Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde: Recent Episodes
Mike Thom, Colleen Houde
Jessica Morris, the Australian journalist behind the investigation into former Newsboys and DC Talk frontman Michael Tait, says her intent was never to dismantle the Christian music industry, but to help protect those within it.
Morris’s reporting, published by The Roys Report, contains sexual misconduct allegations from multiple men against Tait — allegations that, at the time of the interview, had not been tested in court. But they were the result of years of careful investigation and corroboration.
Today on Connections, Morris shares the details of her two and a half year investigation.
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After a three-year wait, fans of When Hope Calls will be able to watch the show on Pure Flix and will be introduced to some new characters.
Canadians Cindy Busby and Christopher Russell join the cast for Season 2 and are excited for the opportunity.
Today on Connections, the duo shares what it's like to be a part of this show.
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David Leonard recently traded his studio for a secluded cabin to record his latest album.
Leonard and a few of his close musical friends packed up what they needed and headed out to an old cabin in a secluded area in Franklin, Tennessee.
Today on Connections, David talks about that experience and his new album, Just Jesus.
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A new initiative is underway to bring the world together in prayer and worship.
Gather25, led by a collection of ministries, partners, and leaders, hopes to see every Christian from every denomination from every continent come together for a full day of worship, repentance and commissioning in 2025.
Jennie Allen, Bible teacher, bestselling author and visionary behind Gather25 shares what Gather25 is and how she hopes it will bring the global church together.
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A new film, which follows the clash of two families in the fall of civilization and the plans God has in store is being well received nationwide.
Based on the best-selling book series, Black Autumn, by Jeff Kirkham and Jason Ross, this new post-apocalyptic family survival drama directed by Ben Smallbone, follows the families, an ultra-prepared, wealthy family and the military veteran family they’ve hired for property security, to a homestead.
Jesse Hutch, a Canadian-born actor plays the role of an ex-Green Beret in Homestead.
Today on Connections, Jesse talks about how he got into acting and his latest role in Homestead.
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January is Alzheimer's awareness month.
For Manitoba resident, Linda Wiebe, it's a time to share her family's story in hopes of helping others facing a similar diagnosis.
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Open Doors Canada has released their 2025 World Watch List.
The World Watch list ranks the 50 countries in the world where it's most dangerous to live as a Christian.
Garry Stagg, executive director of Open Doors Canada shares what they discovered and why it's so important to share this list with Canadians
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A new podcast is giving listeners a new perspective on the Old Testament.
Created by Yael Eckstein president and CEO of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, The Chosen People offers a cinematic audio experience, bringing to life the timeless stories of the Old Testament and highlighting their relevance to Christian and Jewish audiences.
In this episode of Connections, Yael Eckstein shares more about the podcast and its inspiration.
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AI can be a touchy subject, especially regarding its place in the church.
Jason Moore author of AI and the Church: A Clear Guide for the Curious and Courageous says AI is neither inherently good nor inherently evil. He says it is a neutral tool capable of achieving remarkable feats when used wisely.
Today on Connections, Jason shares positive ways we can use AI in the church
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With a loud culture that promotes individualism and materialism, one Christian author is sharing wisdom on parenting a grateful generation.
Today on Connections, Kristen Welch shares how we can say the ultimate yes as a family by bringing up faith-filled kids who love God and others.
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With more than 850 pieces of original artwork, Ruth Chou Simons’ newest book, Beholding and Becoming, is destined to become an heirloom classic.
This beautifully illustrated book is an intimate exploration of the many ways we can experience God more fully in our ordinary lives.
Simons challenges readers to turn their eyes from quick fixes, self-help, and the filtered highlight reels of social media. Instead, she calls them to look to Christ to be transformed by setting their hearts, minds, and affections on Him, whatever their present circumstances may be.
Originally aired Aug. 6, 2019
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With Christian and Gospel music awards taking a recent hit in Canada, the Gospel Music Industry Hub has stepped up to recognize artists nationwide.
Cheryle Dueck, founder of GMIHub shares they will do this today on Connections.
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When it comes to the Bible, picking it up and reading it from front to back can be a task for many. RevelationMedia has found a way around this.
"We took about 300 scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, and we compiled a nine-minute animated video of the salvation message," said CEO of RevelationMedia, Steve Cleary.
Filled with eye-catching artwork and vivid colour, The Real Story of Jesus has been watched over 2.7 million times and over 180,000 people have decided to follow Christ.
Today on Connections, Steve Cleary shares why they did this and talks about their partnership with Voice of the Martyrs Canada.
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On a hunt to find new wholesome reading material for his children, a Saskatchewan resident decided to take things into his own hands.
Jason Weening, podcaster, speaker and father of 10 kids between four months and 18 years old, decided to add author to his list of titles.
He recently released a book called Riders of the Lost Reptiles: Danger in the Jungle.
Today on Connections he tells us about the book and the inspiration behind it.
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Fulfilling God's calling can be challenging for many. In most cases, this means taking some huge leaps in life.
Bible teacher, podcaster and author, Rachel G. Scott wants to help you take that next step.
Today on Connections, she shares how you can start taking those leaps and experience God's faithfulness as you respond to his call.
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It's been almost three months since the release of Unsung Hero, and the film has now surpassed over $20 million at the theatrical box office.
In its opening weekend, the film, which shares the story behind the family of five-time Grammy Award-winning artists for King & Country and Rebecca St. James, hit No. 2 at the box office.
The film has now been released on DVD, Blu-ray and some streaming services, and it continues to see success.
Richard Ramsey, co-director of Unsung Hero, shares how the film continues to reach families across the globe.
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Benjamin Hylden was a typical teenager who loved sports and dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player one day. This all changed when his world was flipped upside down on Good Friday in 2007.
He shares his powerful story and how it lead him to Jesus in this episode of Connections.
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Three talented Christian artists have teamed up to release a new song they hope will help draw listeners back to the simplicity of salvation in Jesus Christ.
The new single, 'Back to Jesus,' is a collaboration between, Juno- Award winner K-Anthony, Lloyd Nicks and Alisha Eich.
They hope the song will cut through the negativity and draw listeners back to the simplicity of salvation.
Today on Connections, Lloyd and Alisha talk about the song, the lyrics and how the three of them came to know each other.
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Angie Orth was living her best life. She had a successful career and was exactly where she wanted to be... or at least she thought she was.
At 30 years old, making a successful living as a publicist in New York City, Orth realized it wasn't the life she wanted. That's when she decided to leave her career and go on a solo trip around the world.
She learned plenty along the way and is now writing about it in her new book, Flirting with Disaster.
Today on Connections, Angie shares how this journey started and how it helped her strengthen her faith.
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A new Canadian Christian artist hopes her latest single will help listeners rid themselves of the fear and anxiety that may be overwhelming them.
Elenee, who is based out of Saskatchewan, released her newest song 'No Place Here' about two weeks ago.
She says the response since releasing the song has been overwhelming.
Today on Connections she shares more about the song and what led her to music. She'll also talk a bit about her testimony.
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K-Anthony is a proud Jamaican-Canadian singer and songwriter currently residing in Regina, Saskatchewan. His album, Arrow, recently won him a Juno award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year. He shares what that experience was like and what's next for him.
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A film focusing on the story of the family behind five-time Grammy Award-winning artists for King & Country and Rebecca St. James will hit the big screen this spring.
Luke Smallbone, one of the brothers that make up for King & Country, says he's been sharing his family's story of losing everything to becoming one of the most well-known families in Christian music at every show for the past decade.
On April 26, 2024, the family's story will officially hit the big screen.
Today on Connections, Luke Smallbone talks about this new film, Unsung Hero, and how he hopes it will impact families across the globe.
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Spring cleaning is exciting to those seeking a fresh start to a new season. However, many dread it because of the enormity of the projects, time, and effort it takes to complete. Whatever their outlook on spring cleaning, most people agree it’s a wonderful feeling when we can enjoy our finished work and sense of accomplishment.
Perhaps just like your home and lawn, it’s been a long winter season for you spiritually. Maybe it’s time for spiritual spring cleaning so that you can be more prepared and used by God for His kingdom work. So pull up your sleeves and get to work with the following checklist!
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Countless people sing his songs in churches every week around the globe, but few realize recording artist Mack Brock is the songwriter behind them.
Mack Brock has experienced many changes in his career in ministry and music and his family life.
Today on Connections, Mack talks in depth about his life changes, foster parenting and music.
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Carrie Sheffield's upbringing was anything but normal. She was the fifth of eight children with a violent, mentally ill, street musician father who thought he was a modern-day Mormon prophet destined to become U.S. president someday.
Growing up, Sheffield moved around a lot. They often lived like drifters, camping in sheds, tents and motorhomes. In her lifetime, Carrie attended a total of 17 public schools.
She eventually escaped and found her way back to God.
Today on Connections, Carrie shares her experience. She also talks about her new book, Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness.
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Stephanie Morales-Beaulieu will never forget the day her dad called to tell her he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The doctor had given him three to five years to live. This propelled Stephanie into a season she did not think she would survive. After experiencing what a little bit of trust in God’s faithfulness can accomplish, Morales-Beaulieu was compelled to share this message, and her father’s life, legacy and love for Jesus in her first book, Anything But Ordinary.
Today on Connections, Stephanie shares her family's story and how it has helped grow her faith.
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Marriage on its own can be challenging. Throw in kids, life and everything else, and things can get very complicated.
Speaker and author Lucille Williams hopes her new documentary, Faith, Love and Pancakes, will help turn things around, allowing couples to win in their relationships.
In this episode of Connections, Williams talks about her new documentary and where you can watch it.
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January is Alzheimer's awareness month.
In 2019 Linda Wiebe's husband, Herb, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a journey that has taken their family down a winding path.
Today on Connections, Linda shares her family's experience with Alzheimer's and how their faith has impacted this journey.
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On March 6, 2016, Pastor Tim Remington was shot six times at close range. After being shot, Tim survived blood loss, multiple surgeries, a saddle clot, an infection, and a stroke. He made an incredible recovery, which only spurred his belief that God still works miracles.
Amy Joy Hess shares his story today on Connections.
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A new documentary sharing the story behind the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling Christian band Casting Crowns will hit theatres this week.
The film Home by Sunday gives fans a front-row seat to the last two decades, showing the band's journey from a youth band to becoming one of Christian music's best-known bands.
Home by Sunday will hit theatres across the country on Nov. 30.
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After Death is a gripping feature film that explores what happens after we die, based on real near-death experiences, conveyed by scientists, authors, and survivors. From the New York Times bestselling authors who brought you titles like 90 Minutes in Heaven, Imagine Heaven, and To Heaven and Back, emerges a cinematic peek beyond the veil that examines the spiritual and scientific dimensions of mortality, inviting us to wonder: Is there life after death?
Today on Connections, Stephen Gray, producer and director of After Death shareswhere the idea came from and how you can check out this new film.
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Texas Life Coach Michael Taylor has thrown a lifeline to individuals looking to kickstart their spiritual journeys and self-discovery in his new book, What if Jesus Were a Coach?
What if Jesus Were a Coach? aims to inspire readers to find their own truth about God. The author shares his personal experiences and delves into the teachings of Jesus to help readers realize that there is more to spirituality than rules and restrictions.
A former Atheist, Michael Taylor once had an aversion to organized religion until he undertook extensive research about world religions to determine if God existed or not.
Today on Connections, Michael shares his testimony and why it's so important for him to reach others.
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There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet
there are also great challenges that make them feel depleted, alone, and
discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--struggling
children, difficult biological parents, and a broken system--are only
compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion,
anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear.
In her new book, Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and
Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent, Jamie C. Finn, executive
director of Foster the Family and a foster parent helps you see your
struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear
on your unique everyday realities.
Today on Connections, Jamie shares a bit about her journey with foster parenting. She'll also talk about some of the things that have helped her along the way.
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As a young teenager, Wande lacked confidence and often chased the approval of others by following the latest trends or behaviours of her peers. Upon discovering an interest in Christian rap music, the development of her faith and the direction of her future changed for good.
Wande shares her powerful testimony today on Connections.
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Singer/songwriter, Katy Nichole, has not only gone viral, now reaching well over 150 million people with the chorus to her debut single "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," but she has also reached the second-highest position on iTunes’ overall Top Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart since the song’s release.
Today on Connections, Katy shares what it's been like to go viral. She'll also share the inspiration behind the song and her own miracle story.
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It was 2017 when Heather and Ernie Ginter's lives were turned upside down.
Just before a planned trip to Costa Rica to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Ernie was experiencing some pain and was quickly diagnosed with gallstones.
He went in for emergency surgery and was able to go on his trip. When they arrived back, they were devastated to find out the doctor had also found a rare form of cancer.
Amid her husband's 13-month battle with cancer, Heather says she was able to find her way back to God. And at the age of 46, she was baptized.
Today on Connections, Heather shares her powerful testimony. She also talks about her memoir, When Forever is Interrupted.
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Parents want their children to grow up with the ability to face life, especially disappointments and risks, with confidence and bravery. Children who learn resiliency are less likely to give up, avoid risks and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression.
Kathy Koch, PhD., is a child development specialist and author of six books, including RESILIENT KIDS: RAISING THEM TO EMBRACE LIFE WITH CONFIDENCE. She defines resiliency as “recovering readily from disappointment, failure, defeat, adversity, and trauma.”
Today on Connections, Dr. Koch shares practical, relevant and faith-based insights and resources, reminding us there is “no shame or blame for yesterday and great hope for tomorrow.”
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The Bacuyani family has always loved to travel and explore together. They have been travelling the world with their three boys since 2012. But it wasn't until tragedy struck in 2021 that they decided to start travelling full time.
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Aaron House is the founder and executive director of Piercing Word Ministry.
Piercing Word Ministry is a full-time non-profit based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They tour throughout the United States and beyond, bringing God's word to centre stage and igniting a passion for the Word of God and the art of the church.
Part of that was encouraging the audience to memorize God's word.In 2013, House set out to memorize the entire New Testament.
In the end, he memorized and recited 25 of the 27 stories. He says memorizing scripture is a great way to win spiritual victories.
Today on Connections, Aaron shares about his ministry and why it is so important to memorize scripture.
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In a culture where value is placed on grand displays of power and influence, it is easy to get caught in the comparison trap that creates an enormous pressure to do more, try harder, or “go big or go home.” The constant striving for greatness and abundance can disrupt our peace, happiness, and confidence.
Like many women, Rachael Adams questioned her worth, which she based
on her contributions as a wife, a mother, and a child of God. She believed that
her modest, routine work was insignificant and meaningless. Rachael needed a reminder that God finds importance and significance even in the simplest, most ordinary tasks and that He multiplies the smallest efforts for his kingdom and will.
In her book, A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life, Rachael offers biblical truths about God’s ability to unlock eternal influence when we
consistently pursue and obey Him
Today on Connections, Rachael shares what success means to her and how we can look past our insecurities when it comes to success.
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Joyce Wolfe was a confident, laid back and spiritually strong woman, that was, until 2018 when her family experienced a health crisis.
This event sparked anxiety and panic attacks for Joyce, something she had never experienced.
Today on Connections, Joyce shares how she found peace. She will also share how she uses her experience to help others find hope and joy.
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Refuge for Women was formed in January 2009 in Lexington, KY, and was founded by Ked and Michelle Frank.
Before starting Refuge, Ked had a series of pivotal conversations with the leader of a group doing outreach to women in local strip clubs. Although the outreach had been ongoing for three years, the women who wanted help with escaping had no long-term places to go. In response to this need, Refuge for Women opened its first location in Kentucky in 2009. It is a non-profit, faith-based organization that provides long-term care for women who are survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, offering them a new beginning.
Since then, Refuge for Women has served more than 100 women and grown to 11 locations.
Today on Connections, Ked shares the inspiration behind this organization and the impact it has had on the community.
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With prices on the rise for basically everything, saving a dollar or two here and there can help.
Nichole Schaubroeck, known online as Coupon Cutie, is an expert in this area. Nichole has spent years figuring out the best ways to save money and is now using social media to help others do the same.
Today on Connections, Nichole shares ways that we can save money in the grocery store.
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Jodie Ballenger experienced more in her childhood than many of us will experience in our lifetime.
Her mother was a prostitute, and her father chose his new wife over her, leading to neglect and abuse. This impacted her life in ways she never imagined.
Today on Connections, Jodie shares her powerful story of redemption and faith.
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Jodie Ballenger experienced more in her childhood than many of us will experience in our lifetime.
Her mother was a prostitute, and her father chose his new wife over her, leading to neglect and abuse. This impacted her life in ways she never imagined.
Today on Connections, Jodie shares her powerful story of redemption and faith.
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The first thing you will notice when you meet Kechi Okwuchi is her scars. One of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than one hundred people, sixteen-year-old Kechi was left with third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside to remember that our true value is within.
Today on Connections, Kechi shares her story with us.
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"I'm a broken dude who has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved by Jesus. I'm trying hard to figure out how to follow His ways."
Jerrad Lopes is a Christian author, speaker, and the founder of Dad Tired, a non-profit ministry focused on equipping men to lead their families well.
Jerrad served as a pastor in the church world for 11 years.
Several years ago, Jerrad and his wife, Leila, went through a really terrible time in their marriage. During this time he says he was a terrible husband and father. He says he was disengaged, selfish, and on his own path.
But he says God rescued him and today he is using that experience to help other fathers and husbands to take their family, faith and marriage more seriously
Today on Connections, Jerrad shares his journey and how he became the man he is today.
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Anxiety is the most common mental illness diagnosis, and those who suffer from it often feel overwhelmed, out of control, ashamed, lonely, and spiritually defeated.
Many Christians question whether anxiety is a sin and wonder why it so often persists despite prayer and faith.
The truth is that anxiety is an emotion that can serve as a life-saving tool, offering instinctual responses to danger.
Dr. Amanda Porter, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with triple-board
certifications in internal medicine, psychiatry/mental health, and addiction
openly shares that she, too, struggles with anxiety.
Today on Connections, Dr. Porter shares some coping strategies, spiritual guidance, and refreshing encouragement to help those struggling to discover personal freedom
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Matthew Kenslow juggles more than balls and clubs at his motivational speaking engagements. He juggles the challenges — and stigma — that accompany his Asperger’s Syndrome.
His eye-opening book, Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger's Syndrome, is a deeply personal perspective from a bright young mind who refuses to let labels define him or limit him.
Today on Connections, he shares his powerful story and how faith plays a role in all of it.
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Many women struggle with the voice in their head that tells them they are not
enough…not smart enough, not pretty enough, not capable enough, not present
enough.
In her book, Set Apart: How to Stop Comparing, Own Your Giftedness, and Rest
in Jesus, Denisse Copeland uses the biblical story of Mary and Martha to share her own story of recognizing her unique giftedness and unpacks how women can embrace their identity in Christ.
Today on Connections, Denisse shares her story and how she managed to stop comparing, own her giftedness and rest in Jesus.
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The past couple of years have had a significant impact on our children, especially when it comes to screen time.
Many parents relied on tablets and television to keep their children busy while they were busy working from home or while they were in lockdown.
Molly DeFrank is a mother of six and the author of Digital Detox: A Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids.
She says it is time to flip the switch and get our kids back.
Today on Connections, Molly shares how we can start doing this and relate it to our faith.
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Bubbling, what is it? How is it connected to God?
Lynn Hancock is also known as the bubble lady. She spends the warmer months going from park to park in Guelph, Ontario, creating bubbles.
Today on Connections, Lynn shares how she first got involved with bubbling and how she's using this as a way to spread joy.
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He didn’t start a religion. He didn’t wear long robes. He didn’t have 12 disciples (and they weren’t all men). And his name wasn’t even Jesus.
What did the real Jesus look like? What did he wear? What did he eat? And who actually killed him?
Jared Brock says almost everything we know about Jesus is wrong.
Today on Connections, Jared uncovers the human life of Jesus Christ.
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A small radio station founded almost two decades ago has grown into a multimedia platform that provides a space where music and empowering conversations create a sense of community for people searching for answers to everyday questions about life, purpose and faith. It's called Holy Culture Radio.
James Rosseau, the founder of the non-profit that owns and runs the multimedia platform, is a successful entrepreneur, passionate about helping young people fulfill their potential.
Today on Connections, James shares how he went from corporate to non-profit. He'll also share how he uses radio to share God's message.
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When a child thinks they can rule over their parents, they really have their work cut out for them! What seems impossible, God makes possible. When a mother feels like her life is a mess with a troubled marriage, she needs to rely on God for parenting advice. New moms often have feelings of inadequacy, but we can learn to rely on God for wisdom and strength with a focus on grace.
Today on Connections, author and speaker Lucille Williams, shares that when it comes to parenting, anything is possible!
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Global storytelling organization I Am Second has released an exclusive short documentary that offers viewers an intimate look at entrepreneur, pastor and racer, Don Wickstrum’s years-long journey to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while leaning on his faith and battling an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
Today on Connections, Don shares his powerful testimony and what it was like to find hope
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When gold stars, highlight reels, and seeking approval from strangers on the internet are not enough, Mary Marantz gives you permission to stop running. In this unique, powerful devotional filled with stunning photography, she shows you how to move from achieving, striving, and performing for your worth to the grace, freedom, and purpose that come from knowing your identity and calling are determined by God.
She says you are not in a race with anyone. Good things take time. Real things take time. And slow growth equals strong roots.
Today on Connections, Mary shares the inspiration behind her book. She'll also chat a bit about her journey and how she managed to get to where she is today.
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Both Rick and Robin McMillin struggled with addiction. Rick with anger and Robin with alcohol.
Together the pair found freedom and are using their experience to help others.
Rick and Robin are directors of Total Freedom Manitoba.
Today on Connections, Rick and Robin share their powerful testimonies. They'll also chat about the work being done at Total Freedom Manitoba.
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We all wish we had more control. When our relationships are strained, when our bodies refuse to cooperate, and when the future is uncertain, control promises security and peace.
The problem is, the more we seek the illusion of control, the more it betrays us.
Thankfully the answer to our craving is not simply to "let go and let God." Instead, God has given us a better tool. In this eye-opening book, Sharon Hodde Miller helps us discover the real power God has given us in Christ--to exercise influence over ourselves and our lives.
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As a child, Michael Molthan experienced many hardships and trials, from his father’s abandonment to his grandfather’s abuse.
All of this led him down a path of destruction that ended with drugs, alcohol and prison time.
It was in jail that Michael found God and was set free.
Today on Connections, Michael shares his powerful story of transformation.
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Sara Barratt says it is time to trade confusion for clarity and live boldly for God in a world gone crazy.
Sara Barratt is Editor-in-Chief for TheRebelution.com, a growing online platform that reaches more than half a million Christian teens, parents, and youth workers each year. She's a frequent speaker on topics including using your teen years for Christ, biblically navigating culture, and godly dating and relationships. She's also written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Girl Defined, and Crosswalk. She is the author of Love Riot and Stand Up, Stand Strong.
No matter how young or old we are, or how much or how little influence we think we have, God calls us to boldly engage our upside-down culture through the lens of his truth.
Today on Connections, Sara offers practical ways to stay rooted in God's truth while engaging culture with the redemptive story of the gospel--no matter the cost.
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What are the limits on reaching the next generation? One Voice Student Missions ministry founder Brian Barcelona is pushing the bar on traditional evangelism and reaching Gen Z and younger through their phones.
In Don’t Scroll: Evangelism in the Digital Age, Brian explores how his initially small ministry gained a social media following of over 1 million. Now, his ministry hosts virtual events through TikTok and Instagram for healing, baptism, deliverance and salvation.
Today on Connections, Brian shares how we can spread the Gospel in a way that speaks to the generation that lives online.
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Traumatic experiences happen to nearly everyone at some time in some form. The aftereffects--depression, anxiety, addiction, panic attacks, insomnia, and more--can affect us for years or even a lifetime.
But the brokenness following a traumatic event is never a life sentence. While we are all changed by trauma, we do not have to be defined by it.
Today on Connections, Dr. Gregory Jantz shares how to find healing from past pain.
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In our image-conscious culture, life can become a never-ending performance. The perfection we feel pressured to project to those in our social sphere comes at the expense of our emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. In the end, we are left exhausted and unfulfilled. How do we flip the script and feed ourselves rather than simply adding to our feeds?
In Manda Carpenter's latest book, Soul Care to Save Your Life, she offers an invitation to shift your focus from performing to purposeful living from the inside out
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Every day there is an opportunity to draw awareness to the issues surrounding human trafficking. What are the realities of this situation, and how do we protect our children?
Today on Connections, Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good, CEO of The Foundation United, educates us on human trafficking and how children are easily groomed. She'll also share how we can protect our children.
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Granger Smith is a country artist turned actor.
Smith makes his debut in the new AFFIRM Originals movie MOONRISE, which is now streaming on Netflix.
He plays Will Brown, a former country singer who has pushed away his family, fame and faith following his wife’s death. It is Brown's daughter, Ellie and a talented horse trainer who show him strength, forgiveness and grace to live life again.
Today on Connections, Granger shares what it was like to go from country singer to actor. He'll also share how he relates to his character, Will Brown.
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Mindi Oaten is an artist who lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Cochrane, Alberta.
She says it was an encounter with God that changed her path and led her toward prophetic art.
Since then, she has painted her way through all 66 books of the Bible. Mindi is passionate about sharing her testimony in hopes she can teach and inspire others to see the Bible in a fresh way, as well as inspire and activate other creatives to use their gifts to glorify God.
Today on Connections, Mindi shares about her journey as a prophetic artist. She'll also chat about her story of painting through the Bible.
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Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs.
He became a nationally-renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church Tragedy in Charleston, SC, where nine African Americans were killed during a Bible study.
Singleton is now using this tragedy to unite people.
Today on Connections, Chris shares his story of how he has managed to embrace love over hate.
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Nancy Hicks spent years on stage in Canada and more than a decade at QVC as an on-air spokesperson. She loved her time there but finally sensed God calling her to full-time ministry.
After earning her master’s in theology from Palmer Seminary of Eastern University, Nancy launched her international speaking ministry, NancyHicksLive.
In May 2019, Nancy's life was turned upside down when her son David, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Just two years later, on May 1, 2021, David died.
Today on Connections, Nancy shares how she went from the secular world to full-time ministry. She'll also share how her son's death impacted her life and faith.
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T.C. Stallings, professional football athlete turned actor, is best known for his award-winning role in the #1 box-office film War Room. But throughout his life, he sensed a spiritual battle from a young age enduring challenging, life-altering circumstances.
T.C. was desperate to escape the housing projects of Cleveland, where he grew up surrounded by gangs, crime, violence, and drugs. Raised by a single mom, T.C. was one of six children from a different father T.C. did not meet until he was 18.
It was an encounter with the law and witnessing the mistake of others that motivated T.C. to focus on football and become the first in his family to earn a college diploma.
In his memoir, Eyes Fixed: My True Life Story, T.C. recounts poignant moments from his life, including professional failures, unfulfilled football dreams, personal insecurities, starting a family, and becoming a successful actor.
He shares his testimony with us today on Connections.
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If recent world events have taught us anything, it’s that life doesn’t always look the way we want it to look.
Author Mandy Hale says that while we can’t control the curveballs life throws at us, we can control our response to them. We can choose to loosen our grip on what we think life is “supposed” to be and embrace life for exactly what it is–messiness and mayhem and all. We can choose to stubbornly turn toward the sun, even as the storm rages around us.
Today on Connections, Mandy talks about embracing life in the good and bad and the difference it makes!
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If you have been hurt, neglected, rejected, or abandoned by your father, it may feel like every aspect of life is affected by that broken trust.
Even your relationship with God can feel tenuous, but there is hope.
In her book, Overcoming Father Wounds: Exchanging Your Pain for God's Perfect Love, Kia shares her story of father wounds, along with offering eye-opening examples from wounded women in Scripture who were transformed by the love of God.
Today on Connections, Kia shares how she went from deep pain to finding God's perfect love.
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Tuzee is an emerging R&B, pop singer-songwriter and full-time nurse.
Born and raised in Liberia, West Africa (now a proud Canadian), Tuzee loves music and has been singing since she was a child.
She says music was an oasis during incredible times of suffering.
Tuzee calls music her happy place as it reconnects her to the past and the present and helps her embrace the future.
She hopes her music inspires people from all walks of life.
Today on Connections, Tuzee shares where her passion for music started, the story behind her debut single and how she connects her music to her nursing career.
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Chris and Steph Teague were high school, mission trip sweethearts who met and began falling in love on a 13-hour road trip from Nashville to Pennsylvania.
While dating through high school and marrying in college, they were volunteer worship leaders and served together in a variety of ways.
However, things started to change when Chris entered a season of doubt that many people walk through on their faith journey.
This lead to Steph and Chris getting divorced, but their story doesn't end there.
Today on Connections, Chris and Stephanie of Out of the Dust share their amazing love story and how God restored their brokenness and used it for good.
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Inspired by her powerful hit song of the same title, Look What You’ve Done delves into Tasha’s journey of finding freedom in Jesus through life's twists and turns. Tasha takes readers through her early days in small-town South Carolina, to her big breakthrough as a background singer on stage with Katy Perry, to the mission field in Kenya and beyond. Across many countries and all her days, the truest constant in Tasha’s life has been the presence of God in both the highs and the lows.
Today on Connections, Tasha shares how her book Look What You’ve Done: The Lies We Believe & The Truth That Sets Us Free will inspire you to walk in boldness and love, sharing the goodness of God revealed in your life.
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The first week of May is mental health awareness week in Canada.
According to Laura Howe, approximately 43.8 million people per year experience some kind of mental health concern. However, 49% of pastors say they rarely (if ever) speak to their congregation about mental health.
Laura Howe is the founder of Hope Made Strong, an organization dedicated to equipping leaders with the mental health resources needed to create resilient individuals and churches with knowledgeable and confident leadership.
Today on Connections, Laura shares about her organization. She'll also chat about the importance of discussing mental health, especially within the church.
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From a runaway street kid in Uganda to a foster dad in America, Peter Mutabazi discovered the value of being known.
He is sharing his powerful story with the world in his book, Now I am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth.
Today on Connections, Peter shares his story and how his faith helped him through.
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Jesse Reeves is a prolific songwriter in the worship realm, as he spent 17 years leading worship and touring with Chris Tomlin and penning many songs that are sung each week internationally. He co-wrote "How Great Is Our God," "Our God," "Lord, I Need You," and most recently, the powerful anthem and Dove-nominated song, "I Speak Jesus," which was the No. 2 song at Multi-Tracks for 2022 and is gaining traction on the CCLI chart.
KingsPorch was planted by Jesse Reeves and his wife in Austin after they were also part of planting the Austin Stone Church in 2002 and Passion City Church in 2008.
Today on Connections, Jesse talks about the release of worship collective KingsPorch EP, God is in this House.
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Tomorrow is Earth Day.
Every year on April 22nd, people across the country recognize and celebrate Earth Day, one of the largest environmental events in the world.
The goal is not only to promote Earth Day just once a year but to connect people to nature every day.
A Rocha is an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.
Today on Connections, Scott Gerbrandt, A Rocha Manitoba director and Zoe Matties, A Rocha Manitoba program director share the importance of Earth Day and how we as Christians can start caring for the world around us.
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As parents, we either raise kids who are dependent on us or we raise kids who grow into confident and capable adults. It all comes down to helping them develop their mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets.
Jonathan and Erica Catherman share practical ways to prepare your kids for life on their own. They help you see how your kids view everyday demands of life as either threats to survive or challenges to thrive, then offer age and ability-appropriate guidance on the real-world skills kids ages 2 to 22 need before flying solo.
Today on Connections, the Cathermans share how we can start preparing our kids now, so they're independent when it's time for them to launch.
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Why can bad things appear so beautiful? Why are we so drawn to the shiny object in the room?
Wendy Patrick, PhD. is a career prosecutor with degrees in psychology, law, divinity, and theology. For decades, she has worked with victims and witnesses who
dismissed red flags and personal intuition, only to find themselves entangled in perilous situations with dangerous people.
She writes about this in her new book When Bad Looks Good: Biblical Wisdom to Make Smart Choices in Life, Love, and Friendship.
Today on Connections, she shares how we avoid falling victim to the hazards of misperceptions and how to overcome deception with Biblical perception.
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Prayer places us into God’s grace and mercy, and the prayers that strengthen our souls are the ones that guide us into His presence, where He can soothe our concerns and raise our spirits. When we seek His strength, we need to listen for the still, small voice of God that helps us grow, change, and increase our obedience to Him.
Karen Moore is the author of over 120 inspirational books, including her new book, Prayers to Strengthen Your Soul. Karen understands that our fears, our shortcomings, and the demands of life can distract us from our prayer life. But if we desire a personal relationship with God, then we must commit to praying and listening to Him.
Today on Connections, Karen Shares how we start doing this.
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Parenting is challenging. Finding time for family can be difficult, and carving out time for God is last on the list.
Crystal Paine, mom of six, bestselling author, podcaster, and entrepreneur, wants to help you change this.
In her new book, The Time Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most, Crystal delivers a no-nonsense, real-world guide on how to organize your life.
Today on Connections, she shares how we become time-saving moms and invest in what matters most.
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Unresolved trauma can take a serious toll on a child, but sometimes families just don’t know what to say or where to turn for help.
Hidden: Her Truth Her Pain, from Shun Jamerson Tomlin, is a thought-provoking story about a young girl who was victimized by a close family friend and the profound impact of her family’s decision to keep quiet.
Hidden candidly explores themes of self-forgiveness, strength and salvation, and why God’s voice is necessary for the healing process.
Today on Connections, Shun shares her amazing story and the inspiration behind this book.
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Claudia Wells' iconic starring role as Jennifer Parker, Michael J. Fox’s present-day girlfriend in the 1985 hit film BACK TO THE FUTURE, has forever put her in movie history.
Although things seemed perfect on the outside, behind closed doors, Claudia's world was crashing down around her.
Today on Connections, Claudia shares how she was able to find God in Hollywood. She also shares what she is up to nowadays.
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Women are bombarded with narratives about how they should look, behave and live. No woman could meet all these shifting expectations, yet many pour endless energy into the pursuit. And eventually, insecurity sets in as she questions everything about herself, including her worth.
Amanda Pittman, author of Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity, has spent her adult life confronting our culture’s epidemic of insecurityand self-doubt. In this new book, Amanda unpacks her journey toward self-confidence rooted in Christ. She offers readers concrete tools for moving forward into wholeness, confidence and God-given purpose.
Today on Connections, Amanda shares her story and how you can start standing in confidence.
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In 1991 Helen Smallbone and her husband, David, packed up their family and sixteen suitcases to move from Australia to the United States. Completely isolated from the support of family and friends, they relied on God to provide them with hope and direction.
In spite of all the barriers, Helen watched her children succeed. Rebecca St. James’ career grew, soon followed by blossoming careers for the others―as artists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers―and the rise of Joel and Luke’s for KING & COUNTRY on Christian music charts.
Today on Connections, Helen shares how her family worked and stuck together, constantly relying on their faith to guide the way.
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Kira Fontana dreamed of a life-long music career.
She loved singing and composing songs, and after studying music composition at top conservatories on the East Coast, Kira moved to Los Angeles to begin her music career.
She eventually became one of the top vocal coaches in the city. For most, this would be an exciting opportunity, but it left Kira longing for more.
Discouraged by what she saw in the music industry and finding no place for her music, she eventually stopped writing and singing. But at the end of 2017, something changed.
Today on Connections, Kira shares her powerful testimony and how this eventually led her to meet her husband.
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Alexis is a traumatic brain injury survivor dedicated to bringing awareness and compassion to other survivors and those supporting them. She is a college and university graduate who established her career in the criminal justice system. For more than a decade, she dedicated herself to working in the criminal justice field, as well as her local women’s shelter, where she supported survivors of domestic abuse.
Following her dreams and passion for the fashion industry, she became a businesswoman as a personal stylist eight months prior to the motor vehicle accident that changed her world.
Today on Connections, Alexis shares her story in hopes of helping other trauma survivors.
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NFL chaplain and pastor Jonathan Evans remembers living life on “cruise control,” comfortable where he was, following in the footsteps of his well-known and respected father, Dr. Tony Evans, until one day, he realized he didn’t know his role or purpose in life.
Jonathan didn’t wait to figure it out; he took action and pursued
what God had in store for him. His new book, Your Time is Now: Get What God Has Given You, urges people to get out of the “comfort” rut and do the same.
Today on Connections, Jonathan shares his journey and the inspiration behind his book.
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When unexpected moments change life’s trajectory, we’re left with a choice: Do we overcome the unexpected, as the world recommends, or undergo it?
Jillian Benfield says undergoing an unexpected season begins a transformation that deconstructs our old self and reconstructs us into who God intends us to become.
Today on Connections, Jillian shares the inspiration behind her book and how she was able to undergo rather than overcome the unexpected.
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We were designed for a close, intimate relationship with God. But despite our best efforts to nurture our connection with him, busyness often distracts us from truly experiencing it.
One of the most common distractions to our relationship with the Lord is
anxiety.
How do we change this?
Today on Connections, Kristel Ward, mother of three, former school teacher and author of Grace to Grow: 40 Devotions to Release Anxiety and Dive into Purpose, shares how we can release our anxiety and encounter God's greatness.
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When he was born, Chris weighed 1 lb, 12 oz, due to drug exposure. He was given a limited chance of survival.
Four years later, he was handed a microphone and started a journey that has inspired audiences throughout the world.
By 10, he sang the national anthem at Fenway Park and became a Youtube sensation by 11.
With each keynote, song, & performance Chris teaches audiences they are unlimited...and usually, just need a little reminding.
Today on Connections, Christopher and his mother Christine will share their inspirational story.
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Sheila Walsh is sharing candidly about her mental health struggles in hopes of encouraging the millions struggling to hold on to and live in the love of God.
In her new book, Holding On When You Want to Let Go: Clinging to Hope When Life Is Falling Apart, Sheila Walsh vulnerably shares the traumatic events of her childhood, the loneliness, anxiety, and depression that still creep into her life, how the pandemic magnified and exacerbated her struggles, and the source of the hope that keeps her holding on.
Today on Connections, Sheila shares her struggles with mental health and how we can better help those dealing with mental health issues.
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We live in a society where sources of hope are few and far between. Over the last two years, we have seen and experienced much turmoil and distress. It often seems like there is no escaping adversity, challenges and emotional upheaval.
Pastor Benjamin Windle says we need to rebrand hope. How?
Today on Connections, Benjamin shares how good can come from catastrophe.
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Karen Abercrombie is an award-winning actress, storyteller, independent film producer, highly sought-after speaker, and an avid environmentalist.
Her latest film project is Heaven Sent, a new romantic comedy streaming now on Pure Flix that shares stories of three couples at different stages of life and is a journey through finding love, hope and joy after loss.
She's also involved with a new non-profit organization, The Village is Alive, which offers creative arts and mentoring to children in underserved communities.
Today on Connections, Karen talks about her latest film and her passion for helping children from underserved communities.
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It has been over 100 years since the Bible last had a cover-to-cover formatting change, yet reading habits have drastically changed. Lists, maps, graphics, and descriptions are now an essential part of how we consume information. Now, readers can experience scripture in a fresh, more understandable way with The Readable Bible.
Today on Connections, Rod Laughlin, creator of The Readable Bible shares why he decided to create this new translation.
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March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a great time to raise awareness, challenge myths, and help dismantle the stigma of epilepsy.
Chris Kullman is the president of the board of directors for the Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy at 12 years old.
Today on Connections, Chris shares his journey with epilepsy. He'll also share the importance of drawing awareness to this neurological disorder.
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Today is Purple Day, a day to support epilepsy and seizure awareness across the world.
Anita Apetagon is from Norway House, Manitoba. Her daughter, Amanda Duncan, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 years old. She is now 23 and still struggling to get her epilepsy under control.
Today on Connections, Anita will share her family's story. She'll also chat about what it's like to deal with epilepsy while living in a remote community.
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There comes a time when every child steps into adulthood and begins making their own choices. So, how can today’s parents continue to guide their adult children, even if they disagree with their kids’ decisions?
Beloved author and international speaker Mary DeMuth answers this question in her new book, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy.
Parents of wayward children may feel guilty or crushed by their kids’ choices. They may spiral, asking themselves what they did wrong and longing for their children’s unquestioning faith.
Today on Connections, DeMuth helps parents navigate this heartache, develop new rhythms to reconnect with their adult kids, and place their trust in the Lord for their wayward children’s futures.
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Cameron Arnett is a man of many talents.
The Haitian-born actor, author, speaker, and director carved out a successful career in arts and entertainment in the late '80s and '90s. He continues to gain momentum and influence in the industry.
His most recent projects include Running the Bases and Angles Unaware.
Today on Connections, Cameron talks about how he landed in the film industry and what it's like to be a Christian in a secular industry. He'll also chat about his latest projects.
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Cameron Arnett is a man of many talents.
The Haitian-born actor, author, speaker, and director carved out a successful career in arts and entertainment in the late '80s and '90s. He continues to gain momentum and influence in the industry.
His most recent projects include Running the Bases and Angles Unaware.
Today on Connections, Cameron talks about how he landed in the film industry and what it's like to be a Christian in a secular industry. He'll also chat about his latest projects.
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A Manitoba RCMP officer with one kidney has returned from a trip of a lifetime.
Earlier this month, Ben Harder set out on a five-day bike ride to raise funds for a friend's son who is in need of a kidney.
How did it go? Were they able to meet their goals?
Ben will give us an update today on Connections.
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A Manitoba RCMP officer with one kidney has returned from a trip of a lifetime.
Earlier this month, Ben Harder set out on a five-day bike ride to raise funds for a friend's son who is in need of a kidney.
How did it go? Were they able to meet their goals?
Ben will give us an update today on Connections.
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Preacher Roy Jernigan celebrated his 98 birthday this year by jumping out of a plane.
Why did he do this? What are the plans for his next big adventure?
Today on Connections, Roy Jernigan shares his powerful testimony. He'll also give us his secrets to longevity. We'll also hear from his daughter, Linda Wiliams.
