Halfway There | Christian Testimonies | Spiritual Formation, Growth, And Personal Experiences With God

Have you ever wondered if God really can turn your pain into purpose? Our guest today shares the peace he felt when he found Jesus after a lifetime of violence and how he uses it now to help others get free. Hector "Lefty" Perez is a mental health and sobriety advocate. He works installing HVAC systems and helps as many people as he can know the love of Christ. Today, Lefty shares what it was like growing up in East Los Angeles among violence, gangs, and drugs. He tells how he got sucked into the life, the moment he decided to get out, and turning his life over to Christ once and for all. Left also shares the difficult times he's experienced including relapse at times and how it led him to a life where he encourages others to give up drugs and live for Christ. Lefty's story reminds us that God loves us no matter what we have done. Listen to Lefty's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Lefty shared: Moving states to Colorado Being diagnosed with ADHD at seven and how it’s helped him with a career in

You grew up in church but suddenly, you can't tell if God cares about you. What do you do? Our guest today shares the moment when she didn't recognize herself, didn't feel God's presence, and what she did next. Ciara Laine Myers is an award-winning business owner, blogger, and author of Glasses Off: Seeing God When Your Vision Is Gone. Today, Ciara shares with us her reaction to trauma, the moment her secrets became known, and the practices that brought her back to health. Plus, we talk about calling and why it may not mean what you think. Ciara's story reminds us that no matter how far we feel from God, it's only one step back. Listen to Ciara's story wherever you get your podcasts now!   Stories Ciara shared: Struggling with calling and asking God for fresh insight Growing up on a little ranch in Texas in a Christian family Getting saved when she was five Being abused sexually by a friend at seven Processing her experience in college Deciding to be “bad Ciara” and where that led her Realizing that she didn

What was the experience for you that changed your faith dramatically? Our guest today shares the moment that moved his faith from his head to his heart and how it changed how he sees everything. Jeff Haanen is a writer and entrepreneur. He’s the founder of Denver Institute for Faith & Work, an educational organization that creates content and experiences around topics related to faith, work, the economy, and modern culture. Today, Jeff shares how he found faith while recovering from an injury, his funny response to praying aloud for the first time, and how he started thinking about faith and work. Plus, Jeff shares his process as he learned humility. Jeff's story reminds us the Gospel is best infused into every aspect of our lives. Listen to Jeff's story anywhere you get your podcasts!  Stories Jeff shared: Growing up in a Minnesota without a strong faith experience Getting hurt before his senior year and reading the Bible and other books Praying in a group for the first time Joining a missions or

Sometimes life just doesn't go the way you planned. Give me an amen if that resonates! When the unexpected happens, it's tempting to believe that you did something wrong or that God is punishing you.  Our guest today says that community, communion with God, and even medication helped her overcome life's unexpected speed bumps. Sarah E. Frazer is author of several books including her latest I Didn’t Sign Up for This. Today, Sarah shares about her friend from another denomination helped her grow, finding God while struggling through postpartum depression, and the moment she learned God isn't angry with her.  Sarah's story reminds us that while we are sometimes surprised by life, God isn't and he's always there with us. Listen to Sarah's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Sarah shared: Moving overseas in January 2020 and how that inspired her new book How the journey of suffering shapes us Growing up in Charleston, WV in a Christian family Giving her life to Christ at AWANA on a Wednesday night Decid

How often do you think about the end times? Ever come home to an empty house and wonder if you'd been left behind? If so, you're going to love this episode because our guest explains where that theological belief—and others you probably hold—came from. Dr. Dan Hummel is the director of The Lumen Center in Madison, WI and a research fellow in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He authored The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle of the End Times Shaped a Nation.  Dr. Hummel shared his own experiences including how he developed a global perspective as a missionary kid, growing up in a cessationist tradition, and the humility he developed by studying different traditions in Israel. We also talk about dispensationalism, a theological framework that you're probably more affected by than you realize. He details where it came from, how it still influences us today, including how you read your Bible. Dr. Hummel's work and story reminds us that understanding our th

