully manage the over 100,000 volunteers for the campaign of Zohran Mamdani for Mayor of New York. This platform was originally designed to be multilingual from its inception to organize non-English-speaking rideshare drivers. While technology was key to the Mamdani success, the authenticity of the candidate and message discipline were key to connecting with volunteers and voters. We talk about: Deep organizing at scale focusing on getting volunteers to commit and show up for shifts, re-engage and recruit their friends Converting social media engagement into volunteer sign-ups Why multilingual capabilities are essential for reaching diverse communities Bridging online enthusiasm with offline action  #ZohranMamdani #ZohranforNYC #CRM #LaborOrganizing #CampaignVolunteers #GrassrootsTech #PoliticalInnovation #CommunityOrganizing #CivicTech #Democracy #VolunteerManagement #PoliticalCampaigns #NYC #SocialImpact #TechForGood Solidarity.tech      

If you've been feeling like time is bending, reality is glitching, and everything is both falling apart and coming together… you're not crazy. You might just be living through exactly what Dolores Cannon talked about.In this episode, I unpack some of her most powerful teachings about the New Earth and how they map onto what we're experiencing right now:

Did P.M. Mark Carney pull the wool over Premier Danielle Smith's eyes with the Ottawa-Alberta pipeline agreement? Max Fawcett thinks so. In this episode, the lead columnist for Canada's National Observer lays out the method to Mark Carney's madness (11:10). But first... 4:45 | It's Giving Tuesday. Jespo, Johnny, and Max share which charity they're proud to support on this day for "radical generosity".  8:00 | Max comments on the federal Cabinet shuffle before moving on to the pipeline MOU, a proposed new pipeline route (27:40), Conservative attacks on Carney's  potential conflict of interest with Brookfield (55:00), new details on the UCP's alleged healthcare procurement scandal involving MHCare (1:01:30), and Quebec's shocking expansion of secularism laws (1:09:00).  TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com READ MAX'S COLUMN: https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/11/27/opinion/method-mark-carney-madness MBEW: https://www.mercedes-benz-edmontonwest.ca/ 22:40 | Registration is open for the Real Talk Pond Hockey Classic on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Larry Olexiuk Field in St. Albert!  REGISTER TO PLAY, VOLUNTEER, or SPONSOR: https://www.ryanjespersen.com/pond-hockey 1:15:00 | This Giving Tuesday, please consider the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation's Bridge Healing Campaign. We revisit our powerful November 28 Real Talk Round Table featuring ER Dr. Louis Francescutti, Jasper Place Wellness Centre's Taylor Soroka, advocate Glenda Sartore, and RAHF VP Lindsay Robertson. SUPPORT BRIDGE HEALING: https://www.royalalex.org/causes/emergencycare/bridge-healing FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Missionaries on the field know that hosting short-term volunteer teams requires a lot of work. Is it worth it? Listen in as Scott M, a missionary leader in a megacity in South Asia, shares 4 reasons to host volunteer teams, and helpful tips in making those trips part of fruitful, long-term partnerships.

A message of peace delivered by Pastor Stan Tharp, reflecting on time spent in Greece and Athens. Study how God executes the long game of redemption, fulfilling ancient prophecy by utilizing figures like Caesar Augustus as pawns to guide the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. Learn why God is still in control of history, changing times and seasons, and discover how peace is found through unshakeable hope in the midst of troubled times. A powerful holiday message from CLC.   Pastor: Stan Tharp Series: The Gift Of Peace (1) Title: A Message of Peace from Greece Date: 2025.11.29+30 YouTube: Sermon Series Playlist   LINKS:

When he signed up to join the Gray Defense Force's Human Corps of Volunteers, Sandip “Sandy” Dhaliwal thought he'd be fighting to liberate a fellow primate race from the nihilistic cephalopods. It turned out the Jancalli didn't want to be “liberated” as they've been waging an insurrection ever since the Grays unleashed the Human Corps onto the native population. Serving as an interpreter in the 22nd Canadian Battalion, Sandy is tasked with the care of Dr. Larbra, a high-value prisoner responsible for unleashing a virus onto the human warriors. When their hopper is shot down, Sandy and Dr. Larbra must survive in an unforgiving jungle. It is here where his sworn enemy forces Sandy to face his humanity. If you like our work, you can donate at Mixtapestories.net or at Patreon/MixtapeStories. Thank you!