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It's been quite the wild ride for Kristian Stanfill.
Late last year, Kristian Stanfill opened up about his sobriety on social media. He also released new music, not only on his own but also alongside Passion.
This new album, I've Witnessed It, was recorded at Passion 2023, a conference that saw over 30,000 college students in attendance.
Today on Connections, Kristian chats about that new project, what it was like to worship in front of this new generation and what he noticed about this new wave of worshippers. He'll also share a bit about his journey to sobriety.
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Who is St. Patrick? Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? What does the Bible say about luck and divine providence?
Today on Connections, Dr. Jim Denison of Denison Forums answers those questions.
Dr. Denison is a cultural apologist who helps people respond biblically and redemptively to the vital issues of our day.
He is also the co-founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Denison Forum, a Dallas-based nonprofit that comments on current issues through a biblical lens.
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Day for Freedom is an annual event used to highlight the people and organizations who are working hard to bring an end to human trafficking.
Joash Thomas is International Justice Mission Canada’s National Director of Mobilization & Advocacy
Born and raised in India, Joash started his IJM career with IJM India’s National Advocacy Team in 2015 and has worked for IJM in India, the United States and Canada ever since.
Today on Connections, Joash shares the importance of shining a light on the fight against human trafficking.
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Day for Freedom is an annual event used to highlight the people and organizations who are working hard to bring an end to human trafficking.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson is the senior pastor at Village Church in Surrey, B.C. His church is highly involved with the work that International Justice Mission does. T
Today on Connections, he shares how he got involved with IJM and why we should all be involved in the fight against human trafficking.
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Day for Freedom is an annual event used to highlight the people and organizations who are working hard to bring an end to human trafficking.
Pastor Jeremy Johnson is the senior pastor at Village Church in Surrey, B.C.
His church is highly involved with the work that International Justice Mission does.
Today on Connections, he shares how he got involved with IJM and why we should all be involved in the fight against human trafficking and slavery.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Day for Freedom is an annual event used to highlight the people and organizations who are working hard to bring an end to human trafficking.
Joash Thomas is International Justice Mission Canada’s National Director of Mobilization & Advocacy
Born and raised in India, Joash started his IJM career with IJM India’s National Advocacy Team in 2015 and has worked for IJM in India, the United States and Canada ever since.
Today on Connections, Joash shares the importance of shining a light on the fight against human trafficking.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wife of Dog the Bounty Hunter, Francie Chapman, is widely known as an important voice in the faith community.A survivor of domestic violence and tragic loss, Francie is working with Katie Souza Ministries to create The House of Bounty, a retreat for women who need a safe place to recover. Today on Connections, Francie shares her powerful testimony with us.
A women's conference designed to empower and encourage women will make a stop in Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 16-18, 2023. SHE Tour conferences Founder Joanne Hoehne says it's not your average conference. Why? How is the conference impacting women all around the world?Joanne tells us how today on Connections.
Bishop Larry Cook is the senior pastor of Real Believers Faith Church in the heart of Minneapolis.In November 2022, Bishop Cook purchased a gas station located across the street from the church. Why did he do this? How has this helped his community?Today on Connections, Bishop Larry Cook tells us why he bought a gas station and the impact it has had on his community.
Daylight Saving Time begins on March 12. It is a yearly routine that results in adjustments not only to our watches but also to our internal clocks.Today on Connections, Dr. Julie Carrier shares with us the impacts that time change can have on our health and how we can better adjust to it.
Singer/songwriter Patrick Mayberry never truly understood the power of worship music until he experienced it firsthand at a Passion conference. His YoungLife leader invited him to the annual gathering for college students, which has morphed into a larger movement that’s birthed some of Christian music’s most respected artists, such as Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Kristian Stanfill and Matt Redman. For many, Passion is a multi-day spiritual wake-up call to the things of God. For Mayberry, Passion was a transformational awakening to the intersection of faith and music.Today on Connections, Patrick shares more about his musical journey. He'll also chat about his latest single and full-length album due out this fall. Don't forget to subscribe!
Bishop Larry Cook is the senior pastor of Real Believers Faith Church in the heart of Minneapolis.
In November 2022, Bishop Cook purchased a gas station located across the street from the church.
Why did he do this? How has this helped his community?
Today on Connections, Bishop Larry Cook tells us why he bought a gas station and the impact it has had on his community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singer/songwriter Patrick Mayberry never truly understood the power of worship music until he experienced it firsthand at a Passion conference. His YoungLife leader invited him to the annual gathering for college students, which has morphed into a larger movement that’s birthed some of Christian music’s most respected artists, such as Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Kristian Stanfill and Matt Redman. For many, Passion is a multi-day spiritual wake-up call to the things of God. For Mayberry, Passion was a transformational awakening to the intersection of faith and music.
Today on Connections, Patrick shares more about his musical journey. He'll also chat about his latest single and full-length album due out this fall. Don't forget to subscribe!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
AGORA Network Ministries was birthed out of a mental health and spiritual crisis.On July 7th, 2017, Allan Gallant suffered a severe stroke. After a month of recovery and learning to speak again, Allan began the hardest battle of his life. It was a battle with mental health. The road was long and hard at times, but God’s goodness led him to repentance and the ongoing restoration of his soul.From this crisis, AGORA Network Ministries was birthed, and a new journey began for Bonnie and Allan. AGORA is a ministry that comes alongside the church. The desire is to stem the mental health crisis and stigma we face in our society and churches.
Women in the Bible overcame challenges with courage and faith and can teach us about leadership, character, and strength! Their message for us today? With God, all things are possible! Marina Hofman (Ph.D., theology) is an expert on women in the Bible and an award-winning writer recognized for fresh insights and a positive perspective. Her engaging content connects listeners with stories of women in the Bible. Dr. Hofman is a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, and published in biblical studies, theology, psychology, trauma, education, ministry, and ethics.Today on Connections, Marina shares her powerful story of survival and the inspiration behind her book. She'll also share why we need to shine a light on the women in the Bible.
Women in the Bible overcame challenges with courage and faith and can teach us about leadership, character, and strength! Their message for us today? With God, all things are possible!
Marina Hofman (Ph.D., theology) is an expert on women in the Bible and an award-winning writer recognized for fresh insights and a positive perspective. Her engaging content connects listeners with stories of women in the Bible. Dr. Hofman is a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, and published in biblical studies, theology, psychology, trauma, education, ministry, and ethics.
Today on Connections, Marina shares her powerful story of survival and the inspiration behind her book. She'll also share why we need to shine a light on the women in the Bible.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dr. Kevin Leman is an internationally known psychologist, Christian author and speaker. He has written numerous books, including his most recent, 8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids: Nurturing Character, Respect, and a Winning Attitude.Today on Connections, Dr. Leman shares some of those secrets and how we can incorporate our faith into everything we do.
Jennifer Siran is a Manitoba author and a mom of a child born with a congenital heart defect. Jen's book "When Your World Stops: Finding Hope in your Child's Medical Journey" is full of short, easy-to-read chapters to encourage parents trying to navigate a new piece of parenthood they may not have expected. As a believer, much of Jennifer's strength for the journey came from her faith.Today on Connections, Jennifer shares her family's medical journey and how her faith gives her strength.
Ben Harder will be leaning on God as he heads out on a 500-mile bike ride to bless his friend's son, who needs a new kidney. Today on Connections, Ben shares how and why he is doing this.
Jenita Pace is a licensed professional counsellor (LPC) in Minnesota. She is also a pastor's wife.She experienced a battle with depression and anxiety that led her down a path of destruction.After several years of prayer, counselling, and pursuing God, Jenita and her family experienced God’s grace and restoration. Today on Connections, Jenita shares her story of restoration. She'll also share how you can find freedom from anxiety and depression.
Jon Seidl hopes that by being brutally honest about his battles with anxiety and OCD, he can help others who are struggling and fix the rampant stigma surrounding mental health challenges.Today on Connections, Jon shares ways to cope with anxiety. He also shares how we as a church can do a better job supporting those who are struggling.
Happiness is considered a destination, but the finish line is constantly moving—when we get married, find that dream job, move away from home, have a baby, build a dream house, etc. We are promised that a happy life is tied to these milestones.But what if society has it wrong? What if happiness isn't the goal at all?Mary Katherine Backstrom, best known for her viral videos and candid writing on family, faith, and mental illness, discusses this in her new book, Crazy Joy: Finding Wild Happiness in a World That's Upside Down. Today on Connections, MK shares the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of discussing mental health and how you can find true joy in a world that is upside down.
February is a great month to do a wellness check on our relationships. It's a month that puts the focus on love.Today on Connections, Lucille Williams, a national speaker who has ministered to couples and families for over 25 years, shares how we can start working on our relationships and bring them back to God.
Jesus Revolution is a historical telling, bringing to life The Jesus Movement that swept the country in the late 60s and early 70s. This new film hits theatres nationwide on January 24, 2023.Today on Connections, Jon Erwin, director of Jesus Revolution, shares how this movie came to be and why we should check it out.
One day, one of Chris Brown’s colleagues told him, “All we see is this good-looking, all-American man born with a silver spoon in his mouth and who now has his own all-American family. People can’t relate to that. Your opportunities to this point appear to have been endless. You’ve had to have had a better life than most.” Little did this person know, Chris had lived a life of poverty, pain, and rejection for years.In his new book, Restored: Transforming the Sting of Your Past into Purpose for Today, pastor and author Chris Brown reflects on his painful past and discusses how he overcame his struggles. Today on Connections, Chris shares his powerful story of transformation and how he is using it to transform others.
In today's world, there is mental illness all around us. At the heart of that is often a caregiver offering their support to a loved one who is struggling.K.T. Griffiths knows all too well. Her daughter has been struggling with her mental health for years.She has recently written a book that she says will provide hope that there are brighter days ahead and that there is always beauty found amidst the broken.Today on Connections, K.T. shares her family's story and how she has managed to hang on through it all.
Alicia Dougherty and her husband, Josh, experienced nine years of infertility and losses.This led them to foster care and adoption from foster care. Eventually, it spiralled into 10 children joining their family in just eight years.Six of their children are adopted from foster care, and four are their biological children. They call themselves the Dougherty Dozen.Today on Connections, Alicia shares what a day is like in their household and why they decided to share their lives online. She'll also share the role that faith has played through their journey.
In the 1970s, young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) is searching for all the right things in all the wrong places: until he meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie street preacher. Together with Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer), they open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to an unexpected revival of radical and newfound love, leading to what TIME Magazine dubbed a JESUS REVOLUTION.This story is now making its debut on the big screen. Today on Connections, Brent McCorkle, co-director and composer for Jesus Revolution, shares what it was like to work on this film and how this story impacted his faith.
When Jinger was growing up, she zealously promoted the Basic Life Principles of Bill Gothard, a man who would come to be accused by some of running a cult and using his religious authority to take advantage of young women (although never legally convicted). Jinger was convinced that obeying the rules of Gothard’s teachings was the key to success. However, in private, she suffered from social anxiety and lived in constant terror of not living up to the expectations of God—and of others.She has since been able to free herself from this, and she is sharing about it in her new book, Becoming Free Indeed: My Story of Disentangling Faith from Fear.Today on Connections, Jinger shares how she was able to find freedom.
The Barna Group recently released a first-of-its-kind international research study to help church leaders understand teenagers around the world.It focused on three crucial elements of the Christian faith: Jesus, the Bible and justice.They interviewed thousands of teens around the world, including in Canada. The results are surprising. Today on Connections, Daniel Copeland, associate vice president of research for the Barna Group shares why they did this study. He'll also talk about some of the surprising discoveries.
Today is Valentine's Day, a time when couples use gifts and acts of kindness to show their love for one another.Why do we celebrate Valentine's day? Who is St. Valentine?Today on Connections, Dr. Patricia Janzen Loewen helps us to understand the origins of Valentine's Day and why we celebrate it.
The past couple of years had a significant impact on our children, especially when it comes to screen time.Many parents relied on tablets and television to keep their children busy while they were busy working from home or while they were in lockdown. Molly DeFrank is a mother of six and the author of Digital Detox: A Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids. She says it is time to flip the switch and get our kids back.Today on Connections, Molly shares how we can start doing this and relate it to our faith.
More than 22-thousand people have died in Monday's earthquake in Syria and Turkey, but survivors are still being pulled from the rubble.Some were trapped for more than 100 hours under crushed concrete in the bitter cold.Even though experts say trapped people can live for a week or more, the chances of finding survivors are dimming. Rescuers are doing everything in their power to help.Today on Connections, Annie Loewen, humanitarian assistance coordinator with Mennonite Central Committee Canada, shares how they are assisting and how Canadians can help those in need.
Kelly Farley knows all too well what it feels like to lose a child.After a series of fertility treatments, Kelly and his wife became pregnant with their first child, Katie. That excitement quickly turned to sorrow when they lost Katie in the fall of 2004.About a year later, they decided that they would try to conceive again. This time it was a little boy and they felt blessed that little Noah was going to be a part of their lives. Noah passed away in the summer of 2006. It was through this experience that Kelly discovered that there weren't very many resources for men dealing with the loss of a child.That's when he started up the Grieving Dads Project. The response was so overwhelming he felt he had to do more. Today on Connections, Kelly shares his story and talks more about the Grieving Dads project and his book, Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back.
As a white Afrikaner woman growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Idelette McVicker was steeped in a community and a church that reinforced white supremacy and shielded her from seeing her neighbours' oppression. But a series of circumstances led her to begin questioning everything she thought was true about her identity, her country, and her faith.She shares this long, slow journey of healing the past, making things right, changing old stories, and becoming human together in her book, Recovering Racists: Dismantling White Supremacy and Reclaiming Our HumanityToday on Connections, Idelette shares how her life has changed and how she intends to help others make things right as well.
Leeana Tankersley talks about how she went from living a life surrounded by darkness to one filled with hope.
Ron Fischer, and Darlene and Ron Overby talk about how a small initiative has had huge impact on their community.
January is human trafficking awareness month.
Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good, author of “Groomed” and CEO of The Foundation United, has served as an accomplished leader in the anti-sex trafficking movement for more than a decade, including helping thousands of survivors find freedom and a new life.
Today on Connections, Elizabeth shares the realities and how we can protect our children.
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Dustin Burlet is an instructor at Millar College of the Bible in the North End of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
He recently wrote a book, Judgment and Salvation: A Rhetorical-Critical Reading of Noah's Flood in Genesis.
He says the message of his book is that the flood story is more than history and more than literature. Instead, Dustin says that it is theology that informs how we think about god and his goodness.
He digs deeper into this, today on Connections.
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Imagine finding a treasure trove of documents that reveal the forgotten history of your family.
That's what happened to Daniel Schwab in 2009 when he discovered letters written by his grandfather during the holocaust.
Today on Connections, Daniel will share what he discovered when he opened those letters and how he is using them to educate others.
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More than 360 million Christians face high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith in Jesus.
Every year, Open Doors produces the World Watch List to rank the top 50 most dangerous countries in which to live in as a Christian. It is the product of both desk and field research and is the only document of its kind.
Today on Connections, Andrew Croft, communications and relations manager at Open Doors Canada, shares the top findings from the 2023 World Watch List.
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A small radio station founded almost two decades ago has grown into a multimedia platform that provides a space where music and empowering conversations create a sense of community for people searching for answers to everyday questions about life, purpose and faith. It's called Holy Culture Radio.
James Rosseau, the founder of the non-profit that owns and runs the multimedia platform, is a successful entrepreneur, passionate about helping young people fulfill their potential.
Today on Connections, James shares how he went from corporate to non-profit. He'll also share how he uses radio to share God's message.
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New Yorkers know snow. However, a storm that hit just before Christmas and lasted for five days left parts of the state covered with over 4 feet of snow.
This was combined with strong winds, making it impossible to get anywhere.
The winter weather left people stranded and killed dozens.
Thanks to a calling from God, Al and Vivian Robinson, pastors of Spirit of Truth Urban Ministry in Buffalo, New York, opened the doors to their church and saved over 150 people.
Why did they do this?
Al and Vivian share their powerful story today on Connections.
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Jorge and Kat Vazquez are the founders of Revolution Media Ministries, The Revolution TV and the Your Story is Not Done film series.
Evangelists, authors, and TV hosts for over 15 years, the Vazquez’s are called to evangelize the lost and energize and equip the body while empowering the Church to do the same.
Your Story Is Not Done is a campaign to amplify hope. A book and film series, Your Story Is Not Done shares stories of redemption, healing and second chances when Jesus Christ, The Author of our faith, takes over.
Today on Connections, Jorge and Kat Vazquez share the inspiration behind this new campaign and the importance of spreading hope.
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Micah Tyler is an award-winning songwriter and recording artist, sharing with the
world his “battle-tested” music that gives all glory to God. His journey has taken him
from small-town youth pastor to delivery truck driver to releasing albums and
touring with artists such as MercyMe, Jeremy Camp, and Phil Wickham.
Now adding author to his name, Micah Tyler is thrilled to share his first book, Walking Free: Taking Small Steps to a Big God.
In this episode, Micah talks about his book and the inspiration behind it.
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Sharon Dutra grew up with a father who was an alcoholic and womanizer. He was married four times before she was 17 years old.
Her mother left when she was five years old. That was the last time Sharon would see her.
At 13 years old, Sharon tried to numb the pain with drugs and alcohol. That led her down a path of destruction.
By the time she was 29, Sharon had been arrested 13 times. While in jail, during her final arrest, she found Jesus.
Today on Connections, Sharon shares her testimony with us. She'll also chat about the ministry she has created to help others.
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January is Alzheimer's awareness month.
In 2019 Linda Wiebe's husband, Herb, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a journey that has taken their family down a winding path.
Today on Connections, Linda shares her family's experience with Alzheimer's and how their faith has impacted this journey.
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No one wants to spend their lives being time-wasters, space-takers, binge-watchers, or game-players. We all want to be difference-makers. But where do you start?
Influencing just one person at a time may seem insignificant at first look. But in his book, One at a Time, Kyle Idleman explores the overlooked, yet incredibly impactful habits of Jesus.
Today on Connections, bestselling author and pastor, Kyle Idleman, reveals the way Jesus valued people and shows us the Jesus way of changing the world--by loving people one at a time.
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Granger Smith is a country artist turned actor.
Smith makes his debut in the new AFFIRM Originals movie MOONRISE, which is now streaming on Netflix.
He plays Will Brown, a former country singer who has pushed away his family, fame and faith following his wife’s death. It is Brown's daughter, Ellie and a talented horse trainer who show him strength, forgiveness and grace to live life again.
Today on Connections, Granger shares what it was like to go from country singer to actor. He'll also share how he relates to his character, Will Brown.
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What keeps us from experiencing peace in our lives?
Jeanne Stevens, author of What's Here Now and lead pastor at Soul City Church in Chicago, Illinois, says it's not the state of the world. It's not your particular circumstances. It's not even your turbulent relationships. When it comes down to it, what keeps us from experiencing peace is either living in the past or for the future.
With honest transparency, hope-filled compassion, and plenty of vulnerable humour, pastor Jeanne Stevens reveals the shockingly simple path to peace: presence. She helps us slow down, center ourselves, and ask the all-important question, What's here now?
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5000 Blankets is inspired by the remarkable true story of a young boy, Phillip, and his mother, Cyndi, whose lives are changed forever after his father disappears during a mental health crisis. Phillip’s generosity and determination spark an entire city’s movement to help the homeless.
The new film stars Anna Camp (Jerry & Marge Go Large, PITCH PERFECT), Carson Minniear (RALLY CAPS), Rob Mayes (THOR: RAGNAROK), Rod Hallett (The Last Kingdom, Red Rose, MacGyver), and Kim Myers (A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2). It was directed by Amin Matalqa and produced by Doug Shaffer. It can be streamed on Pureflix.
Today on Connections, Cyndi talks about the film and what it's like to see her family's story on the big screen.
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Tim Huff has always been passionate about serving children, youth and adults facing physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual challenges.
Today he is doing this through the Compassion Series, a ministry dedicated to cultivating compassion amongst children.
From kindergarten to post-secondary, each Compassion Series resource and presentation age-appropriately encourages children, youth and young adults to look at their world through the lens of compassion and to “bring hope, serve well, and celebrate” in all they do.
Today on Connections, Tim shares where this passion comes from and the importance of teaching compassion to children.
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Tara Royer Steele is using pie as an opportunity to build relationships and further God's Kingdom.
When she was 12 years old, Tara started working in her family's cafe.
She recently stepped away to follow God's new direction in life, and now Tara and her husband own and operate Royers Pie Haven, which she considers her ministry.
Tara has also recently released a book, Eat. Pie. Love: 52 Devotions to Satisfy Your Mind, Body, and Soul.
Today on Connections, Tara shares her story of ups and downs and how she uses pie to help build relationships and further God's kingdom.
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After a devastating diagnosis of an autoimmune disease, ankylosing spondylitis, just two weeks after the birth of her fourth child, Roxanne Harris refused to submit to life in a wheelchair and began the fight of her life—to create beauty from the ashes of disease, broken relationships, and the crippling of her body.
Today on Connections, Roxanne shares her pain, the many trials she faced, and her most audacious moments of standing firm and not giving up.
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In 2015 Travis and Adelle Graham's marriage hit rock bottom.
Thanks to God's healing and restoration, they were able to come out on top and are now helping others rediscover their marriage.
Today on Connections, Travis and Adelle share their story. The pair will also chat about a ministry they've started called, The Noble Marriage.
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If you’re wondering if God can truly move in the life of someone with all the odds stacked against her, look no further than Tori Hope Petersen.
Tori grew up in the foster care system. By the time she was 18 years old, she had been through 12 different foster homes.
Thanks to God and her strong faith, Tori is now a successful young woman. She writes about her experience in her new book, Fostered.
Today on Connections, Tori shares her powerful testimony.
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Joshua Bold grew up in a Christian home, but his faith took time to grow. In his teen years, he struggled with drugs. He was set free from his addictions after praying to God and asking him to save his life.
He dedicated his life to God from then on, attending Bible School and three years later moving to northern Iraq with his wife to become missionaries.
While in Iraq, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was captured, beaten and told he would never see his wife or child again. After praying to God to deliver him from the situation, he was set free.
Joshua now spends his days as the president of aims.org, mobilizing the Church to send native missionaries to the remaining unreached tribes of the earth.
Today on Connections, Joshua shares his powerful testimony. He'll also chat about the work that aims.org is doing.
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Joyce Wolfe was a confident, laid back and spiritually strong woman, that was until 2018 when her family experienced a health crisis.
This event sparked anxiety and panic attacks for Joyce, something she had never experienced.
Today on Connections, Joyce shares how she found peace. She will also talk about how she now uses her experience to help others find hope and joy.
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Mike Signorelli, once an atheist, is now the founder and Pastor at V1 Church in New York City.
He has created a 32-page eBook for those who need a quick start guide to help them go from chaos to clarity in their lives.
Today on Connections, Mike shares how we can reset our lives and begin moving in the direction of our dreams.
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Joshua Broome was one of the most successful adult film stars. He spent six years in the industry. He obtained fame and wealth and travelled the world, all to find out that none of those would fill the emptiness in his heart.
He eventually moved on, overcoming depression and the shame that comes with the industry he was in. Today he is a pastor sharing the gospel with people around the world.
Today on Connections, Joshua shares how he went from porn star to pastor.
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Do our darkest secrets have a purpose? Can our weaknesses give us strength? Is there a plan for our pain? Yes, says Christine Soule, if we embrace God’s love and ask for His help.
Today on Connections, Christine Soule shares her remarkable journey from unspeakable dysfunction to a life abundant with blessings. She will also talk about her new book, Broken and Beautiful.
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Shantel Dudley wears many hats. She is a wife, mother to 17 children and grandmother to eight grandchildren.
Shantel has a heart for the broken and hurting after experiencing abuse in her own life.
Shantel and her husband have spent the past several years adopting children with medical needs. Through that time, they have also experienced the loss of four children.
Today on Connections, Shantel shares what drew her to adoption, why she adopts children with medical needs and what role faith plays in all of this.
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“Many of us go through life wondering what our true purpose is, feeling lost and believing everything will fall into place when we finally receive our calling from God,” said Geoff Peters. “The truth is, the call has already been made, the offer is on the table. Being a part of God’s family means we’ve received the invitation to be an active part of His work of love and compassion. He’s waiting for us to respond.”
Geoff Peters is the author of, The Family Business: A Parable about Stepping Into
the Life You Were Made For.
Today on Connections he helps us to overcome the obstacles that we as Christians face when committing to live as a disciple for Christ each and every day.
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If there is one family that knows how to do cancer in a big way, it's the Epp-Tiessen family.
There have been 10 occasions when a doctor told one of their family of five that they have cancer or that, despite the treatments, the cancer has returned. They also experienced loss after cancer took the life of their eight-year-old son, Tim.
Despite all of this, the Epp-Tiessen family continues to cling to hope.
Today on Connections, Dan shares his family's story. He'll also share how they've managed to cling to their faith throughout this journey.
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A Christmas quiz at an office Christmas party changed the research path for one historian.
Dr. Gerry Bowler was interested in making the quiz both challenging and intriguing, so he started researching the different facts and myths surrounding Christmas.
Dr. Bowler says this lead him down a 30-year path of researching everything Christmas.
Today on Connections, Dr. Bowler shares the myths and facts of Christmas
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Who is Mary? How can we relate to her this Christmas season?
Dr. Marina Hofman is a Bible and theology professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Today on Connections, Dr. Hofman shares with us how we can relate to Mary in more ways than we think.
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When author Dione Martin was a girl, she often thought about her biological father. Who was he and what did he look like? Did he ever think about her and wonder if she was OK?
Martin poignantly explores the impact of family secrets and the importance of father-daughter bonds in The Wool Over Their Eyes, an authentic story with memorable characters who find redeeming qualities in each other — and forgiveness in their hearts.
Today on Connections, Dione shares a bit about her life growing up and the inspiration behind her book.
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For many, Christmas is a season they look forward to all year long. For others, it can be stressful and, at times, challenging for those who are missing a loved one.
Bob Smickilas, a registered psychotherapist, nationally certified counsellor, and licensed minister, says grief can arise at any time, but it usually rears its head at Christmas.
Today on Connections, he gives us tips on how to cope with grief during the holidays.
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An estimated 80% of people say they feel “stuck.” So what’s the solution?
In his new book, Unstuck and Unstoppable, Jimn Kyles provides readers with practical, actionable tools to help them shake off problems from the past, find their purpose and move forward in their lives.
Today on Connections, Jimn shares his testimony and how these steps helped him become unstuck and unstoppable.
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Christmas is just around the corner. For many of us, this is a festive and joyful time. For others, this can bring on some unnecessary stress.
Today on Connections, Lucille Williams gives us tips on how to avoid the Christmas overload and find a balance to celebrate the real reason for the season.
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If the animals who witnessed Jesus’ birth could have spoken, what would they have said? In her 2022 Moonbeam Award-winning book Bethlehem Barn, Debra Westgate-Silva gives young audiences a lighthearted retelling of the classic Christmas story — from the animals’ point of view.
Debra shares more about her book today on Connections.
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In our image-conscious culture, life can become a never-ending performance. The perfection we feel pressured to project to those in our social sphere comes at the expense of our emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. In the end, we are left exhausted and unfulfilled. How do we flip the script and feed ourselves rather than simply adding to our feeds?
In Manda Carpenter's latest book, Soul Care to Save Your Life, she offers an invitation to shift your focus from performing to purposeful living from the inside out.
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There is an unprecedented mental health crisis sweeping the globe. People are hurting in more ways than ever and in epidemic numbers.
Dr. Jared Pingleton's latest book, Mental Health Ministry: The Struggle is Real, is designed to inspire and activate faith communities to meet the real-world challenges of this overwhelming crisis.
Biblically based and clinically proven, this book demonstrates practical ways that Christian ministries can make a powerful difference for those experiencing mental and relational health difficulties.
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If you used to go to church but do not anymore, David Wentz says his latest book is for you.
When Church Stops Working: Meeting With God in Your Living Room looks at how the joyful, empowering gatherings of Jesus' followers in Bible times became today's institutional church. It also describes how any small group of friends in a living room can re-create the New Testament model of Christian gatherings and experience the love and power that turned the world upside down.
Today on Connections, David Wentz digs deep into this topic.
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From the outside, Julie Ann Rose's childhood home was a place of beauty. Inside those four walls was anything but that.
At the age of six, Rose's father began abusing her, both physically and sexually. This went on for years before Julie eventually ran away.
Her problems didn't end there. She faced a road of endless trouble until the night she met Jesus.
Today on Connections, Julie Ann Rose shares her powerful testimony, how she survived the trauma she experienced and how she is using her experience to help other trauma victims.
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Jenita Pace is a licensed professional counsellor (LPC) in Minnesota. She is also a pastor's wife.
She experienced a battle with depression and anxiety that led her down a path of destruction.
After several years of prayer, counselling, and pursuing God, Jenita and her family experienced God’s grace and restoration.
Today on Connections, Jenita shares her story of restoration. She'll also share how you can find freedom from anxiety and depression.
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Sonya Johnson experienced trauma in her teenage years. That led her down a path of destruction that eventually landed her in jail.
While she was incarcerated, Sonya surrendered her life to God, and today she is using her experience to help others.
Today on Connections, Sonya shares her testimony. She'll also share how she intends to help others moving forward.
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Pre-pandemic, 1 in 8 Canadians were food insecure, meaning they didn't have enough money to buy food that would prevent them from being hungry.
That number has now risen to 1 in 7 Canadians.
Karen Giesbrecht is a registered dietician working in Vancouver.
Today on Connections, Karen shares a bit about the situation when it comes to food insecurity in Canada, how the church is helping and how we can start looking at food from a different perspective.
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Global storytelling organization I Am Second has released an exclusive short documentary that offers viewers an intimate look at entrepreneur, pastor and racer, Don Wickstrum’s years-long journey to conquer the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb while leaning on his faith and battling an aggressive cancer diagnosis.
Today on Connections, Don shares his powerful testimony and what it was like to find hope.
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Leslie Thompson wanted an everywhere, anytime kind of prayer life. But how does a young mom and entrepreneur add one more thing to days filled with diapers, laundry, client meetings and dinner prep? Leslie needed a little boost – and she found it in Every Moment Holy, a book of prayers that paired perfectly with her life's ordinary moments.
From the “Liturgy for Changing Diapers” to “A Liturgy for Setting up a Christmas Tree,” Leslie says discovering the divine in the middle of everyday life is truly a rare gift.
Today on Connections, Leslie shares how we can begin incorporating God into our everyday life.
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If you have ever felt alone, uncertain, overwhelmed, or questioned why God has allowed difficult circumstances to become part of your narrative, Jody McBrayer’s story is for you.
Today on Connections, the former Avalon band member shares the ups and downs that he has experienced over the years and how he has managed to come out on the other side.
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What is one way we can prevent clergy sexual misconduct and abuse? Valerie Hiebert says it starts with discussing healthy sexuality in the church.
Val Hiebert is a program coordinator for abuse response and prevention with Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba. She is also a professor at the University of Manitoba.
Today on Connections, Valerie talks about the importance of healthy sexuality in the church and how a simple discussion can prevent trauma later on down the road.
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We all wish we had more control. When our relationships are strained, when our bodies refuse to cooperate, and when the future is uncertain, control promises security and peace.
The problem is, the more we seek the illusion of control, the more it betrays us.
Thankfully the answer to our craving is not simply to "let go and let God." Instead, God has given us a better tool. In this eye-opening book, Sharon Hodde Miller helps us discover the real power God has given us in Christ--to exercise influence over ourselves and our lives.
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For the past couple of years, most people were told to isolate, protect themselves from contact with neighbours, and stay indoors. After practicing this for so long, how do we become neighbours again? And should we care?
In Shannan Martin's new book, Start with Hello (And Other Simple Ways to Live as Neighbors), Shannan shares simple practices for living as a more open-hearted, empathetic neighbour who sees past what divides us, looks for common ground, and is rewarded with vibrant and enduring connection.
Today on Connections, Shannan gives us the encouragement needed to get started.
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Suzan Nguyen couldn't move her body. Couldn't open her mouth. Couldn't even blink her eyes to signal to those standing over her. She could hear the sirens. See the flashing lights. But she felt nothing.
In the end, she would awake from her nightmare without her right arm, which had been severed above the elbow in a car accident. The trauma of the event proved life-altering for Nguyen, who was 22 at the time. She went on to make a series of bad decisions that affected herself, her family and her friends in ways she regretted for years to come.
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How do we raise our children to have strong and healthy relationships? Is it okay to argue in front of our children?
These are just some of the questions that Lucille Williams will answer today on Connections.
Lucille Williams is the author of numerous books. She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for over 25 years.
Today on Connections, she gives us some tips and advice on how we can use our marriage to help our children build strong relationships in the future.
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Grammy-nominated worship leader Cody Carneshas released his first-ever live-recorded album, God is Good!
The 12-track album was captured this summer during a special two-night worship event at Belonging Co. in Nashville. Special guests on the project include Kari Jobe, Natalie Grant, and Benjamin William Hastings.
Today on Connections, Cody chats about the new album and what it was like to record it live. He'll also tell us how his family is doing.
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It was 2017 when Heather and Ernie Ginter's lives were turned upside down.
Just before a planned trip to Costa Rica to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Ernie was experiencing some pain and was quickly diagnosed with gallstones.
He went in for emergency surgery and was able to go on his trip. When they arrived back, they were devastated to find out the doctor had also found a rare form of cancer.
Amid her husband's 13-month battle with cancer, Heather says she was able to find her way back to God. And at the age of 46, she was baptized.
Today on Connections, Heather shares her powerful testimony. She also talks about her memoir, When Forever is Interrupted.
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Life has been a rollercoaster ride for Wade Sanderson.
He lost his faith in God early on in life and turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the tough times he faced.
He spent seven years battling addiction until May 2000 when he encountered God.
Wade went on to be baptized and then attended Bible College before starting up his ministry, Inspire Fire.
Today on Connections, Wade shares his amazing testimony. He'll also tell us about his ministry and how he is using his own story to help others.
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When the world's problems loom large and your ordinary life stretches you thin, it is still possible to be a difference-maker--and it's simpler than you might think.
Rather than telling you to do more, Becky Keife shows you how to see more: more of the people in front of you, more of God's lavish love for you, and more of His power within you.
Today on Connections, Becky shares how simple it is to make a difference and how one small act of kindness can go a long way.
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Life is unpredictable. The plans we dream about and make don’t always become our realities.
Today on Connections, Bethany Beal, co-founder of Girl Defined Ministries, reminds us that true hope doesn't come from getting the life we've always dreamed of but from trusting God with the life he has for us.
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T.C. Stallings, professional football athlete turned actor, is best known for his award-winning role in the #1 box-office film War Room. But throughout his life, he sensed a spiritual battle from a young age enduring challenging, life-altering circumstances.
T.C. was desperate to escape the housing projects of Cleveland, where he grew up surrounded by gangs, crime, violence, and drugs. Raised by a single mom, T.C. was one of six children from a different father, who T.C. did not meet until he was 18 years old.
It was an encounter with the law and witnessing the mistake of others that motivated T.C. to focus on football and become the first in his family to earn a college diploma.
In his memoir, Eyes Fixed: My True Life Story, T.C. recounts poignant moments from his life, including professional failures, unfulfilled football dreams, personal insecurities, starting a family, and becoming a successful actor.
He shares his amazing testimony with us today on Connections.
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The Chosen – the global phenomenon, multi-episode television drama based on the life of Jesus – will launch the first two episodes of its highly anticipated third season in more than 2000 movie theatres globally, including across Canada, Friday, November 18, 2022.
Giavanni Cairo plays the role of Thaddeus.
Today on Connections, Giavanni will chat about the much anticipated season 3. He'll also share how he landed the role of Thaddeus and how that has impacted his life.
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During the current economic trend known as the "Great Resignation," workers are quitting jobs at near-record levels in search of better opportunities. Some leave in search of better pay, but many say they are searching for better workplaces – ones that offer employees dignity, safety and flexibility. In 2022, workers want more from their jobs than a paycheck.
What are they seeking? Dr. Tim Kimmel dives deep into this topic in a book that he co-authored, Grace at Work: The Secret to Getting More from Your Job than a Paycheck.
Today on Connections, Dr. Kimmel shares what that secret is and how you can implement it in your work life.
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With the recent news of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps opening fire on schoolgirls and the harrowing video of a teen singing before being gunned down, violence against protesters has served to intensify unrest across the county, with more innocents killed at the hands of the regime.
Dr. Hormoz Shariat, president of Iran Alive Ministries, has lived through this experience. His brother was killed in Iran years ago for a minor political charge, sparking his lifelong mission of advocating for the suppressed families in Iran.
Nowadays, Dr. Shariat has been called “the Billy Graham of Iran” by some and is an authority on advocating for the human rights of women, Christians and other oppressed people throughout Iran.
Today on Connections, Dr. Shariat shares how he came to know Christ. He also shares his personal view on the growing turmoil in Iran and how he is using his ministry to bring others to Jesus.
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When Hayden Moffit was born, he was diagnosed with a severe case of cerebral palsy.
His parents were told that his future was grim and that he would never leave the hospital.
Hayden did leave the hospital and went on to live for over two years.
His mother, Rochelle, says God showed his grace and mercy through Hayden's life and did many miracles that kept them going.
Today on Connections, Rochelle shares Hayden's story.
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Claudia Wells' iconic starring role as Jennifer Parker, Michael J. Fox’s present-day girlfriend in the 1985 hit film BACK TO THE FUTURE, has forever put her in movie history.
Although things seemed perfect on the outside, behind closed doors, Claudia's world was crashing down around her.
Today on Connections, Claudia shares how she was able to find God in Hollywood. She also shares what she is up to nowadays.
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Kira Fontana dreamed of a life-long music career.
She loved singing and composing songs, and after studying music composition at top conservatories on the East Coast, Kira moved to Los Angeles to begin her music career.
She eventually became one of the top vocal coaches in the city. For most, this would be an exciting opportunity, but it left Kira longing for more.
Discouraged by what she saw in the music industry and finding no place for her music, she eventually stopped writing and singing. But at the end of 2017, something changed.
Today on Connections, Kira shares her powerful testimony and how this eventually led her to meet her husband.
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There comes a time when every child steps into adulthood and begins making their own choices. So, how can today’s parents continue to guide their adult children, even if they disagree with their kids’ decisions?
Beloved author and international speaker Mary DeMuth answers this question in her new book, Love, Pray, Listen: Parenting Your Wayward Adult Kids with Joy.
Parents of wayward children may feel guilty or crushed by their kids’ choices. They may spiral, asking themselves what they did wrong and longing for their children’s unquestioning faith.
Today on Connections, DeMuth helps parents navigate this heartache, develop new rhythms to reconnect with their adult kids, and place their trust in the Lord for their wayward children’s futures.
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Tuzee is an emerging R&B, pop singer-songwriter and full-time nurse.
Born and raised in Liberia, West Africa (now a proud Canadian), Tuzee loves music and has been singing since she was a child.
She says music was an oasis during incredible times of suffering.
Tuzee calls music her happy place as it reconnects her to the past and the present and helps her embrace the future.
She hopes her music inspires people from all walks of life.
Today on Connections, Tuzee shares where her passion for music started, the story behind her debut single and how she connects her music to her nursing career.
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Winnipeg-born author and speaker Amy Hayward has released her first book, Victory Over Rejection.
“Each of us has a unique story, and for too many of us, that story includes
rejection, " says Hayward.
She is now sharing her story of victory in hopes of helping others to find freedom and break out of that cycle of rejection, fear and pain.
Amy shares her testimony with us today on Connections.
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Chris Singleton is a former minor league baseball player drafted by the Chicago Cubs.
He became a nationally-renowned speaker with a message of resilience, forgiveness and unity following the loss of his mother in the 2015 Mother Emanuel Church Tragedy in Charleston, SC, where nine African Americans were killed during a Bible study.
Singleton is now using this tragedy to unite people.
Today on Connections, Chris shares his story of how he has managed to embrace love over hate.
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Parents want their children to grow up with the ability to face life, especially disappointments and risks, with confidence and bravery. Children who learn resiliency are less likely to give up, avoid risks and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression.
Kathy Koch, PhD., is a child development specialist and author of six books, including RESILIENT KIDS: RAISING THEM TO EMBRACE LIFE WITH CONFIDENCE. She defines resiliency as “recovering readily from disappointment, failure, defeat, adversity, and trauma.”
Today on Connections, Dr. Koch shares practical, relevant and faith-based insights and resources, reminding us there is “no shame or blame for yesterday and great hope for tomorrow.”
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With prices on the rise for basically everything, saving a dollar or two here and there can help.
Nichole Schaubroeck, known online as Coupon Cutie, is an expert in this area. Nichole has spent years figuring out the best ways to save money and is now using social media to help others do the same.
Today on Connections, Nichole shares ways that we can save money in the grocery store.
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Lucille Williams joins us today. She is the author of several books, The Intimacy You Crave: Straight Talk about Sex and Pancakes and From Me to We: A Premarital Guide for the Bride- and Groom-to-Be.
She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for over 25 years.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares some tips and advice on how we can keep our marriage strong while raising young children.
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In a culture where value is placed on grand displays of power and influence, it is easy to get caught in the comparison trap that creates an enormous pressure to do more, try harder, or “go big or go home.” The constant striving for greatness and abundance can disrupt our peace, happiness, and confidence.
Like many women, Rachael Adams questioned her worth, which she based
on her contributions as a wife, a mother, and a child of God. She believed that
her modest, routine work was insignificant and meaningless. Rachael needed a reminder that God finds importance and significance even in the simplest, most ordinary tasks and that He multiplies the smallest efforts for his kingdom and will.
In her book, A Little Goes a Long Way: 52 Days to a Significant Life, Rachael offers biblical truths about God’s ability to unlock eternal influence when we
consistently pursue and obey Him
Today on Connections, Rachael shares what success means to her and how we can look past our insecurities when it comes to success.