Have you ever tried to ask hard questions about your faith only to run into a roadblock somewhere? Sometimes it's simple answers. Sometimes it's others who don't want to acknowledge the questions. Sometimes it's your own heart begging to keep life simple. Our guest today says it's worth asking the questions and offers a path through the uncertainty. Angela J. Herrington is a faith deconstruction coach and host of The Deconstructing Faith Summit who helps people break free from toxic religious culture & empowers them to recover from church hurt. Today, Angela shares the situation that caused her to wonder if everyone could be included in her community and the questions that arose from it. She explains how an accepting community can help, and why you can't outrun yourself. Avoiding the questions doesn't work so Angela shares how she helps others release the stigma and follow where the questions lead. Angela's story reminds us that following Jesus isn't always easy but it is always worth it. Listen to Angela

Is heaven a far away place that you'll go to someday or an imminent reality? Depending on what you were taught, you might have strong feelings about this. You may even wonder why the question is being asked at all. Our guest today explains how Jesus viewed the idea of heaven and why it's a crucial idea to understand biblically. Skye Jethani is the co-host of one of the most popular podcasts in the Christian space, The Holy Post, and author of some of the best books with the Kingdom of God in mind. His book With is a must read. And now he’s published his fourth in the What if Jesus was Serious? Series with What If Jesus Was Serious About Heaven.  Today, Skye discusses common misunderstandings about heaven, how those ideas can malform us, and what the biblical view actually is. He also shares how a biblical worldview of eternity changes our public discourse and decisions.  If you're interested in heaven, this episode is for you. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Skye shared: How to join Skye's

It's the new year! Were you one of those who made a commitment to read your Bible more frequently and regularly this year? If so, you're not alone. Our guest today offers a resource to help you reach your goal easier this year. Michelle Nezat is passionate about inspiring you to read, study, and understand the Bible. She is the host of the More Than a Song podcast where she helps you use the songs you listen to on the radio to meditate on God's Word. Today, Michelle shares her story including how she felt called to missions, the difficult conversation that shifted her direction, and the church situation that hurt her. Along the way, Michelle shares how it all led to embracing her calling in a way she never anticipated.  Michelle's story reminds us that a biblical worldview starts in what we consume and that God is always shaping us if we're paying attention. Listen to Michelle's story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Michelle shared: Growing up in Idaho going to church Her mom’s spiritual journey Be

Are you afraid to address that one thing in your life, even though you know your life would be better if you did? Our guest today says it's time to open the door to change, no matter what mess waits for us on the other side. Jason VanRuler is the author of Get Past Your Past: How Facing Your Broken Places Leads to True Connection. Jason is known for his ability to relate and connect with his clients and offer hope to those who have felt hopeless. Today, Jason shares how he ignored God for many years, the quiet way the Lord spoke to him, and how meeting his wife gave him the willingness to open up. Jason challenges us to find community and within it, the true love of Jesus for the broken hearted. Jason's story reminds us that no matter how far we go from God, it's only one step back. Listen to Jason's story wherever you get your podcasts, right now! Stories Jason shared: Working as a therapist and becoming an author Having a lot of volatility in his childhood Ignoring God for a long time Welding trailers for a

Does how we think about humanity—ourselves included—really matter?  A bad understanding of the human person has led to everything from indifference to unspeakable atrocities. Worse still, some theological camps look at human beings so negatively that it shows in their interactions with others.  Fortunately, the Bible gives us a way of viewing humanity through God's lens. Our guest today reminds us how to see humanity as the image of God that the Bible reveals us to be and what it means for us. Dr. Carmen Joy Imes is associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University. She is the author of Being God’s Image: Why Creation Still Matters and Bearing God’s Name: Why Sinai Still Matters. Today, Dr. Imes shares with us the deep sense of calling she had as a girl, where it took her around the world, and how she entered biblical studies. She shares what the Bible says about the image of God and why it may not be what you've been told. Dr. Imes' reminds us to treat everyone with the respect the image of God in the