This week on Gun For Hire Radio… Dan Schmutter joins us for a full 2A lawsuit update. Could the DOJ finally be on our side? The courts seem to be our last bastion of hope as this once great republic spirals in decline? Please Listen, Learn, Like, Follow, Share, & Volunteer. The post The Gun For Hire Radio Broadcast: Episode 758a appeared first on Best Gun Range NYC and NJ Area | Gun Range Near Me.

Speaker: Pastor Brent Armstrong Passage: Mark 10:13-16

When an Oxbridge professor says his students are “functionally illiterate”, you know something is wrong. With reading levels in freefall and screentime rocketing, is the era of mass literacy over? In his wildly successful blog, James Marriot argues that three centuries after the reading revolution ignited democracy and modern science, we are now witnessing its great undoing. Where once we spent hours pouring over books, contemplating complicated theories and ideas, we now scroll emotive, short form content. What effect is this major shift having on our brains? And are we are really at the dawn of the post-literate society?The Sunday Times wants to Get Britain Reading. With our campaign you can:• Donate to Bookbanks to put books in the hands of those most in need• Volunteer to read in schools with Coram Beanstalk• Above all, take our pledge to read for pleasure for at least ten minutes a day for the next six weeksRead more about the campaign.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: James Marriott, Times columnist.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Dave Creasey.Read more:The dawn of the post-literate societyI'm a digital native — can I survive without my smartphone?Photo: Chris McAndrew for The Times.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.comThis podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Police have praised community owned high-tech cameras that were used to catch suspects in two killings. But the volunteer group involved can't afford to keep running the crime fighting kit. RNZs Phil Pennington reports.

It's the most wonderful time of the year... ALLEGEDLY! I love Xmas usually , but it can be dysregulating AF for people with ADHD which can lead us to beginning the New Year in Burnout! This is an ADHD toolbox to help navigate the festive period; validating and shame eradicating with the lived experiences of the core operations team of ADHDAF+ Charity and inspired by the 2023 Christmas Tour. This is the topic for December's eight free ADHD Peer Support Groups in Scotland and England. All of us at the Charity hope you can make your local group and if there isn't one near you yet, that this episode helps you best support yourself this Xmas. Please remember: It's your Christmas too. Don't set yourself on fire to keep others warm. MASSIVE TRIGGER WARNING: Contains swearing, loud laughter, gallows humour(!) and mentions of sensitive topics including; parent loss, grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and work struggles, mental health struggles, suicide, addiction, self harm, eating disorders, school struggles, bullying, and medical negligence. If you are struggling, lo siento. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Please reach out for help⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ENORMOUS THANKS to the ABSOLUTELY LEGENDARY Kim, Ruth and Kate!- Read the new ADHDAF+ Charity Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Register Interest in ADHDAF+ Charity's FREE Peer Support Groups to get email reminders ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- Apply to Volunteer to start your own local ADHDAF+ Support Group, Volunteer your time or become an Ambassador ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Please shop neurodivergent this Xmas ⁠HERE⁠- Watch the ADHDAF Christmas Tour '23 Live Recording Charity Fundraiser ⁠HERE⁠If you would like to join the Patreon Community of ADHDAF Podcast listeners to join us for our Xmas morning Zoom and to lean on and learn from literally like-minded legends in an online space that has been going strong for THREE WHOLE YEARS of invaluable Peer support, you can do so ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠You can follow all things ADHDAF on Socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@adhdafpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@adhdafplus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@adhdafemporium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@lauraisadhdaf⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thank you SO MUCH for listening! Please share and leave a comment/review/hit those stars so that others can be signposted to support and know that they're not alone at this challenging time of year. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE and THANK YOU so much for all of your support throughout this equally tragic and triumphant year like no other. BIG LOVE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Laura⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ x* '12 Days of ADHD Xmas' written by Laura Mears-Reynolds and performed by ADHD Singer and singing teacher: Clare Durrant as part of the 2023 Christmas Podcast Tour: WATCH THE SHOW HERE