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It's a rags-to-riches story that starts with a piece of trash.
In 2018, Adam Gillan walked into Alexander Archbold's now-closed antique shop with a ratty Bambi picture.
Alexander gave Adam $20. Alex later found out it was worth thousands of dollars.
Alexander tracked down Adam and gave him half of the money he had received for the picture. It was that generosity that changed Adam's life moving forward.
Adam was able to get off the streets, get sober, return home and start his own business.
Today on Connections, Adam shares how he landed on the streets and his journey to success.
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It's a rags-to-riches story that starts with a piece of trash.
In 2018, a man named Adam walked into Alexander Archbold's now-closed antique shop with a ratty Bambi picture.
Alexander gave the man $20. He later found out it was worth thousands of dollars.
He tracked down Adam and gave him half of the money he had received for the picture. It was that generosity that changed Adam's life moving forward.
Adam was able to get off the streets, get sober, return home and start his own business.
Today on Connections, Alexander will share what happened that day and what this exchange meant to him.
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With chaotic spaces come cluttered minds. Interior decorator and home coach Shannon Acheson wants to solve both problems with the ultimate stress-free guide to getting your home back under control.
Room-by-room, Acheson’s The Clutter Fix: The No-Fail, Stress-Free Guide to Organizing Your Home tackles the shoulds and should-nots of reorganizing your home. Her tips and tricks apply to everyone—helping readers not only clean their homes once but achieve sustainable, clutter-free living. Speaking from her Christian
worldview, she also includes biblical reasoning for making our homes places of rest and blessing to others.
Today on Connection, Shannon shares how organizing our homes can bring us closer to God. She also shares tips on how we can start the process of decluttering.
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Traumatic experiences can leave even the most devoted Christians wondering, Where is God in all this? Loss, disappointment and hardship take a toll, stealing joy and hope from those who need it most. Have you been there? You’re not alone.
In, Take Back Your Joy: Fighting for Purpose When Life Is More Than You Can Handle, Nicole Jacobsmeyer recounts how she felt defeated and ill-prepared for a
decade of relentless trials, from sexual assault and depression to miscarriage and cancer. With a heart full of questions about God, Nicole began to doubt. Had God given her more than she could handle? She also discovered that there is always more to the story with Christ.
Today on Connections, Nicole shares her powerful testimony and how she was able to take back her joy.
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Women are bombarded with narratives about how they should look, behave and live. No woman could meet all these shifting expectations, yet many pour endless energy into the pursuit. And eventually, insecurity sets in as she questions everything about herself, including her worth.
Amanda Pittman, author of Stand in Confidence: From Sinking in Insecurity to Rising in Your God-Given Identity, has spent her adult life confronting our culture’s epidemic of insecurityand self-doubt. In this new book, Amanda unpacks her journey toward self-confidence rooted in Christ. She offers readers concrete tools for moving forward into wholeness, confidence and God-given purpose.
Today on Connections, Amanda shares her story and how you can start standing in confidence.
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Bryn Elliott's life was marked by trauma, abuse, addiction, rape, rebellion, and the tragic murder of her older sister, Abbe.
Her father, Bryan, endured years of childhood trauma, the excruciating loss of his 21-year-old daughter Abbe, failed marriages, the near loss of his daughter Bryn, and substantial financial and relational hardship.
Both Bryn and Bryan overcame their trauma and rebuilt their relationship.
Today they are the co-founders of M46 Ministries, helping to restore families through their story of tragedy, loss, and, ultimately, transformation and redemption.
Today on Connections, Bryn and Bryan share their powerful testimonies, how they were able to reconcile and how they're using their own experience to help others.
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Bruce B. Miller, author, speaker and pastor of Christ Fellowship Church in McKinney tackles some of the most common questions individuals uncertain of their faith often ask in his new book “The 7 Big Questions: Searching for God, Truth, and Purpose,” released on October 4, 2022.
“We all have big questions about God, our purpose here and why bad things happen,” says Miller. “It’s not enough to believe in something simply because someone told you; there’s no depth to that. We must be critical and intentional in pursuing truth and letting the answers we discover inform our beliefs.”
Based on research of the seven top questions people ask on the internet about faith, Miller takes a clear and compelling approach to walk readers through exploring and discovering answers to often-asked questions, including:
· Does life have a purpose?
· Is there a God?
· Why does God allow pain and suffering?
· Is Christianity too narrow?
· Is Jesus God?
· Is the Bible reliable?
· Can I know God personally?
“This book doesn’t have all the answers, but I encourage individuals uncertain of their faith to keep exploring,” said Miller. “Investigating one question opens another three questions. Not having all the answers does not undermine or delegitimize faith. God wants us to keep seeking, keep asking and keep pursuing both Him and His love, which surpasses human knowledge.”
“The 7 Big Questions,” acknowledges that doubt often gets a bad reputation, especially within Christian settings. Miller asserts that doubt actually has the potential to transform our lives, as progress comes from asking questions and earnestly seeking out answers. The book sets the tone for people to have meaningful, grace-filled conversations about faith without getting angry or offended.
"Maybe you’re a bit skeptical that there’s a God out there, but you’re also curious,” says Miller. “Maybe you know you believe in God, but you’re not sure how to respond when someone asks you why you do. I’ve asked my share of hard questions about God and the Bible, both before and after becoming a pastor. I believe that questions like these are worth asking. Exploring God is a worthy endeavour.”
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Merv Peters is a Canadian financial expert. In this highly downloaded episode from 2020, Merv helps us take a biblical look at our finances and how money impacts our spiritual lives.
Merv owns and operates Fresh Ground Financial in Winnipeg, Man.
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Many churches aspire to be more culturally diverse-but they find that they have no idea how to approach that goal practically. This book addresses that problem with ten ways churches can truly engage and welcome other cultures.
In 2014 Douglas Brouwer, a seasoned American pastor, took on the unique challenge of serving a multiethnic, multiracial, multicultural church in one of Europe's largest cities. In this book Brouwer distills the lessons he has learned from that experience into timely wisdom on issues every multicultural church faces, including language barriers, theological differences, and cultural stereotypes. Honestly recounting his own questions and challenges in multicultural ministry, Brouwer shows how churches everywhere can adjust their attitudes and practices to embrace racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity.
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October is pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.
In January 2020, the Duncan family experienced a loss that left them with a void in their life.
Their son Kaius was born still.
Their world was shattered. Andrea searched for comfort and found hope in a support group on Facebook. It was also there that she learned about cuddle cots.
A cuddle cot is a cooling unit that preserves a stillborn baby’s body so that parents can spend a few more hours with their lost newborn.
To keep their son's memory alive, the Duncans started a fundraiser and were able to raise enough to purchase one cuddle cot for the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.
Today on Connections, Andrea shares her heartbreaking story and how they are using this experience to help others.
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Many women struggle with the voice in their head that tells them they are not
enough…not smart enough, not pretty enough, not capable enough, not present
enough.
In her book, Set Apart: How to Stop Comparing, Own Your Giftedness, and Rest
in Jesus, Denisse Copeland uses the biblical story of Mary and Martha to share her own story of recognizing her unique giftedness and unpacks how women can embrace their identity in Christ.
Today on Connections, Denisse shares her story and how she managed to stop comparing, own her giftedness and rest in Jesus.
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Sheila Walsh is sharing candidly about her mental health struggles in hopes of encouraging the millions struggling to hold on to and live in the love of God.
In her new book, Holding On When You Want to Let Go: Clinging to Hope When Life Is Falling Apart, Sheila Walsh vulnerably shares the traumatic events of her childhood, the loneliness, anxiety, and depression that still creep into her life, how the pandemic magnified and exacerbated her struggles, and the source of the hope that keeps her holding on.
Today on Connections, Sheila shares her struggles with mental health and how we can better help those dealing with mental health issues.
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October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month.
When a person experiences pregnancy or infant loss, they may find themselves in a life they never expected. And even though pregnancy and infant loss are common, they may not be common to you. Instead, they feel like a stranger in their own body, surrounded by well-meaning people who often don't know how to support them.
That's according to today's guest, Rachel Lewis. She is the founder of Brave Mamas, an online community offering support to the pregnancy and infant loss community. She is also a speaker and the author of Unexpecting: Real talk on pregnancy loss.
Today on Connections, Rachel shares her story in hopes of helping others struggling through this journey.
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Joanna Weaver says that letting go of control is hard- unless we hold on to something greater, like God.
Joanna is the bestselling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. She also recently released a new book, Embracing Trust: The art of letting go and holding on to a forever-faithful God.
Today on Connections, Joanna talks about the importance of trust and the inspiration behind her new book.
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September 30 is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
Patricia Myran of Long Plain First Nation is a second-generation residential school survivor. Her parents both attended residential school, and Patricia spent 12 years in residential school. She has also been a historical researcher for the past 20 years and is on the board of directors for the National Indigenous Residential School Museum.
Today on Connections, Patricia shares personal experience and how people can educate themselves starting today.
Orginal air date September 29, 2021
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From a runaway street kid in Uganda to becoming a foster dad in America, Peter Mutabazi discovered the value of being known.
He is now sharing his powerful story with the world in his book, Now I am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth.
Today on Connections, Peter shares his story and the role faith played in it all.
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From a runaway street kid in Uganda to becoming a foster dad in America, Peter Mutabazi discovered the value of being known.
He is now sharing his powerful story with the world in his book, Now I am Known: How a Street Kid Turned Foster Dad Found Acceptance and True Worth.
Today on Connections, Peter shares his story and the role faith played in it all.
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Awake In the Dawn: Living the Lord’s Prayer is a fresh new devotional concept, that shares a year-long journey of applying the Lord’s Prayer to our daily lives.
Craig Smith is a beloved pastor, musician, and teacher based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. While he has pastored his home church for nearly three decades, his heart is to see the broader body of Christ genuinely deepen their relationship with God, which comes from spending more quiet time with God.
He hopes his new book will draw people closer to God.
Today on Connections, Craig talks about his new devotional and the significance of the Lord's prayer.
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Awake In the Dawn: Living the Lord’s Prayer is a fresh new devotional concept, that shares a year-long journey of applying the Lord’s Prayer to our daily lives.
Craig Smith is a beloved pastor, musician, and teacher based in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. While he has pastored his home church for nearly three decades, his heart is to see the broader body of Christ genuinely deepen their relationship with God, which comes from spending more quiet time with God.
He hopes his new book will draw people closer to God.
Today on Connections, Craig talks about his new devotional and the significance of the Lord's prayer.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danielle Strickland is the proud mom of three boys, wife to Stephen, and has been affectionately called the "ambassador of fun".
She is a speaker, activist, podcast host and author.
Her latest book is The Other Side of Hope: Flipping the Script on Cynicism and Despair and Rediscovering our Humanity.
In this book, she discusses how we can overcome cynicism and despair and find hope by witnessing the power of God's redemptive healing.
Today on Connections, Danielle shares the inspiration behind this book. She also shares how we can look at hope in a new light.
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Danielle Strickland is the proud mom of three boys, wife to Stephen, and has been affectionately called the "ambassador of fun".
She is a speaker, activist, podcast host and author.
Her latest book is The Other Side of Hope: Flipping the Script on Cynicism and Despair and Rediscovering our Humanity.
In this book, she discusses how we can overcome cynicism and despair and find hope by witnessing the power of God's redemptive healing.
Today on Connections, Danielle shares where the inspiration behind this book. She also shares how we can look at hope in a new light.
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Based on the inspirational novel by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong, The Mulligan follows a man trying to right the wrongs of his past as he learns that the game of life is best approached with a clear head. The powerful film about second chances stars Eric Close (American Sniper, Nashville), Pat Boone (A Cowgirl's Story, God's Not Dead 2) and Tanya Christiansen (I Still Believe, The Hate U Give).
Rick Eldridge is the producer. With more than 35 years in the entertainment business as a musician, producer, director, and entrepreneur: Rick Eldridge makes projects happen.
Today on Connections, Rick chats about The Mulligan and the inspiration behind this project.
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Based on the inspirational novel by Ken Blanchard and Wally Armstrong, The Mulligan follows a man trying to right the wrongs of his past as he learns that the game of life is best approached with a clear head. The powerful film about second chances stars Eric Close (American Sniper, Nashville), Pat Boone (A Cowgirl's Story, God's Not Dead 2) and Tanya Christiansen (I Still Believe, The Hate U Give).
Rick Eldridge is the producer. With more than 35 years in the entertainment business as a musician, producer, director, and entrepreneur: Rick Eldridge makes projects happen.
Today on Connections, Rick chats about The Mulligan and the inspiration behind this project.
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Many people can recall the exact moment their lives changed forever. Jenny and Evan Owens say what happened was wrong, and it hurt, but it does not have to define their lives forever. There is a way to overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future.
Jenny and Evan, founders of REBOOT recovery, talk about this in their new book, Healing What’s Hidden: Practical Steps to Overcoming Trauma.
Today on Connections, Jenny and Evan share practical steps to overcoming trauma.
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Many people can recall the exact moment their lives changed forever. Jenny and Evan Owens say what happened was wrong, and it hurt, but it does not have to define their lives forever. There is a way to overcome trauma and embrace a brighter future.
Jenny and Evan, founders of REBOOT recovery, talk about this in their new book, Healing What’s Hidden: Practical Steps to Overcoming Trauma.
Today on Connections, Jenny and Evan share practical steps to overcoming trauma.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Jay Lowder understands what it can feel like to be in a pit of darkness. He also knows what it feels like to be redeemed and to find God.
He is now the founder of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries, an evangelistic ministry that works to help people who suffer the same depression and desperation that Jay once felt.
Today on Connections, Jay shares his powerful story of transformation. He also talk about how he is using his experience to help others.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the Canadian Suicide Prevention line at 1-833-456-4566. You can also go online to get help athttps://talksuicide.ca/.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Jay Lowder understands what it can feel like to be in a pit of darkness. He also knows what it feels like to be redeemed and to find God.
He is now the founder of Jay Lowder Harvest Ministries, an evangelistic ministry that works to help people who suffer the same depression and desperation that Jay once felt.
Today on Connections, Jay shares his powerful story of transformation. He also talk about how he is using his experience to help others.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the Canadian Suicide Prevention line at 1-833-456-4566. You can also go online to get help athttps://talksuicide.ca/.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's been just over a week since the start of school and for many, this time can be challenging.
Lucille Williams joins us today. She is the author of The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace.
She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for more than 25 years.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares how we can get through this season and overcome the fear that can arise.
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It's been just over a week since the start of school and for many, this time can be challenging.
Lucille Williams joins us today. She is the author of The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace.
She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for more than 25 years.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares how we can get through this season and overcome the fear that can arise.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Square One World Media has been producing Christ-centred programming since 1947. Beginning with a simple radio program, their work has expanded to include television and online media. Yet even as their format changes, their commitment to delivering the Good News of Jesus Christ in a language people understand has not changed.
Shoaib Ebadi has been the president and executive director of Square One World Media since 2016.
Today on Connections, he shares how and why he got involved with Square One World Media. He also chats about some of the programming that the ministry is currently working on.
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Square One World Media has been producing Christ-centred programming since 1947. Beginning with a simple radio program, their work has expanded to include television and online media. Yet even as their format changes, their commitment to delivering the Good News of Jesus Christ in a language people understand has not changed.
Shoaib Ebadi has been the president and executive director of Square One World Media since 2016.
Today on Connections, he shares how and why he got involved with Square One World Media. He also chats about some of the programming that the ministry is currently working on.
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Adoptive parents often discover that opening their hearts to adoption was the easy part. It’s the emotional journey after the surrender to the idea of adoption that leads to the hard seasons of testing.
In Hope When It’s Hard, author Jennifer Phillips beautifully weaves together elements of her personal adoption journey with Scripture and encouraging words that will feed the soul of an adoptive parent. Jennifer’s authenticity will lead parents to finally feel understood, with the ability to finally see the beauty of God’s adoptive heart.
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How do we teach our kids about being safe when it comes to strangers without scaring (or scarring) them?
Today we talk to an expert with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection about just that.
They offer us five great tips to keep our kids safe.
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How do we teach our kids about being safe when it comes to strangers without scaring (or scarring) them?
Today we talk to an expert with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection about just that.
They offer us five great tips to keep our kids safe.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Leilanie and Michael met when they were just 15 years old. Twelve years later they got engaged, but as they were preparing for their wedding something seemed off with Michael.
Today on Connections, Leilanie shares her family's journey as they battle a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She also talks about how faith and love have helped her family through the ups and downs of caregiving.
This is a repeat episode from September 2021.
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Erica Wiggenhorn is passionate about inspiring Christians to know God, not just know about God, by immersing themselves in Scripture.
Now, with her third Bible Study, Erica digs deep into the Gospel of Luke, exploring the culture, the words, and the life of Jesus in Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew.
Along with the book, Erica is preparing to launch a weekly YouTube series where everyday people share their stories of how God worked in unexplainable ways in their lives.
Like Erica’s previous offerings, An Unexplainable Life and The Unexplainable Church, Unexplainable Jesus was birthed from a frustration that most Bible studies on the market were either watered-down and over-simplified, or were exceptionally sterile and academic. The Unexplainable series is the result, helping readers understand how to have a deep, meaningful study of scripture that engages us – mind, emotion, imagination, and spirit.
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Erica Wiggenhorn is passionate about inspiring Christians to know God, not just know about God, by immersing themselves in Scripture.
Now, with her third Bible Study, Erica digs deep into the Gospel of Luke, exploring the culture, the words, and the life of Jesus in Unexplainable Jesus: Rediscovering the God You Thought You Knew.
Along with the book, Erica is preparing to launch a weekly YouTube series where everyday people share their stories of how God worked in unexplainable ways in their lives.
Like Erica’s previous offerings, An Unexplainable Life and The Unexplainable Church, Unexplainable Jesus was birthed from a frustration that most Bible studies on the market were either watered-down and over-simplified, or were exceptionally sterile and academic. The Unexplainable series is the result, helping readers understand how to have a deep, meaningful study of scripture that engages us – mind, emotion, imagination, and spirit.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kenny Luck, the founder of Every Man Ministries, is a thought leader and expert on men and culture. Kenny has been called by God to revolutionize men’s ministry, free men spiritually and empower men’s movement worldwide. God is using Kenny to reach over a hundred thousand men each week through the Every Man radio show in Los Angeles and the worldwide LIVESTREAM of his weekly men’s meeting via Every Man Ministries on Facebook.
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Kenny Luck, the founder of Every Man Ministries, is a thought leader and expert on men and culture. Kenny has been called by God to revolutionize men’s ministry, free men spiritually and empower men’s movement worldwide. God is using Kenny to reach over a hundred thousand men each week through the Every Man radio show in Los Angeles and the worldwide LIVESTREAM of his weekly men’s meeting via Every Man Ministries on Facebook.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Born in Savlamar, Jamaica, Akeem didn’t have much of an advantage from the beginning. With limited options and tragic events happening early in life, he moved to Canada with his mother seeking a better life. However, they fell into tough times and struggled to find stability, moving many different times in a short period of time.
Down but not out, with the help of some friends, they were able to get back on their feet. Akeem became involved in sports, mainly football and track and field. Akeem excelled both on the field and on the track and won many different awards. In the 11th grade, he started to gain offers from Division I schools in the United States.
Nevertheless, Akeem’s path to becoming an NCAA Division I student-athlete was not smooth. After failed attempts with the S.A.T. and the A.C.T. once, Akeem did not get the scores he needed to accept a full athletic scholarship from an NCAA institution.
You would think all of this adversity on top of having multiple learning disabilities would’ve stopped Akeem from furthering his education. But quitting has never been an option. He attended Barton Community College in the fall of 2010. Two years later he would go on to make his first Canadian Olympic Team and earn All-American honours, becoming a national champion and earning a full athletic scholarship to The University of Alabama.
Akeem eventually went on to become the first in his immediate family to graduate from college on top of becoming a Division I Track and Field All-American.
Through perseverance, a resilient mindset and a stubborn attitude to succeed, Akeem has become a 2x Olympian (2012 & 2016), helping Canada bring home an Olympic Bronze Medal at the Rio Olympic Games.
With an intriguing story and captivating delivery, Akeem takes you through the highs and lows, and shows you what a resilient mindset can achieve.
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Born in Savlamar, Jamaica, Akeem didn’t have much of an advantage from the beginning. With limited options and tragic events happening early in life, he moved to Canada with his mother seeking a better life. However, they fell into tough times and struggled to find stability, moving many different times in a short period of time.
Down but not out, with the help of some friends, they were able to get back on their feet. Akeem became involved in sports, mainly football and track and field. Akeem excelled both on the field and on the track and won many different awards. In the 11th grade, he started to gain offers from Division I schools in the United States.
Nevertheless, Akeem’s path to becoming an NCAA Division I student-athlete was not smooth. After failed attempts with the S.A.T. and the A.C.T. once, Akeem did not get the scores he needed to accept a full athletic scholarship from an NCAA institution.
You would think all of this adversity on top of having multiple learning disabilities would’ve stopped Akeem from furthering his education. But quitting has never been an option. He attended Barton Community College in the fall of 2010. Two years later he would go on to make his first Canadian Olympic Team and earn All-American honours, becoming a national champion and earning a full athletic scholarship to The University of Alabama.
Akeem eventually went on to become the first in his immediate family to graduate from college on top of becoming a Division I Track and Field All-American.
Through perseverance, a resilient mindset and a stubborn attitude to succeed, Akeem has become a 2x Olympian (2012 & 2016), helping Canada bring home an Olympic Bronze Medal at the Rio Olympic Games.
With an intriguing story and captivating delivery, Akeem takes you through the highs and lows, and shows you what a resilient mindset can achieve.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Talasi Guerra is a Christian author and communicator who is passionate about infusing Jesus into her everyday life and empowering others to do the same.
In 2007, Talasi experienced a radical life change when God brought her through a period of healing from her long battle with anorexia and depression.
Since that time, Talasi has been committed to bringing light and life to the world around her by sharing her story, speaking truth, and offering hope to others.
Today on Connections, Talasi shares a bit about her journey and how others can overcome the obstacles that are holding them back.
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Why are hit worship songs so different from Psalms? How do hit worship songs connect with the congregation? Should we be incorporating more hymns into our churches?
Terry Mattingly is the founder and editor of GetReligion.org
Today on Connections, Terry gives us some insight into the difference between hit worship songs and the Psalms.
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Happiness is considered a destination, but the finish line is constantly moving—when we get married, find that dream job, move away from home, have a baby, build a dream house, etc. We are promised that a happy life is tied to these milestones.
But what if society has it wrong? What if happiness isn't the goal at all?
Mary Katherine Backstrom, best known for her viral videos and candid writing on family, faith, and mental illness, discusses this in her new book, Crazy Joy: Finding Wild Happiness in a World That's Upside Down.
Today on Connections, MK shares the difference between happiness and joy, the importance of discussing mental health and how you can find true joy in a world that is upside down.
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As a police officer for 25 years, Norm Wielsch witnessed his share of trauma and would later fall into a downward spiral following his diagnosis of PTSD. He served eight years of a 14-year sentence on corruption charges and emerged from federal prison determined to help others — particularly first responders — heal from trauma.
Today on Connections, Norm shares his powerful story of transformation.
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When award-winning hip-hop artist Brinson Wright was just four years old, he was given a cassette tape containing the song “Bible Break” by Stephen Wiley (regarded as the godfather of Christian rap), and a seed was planted.
Since then, Brinson has gone on to found GodChaserz Entertainment and has facilitated more than 20 Christ-centred hip-hop albums. He has also travelled the globe spreading the good news of Jesus Christ.
Today on Connections, Brinson shares where his passion for hip hop music started and how he was able to incorporate God into it.
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Shelley Thody's childhood started great. She went to church regularly and knew that she loved Jesus.
As she grew older, she stopped reading the Bible and grew further away from Jesus.
By the time she was in grade 12, she had moved, met new people and made some unhealthy choices.
As she grew further away from God, she became involved in an abusive relationship. Once that relationship ended, she started to feel depression setting in.
After three years of dealing with some extreme emotions, Shelley Thody was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. She eventually hit rock bottom and attempted suicide.
She survived and realized that God wasn't done with her yet. Miracles started happening in her life, and she was drawn back to God.
Today on Connections, Shelley shares her powerful testimony and how she's using her diagnosis to help others.
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Christian Artist Sean BE is best known for his unforgettable music, electric high-energy live performances, and undeniable passion for the calling God placed on his life.
Formerly a “Next Gen” Pastor in Denver, Sean and his family relocated in 2021, to t Nashville where he’s been called to create great Christ-centered music that will continue his mission to inspire the next generation as they find their way toward the future God has for them.
Above all, Sean also reminds listeners “God has a purpose in everything, and will work all things for good, for those who love Him.” This is the inspiration for the phrase, "We did not come this far, just to come this far” which can often be found in his messages and songs.
Today on Connections, Sean BE shares his journey from pride to praise.
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June 8, 1972, is a date that Kim Phuc Phan Thi will never forget.
It was in the middle of the Vietnam war. Kim Phuc was just nine years old when an American military advisor coordinated a napalm bombing of Kim's village by the South Vietnamese.
She was photographed running naked down a road, her skin on fire with napalm. A photograph that won a Pulitzer Prize and changed the way we look at war.
Kim Phuc suffered for years in pain but held on to hope and was eventually able to find Jesus.
She shares that powerful story with us today on Connections.
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Laura Barringer is an early years teacher by day and an author in her spare time.
Her latest project is a new book she co-authored with her father, Scot McKnight, A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing.
Barringer says in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches, and we need a better way.
Today on Connections, Laura discusses her thoughts on church leadership and ways of moving forward in a good way. She will also share the inspiration behind the book and what it was like to write with her father.
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Back to school is just around the corner.
School supply lists are out, and parents are searching for the best deal on supplies.
Sandra Fry is an accredited financial counsellor with the Credit Counselling Society.
Today on Connections, she shares tips and advice on how we can save money when back-to-school shopping.
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As a respected professional counsellor, published author and keynote speaker, Andrea Anderson Polk leverages more than a decade of clinical experience, illuminating storytelling, and deep compassion to help people uncover truths, break free of harmful behaviour and relationships, and celebrate newfound freedom.
In her book, The Cuckoo Syndrome, Andrea helps us fend off the cuckoos—unhealthy relationships, toxic thinking, and self-sabotaging behaviour—to find our identity in God and discover new purpose, vision, and meaning in our lives.
Today on Connections, Andrea explains what the Cuckoo Syndrome is and how we can rid ourselves of the cuckoos in our lives.
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Lily grew up in a Muslim family in Iran and immigrated to the US as a teenager, only to find herself in an arranged marriage that her father set up as part of a business deal. That business deal drove her family apart, and she was alone in a new country in an abusive marriage.
She became a Christian - and now her life is restored, and she is working with Iran Alive to reach women in Iran - the very ministry that helped her discover Jesus.
Today on Connections, Lily shares her amazing journey to becoming a Christian and how we here in the west can help those living in Iran.
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Philip Remington Dunn has been a celebrated criminal defense attorney in Southern California for over 30 years. As a Christian, he has been able to use his faith to recover and redeem countless souls, salvaging those who might otherwise have become victims of their own conduct and the criminal justice system.
In his book, Eternal Justice, Dunn shares eight powerful examples of spiritual redemption he personally witnessed and the “miraculous transformation of the individual” Dunn attributes to God’s intervention.
Today on Connections, Phillip stories of some of God’s most lost souls and
how they made their way back to Him through His direct intervention in their lives.
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When a child thinks they can rule over their parents, they really have their work cut out for them! What seems impossible, God makes possible. When a mother feels like her life is a mess with a troubled marriage, she needs to rely on God for parenting advice. New moms often have feelings of inadequacy, but we can learn to rely on God for wisdom and strength with a focus on grace.
Today on Connections, author and speaker Lucille Williams, shares that when it comes to parenting, anything is possible!
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Refuge for Women was formed in January 2009 in Lexington, KY, and was founded by Ked and Michelle Frank.
Before starting Refuge, Ked had a series of pivotal conversations with the leader of a group doing outreach to women in local strip clubs. Although the outreach had been ongoing for three years, the women who wanted help with escaping had no long-term places to go. In response to this need, Refuge for Women opened its first location in Kentucky in 2009. It is a non-profit, faith-based organization that provides long-term care for women who are survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, offering them a new beginning.
Since then, Refuge for Women has served more than 100 women and grown to 11 locations.
Today on Connections, Ked shares the inspiration behind this organization and the impact it has had on the community.
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Mary DeMuth's life is full of deep wounds.
When she was five years old, Mary was sexually abused by neighbourhood bullies. This experience, combined with the tragic loss of her father, led to darkness in her life and eventually to thoughts of suicide.
In her teenage years, Mary found God, and through him, she was able to start her healing journey.
She writes about her healing journey in her book, Not Marked: Finding Hope and Healing after Sexual Abuse.
Today on Connections, Mary talks about why she is sharing her story and how she was able to find hope and healing.
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Aaron House is the founder and executive director of Piercing Word Ministry.
Piercing Word Ministry is a full-time non-profit based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They tour throughout the United States and beyond, bringing God's word to centre stage and igniting a passion for the Word of God and the art of the church.
Part of that was encouraging the audience to memorize God's word.In 2013, House set out to memorize the entire New Testament.
In the end, he memorized and recited 25 of the 27 stories. He says memorizing scripture is a great way to win spiritual victories.
Today on Connections, Aaron shares about his ministry and why it is so important to memorize scripture.
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Matthew Kenslow juggles more than balls and clubs at his motivational speaking engagements. He juggles the challenges — and stigma — that accompany his Asperger’s Syndrome.
In spite of his disability, the talented juggler, pianist and college graduate recently added published author to his list of achievements.
His eye-opening book, Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger's Syndrome, is a deeply personal perspective from a bright young mind who refuses to let labels define him or limit him.
Today on Connections, Matthew will share about his book. He'll also talk about his faith and how it has helped him through his diagnosis.
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A long way from the North Carolina tobacco farm where he grew up, college basketball standout Wayman Britt captained the University of Michigan Wolverines to the NCAA title game in 1976. It had always been his dream to play the game he loved, and the Wolverines fit the bill. After realizing one dream, Britt set his sights on another. And another.
Britt didn’t let his poverty-stricken environment in the North Carolina Jim Crow era of racial discrimination dissuade him from envisioning a bigger world and a better life.
He says it is thanks to hard work, determination and faith in God that he was able to achieve what he has.
Wayman shares his story in his new book, Fulfilling the Dream: My Pathway to Leadership and Finding Purpose in Serving Others.
Today on Connections, Wayman shares how he is using his story to inspire others.
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We all experience a “meanwhile” in life. Those endless and challenging moments when God is strategically labouring behind the scenes, yet we find ourselves questioning. Such is Joseph’s story—it might be yours as well.
Carol McLeod, a trusted women's ministry leader, well-known speaker and author of 15 books, hopes her latest book, Meanwhile: Meeting God in the Wait, helps women realize that, what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good!
Today on Connections, Carol shares about her book meanwhile and why she decided to focus on Joseph's story.
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Do love songs have any place in Christian music? Is it biblical? Is it right? Is it wrong?
Those are the questions we discuss today with Dr. Nicholas Greco. He's the Associate Professor of Communications and Media at Providence University College in Otterburne, Manitoba. He loves to study and talk about religion and popular culture and gives us lots to think about today!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram posts with this story.
Find all things related to the Connections podcast by clicking here.
Find out more about Dr. Greco by clicking here.
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It's been a busy year for Canadian recording artist Dan Bremnes. In June 2022, Bremnes released his new album, Into The Wild.
Dan wrote most of the album in the midst of the pandemic. He hopes this album will help listeners leave fear behind and allow God to guide them.
'Wouldn't Change A Thing', 'Hold You Tight' and 'Run Away With Me' are some of the singles off the album that are already impacting lives across the globe.
Today on Connections, Dan talks about the new album and what he's been up to. He'll also chat about his song, 'Run Away With Me' and whether or not love songs should be played on Christian radio.
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Jeannie Cunnion, a pastor’s kid and life-long Jesus follower who became a Christian at the age of eight found herself knee-deep in questions such as: Do I rely on the power of God’s Spirit inside me or am I trying to do life in my strength? How can I experience more of His presence? These questions led her to discover more about the Holy Spirit and entirely rely on Him for the answers.
In Don’t Miss Out: Daring to Believe Life Is Better with the Holy Spirit, Cunnion takes readers on her journey to rediscover God’s love through a better understanding of the Holy Spirit, unveiling 30 little-known benefits of being in relationship with God’s divine presence.
Today on Connections, Jeannie shares her journey in building a relationship with the Holy Spirit and how you can do the same.
Original air date August 5, 2021
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In June of 2002, the life of Kara Robinson would change as she knew it. While in her best friend's front yard, she was approached by a man who put a gun to her neck and forced her into his car. This man would go on to take Kara to his apartment where he held her captive for 18 hours before her daring escape. Not only did she escape, but she also helped capture him.
Kara would go on to enter law enforcement herself and now uses her experience as well as years of work in law enforcement to speak to groups around the country. She tells her story as a means to help educate those who work with victims and empower individuals to be the best version of themselves they can be, regardless of their past.
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Isami is a subject matter expert on anti-human trafficking and child safety.
She grew up in Japan and was raised by professional con artists under the guise of "missionaries". Her home was an unsafe place for children, as her mother became her sex trafficker at the age of 9. She left her abusive home as an adult and was introduced to a relationship with Jesus Christ at the age of 23.
Her mission is to be a voice for the exploited and abused within religious settings and educate leadership on the subjects of anti-human trafficking and child safety.
Isami has her B.S. degree in interdisciplinary studies (Graphic Design/Communications+Psychology), has completed professional training in global and domestic anti-human trafficking, has an active ICF coaching certification, and has appeared on multiple shows/podcasts internationally and within the United States.
Her story of resilience has allowed her to connect with thousands of survivors across the globe.
She currently resides in Las Vegas, NV with her husband.
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It started with a church buying a liquor store 11 years ago, and the results have been staggering.
Chicago's Humboldt Park neighbourhood is known to be a neighbourhood with significantly high crime rates, something pastor Wilfredo "Choco" De Jesus knows from growing up there.
Pastor Wilfredo 'Choco' De Jesus has been the pastor of New Life Covenant Church since 2000. Rather than seeking to preserve funds in the 2008 recession, De Jesus says his church decided they "weren't going to take part in the recession." Instead, the church bought buildings in the neighbourhood. Former drug and liquor stores became medical clinics, thrift stores, and homeless ministries.
"Since we bought that big building in a corner of Chicago, crime rate has come down by 42 per cent," says De Jesus. And, he says, every church can make a similar impact no matter where they are. He says churches need to walk with faith, display the love of Christ, and fill in the gaps of their communities.
Listen to the full story on how God moved when this church followed Him.
Original air date Augst 26, 2019
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Ellen Pierre Louis grew up in a small, rural Ontario town, but at the age of 20 found herself on a plane for the first time, headed for Haiti.
Her book, Sweet Surrender, takes you on the journey of a young woman who gave up everything in Canada to go after God's heart and His desires for her life. On today's show (and in the book) she tells you her story of overcoming fears, stepping out in faith, living in a third-world country, and doing ministry plus all the in-betweens of how God pursued her, refined her, and brought her to her knees in surrender.
She also shares how she and her family survived the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the aftermath that followed. Ellen describes her experiences with real-life reactions, honesty, and a little humour with a side of sarcasm.
Sweet Surrender will not only show you that God is still at work and is simply looking for willing hearts, but it will give you basic foundational steps to kick away fear and step into your calling. How many of us are willing to give it all up and take a risk for God? Would you do it if you knew He would change everything? Who's ready for the highs and the lows of doing the work of Christ? Let's go on this journey and see what God has in store.
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Unresolved trauma can take a serious toll on a child, but sometimes families just don’t know what to say or where to turn for help.
Hidden: Her Truth Her Pain, from Shun Jamerson Tomlin, is a thought-provoking story about a young girl who was victimized by a close family friend and the profound impact of her family’s decision to keep quiet.
Hidden candidly explores themes of self-forgiveness, strength and salvation, and why God’s voice is necessary for the healing process.
Today on Connections, Shun shares her amazing story and the inspiration behind this book.
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Sammy Khalife grew up in Lebanon and was raised as a Muslim. He eventually made his way to the United States to learn English. From there, he moved to Canada, a place where his life would be changed forever.
Today on Connections, Sammy shares how getting involved with a refuge committee in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, led him to find God.
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As a child, Michael Molthan experienced many hardships and trials, from his father’s abandonment to his grandfather’s abuse.
All of this led him down a path of destruction that ended with drugs, alcohol and prison time.
It was in jail where Michael found God and was set free.
Today on Connections, Michael shares his powerful story of transformation.
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Lisa Elliott is a ministry wife, gifted speaker, and award-winning author of The Ben Ripple and Dancing in the Rain. Her latest book is A Ministry Survival Guide: Straight from the Heart.
Lisa says her new book is the essential handbook for anyone seeking to enter public ministry.
Today on Connections, Lisa explores the joys and challenges of life in the spotlight of ministry.
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Alexis is a traumatic brain injury survivor dedicated to bringing awareness and compassion to other survivors and those supporting them. She is a college and university graduate who established her career in the criminal justice system. For more than a decade, she dedicated herself to working in the criminal justice field, as well as her local women’s shelter, where she supported survivors of domestic abuse.
Following her dreams and passion for the fashion industry, she became a businesswoman as a personal stylist eight months prior to the motor vehicle accident that changed her world.
Today on Connections, Alexis shares her story in hopes of helping other trauma survivors.
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The problems experienced by couples today date back to The Fall (Genesis 3). That's according to Pastor Scott LaPierre.
In Scott's new book, Your Marriage God's Way, he addresses relationship roles and lessons drawn directly from scripture.
Today on Connections, Scott dissects the culture of marriage intended by God and helps us build strong and vibrant relationships with our spouses.
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Taylor Kepp was just 20 years old when she discovered she had stage 5 kidney disease. Sandra Saint-Cyr, a mother and retired teacher, heard about Taylor's diagnosis from Taylor's mother, who was part of her church choir. After hearing about this, Sandra felt called to do something and decided to donate one of her kidneys. The two were a match, and the surgery was completed on May 26, 2022. Today on Connections, Sandra and Taylor will share how they met and how this gift of life has changed their lives forever.
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The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews of Canada is a leading Canadian religious charity building bridges between Christians and Jews, blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and life-saving aid.
Yael Eckstein has served on the Board of Directors for International Fellowship for Christians and Jews (IFCJ) Canada since 2015. In June 2019, following the unexpected death of her father, Rabbi Eckstein, she succeeded him in his role and became President of IFCJ Canada.
Today on Connections, Yael shares a bit about the fellowship, how they're helping to build bridges between Christians and Jews, and how they're blessing Israel and the Jewish people around the world with humanitarian care and life-saving aid
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In her new 8-week Bible study, An Unexpected Revival: Experiencing God’s Goodness through Disappointment and Doubt, author Erica Wiggenhorn guides readers to encounter a unique picture of revival through Ezekiel’s prophecies. God chose to spark revival through people who seemed counted out, cast aside, and disregarded. An Unexpected Revival is available today, June 7, through Moody Publishers.
Ezekiel reveals that we are not the first people to believe our doubts and doubt our beliefs when circumstances spiral out of control. But God pursues us with His goodness and desires to bring revival to our broken hearts.
“Ezekiel was actually the first book that I studied when God was leading me into ministry at my local church,” shares Erica. “Now, as I work with churches across the country, I keep realizing that the topic of revival has been a constant theme, and An Unexpected Revival was birthed to help others go deeper into this powerful book. We are hungry for a deeper connection to God, and Ezekiel gives a perfect roadmap to experiencing His love, no matter the circumstance.”
Through a study of the book of Ezekiel, God offers an invitation to:
— experience His faithfulness when surrounded by uncertainty — reignite our hope instead of losing heart — realize the call of God, reawakening us to our purpose — rest in contentment rather than dwell in disappointment
An Unexpected Revival sparks a fire in our longing heart to feel renewed excitement in our relationship with God. Instead of going through the motions, checking the boxes, and wondering why God feels so far away, Ezekiel teaches us to come close and invite God to fill us with fresh fire. God offers His joy, peace, and purpose to any who seek it. Do you long for revival?
This 8-week study also includes a supplemental video teaching through Vimeo.
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How do we find connections when our differences are constantly on display and even exacerbated by algorithms and echo chambers? How do we move forward together when we're so far apart?
Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers recently authored a new book, Now What?: How to Move Forward When We're Divided (About Basically Everything).
In this book, Silvers and Holand help us understand the powerful connections we have with people on a personal, community-based, national, and even international level. They also remind us that we are not alone in this situation.
Today on Connections, Beth Silvers shares how we can approach our differences and start moving forward.
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First victimized as an infant, Andi Buerger spent her first 17 years subjected to abuse and sex trafficking at the hands of her own family.
She is now speaking openly about her experience in hopes of defeating traffickers. and in an effort to bring hope to victims.
Andi Buerger says it's God who kept her alive throughout her journey.
Today on Connections, Andi shares her powerful story. She'll also discuss how we can help put a stop to human trafficking.
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Sonya Johnson experienced trauma in her teenage years. That led her down a path of destruction that eventually landed her in jail.
While she was incarcerated, Sonya surrendered her life to God, and today she is using her experience to help others.
Today on Connections, Sonya shares her testimony. She'll also share how she intends to help others moving forward.
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Clergy misconduct is not a new problem. It is, however, something that we have started to discuss more openly.
Val Hiebert is a program coordinator for abuse response and prevention with MCC. She is also a professor of sociology at Providence University.
Today on Connections, Val helps us understand what clergy misconduct is and why it's happening. She'll also share with us why we are hearing about it more nowadays and how we as a church can prevent it.
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What are the limits on reaching the next generation? One Voice Student Missions ministry founder Brian Barcelona is pushing the bar on traditional evangelism and reaching Gen Z and younger through their phones.