What does your soul long for? Have you ever been hit with a wave of longing, at a loss for words for what to call it? What if I told you that those moments are deeply formational and there's even special word for it? Our guest today says that those longings of the soul need special attention and calls us to listen up. Jeff Crosby is the president and CEO of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishing, and the author of “The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts,” published by Broadleaf Books. Today, Jeff shares how he found mentorship in his father-in-law, the season of life when his faith moved to more spiritual formation focused, and where he discovered the words to describe that soul level longing for Jesus to make all things right. Jeff's story reminds us that our faith is already and not yet but that Jesus can be trusted to meet us in the longing. Listen to Jeff's story in your favorite podcast app today! Stories Jeff shared: Growing up in Indiana and other places Going

Have you ever felt pressured to choose a cause over the Lord? Whether it's today's charged political culture or even certain theological camps, fitting in can be more attractive than staying faithful Christ alone. Our guest on Halfway There today reminds us that we're called to live for Christ and his cause, alone. Shadia Hrichi is a Bible teacher, award-winning author, and speaker who is passionate for seeing lives transformed through the power of God’s Word. She holds a master’s in biblical and theological studies as well as a master’s in criminal justice. Today, Shadia shares what it was like growing up in a mixed culture home, how she found Jesus later in life, and the calling she received to go to seminary to become a teacher. She also shares her own moment of feeling separated from God and how that led her to a life-changing insight. Shadia's story reminds us that following the Lord has it's ups and downs but he he never leaves us alone, even if it feels that way sometimes. Listen to Shadia's story wher

Have you ever wondered why the Bible says that Christians are aliens and strangers in this world? How can the Gospel spread through people without power in their land? Our guest today reminds us that the Kingdom of God often operates silently and without notice but is never inactive. Britt Mooney is an author, podcaster, and pastor who thrives on telling great stories. Today, he share how he rebelled against cultural Christianity, discovered what it was like to really be an alien, and the theological truth about God that changed how he operated. Britt works to help believers like you understand just how counter-cultural the faith Jesus calls us to is and how beautiful a story it tells. Listen to Britt's story wherever you get your podcasts! Stories Britt shared: Growing up in Alabama and Georgia Being dragged to church as a child Playing the church game and finding a personal relationship at a Christian concert Rebelling against cultural Christianity Becoming a public school teacher Receiving a call to Asia t

Ever wished you had a mentor to guide you through life and faith? Feeling isolated and trying to figure everything out on your own is not what Jesus intended for His church. Our guest today reveals how mentorship can transform lives, including your own. Nancy Lindgren is the Founder and CEO of MORE Mentoring, and author of Mentoring Made Real: The Power of Authentic Connection. In this episode, Nancy shares her journey from a young woman with a calling to the leader of a mentoring ministry. She opens up about learning to listen to the Lord in prayer and the pivotal moment that turned mentoring into her mission. Listen as Nancy shares the trials and triumphs of waiting on God’s timing, and how her story exemplifies the need for intentional relationships in the Church. These connections, spanning different ages and experiences, help us grow in our faith in profound ways. Download now to hear Nancy’s inspiring story on your favorite podcast platform!   Stories Nancy shared: Growing up in Nebraska Hearing Christi

Have you ever wondered about your purpose on this planet? Do you feel destined for more, yearning to accomplish something meaningful, even if you can't quite pinpoint what it is? In today's episode, our guest is Paul Ybarra, a coach dedicated to helping people uncover their gifts and live up to their full potential. Paul's path to becoming a coach wasn't straightforward; it was a winding, sometimes bumpy road shaped by his faith in Jesus. Paul Ybarra's story is one of redemption and empowerment. Growing up in the Jehovah's Witnesses, Paul later turned to a life of drug dealing before a pivotal encounter led him to Christ. This profound change allowed Paul to embrace his true self in Christ, bringing a newfound sense of freedom. Today, Paul is passionate about seeing others win and, more importantly, empowering the younger generation. Paul's story teaches us that no matter where we come from, finding ourselves in Christ opens us to so much more. Listen to Paul's story wherever you get your podcasts right now. 