Welcome to Episode 198 of Inside The Line: The Catskill Mountains Podcast! On this episode, natureaddictlady — a.k.a. Diana — jumps back on the mic and brings the heat to a wintery topic: hiking with dogs in the cold months. Diana shares her go-to winter gear recommendations for your four-legged trail buddy, how to keep your dog comfortable, safe, and happy on snowy adventures, and her favorite beginner-friendly winter hikes for you and your pup. We also dive into a few trail-world headlines: the closure of Monument 102 in Arizona, the rumor that you can see Manhattan from the summit of Hunter Mountain (for real?), and the ongoing negotiations between NYC DEP and Catskills towns over reservoir access and permits. Make sure to subscribe on your favorite platform, share the show, donate if you feel like it… or just keep tuning in. I'm just grateful you're here. And as always... VOLUNTEER!!!!Links for the Podcast: https://linktr.ee/ISLCatskillsPodcast, Donate a coffee to support the show! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills, Like to be a sponsor or monthly supporter of the show? Go here! - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ITLCatskills/membershipThanks to the sponsors of the show: Outdoor chronicles photography - https://www.outdoorchroniclesphotography.com/, Trailbound Project - https://www.trailboundproject.com/, Camp Catskill - https://campcatskill.co/, Another Summit - https://www.guardianrevival.org/programs/another-summitLinks: Natureaddictlady, Monument 102 closed, Manhattan from Hunter?, Reservoir Tensions, Catskill Center Spike Rental, Stash's Shell Jacket, Pawz, Fi collar, Ruff Gear Jacket, Healthy Paws Insurance, Fido Pro Dog SlingVolunteer Opportunities: Trailhead stewards for 3500 Club -https://www.catskill3500club.org/trailhead-stewardship, Catskills Trail Crew - https://www.nynjtc.org/trailcrew/catskills-trail-crew, NYNJTC Volunteering - https://www.nynjtc.org/catskills, Catskill Center - https://catskillcenter.org/, Catskill Mountain Club - https://catskillmountainclub.org/about-us/, Catskill Mountainkeeper - https://www.catskillmountainkeeper.org/ Post Hike Brews and Bites - Hudson North, Juicer Bomb, Bettina's Cafe#hikingwithdogs #roxy #natureaddictlady #winterhikingdogs #doghiking #history #hikethehudson #hudsonvalleyhiking #NYC #history #husdonvalley #hikingNY #kaaterskill #bluehole #catskillhiking #visitcatskills #catskillstrails #catskillmountains #3500 #catskills #catskillpark #catskillshiker #catskillmountainsnewyork #hiking #catskill3500club #catskill3500 #hikethecatskills #hikehudson

I'm sure everyone has seen the beautiful wreaths on the graves in Arlington National Cemetery. A wonderful organization called "Wreaths Across America" are the people who make that happen, but they need your help to do it. The Treasurer of Wreaths Across America, Mel Russen, Jr joins me to tell us about the history of the organization, its expansion to veterans' cemeteries across the country and how you can participate!

From building homes to ushering theater-goers to re-enacting medieval history for middle-schoolers – yes, you read that right – acts of volunteerism have remained vital for communities across the country. And not just for people in need.This year, many volunteers have also reported seeing an increased need for food assistance across the country, as a temporary pause on the federal program known as SNAP left millions of Americans unable to buy food during the recent government shutdown. Ransom Miller, who co-founded a project that distributes food ahead of Thanksgiving for the past three decades, says he received more calls than ever this year.In this episode, Miller and others featured this past year as part of NPR's Here to Help series explain why they're motivated to give back to their communities. This episode was produced by Matt Ozug, Jason Fuller and Jonaki Mehta. It was edited by Ashley Brown. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This, sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Email us at considerthis@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Happy Thanksgiving… Thursday, November 27, 2025. Week 48.   https://curesyngap1.org/clinical-trials/ Emerald from Praxis for Relutrigine and DeeP Ocean from Longboard for Bexicaserin.  Check them out, screen for both.  See what you can do!   Hectic with #MIHealthSummit, Tony at home, an NHS visit, Ultrabootcamp, not to mention prepping for the most elaborate conference yet!  MI https://www.linkedin.com/posts/raymond-puerini_medtech-patientengagement-mihealthsummit-activity-7392679496266436608-7kWo  Bootcamp https://www.linkedin.com/posts/graglia_rarebootcamp-syngap1-precisionmedicines-activity-7396249525214031872-RvsX    ProMMiS - Meet committed clinicians, get great care and build the future of SYNGAP1 clinical medicine. Upcoming Stanford enrollment dates: December 10–11, 2025: 2 slots, February 25–26, 2026: 2 slots, May 27–28, 2026: 2 slots to enroll email prommis@curesyngap1.org      GIVING TUESDAY 1 week to go.  Set up an Unlock fundraising page now and send it out BEFORE Tuesday December 2nd! cureSyngap1.org/unlock or for more info: https://curesyngap1.org/podcasts/syngap10/time-to-unlock-their-tomorrow-raise-funds-camp4-our-name-s10e188/ Video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/curesyngap1_curesyngap1-syngap1-activity-7399492685474009088-DXWI   CONFERENCE - Record Headcount over 20% increase: Scientific: 237 & Caregiver Connect: 180 (of which 26 patients) - Agendas are up: https://curesyngap1.org/calendar/cure-syngap1-conference-2025-hosted-by-srf/ - Volunteer with us: stacey@cureSYNGAP1.org     PAPERS PUBMED at 52, and low. Clinical research! 181 / 359 = more than half of the knowledge on S1 in the past 4 year! https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=syngap1&filter=years.2025-2025&sort=date   Movement disorder comparison: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.04.25339413v1.full.pdf   SLEEP - SRD Patients are the worst https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41138043/ aligned with CSH paper https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8472329/    TODOS Sign up for Citizen Health: https://www.citizen.health/partners/srf USE YOUR ICD-10 F78.A1 #S10e185 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dale0NbxDpU Go to CURE SYNGAP1 Conference 2025 Atlanta: https://curesyngap1.org/events/conferences/cure-syngap1-conference-2025-hosted-by-srf/   SOCIAL MATTERS 4,468 LinkedIn.  https://www.linkedin.com/company/curesyngap1/  1,480 YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/@CureSYNGAP1    11.2k Twitter https://twitter.com/cureSYNGAP1  45k Insta https://www.instagram.com/curesyngap1/    $CAMP stock is at $3.62 on 26 Nov. ‘25 https://www.google.com/finance/beta/quote/CAMP:NASDAQ Episode 189 of #Syngap10 #CureSYNGAP1