In Don’t Scroll: Evangelism in the Digital Age, Brian explores how his initially small ministry gained a social media following of over 1 million. Now, his ministry hosts virtual events through TikTok and Instagram for healing, baptism, deliverance and salvation.
Today on Connections, Brian shares how we can spread the Gospel in a way that speaks to the generation that lives online.
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Seventeen years ago, Juli, a 25-year-old nurse practitioner, moved from Los Angeles to a small village in Kenya to be a part of an HIV program.
In 2009, she founded a hospice called Living Room International where men, women, and children come either to heal or to be loved until they die.
Kenya is also where Juli met her husband, Titus and together built a family, one biological daughter and two siblings that they adopted from their hospice.
Today on Connections, Juli shares her amazing testimony and why she continues to do what she does.
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Being a good mom isn't about doing everything right--though every mom has felt the pressure to do just that and to do it all on her own. To ask for help along the way feels like defeat. Yet when we try to do it all by our own strength, we end up depleted, lonely, and ineffective.
Heather MacFadyen wants you to know that you are not meant to go it alone. Sharing her hardest, most vulnerable mom moments, she shows how you can be empowered by God, supported by others, and connected with your children. With encouragement and insight, she helps you foster the key relationships you need to be the mom you want to be.
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For so long, Christie Amoyo thought God didn’t care about her family’s finances. Boy, was she wrong! As she read the Bible, there came a shift in her head—and then in her heart. She realized that He is our provider.
Christie is a wife, entrepreneur, author, and mother of four children. She has served in ministry for more than fifteen years.
Today on Connections, Christie shares her faith and finance journey in the hope that other Christians will learn to trust God with their financial health without shame or stigma.
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Sara Barratt says it is time to trade confusion for clarity and live boldly for God in a world gone crazy.
Sara Barratt is Editor-in-Chief for TheRebelution.com, a growing online platform that reaches more than half a million Christian teens, parents, and youth workers each year. She's a frequent speaker on topics including using your teen years for Christ, biblically navigating culture, and godly dating and relationships. She's also written for The Gospel Coalition, Desiring God, Girl Defined, and Crosswalk. She is the author of Love Riot and Stand Up, Stand Strong.
No matter how young or old we are, or how much or how little influence we think we have, God calls us to boldly engage our upside-down culture through the lens of his truth.
Today on Connections, Sara offers practical ways to stay rooted in God's truth while engaging culture with the redemptive story of the gospel--no matter the cost.
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What really keeps us from experiencing peace in our lives? Jeanne Stevens, author of What's Here Now and lead pastor at Soul City Church in Chicago, Illinois says it's not the state of the world. It's not your particular circumstances. It's not even your turbulent relationships. When it comes down to it, what keeps us from experiencing peace is either living in the past or living for the future.
With honest transparency, hope-filled compassion, and plenty of vulnerable humour, pastor Jeanne Stevens reveals the shockingly simple path to peace: presence. She helps us slow down, center ourselves, and ask the all-important question, What's here now?
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Kasim Hafeez is a British citizen of Pakistani Muslim heritage who grew up being exposed to radical Anti-Western, Antisemitic and Anti-Israel ideas on a daily basis. During his teenage years, Kasim embraced a radical Islamist ideology and became very active in the anti-Israel movement. Thankfully Alan Dershowitz’s book ‘The Case for Israel’ challenged Kasim’s fundamental beliefs and caused him to undertake a period of research and reflection that led him to Israel in 2007. Witnessing the true nature of the Jewish state changed Kasim’s perception of Israel. He felt a moral obligation to publicly speak out for Israel and the dangers of radical Islam.
He is now featured in a new documentary Never Again? which seeks to educate on the horrors and consequences of antisemitism. The film follows the journey of a Holocaust survivor and a former radicalized Muslim as they seek to leave behind a legacy of love over hate.
Today on Connections, Kasim shares his story and the importance of discussing antisemitism.
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Rachel and Eric Driedger realized they have a short time frame to go on adventures with their kids before they start getting jobs and responsibilities of their own.
Their first adventure is a month-long canoe trip down the North Saskatchewan River.
The hope is to be gone for most of June and the start of July.
Today on Connections, Rachel and Eric share how this trip came to be and what they hope their family will take away from it.
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He's a man of miracles or at least a man who has experienced miraculous healing more than once.
Lee McClelland is a pastor at The Ark Church Belfast in Northern Ireland.
He experienced miraculous healing from COVID-19 after a cleaner prayed for him in his hospital room. He also managed to beat cancer when he was in his mid-twenties.
Pastor McClelland writes about his life story in his new book My Life is in His Hands: The Life Story of Pastor Lee McClelland.
Today on Connections, Pastor Lee shares what the past couple of years have been like and how he has seen God moving. He'll also chat about his book.
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Yancy is a worship leader, songwriter and producer of hundreds of songs that make Jesus loud. Her Dove Award-winning music is all the things kids love and everything adults value. She is a powerhouse at leading and teaching kids from birth to preteen how to worship and creates popular worship resources for churches and homes around the world
She also recently authored the book Sweet Sound: The Power of Discipling Kids in Worship.
Today on Connections, Yancy shares the importance of children's ministry and why she is so passionate about it.
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Mandy Smith says Western culture is in a tailspin and the Christian faith is entangled in it. Western approaches to faith leave us feeling depressed, doubting, anxious, and burned out. We know something is wrong with the way we do faith and church in the West, but we’re so steeped in it that we don’t know where to begin to break old habits.
She says the best way forward is in Jesus's surprising invitation to the kingdom through childlikeness.
Today on Connections, Mandy Smith, a popular pastor, speaker and author, invites us to detox from the deeply ingrained habits of western culture so we can do kingdom things in a kingdom way again.
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Mindi Oaten is an artist who lives at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Cochrane, Alberta.
She says it was an encounter with God that changed her path and led her towards prophetic art.
Since then, she has painted her way through all 66 books of the Bible. Mindi is passionate about sharing her testimony in hopes she can teach and inspire others to see the Bible in a fresh way, as well as inspire and activate other creatives to use their gifts to glorify God.
Today on Connections, Mindi shares about her journey as a prophetic artist. She'll also chat about her story of painting through the Bible.
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Nancy Hicks spent years on stage in Canada and more than a decade at QVC as an on-air spokesperson. She loved her time there but finally sensed God calling her to full-time ministry.
After earning her master’s in theology from Palmer Seminary of Eastern University, Nancy launched her international speaking ministry, NancyHicksLive.
In May 2019, Nancy's life was turned upside down when her son David, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Just two years later, on May 1, 2021, David died.
Today on Connections, Nancy shares how she went from the secular world to full-time ministry. She'll also share how her son's death impacted not only her life but her faith.
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Globally, NGOs are sounding the alarm as the world is moving rapidly towards some of the most catastrophic food crises in the 21st century. The Canadian Foodgrains Bank is also raising its voice at this extremely urgent hour.
Executive director Andy Harrington says the Foodgrains Bank’s members are working with partners in each one of these countries and he’s gravely concerned.
Stefan Epp-Koop is the program manager of the humanitarian early recovery and development program with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
Today on Connections, Stefan shares how bad the situation is and ways we can prevent the food crisis from worsening. He will also talk about how we can pray and help those in need.
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Kelly Kennedy spent 13 years coaching at the college level. She started her journey at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and broke into Division I as a graduate assistant at the University of Oregon. From there she spent 3 years at TCU and then on to Iowa State, where she helped the Cyclones to 3 NCAA Appearances, finishing in the Sweet 16 twice.
Her career eventually took a nosedive, but it was through this that she managed to find God.
Today on Connections she shares her amazing story of triumph, defeat and redemption.
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Dominique Contois grew up in a home filled with plenty of alcohol and mental abuse. This led Dominique down a path of destruction that involved his own battle with alcohol and dark times.
He says it's thanks to his adopted mother and father, Ken and Margaret, that he is who he is today.
The pair took Dominique and his siblings in gave them food and cared for them.
Unfortunately in September of 2020, Ken was killed in a head-on collision. Ken was a giving man, always willing to help out those in need.
They are now hoping to keep his legacy going and have started up a fundraiser K~&~M Cycle 230. All funds raised will go to support youth and young people in need.
Today on Connections, Dominique shares his family's story. He'll also chat about his fundraiser and how people can get involved.
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Prison Fellowship Canada’s mandate is to meet people who have committed crimes or who are impacted by crime – families of prisoners or victims of crime – wherever they are in their journey, to facilitate reconciliation and the freedom that it brings.
Stacey’s first introduction to Prison Fellowship Canada began over 30 years ago while she worked for an organization that supplied office space for the new prison ministry starting out in Canada.
She is now the president and CEO of Prison Fellowship Canada.
Today on Connections, Stacey talks about Prison Fellowship Canada and the importance of prison ministry in Canada.
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Joshua Bold grew up in a Christian home, but his faith took some time to grow. In his teen years, he struggled with drugs. He was set free from his addictions after praying to God and asking him to save his life.
He dedicated his life to God from then on, attending Bible School and three years later moving to northern Iraq with his wife to become missionaries.
While in Iraq, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was captured, beaten and told he would never see his wife or child again. After praying to God to deliver him from the situation, he was set free.
Joshua now spends his days as the president of AIMS.ORG, mobilizing the Church to send native missionaries to the remaining unreached tribes of the earth.
Today on Connections, Joshua shares his powerful testimony. He'll also chat about the work that AIMS.ORG.
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In 1991 Helen Smallbone and her husband, David, packed up their family and sixteen suitcases to move from Australia to the United States. Completely isolated from the support of family and friends, they relied on God to provide them with hope and direction.
In spite of all the barriers, Helen watched her children succeed. Rebecca St. James’ career grew, soon followed by blossoming careers for the others―as artists, entrepreneurs, filmmakers―and the rise of Joel and Luke’s for KING & COUNTRY on Christian music charts.
Today on Connections, Helen shares how her family worked and stuck together, constantly relying on their faith to guide the way.
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Char Harryman faced a life-limiting diagnosis with extraordinary courage and faith, and she used the time she was given to be a gift to others.
On Easter Sunday back in 1995, Char suffered a grand mal seizure. And then another. And another. This eventually led to numerous tests where doctors discovered a golf ball-sized malignant tumour on her brain.
Doctors gave Char two years to live, but God had other plans. She lived 24 more years and didn't waste any time touching the lives of thousands before she passed away in 2019.
Today on Connections, Steve shares Char's amazing story and how she impacted lives around the world.
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To be human means to try and sometimes fail, to love and sometimes lose, to risk and sometimes regret. There are times when we realize where our choices have brought us, and we’re afraid to be honest—with ourselves, with others, with God—about how we’re really feeling and how we got to where we are. Because what if no one understands? What if they think less of us? What if God is disappointed with us?
Eryn Eddy wants you to know that no matter your past mistakes, relationship status, career choice, or feelings, nothing can change the truth that you are so worth loving.
Today on Connections, Erin talks about her book and the inspiration behind it. She also shares how one small statement is impacting hundreds upon thousands of people worldwide.
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God had a plan when he helped Russ Reimer and Kyle Schmidt cross paths
Both are firefighters with the Winnipeg Fire Department.
In 2010, Kyle was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney disease. It progressively got worse and by late 2020, he was in kidney failure.
Russ decided he needed to do something and became a living donor for Kyle donating his kidney on Thursday, May 12, 2022.
Today on Connections, Russ shares how the two became friends. He will also talk about why he decided to become a donor and what recovery has been like for the pair.
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There may be no more powerful desire in the human heart than to be loved. And not just loved but loved anyway. In spite of what we’ve done or left undone, we long for the unconditional love that we know deep down we don’t deserve.
Bestselling author Jared C. Wilson says that kind of love actually exists, and it is an experience that is ours to have. He shares this in his new book, Love Me Anyway: How God's Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing.
Today on Connections, Jared shares how we can find this love and actually start accepting it. He also talks about his book and the inspiration behind it.
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When people experience mental health challenges, many will turn to the church first for help. Daniel Whitehead is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. He says it is important for churches to be equipped to help those who live with mental health challenges. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries recently released a revised and improved version of their flagship resource, The Sanctuary Course, a mental health first aid kit for churches. Today on Connections, Daniel shares how he went from a burnt-out pastor to the CEO of a mental health ministry. He'll also share a bit about the ministry and why it is important to equip churches to deal with mental health challenges.
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When gold stars, highlight reels, and seeking approval from strangers on the internet are not enough, Mary Marantz gives you permission to stop running. In this unique, powerful devotional filled with stunning photography, she shows you how to move from achieving, striving, and performing for your worth to the grace, freedom, and purpose that come from knowing your identity and calling are determined by God.
She says you are not in a race with anyone. Good things take time. Real things take time. And slow growth equals strong roots.
Today on Connections, Mary shares the inspiration behind her book. She'll also chat a bit about her journey and how she managed to get to where she is today.
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From the Sistine Chapel to da Vinci’s The Last Supper, fresco paintings are one of the oldest and most durable forms of artwork known to man.
At the intersection of faith and art, Theirs is the Kingdom is a feature-length documentary directed by Christopher Zaluski, that follows the rare creation of a contemporary fresco mural inside the sanctuary of a small church in Asheville, NC.
This fresco is a painting not of the rich and powerful but of people battling homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.
Today on Connections, Christopher Zaluski shares why he decided to create this documentary. He also shares how this project changed his mindset and approach to filmmaking, community, and religion.
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The past couple of years have had a significant impact on our children, especially when it comes to screen time.
Many parents relied on tablets and television to keep their children busy while they were busy working from home or while they were in lockdown.
Molly DeFrank is a mother of six and the author of Digital Detox: A Two-Week Tech Reset for Kids.
She says it is time to flip the switch and get our kids back.
Today on Connections, Molly shares how we can start doing this and relate it to our faith.
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God made everyone different, and that includes our children.
Lucille Williams says that parents honour and value their children when they learn to respect their different personalities created by God and learn to walk alongside them.
She says it is important to embrace differences and refrain from comparing our parenting to others and comparing our kids to other kids.
At the end of the day, she says it is important to embrace the fact that God chose each set of parents specifically for their children.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares how we can begin walking alongside our children and embrace their differences.
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Lisa Appelo went to bed married one night and woke up a widow and single mom to seven children the next morning.
Her story of navigating raw, tender grief stands as a testimony that—regardless of your circumstances—life can be good again after it falls apart.
She says, while life’s unexpected turns may look like Plan B to us, they are God’s intentional Chapter 2 for our lives.
Today on Connections, Lisa shares how she found hope and how she was able to put her world back together after losing the love of her life.
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Marina Hofman, Ph.D., is the author of the award-winning book and video series, Women in the Bible Small Group Bible Study, a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University and a homeschool mom of a 3-year-old daughter.
Marina Hofman illuminates the leadership, character, courage and triumph of women in the Bible to inspire women with a message of hope during challenging times.
As a survivor of a life-threatening trauma and one who has overcome debilitating limitations, Marina is passionate about sharing her incredible testimony of God’s redemption and the healing and the hope she has in Christ.
Today on Connections, Marina shares her testimony of how she became a mother. She'll also chat about who her favourite mother is in the Bible and why it's so important to talk about the mothers and women in the Bible.
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Therapist of 27-years and parent, Jean Holthaus is offering parents and caretakers of children new ways to think about and interact with their child when they have anxiety.
Holthaus says that integrating faith with best practices to reduce anxiety teaches coping skills that will help children live more confidently today and into the future.
Today on Connections, Jean shares some tips and advice on how we can handle our children's anxiety and help them to live their lives more peacefully.
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If you have ever felt alone, uncertain, overwhelmed, or questioned why God has allowed difficult circumstances to become part of your narrative, Jody McBrayer’s story is for you.
Today on Connections, the former Avalon band member shares the ups and downs that he has experienced over the years and how he has managed to come out on the other side.
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After losing a close friend to cancer, a friend for whom she wrote her award-winning song, "Overcomer", Mandisa descended into a dark pit of depression, isolating herself from family and friends, and turning to her familiar friend, food, for comfort.
Clinging to the hope of Psalm 40 in her overwhelming darkness, she slowly began to recognize cracks of light where God was at work.
She writes about this in her new book, Out of the dark: My Journey through the shadows to find God's joy.
Today on Connections, Mandisa shares a bit about her journey and how she finally managed to come out of the dark.
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The first week of May is mental health awareness week in Canada.
According to Laura Howe, approximately 43.8 million people per year experience some kind of mental health concern. However, 49% of pastors say they rarely (if ever) speak to their congregation about mental health.
Laura Howe is the founder of Hope Made Strong, an organization dedicated to equipping leaders with the mental health resources needed to create resilient individuals and churches with knowledgeable and confident leadership.
Today on Connections, Laura shares about her organization. She'll also chat about the importance of discussing mental health, especially within the church.
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We live in a time of radical church decline where one-third of religious buildings in Canada will be abandoned in the next 10-years.
Christians find themselves listening to pastors’ messages through a podcast or YouTube video rather than going to a physical church service. In light of the worldwide pandemic, churches all over the world have moved their services online, begging the question: does church really matter? In a time when the global church is changing to virtual services, Canadian pastor, speaker and author Kevin Makins believes the church still matters – perhaps more than ever.
Today on Connections, Pastor Kevin Makins shares why church still matters and how we can continue to make the church grow.
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According to Lifeway Research, 49% of pastors say they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness, and 65% of churchgoing family members of those with mental illness wish the church would talk more openly about mental illness.
Brad Hoefs’ life took a dramatic turn in the spring of 1995 due to a manic episode caused by bipolar disorder, which became public and ended his role as the senior pastor of one of the nation’s fastest-growing churches.
Upon seeing a need for more resources for those loving someone with a mental health diagnosis, Brad started up a ministry, Fresh Hope for Mental Health.
Today on Connections he shares his story and why it's so important to consider the mental health of pastors. He'll also chat about his ministry.
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One day, one of Chris Brown’s colleagues told him, “All we see is this good-looking, all-American man born with a silver spoon in his mouth and who now has his own all-American family. People can’t relate to that. Your opportunities to this point appear to have been endless. You’ve had to have had a better life than most.” Little did this person know, Chris had lived a life of poverty, pain, and rejection for years.
In his new book, Restored: Transforming the Sting of Your Past into Purpose for Today, pastor and author Chris Brown reflects on his painful past and discusses how he overcame his struggles.
Today on Connections, Chris shares his powerful story of transformation and how he is using it to transform others.
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As a white Afrikaner woman growing up in South Africa during apartheid, Idelette McVicker was steeped in a community and a church that reinforced white supremacy and shielded her from seeing her neighbours' oppression. But a series of circumstances led her to begin questioning everything she thought was true about her identity, her country, and her faith.
She shares this long, slow journey of healing the past, making things right, changing old stories, and becoming human together in her book, Recovering Racists: Dismantling White Supremacy and Reclaiming Our Humanity
Today on Connections, Idelette shares how her life has changed and how she intends to help others make things right as well.
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The newest group from Elevation Worship Records, Elevation Rhythm, just released their new debut LP titled Growing Pains.
While the group has previously released a handful of singles, such as “QUIET” and “NEVER WALK AWAY,” Growing Pains is a cohesive introduction of the group to the world.
The 12-song project was created for a generation searching for purpose, identity and acceptance.
Today on Connections, a couple of members from the Elevation Rhythm team will share a little bit about this new album and the meaning behind it.
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For years, others have asked Gail Song Bantum and Brian Bantum to reveal the secret to their marriage as a multiracial Christian couple with high-profile ministry callings.
They're doing that in their new book, Choosing Us: Marriage and Mutual Flourishing in a World of Difference.
This book reveals the lessons, mistakes, and principles that have helped the Bantums navigate race, family history, and gender dynamics in their twenty-plus years of marriage, while inspiring readers to pursue mutual flourishing in their marriages and relationships.
Today on Connections, Brian shares the secrets that helped them make it through their marriage. He'll also chat about the book and why they decided to write it.
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Alicia Dougherty and her husband, Josh, experienced nine years of infertility and losses.
This led them to foster care and adoption from foster care. Eventually, it spiralled into 10 children joining their family in just eight years.
Six of their children are adopted from foster care, and four are their biological children. They call themselves the Dougherty Dozen.
Today on Connections, Alicia shares what a day is like in their household and why they decided to share their lives online. She'll also share the role that faith has played through their journey.
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Joshua Broome was one of the most successful adult film stars in the world. He spent six years in the industry. He obtained fame and wealth and travelled the world, all to find out that none of those would fill the emptiness in his heart.
He eventually moved on, overcoming depression as well as the shame that comes with doing thousands of pornographic films. Today he is a pastor sharing the gospel with people around the world.
Today on Connections, Joshua shares how he went from porn star to pastor.
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The first thing you will notice when you meet Kechi Okwuchi is her scars. One of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than one hundred people, sixteen-year-old Kechi was left with third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside to remember that our true value is within.
Today on Connections, Kechi shares her story with us.
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First responders often go unrecognized for the heroic duties they offer to communities. They work long, gruelling hours, receive modest pay and sometimes are placed in unforeseen danger. Their jobs can take a physical or emotional toll on their lives and their loved ones also.
Adam Davis, a former police officer, understands the sacrifice and the commitment of a first responder. He has made it his mission to strengthen and restore the well-being of other first responders through his continued service to others in his ministry, speaking and books.
Today on Connections, Adam shares his testimony. He also shares why it's important to have resources available for first responders.
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Recognizing that a large amount of Millennials, Gen Z’s and younger are disconnected from a growing Christian faith, Dr. Robert Petterson has founded a new ministry to help grandparents of faith, most of whom are not technology savvy, reach their digital native grandchildren with the Gospel message and biblical values.
Legacy Imperative seeks to mobilize and equip grandparents and other followers of Christ with the tools to pass their faith on to the next generations in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them.
Today on Connections, Dr. Petterson shares where the idea came from and what role grandparents play in passing their faith on to the next generation.
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Churches aren’t immune to the Great Resignation, and that’s an important conversation to have. A surprising number of pastors have either quit or seriously considered it.
Douglas Brouwer spent 40 years as a Presbyterian pastor. He shares his moments of disillusionment, doubts and, ultimately, an acceptance of grace with unexpected candour in his new book, Chasing After Wind: A Pastor’s Life.
Today on Connections, Douglas takes us on a journey through his 40-year career in ministry.
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As parents, we either raise kids who are dependent on us or we raise kids who grow into confident and capable adults. It all comes down to helping them develop their mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets.
Jonathan and Erica Catherman share practical ways to prepare your kids for life on their own. They help you see how your kids view everyday demands of life as either threats to survive or challenges to thrive, then offer age and ability appropriate guidance on the real-world skills kids ages 2 to 22 need before flying solo.
Today on Connections, the Cathermans share how we can start preparing our kids now, so they're independent when it's time for them to launch.
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It was a couple of days after the war began in Ukraine that Tommy Iceland, an Iceland-born, Sweden-raised, and now Nashville, TN-based songwriter was prompted by God to record a new version of Chris Tomlin's “Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies).”
He connected with Mark Sergeev, a worship pastor in Ukraine, to record vocals in Ukrainian.
It was a rollercoaster ride to get the song recorded and released. It included everything from the Russians jamming the internet in Ukraine to the abduction of Mark.
Today on Connections, Tommy shares how the song was eventually released and how it is helping the people of Ukraine.
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Migdalia Smith had a lot to be fearful of.
Now, the survivor of abuse and sex trafficking wants other victims to know that God is real and he can help.
Today on Connections, Migdalia shares her amazing story of transformation and the inspiration behind her book.
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Do you worry a lot? Do you find it impossible to work in the middle of chaos? Do you wonder if God is going to come through for you in difficult times?
Jenny Donnelly is a speaker, entrepreneur, best-selling author and mother of five. She is using her new book, Still: 7 ways to find calm in the chaos, to teach us how to experience true, life-giving rest even amid chaos.
Today on Connections, Jenny shares her story and how she managed to find a place of rest.
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Do you worry that you’re messing up your kids? Do you get stressed when you think about their futures? New York Times bestselling author Crystal Paine knows how you feel. A mom of four, Crystal has struggled with anxiety over parenting. She wanted to parent with grace, instead of a system of rules where kids are expected to do all the right things. She wanted to be a safe place for her children, and she definitely didn’t want to be remembered as the sort of mom who yelled, wounded her kids with words, or worse, cared more about her reputation than her kids’ hearts.
In her latest book, Love-Centred Parenting, Crystal shares the life-changing lessons that God has been teaching her about raising kids with love and grace.
Today on Connections Crystal shares her journey to this point and the inspiration behind her book.
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As the war drags on in Ukraine, millions of people have fled the country, with more leaving daily.
Michael Messenger is the president and CEO of World Vision Canada. He was at the border in Romania when Russia's invasion of Ukraine started.
He says World Vision remains at the border helping children and families and will continue to do so for as long as necessary.
Today on Connections, Michael shares what World Vision is doing for those in Ukraine. He'll also share how Canadians can help.
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Our kids are watching us, and because I said so just doesn’t cut it sometimes.
Lucille Williams says our words and our actions need to match up to allow for authentic parenting and the ability to point our children to God.
Raising an 'impossible kid' can be a challenge, and Lucille Williams has been there and done that. Thankfully, she's using her years of experience, complete with mistakes and victories, to help other parents face their challenges.
Her new book, The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace, looks at raising high-spirited, stubborn, or just downright disagreeable kids.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares her experience and helps us look at parenting in a different light.
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Jenita Pace is a licensed professional counsellor (LPC) in Minnesota. She is also a pastor's wife.
She experienced a battle with depression and anxiety that led her down a path of destruction.
After several years of prayer, counselling, and pursuing God, Jenita and her family experienced God’s grace and restoration.
Today on Connections, Jenita shares her story of restoration. She'll also share how you can find freedom from anxiety and depression.
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Born with moderate to severe hearing loss, Thomas Muglia grew up in a musical family and quickly learned how to feel, play, and read music at a young age.
Under his dad’s leadership in the Church, he began playing and singing for the congregation.
It wasn’t long after, in Campus Ministry during college, Thomas discovered a passion for honest songwriting and music that speaks to the heart.
In 2019, Muglia recorded his first independent album The Return and not long after that, he was sought after by OCP to publish some of his songs, which quickly expanded with him being signed to the publishing company and the creation of I have A Father.
Today on Connections, Thomas shares what it's like to make music with hearing loss. He'll also chat about his new album.
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Diagnosed with VATER/VACTERL Syndrome, a rare combination of several birth defects, JT Jester’s life was anything but easy.
By the time JT was three years old, he had spent 250 days in the hospital. He endured sixteen major surgeries before he was sixteen.
On top of his physical challenges, he suffered dyslexia and short-term memory loss, which made learning nearly impossible for him.
JT pushed past his physical and educational roadblocks to achieve what many people told him he would never do.
Today on Connections he shares his story with us. He'll also explain how he has no bad days.
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If there is one family that knows how to do cancer in a big way, it's the Epp-Tiessen family.
There have been 10 occasions when a doctor told one of their family of five that they have cancer or that, despite the treatments, the cancer has returned. They also experienced loss after cancer took the life of their eight-year-old son, Tim.
Despite all of this, the Epp-Tiessen family continues to cling to hope.
Today on Connections, Dan shares his family's story. He'll also share how they've managed to cling to their faith throughout this journey.
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Today is Purple Day, a day to support epilepsy and seizure awareness across the world.
Anita Apetagon is from Norway House, Manitoba. Her daughter, Amanda Duncan, was diagnosed with epilepsy at 11 years old. She is now 23 and still struggling to get her epilepsy under control.
Today on Connections, Anita will share her family's story. She'll also chat about what it's like to deal with epilepsy while living in a remote community.
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March is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a great time to raise awareness, challenge myths, and help dismantle the stigma of epilepsy.
Chris Kullman is the president of the board of directors for the Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy at 12 years old.
Today on Connections, Chris shares his journey with epilepsy. He'll also share the importance of drawing awareness to this neurological disorder.
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There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that make them feel depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--struggling children, difficult biological parents, and a broken system--are only compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear.
In her new book, Foster the Family: Encouragement, Hope, and Practical Help for the Christian Foster Parent, Jamie C. Finn, executive director of Foster the Family and a foster parent, helps you see your struggles through the lens of the gospel, bringing biblical truths to bear on your unique everyday realities.
Today on Connections, Jamie shares a bit about her journey with foster parenting. She'll also talk about some of the things that have helped her along the way.
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Jorge and Kat Vazquez are the founders of Revolution Media Ministries, The Revolution TV and the Your Story is Not Done film series.
Evangelists, authors, and TV hosts for over 15 years, the Vazquez’s are called to evangelize the lost and energize and equip the body while empowering the Church to do the same.
Your Story Is Not Done is a campaign to amplify hope. A book and film series, Your Story Is Not Done shares stories of redemption, healing and second chances when Jesus Christ, The Author of our faith, takes over.
Today on Connections, Jorge and Kat Vazquez share the inspiration behind this new campaign and the importance of spreading hope.
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As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues into its fourth week more than 10 million people have left their homes, over 3 million people have left the country, with Poland taking more than 2.1 million of those people.
Sasha Romancha works with a ministry in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, called Shelter Plus.
Before the invasion, they were an organization that helped orphan children and children in need. They are now helping by handing out food and supplies to those who need them.
Today on Connections, Sasha shares what's going on around him, why he chose to stay in Ukraine and how we can pray.
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The Skit Guys are Tommy Woodard and Eddie James — best friends since high school. They fell in love with acting in their school’s theatre productions and had a knack for making people laugh. When Tommy invited Eddie to church, everything changed. With encouragement and guidance from their youth pastor, the guys started to write and perform skits for their youth group. No longer was it just about making people laugh — their skits now had a bigger purpose.
Since then, they’ve been writing and performing hilarious and poignant skits live and on screen. Tommy and Eddie have travelled the world performing at events, churches, and conferences. The Skit Guys also have a web series called Bedtime Bible Stories, their “Laugh More” podcast, and a book on friendship called “Smells Like Bacon,” as well as comedy DVDs.
Today on Connections, Tommy and Eddie share how they met and why they love combining comedy and faith. They'll also share a bit about their first full-length, family-friendly film, Family Camp.
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Sharon Dutra grew up with a father who was an alcoholic and womanizer. He was married four times before she was 17 years old.
Her mother left when she was five years old, and she has never seen her since.
At just 13 years old Sharon tried to numb the pain with drugs and alcohol. That led her down a path of destruction that landed her in jail 13 times.
It was the last incarceration that led her to Jesus and a complete transformation in her life.
Today on Connections, Sharon shares her testimony with us. She'll also chat about the ministry she has created to help others in similar situations.
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Day for Freedom is an annual event arranged by the Freedom Prayer Network to highlight the people and organizations who are working hard to bring an end to human trafficking.
Freedom Prayer Network is a ministry of Fort Richmond Baptist Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The Steering Team is comprised of members/adherents of FRBC and is co-led by Lowell and Marla Friesen. God has laid on the hearts of the leadership to support ministries that are already responding to issues surrounding human trafficking.
Today on Connections, Marla and Lowell Friesen will share what Freedom Prayer Network is, why Day for Freedom is so important and how you can get involved.
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The indigenous group OKAMA was founded by First Nation leaders Dr. Gerard Roberts, traditional name (Abouyou), of the Karina nation, and his wife Peta-Gay (Tayaliti) Roberts of the Taino/Arawak First Nations. Okama is a Taino word meaning ‘listen’ or ‘hear’.
When Peta and Gerard along with their two daughters Gesse-Lea (Ouellechi) and Israel-Rain (Malacaya) released their debut album, Sacred Fire in 2010, the worship band OKAMA was birthed.
The family has an anointing for breakthrough, healing and deliverance. OKAMA’s ‘ancient-contemporary’ sound with its synthesis of indigenous and non-indigenous instruments, original lyrics, and First Nations dance offers a unique worship experience.
Today on Connections, Peta-Gay and Gerard Roberts share why they formed the band and how we as the church can do a better job when it comes to reconciliation.
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In a career that has spanned over 30 years, Steven Curtis Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history with 59 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, five GRAMMY® Awards, an American Music Award, 49 No. 1 singles, has sold more than eleven million albums with ten RIAA-Certified Gold or Platinum albums to his credit.
After a couple of years of cancelled tours and concerts, Steven Curtis Chapman is back on the road. The tour has been so well received that it's been extended.
Today on Connections, Steven shares what it's been like to be back out on the road, and what's up next for him.
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No one wants to spend their lives being time-wasters, space-takers, binge-watchers, or game-players. We all want to be difference-makers. But where do you start?
Influencing just one person at a time may seem insignificant at first look. But in his book, One at a Time, Kyle Idleman explores the overlooked, yet incredibly impactful habits of Jesus.
Today on Connections, bestselling author and pastor, Kyle Idleman, reveals the way Jesus valued people and shows us the Jesus way of changing the world--by loving people one at a time.
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Natalia Chornomor is the studio director for The Bible Today ministry in Ukraine. They are a ministry partner of Square One World Media in Canada.
Today on Connections, Natalia will share, through her daughter Yulia, how God is still working in Ukraine, how we can pray for the people of Ukraine, and how The Bible Today ministry is helping the people in their community.
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Life has been a rollercoaster ride for the Derksen family.
In November of 1984, Wilma and Cliff Derksen's 13-year-old daughter, Candace, was found murdered after going missing on her way home from school.
It wasn’t until 22 years later that Mark Edward Grant was charged with her murder.
In 2011, after a five-week trial, he was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years without parole. The case has since gone through an appeal process, a retrial and ended with an acquittal in October 2017.
The Derken's faith kept them strong throughout all of this, but now they are facing a new battle, a cancer diagnosis.
Today on Connections, Cliff shares what it was like to receive that news, how this has affected his faith and what he and his family plan to do moving forward.
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Recently, Unspoken released their debut single of 2022, “Love Is Everything We Need”.
It's the lead song from their first full-length album in three years, which is slated to be released this summer.
Unspoken lead vocalist Chad Mattson says the past few years have been challenging, and he hopes this new song will remind believers that love is everything we need.
Today on Connections, Chad talks about the new single, what the past few years have been like and what's up next for Unspoken.
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Today is International Women's Day.
Ottawa Church of Christ chose the theme, This is My Time, for International Women's Day.
They hope the message will help encourage, refresh and inspire women to use their God-given talents to lift others, take on challenges with renewed faith and bravely be the women God designed them to be.
Today on Connections, Melanie Singh, women's ministry leader at Ottawa Church of Christ shares with us the importance of International Women's Day and why it's important to celebrate this day as a church.
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Receiving over 236 million on-demand streams, 125 million music video views, 457,000 album sales and 870,000 track sales, Unspoken’s music is as distinct as its roots.
Recently, Unspoken released their debut single of 2022, “Love Is Everything We Need”.
It is the lead song from their first full-length album in three years, which is slated to release in July.
Unspoken lead vocalist Chad Mattson says the past few years have been challenging, and he hopes this new song will remind believers that love is everything we need.
Today on Connections, Chad talks about the new single, what the past few years have been like and what's up next for Unspoken.
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As the war on Ukraine continues into its second week, more than 1.7 million Ukrainians have left their homes for refuge in neighbouring countries.
Ed Dickson is the overseas director of Loads of Love Humanitarian Aid and Mission Society.
He and his family have been serving orphan children, seniors, refugees and local churches in Ukraine since 1996.
Ed is currently on a year-long furlough in Canada but just returned from a trip to Ukraine.
Today on Connections, Ed shares with us what his team is doing back in Ukraine. He'll also share how we can pray during this difficult time.
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While he’s been creating music and touring, sharing his message with others for a long time now, Jordan St. Cyr is really just getting started.
From playing numerous events of all sizes and meeting people from many different walks of life, humanity’s deep desire for meaningful connection has been revealed to him and the hope to find something more vibrant than our current reality.
Now in 2022, after releasing more music along the way, Jordan St. Cyr is set to debut his first full-length album with BEC Recordings. The self-titled ten-song project will release on March 4.
Today on Connections, Jordan shares what it has been like to move from Canada to the U.S. He'll also talk about his new album and the inspiration behind it.
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Bipolar disorder was a life-shattering struggle for Scott W. Box, a worship leader of 25 years. Eventually, it took laying down his vocation to understand what it meant to live out worship rather than just leading it. In the process, he discovered a life of desperate hopefulness— a life of heroic disgrace. His debut book, Heroic Disgrace displays the paradox that Box believes Jesus lived and breathed.
Today on Connections, Scott shares with us his spiritual journey. That journey includes growing up in a family with a legacy of which Scott felt unworthy. It also describes standing on a platform and externally proclaiming the love of God while his interior world was a cycle of shame.
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Kristi is a professor at Williamson College and serves as a biblical culturalist. She has a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and has dedicated her life to teaching people how to study the Bible.
After studying in Israel and Egypt in 2007 and discovering that God is better than she ever knew, Kristi has been teaching the Bible through a Middle Eastern lens.
She's now sharing what she's learned over the years in a new podcast, Pearls.
Today on Connections, Kristi shares with us how she is using her podcast as a way to transport listeners to the Holy Land
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Last fall, Alpha Canada and Barna released research on Canadian GenZ’ers and their understanding of evangelism. The findings were both startling and encouraging and gave church leaders some excellent insight.
Alpha Canada responded by releasing a free, 4-video series called LIFE ON PURPOSE to equip and inspire students to engage in conversations about faith, with their friends, in ways that connect.
Today on Connections, Tim Gonsalves, national youth director for Alpha Canada, shares more about this new resource. He'll also share what they discovered through their study.
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Elizabeth Melendez Fisher Good has been working in the anti-sex trafficking industry for more than 10 years as the CEO of The Foundation United and has seen the all-too-common story of kids being abused, running away and falling into trafficking.
As was her own story as well, many of these young people were abused at the hands of church leaders and felt compelled to keep it a secret.
Elizabeth recently founded a new ministry, Free with E, to provide churches with training in preventing abuse, including best practices and safeguards, so no one is ever put in a vulnerable situation with an abusive church leader.
Today on Connections, Elizabeth shares her story with us. She'll also share the importance of starting these conversations young and how you can make a difference starting today.
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At 26, Baylor Wilson has already lived a life most people only dream about – excelling at competitive cheerleading, starring in Season 29 of CBS’s Survivor, scoring a country music publishing deal – all before graduating from college.
But according to Baylor, these life-making moments were just a precursor to the abundant life she found when she met Jesus.
Today on Connections, Baylor shares her amazing testimony with us. She'll also chat a bit about her music.
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Ukraine's president says Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself and won't give up its freedom.
Russia is shelling and conducting airstrikes on cities and bases and Ukraine's government says Russian tanks and troops rolled across the border in what it called a full-scale war.
Ukrainians are gathering in train stations and clogging highways as Russian forces advance from the east, north and south.
Laura Kalmar is the director of marketing and communications for Mennonite Central Committee Canada.
Today on Connections, Laura shares what MCC is currently doing for those in Ukraine. She'll also share how we can pray for those affected.
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At 26, Baylor Wilson has already lived a life most people only dream about – excelling at competitive cheerleading, starring in Season 29 of CBS’s Survivor, scoring a country music publishing deal – all before graduating from college.
But according to Baylor, these life-making moments were just a precursor to the abundant life she found when she met Jesus.
Today on Connections, Baylor shares her amazing testimony with us. She'll also chat a bit about her music.
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Paul Plett is a Canadian filmmaker who has just launched a crowdfunding campaign of hopes of making his newest project a reality.
Surviving Suicide is a documentary about four people touched by suicide, living for hope. The documentary explores the lives of 4 people who have been touched by suicide. "Throughout the film, we get to know these people, the role that suicide has played in their lives, and the life that they have found after Surviving Suicide," Plett says.
You can support the project here.
If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide reach out for help & hope. You can go to this website, or call 1.833.456.4566.
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With the success of Marie Kondo, a new Netflix documentary, and hundreds of blogs and YouTube videos on minimalism, it’s clear that it is more than just a trend. In a time of climate change and a pandemic, people are looking for new ways to live well and more meaningful lives, and minimalism is meeting that need.
Consuming less may already be an environmental and personal priority, but Becca Ehrlich contends that minimalism can be much more. In her new book, Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living, she explores the direct connection between minimalism and our faith journey.
Christian Minimalism cuts through our culture’s insistence about consumerism and challenges basic assumptions about our lifestyles, inviting us into a life free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter.
Today on Connections, Becca talks a bit about her journey to becoming a Christian minimalist, how it has impacted her faith and the connection between minimalism and our faith.
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Singer/songwriter, Katy Nichole, has not only gone viral, now reaching well over 150 million people with the chorus to her debut single "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," but she has also reached the second-highest position on iTunes’ overall Top Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart since the song’s release.
Today on Connections, Katy shares what it's been like to go viral. She'll also share the inspiration behind the song and her own miracle story.
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At the core of humanity is the desire to live a life reconciled with others.
P. Brian Noble, executive director of Peacemaker Ministries, says every son wants to be reconciled with their father, every daughter with their mother, and yet we all experience tough relationships in our lives.
Learning to navigate and mend even our most difficult relationships is an important part of God’s plan for us to walk in the newness of life in Christ.
Today on Connections, Brian shares how we can start our journey to reconcilation.
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Mac Powell, originally from Alabama, moved to Atlanta, GA as a sophomore in high school, where he would soon co-found the Christian rock band, Third Day.
Throughout their nearly three-decade career, the band sold over 10 million albums, earned four Grammy Awards, one American Music Award, 24 Dove Awards, and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Since Third Day’s farewell tour in 2018, Mac released a country album “Back Again” under the banner “Mac Powell & The Family Reunion”, and this past fall released his solo debut album, New Creation.
Today on Connections, Mac shares with us what it was like to see Third Day come to a close. He'll also share a bit about his new album and his current tour with the Newsboys.
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Diana Crouch was just 18 weeks pregnant when she tested positive for COVID-19.
This diagnosis sent their family on a downward spiral that included strokes, a heart attack and numerous seizures.
Diana managed to come out of it all with a precious baby boy that they have named after the doctor that helped save her life.