Christina Dent is the founder & president of End It For Good and author of Curious: A Foster Mom’s Discovery of an Unexpected Solution to Drugs & Addiction. She was previously with us on episode #235 which can be found below. Today, Christina shares with us about why she chose to write a book to support her endeavors, the integral link between connection and drug use, and why fear needs to stop being our motivator when addressing addiction issues. Christina paints a vision of creating a health-centric approach to helping people overcome addiction. Hers is a movement rooted in the way Jesus sees them not behavior modification that we can all learn from. Listen to this important conversation with Christian Dent where you get your podcasts right now. Stories Christina shared: The work of End It For Good The effects of three strike laws and why we need to understand it The farmer who has How Jesus treated people and how it’s different than our approach The stigma that people are silently suffering with Th

Have you ever found yourself bored with life? Maybe you're going through the motions but just not feeling it anymore? Our guest today was slumbering through his life until a radical encounter with revival changed everything...and him. Scott Brown is an author, historian, documentarian, and entrepreneur. Scott serves as the Director of Development for Globe International, an independent missions sending agency. In this episode, Scott shares how his early years on the farm shaped him, the health issues that became a dark time, and the revival that set his life ablaze for Jesus. Whether you are feeling bright and alive in Christ or need a fresh wind of faith, Scott's story will remind you that the Lord does amazing things if we're open to them. Listen to Scott's story FREE in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Scott shared: The work he does with Globe International Growing up on a farm near Dayton, Ohio Moving to Pensacola, FL as a young man Being baptized in the Church of the Brethren His church and connect

Caris Snider is a speaker, author, coach, and podcaster. Her latest book is There’s an Elephant on My Chest, a picture book for children she wrote to help kids understand what anxiety feels like. Today, Caris shares her story of growing up in a Christian home in the Bible belt feeling like she had to be perfect. Trying to live up to her beliefs led to anxiety and depression until she was willing to accept help. Caris shares with us how she found hope over anxiety and the Lord’s closeness during the process. Caris’ story reminds us that we need community and don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Listen to Caris’ story in your favorite podcast player today! Children's Picture Book- There's an Elephant on My Chest Stories Caris shared: Overcoming anxiety and helping others Growing up in Alabama in a Christian family as a twin Her mom’s example as a prayer warrior Having to overcome cerebral palsy on the left side of her body Trying out for cheerleader and not making it Studying early childhood development Meeti

Jacci Turner is an author, spiritual director, trainer of spiritual directors, and a retried trauma therapist. Today, Jacci shares her story of discovering the Lord at camp, serving as a trainer for campus ministers for decades, and how her growing understanding of God’s love changed everything. She lost her position and became an outcast from a community she loved. Jacci shares how she got through that difficult season and how spiritual direction helped her see the way through the spiritual desert. Jacci’s story reminds us that we all get a little tumbled by life but that the Lord makes something beautiful out of us all in the end. Listen to Jacci’s story in your favorite podcast player now! Stories Jacci shared: Growing up as a daughter of a produce Finding Jesus “for the first time” as a child Praying for Jesus to take away her nightmares Forgetting her relationship with God as a teenager Giving her life to Christ as a teenager at camp Going to college and learning Scripture Growing in love for the LGBTQ+

Sam Black, author of The Healing Church: What Churches Get Wrong About Pornography, and Director of Life Change Education at Covenant Eyes. Today, Sam shares how his life changed when he was first exposed to pornography, how it became a crutch for him, and why it’s so destructive. He explains the inner turmoil he felt which often kept him from church but then, he discovered a community that allowed him to be honest about his addiction. Plus, Sam tells us how to get started making your church a place that’s safe, too. Sam’s story reminds us that God’s grace is enough for everyone regardless of what sin they struggle with. Listen to Sam’s story in your favorite podcast app now! Stories Sam shared: Why he wrote The Healing Church Growing up in Indiana, Kentucky, and Florida in a “hypocritically violent” home Being exposed to pornography at 10 years old How pornography became an escape for him The messages that he received from his church How his wife came to Christ The relationship between how much pornograph