SDH Network is catching up with all the host cities before the summer to find out how they're progressing to host the world- everything from infrastructure, budgets, challenges, successes, and surprises...Toronto Executive Director Sharon Bollenbach talks everything from traffic and transportation to volunteers, venue expansion, and committee integration coming together to host the sport in Ontario province

In this episode of Volunteer Nation Podcast, Tobi dives deep into what makes a truly exceptional volunteer user experience — from the very first moment someone encounters your organization, through onboarding, active service, and beyond. Tobi breaks down the five core UX principles nonprofits must master — clarity, consistency, ease, empathy, and delight and explains how they shape volunteer satisfaction, retention, and commitment. You'll also learn how to walk the path through your own volunteer journey to spot quick-win improvements and elevate your entire program. Full show notes: 190. 5 Principles for an Unforgettable Volunteer User ExperienceUser Experience - Episode Highlights [01:00] – What a volunteer user experience actually is [03:00] – The five phases of the volunteer journey [08:00] – User experience principle #1: Clarity [09:00] – User experience principle #2: Consistency [12:00] – User experience principle #3: Ease [14:00] – User experience principle #4: Empathy [15:00] – User experience principle #5: Delight [17:00] – High-impact action: Walk the Path  Helpful Links Volunteer Management Progress Report  VolunteerPro Impact Lab Volunteer Nation Episode #184 - The Experience Economy – Are Nonprofits Keeping Up? Volunteer Nation Episode #183 - The New Reality - Volunteers Don't Need You Volunteer Nation Episode #118: 8 Ways to Make Volunteering Experiences Much Easier  Thanks for listening to this episode of the Volunteer Nation podcast. If you enjoyed it, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review so we can reach more people like you who want to improve the impact of their good cause. For more tips and notes from the show, check us out at TobiJohnson.com. For any comments or questions, email us at WeCare@VolPro.net.

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Benbow, a Football Fun Factory franchise owner in West Cumbria who's on a mission to transform grassroots coaching through learning science. After an 11-year break from coaching and a deep dive into neuroscience and learning development, Scott returned to football with a radically different approach—one that prioritises how children learn over traditional coaching methods. We explore his journey from burnout to breakthrough, discussing how Lauren Waldman's 'Joining Forces with Your Brain' course completely changed his understanding of what coaches should actually be doing. Scott challenges the isolated drill model, shares practical techniques like his 30-second focus activation method, and makes a compelling case that children don't need us to learn—they need us to enhance learning that's already happening naturally.3 Key Takeaways:Focus is the gateway to learning - Scott explains how he uses simple techniques (like writing children's names with a luminous football) to activate focused attention for 30-60 seconds before any instruction, dramatically improving engagement and learning outcomes.Children don't need coaches to learn, but coaches can enhance or hinder the process - By understanding neural network development and how the brain naturally learns through environmental interaction, coaches can step back from prescriptive teaching and design richer learning environments instead.The grassroots coaching crisis is a systems problem, not a coach problem - Volunteer coaches are giving their time but receiving minimal support and outdated training. Better understanding of learning science could revolutionise how we support both coaches and the children they serve.This is a good faith discussion between practitioners with complementary philosophies about the sport experience for children but some different perspectives on the underpinning learning mechanisms that drive practice design. Join the conversation and connect with like-minded practitioners by becoming part of The Guild of Ecological Explorers. Head to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and click the 'Join a Learning Group' button to be part of our growing community exploring the future of coaching and talent development.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-talent-equation-podcast--2186775/support.Ready to explore these ideas further? Join The Guild of Ecological Explorers – a community of practitioners committed to deepening their understanding of ecological dynamics and constraints-led approaches. Head to www.thetalentequation.co.uk and click the 'Join a Learning Group' button to become part of this transformative conversation