Today on Connections, Diana's husband, Chris shares their family's miracle story
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Lisa and Matt Jacobson have been together for over 25 years and are the proud parents of eight children. They're now using their own experience in marriage to help others.
The husband and wife team has created a pair of books called 100 ways to love your husband and 100 ways to love your wife.
Today on Connections, they share how they've kept their marriage strong all these years and how you can do the same.
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When Travis and Adelle Graham met, it was love at first sight, and within a year, they were married.
They enjoyed the honeymoon phase of their marriage before things quickly took a nosedive.
They dealt with infidelity, drugs, alcohol and so much more, but with plenty of work, they managed to come out on top.
They are now the co-owners of The Noble Marriage, helping others to restore their marriages.
Today on Connections, Travis and Adelle Graham share what we need to do to keep our relationships and marriages strong.
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A movement founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio in 1995, Passion has been rooted in the truth of Isaiah 26:8 – “Yes Lord, walking in the way of Your truth we wait eagerly for You, for Your name and Your renown are the desire of our hearts” - existing to glorify God by uniting students in worship, prayer, and justice for spiritual awakening in this generation.
Melodie Malone is a part of Passion Music. They recently released a five-song project, Burn Bright.
Today on Connections, Melodie shares with us how she joined Passion Music and what it's like to be part of the Passion movement. She also chats about their new album.
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Ray Neufeld is a former NHL player who spent 14 years in the league.
He started his career with the Hartford Whalers, but in 1985 he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets.
Although Winnipeg was his hometown, this trade had a huge impact on his life, both good and bad.
Today on Connections, Ray tells us about that trade and how it helped him to become the man he is today.
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Dr. Angela Mailis is a world-renowned expert on chronic pain management. In recent years she has directed her research toward a persistently puzzling, misunderstood, and ignored form of domestic violence: the abuse endured by high-achieving women, who to all appearances, have everything they need to stand up for and protect themselves.
Today on Connections, Dr. Mailis shares her story of domestic abuse and how she managed to escape. She also shares what she discovered while researching domestic violence.
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As we continue to deal with the global pandemic, more and more of us are struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression and fear, which is causing problems with concentration, burnout, strained relationships and physical health problems.
Dr. Caroline Leaf has released a book that she hopes will help those who are struggling. It's called, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking.
Today on Connections, Dr. Leaf shares what those five steps are and how we can start cleaning up our mental mess.
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The Bacuyani family has always loved to travel and explore together. They have been travelling the world with their three boys since 2012. But it wasn't until tragedy struck in 2021 that they decided to start travelling full time.
In 2020, their beautiful baby girl, Amelie Grace, joined their family. She was born four months premature, weighing only 1 lb. 4 oz. In 2021. When Amelie was 4 months old, the Bacuyani's moved across the country, from Oregon to Ohio, to receive the best medical care possible for their daughter.
Six months later, at just 10 months old, Amelie passed away unexpectedly.
They now travel full time in hopes of creating lasting memories with their family , bringing Amelie along in their hearts.
Today on Connections, the Bacuyani family talks about Amelie, what it has been like to travel the world and the impact this has had on their faith.
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Life has been filled with plenty of ups and downs for Michael Cochren
He started his music career in the secular world before transitioning to worship music.
Michael Cochren is now preparing to head out on tour with his band, Cochren and Co.
They will be joining Toby Mac on his Hits Deep Tour 2022. The lineup also includes CAIN, Crowder and Terrian.
This tour is giving back to each local community visited by linking arms with the Salvation Army.
Today on Connections, Michael shares how he made the transition from secular music to worship music, what the past couple of years have been like and what he's looking forward to the most on this tour.
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Pre-pandemic, 1 in 8 Canadians were food insecure, meaning they didn't have enough money to buy food that would prevent them from being hungry.
That number has now risen to 1 in 7 Canadians.
Karen Giesbrecht is a registered dietician working in Vancouver.
Today on Connections, Karen shares a bit about the situation when it comes to food insecurity in Canada, how the church is helping and how we can start looking at food from a different perspective.
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The last couple of years have been challenging for many of us.
Danny Plett, singer, songwriter and musician with Teach Beyond, lost his mother at the beginning of the pandemic and had a tour cancelled just before Christmas.
He says it serves as a reminder that God is not challenging us, rather he is strengthening us.
Plett releases a new single today, 'As Diamond Cuts Diamond'.
Today on Connections, he shares what the past couple of years have been like. He'll also chat about his new single.
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Jane Jenkins Herlong is a Southern Humorist, international best-selling/award-winning author, professional singer, recording artist, and professional speaker.
Jane is getting set to release a new book, Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep Fried South: Sassy, Sacred, Southern Stories Filled with Hope and Humor.
She believes that now more than ever, we need to learn to laugh at ourselves and she says Sweet Tea Secrets is a good way to start.
Today on Connections, Jane talks about her new book, how she knows the Canadian anthem and why it's so important to add a little joy to our lives.
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2021 was a whirlwind of a year for Love & The Outcome.
In the spring of 2021, Nashville was hit with a rainstorm causing flooding across many communities in the city. Jodi and Chris's home was just one of the many destroyed by high waters.
They're now in the process of fixing up their home and at the same time, preparing to release a new album.
Today on Connections, Jodi King shares what that experience was like. She'll also talk about their latest single, I'm not lucky, I'm blessed and the inspiration behind their new album.
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Imagine finding a treasure trove of documents that reveal the forgotten history of your family.
That's what happened to Daniel Schwab in 2009 when he discovered letters written by his grandfather during the holocaust.
Today on Connections, Daniel will share what he discovered when he opened those letters and how he is using them to educate others.
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Merv Peters of Fresh Ground Financial says when we think about estate planning, we think firstly of the financial part of it. In reality, he says, we need to start seeing it as a way to pass along wisdom and values to our children.
Today on Connections, Merv shares with us the importance of estate planning and why it's so important to start now.
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Bosco Poon, a.k.a. B.O.Z (Born Of Zion), was an aspiring recording artist who ended up in prison.
In his most hopeless moment, Jesus appeared before him in prison, changing his life in ways he never expected.
Today on Connections, Bosco shares his story with us. He also chats a bit about his new role as an entertainment chaplain.
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Bosco Poon, a.k.a. B.O.Z (Born Of Zion), was an aspiring recording artist who ended up in prison.
In his most hopeless moment, Jesus appeared before him in prison, changing his life in ways he never expected.
Today on Connections, Bosco shares his story with us. He also chats a bit about his new role as an entertainment chaplain.
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Katy Weirich is getting set to release her first EP, Out Of The Blue.
She found inspiration for the tracks on the EP in her experience battling postpartum depression and anxiety;
Today on Connections, Katy shares about her mental health struggles and how she was able to come out on the other side. She will also chat about the music that has come out of this.
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In 2015 Travis and Adelle Graham's marriage hit rock bottom.
Thanks to God's healing and restoration, they were able to come out on top and are now helping others rediscover their marriage.
Today on Connections, Travis and Adelle share their story. The pair will also chat about a ministry they've started called, The Noble Marriage.
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In 2015 Travis and Adelle Graham's marriage hit rock bottom.
Thanks to God's healing and restoration, they were able to come out on top and are now helping others rediscover their marriage.
Today on Connections, Travis and Adelle share their story. The pair will also chat about a ministry they've started called, The Noble Marriage.
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New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe.
Most recently, her novel, Redeeming Love, has been turned into a film that will hit theatres on January 21, 2022.
Based on the bestselling novel, REDEEMING LOVE is a powerful story of relentless love and perseverance as a young couple’s relationship clashes with the harsh realities of the California Gold Rush of 1850.
Today on Connections, Francine Rivers shares with us how this all came to be, what it was like to watch her novel go from paper to the big screen and why you should check it out.
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Lucille Williams is an author, podcaster and a regular guest on Connections.
She says it is important to make intentional time for our children and to listen to them.
Lucille says it's important to start while they're young, so when critical decisions arise, we are the place they will go for advice, especially during the teen years.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares with us how we can start making intentional time for our children, where they fall on our priority scale and how we can move them up on that list.
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It's been 10 years since Naomi Fehr lost her son, Josh, to cancer.
Fehr is now the board chair of Candlelighters, a childhood cancer support group.
Last week an outbreak was declared in the children's cancer ward at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The group decided something needed to be done.
It started with pizza and turned into tens of thousands of dollars worth of donations.
Today on Connections, Naomi shares her story, how important it is to have support groups like, Candlelighters and how people have stepped up to help those in a time of need.
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Lexi Townsin lost her life to a rare disease called Blau syndrome just before her 7th birthday.
Despite her pain, Lexi chose every day to live her best life and through her courage, compassion and her charismatic personality she inspired others to do the same.
11-year-old Felix Townsin has a goal to keep her legacy alive, and raise $10,000 before his 12th birthday for Blau Syndrome, using a book he wrote when he was just five years old, Don't Floss Your Toes: Advice from a 5-year-old.
Today on Connections, Felix and his mother, Cheryl-Lynn, share a bit about Lexi's life, about Blau Syndrome and how you can help find a cure.
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Texas Life Coach Michael Taylor has thrown a lifeline to individuals looking to kickstart their spiritual journeys and self-discovery in his new book, What if Jesus Were a Coach?
What if Jesus Were a Coach? aims to inspire readers to find their own truth about God. The author shares his personal experiences and delves into the teachings of Jesus to help readers realize that there is more to spirituality than rules and restrictions.
A former Atheist, Michael Taylor once had an aversion to organized religion until he undertook extensive research about world religions to determine if God existed or not.
Today on Connections, Michael shares his testimony and why it's so important for him to reach others.
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Anxiety is the most common mental illness diagnosis, and those who suffer from it often feel overwhelmed, out of control, ashamed, lonely, and spiritually defeated.
Many Christians question whether anxiety is a sin and wonder why, despite prayer and faith, it so often persists.
The truth is that anxiety is an emotion that can serve as a life-saving tool, offering instinctual responses to danger.
Dr. Amanda Porter, a psychiatric nurse practitioner with triple-board certifications in internal medicine, psychiatry/mental health, and addiction openly shares that she, too, struggles with anxiety.
Today on Connections, Dr. Porter shares some coping strategies, spiritual guidance, and refreshing encouragement to help those struggling discover personal freedom
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Like many Canadian boys, Brady Leavold had a dream of becoming a pro hockey player.
Instead, a combination of childhood trauma and an inability to cope, led Brady down a path of destruction.
Now in recovery, Brady hopes that by sharing his story, he can help others.
Today on Connections, Brady shares his story and the importance of shining a light on mental health in the hockey world.
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Kelly Farley knows all too well what it feels like to lose a child.
After a series of fertility treatments, Kelly and his wife became pregnant with their first child, Katie. That excitement quickly turned to sorrow when they lost Katie in the fall of 2004.
About a year later, they decided that they would try to conceive again. This time it was a little boy and they felt blessed that little Noah was going to be a part of their lives. Noah passed away in the summer of 2006.
It was through this experience that Kelly discovered that there weren't very many resources for men dealing with the loss of a child.
That's when he started up the Grieving Dads Project. The response was so overwhelming he felt he had to do more.
Today on Connections, Kelly shares his story and talks more about the Grieving Dads project and his book, Grieving Dads: To the Brink and Back.
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Shantel Dudley wears many hats. She is a wife, mother to 17 children and grandmother to eight grandchildren.
Shantel has a heart for the broken and hurting after experiencing abuse in her own life.
Shantel, together with her husband have spent the past several years adopting children with medical needs. Through that time they have also experienced the loss of four children.
Today on Connections, Shantel shares what drew her to adoption, why she adopts children with medical needs and what role faith plays in all of this.
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Are you addicted to your phone? Do you find yourself engaging online but unengaged at home with the people right in front of you?
Wendy Speake, wife, mom, host of the annual 40 Day Sugar Fast, and co-author of a number of parenting books has released a new devotional, The 40-Day Social Media Fast.
This "screen sabbatical" is designed to help you become fully conscious of your dependence on social media so you can purposefully unplug from screens and plug into real life with the help of a very real God.
Today on Connections, Wendy shares why she decided to put this devotional together and the importance of disconnecting.
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As we continue to face changes due to the pandemic, many people are suffering from anxiety, fear, and mental health issues.
Jon Seidl hopes that by being brutally honest about his battles with anxiety and OCD, that he can help others who are struggling and fix the rampant stigma surrounding mental health challenges.
Today on Connections, Jon shares ways to cope with anxiety. He also shares how we as a church can do a better job supporting those who are struggling.
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Dr. Heather Macumber, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at Providence University College recently released a new book, Recovering the Monstrous in Revelation.
This 212-page book gives readers a look into Monster Theory, specifically exploring the book of Revelation with all its apocalyptic creatures.
Explaining that Monster Theory can be used as an academic tool, Macumber cites Jeffrey Jerome Cohen, author of “Monster Culture (Seven Theses),” and says, “Cohen’s central argument is that we can read a culture by the monsters it produces.The monsters reveal a culture’s fears and anxieties, their biases and prejudices.”
Today on Connections, Dr. Macumber discusses Monster Theory and the inspiration behind her book.
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The past couple of years have been difficult for many as we deal with the ongoing pandemic.
And although it can be difficult to seek out the goodness in the world, Alexandra Kuykendall reminds us that everything is going to be okay, that God is still at work, even in small ways. She says he is still in control and still offers us good gifts. We just have to know where to look for them.
Today on Connections, Alexandra helps us to seek out the true and beautiful that surrounds us.
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Mike Signorelli, once an atheist, is now the founder and Pastor at V1 Church in New York City.
He has created a 32 page eBook for those who need a quick start guide to help them go from chaos to clarity in their lives.
Today on Connections, Mike shares how we can reset our lives and begin moving in the direction of our dreams.
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Linda Gerritsen was in a life-altering plane crash in March of 1982. She lost a close friend and had to learn to face the world in a whole new way.
Instead of losing her faith in God, Linda's faith grew stronger trial after trial.
Today on Connections, Linda shares her story unbelievable story. She also shares how this tragedy helped her faith grow.
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Rudy Kalis is a former sportscaster who immigrated to the United States and lived through decades of cultural, language and educational challenges.
In trying to make a name for himself, he alienated others until one day he was confronted with the truth of who he was and a pathway to live a different life.
Today on Connections, Rudy shares how he overcame these challenges and what role faith played in all of it.
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Life is filled with changes that keep many in a constant state of anxiety.
Dr. Michelle Bengston, a board-certified neuropsychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field, is using her own experience with anxiety to help others.
She wants those suffering to replace those feelings with the truth of God's word.
Today on Connections, Dr. Bengston shares her personal journey and how we can break anxiety's grip and reclaim the peace God promises.
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When Christopher Duffley was born, he weighed just 1 lb, 12 oz, due to drug exposure. He was given a limited chance of survival.
Four years later, he was handed a microphone and started a journey that has inspired audiences throughout the world.
Today on Connections, Christopher and his mother Christine will share their inspirational story.
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A Christmas quiz at an office Christmas party changed the research path for one historian.
Dr. Gerry Bowler was interested in making the quiz both challenging and intriguing, so he started researching the different facts and myths surrounding Christmas.
Dr. Bowler says this lead him down a 30-year path of researching everything Christmas.
Today on Connections, Dr. Bowler shares the myths and facts of Christmas
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Multi-GRAMMY nominated artist Matthew West is ringing in the holidays with his new full-length album, We Need Christmas.
"These past couple of years have felt like peace is in short supply, hope has been hard to find, and love and joy have been lost for so many," shares Matthew West about the inspiration for his new project. "Christmas is a time when our hearts can be powerfully reminded that the peace, hope, love, and joy we all need can still be found in a saviour. "
Today on Connections, Matthew shares what it's been like to be back on tour. He'll also chat about his new album.
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August 8, 2021, is a day that the Goertzen family would like to forget.
It was on that day that 17-year-old Sophie Goertzen and her 15-year-old sister Acacia Goerzen lost their lives in a terrible crash.
Duane and Sylvia Goertzen, the mother and father of the two girls, are the Directors of Roseau River Bible Camp (RRBC) in Manitoba.
Today on Connections, Duane shares what the past few months have been like for his family, how they're managing this Christmas and how we can help other families who may be grieving this holiday season.
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American Underdog is the inspirational true story of Kurt Warner, who went from a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame quarterback.
The film centres on Warner's unique story and years of challenges and setbacks that could have derailed his aspirations to become an NFL player.
Today on Connections, Jon Erwin, who directed American Underdog with his brother, Andrew, shares the inspiration behind this film and what it's like to bring faith stories like this to life.
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Christmas is creeping up very quickly. For many of us this is a festive and joyful time. For others, this can bring on some unecessary stress.
Today on Connections, Lucille Williams gives us tips on how to avoid the Christmas meltdown so that we can enjoy the real reason for the season.
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If you have ever felt alone, uncertain, or overwhelmed, or questioned why God has allowed difficult circumstances to become part of your personal narrative, Jody McBrayer’s story is for you.
Today on Connections, the former Avalon band member shares the ups and downs that he has experienced over the years and how he has managed to come out on the other side.
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Stories matter. They provide a compelling conduit through which we can connect with and impact other people.
Linda Olson has compiled seven true, powerful stories from women who have persevered in spite of overwhelming challenges, and she shares them in her new book, Story Matters! Empowering Your Hope When Going Through Tough Times.
Today on Connections, Linda shares why it's so important to share your story and the inspiration behind her latest book.
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A video has gone viral of a man playing his piano amid devastation following deadly tornadoes in the United States.
Jordan Baize lost his home in the tornadoes that spanned across nine states but can be seen sitting at his piano playing in a room without a roof and rubble littered around him.
Today on Connections, Jordan shares what it was like to live through the tornado and what prompted him to play his piano.
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The Man From Nowhere gives the prodigal son story a new twist.
The film centers on a prodigal father who discovers he is dying. He seeks to reconcile his relationship with his son who is battling alcoholism.
Chris Dowling is the writer and producer of this film.
Today on Connections, Chris shares the inspiration behind this new movie and how they managed to film it in just eight days.
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Who is Mary? How can we relate to her this Christmas season?
Dr. Marina Hofman is a Bible and theology professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Today on Connections, Dr. Hoffmans shares with us how we can relate to Mary in more ways than we think.
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Shearon Epps comes from a large family of 18 siblings. Who she is today is a combination of her rich experiences of growing up in humble beginnings and her hard work as a single mom who also solo parents her three grandkids. Never did she imagine that she would be writing books.
Today on Connections, Shearon will share her faith journey and what sparked her interest in writing.
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Substance abuse is a huge problem everywhere In the world. It can especially be a problem in the restaurant industry.
Steve Palmer lived with a drinking and cocaine problem and turned his life around. He is now a restaurateur and the author of Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life.
Today on Connections, Steve shares his story. He also chats about the insidious role that substance abuse plays in the lives of too many people, and what’s needed to support those struggling to overcome their addictions and mental health problems.
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Zoe Niklas discovered hope in the darkness of danger and isolation. She found out that freedom from abuse is possible!
Zoe faced more in her childhood than many of us will experience in a lifetime. She suffered from pain, fear, abandonment as well as, psychological, sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her own mother and many step-fathers.
Today on Connections, Zoe shares how she managed to overcome all of this and what role faith played.
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Lucille Williams struggled with an eating disorder and was determined not to pass it on to her daughter. But she says breaking the cycle of family dysfunction is not easy. It takes intentionality and often times a support group and or therapy.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares her story and how she managed to break the cycle of family dysfunction. She also talks about the role that God played in all of this.
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When the world's problems loom large and your ordinary life stretches you thin, it is still possible to be a difference-maker--and it's simpler than you might think.
Rather than telling you to do more, Becky Keife shows you how to see more: more of the people in front of you, more of God's lavish love for you, more of His power within you.
Today on Connections, Becky shares with us how simple it is to make a difference and how one small act of kindness can go a long way.
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Have you ever wondered "Why does this girl hate me?" or even "Why do I hate her?" Danielle has answers for you - and actionable solutions. Not because she's perfect... In fact, you're going to find out fast she has been both "the hater" and "the hated". She'll share real and very raw stories of girls hating her without knowing her, and at other times, how she, herself, was so jealous of another woman she cheered for her to fail!
Danielle Macaulay is an author, blogger, podcaster, speaker and television personality on the marriage television show “A Better Us”.
Today on Connections, Danielle shares her journey through this situation and the inspiration behind her book.
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Author, speaker and ex-Playboy Bunny Robyn Dykstra escaped a life of drugs, alcohol and promiscuity for a fresh start with Jesus. She also became the accidental expert on the faithfulness of God and finding joy during difficult times when she buried two husbands in four short years.
Today on Connections, Robyn shares how she went from a Playboy Bunny to finding Jesus and how her faith remained strong even after experiencing tremendous loss.
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When Brooke Johns, a registered nurse at Southern Hills hospital in Las Vegas is not busy running around the emergency room, you can find her braiding and combing the hair of patients on her days off.
Today on Connections, Brooke shares the inspiration behind this act and why she has no plans on stopping.
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The past couple of years have been difficult for those working in the music industry.
GMA Canada whose mission is to celebrate and encourage excellence in Canadian Christian music and arts has found a way to gather the Canadian Christian music community in one place.
They've started up Gathering GMA Canada, a virtual event that takes place once a month.
Jaylene Johnson is a singer and songwriter. She is also the vice president of the advisory board for GMA Canada. She shares a bit about these new virtual meetings and the importance of gathering the Christian music community.
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According to Gary Thomas, we all have toxic people in our lives. Maybe we don’t know it. Maybe we don’t want to acknowledge it.
As Christians, we often feel the guilt and responsibility of meeting the needs of unhealthy people in our lives. Whether a sibling, parent, spouse, coworker, or friend, toxic people frequently seek to frustrate our life's calling. While you're seeking first God's kingdom, they're seeking first to distract your focus and delay your work.
Drawing from years serving as a pastor, Gary Thomas looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah to give you insightful, biblical takeaways that you can apply right away.
Today on Connections he teaches us why we need to sidestep toxic assaults and maintain our strategic focus on healthy relationships.
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After serving in ministry and life together with his wife and partner Karen for over 50 years, Ron Hutchcraft was devastated in 2016 when she died of a sudden heart attack. Reeling from the loss, he turned to God for strength and comfort but found the hope to move forward despite the circumstances.
Today on Connections, Ron Hutchcraft shares his story of hope and how you can find that hope as well.
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Bubbling, what is it? How is it connected to God?
Lynn Hancock is also known as the bubble lady. She spends the warmer months going from park to park in Guelph, Ontario, creating bubbles.
Today on Connections, Lynn shares how she first got involved with bubbling and how she's using this as a way to spread joy.
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Christine Naman watched her perfectly healthy daughter thrive and then succumb to the pull of substances. She suffered the feelings of isolation, pain and humiliation that being the parent of an addict often brings. She says her faith and strength in God is what helped both herself and her daughter, Natalie get to where they are today.
Christine now hopes that by sharing her family’s difficult story she can bring understanding and knowledge to those who do not know the problem firsthand as well as provide comfort to those who know the nightmare of addiction all too well.
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A little girl dreams of her wedding day, not her marriage. She probably doesn’t even know what the word marriage means—just how much crinoline she wants under her dress. At least this is what Christie was thinking about, not the marriage relationship, money matters, or faith decisions.
Today on Connections, Christie Amoyo shares the real-life decisions and dramas that occurred before—and after—she and her husband said “I do, and she breaks down the pre-marriage and marriage classes her ministry shares with other couples.
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On February 19, 2007, SSG Shilo Harris was patrolling an infamous southern Iraqi roadway when his Humvee was struck by an IED. Moments later, three members of his crew were dead and Shilo had sustained severe injuries that would alter the course of his life.
For forty-eight days,Shilo lay trapped in a medically induced coma, after which he had to come to grips with the new life that was ahead of him.
Today on Connections, Shilo shares his powerful story and how his faith helped guide him through the darkest time of his life.
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Sylvia Anthony endured a difficult childhood that included an abusive father and a disinterested mother. Sylvia married young and remained in an abusive marriage until a divorce that left her alone to support her three children.
Through her ambition and strength of character, Sylvia persevered, building a life for herself and her kids.
After raising her children, Sylvia remarried — still, there was a void. She felt a calling to help young women, and her husband, Rick, encouraged her to follow her heart. Initially designed for homeless pregnant women, her shelter, Sylvia's Haven, opened on January 25, 1987. Since then she has helped over 1000 women and children find refuge and support.
Today on Connections, Sylvia shares her story and why she has no plans to stop doing what she's doing.
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Life is unpredictable. The plans we dream about and make don’t always become our realities.
Today on Connections, Bethany Beal, co-founder of Girl Defined Ministries, reminds us that true hope doesn't come from getting the life we've always dreamed of but from trusting God with the life he has for us.
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Winnipeg-born author and speaker Amy Hayward has released her first book, Victory Over Rejection.
“Each of us has a unique story, and for too many of us, that story includes rejection, " says Hayward.
She is now sharing her story of victory in hopes of helping others to find freedom and break out of that cycle of rejection, fear and pain.
Amy shares her testimony with us today on Connections.
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From LA’s famed The Magic Castle, to a national reality show, to venues around the globe, Illusionist Danny Ray has mystified and entertained audiences with his unique blend of magic, humour, and inspiration.
Now, with his debut book, “No, I Can’t Make Your Wife Disappear: A Magician’s Guide for a Magical Marriage”, Ray uncovers the secrets to a happy, enduring marriage by sharing biblical principles and lessons he has learned in his decades-long entertainment career.
Today on Connections, Danny Ray shares how he went from being a magician to a pastor and how he has managed to combine those two. He also chats about the lessons he's learned over the years through his career that have helped his marriage grow.
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Bob and Karen Krech’s baby girl was born at 23 weeks, weighing just 450 grams, four grams less than a pound. She was not much bigger than her dad’s hand.
The doctor at the birth advised Karen to just hold the baby and keep her warm until she passed on. Instead, the Krech’s put their trust in God and their faith to the test.
Today on Connections, Bob shares their family's journey and how their faith kept them strong through it all.
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Marriage on its own is challenging. Throw some kids into the mix and things can get very complicated.
Can those two things be combined? If not, which one should we be focusing on first? Our marriage or our children?
Lucille Williams joins us today. She is the author of the book, The Impossible Kid: Parenting a Strong-Willed Child with Love and Grace.
She's also a national speaker and has ministered to families and couples for more than 25 years.
Today on Connections, Lucille shares how we can keep our marriage strong while raising children.
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When Hayden Moffit was born, he was diagnosed with a severe case of cerebal palsy.
His parents were told that the future was grim and that he would never leave the hospital.
But in fact, Hayden did leave the hospital and went on to live for over two years.
His mother Rochelle says, God showed his grace and mercy all through Hayden's life and did many miracles that kept them going.
Today on Connections, Rochelle shares Hayden's story and the huge impact that his short life had.
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The return to Standard Time started Sunday, November 7 – a routine that results in adjustment not only to our watches but also to our internal clocks. While we gain an extra hour of sleep on Sunday, the change to our sleep schedules can disrupt our well-being.
How can we benefit from this extra hour of sleep? What are the effects of having more daylight in the morning and less in the afternoon?
Today on Connections, Dr. Jospeh Dekoninck helps us to better understand the health impacts of time change.
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This November 7th, hundreds of thousands of believers from around the world will join together in prayer for Christians who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is an annual movement that brings Christians and churches together in prayer for their brothers and sisters living where faith costs the most.
Today on Connections, Gary Stagg, executive director of Open Doors Canada shares how we can pray for the persecuted church.
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Brad Klassen and his wife Jen began their adventure by volunteering in the children's ministry at their church. Little did they know where saying yes to that would take them. As their hearts grew for the children they served, they also grew for the families.
Brad and Jen have created a new book series called The Unforgettable Adventures of Junior Bear.
These books equip parents with the confidence to teach difficult bible stories to their children through simple and beautiful stories.
They were recently awarded the Children's Book Award from The Word Guild Awards for their book series.
Today on Connections, Brad will share how they got into ministry and where the inspiration for their book series came from
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Dr. Nicholas Greco is the provost at Providence University College and Theological Seminary in Otterburne, Manitoba.
Dr. Greco’s research interests revolve around popular music, popular culture and the nature of celebrity. He has written extensively on the enigmatic star image of the British singer Morrissey, on Joss Whedon’s televisual texts and on David Bowie’s later career. His book, The Rosary and the Microphone: Religious Impulse in U2’s Mediated Brand, is forthcoming from Equinox.
Today on Connections Dr. Greco gives us some insight on Christian music and whether or not Christian bands should be offering VIP tickets or special experiences.
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T.C. Stallings, professional football athlete turned actor, is best known for his award-winning role in the #1 box-office film War Room. But throughout his life, he sensed a spiritual battle from a young age enduring challenging, life-altering circumstances.
T.C. was desperate to escape the housing projects of Cleveland, where he grew up surrounded by gangs, crime, violence, and drugs. Raised by a single mom, T.C. was one of six children from a different father, who T.C. did not meet until he was 18 years old.
It was an encounter with the law and witnessing the mistake of others that motived T.C. to focus on football and become the first in his family to earn a college diploma.
In his memoir, Eyes Fixed: My True Life Story, T.C. recounts poignant moments from his life, including professional failures, unfulfilled football dreams, personal insecurities, starting a family, and becoming a successful actor.
He shares his amazing testimony with us today on Connections.
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Being a good mom isn't about doing everything right--though every mom has felt the pressure to do just that and to do it all on her own. To ask for help along the way feels like defeat. Yet when we try to do it all by our own strength, we end up depleted, lonely, and ineffective.
Heather MacFadyen wants you to know that you are not meant to go it alone. Sharing her hardest, most vulnerable mom moments, she shows how you can be empowered by God, supported by others, and connected with your children. With encouragement and insight, she helps you foster the key relationships you need to be the mom you want to be.
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Anyone who spends a few moments speaking with Patrick and Anna Anderson will realize a few things that they're really good at.
Anderson is a wheelchair basketball player and half of the band The Layawakes. His wife, Paddock, comprises the other half of the husband/wife duo.
It's putting faith and family first, however, that ties it all together for the couple. Something that has been put to the test for both Anderson and Paddock throughout their lives.
Today on Connections, Patrick and Anna Anderson share their story with us and what they're up to nowadays.
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After living in Manitoba for most of their lives alongside raising their three children, Gary and Mavis Unger decided to uproot and move to Haiti in 2015
In 2017 they started up their ministry, Beauty Out of Ashes, and have been helping restaveks (domestic slave children) and street kids ever since.
Today on Connections, Gary shares the inspiration behind Beauty Out of Ashes and why they continue to do what they do even amid danger.
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“Many of us go through life wondering what our true purpose is, feeling lost and believing everything will fall into place when we finally receive our calling from God,” said Geoff Peters. “The truth is, the call has already been made, the offer is on the table. Being a part of God’s family means we’ve received the invitation to be an active part of His work of love and compassion. He’s waiting for us to respond.”
Geoff Peters is the author of, The Family Business: A Parable about Stepping Into the Life You Were Made For.
Today on Connections he helps us to overcome the obstacles that we as Christians face when committing to live as a disciple for Christ each and every day.
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Many women struggle with the voice in their head that tells them they are not enough…not smart enough, not pretty enough, not capable enough, not present enough.
In her book, Set Apart: How to Stop Comparing, Own Your Giftedness, and Rest in Jesus, Denisse Copeland uses the biblical story of Mary and Martha to share her own story of recognizing her unique giftedness and unpacks how women can embrace their identity in Christ.
Today on Connections, Denisse shares her story and how she managed to stop comparing, own her giftedness and rest in Jesus.
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When you experience pregnancy or infant loss, you find yourself in a life you never expected. And even though pregnancy and infant loss are common, they're not common to you. Instead, you feel like a stranger in your own body, surrounded by well-meaning people who often don't know how to support you.
That's according to today's guest, Rachel Lewis. She is the founder of Brave Mamas, an online community offering support to the pregnancy and infant loss community. She is also a speaker and the author of a new book, Unexpecting: Real talk on pregnancy loss.
Today on Connections Rachel shares her story in hopes of helping others who may be going through the same difficult journey.
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"I'm a broken dude who has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved by Jesus. I'm trying hard to figure out how to follow His ways."
Jerrad Lopes is a Christian author, speaker, and the founder of Dad Tired, a non-profit ministry focused on equipping men to lead their families well.
Jerrad served as a pastor in the church world for 11 years.
Several years ago, Jerrad and his wife, Leila, went through a really terrible time in their marriage. During this time he says he was a terrible husband and father. He says he was disengaged, selfish, and on his own path.
But he says God rescued him and today he is using that experience to help other fathers and husbands to take their family, faith and marriage more seriously
Today on Connections, Jerrad shares his journey and how he became the man he is today.
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Uncertain. Overwhelmed. Trying their best. This is how father’s today are feeling about raising their sons, according to research by the Barna Group.
In his book, The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character, author and pastor of Church of the City in New York City, Jon Tyson, has the antidote to that. He walks dads through practical steps to mentor young men who know what they believe, know who they are, and will stand up against the negative cultural trends of our day.
Today on Connections, Jon shares the inspiration behind this book and how it has helped him in his journey to becoming a more intentional father.
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Uncertain. Overwhelmed. Trying their best. This is how father’s today are feeling about raising their sons, according to research by the Barna Group.
In his book, The Intentional Father: A Practical Guide to Raise Sons of Courage and Character, author and pastor of Church of the City in New York City, Jon Tyson, has the antidote to that. He walks dads through practical steps to mentor young men who know what they believe, know who they are, and will stand up against the negative cultural trends of our day.
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Paul Kelly had a passion to bring Christian music to cities and churches across Canada, and that has been the driving force behind Unite Productions touring bands coast to coast every year since 2002.
Over the years, Unite has seen thousands gather in Jesus’ name to worship and experience God’s love, but in 2020 everything was turned upside down when the COVID19 pandemic put a stop to everything.
Today on Connections, Paul shares why he started Unite Productions and how the pandemic has impacted Christian music tours in Canada.
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Arden Bevere is the youngest son of John and Lisa Bevere and the cofounder of Sons & Daughters, a movement committed to raise up a generation of uncompromising followers of Christ who will transform our world. He has a passion to see his generation go further than any that came before it, fully alive in this God-adventure.
Today on Connections, Arden shares the inspiration behind the Sons & Daughters movement. He also talks about his new book, I Am: Find Your Identity. Claim Your Freedom. Embrace the Adventure.
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Shoaib Ebadi was born in Afghanistan and raised Muslim, but fled the country’s violence as a young man. Living as a refugee in Pakistan but hoping to immigrate to North America, he joined an English Bible study as a way to learn the language. He did learn English but – more significantly – he learned that the Bible is the true Word of God.
Shoaib immigrated to Canada in 2000 and began sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
Today on Connections, Shoaib shares his unbelievable testimony.
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Singer-Songwriter and author, Ellie Holcomb has penned a journaling devotional book filled with encouraging, honest reflections and questions to help you process scripture. Fighting Words - 100 Days of Speaking Truth into the Darkness is a place where you can wrestle, respond to, and take hold of precious truths in God's Word to help you push back the lies that so often consume, distract, and destroy us.
Today on Connections, Ellie shares the inspiration behind the devotional and what she hopes the reader will take away from it.
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Deidre Haight is the daughter of Katarina MacLeod.
As a child, Deidre both watched the abuse her mother suffered and suffered abuse herself. Deidre was witness to her mother's addictions and has fought very hard to build a healthy life for herself. Deidre found music and singing to be restorative throughout her life. She teaches private music lessons in voice through her business Courageously Creative.
Today on Connections, Deidre shares the impact her mother's choices had on her life and how she was able to use God to help her mom get out of commercial sexual exploitation.
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Katarina MacLeod is the founder & Executive Director of Rising Angels Awareness & Restorative Care; she is also a survivor of 15 years of commercial sexual exploitation.
Today on Connections, Katarina will share her story of survival, how God and her daughter helped her escape and how she is using her experience to help other women going through a similar situation.
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Judy Richichi grew up in a family with eight children and an abusive father.
Eventually, constant marital fights and the father’s aggressiveness led to divorce, leaving the children to figure out how to survive on their own, with only a mother suffering from mental health issues left to look out for them.
By the grace of God, and through the help of ordinary people along the way, they not only survived but developed a relationship with Christ.
Today on Connections, Judy shares her family's unbelievable journey out of poverty.
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Lucille Williams says allowing children to see parental weakness is difficult for any parent but sometimes it is necessary to reveal to their kids that they are human and approachable, not coming off as perfect while hiding who they really are.
She says God takes the messes, weaknesses, and difficult times, and not only gives them second chances to walk through trials with more faith and trust, but turns them into wonderful, beautiful, expressions of His love for us.
Today on Connections Lucille shares how we can become the real super woman and begin sharing our emotions with our children.
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Former professional ballerina Valorie Kondos Field has never tumbled, flipped, or even played any type of organized sports, and yet she has been able to craft a legendary coaching career through curiosity, creativity, attention to detail, and unwavering care for the overall well-being of her athletes. For Valorie, it's not about winning and losing, it's about choreographing your life and owning the choices you make.
Today on Connections, Valorie reveals how her coaching journey had a rocky start before she found her own best approach. She'll also share what role faith played in all of this.
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What does it really mean to love your neighbour?
This is a question that Marcel LeBrun asked and it sent him on a great journey that has resulted in not only a documentary but an organization that is now helping those who are marginalized and in need around the world.
LeBrun is the founder of the 12 Neighbours Community, a dignified micro-home community where housing is just the beginning.
The community also has a social enterprise centre with a cafe and retail, as well as a tiny home manufacturing facility with hopes of helping people overcome employment barriers.
Today on Connections, LeBrun shares why he started up this initiative and what he hopes will come out of it.
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Lucas Kitchen was determined to find the answer to the question, “What do I have to do to be saved?” The result is Naked Grace: A Quest For Clarity In A World Of Confusion, in which he chronicles with refreshing honesty and humour his life-long journey for answers.
Today on Connections, Lucas will share his personal journey to find answers and why he decided to share that journey in his new book, Naked Grace: A Quest For Clarity In A World Of Confusion.
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October is autism awareness month in Canada.
It is estimated that 1 in 66 children and youth has been diagnosed with autism in Canada, yet Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition that remains misunderstood by many people.
Teresa Hedley wants to change that. Hedley is an author, advocate, educator, curriculum designer and mother of a son with autism.
Today on Connections, Teresa shares her family's journey with autism in hopes of educating others.
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Sheila Walsh is sharing candidly about her mental health struggles in hopes of encouraging the millions struggling to hold on to and live in the love of God
In her new book, Holding On When You Want to Let Go: Clinging to Hope When Life Is Falling Apart, Sheila Walsh vulnerably shares the traumatic events of her childhood, the loneliness, anxiety, and depression that still creep into her life, how the pandemic magnified and exacerbated her struggles, and the source of the hope that keeps her holding on each and every day.
Today on Connections, Sheila shares her personal struggles with mental health and how we as a church can do a better job of supporting those dealing with mental health issues.
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Today marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
The day honours the lost children and Survivors of residential schools, their families and communities.
Patricia Myran of Long Plain First Nation is a second-generation residential school survivor. Her parents both attended residential school and Patricia spent 12 years in residential school. She has also been a historical researcher for the past 20 years and is on the board of directors for the National Indigenous Residential School Museum.
Today on Connections she shares her story, how residential schools could have been avoided and how people can educate themselves starting today.
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On July 31, 1999, life as she knew it stopped for Hedy Wiebe. While she and a friend were driving on a Manitoba highway, a van ran a stop sign, and they hit the passenger side of the van head-on with enough force to send them rolling.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Hedy suffered extreme trauma to both her body and her mind. Her injuries included broken ribs and ankles, abdominal trauma, tendon and muscle injuries. Add a closed head injury and it would take years of rehabilitation before she could truly begin to heal.
Throughout the trauma, God's presence and the blessing of ministering angels kept Hedy's spirit alert and vibrant. Dealing with the pain, the frustration, and the discouragement gave her a new understanding of Christ being courage deep in our hearts.
Today on Connections Hedy shares her amazing story and how she managed to trust God in the midst of tragedy.
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Do you have deep questions about miracles? Do you ever wonder how you tell a miracle from a natural phenomenon? Do you think about the relationship between science and faith? These are questions that Elijah Stephens asks in his new documentary, Send Proof.
Send Proof is the first documentary of its kind that shows miracle claims that have been researched and published in peer-reviewed journals.
Today on Connections Elijah talks about his documentary, the inspiration behind it and what he learned along the way.
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Square One World Media has been producing Christ-centred programming since 1947. Beginning with a simple radio program, their work has expanded to include television and online media. Yet even as their format changes, their commitment to delivering the Good News of Jesus Christ in a language people understand has not changed.
Shoaib Ebadi has been the president and executive director of Square One World Media since 2016.
Today on Connections, he shares how and why he got involved with Square One World Media. He also chats about some of the programming that the ministry is currently working on.
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Love Your Story is a must-read for anyone who wants to truly understand what it means to be a champion in God’s eyes and how true champions are created.
Linda Olson is the go-to story expert who helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs impact millions with their stories. She is a TEDx speaker, multiple bestselling author and founder of Wealth Through Stories. Her mission is “To Impact a Million People a Year Through Story.”
Linda and her husband, Rick, reside in sunny California. They enjoy their two married daughters and their spouses and five adorable grandchildren, who are the best part of their story.
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There may be no more powerful desire in the human heart than to be loved. And not just loved, but loved anyway. In spite of what we’ve done or left undone, we long for an unconditional love that we know deep down we don’t deserve.
Bestselling author Jared C. Wilson says that kind of love actually exists, and it is an experience that is ours for the having. He shares this in his new book, Love Me Anyway: How God's Perfect Love Fills Our Deepest Longing.
Today on Connections, Jared shares how we can find this love and actually start accepting it. He also talks about his book and the inspiration behind it.
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Reading is a common habit shared by many successful people throughout history. It is responsible for unlocking limitless creativity and influence. It is known to reduce stress, improve decision-making skills, and make better leaders. It is the single best thing a person can do to improve themselves professionally. Reading more and better books creates opportunities to learn new skills, rise above the competition, and build a successful career.
Jeff Brown, the host of the 4-time best business podcast nominee Read to Lead Podcast, has joined efforts with marketing expert Jesse Wisnewski to bring the business audience a simple habit to boost any career with his new book, Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career.
Today on Connections, Jeff talks about the book and the inspiration behind it. He also shares how you can incorporate your faith into all of it.
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Do our darkest secrets have a purpose? Can our weaknesses give us strength? Is there a plan for our pain? Yes, says Christine Soule, if we embrace God’s love and ask for His help.
Today on Connections, Christine Soule shares her remarkable journey from unspeakable dysfunction to a life abundant with blessings. She'll also talk about her new book, Broken and Beautiful.
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Leilanie and Michael met when they were just 15 years old. Twelve years later they got engaged, but as they were preparing for their wedding something seemed off with Michael.
Today on Connections, Leilanie shares her family's journey as they battle a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She also talks about how faith and love have helped her family through the ups and downs of caregiving.
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Leilanie and Michael met when they were just 15 years old. Twelve years later they got engaged, but as they were preparing for their wedding something seemed off with Michael.
Today on Connections, Leilanie shares her family's journey as they battle a multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She also talks about how faith and love have helped her family through the ups and downs of caregiving.
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Adoptive parents often discover that opening their hearts to adoption was the easy part. It’s the emotional journey after the surrender to the idea of adoption that leads to the hard seasons of testing.
In Hope When It’s Hard, author Jennifer Phillips beautifully weaves together elements of her personal adoption journey with Scripture and encouraging words that will feed the soul of an adoptive parent. Jennifer’s authenticity will lead parents to finally feel understood, with the ability to finally see the beauty of God’s adoptive heart.
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Have you ever felt alone, even though you're surrounded by people? Or 'liked' but unloved?
Doug Bender, I Am Second's chief content writer, knows exactly how this feels, and he shares his story in his latest book titled, Found Love: True Stories of Discovering Love, Belonging and Friendship.
This book is also filled with other powerful stories of men and women in the public eye who have broken the barriers of divorce, addiction, racism, abuse, miscarriage, shame and more.
Today on Connections, Doug chats about his book. He also shares his personal journey to find love and fulfillment.
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When's the last time that you shared your faith with someone? A recent study found that 66% of Christian leaders in Canada say that evangelism is not a priority for their faith communities. Is that a problem? And, if it is, how can we start conversations that lead to sharing the Good News of Jesus? In this episode, Shaila Visser of Alpha Canada shares her thoughts.
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Shearon Epps comes from a large family of 18 siblings. Who she is today is a combination of her rich experiences of growing up in humble beginnings and her hard work as a single mom who also solo parents her three grandkids. Never did she imagine that she would be writing books.
Her books help readers gain a heart understanding of God’s unconditional, wholehearted and continuous love for them.
Today on Connections Shearon will share her faith journey and what sparked her interest in writing.
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Patrick Bell was a Bible Smuggler into Communist Eastern Europe from 1988 to 1990. His purposeful and extensive research in Romania, along with a deep appreciation for the hard issues that the Romanian believers faced, breathe life and authenticity into the story."When you hear gunfire outside your hotel and there are bullet holes in the window and blood on the carpet, you know you're in the thick of it."
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Patrick Bell was a Bible Smuggler into Communist Eastern Europe from 1988 to 1990.
His purposeful and extensive research in Romania, along with a deep appreciation for the hard issues that the Romanian believers faced, breathe life and authenticity into the story.
"When you hear gunfire outside your hotel and there are bullet holes in the window and blood on the carpet, you know you're in the thick of it."
Patrick has his Master's degree in Intercultural Studies from Wheaton College Graduate School and his MBA in International Business from Regent University School of Global Leadership & Entrepreneurship.
His continued goal is to enlighten the Western church to the realities of persecuted believers around the world.
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As kids head back to school it's a good time to talk with them about bullying.
Dr. Wendy Craig from PREV Net (Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network) gives you some great tips on how to protect your kids form bullying as well as ensuring they don't become a bully.
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Approximately, 150 million children in the world have a disability. In many developing countries kids with disabilities are ignored, misunderstood and forgotten – many are hidden away in backrooms out of shame or necessity as parents try to put food on the table for all their kids. Most families living in poverty in Africa can’t afford basic medical care, much less surgery.
Today, Ed Epp, the executive director of Hope and Healing International shares with us the important work the organization does in bringing medical care to children and families in need.
Hope and Healing’s main focus is to share Jesus’ love with children and families too often considered the ‘least of these.’ The Gospels clearly show a Jesus of action who pointed people to His Father in heaven through miracles of healing and hope.
That’s how Hope and Healing works – pointing people to our Father in heaven through acts of love.
Just $30 starts a child on their journey to hope and healing. Check out mygrouphug.ca to find out how you can be a part of a group hug that brings hope and healing to a young life.
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It's no secret that motherhood is hard. Keeping a healthy prayer life in the middle of motherhood can also be hard. But Brooke McGlothlin says that when prayer becomes our first response it also becomes our best response.
McGlothlin is the co-founder of Million Praying Moms and has a new book out aimed at helping moms become the prayer warriors their family needs. Praying Mom will help you navigate parenting with putting prayer first.
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Raising an 'impossible kid' can be a challenge, and Lucille Williams has been there and done that. Thankfully, she's using her years of experience, complete with mistakes and victories, to help other parents face their own challenges.
Her new book, The Impossible Kid, looks at rasing high-spirited, stubborn, or just downright disagreeable kids.
Perhaps most importantly, Williams points out that an impossible kid is not a hopeless kid. In fact, they have many characteristics that will help them be successful in life.
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How do we teach our kids about being safe when it comes to strangers without scaring (or scarring) them?
Today we talk to an expert with the Canadian Centre for Child Protection about just that.
They offer us five great tips to keep our kids safe.
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Helen Guenther has faced her own struggles with anxiety and depression. But when her daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder, Guenther says it was as if her "whole world fell apart."
Guenther and her daughter have walked side-by-side to find freedom and now she walks alongside others facing struggles. Guenther has created "Grace Groups," faith-based support groups for people who have loved ones battling mental health.
She has also published a book based on her experience, called Pressing On: The Blessed Journey Alongside a Daughter with an Eating Disorder. You can find it at a number of online retailers.
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Erica Wiggenhorn has a mission to help inspire Christians to not just know God, but to live like God is in control.
In her new book, Letting God Be Enough: Why Striving Keeps You Stuck and How Surrender Sets You Free, Wiggenhorn helps readers break down personal issues of inadequacy by examining the life of Moses.
Today on Connections, Erica talks about her journey with self-doubt and how she managed to find freedom. She'll also chat about the book and the inspiration behind it.
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Talasi Guerra is a Christian author and communicator who is passionate about infusing Jesus into her everyday life and empowering others to do the same.
In 2007, Talasi experienced a radical life change when God brought her through a period of healing from her long battle with anorexia and depression. Since that time, Talasi has been committed to bringing light and life to the world around her by sharing her story, speaking truth, and offering hope to others.
Today on Connections, Talasi shares a bit about her journey to recovery and how others can overcome the obstacles that hold you back
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When the world was impacted by the pandemic, Mike Donehey, like so many others, found himself struggling.
Tenth Avenue North, the band that he founded and led for so many years, was amicably disbanding and planning their farewell tour when everything stopped. With the tour cancelled and the band officially over, Donehey found himself lost, not only about what his next steps were going to be but was feeling like - in his own words - a dried-out sponge.
As months went on, he realized he needed to mourn these drastic life changes as well as the unknown. The more he began to open up and let himself feel sadness and the sting of the pain, "the more joy came flooding in on the other side," he explains. Songs began pouring out and an album was quickly penned.
Today on Connections, Mike talks about his first solo project and the inspiration behind it. He also chats a bit about what the past year and a bit have been like for him.
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Today's guest grew up in a catholic home, but it did not influence his life whatsoever.
In his teen years, Adam Rieger stopped going to church. He became an atheist and began listening to death metal music. It was then that he also decided that he needed to travel the world. This adventure led him to hitchhike, which then led him back to his faith.
Today on Connections, Adam shares with us this full circle journey and how he went from an atheist hitchhiker to a catholic seminarian practicing for the priesthood
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A few years ago, Mike Janzen was approached by a good friend that asked him if he would be interested in writing some music based on the ancient prayers in the Psalms.
Although the idea interested him, at the time he had a packed schedule and didn't know if he'd have the time to slow down enough to actually write.
Shortly after that discussion, he experienced a life-altering injury that flipped his world upside down and brought his career to an abrupt halt.
Although the road to recovery was a long one, he says it was through that experience that his faith has flourished.
Today on Connections, Mike talks about his injury and the road to recovery. He also shares the inspiration behind his latest album, The Psalms Project.
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Home. It’s where you’ve been spent a lot of time over the past year and a half. It’s where the heart is. Where your family’s at. Even where you keep your stuff. It’s also a greater reflection of who you are and what you value.
A look into your home can be a look into your heart, your relationships with family and friends, and with your heavenly Father. So how do we make our physical home a reflection of our greatest values?
Today on Connections, Shannon Acheson, editor, designer, and author of Home Made Lovely, helps women take on the task of redefining their homes. Shannon meets you right where you are on your home-decorating journey, helping you share the peace of Jesus with family members and guests as you welcome them into your home.
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Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission has a goal to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger and homelessness in Los Angeles.
Ken Craft is the founder and CEO, and he himself has a powerful story of how he became involved with this mission.
Today on Connections, he shares that story. He'll also chat about a pair of tiny home villages they have recently set up in Los Angeles and how we here in Canada can do something similar for our homeless community.
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Mary Katherine Backstrom (MK) says a lot of people struggle with the concept of being holy. But the fact is, even the hottest of messes are being shaped—right now—into Jesus' likeness.
She wants us to embrace the hot messes in our lives because she says, God uses each "mess" in our lives to bring us closer to Him.
Today on Connections, she shares heartbreaking and hilarious stories from her own personal journey and how each one of those situations has brought her closer to God. She also shows us that it's okay to celebrate exactly where we are right now- holy, hot mess and all.
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As the Taliban quickly sweeps back into power in Afghanistan, an Afghan-Canadian is calling on the federal government to also help Christians escape the chaos.
Zobair Deen served as a Political Analyst and Strategic Advisor for the NATO-ISAF mission from 2004-2014 in Afghanistan. He also remained involved in research and analysis of Violent Extremism in Afghanistan until 2019.
Deen says that Christians are especially in danger in his home country and wants the Canadian government to earmark 1,000 visas for the immediate relocation of Afghan Christians from the country.
You can find and contact your local Member of Parliament here.
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Back to school is just around the corner. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, children all over the world face a different reality when it comes to returning to school.
Whether it's heading back to a classroom, taking virtual classes at home, or a mix of educational approaches, adapting to these changes can come with a variety of emotions and anxieties.
Dr. Katie Birnie is an assistant scientific director with Solutions for Kids in Pain and a psychologist at Alberta Children’s Hospital,
Today on Connections, Dr. Birnie shares how parents can prepare their youth and children for the upcoming back-to-school season and how teachers and parents can support children and youth who may be facing anxiety as they return to the classroom.
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Against every last odd, you can hope anyway, that's according to author, mother and hope warrior, Leanna Tankersly.
With an openhanded spirit and open-hearted vulnerability, Leeana Tankersley reveals the darkest chapter of her own story, the thing she never thought would happen and could do nothing to prevent. Along the way, she shares how waiting in the darkness allowed something incredible to take root within her: a defiant and hard-won hope that is not dependent on happy endings.
Today on Connections, Leanna shares her story and how she managed to get to the place she's in today.
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Lily grew up in a Muslim family in Iran and immigrated to the US as a teenager, only to find herself in an arranged marriage that her father set up as part of a business deal. That business deal drove her family apart, and she was alone in a new country in an abusive marriage.
She became a Christian - and now her life is restored, and she is working with Iran Alive to reach women in Iran - the very ministry that helped her discover Jesus.
Today on Connections, Lily shares her amazing journey to becoming a Christian and how we here in the west can help those living in Iran.
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We’ve all suffered losses of varying degrees. Grief is normal. But in some cases, grief becomes chronic, and when it’s compounded by guilt, it can seem nearly impossible to resolve.
Awakened by Grace, from Christian book author Darlene West, explores deeper themes of guilt and self-condemnation while sharing the story of a distraught widower who blames himself for his wife’s passing. When his granddaughter arrives, she tries to teach him a thing or two about the healing power of faith. Will it be enough?
Today on Connections, Darlene shares her own personal story of loss and chronic grief and how she found healing in the power of faith.
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Laura Barringer is an early years teacher by day and an author in her spare time.
Her latest project is a new book that she co-authored alongside her father, Scot McKnight, A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing.
Barringer says in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches, and we need a better way.
Today on Connections, Laura discusses her thoughts on church leadership and ways of moving forward in a good way. She will also share the inspiration behind the book and what it was like to write the book with her father.
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Back to school is just around the corner, but is your child ready for what's ahead of them?
Shannon Shields is the Ignite3 program director and Vice-Principal at Ryerson School in Winnipeg.
Today on Connections, Shannon shares with us how we can prevent our child from going down the 'summer slide' and how we can enrich our children's learning during the summer holiday.
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Newly signed to both Centricity Music and Centricity Publishing, Brandon Heath is opening a fresh chapter. Not only is he partnering with a new label, but he’s collaborating with songwriters he’s never written with before and producers he hasn’t previously worked with.
Heath released a new single recently titled “Human Nature”.It explores what happens when God’s sovereignty collides with our humanity.
He's also set to release a new album next year, his first album in five years.
Today on Connections, he shares a bit about his new song, his new album and what it's like to be a parent.
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Kristina Hurrell has always had a passion for travelling. Growing up near Windsor in England, she used her fast-paced Dior modelling career as an escape to explore global cultures.
When she was just 20 years old, Hurrell was invited to photograph a Bedouin tribe in the Sahara desert. She didn't think twice and took the offer
That trip did not turn out as planned. Soon, her exploration of the Bedouin tribe and shifted to traumatic encounters of adversity and danger.
She prayed that God would help her find a way out, and he did.
Today on Connections, Kristina shares her unbelievable story of escape and how she chose to trust the power of faith and not fear.
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Jeannie Cunnion, a pastor’s kid and life-long Jesus follower who became a Christian at the age of eight found herself knee-deep in questions such as: Do I really rely on the power of God’s Spirit inside me or am I trying to do life in my own strength? How can I experience more of His presence? These questions led her to discover more about the Holy Spirit and become fully reliant on Him for the answers. In Don’t Miss Out: Daring to Believe Life Is Better with the Holy Spirit, Cunnion takes readers on her journey to rediscover God’s love through a better understanding of the Holy Spirit, unveiling 30 little-known benefits of being in relationship with God’s divine presence.
Today on Connections, Jeannie shares her own personal journey in building a relationship with the Holy Spirit and how you can do the same.
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On Aug 4, 2020, the city of Beirut Lebanon was rocked by a devastating explosion. Over 200 people were killed, thousands injured, and there were billions of dollars in property damage leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless.
Missionaries have been hard at work the last year to assist those affected, and in the midst of the destruction and grief people have been coming to Jesus in record numbers.
Today, Tom Atema from Heart for Lebanon shares how God has been moving over the last year.
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At first glance, it might seem like an average small community, but New Life Village is unique: its residents are children in foster care, their caregivers, and senior citizens who act as surrogate grandparents. It's the brainchild of a retired nun who says she's making it her life's mission to empty the foster care system.
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Janet Campbell is the new president and CEO of the Joy Smith Foundation. Today on Connections she shares with us how the JSF is working to help victims of trafficking as well as providing families with resources to protect their loved ones.
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When a bomb detonated at the Brussels International Airport in 2016, Janet Winston-Young assumed she would be among the dozens of people killed. Yet, in the midst of the chaos, terror, and the very real possibility of dying, she says she felt complete peace.
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As we continue to find our new “normal”, do you find yourself thinking about the parts of “normal” you want to leave behind?
As the world begins to reopen, we don’t have to go back to the way life was before. Instead, we can grab hold of a simpler way of living by un-hurrying our hearts, embracing the relaxed rhythms of nature, and discovering the meaningful gift of growing slowly.
Today, Jennifer Dukes Lee shares with us the benefits of Growing Slow.
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Just two months out from his death, the family of Daryll Fenton is looking to give back to the organization that helped them in the midst of an unimaginable tragedy.
Daryll Fenton, 68, was fishing with his wife, Els, in southeastern Manitoba on May 29 when he fell off the front of his boat after it unexpectedly jerked forward. The couple had just purchased the boat and Els was unfamiliar with how to operate it. Rough weather was making the task even more difficult.
You can read more about their story and how to help HEART, here.
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With roughly 500,000 children in the United States' foster care system and 50,000 in Canada's, the new mission field for the Church is clear, says Dr. John DeGarmo.
DeGarmo has been a foster parent for 15 years, and he and his wife have had more than 60 children come through their home.
Listen to this engaging conversation on how we can come together to love those who need it most.
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Kevin Malone had a long and successful career in Major League baseball. That includes being the GM of the 1994 Montreal Expos - the team with the best MLB record when a players' strike shortened the season. He also won a World Series with the Minnesota Twins in the '90s. But his success on the ball diamond came at a price for his family.
Kevin shares how God redeemed his family and brought miraculous healing in his son's life. He also talks about his passion: ending human trafficking.
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Every year over 400 Canadians die by drowning. In fact, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under 60 years of age.
Dr. Christopher Love from the Lifesaving Society offers practical tips to ensure that your loved ones stay safe while having fun this summer
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Bombs away! Today on the Connections podcast, pastor and author Pat Linnel talks to us about a sermon series that turned into a movement.
Grace Bombs are intentional acts of love prompted by the Holy Spirit—offering an extra tip to a hardworking server, giving up a seat on an airplane, or making a meal for the ER nurse next door. When we grace bomb our neighbors, our spouses, or strangers on the street, we are responding to God’s call to love those people in generous and surprising ways. Drawing on rich examples from Scripture and everyday life, Grace Bomb shows us how we can: Go beyond cultural expectations of kindness Deepen our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit Overcome barriers such as fear, busyness, and prejudice Have fun while exercising our faith beyond Sundays Break the ice with our neighbours today
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From the 1940s through the 1960s, young pregnant women entered the front door of a clinic in a small North Georgia town. Sometimes their babies exited out the back, sold to northern couples who were desperate to hold a newborn in their arms. But these weren't adoptions--they were transactions with cash and no birth records.
Jane Blasio is a Hicks Baby, sold at birth and passed through the back door of a clinic in North Georgia. She has served for more than 18 years in federal law enforcement. An expert in illegal adoption, she helped unravel the mystery of the Hicks Clinic, breaking the story in 1997
Today on Connections, Jane shares her unbelievable story, how she's helping other Hicks babies find answers and how God has guided her through this journey.
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NFL chaplain and pastor Jonathan Evans remembers living life on “cruise control,” comfortable where he was, following in the footsteps of his well-known and respected father (Dr. Tony Evans), until one day he realized he didn’t know his own role or purpose in life.
Jonathan didn’t wait to figure it out; he took action and pursued what God had in store for him. His new book, Your Time is Now: Get What God Has Given You, urges people to get out of the “comfort” rut and do the same.
Today on Connections he shares a bit of his own journey and the inspiration behind his book.
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Michelle Moore is the founder of Mother’s Grace, a nonprofit organization that has raised more than $5 million for families in acute crisis, assisting more than 6,000 mothers in the state of Arizona and throughout the world.
Mother’s Grace addresses the critical needs of mothers and their children in the midst of tragic life events by helping them with housing costs, medication, meals, housekeeping, childcare, transportation, and a host of other immediate needs.
Through mentorship and seed grants, Mother’s Grace also assists women in starting their own nonprofits, with the goal of producing a new generation of women leaders.
Today on Connections, Michelle shares her amazing life story with us and why she started up her non-profit, Mother's Grace.
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In March 2020, the whole world retreated indoors, inspiring children’s book author Mikey Woz to create something to help kids everywhere find the silver lining.
The result, When the World Stays Inside, is a refreshingly positive, whimsical book that reminds us all of the importance of finding beauty in the seemingly mundane and uncovering the bright side of any situation.
Using clever, Seussian-style rhymes, When the World Stays Inside aims to empower children through gentle prompts that encourage them to be creative, move their bodies and find new ways to play when the weather or other external force causes them to stay indoors.
Today on Connections he shares the inspiration behind this book and the importance of finding the bright side in a difficult time.
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Spend five minutes with the members of CAIN and you’ll feel like you’ve spent the afternoon in the sunshine.
Raised in Alabama the kids of pastors, CAIN developed a love for music from an early age. By elementary school, they were integrated into the church service, playing and singing side-by-side, but never pursued music in a serious way until later on in life
Making it to their Rise Up debut didn’t come easily or quickly.
Today on Connections, Logan Cain shares with us how CAIN became the band they are today and what it's like to be back out on tour.
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Unresolved trauma can take a serious toll on a child, but sometimes families just don’t know what to say or where to turn for help.
Hidden: Her Truth Her Pain, from Shun Jamerson Tomlin, is a thought-provoking story about a young girl who was victimized by a close family friend and the profound impact of her family’s decision to keep quiet.
Hidden candidly explores themes of self-forgiveness, strength and salvation, and why God’s voice is necessary in the healing process.
Today on Connections, Shun shares her amazing story and the inspiration behind this book.
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It's been over two weeks since the collapse of the Champlain Towers in Surfside, Florida.
Just last week authorities made the decision to shift the search effort from rescue to recovery.
JP Funk is a pastor with Calvary Chapel Miami Beach. He along with staff and volunteers from his church have been at the scene since day one offering prayer, food and anything else that first responders and family members need.
Today on Connections, JP shares how the church community has come together to help people in this time of need and how Canadians can pray and help those affected.
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Seventeen years ago, Juli, a 25-year-old nurse practitioner, moved from Los Angeles to a small village in Kenya to be a part of an HIV program.
In 2009, she founded a hospice called Living Room International where men, women, and children come either to heal or to be loved until they die.
Kenya is also where Juli met her husband, Titus and together built a family, one biological daughter and two siblings that they adopted from their hospice.
Today on Connections, Juli shares her amazing testimony and why she continues to do what she does.
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For years, Christians have argued, debated, and fought one another while "speaking the truth in love," yet we are no closer to the grace-filled life Jesus modelled. Biblical scholar and popular podcast host of The Bible for Normal People, Jared Byas casts a new vision for the Christian life that's built not on certainty, but on the risk of love.
Jared unpacks the concept of truth, its meaning, and why we so often fight over it in his book, Love Matters More: How Fighting to Be Right Keeps Us from Loving Like Jesus.
Today on Connections, Jared casts a new vision for the Christian life that's built not on needing to be right about the Bible, but on loving people well even when we disagree with them.
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Tara Royer Steele is using pie as an opportunity to build relationships and further God's Kingdom.
When she was just 12 years old, Tara started working in her family's cafe, Royers Round Top Cafe & Catering.
She recently stepped away to follow God's new direction in life, and now Tara and her husband own and operate Royers Pie Haven, which she considers her ministry.
Tara has also recently released a book, Eat. Pie. Love: 52 Devotions to Satisfy Your Mind, Body, and Soul.
Today on Connections, Tara shares her amazing story of ups and downs and how she is using pie to help build relationships and further God's kingdom.
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Young adulthood is often a challenging time filled with big decisions, greater expectations, and major responsibilities. The pressures to succeed and be a positive influence can be intimidating but also deeply rewarding.
In Adulting 101 Book 2, authors Josh Burnette and Pete Hardesty offer life skills and practical advice to launch twentysomethings into healthy, successful adulthood. They also discuss the importance of knowing God and the ways in which your faith influences your life
Today on Connections, Josh shares with us the inspiration behind the book and the steps to becoming a successful godly young adult.
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There are times when we all need reminding that we’re never invisible in God’s eyes and that we can trust Him to show up powerfully in our lives.
In Joan E. Murray's new book, You Can TRUST Him: Anchoring Your Hope in God During Difficult Times sheunpacks the complex topic of trust and shares powerful, modern-day examples of God’s presence.
Joan Murray is the founder and CEO of Joan Murray Ministries and Seeds of Hope Worldwide Missions. She is also an international Bible teacher, pastor, speaker, author and missionary.
Today on Connections, Joan shares her amazing testimony and the inspiration behind her latest book, You Can TRUST Him: Anchoring Your Hope in God During Difficult Times.
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A summer day at the beach, pool, or on the boat should be a fun day. But fun can quickly turn to tragedy if the appropriate safety steps aren't taken.
Dr. Christopher Love from the Lifesaving Society joins us to keep everyone safe this summer.
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A new social media campaign is launching on June 29 to raise awareness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action. Daily, the #94in94 campaign will highlight each of the 94 Calls to Action in as many days, encouraging people to take action in a variety of ways. The campaign will conclude on September 30 in honour of Orange Shirt Day and the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, commemorating the tragic legacy of residential schools in Canada.
Today on Connections, Jimmy Thunder, board chair of Reconciliation Thunder, will share more about the campaign and why it is so important to get involved.
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Women in the Bible overcame challenges with courage and faith, and can teach us about leadership, character, and strength! Their message for us today? With God all things are possible!
Marina Hofman (Ph.D., theology) is an expert on women in the Bible and an award-winning writer recognized for fresh insights and a positive perspective. Her engaging content connects listeners with stories of women in the Bible. Dr. Hofman is a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Florida, and published in biblical studies, theology, psychology, trauma, education, ministry, and ethics.
Today on Connections, Marina shares her powerful story of God rescuing her life after a serious car crash and delivering her from anxiety. She also brings a message of faith, hope and encouragement as she discusses her new book, Women in the Bible Small Group Bible Study.
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Captivity” might seem like a word that belongs in Old Testament history, but the reality for many Christians around the world is that following Jesus means the literal loss of physical freedom. Last year alone, 4,277 Christians were detained without trial, arrested, sentenced and imprisoned because of their faith. Another 1,710 Christians were abducted. This is what prompted Open Doors Canada to launch, One With Them: A Day for Christian Captives, an urgent call for believers to set aside an annual day of prayer focused on Christian captives.
Today on Connections, Gary shares why this day is so important and how you can get involved.
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Scot McKnight says in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches.
He says we need a better way, a map, to get us from where we are today to where we ought to be as the body of Christ.
Today on Connections, Scot shares what that map is and how we can start forming a goodness culture that resists abuses of power and promotes healing.
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The world’s largest unmet disability is poor vision, but one organization is doing its part to help end this global epidemic.
Founded by J. Kevin White, U.S. Marine (Ret.) and Naval Academy graduate, Global Vision 2020 and its partners have delivered over 50 thousand pairs of prescription eyeglasses to over 48 countries in the most remote areas of the world.
They use the innovative USee Vision Kit™, invented by White, to provide prescription eyeglasses to those in the developing world.
Greg Wiens is the faith-based coordinator with Global Vision 2020.
Today on Connections, Greg talks a bit about the role he plays in the organization, what it's like to watch people gain their vision back and how others can get involved.
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Rachelle Luk is a Covenant Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter and worship leader. Known for her welcoming authenticity on stage, Rachelle is a passionate artist who uses her soulful voice, insightful lyrics, and genre-bending versatility to communicate hope. Infusing intelligence and honesty into profoundly relatable Christian music, she isn’t afraid to explore a wide range of emotions and experiences to tell the fuller story of our journey of life with Jesus.
Today on Connections Rachelle talks about her latest album and the inspiration behind it. She also shares what led her into music and worship leading.
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2020 and 2021 have been quite the whirlwind for Colton Dixon and his family.
In March of 2020, touring came to a halt for Colton as COVID-19 took over the world.
Shortly after that, Colton along with his wife Annie, announced that they were expecting twin girls. Those girls were born in August of 2020, but not without complication.
Today on Connections, Colton Dixon shares the miracle story of his twin girls, what it's like to be a father and what it's been like to be back out on the road after a year of being stuck at home due to the global pandemic.
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Rob Kenney’s father left him and his seven siblings when he was fourteen years old, and the youngest had to fend for themselves. He wished that he had someone who could teach him the basics—how to tie a tie, jump-start a car, unclog a drain, use tools properly—as well as succeed in life. But he and his siblings had to figure these things out on their own.
Now a father himself, Rob decided that he would help people out by providing how-to tips as well as advice—and even throw in some bad dad jokes. He started a YouTube channel for anyone looking for fatherly advice, and in the course of three months, gained a following of nearly 2.5 million subscribers, with millions of views for his how-to and inspirational videos.
He has also recently release book with the same title, Dad, how do I?
Today on Connections he shares the inspiration behind his YouTube channel, as well as his book and how his faith has helped guide him through all of this.
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Karen McGregor is a thought leader and catalyst for influencers with a powerful global message.
Karen has supported hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs over the past decade to create and deliver powerful messages.
The past year and a bit have been filled with global devastation and grief and Karen wants to help bring a sense of calmness back into homes.
Today on Connections, Karen shares six simple steps to create a calmer home.
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If I asked you to name your favourite things—the things you love—how long would it take for you to name yourself?
If you’re anything like Jonathan, you may have tried to love God and love others without thinking too much about yourself. Wanting to avoid self-centeredness, he doubted himself and condemned himself—he even hated himself—until he noticed the ancient words of Mark 12:31, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Drawing from Scripture, trauma-informed therapy, Christian inner-healing, breathing and embodiment exercises, and silent prayer & contemplative spirituality, You Are Enough: Learning to Love Yourself the Way God Loves You is a holistic healing journey towards abundant life.
Today on Connections, Jonathan shares the inspiration behind his book and why it's important to start loving yourself the way God loves you.
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Dr. Kevin Leman is a is an internationally known psychologist, Christian author and speaker.
He has written numerous books including his most recent, 8 Secrets to Raising Successful Kids: Nurturing Character, Respect, and a Winning Attitude.
Today on Connections, Dr. Leman shares some of those secrets with us and talks about how we can incorporate our faith into everything we do.
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JJ Heller isn’t your typical musician. She’s much more like a friend you would share a cup of coffee with who happens to play music. For over 17 years, JJ has remained firm in her passion to remind women they are loved, they are not alone, and they can live life with a whole heart.
Heller and her husband, Dave, work creatively together co-writing songs and touring the country. After 17 years of making music full-time, Heller has ten full-length albums and a Christmas EP to her name.
Over the years, JJ's songs have been streamed over 210 million times, and her You Tube videos have been seen over 27 million times.
Today on Connections, JJ and Dave chat about the inspiration behind their music and what it's like to work together. JJ will also share a bit about a new children’s book, Hand To Hold, that she is set to release on July 20.
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Singer/Songwriter Ellie Holcomb is set to release her third studio LP, Canyon, this summer on June 25th in partnership with Capitol Christian Music Group. This will mark the first label distributed release for the independent artist.
"Canyon is a record about a deeper sorrow and a higher hope," shares Ellie Holcomb.
Since her solo debut in 2014, Holcomb has garnered two GMA Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year, became a best-selling children's author along with accompanying EPs and has more than 157 million global streams.
Today on Connections, Ellie shares the inspiration behind her new album, Canyon and the beauty that has come out of this dark season.
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Savannah Locke is an author, blogger, songwriter and so much more.
Some days she's a learner, asking questions about God and the world he’s redeeming. Other times she's watching television on a Monday night, stress-eating a cheese board to cope with the drama.
Savannah Locke recently had the opportunity to take part in the Faithful Project alongside numerous powerful women including, Amy Grant, Rachael Lampa, Ellie Holcomb and Trilla Newbell.
Today on Connections, Savannah will share a bit about her passion for arts and how she includes her faith in everything she does. She'll also chat a bit about her experience working on the Faithful Project.
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Rachael Lampa became an overnight success when she was just 15 years old.
She spent years touring and recording before deciding to step away from her record label to find her true identity.
During those years she worked as a backup singer, joined an acapella group, nannied, got married, started up a non-profit in Nashville and eventually became a mother.
She is now stepping back into the music scene. She recently took part in the Faithful Project alongside a group of powerful Christian women.
She is also getting set to release some new music.
Today on Connections, Rachael shares her amazing testimony and how she got to where she is today. She'll also share with us what it was like to work on the Faithful Project.
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Alexandra Boylan, an award-winning filmmaker, was born and raised in Georgetown, Massachusetts, where she first began her exploration into acting.
When she was 19-years old, Alexandra moved from Boston to Los Angeles all alone. After a year, she became homeless and lived out of her car for a year while pursuing acting.
From 1999-2009 she struggled to pursue a career as an actress while working in nightclubs.
After ten years of tough times, she surrendered her life to Jesus and moved to New Mexico believing her career was over. After she felt the Lord calling her to make faith films, she lived on the road for a year and put all her finances into making the film “Catching Faith.” She learned to not hesitate when you are called by God and that God always provides.
Today on Connections, Alexandra shares her amazing journey into the film industry and how her faith helped her along the way. She also chats a bit about her latest project, SWITCHED.
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Netflix and chill and broccoli, If you don't know what these words and phrases really mean to a teen, you are not alone.
Engaging Your Teen's World by David Eaton will teach you how to maintain open communication about everything from relationships to technology and media.
David Eaton is one of the founders of Axis, a non-profit that helps more than 200,000 parents and teenagers a month communicate and understand each other at the intersection of tech, pop culture, and the Gospel.
Today on Connections he shares how we can engage our teen's world and be a missionary to them.
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Sarah Kroger is a Nashville-based, Catholic worship leader and songwriter.
With parents involved in worship ministry, Kroger’s love for music was sparked at a young age but the impact of bullying and her struggle with anxiety and shyness hid her musical gift for years. Everything changed when she met Jesus in an intimate encounter through worship at a youth conference.
She has since released a total of four albums and was recently involved in the Faithful Project.
Today on Connections, Sarah shares a bit about her experience working on the Faithful Project, her amazing journey into music and what it's like to be a Catholic worship leader.
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Mandy Smith says Western culture is in a tailspin and the Christian faith is entangled in it. Western approaches to faith leave us feeling depressed, doubting, anxious, and burned out. We know something is wrong with the way we do faith and church in the West, but we’re so steeped in it that we don’t know where to begin to break old habits.
She says the best way forward is in Jesus's surprising invitation to the kingdom through childlikeness.
Today on Connections, Mandy Smith, a popular pastor, speaker and author, invites us to detox from the deeply ingrained habits of western culture so we can do kingdom things in a kingdom way again.
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At the age of 8, Raymond Mason was taken from his home in Peguis First Nation and sent to a residential school. He would stay there until the day he turned 18.
He is just one of the 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into Indian day and residential schools.
A riveting and at times harrowing story, Raymond Mason describes his experiences in Indian day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse.
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With the success of Marie Kondo, a new Netflix documentary, and hundreds of blogs and YouTube videos on minimalism, it’s clear that it is more than just a trend. In a time of climate change and a pandemic, people are looking for new ways to live well and more meaningful lives, and minimalism is meeting that need.
Consuming less may already be an environmental and personal priority, but Becca Ehrlich contends that minimalism can be much more. In her new book, Christian Minimalism: Simple Steps for Abundant Living, she explores the direct connection between minimalism and our faith journey.
Christian Minimalism cuts through our culture’s insistence about consumerism and challenges basic assumptions about our lifestyles, inviting us into a life free of physical, spiritual, and emotional clutter.
Today on Connections, Becca talks a bit about her journey to becoming a Christian minimalist, how it has impacted her faith and the connection between minimalism and our faith.
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Todd Terry became interested in acting at just 14 years old.
He pursued that dream, went to acting school and eventually got an agent.
Terry says he thinks about each role before making a decision. He has acted in both faith-based and secular roles including "Breaking Bad", "American Crime", Friday Night Lights" and "Walker Texas Ranger.
His latest role is Detective Gary Travis in Vindication, a faith-based crime drama series now streaming on PureFlix.
Today on Connections, Todd shares how he got into acting, how faith plays a role in his decision making and how important it is to have shows like Vindication.
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AGORA Network Ministries was birthed out of a crisis, a mental health and spiritual crisis.
On July 7th, 2017 Allan Gallant suffered a severe stroke. After a month of recovery and learning to speak again, Allan began the hardest battle of his life. It was a battle with mental health; PTSD, severe anxiety, and depression. The road was long and hard at times but God’s goodness led him to repentance and the ongoing restoration of his soul.
From this crisis, AGORA Network Ministries was birthed and a new journey began for Bonnie and Allan.
AGORA is a ministry that comes alongside the church. The desire is to stem the mental health crisis and stigma we face in our society and churches.
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What if fear is the new brave?
That's the question Katie Westenberg says you need answered if you are living afraid. Finding courage begins with fear itself--fear of the Lord.
I Choose Brave, reveals a countercultural plan to help you where you are; knee-deep in fears regarding parenting, the future, your marriage, and a world that feels unstable.
Katie Westenberg is first a follower of Christ, a wife, and a mom growing faithfully alongside her four children. She believes boldly in the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. As an author and speaker, she teaches women to grow a robust theology of who God is, become students of Scripture, and learn to live that truth out with courage.
Today on Connection, Katie talks about how we can respond when we’re fighting things we never expected and how we can choose brave.
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Matthew Rucker is best known as The Story Telling Preacher.
As a minister, Matthew Rucker found out early on in ministry that people like stories. He says when you use a story with a spiritual meaning attached to it, people will remember.
Matthew went through a few difficult years where his marriage ended and his son died from suicide.
He is now sharing those stories in hopes of helping other families in similar situations.
Today on Connections, Matthew talks about what led him into ministry and why he loves storytelling.
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Due to COVID-19, grief is rampant across the country. There is an urgent need to address the ever-present sense of loss and despair that many are feeling. As grief is something that everyone has to walk through eventually, this webinar is widely relevant.
Hope for the Heart is hosting a virtual symposium, “Grief & Loss: Coping Day-to-Day in Our COVID World,” on May 26 to provide biblical hope and practical help for the everyday challenges that come with grief.
Today on Connections, Dr. Eric Scalise, Hope for the Heart’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer talks about the upcoming live stream and why it is important for us as Christians to talk about grief and loss.
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Author and illustrator Tara Shannon recently released a graphic novel titled Rabbit & Bear Make a Wish. This gem filled with inspirational insights was an outgrowth of a simple illustration Tara posted on social media of two characters, Rabbit and Bear, comforting each other last March when the lockdowns began.
That post went on to help thousands cope with uncertainty and anxiety.
Today on Connections Tara shares the inspiration behind Rabbit & Bear and how they are helping people across the globe.
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Kelly spent 13 years coaching at the college level. She started her journey at Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and broke into Division I as a graduate assistant at the University of Oregon. From there she spent 3 years at TCU and then on to Iowa State, where she helped the Cyclones to 3 NCAA Appearances, finishing in the Sweet 16 twice.
Her career eventually took a nosedive, but it was through this that she managed to find God.
Today on Connections she shares her amazing story of triumph, defeat and redemption.
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A recent study conducted by Barna Group on behalf of Alpha revealed some surprising insights about the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on evangelization as a result of churches going virtual, and how the Church should respond in a more hybrid-model future.
Shaila Visser is the national director at Alpha Canada and the senior vice president for Alpha International.
Today on Connections Shaila shares what they discovered in the study and how offering virtual options has allowed Alpha to grow.
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This week is National Nursing Week.
Since June 2020, Taryne Lepp, TWU Public Health Lead, has played a crucial role in helping the University navigate the COVID-19 pandemic and safeguard the health and safety of students, staff, faculty and community members.
The current pandemic is not Taryne’s first experience with a public health emergency. In September 2010, she spent four months helping to save Cholera patients in Haiti, through humanitarian aid work with Samaritan’s Purse.
Today on Connections Taryne shares her experience as a nurse, what she loves most about her career, what it's like to be Christian and to be a nurse and how we as a church can pray for nurses across the country.
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Cameron Dueck grew up in a Mennonite family on a remote turkey farm in the Canadian prairies.
That led him to an unlikely career for someone who grew up on the prairies. He became an international journalist, filmmaker and an accomplished adventurer.
Some of those adventures include a trip on a yacht where he sailed from Thailand to the Mediterranean. He also went on the sea a second time. This time he set sail for Canada's Northwest Passage to learn more about how climate change was impacting Inuit communities.
Today on Connections, Cameron will share about his most recent adventure, a personal journey in 2012. He set off on his motorcycle and travelled 4500 kilometres from Canada to Argentina to learn about his Mennonite identity.
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When author Dione Martin was a girl, she often thought about her biological father. Who was he and what did he look like? Did he ever think about her and wonder if she was OK?
Martin poignantly explores the impact of family secrets and the importance of father-daughter bonds in The Wool Over Their Eyes, an authentic story with memorable characters who find redeeming qualities in each other — and forgiveness in their hearts.
Today on Connections, Dione shares a bit about her life growing up and the inspiration behind her book.
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A pastor says what simply started as a prayer on his porch has turned into a move of God that has seen over 1,000 people baptized since the end of December.
Pastor Robby Gallaty of Long Hollow Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn., tells says it all started after the suicides of two close friends in ministry.
Gallaty says that began a season of simply coming quietly to the Lord.
On December 15, 2020, Gallaty says that God gave him an answer: "spontaneous baptism."
Since then, the church has seen over 1000 baptisms and that number continues to rise.
Today on Connections, Robby shares a bit about his journey into ministry and what led to a move of God that has seen hundreds of people be baptized.
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Fear can cripple our futures. And Migdalia Smith had a lot to be fearful of. The survivor of abuse and sex-trafficking wants other victims to know that God is real, and He can help.
Smith’s new book, In the Case When God’s Promise of Safety Seems to Fail, which was inspired by real events, shares the story of one woman caught in a seemingly endless loop of bad decisions who finds salvation and healing through reconnecting with her faith — and trusting that God will not fail her.
Today on Connections Migdalia shares her amazing story of transformation and the inspiration behind her book.