A large part of a small church budget often goes to paying the pastor. Most small churches assume there's only one “real” model of leadership - usually the one we've always known - and anything different feels like failure, pride, or danger. But there's no single “biblical” or “more noble” model here. Healthy, vibrant churches exist in every structure: fully paid, bi-vocational, and completely volunteer-led.This episode lifts the shame, clears out the judgment, and helps churches learn:Why there isn't one “right” model (and why that's such good news)How assumptions, pride, and tradition shape our views without us noticingThe strengths + limits of paid, bi-vocational, and volunteer pastor modelsWhy most tension around leadership positions come from unspoken expectationsHow to discern whether it's time to rethink your model when things feel stretched or scaryJoin our free Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/smallchurchministryRate, Review, & Follow Laurie on Apple Podcasts"I love Laurie and The Small Church Ministry Podcast!!"

In this episode, we reflect on the importance of giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done in both the beautiful and difficult moments of life. We talk about how practicing gratitude can change our perspective of reality and helps us recognize where God has been present even in moments we do not understand. We also name the fears that can sometimes keep us from giving thanks and discuss how gratitude becomes an act of surrender that opens us to God's steady, faithful presence. As a gift to you, we end today's episode by doing Lectio Divina with Psalm 34 and invite you into a time of prayer with us.   Heather's One Thing - Jalapeno, Pepper Jack, and Bacon Corn Pudding Recipe  Heather's Other One Thing -  Hell or High Water and Edens by Amanda Cook Sister Miriam's One Thing - Her SOLT Community Michelle's One Thing - College Football   Other Resources Mentioned:  Life Transitions Part One and Part Two with Chris Benzinger One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voskamp   Journal Questions: What graces have I received this year? How did the Lord accompany me this year? What do I need to let go of as we transition into a new liturgical year? What parts of my life am I afraid to give thanks for?   Discussion Questions: What has the Lord taught you in this season? What was surprising this past year? What challenges and joys did you experience this year? Where are you resistant to give thanks?   Quote to Ponder: "Gratitude is at the center of a life of faith. It sounds too simple to be true, but isn't that the sign of all deep truth: so simple we're tempted to dismiss it, and so hard, it is exactly what God uses to change our hard lives." (Ann Voskamp)   Scripture for Lectio: "I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed. This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him." (Psalm 34:1-8)   Sponsor - The GIVEN Institute: The GIVEN Institute is a vibrant non-profit organization dedicated to activating the gifts of women for the Church and the world. GIVEN wants to help you receive the gift that you are, realize the gifts you've been given, and respond with the gift only you can give.  Applications are now open for GIVEN's 2026 Leadership Program. Faithful Catholic women between the ages of 21 and 35 are encouraged to apply today! GIVEN's program includes participation at the Leadership Forum from June 24-28, 2026 in Washington, DC and a year of dedicated, 1-on-1 mentorship with an established Catholic female leader. Abiding Together Co-Host Heather Khym will be a speaker at the 2026 Leadership Forum next June along with other phenomenal Catholic women leaders of all ages, all vocations, and all walks of life. If you are a woman between the ages 21 and 35 and seeking leadership training, faith formation, and support to better understand and pursue your particular mission, GIVEN's Leadership Program is designed just for you! You'll grow in relationship with Christ, gain a deeper understanding of your personal vocation, and be empowered to develop an Action Plan to activate your personal gifts to impact the world.  For women over 35 with a desire to get involved, please consider becoming a Mentor or Volunteer! For more information and to apply, please visit www.giveninstitute.com/forum.   Chapters:  00:00 The Given Institute 01:26 Intro 02:16 Welcome 03:45 Practicing Being Thankful First 06:01 Giving Thanks in All Things 08:25 Gratitude is the Center of A Life of Faith 11:22 Being Afraid to Give Thanks 13:14 Lectio Divina 23:18 Our Reflections from Lectio 28:46 One Things   Music used under license i94Cr0

Linda is an Extraordinary Preble St. Volunteer by Maine's Coast 93.1