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Chris and Steph Teague were high school, mission trip sweethearts who met and began falling in love on a 13-hour road trip from Nashville to Pennsylvania.
While dating through high school and marrying in college, they were volunteer worship leaders and served together in a variety of ways.
However, things started to change when Chris entered a season of doubt that many people walk through on their faith journey.
This lead to Steph and Chris getting divorced, but their story doesn't end there.
Today on Connections, Chris and Stephanie of Out of the Dust share their amazing love story and how God restored their brokenness and used it for good.
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This week is mental health week, an opportunity to shine a light on mental health and an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding it.
Sean Miller is the executive director at Peer Connections Manitoba.
Today on Connections he shares the importance of drawing awareness to mental health and how we as a church can help break the stigma and help those who are struggling.
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India's official count of COVID-19 cases has surpassed the 20-million mark and infections have nearly doubled in the past three months, while deaths have passed 220-thousand.
Despite all of this, Vijayesh Lal, general secretary of the Evangelical Fellowship of India says, there is still hope and God is still working despite the devastation they are surrounded by.
Today on Connections Vijayesh shares his own experience with COVID-19 and how we as Christians across the globe can pray for and help those suffering in India.
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Mark Buchanan began his career as a writer at age 12 - the year a remarkably creative grade 5 teacher awakened in him the possibilities of language and story. He eventually took a degree in writing, but that was simply to refine and hone what he felt compelled to do anyways.
He ended up, en-route to being a published author, a pastor and now a professor. Buchanan's eight-plus books have so far all come out of that world.
His most recent release is God Walk: Moving at the speed of your soul.
Today on Connections, Mark shares the inspiration behind this book and how something as simple as walking can draw you closer to God.
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Do you believe your struggle with anger stems from the wrong behaviour you see displayed in your children? Wendy Speake says the knee-jerk reactions and blow-ups you’re facing are often a result of a bigger set of “triggers.” Some of these she says are external, like a child’s disobedience, backtalk, or selective hearing, while others are internal, like an overflowing schedule, sleep deprivation, or perhaps your own painful experiences from childhood.
Triggers: Exchanging Parent’s Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses examines common parenting issues that cause us to explode inappropriately at our children. Moving beyond simple parenting tips on how to change your child’s behavior, authors Amber Lia and Wendy Speake offer biblical insight and practical tools to equip and encourage you on the journey away from anger-filled reactions toward gentle, biblical responses.
Today on Connections, Wendy Speake shares with us how we can trade in our angry reactions and knee-jerk responses for a more gentle biblical response.
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Do you worry that you’re messing up your kids? Do you get stressed when you think about their futures? New York Times bestselling author Crystal Paine knows how you feel. A mom of four, Crystal has struggled with anxiety over parenting. She wanted to parent with grace, instead of a system of rules where kids are expected to do all the right things. She wanted to be a safe place for her children, and she definitely didn’t want to be remembered as the sort of mom who yelled, wounded her kids with words, or worse, cared more about her reputation than her kids’ hearts.
In her latest book, Love-Centred Parenting, Crystal shares the life-changing lessons that God has been teaching her about raising kids with love and grace.
Today on Connections Crystal shares her journey to this point and the inspiration behind her book.
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Char Harryman faced a life-limiting diagnosis with extraordinary courage and faith, and she used the time she was given to be a gift to others.
On Easter Sunday back in 1995, Char suffered a grand mal seizure. And then another. And another. This eventually led to numerous tests where doctors discovered a golf ball-sized malignant tumour on her brain.
Doctors gave Char two years to live. God had other plans. She lived 24 more years and didn't waste any time touching the lives of thousands before she passed away in 2019.
Today on Connections, Steve Harryman shares Char's amazing story and how she impacted lives around the world.
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The uplifting, new film WALKING WITH HERB takes audiences on an 18-hole rollercoaster ride as one man discovers how the impossible can become possible through faith, family and second chances . . . and with the help of God’s motorcycle-riding messenger.
WALKING WITH HERB premieres April 30, May 1, and May 3 for a three-night nationwide Fathom Events limited engagement.
Today on Connections, Kathleen Quinlan who stars as Shelia in the movie shares her experience on set and what drew her to this role.
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The uplifting, new film WALKING WITH HERB takes audiences on an 18-hole rollercoaster ride as one man discovers how the impossible can become possible through faith, family and second chances . . . and with the help of God’s motorcycle-riding messenger.
Today on Connections, Joe S. Bullock, associate producer and author of the book this film is based on, shares the inspiration behind this film, why he wrote the book and what his experience was like working on set.
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Host of the Canadian Christian television program A Better Us, and former host of 100 Huntley Street, Ann Mainse knows firsthand what it means for life to take an unexpected twist.
Just over a year ago, Mainse received a devastating phone call from her doctor, informing her of a cancer diagnosis. Mainse unpacks her story of healing in her new devotional, Coffee with Him: Mornings with God on an Unexpected Journey.
Today on Connections Ann shares what it was like to receive that diagnosis and how God has been with her throughout her entire journey.
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Cyndi Desjardins Wilkens was a successful business manager, working in product and sales as well as marketing management. She had also just given birth to her son when necrotizing fasciitis (otherwise known as flesh-eating disease) entered her life and altered it forever.
As she grappled with the challenges of an unknown future, Cyndi was left with a question; Why did God allow this to happen to her? And furthermore, could she ever be whole again?
Today on Connections, Cyndi shares her story, how life has changed for her family and how this experience has deepened her faith.
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God is good and powerful and wants the best for your life. He has big plans for you. You believe these things are true. But what is your own responsibility as a man when it comes to becoming all God created you to be? How can you walk in victory and faith and make an impact on others for God?
Kingdom Men Rising challenges men to foster personal discipleship and apply discipleship skills and a leadership mindset to all areas of life. Dr. Tony Evans brings his insights, stories, and wise counsel from God’s Word to clear all obstacles in your path, leading you to the abundant life you’ve been called to live.
Today on Connections, Dr. Tony Evans, pastor at Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and president of The Urban Alternative shares the inspiration behind his latest book, Kingdom Men Rising and why it's important for men to make changes now.
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Today is Earth Day.
Every year on April 22nd, people across the country recognize and celebrate Earth Day, one of the largest environmental events in the world.
The goal is not only to promote Earth Day just once a year but to connect people to nature every day.
A Rocha is an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.
Today on Connections, Scott Gerbrandt, A Rocha Manitoba director and Zoe Matties, A Rocha Manitoba program director share the importance of Earth Day and how we as Christians can start caring for the world around us.
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In the new film CHURCH PEOPLE, Thor Ramsey tackles a serious topic in a very lighthearted setting which he hopes will both educate and entertain.
A heartfelt and laugh-out-loud faith-based comedy film, CHURCH PEOPLE is the story of real people with real struggles and their unique paths to discovering what faith in Jesus is all about.
Today on Connections, Thor Ramsey shares the inspiration behind this film and the importance of focusing on a topic like this.
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Mike Donehey has seen his fair share of the unexpected. Following a potentially fatal car crash as a teen, Mike learned to play the guitar while still in bed recovering from his injuries. Learning the guitar quickly gave birth to songwriting, and that songwriting quickly led to the formation of a band. That band, Tenth Avenue North, became one of the most loved and successful artists in Christian music.
At the beginning of 2020, despite widespread notoriety and a devout following, Tenth Avenue North’s members began to sense they each had their own unexpected and unique roads to follow and for Mike that meant a solo career.
Today on Connections Mike Donehey shares what it has been like to pivot to a solo career and what it's been like to be home with his family. He also shares a bit about his music and his upcoming full-length album.
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It’s so easy to get distracted, overwhelmed or consumed by the changes, complexity and competing voices swirling around us. In our one-click, next-day-delivery culture, we can lose focus not just on what matters most, but on who matters most.
Dr. Steve Brown, Arrow Leadership President has released, Jesus Centered: Focusing on Jesus in a Distracted World - a book to address just that.
Today on Connections Dr. Brown will share where the inspiration for this book came from and why it's so important not to lose focus on who and what matters most.
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If recent years have taught us anything, it’s this: conversations about religion have become loaded. In a society where religion and faith have increasingly become polarizing topics, it’s clear that we need informed perspectives and thoughtful conversation.
Faith Today senior editors Bill Fledderus and Karen Stiller are stepping up to offer a trustworthy, accessible place for Christians to better navigate the intersection of their faith, culture, and current events.
Today on Connections, Karen Stiller shares how Faith Today is doing this and the importance, as Christians to talk about tough topics rather than to stray away.
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Steve Bell recently received his 5th Juno award nomination for his latest album Wouldn't You Love to Know? that he released on November 1, 2020.
There is a special story behind that album and today on Connections, Steve shares that story and chats a bit about what the past year has been like for him and his music.
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Jon Buller is a recording artist as well as founder & director of Hear the Music Ministries and the Levite Summit.
Over the last 20 years, Jon Buller has contributed an eclectic and growing catalogue of music to the artistic landscape of Canada.
The pandemic has impacted his career in many ways, but he has managed to adapt using technology.
Today on Connection, Jon shares with us what life has looked like over the past year and how he continues to share the word in the virtual world.
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Amy Hayward grew up in Winnipeg, MB and currently lives in Redding, CA. She has a passion for seeing the church come into the fullness of its calling across North America.
For most of her life, Amy found it impossible to believe that she was not only loved but was someone that God chose to speak to and through. Through years of healing, God showed her the truth of her identity in relationship to Him and inspired her to pursue His best for herself and everyone around her.
Today on Connections Amy shares her amazing story of transformation and how she got to where she is today.
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A Week Away is an American teen faith-based romantic musical film co-produced and directed by Roman White with a screenplay by Alan Powell (Anthem Lights) and Kali Bailey. The first-ever faith-based musical to hit Nextflix focuses around a troubled teen and his involvement in a summer Bible camp following a run-in with law enforcement.
The film was shot in Nashville, will feature reimagined songs from some of the biggest hits in Contemporary Christian Music history as well as original music from the film’s music producer, Adam Watts.
Today on Connections, Alan Powell shares with us the inspiration behind the movie and why he decided to make the jump from music to film.
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April is Parkinson"s awareness month.
According to today's guest, Tim Hague Sr., it has been widely noted that over the past 25 years Parkinson's disease has doubled in prevalence to some 10 million people worldwide and it is projected to double again by the year 2040. He says Parkinson's has become the fastest growing Neurological disease on the planet outpacing ALS, Alzheimer's, MS, and stroke.
Today on Connections, Tim talks about his journey with Parkinson's and what keeps him going.
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We live in a time of radical church decline where one-third of religious buildings in Canada will be abandoned in the next 10-years.
Christians find themselves listening to pastors’ messages through a podcast or YouTube video rather than going to a physical church service. In light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, churches all over the world have moved their services online, begging the question: does church really matter? In a time when the global church is changing to virtual services, Canadian pastor, speaker and author Kevin Makins believes the church still matters – perhaps more than ever.
Today on Connections Pastor Kevin Makins shares why church still matters and how we can continue to make the church grow.
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Do you worry a lot? Do you find it impossible to work in the middle of chaos? Do you wonder if God is going to come through for you in difficult times?
Jenny Donnelly, a speaker, entrepreneur, best-selling author and mother of five is using her new book, Still: 7 ways to find calm in the chaos, to teach us how to experience true, life-giving rest even in the midst of chaos.
Today on Connections she'll share her story and how she managed to get to a place of rest.
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Over 90 percent of couples experience some level of tension around money. In fact, money issues are the number one stressor in relationships.
So many books try to fix the surface problems, such as how to budget and what to prioritize when it comes to finances, but the issues go much deeper than just a simple spreadsheet.
In a groundbreaking three-year study, relationship researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn tackle this issue that affects almost every marriage every day. They discovered that money tension is not about money. It's about how money makes us feel.
Today on Connections Shaunti helps us to understand the startling assumptions, fears, and expectations underneath the surface.
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We know there are certain things we must have to survive—food, shelter, and safety to name a few. But there are also aspects of life that truly allow us to be joyful and fulfilled. For popular podcaster and bestselling author Annie F. Downs, fun is close to the top of that list.
With That Sounds Fun, Annie offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you—then do it!
Annie F. Downs is a New York Times bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and successful podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Chaos. Violence. Confusion. Anxiety. How do we know what’s true when there are so many differing voices telling us what to do? After travelling the world for 23 years in the rock band, Skillet, John L. Cooper has noticed one consistent issue: people are desperately confused.
In his new book, Awake and Alive to Truth, John tackles the reigning philosophies of our day of post-modernism, relativism, and the popular view of the goodness of man-and combats these viewpoints by standing on the absolute truth of the Word of God.
Today on Connections he shares some of his personal stories and the inspiration behind this book.
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To be human means to try and sometimes fail, to love and sometimes lose, to risk and sometimes regret. There are times when we realize where our choices have brought us, and we’re afraid to be honest—with ourselves, with others, with God—about how we’re really feeling and how we got to where we are. Because what if no one understands? What if they think less of us? What if God is disappointed with us?
Eryn Eddy wants you to know that no matter your past mistakes, relationship status, career choice, or feelings, nothing can change the truth that you are so worth loving. In this open-hearted book, she takes you by the hand and helps you look in, look up, and look out, exploring your relationship with yourself, God, and others. She gives you permission to feel deeply and openly before God, who isn’t afraid of our feelings, no matter what they are. And she lovingly reminds you that you are not alone, and you will get through this.
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Worry, stress and anxiety are all emotions that people are dealing with as the global pandemic drags on.
Tara Lalonde is an author and registered psychotherapist practicing in Ontario. She reminds us that worry is imaginary and it's as simple as changing our perspective.
In today's episode of Connections, Tara shares with us ways that we can start believing that worry is imaginary, as well as examples from the Bible. She'll also share with us a little bit about her book, An Unexpected Freedom: Discover Peace and Joy in the Reality of Life.
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Bella Thomson is a 7-year-old Swift Current girl who has gone viral on TikTok after a video of hers racked up 12 million views
Bella suffers from Hirschsprung disease; a bowel disorder that has necessitated several surgeries. She is now scheduled for a bowel transplant in mid-April. As well, combined immunodeficiency and cartilage-hair hypoplasia has meant that Bella has spent the better part of her young life in and out of hospitals.
Today on Connections, her mother, Kyla shares her daughter's amazing story and the role that faith has played throughout their journey.
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Today is Purple Day, an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness.
Today on Connections we're joined by Denise Hoeppner and her son, Jonathan who was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 16 years old.
They'll share their personal journey with epilepsy, how their faith has kept them strong through that journey and why it's important to draw awareness to epilepsy.
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Shawna Cain is a singer and songwriter from Brampton, Ontario who released her debut EP on October 2nd, 2020. That album was recently nominated for a Juno for Contemporary Christian/ Gospel Album of The Year.
Shawna writes original music that is infused with R&B, trap, Jazz, hip hop, and reggae styles with a message from above. Her music is based on her personal walk within her faith, interactions with people, lessons, and experiences throughout her journey in life.
Shawna Cain is driven by truth and her main focus is to promote the call of action to; Renew The Mind (Change the way you think). Her main objective is to; promote living in purpose and help people gain strength to overcome challenges. She does this by creating music that reveals a source which will aid in refining the mental perspective.
Today on Connections, Shawna shares how she feels about her Juno nomination and tells us what led her to music in the first place.
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Dr. Jessica Moerman is a scientist and evangelical church co-founder. She says science and faith shouldn’t be at odds. Whether it’s taking vaccines, following COVID protocols, or stewarding God’s creation by reducing carbon emissions, she says we should let science inform and support how we serve others.
Today on Connections Dr. Moerman talks about how faith and science can work together.
Dr. Jessica Moerman is the Senior Director for Science and Policy at the Evangelical Environmental Network. Jessica received her Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences from the Georgia Institute of Technology and has held research positions at John Hopkins University, University of Michigan, and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Along with her husband, Jessica is the co-founder of Grace Capital City Church in Washington, DC.
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In Are We All Cannibals? author David Braun speaks directly to every person who is feeling hopeless and helpless, starving for answers. After many years of experience, as an ordained pastor, certified mediator and executive coach, Braun came to his own personal dead end. Are We All Cannibals, highlights the eternal gems and practical insights, he discovered in the midst of his personal crisis
Over the past 25 years, David has helped found a church, a leadership school, all the while training and teaching believers in their new identity. When not co-ministering with his wife, Svea and four daughters, he enjoys sports and being in nature.
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In Are We All Cannibals? author David Braun speaks directly to every person who is feeling hopeless and helpless, starving for answers. After many years of experience, as an ordained pastor, certified mediator and executive coach, Braun came to his own personal dead end. Are We All Cannibals, highlights the eternal gems and practical insights, he discovered in the midst of his personal crisis
Over the past 25 years, David has helped found a church, a leadership school, all the while training and teaching believers in their new identity. When not co-ministering with his wife, Svea and four daughters, he enjoys sports and being in nature.
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Prayer is our most powerful, life-changing tool, but all too often, it feels like a struggle.
Bestselling author and beloved speaker Sheila Walsh helps women reignite their relationship with God, and to embrace the life-changing effects of prayer in her new book, Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don’t Know How.
Today on Connections Shelia shares a bit about her book and about her own personal journey.
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Defend Dignity exists to end all forms of sexual exploitation in Canada.
Commercial sexual exploitation includes: pornography, strip clubs, escorts, massage parlours and prostitution. All involve the selling of sexual services which undermine the dignity of women, men and children and are detrimental to a healthy society.
Defend Dignity believes: in the inherent dignity and value of all women, men and children made in the image of God. prostitution is a form of sexual exploitation, oppression and violence especially against women and children and seriously undermines their dignity and value prostitution is detrimental to a healthy society
Today on Connections we're joined by Glendyne Gerrard. She is the director of Defend Dignity. She shares a bit about the organization and what they are doing to combat human trafficking.
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International Justice Mission has spent over 20 years on the front lines fighting some of the worst forms of slavery and violence in Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia. IJM partners with local authorities to rescue victims of violence, bring criminals to justice, restore survivors and strengthen justice systems.
Today on Connections we're joined by Linda Yang. Linda practiced law for three years in Vancouver and then resigned from her associate position at a national law firm, and in 2018, she began her two years as a Legal Fellow with the Cebu, Philippines IJM Field Office which combats online sexual exploitation of children. During her time in the Philippines, she assisted a legal team of five Filipinas in their work.
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Who is St. Patrick? Why do we celebrate St. Patrick's Day? What does the Bible say about luck and divine providence?
Today on Connections, Dr. Jim Denison of Denison Forums answers those questions and so much more.
Dr. Denison is a cultural apologist who helps people respond biblically and redemptively to the vital issues of our day.
He is also the co-founder and Chief Vision Officer of the Denison Forum, a Dallas-based nonprofit that comments on current issues through a biblical lens
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Melinda Estabrooks is the Host, Showrunner, and Executive Producer of the women’s talk show See Hear Love, a show and community that values storytelling, courage, authenticity, inclusion, and faith in Jesus. For the past twenty-five years, Melinda has worked in broadcasting, journalism, public relations and marketing, leadership facilitation, advocacy, fundraising, and motivational speaking across the world.
Today on Connections she shares a bit about her own personal journey and about a new book that she is involved with, Always Know.
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Justen Overlander is a former teacher and basketball coach. He started his acting and screenwriting careers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he worked on a number of award-winning productions. He is now the associate producer of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus.
Today on Connections he shares how he landed the role as associate producer of the Chosen, he talks a bit about the show and his journey to get to where he is today.
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Kristin Hagen at 19 was a competitive dancer with Team USA, a national award-winning organist, an original artist and a contestant for Miss Idaho USA. But it was 1994 and the airbag in the car in which she was riding was first-generation and high-powered enough to cause her serious injury. Three years later, lightning struck a second time and Hagen was once again the victim of the redesigned airbag, this time suffering severe and immediate demobilization from the sheer force of the deployment.
Through her faith and evolving 21st century healthcare, however, she was able to successfully reverse the effects of the trauma and recover her former level of wellness and mobility.
Today on Connections Kristin shares her story and tells us how she is using her experience to help others.
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Born in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Greene grew up on a farm being taught the importance of family, faith and structure. On a volleyball scholarship, Paul was scouted from college and started his modelling career at age 18 and immediately became a global success.
At 30 years old and with a 5-month-old son Greene decided that it was time to relocate to LA and start living his original dream of acting. Greene began booking commercials and went on to garner series regular and guest spots on dozens of TV shows including “NCIS,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “The Newsroom”, “ Greene then went on to be coined by Steve Gidlow, the Cary Grant of the Hallmark Chanel, leading countless films and series. He is also a talented musician
Today on Connections he shares his journey from Wetaskiwin to Los Angeles. He also shares a bit about his music and his amazing faith story.
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With over 8 million recordings sold, 3 GRAMMY® nominations, multiple Dove awards, and countless accolades, the story of a few gifted college girls with a simple passion to unite and share their musical gifts for the Glory of God continues to evolve and engage thousands of fans, both old and new.
Today on Connections, Point of Grace shares a bit about their almost 30 years in the Christian music industry and they talk a bit about their new book, How You Live: Lessons Learned by Point of Grace.
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Ken Graves is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Bangor, Maine.
He left home at the age of sixteen to pursue training in ministry, by the age of 22 he was led by God to return to his hometown to present the gospel and build a church. That church has now grown into a healthy body of believers and church plants.
Besides being the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel, Ken travels throughout the United States and internationally much of the year speaking at conferences.
It was at one of those conferences that Kirk Cameron approached Pastor Graves and asked him if he would be a part of his documentary, Connect.
In the documentary, the pair discussed how technology is affecting families.
Today on Connections, Pastor Ken Graves shares more of his story and talks about his experience working with Kirk Cameron.
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Today is International Women's Day.
This year, Ottawa Church of Christ chose the theme, This is My Time for International Women's Day.
They hope the message will help encourage, refresh and inspire women to use their God-given talents to lift others up, take on challenges with renewed faith and bravely be the women God designed them to be.
Today on Connections we are joined by Melanie Singh, women's ministry leader at Ottawa Church of Christ. She shares with us the importance of International Women's Day and why it's important to celebrate this day as a church.
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As we continue to deal with the global pandemic, more and more of us are struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression and fear, which is causing problems with concentration, burnout, strained relationships and physical health problems.
Dr. Caroline Leaf has put a book together that she hopes will help those who are struggling. It's called, Cleaning Up Your Mental Mess: 5 Simple, Scientifically Proven Steps to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Toxic Thinking.
Today on Connections she shares what those 5 steps are and how we can start cleaning up our mental mess.
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Chad Hennings had a nine-year NFL career and three Super Bowl Championships with the Dallas Cowboys, forty-five successful combat missions flying A10 jets with the Air Force and he was one of the most decorated football players in NCAA history. But when his son was two and became extremely ill with what was eventually diagnosed as an autoimmune illness, his world was turned upside down.
Today on Connections, Chad shares what that experience was like and how it drew him closer to God. He also talks about his ministry, Wingmen.
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Are you addicted to your phone? Do you find yourself engaging online but unengaged at home with the people right in front of you?
Wendy Speake, wife, mom, host of the annual 40 Day Sugar Fast, and co-author of a number of parenting books has released a new devotional, The 40-Day Social Media Fast.
This "screen sabbatical" is designed to help you become fully conscious of your dependence on social media so you can purposefully unplug from screens and plug into real life with the help of a very real God.
She shares why she decided to put this devotional together and the importance of disconnecting.
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Kimberly Reed, author, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and breast cancer survivor, says it's time to bounce forward after the worst year ever. The best antidote to trying times is to embrace an optimistic mindset, as a rule, not a rarity.
She uses her own experience to help others get through their worst year.
Today on Connections Kimberly shares her personal journey and how you can defeat the discouragement in your life.
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Kimberly Reed, author, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker and breast cancer survivor, says it's time to bounce forward after the worst year ever. The best antidote to trying times is to embrace an optimistic mindset, as a rule, not a rarity.
She uses her own experience to help others get through their worst year.
Today on Connections Kimberly shares her personal journey and how you can defeat the discouragement in your life.
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Brittany Moser was a spirited, happy-go-lucky young woman who lived life to the fullest and made it her mission to enrich the lives of everyone she encountered. Brittany was suddenly grounded by a rare and incurable disease, Addison's disease. She decided to embark upon the adventure of a lifetime and asked her best friend — her father — to accompany her.
Their unforgettable journey would eventually result in Free and Fearless: The Amazing Impact of One Precious Life, an award-nominated story that underscores the resiliency of the human spirit, puts everyday problems into their proper perspective and proves that love truly does conquer all.
Today on Connections Philip Moser shares Brittanys inspirational story and how an open mind and a positive attitude can inspire us to do things we never thought possible
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Annette Loverien Duncan has lived for many years in Franklin, Wisconsin, with her husband Reverend David Duncan (Church in the City, Milwaukee).
She has always had a passion for acting and recently played a role in the new film, DOLPHIN ISLAND.
She shares the challenges of filming on an island that had limited resources after being hit by a hurricane. She also shares her personal story of going after a film career after her kids were grown.
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Judith Lenore Froese is a woman who has been set free by the very truths she passionately imparts. She lives to bring this message to women from all walks of life and in all parts of the world.
Froese experienced a transformation in 2005 that helped her to truly define who God had created her to be.
She is now using her own experience to help other women.
Today on Connections, Judith shares her personal journey and her passion to help other women reach the same place that she has.
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The Roys Report is a Christian media outlet, reporting the unvarnished truth about what’s happening in the Christian community so the church can be reformed and restored.
Today on Connections we are joined by Julie Roys, the founder of The Roys Report.
She shares why it's important to report on scandals and corruption within the church and a little bit about her own experience.
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Scott Pryor is a trial lawyer by trade. He is also the CEO of Pryor Entertainment and a star in the newly released faith-based film, TULSA.
TULSA follows a desperate marine biker whose life is turned upside-down when he is united with the sassy 9-year-old daughter he never knew existed.
Scott says the inspiration for this film came from some of the recent court cases he has handled.
Today on Connections Scott talks more about the inspiration behind TULSA and what it was like to release a movie in the middle of a global pandemic.
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It may have been cold, but that did not stop a team of 40 hockey players from participating in the 2021 World's Longest Game in Strathcona County, Alberta.
Not only did they break a record for the length of the game, 252 hours, but they also did it in the extreme cold.
The goal of the event is to raise funds for cancer research. This year they hoped to raise $1.5 million, which they have exceeded.
Andrew Buchanan was one of the goalies. He shares with us why he decided to participate and what it was like to play in the extreme cold.
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Bosco H. C. Poon, a.k.a. B.O.Z (Born Of Zion), was an aspiring recording artist who ended up in a Canadian federal prison. In his most hopeless moment, Jesus appeared before him, and his life was completely changed.
Today on Connections he shares his testimony and tells us what he is up to nowadays.
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Ray Neufeld is a former NHL player who spent 14 years in the league.
He started off his career with the Hartford Whalers, but in 1985 he was traded to the Winnipeg Jets.
Although Winnipeg was his hometown, this trade had a huge impact on his life, both good and bad.
Today on Connections, Ray tells us about that trade and how it helped him to become the man he is today.
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Red Street Records artist, Cade Thompson, is an energetic and soulful Contemporary Christian music artist with a sound that appeals to believers and mainstream pop audiences alike.
Cade Thompson has had an affinity with music since his toddler days when even a preschool teacher noticed him frequently harmonizing early on, and eventually progressed through piano, guitar and drum lessons.
Shortly after finishing high school, Cade moved to Nashville, Tennessee. Following his move, Cade signed a record deal with Red Street Records, an independent Christian label founded by Rascal Flatts member, Jay DeMarcus.
Today on Connections Cade talks about his music and what it's like to launch a music career in a pandemic.
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Dan and Danielle Macaulay have been married for 20 years. Dan is a worship leader and a singer/songwriter. Danielle is an author, blogger and speaker. They are also the proud parents of two boys, Keaton and Braden.
Today on Connections, Dan and Danielle share their love story and how they managed to overcome the many ups and downs of marriage.
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Valentine's day is just around the corner, a time when couples use gifts and acts of kindness to show their love for one another.
Why do we celebrate Valentine's day? Who is St. Valentine?
Today on Connections, Dr. Patricia Janzen Loewen, assistant professor of history at Providence University College helps us to understand the origins of Valentine's Day and why we celebrate it.
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Miriam Laundry is a best-selling author and educational speaker whose message empowers children, teens, and adults to believe in themselves.
I CAN Believe in Myself was originally self-published by Miriam Laundry in 2013.
The book made world record history in May 2014 when it inspired an online book discussion that set a Guinness World Record®.
She has now teamed up with Jack Canfield to re-release the book with more self-esteem building exercises and new illustrations.
Today on Connections Miriam talks about her why she enjoys writing children's books and why she decided to re-release I CAN Believe in Myself.
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Loraine Mackenzie Shepherd is a minister with Westworth United Church in Winnipeg.
About 2 years ago she took a sabbatical and went on a cross-country trip to visit thriving United churches to find out what made them successful.
She has now taken what she has discovered and put it into a new book called Thriving Churches: Urban and Rural Successes.
Today on Connections she'll share what she learned and talk about what makes up a thriving church.
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Rudy Kalis is a former sportscaster who immigrated to the U.S. and lived through decades of cultural, language and educational challenges.
In trying to make a name for himself, he alienated others, until one day he was confronted with the truth of who he was, and a pathway to live a different life.
Today on Connections Rudy will speak on how he overcame these challenges and found true joy and real connection.
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If you’re surrounded but alone, ‘liked’ but unloved, continually sending the world your message but feeling always unheard, then you need the stories in this book. That's according to today's guest Doug Bender.
Bender is I Am Second’s chief content writer. They've recently released a new book, I Found Love: True Stories of Discovering Love, Belonging and Friendship.
It features powerful stories of men and women in the public eye who have broken the barriers of divorce, addiction, racism, abuse, miscarriage, shame and more.
Today on Connections Doug Bender will share his own personal journey of finding love and why they decided to put this book together.
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Life is filled with changes that keep many in a constant state of anxiety.
Dr. Michelle Bengston, a board-certified neuropsychologist with more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field, speaks intimately about her personal experience with fear and practically on how to replace it with the truth of God's Word.
Today on Connections Dr. Bengston will share her personal story and how we can break anxiety's grip and reclaim the peace God promises.
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Dr. John K. Abraham is a Veterinarian turned Apologist and Evangelist.
He quit his career as a veterinarian to pursue theological studies so that he could spread the word of God to the world.
Today on Connections he'll share his story and talk about a couple of books that he has recently released.
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When he was born, Chris weighed 1 lb, 12 oz, due to drug exposure. He was given a limited chance of survival.
Four years later, he was handed a microphone and started a journey that has inspired audiences throughout the world.
By 10, he sang the national anthem at Fenway Park and became a Youtube sensation by 11.
With each keynote, song, & performance Chris teaches audiences they are unlimited...and usually, just need a little reminding.
Today on Connections, Christopher and his mother Christine will share their inspirational story.
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Megan Cohen who is only in her late 20's spent many years off and on the streets dealing with an opioid drug addiction.
Today she is in recovery and together with her mother Jennifer Shablin has started up a new initiative called The GRACE Project.
The GRACE Project aims to show grace and offer hope to those in need.
Megan Cohen alongside her mother currently go out to Philadelphia every Thursday with food and clothing donations and every other week they bring hygiene and first aid supplies as well. After they distribute everything, they pick a section to sweep up trash.
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When bestselling author Ray Comfort picked up his dog and put him onto his bike, he didn't realize that he was creating an internet sensation. Nor did he realize that he stumbled upon one of his greatest tools for evangelism.
Comfort's Living Waters YouTube channel has since exploded to over 75 million views of him evangelizing to strangers on the street.
He speaks with us about evangelism in the 21st century.
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After serving in ministry and life together with his wife and partner Karen for over 50 years, Ron Hutchcraft was devastated in 2016 when she died of a sudden heart attack. Reeling from the loss, he turned to God for strength and comfort but found the hope to move forward despite the circumstances. He now shares those lessons with readers of all ages and walks, no matter the tragedy or loss they may be experiencing.
Today on Connections Ron Hutchcraft will share his story of hope and how you can find that hope as well.
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Imagine finding a treasure trove of documents that reveal the forgotten history of your family.
That's what happened to Daniel Schwab in 2009 when he discovered letters written by his grandfather during the holocaust.
Today on Connections, Daniel will share what he discovered when he opened those letters and how he is using them to educate others.
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2020 was a year filled with disruption and change. Data compiled by Faithlife, makers of integrated church technology products, in the Year-End Song and Sermon Report provides insight into the worship songs, sermon topics and Scriptures most prevalent in churches across North America throughout 2020 and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today on Connections, Marshall Brown, a data scientist with Faithlife will share those results with us and what they mean.
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Katarina MacLeod is the founder & Executive Director of Rising Angels Awareness & Restorative Care; she is also a survivor of 15 years of commercial sexual exploitation.
Today on Connections, Katarina will share her story of survival and how she is using her experience to help other women going through a similar situation.
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Sisterhood YXE is uniting women of all generations to love God and people.
Today on Connections, Charlene Quiring, director of Sisterhood YXE and Kaitlyn Cey, Sisterhood pastor at Elim Church will share how Sisterhood YXE is uniting women and where the idea for this came from.
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Linda Gerritsen was in a life-altering plane crash in March of 1982. She lost her good friend, James and had to learn to face the world in a whole new way.
Instead of losing her faith in God, her faith grew stronger trial after trial.
Today on Connections, Linda shares her story of how God is in control and the importance of faith.
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Christine Soule’s life was a jumbled pile of broken pieces. Between her parents’ divorce when she was 5 years old and the day she allowed the power and presence of God into her heart, she watched her sister have an affair with her adoptive father; met 15 siblings she never knew at her biological father’s funeral; turned to drugs and alcohol; got pregnant at 17; had twins less than two years later; and became a victim of human trafficking. She had to break the cycle for the sake of her children. With nowhere else to turn, she dropped to her knees and prayed. And that’s when everything changed.
Today on Connections, Christine will share her story and how she is changing the lives of others through her own experience.
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Johanne Arsenault is a Canadian writer, mother and grandmother. She has heard much talk of anxiety, depression and suicide in young people. In her opinion, many children no longer have the tools to navigate life's given situations.
She recently released a children's book called Making Sense of Emotions. She says this book helps children gain a better understanding of how to cope with everyday life situations.
Today on Connections, Johanne will share with us why she decided to write this book and how our senses are linked with our emotions.
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A pastor who says he experienced miraculous healing from COVID-19 after a cleaner prayed for him in his hospital room is now having his story made into a Netflix film.
Today on Connections Pastor Lee McClelland from The Ark Church in Belfast, Northern Ireland will share his journey with COVID-19 and his story of miraculous healing.
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While Canadians start 2021 getting used to new pandemic restrictions, Christians from India to Yemen are being refused food, medical care and other necessary aid, experiencing increased surveillance, violence and discrimination, because of their faith. This year’s World Watch List (WWL), produced annually by Open Doors International, highlights how the global pandemic has exacerbated the systemic discrimination and persecution that over 340 million Christians experience on an ongoing basis.
Executive Director of Open Doors Canada, Gary Stagg, joins us today. He'll discuss the top findings of the 2021 World Watch List and how we as Canadians can help those suffering globally.
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Mrs. Joanne Rogers joined Colleen & Mike in 2019 to talk about her late husband, Fred Rogers, aka Mr. Rogers.
Joanne passed away on January 14, 2021, at the age of 92.
https://chvnradio.com/articles/mrs-rogers-dead-at-92
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At the age of 8, Raymond Mason was taken from his home in Peguis First Nation and sent to a residential school. He would stay there until the day he turned 18.
He is just one of the 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into Indian day and residential schools.
A riveting and at times harrowing story, Raymond Mason describes his experiences in Indian day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse.
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At the age of 8, Raymond Mason was taken from his home in Peguis First Nation and sent to a residential school. He would stay there until the day he turned 18.
He is just one of the 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into Indian day and residential schools.
A riveting and at times harrowing story, Raymond Mason describes his experiences in Indian day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the age of 8, Raymond Mason was taken from his home in Peguis First Nation and sent to a residential school. He would stay there until the day he turned 18.
He is just one of the 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and forced into Indian day and residential schools.
A riveting and at times harrowing story, Raymond Mason describes his experiences in Indian day and residential schools in Manitoba and his struggles to find meaning in life after trauma and abuse.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When it comes to truth and reconciliation, there is still so much to be learned.
Michael Bannerman and his band, Upside of Maybe have created a new song called Rainmaker.
This song has a strong message of truth and reconciliation and features the Christian indigenous group, Okama. The storyline of this song has been based on the history of residential schools here in Canada
Today on Connections we're going to hear about Rainmaker, the Christian Indigenous group, Okama and Upside of Maybe.
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Author Shearon Epps comes from a large family of 18 siblings. Who she is today is a combination of her rich experiences of growing up in humble beginnings and her hard work as a single mom who also solo parents her three grandkids. Never did she imagine that she would be writing books. Identified as a heart-changing fiction author, she has penned the books When God Makes Himself Known and Becoming Love.
Her books help readers gain a heart understanding of God’s unconditional, wholehearted and continuous love for them. It tackles varied drama-filled experiences and challenges of brokenness while reaching the main message of redemption and fulfillment of God’s amazing promises in one’s life.
Today on Connections Shearon will share her faith journey and what sparked her interest in writitng.
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On February 19, 2007, SSG Shilo Harris was patrolling an infamous southern Iraqi roadway when his Humvee was struck by an IED. Moments later, three members of his crew were dead and Shilo had sustained severe injuries that would alter the course of his life. For forty-eight days he lay trapped in a medically induced coma, after which he had to come to grips with becoming a man utterly changed.
Today on Connections Shilo will share his story and how he managed to become the man he is today.
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On February 19, 2007, SSG Shilo Harris was patrolling an infamous southern Iraqi roadway when his Humvee was struck by an IED. Moments later, three members of his crew were dead and Shilo had sustained severe injuries that would alter the course of his life. For forty-eight days he lay trapped in a medically induced coma, after which he had to come to grips with becoming a man utterly changed.
Today on Connections Shilo will share his story and how he managed to become the man he is today.
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Have you ever wondered "Why does this girl hate me?" or even "Why do I hate her?" Danielle has answers for you - and actionable solutions. Not because she's perfect... In fact, you're going to find out fast she has been both "the hater" and "the hated". She'll share real and very raw stories of girls hating her without knowing her, and at other times, how she, herself, was so jealous of another woman she cheered for her to fail!
Danielle Macaulay is an author, blogger, podcaster, speaker and television personality on the marriage television show “A Better Us”.
Today on Connections she'll talk about her own journey and share more about her book.
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For many, fear is an obstacle that can get in the way and potentially stop someone from becoming the person they're meant to be.
We're joined today by Erin Mohr and Wendy Yates, owners and founders of Emerge Coaching and licensed life coaches.
They want to help people remove those obstacles to allow them to become their best selves so that they can live out their dreams
Today on Connections, Erin and Wendy will share the importance of getting a life coach and how life-changing a simple step like this can be.
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The holiday season is a joyful time for most people, but it can also be bittersweet for someone celebrating for the first time after the death of a loved one.
Kathleen Fraser, author of Mourning and Milestones: Honoring Anniversaries, Birthdays and Special Occasions After a Loved One Dies, is a bereavement group facilitator in Rochester, New York and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and an MBA and Ph.D. in operations management.
Today on Connections, Fraser will talk about her own personal journey with grief and share strategies on how to cope during the holiday season after the death of a loved one.
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Christine Naman watched her perfectly healthy daughter thrive and then succumb to the pull of substances. She suffered the feelings of isolation, pain and humiliation that being the parent of an addict often brings. She says her faith and strength in God is what helped both herself and her daughter, Natalie get to where they are today.
Christine now hopes that by sharing her family’s difficult story she can bring understanding and knowledge to those who do not know the problem firsthand as well as provide comfort to those who know the nightmare of addiction all too well.
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We all have toxic people in our lives. Maybe we don’t know it. Maybe we don’t want to acknowledge it.
As Christians, we often feel the guilt and responsibility of meeting the needs of unhealthy people in our lives. Whether a sibling, parent, spouse, coworker, or friend, toxic people frequently seek to frustrate our life's calling. While you're seeking first God's kingdom, they're seeking first to distract your focus and delay your work.
Instead of attempting the impossible task of mollifying toxic people, it's time we dedicate our energy to the only worthwhile effort: completing the work God has given us by investing in reliable people. It's only when we learn to say no to bad patterns that we can say yes to the good work God has planned for us.
Drawing from years serving as a pastor, Gary Thomas looks at biblical examples from the lives of Jesus, Paul, and Nehemiah to give you insightful, biblical takeaways that you can apply right away.
Today on Connections he'll teach us why we need to sidestep toxic assaults and maintain our strategic focus on healthy relationships.
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A Christmas quiz at an office Christmas party changed the research path for one historian.
Dr. Gerry Bowler, a historian at the University of Manitoba, spent 10 years researching his first book, The Encylopedia of Christmas and that journey has continued for 20 more years and three more books.
Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25? Who are the Wise Men? Who was Saint Nicholas?
Today on Connections, Dr. Gerry Bowler or Mr. Christmas will answer those questions and many others.
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A Christmas quiz at an office Christmas party changed the research path for one historian.
Dr. Gerry Bowler, a historian at the University of Manitoba, spent 10 years researching his first book, The Encylopedia of Christmas and that journey has continued for 20 more years and three more books.
Why do we celebrate Christmas on December 25? Who are the Wise Men? Who was Saint Nicholas?
Today on Connections, Dr. Gerry Bowler or Mr. Christmas will answer those questions and many others.
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In her new book, The Sparkle of His Eye, author Stefani Weatherford shares how she discovered beauty in the broken through her relationship with the Lord.
Weatherford experienced a difficult divorce that, like any other divorcee has encountered, left her feeling like her world was falling apart.
In The Sparkle of His Eye, Weatherford shares how a relationship with God can help people through challenging times. She also shares how to maintain a positive mindset during those times. Weatherford attributes her happiness to seven key elements that helped her to shine again: strength, provision, acceptance, release, keep, loved, and enough. In her book, she explains each of these elements in depth to help others apply them in their lives.
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Christmas is usually a time of celebration and family, but it can also be quite stressful and at times, a challenge for those who are missing a loved one. Grief can arise at any time, but it usually rears its head at Christmas, a season filled with tradition and family gatherings. 2020 has had its share of surprises including a global pandemic that has made it even harder to grieve. Bob Smiciklas, a registered psychotherapist, nationally certified counsellor and a licensed minister in Ontario. Today on Connections Smiciklas will chat about grief and how we can cope with the feelings and emotions we may be experiencing as we head into Christmas.
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Andreas Wilderer is the author of Lean On: The Five Pillars Of Support For Women in Leadership. A business leader and entrepreneur, Wilderer worked in the event and marketing field and in 2016 founded GLOBULARiTY LLC, a business coaching company that helps leaders grow and learn how to strengthen their Adaptability Quotient (AQ). While working on his business pursuits, Wilderer stayed at home and cared for his two children while his wife pursued her career. Recognizing that women can be providers and men can be nurturers, Wilderer began focusing on coaching female leaders while teaching men how to actively support them.
Today on Connections, Wilderer will share with us what it's like to be a stay-at-home dad and how to decide if being a stay-at-home dad is a good choice for your family.
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"The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland" is a funny Christmas movie for the family in the style of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Sparks fly between a famous model and a farmer with a young daughter when she visits her childhood home. The town is in danger of losing their beloved Santaland festival, but miracles can happen with a little love, family and faith.
Today on Connections we're joined by husband and wife duo, Jenn Gotzon and Jim E. Chandler. They are the producers and lead actress and actor in the film. They'll share with us where the idea for this film came from and what it was like to produce a film together.
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"The Farmer and The Belle: Saving Santaland" is a funny Christmas movie for the family in the style of a Hallmark Christmas movie. Sparks fly between a famous model and a farmer with a young daughter when she visits her childhood home. The town is in danger of losing their beloved Santaland festival, but miracles can happen with a little love, family and faith.
Today on Connections we're joined by husband and wife duo, Jenn Gotzon and Jim E. Chandler. They are the producers and lead actress and actor in the film. They'll share with us where the idea for this film came from and what it was like to produce a film together.
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Jamie Grace is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety at a young age, Jamie actively advocates for joy, wellness, and mental health through the lens of music, film, and faith. An entertainer at heart, she regularly creates fresh content, including new music and weekly videos and episodes of The Jamie Grace Podcast. When she isn't touring, Jamie lives in Southern California with her husband, Aaron, and daughter, Isabella Brave.
Today on Connections, Jaime shares with us why she decided to open up about her mental health struggles and how she managed to get to where she is today.
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Jamie Grace is a two-time Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress. Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome, OCD, ADHD, and anxiety at a young age, Jamie actively advocates for joy, wellness, and mental health through the lens of music, film, and faith. An entertainer at heart, she regularly creates fresh content, including new music and weekly videos and episodes of The Jamie Grace Podcast. When she isn't touring, Jamie lives in Southern California with her husband, Aaron, and daughter, Isabella Brave.
Today on Connections, Jaime shares with us why she decided to open up about her mental health struggles and how she managed to get to where she is today.
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Lucas Kitchen was determined to find the answer to the question, “What do I have to do to be saved?” The result is Naked Grace: A Quest For Clarity In A World Of Confusion, in which he chronicles with refreshing honesty and humour his life-long journey for answers.
Today on Connections, Lucas will share his personal journey to find answers and why he decided to share that journey in his new book, Naked Grace: A Quest For Clarity In A World Of Confusion.
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New York Times bestselling author Ruth Soukup is dedicated to helping women overcome fear and create a life they love. Through her blog, Living Well Spending Less, which reaches more than 1 million women each month, she encourages her readers to follow their dreams and reach their goals.
Her latest book is called Do It Scared. From identifying your unique Fear Archetype™ to adopting the Principles of Courage, and then, most importantly, learning how to take focused action in the right direction, it is the book designed to help you not only face your fears head-on, but create a concrete action plan that will help you move forward so that you can finally start creating the life you've always dreamed of--a life you love.
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Superhero U is a children's read-along book to teach your children how to stay safe in case of an emergency. Basic principles like staying calm, getting to safety, calling for help and taking appropriate action are explored through a fun Superhero University training environment in a comic book-like format. They will be inspired to have confidence while learning essential personal information they need to provide in case of an emergency as they add themselves to the 'Hall of Heroes' after reading the book with you.
All proceeds from the purchase of this book will be donated to the non-profit Cops for Kids, who are members of the Winnipeg Police Service that bike around North America to grant wishes for children in Mnaiotba
Today on Connections Jay-R Toralba shares with us where the inspiration for this book came from and the importance of keeping our children safe in an unsafe situation.
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Brad and Jen Klassen began their adventure by volunteering in the children's ministry at their church. Little did they know where saying yes to that would take them. As their hearts grew for the children they served, they also grew for the families.
Most recently, Brad and Jen Klassen have created a new book series called The Unforgettable Adventures of Junior Bear.
These books equip parents with the confidence to teach difficult bible stories to their children through simple and beautiful stories.
Today on Connections, Brad and Jen will share how they got into ministry and where the inspiration for their book series came from.
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Life had been good to Karen and Bob Krech. They had travelled the world as overseas teachers. They were blessed with a strong marriage, a nice house, great jobs, and a happy, healthy two-year-old son. Was God a part of their lives? Some. But He was about to reenter in a very big way through a very small baby.
Their daughter, Faith was born weighing 450 grams. Four grams less than a pound. A true micro-preemie. She was given no chance to live, but after insisting on intervention, and turning to prayer, miracles began to happen as Karen and Bob's faith, belief, and love of God grew.
Today on Connections, Bob will share about his journey and how this experience helped him grow his faith.
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Life had been good to Karen and Bob Krech. They had travelled the world as overseas teachers. They were blessed with a strong marriage, a nice house, great jobs, and a happy, healthy two-year-old son. Was God a part of their lives? Some. But He was about to reenter in a very big way through a very small baby.
Their daughter, Faith was born weighing 450 grams. Four grams less than a pound. A true micro-preemie. She was given no chance to live, but after insisting on intervention, and turning to prayer, miracles began to happen as Karen and Bob's faith, belief, and love of God grew.
Today on Connections, Bob will share about his journey and how this experience helped him grow his faith.
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Love Your Story is a must read for anyone who wants to truly understand what it means to be a champion in God’s eyes and how true champions are created.
Linda Olson is the go-to story expert who helps authors, speakers and entrepreneurs impact millions with their stories. She is a TEDx speaker, multiple bestselling author and founder of Wealth Through Stories. Her mission is “To Impact a Million People a Year Through Story.”
Linda and her husband, Rick, reside in sunny California. They enjoy their two married daughters and their spouses and five adorable grandchildren, who are the best part of their story.
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FIRST15, which offers daily, online and printed 15-minute devotionals that are easy to understand and relatable to everyday life has released a new book – Emmanuel. Perfect reading for the Christmas season, Emmanuel features 29 days of devotionals to help participants create a deeper understanding of and more intimate relationship with Jesus.
Today on Connections we are joined by FIRST15 CEO and CEO of Denison Ministries, Craig Denison. He'll share with us about his ministry and why he decided to release this new devotional.
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A woman of faith, courage, tenacity and love, Sylvia Anthony firmly believes that the “golden years” are a time to get busy. As the founder and president of Sylvia’s Haven, a shelter for women and children near Boston, she has helped transform over 1,100 lives in the past three decades. Sylvia refers to her organization as her “magnificent obsession.”
Life hasn’t always been easy for Sylvia, but she believes that God not only gives her courage during times of hardship but also keeps her healthy so that she may realize her dream to open up Sylvia’s Haven locations in all 50 states.
Today on Connections, Sylvia will share more about her journey and about her book, Till the end of Time.
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A woman of faith, courage, tenacity and love, Sylvia Anthony firmly believes that the “golden years” are a time to get busy. As the founder and president of Sylvia’s Haven, a shelter for women and children near Boston, she has helped transform over 1,100 lives in the past three decades. Sylvia refers to her organization as her “magnificent obsession.”
Life hasn’t always been easy for Sylvia, but she believes that God not only gives her courage during times of hardship but also keeps her healthy so that she may realize her dream to open up Sylvia’s Haven locations in all 50 states.
Today on Connections, Sylvia will share her personal journey, why she started up Sylvia's Haven and what led her to write her book, Till the end of Time.
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Darrell Dunham was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. Although he still considers himself to be a native Alaskan, after he started going to college in the "lower 48" when he was 18 years old, he never went back to Alaska except to visit. Darrell became a Christian in 1977 after he had graduated from law school and obtained an advanced degree in law from Harvard University Law School. He has remained steadfast in his faith since 1977.
Today on Connections, Darrell with share his story with us and why he decided to write The Yoke.
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Adoptive parents often discover that opening their hearts to adoption was the easy part. It’s the emotional journey after the surrender to the idea of adoption that leads to the hard seasons of testing.
In Hope When It’s Hard, author Jennifer Phillips beautifully weaves together elements of her personal adoption journey with Scripture and encouraging words that will feed the soul of an adoptive parent. Jennifer’s authenticity will lead parents to finally feel understood, with the ability to finally see the beauty of God’s adoptive hear
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Larry O’Donnell’s business career includes such titles as Chairman, President and CEO, but he’s probably best known as the first Undercover Boss from CBS’ hit TV premier Waste Management episode. A popular speaker, leadership consultant, and ministry leader, he holds a Master’s in Biblical and Theological Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary and leads businessmen and women around the world through his full-time ministry.
Today on Connections Larry will talk about his book, Management Waste: 5 Steps to Clean up the Mess and Lead with Purpose and he'll share with us the secret to his bottom-up leadership style.
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On July 31, 1999, life as she knew it stopped for Hedy Wiebe. While she and a friend were driving on a Manitoba highway, a van ran a stop sign, and they hit the passenger side of the van head-on with enough force to send them rolling.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Hedy suffered extreme trauma to both her body and her mind. Her injuries included broken ribs and ankles, abdominal trauma, tendon and muscle injuries. Add a closed head injury and it would take years of rehabilitation before she could truly begin to heal.
Hedy used her faith in God to get through this difficult time.
Today on Connections, Hedy will share her journey with us and how she managed to get to where she is today.
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The Gospel is suddenly exploding in Thailand, a country that has been largely resistant to Christianity for over 200 years.
Pastor Tremayne Forbes shares about how COVID is providing his biggest opportunity to spread the Good News.
Douglas Brouwer provides insights from his ministry experience original air date 2020-09-09
A new normal has begun as COVID-19 restrictions ease across the country and many other places around the world.
For months, people have been at home waiting to find out when they can finally make their way back out into public.
Although many restrictions and many dangers remain in place, there is now hope.
Heather Down is a Canadian author who has recently co-authored a book called Not Cancelled: Canadian Caremongering in the Face of COVID-19.
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Parenting is no joke! SELFIE DAD is a light-hearted family film about one dad shaking off a mid-life crisis and reconnecting with his family . . . with his Bible in one hand and his phone in the other.
The film stars nationally known Christian comedian Michael Jr., who for two decades has performed over a hundred dates a year for tens of thousands of people. The film features top-selling female Christian comedian Chonda Pierce along with James Denton, Jamie Grace and Karen Abercrombie (WAR ROOM).
The Selfie Dad movie's Ben Marcus (Michael Jr.) has a problem. He’s healthy, happily married with two beautiful kids, and has a successful career as a reality TV editor—but he isn’t happy. Despite everything he has achieved, a hole has developed in his life, a hole that nothing seems to fill. Yep, Ben Marcus is facing a mid-life crisis.
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“Honey, you’ve been very ill and they’ve had to amputate …” His voice cracked. I searched his face, looking for some kind of clue to tell me why I sensed so much pain from him and in me. “… Your hands and feet.”
Cyndi was a successful business manager, working in product and sales and marketing management, and a new mom when necrotizing fasciitis (otherwise known as flesh eating disease) entered her life, and altered it forever. She awoke after five weeks of battling this disease, to find her hands and feet had been amputated in an effort to save her life.
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Seeing the challenges that many adoptive and foster families experience, foster care therapist and ministry leader Jenn Hook, along with husband and psychologist Joshua Hook and foster and adoptive parent Mike Berry, wrote “Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families” to help foster parents and their potential support communities move from surviving to thriving.
The book, which released March 2019, from Templeton Press, shares real-life examples along with sound research and clinical experience to encourage families and give them the resources they desperately need.
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Seeing the challenges that many adoptive and foster families experience, foster care therapist and ministry leader Jenn Hook, along with husband and psychologist Joshua Hook and foster and adoptive parent Mike Berry, wrote “Replanted: Faith-Based Support for Adoptive and Foster Families” to help foster parents and their potential support communities move from surviving to thriving.
The book, which released March 2019, from Templeton Press, shares real-life examples along with sound research and clinical experience to encourage families and give them the resources they desperately need.
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A severe famine has overtaken the village, putting most of the residents at risk of painful starvation.
Matt Loman is a young man looking for a way to help his parents and the village survive. What he doesn’t know is that his selfless demeanour will lead him into a supernatural world where he will ultimately discover his true destiny. Along the way, Matt receives guidance from a sage named Jedidiah, the mentor who offers Matt the choice between honour and dishonour. Matt’s opportunities and potential are limitless, but will he choose the pathway to greatness or settle for a wasted life? Will he pass the tests of the Treasure Tree? Would you?
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This Father’s Day is going to be different than years past.
Perhaps now more than ever, fathers are taking on more. The stress and anxiety of taking on multiple roles in the lives of their children from teacher and mentor to coach and TikTok partner while still focusing on a professional career within this pandemic is a lot for anyone to manage.
Dr. Stephen David Leonard, a veteran pastor, husband, father, and President/CEO of The Leonard Group recently launched a 30-Day Living Inspired Journal as a way to start a community for those looking for an outlet during these unprecedented times.
This Father’s Day is going to be different than years past.
Perhaps now more than ever, fathers are taking on more. The stress and anxiety of taking on multiple roles in the lives of their children from teacher and mentor to coach and TikTok partner while still focusing on a professional career within this pandemic is a lot for anyone to manage.
Dr. Stephen David Leonard, a veteran pastor, husband, father, and President/CEO of The Leonard Group recently launched a 30-Day Living Inspired Journal as a way to start a community for those looking for an outlet during these unprecedented times.
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A group of ministers from across the country gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota last week to preach at the street corner where George Floyd was taken into police custody and died after a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Up until two weeks ago, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis was an intersection that most people had never heard of. Now that street corner is being used as a place to share a message of hope.
Christophe Ulysse who serves with YWAM in Kona, Hawaii as a leader in a ministry called Messengers, was one of the preachers who had the opportunity to share God's word at that street corner.
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Up until two weeks ago, 38th Street and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis was an intersection that most people had never heard of. Now that street corner is being used as a place to share a message of hope.
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was taken into police custody at that intersection and died after a police officer knelt on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds.
Last week, Christophe Ulysse who serves with YWAM in Kona, Hawaii as a leader in a ministry called Messengers, had the opportunity to travel to Minneapolis to that exact street corner to preach.
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Sheriff Chris Swanson says the greatest moment of his life was when "the spirit came down" and inspired him to preach love during a protest.
With tensions high and emotions on edge following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, a sheriff in Flint, Michigan on the front lines of a Black Lives Matter demonstration put down his gear and began preaching.
The protest, which took place in late May, started off small but grew by the hour.
The group eventually made its way towards the local police department and as this happened officers, who had witnessed what was happening in other parts of the U.S., prepared for a riot by grabbing their batons and shields and creating a frontline.
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Children dressed as fairies are spreading cheer in Moncton, New Brunswick and have hopes the joy will reach across the country.
Just over a month ago, a group of mothers started up a Facebook group called the Doorstep Fairy program to boost the morale of children in their community amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lindsay O'Blenis is one of the creators of the group, she says it's important to think about children's mental health and how they're handling this situation.
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At 101 years old, Joy Saunders of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia has seen and experienced more than most people know.
Saunders, a mother of 8, two daughters and six sons, has been through World War II, The Great Depression in the 1930s, and now the COVID 19 pandemic.
After watching Captain Tom Moore, a 100-year-old WWII veteran from the UK walk to raise funds for the National Health Services, she decided to do something similar.
Joy Saunders plans to walk her .8 kilometre walk 102 times before her 102nd birthday in October to raise funds for the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON).
Solidarity protests against racism and police violence have sprung up around the world, as U.S. cities continue their demonstrations in memory of George Floyd.
Jimmy Thunder is a public speaker, an adjunct professor at Horizon College and Seminary, and co-founder of Reconciliation Thunder, a non-profit that uses social media to educate people on themes related to Truth and Reconciliation.
He says when it comes to race and racism, there is one phrase he hears all too often: "I don't see colour."
"It sounds good, but the problem with that is that we need to see colour. We need to see and celebrate different races and identities," Thunder explains.
Today on Connections, Jimmy Thunder shares with us the realities of racism in Canada and how he believes the Church can work to put a stop to it.
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HELLO…Hello…hello out there! How’s your social distancing going? Are you feeling the effects of self-isolation?
I’m hearing mixed reviews from those I’ve connected with (from a safe distance of course). Some have absolutely no idea what to do with themselves while others are thrilled to finally have time to catch up on things they’ve been putting off for years. Some are frantically finding projects to do and missions to accomplish while others are savoring a welcomed time of rest. Some are taking advantage of every possible source of social media while others are savoring time to themselves in solitude.
HELLO…Hello…hello out there! How’s your social distancing going? Are you feeling the effects of self-isolation?
I’m hearing mixed reviews from those I’ve connected with (from a safe distance of course). Some have absolutely no idea what to do with themselves while others are thrilled to finally have time to catch up on things they’ve been putting off for years. Some are frantically finding projects to do and missions to accomplish while others are savoring a welcomed time of rest. Some are taking advantage of every possible source of social media while others are savoring time to themselves in solitude.
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As a young boy struggling to find his way through the immense poverty, secrecy and war-time suffering that gripped his life in Northern Ireland, Ray Barnett dreamed of a life of adventure and travel like that of his hero: famed missionary-explorer David Livingstone.
As an adult, he has lived that life—leading a human-rights based ministry that has brought hope, healing and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people across the globe.
In his riveting autobiography, Don’t Tell Me It Can’t Be Done, Barnett takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through his childhood in the rough, working-class neighbourhood of Killowen—a childhood marked by loss, abuse, learning disabilities, rejection, and the crushing discovery that the family who raised him was not his own.
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As a young boy struggling to find his way through the immense poverty, secrecy and war-time suffering that gripped his life in Northern Ireland, Ray Barnett dreamed of a life of adventure and travel like that of his hero: famed missionary-explorer David Livingstone.
As an adult, he has lived that life—leading a human-rights based ministry that has brought hope, healing and humanitarian aid to hundreds of thousands of people across the globe.
In his riveting autobiography, Don’t Tell Me It Can’t Be Done, Barnett takes readers on a rollercoaster journey through his childhood in the rough, working-class neighbourhood of Killowen—a childhood marked by loss, abuse, learning disabilities, rejection, and the crushing discovery that the family who raised him was not his own.
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A few months after their fiftieth wedding anniversary, Helene Berger’s husband, Ady, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
When he got the news from the doctor, he responded, “I don’t want to live anymore.” From that moment on, Helene faced her husband’s diagnosis with a fierce determination to find creative ways to make their lives as fulfilling as possible, for as long as possible. She chronicles this journey in her touching new book, CHOOSING JOY: ALZHEIMER’S: A Book of HOPE.
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As we continue to deal with the restrictions that come along with the COVID-19 pandemic, those suffering from addictions and those in recovery can feel isolated, even more so when recovery programs and support groups are no longer available.
Melissa Hiebert, who herself is in recovery and 14 months sober, has started her own online support group called "The Circle".
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Have you ever lost a pet, or had to put your pet to sleep? Even though we try to tell ourselves that it is just an animal, a cat or a dog, there is still a tremendous sense of grief.
Now imagine that you accidentally killed your pet; the sense of loss is amplified. That is precisely what a boy, Mark D. Bruce, felt at the age of 10, when tragedy struck during a backyard baseball game in the summer of 1963. Thus, begins the story of the new book, “Jackie, a Boy and a Dog: A Warm Cold War Story.”
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We live in a time of radical church decline where one-third of religious buildings in Canada will be abandoned in the next 10-years.
Christians find themselves listening to pastors’ messages through a podcast or YouTube video rather than going to a physical church service. In light of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, churches all over the world have moved their services online, begging the question: does church really matter? In a time when the global church is changing to virtual services, Canadian pastor, speaker and author Kevin Makins believes the church still matters – perhaps more than ever.
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In today’s world, struggles with anxiety seem to be reaching epidemic levels. Stress has become a normal part of life, and fear dominates the headlines on a never-ending news cycle.
Now, pastor, former NCAA basketball player, radio show host, and licensed counsellor David Chadwick takes on the subject firsthand. In his new book, Moving Beyond Anxiety: 12 Practical Strategies to Renew Your Mind, Chadwick advocates that God’s Truth is the most powerful antidote to anxiety.
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Too often, when a life crisis hits, a marriage suffers--even a healthy one--and all the personality profiles and couples' therapy in the world won't keep your marriage from experiencing the tough stuff.
So how do you and your spouse face the stresses put on your marriage and not only stay together but come out on the other side even more loving and committed?
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Too often, when a life crisis hits, a marriage suffers--even a healthy one--and all the personality profiles and couples' therapy in the world won't keep your marriage from experiencing the tough stuff.
So how do you and your spouse face the stresses put on your marriage and not only stay together but come out on the other side even more loving and committed?
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Imagine giving birth to twins eight weeks early while both yourself and your spouse are suffering from COVID-19. That's exactly what happened to Jennifer and Andre Laubach.
When Jennifer first entered her third trimester, she started feeling symptoms of the novel coronavirus. A short time later her husband Andre also began to feel ill.
At just 32 weeks, and awaiting COVID-19 test results, Jennifer's water broke and she went into labour.
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Being an ER doctor or someone working on the frontline is challenging at the best of times. Throw in a global pandemic and it takes challenging to a whole new level.
Dr. Mark Bruce is an emergency medicine physician in Wisconsin. He has also travelled with the international medical ministry in Central America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, and led many teams into the Asian disaster zones for medical relief work.
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A church in Moncton, New Brunswick is sharing its history with the goal of bringing a glimmer of hope to those struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 1913, First Baptist Church in Moncton burned to the ground. Within two days the congregation agreed to rebuild, a project that would take two years to complete.
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David Languedoc (born Alfie Petonoquot) has worn the label "incorrigible” since he was a toddler.
Born on a reserve in Ontario in 1955, Alfie lost both parents by the time he was 3. Placed in the care of Ontario's Children's Aid Society, Alfie endured a revolving door of foster families — 18 in all — by the time he was 4, cementing his nickname in the minds of those around him and securing his placement in an orphanage with more than 60 other native children.
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David Languedoc (born Alfie Petonoquot) has worn the label "incorrigible” since he was a toddler.
Born on a reserve in Ontario in 1955, Alfie lost both parents by the time he was 3. Placed in the care of Ontario's Children's Aid Society, Alfie endured a revolving door of foster families — 18 in all — by the time he was 4, cementing his nickname in the minds of those around him and securing his placement in an orphanage with more than 60 other native children.
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magine being the CEO of a company that is processing over a billion dollars. Now imagine doing that while in your 20's.
Dan Price started Gravity Payments, a credit card processing and financial services company, from his university dorm room when he was just 19 years old. By the time he was 31 years old, he was a millionaire.
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ver 90 percent of couples experience some level of tension around money. In fact, money issues are the number one stressor in relationships.
So many books try to fix the surface problems, such as how to budget and what to prioritize when it comes to finances, but the issues go much deeper than just a simple spreadsheet.
In a groundbreaking three-year study, relationship researchers Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn tackle this issue that affects almost every marriage every day. They discovered that money tension is not about the money. It's about how money makes us feel.
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Do you worry a lot? Do you find it impossible to work in the middle of chaos? Do you wonder if God is going to come through for you in difficult times?
Jenny Donnelly, a speaker, entrepreneur, best selling author and mother of five is using her new book, Still: 7 ways to find calm in the chaos, to teach us how to experience true, life-giving rest even in the midst of chaos.
While most of us think of rest as something we do, Jenny shares how rest is a place from which we live and work. Sharing her own personal story of struggling with life's pressures and spiritual exhaustion, she introduces us to the source of peace and rest: Jesus. She shows us the steps to take to access rest anytime, anyplace, under any conditions. And she reveals how operating from a place of stillness powers your identity, creativity, relationships, and so much more.
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Do you worry a lot? Do you find it impossible to work in the middle of chaos? Do you wonder if God is going to come through for you in difficult times?
Jenny Donnelly, a speaker, entrepreneur, best selling author and mother of five is using her new book, Still: 7 ways to find calm in the chaos, to teach us how to experience true, life-giving rest even in the midst of chaos.
While most of us think of rest as something we do, Jenny shares how rest is a place from which we live and work. Sharing her own personal story of struggling with life's pressures and spiritual exhaustion, she introduces us to the source of peace and rest: Jesus. She shows us the steps to take to access rest anytime, anyplace, under any conditions. And she reveals how operating from a place of stillness powers your identity, creativity, relationships, and so much more.
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Do you ever feel like life is passing you by? Have you ever let fear hold you back from pursuing a goal or dream?
Best selling author, entrepreneur and mother, Ruth Soukop answers those questions and many more in her book, Do it Scared.
She combines practical, easy-to-implement strategies for overcoming fear and resistance in your life, along with the motivation and encouragement to actually start making real changes that lead to big results.
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on around the globe, have you ever wondered how hospitals and healthcare were formed?
Christians played a huge role in this area, becoming some of the first people to help the sick and needy.
Today we're joined by Michael Austin. He is the spokesperson for Christian History Magazine.
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on around the globe, have you ever wondered how hospitals and healthcare were formed?
Christians played a huge role in this area, becoming some of the first people to help the sick and needy.
Today we're joined by Michael Austin. He is the spokesperson for Christian History Magazine.
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Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.
Every year on April 22nd, people across the country recognize and celebrate Earth Day, one of the largest environmental events in the world.
The goal is not only to promote Earth Day just once a year but to connect people to nature every day.
And although we are dealing with the COVID- 19 pandemic and all the restrictions that come along with it, there are still many ways that we can participate in the Earth Day festivities.
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As we continue to deal with the COVID 19 pandemic, one thing that remains the same is the need for food.
Although life around us has changed, it is still important to eat and keep ourselves healthy.
For many of us, we are now into week 5 of self-isolation as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and that has led many of us to test out our skills in the kitchen.
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Imagine finding a treasure trove of documents that reveal the forgotten history of your family.
That’s what happened to Daniel Schwab in 2009 when he discovered his grandfather’s collection of letters written between himself and family members. The letters describe the beginning of the holocaust and the fallout from losing 12 family members.
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As we deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic children are now stuck at home, which means it is time for parents and grandparents to get creative.
Speaker, parenting expert and grandmother Susan Alexander Yates has created a practical guide for creating special events that will help you develop meaningful, lasting connections with your extended family, even in the midst of a global pandemic. It's called Cousin Camp.
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First responder families can have increased stress in their homes.
That stress can be felt even more these days as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and all the unknowns that come along with the virus.
Kimberly Williamson, a registered social worker, has created the First Responder Family Wellness Centre to help families deal with all of the emotions and situations families of first responders deal with, not only in the midst of a pandemic but also in day to day life.
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Life is filled with changes that keep many in a constant state of anxiety, even more so nowadays as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
With more than 25 years of experience in the mental health field, board-certified neuropsychologist and author Dr. Michelle Bengtson offers a biblically based prescription for finding peace from worry or anxiety. She shows readers how to recognize that anxiety originates from a spiritual influence and how to use the weapons God has already given them to fight back and reclaim their peace.
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Prayer is our most powerful, life-changing tool, but all too often, it feels like a struggle.
Bestselling author and beloved speaker Sheila Walsh helps women reignite their relationship with God, and to embrace the life-changing effects of prayer in her new book, Praying Women: How to Pray When You Don’t Know How.
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Ken Graves is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Bangor, Maine.
He left home at the age of sixteen to pursue training in ministry, by the age of 22 he was led by God to return to his hometown to present the gospel and build a church. That church has now grown into a healthy body of believers and church plants.
Besides being the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel, Ken travels throughout the United States and internationally much of the year speaking at conferences.
It was at one of those conferences that Kirk Cameron approached Pastor Graves and asked him if he would be a part of his documentary, Connect.
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Ken Graves is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel in Bangor, Maine.
He left home at the age of sixteen to pursue training in ministry, by the age of 22 he was led by God to return to his hometown to present the gospel and build a church. That church has now grown into a healthy body of believers and church plants.
Besides being the senior pastor of Calvary Chapel, Ken travels throughout the United States and internationally much of the year speaking at conferences.
It was at one of those conferences that Kirk Cameron approached Pastor Graves and asked him if he would be a part of his documentary, Connect.
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unravel around the world, Samaritan's Purse has launched a major medical response to help overwhelmed hospitals.
Just over 3 weeks ago Samaritan's purse opened up a 68-bed emergency field hospital in Cremona, Italy. The mobile medical facility was airlifted to Italy on March 17 and opened March 20 after being fine-tuned into a specialized respiratory care unit for those suffering with COVID-19.
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The global COVID 19 pandemic has disrupted the grieving process for many across Canada.
A number of restrictions, including putting a limit of 10 or less on gatherings has lead funeral homes and other services, to find alternative ways to hold funerals and celebrations of life.
"In our funeral home, we're just amazed at how quickly things have changed when it comes to physical distancing. We're limiting the number of people allowed at each service and changing the ways we do things," explained Libby Siebold, funeral director of Sobering Funeral Chapel.
She says in some situations those who have lost a loved one have either chosen to live stream the funeral service online or postpone it altogether.
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April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day.
In 2008, The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day – many countries around the world light up their landmarks blue to help increase understanding and acceptance of people with Autism. In 2012, the Canadian Parliament passed the World Autism Awareness Day Act recognizing April 2 as World Autism Awareness Day.
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Across Latin America, from the plains of Mexico to the jungles of Paraguay, live a cloistered Germanic people. For nearly a century, they have kept their doors and their minds closed, separating their communities from a secular world they view as sinful.
The story of their search for religious and social independence began generations ago in Europe and led them, in the late 1800s, to Canada, where they enjoyed the freedoms they sought under the protection of a nascent government. Yet in the 1920s, when the country many still consider their motherland began to take shape as a nation and their separatism came under scrutiny, groups of Mennonites left for the promises of Latin America: unbroken land and new guarantees of freedom to create autonomous, ethnically pure colonies. There they live as if time stands still―an isolation with dark consequences.
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An unprecedented environment has record numbers of employees suddenly working remotely to protect themselves and others. This transition has proven to be a difficult task for some employers who do not have established policies. However, those organizations with the ability to deploy their normal in-office employees to work remotely have found it to be easier from a business continuity perspective to support the health and safety of their workforce. The key is to identify employees in roles that can be effectively completed outside of their regular “office” environments while supporting and encouraging those in roles that do not traditionally operate remotely.
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Staying regulated as parents is the most important way that we can ease anxiety in our children. This is not easy to do during this overwhelming and uncertain time. The COVID-19 pandemic has created anxiety in all of us. Anxiety wears us down both physically and mentally, making it difficult to sleep, eat, and pay attention. It can lead to overreaction and irrational decisions. We want to manage our anxiety for our wellbeing through this difficult time, so we can stay present for our children, especially as we embark on having much more down time at home with them in the coming weeks.
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Concerns are being raised by community organizations over how to help the homeless stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the country, the common worry is that the virus will spread like wildfire through the homeless population because proper screening protocols and housing options aren't available.
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Popular writer and blogger Kara Lawler shows women how to embrace the sacred in the everyday so that they can see the holy and the beautiful--and in the process, discover themselves.
Life doesn't have to be lived on grand mountaintops for it to be meaningful. We can find holiness in the small, moss-covered rocks along the paths of our everyday lives. We can see God at work right where we are: in our ordinary and mundane routines, in the faces of our family and friends, and--especially--in nature.
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With school closures due to COVID-19, children who are at home will potentially have more unrestricted time online. The Canadian Centre for Child Protection, through its program Cybertip.ca, is urging families to have conversations about internet safety and to work together to implement strategies that ensures everyone’s digital well-being.
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Relationships can be challenging at the best of times, but even more so in situations like the COVID-19 pandemic that we're dealing with in the world right now.
Just over a month ago many couples celebrated their love for one another during Valentines day, but Doug & Tracy Amouzouvi say it's important to keep that love going year-round.
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For many this week will be the start of something new and challenging.
Numerous families have already started working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic and starting this week their children will join them as daycares and schools across Canada close.
This means many parents will now take on the role of being their child's teacher, something that not everyone is prepared to do.
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Spring cleaning is exciting to those seeking a fresh start to a new season. However, many dread it because of the enormity of the projects, time, and effort it takes to complete. Whatever their outlook on spring cleaning, most people agree it’s a wonderful feeling when we can enjoy our finished work and sense of accomplishment.
Perhaps just like your home and lawn, it’s been a long winter season for you spiritually. Maybe it’s time for spiritual spring cleaning so that you can be more prepared and used by God for His kingdom work. So pull up your sleeves and get to work with the following checklist!
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Rose's lifelong dream was to move with her husband and her pottery studio to a Caribbean island, enjoying her morning coffee on the beach and taking her ocean-inspired ideas back to her studio.
Her husband would make use of the skills he honed in restaurants in a more laid-back, ocean-side setting. Isla Mujeres, a little island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, seemed to fit the bill. But, oh, were they in for a surprise.
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Countries around the world have been shut down, and life as we know it has drastically changed due to COVID-19.
All of these things can take a toll on our mental health, but there are ways to stay calm in the midst of a storm.
Sean Miller is the executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association, central region. He tells us why people are feeling the way they feel and gives us some advice on how we can keep ourselves mentally healthy during this difficult time.
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I STILL BELIEVE, the latest film from Lionsgate, Kingdom Story Company and Mongrel Media released in Canadian theatres on Friday, March 13.
The new biopic on Christian contemporary artist Jeremy Camp, I Still Believe, was the number 1 movie on Friday raking in $4 million.
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Dr. David Thompson's story begins at the age of 14 in Cambodia where he witnessed a man die, after being injured in a car accident. Moments before he passed, his father, a missionary, sat next to him and attempted to share the gospel with him, but the dying man only wanted medical help.
From that moment on he set his sights on becoming a missionary doctor. Dr. Thompson would find a way to help the sick and dying in health and spirit, just like his father attempted on that fateful day.
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Only God can bring a dead man back to life.
On the outside, Cody Bates appeared as any other normal kid on the playground. But abuse, prescription drugs, and bullying had produced anything but a normal human being. Before long, his preteen drug addiction and young offender incarcerations transitioned into narcotic trafficking, gangs, murder, and life in a maximum-security prison.
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Dr. Hormoz was born in Iran to a Muslim family but had the ability to come to the U.S. after the Islamic Revolution in 1979.
He became a Christian while getting his Ph.D. in Computer Science at USC in 1980. His passion to reach Muslims is partially fueled by the murder of his brother by the Iranian government. Instead of seeking vengeance, God showed Dr. Hormoz that the best retaliation is to dedicate his life to loving Muslims and sharing the Gospel with them. Dr. Hormoz now leads Iran Alive Ministries, where six million Iranian households are reached each week with a message of the saving power of Jesus.
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Globally, the two most-reported persecutions used against Christian women and girls globally are sexual violence and forced marriage.
Both were identified by 84% of respondents from the top 50 countries where it is most difficult to live as a Christian, according to Open Doors’ annual World Watch List (2020), published in mid-January.
Open Doors International released its third Gender-Specific Religious Persecution (GSRP) report on February 24, 2020, with events in Toronto and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. This report studies global patterns of persecution experienced by Christian men and women across the 50 countries on the 2020 World Watch List and reinforces that persecution is gender-specific. Even when the situation is difficult for all members of a given Christian community, the situation of women is often worse because of their additional gender-based vulnerabilities.
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Daylight Saving Time begins on March 8. It is a yearly routine that results in adjustments not only to our watches but also to our internal clocks.
What is the impact of time change? How does it affect our sleeping patterns and how significantly do these changes in sleep affect our health?
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There is a crisis of faith in today’s world, but it’s probably not what you think. The crisis isn’t that people have stopped believing, it’s that believers don’t have deep, personal connections with what they believe in.
The concepts of faith and belief have been relegated to holy books filled with stories that happened a long time ago. Believers may revere the book, but never read it. They may believe strongly in one religion or another, without really understanding what their religion stands for. As a result, God has become an impersonal, generic concept that sits on the outskirts of daily life, governing from on high in a place far, far away.
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A life-limiting diagnosis, or even the ever-present dark cloud of a life-threatening food allergy, can be devastating for those affected.
Where there are no concrete answers is where it’s natural to want them the most, and in his powerful true story, The Battle for Healing: How I Learned to Trust God and Fight to Triumph Over My Sickness, John Mouser chronicles his years of illness and his desperate search for answers that modern medicine couldn’t provide.
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Human trafficking, it's a difficult conversation to have, but it's a topic that all families should be discussing
Former Member of Parliament, Joy Smith says if family members and friends don't discuss this problem, they could also become victims.
Smith has been fighting to end human trafficking for over 25 years. She first became aware of human trafficking from her police officer son, Edward, who was working in the Integrated Child Exploitation Unit (ICE). Over the years she has helped many young victims who have been exploited or trafficked by their abusers.
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It's hard to forgive after a tragic event. Some people will forgive easily while others will look to seek revenge.
For Dr. Buck Blodgett, he founded the Love Is Greater Than Hate Project after his daughter was murdered in her home by a friend. It is an effort to end male violence against women.
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Leadership comes in many forms, whether you’re a CEO of a large company, an entrepreneur building a small business, or a single parent struggling to run a family.
But Deke Copenhaver says strong leadership is lacking without a willingness to bring about change.
Deke Copenhaver serves as principal of Copenhaver Consulting, LLC, and is the author of the book The Changemaker: The Art Of Building Better Leaders. Copenhaver was elected mayor of Augusta, Ga., serving from 2005-14, and has spoken at national conferences on topics including city design, economic development, healthcare, veterans’ issues, and the nonprofit industry.
Copenhaver says, “The fact of the matter is that effective leadership insists on the constant rejection of the status quo. True leaders demand continuous reflection and improvement of those around them, and even more importantly, of themselves.
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For those of us who believe in Jesus Christ, we often still find it difficult to reach a deep connection with Him because we can't actually "see” him.
Sam Hunter, author, teacher and host of 721 Live, the radio arm of 721 Ministries in Greenville, SC, shares his views on crucial issues facing Christians today in his new book, The Missing Link. For anyone who feels 'stuck' in their spiritual life but knowing there must be more, this book is packed with advice that can help us grow with God.
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For children to understand and remember important life lessons, the delivery of the message needs to entertain them.
Justin Donner does a great job of tackling tough topics like bullying, stress, emotions, finances, socioeconomic differences and more in his new children's book, Ninja Cat: Whiskers of Choice. Kid-friendly dialogue, cute black and white illustrations that kids can colour, and warm and wise characters in funny scenarios all come together to help make learning important life lessons so much more enjoyable for children.
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Pain doesn't have to define us; it can instead transform us, shifting our focus away from ourselves and toward a life of helping others.
Chaos to Clarity: Sacred Stories of Transformational Change, by Rev. Patricia Cagganello and award-winning author Kathleen O'Keefe-Kanavos, features inspirational stories from people around the world who emerged from difficult circumstances with an expanded compassion for humanity and a renewed sense of purpose. NY Times bestselling author Dr. Bernie Siegel sums it up best in the book's foreword: "Change is a labour pain through which we can give birth to a new self and life, which makes the pain meaningful and justified.
It's February, a month when people think about their heart and the health of their heart on a more regular basis.
One thing that has come to light recently is that heart disease is not only a men's health issue, but it is also something that is affecting women more commonly than we think. Heart disease is the most common cause of death for both women and men.
It’s Valentine’s Day, a time when couples use gifts and acts of kindness to show their love for one another.
Dr. Patricia Janzen Loewen, assistant professor of history at Providence University College is helping us to understand the origins of Valentine's Day and why we celebrate it.
Couples with great marriages know one simple truth: the best marriages are made up of many everyday decisions that say, "I love you" rather than those that say, "I love me." When we put the other person first, even in little ways, we find true fulfillment.
Lisa and Matt Jacobson have been together for over 25 years and are the proud parents of eight children. They're now using their own experience in marriage to help others.
Many of us feel like sleep deprivation is just a part of life. It has become a badge of honour to have a packed schedule, a stressful life, and a solid caffeine addiction.
But Dr. Charles Page wants us to reconsider this social norm and see sleep as the gift that God has given us. Sleep is essential, for both our physical and psychological health.
Bosco H. C. Poon, a.k.a. B.O.Z (Born Of Zion), was an aspiring recording artist who ended up in a Canadian federal prison. In his most hopeless moment, Jesus appeared before him, and his life was completely changed.
Bosco H. C. Poon, a.k.a. B.O.Z (Born Of Zion), was an aspiring recording artist who ended up in a Canadian federal prison. In his most hopeless moment, Jesus appeared before him, and his life was completely changed.
After serving in the Military Police Corps, T.S. Dismas faced health issues from injuries sustained while he served his country.
After being exposed to toxic chemicals while in the military, and unknown to him, Dismas developed an autoimmune disease that would kill him. One night in August of 2016, Dismas suffered sudden heart failure and died for ten minutes.
Suzan Nguyen couldn't move her body. Couldn't open her mouth. Couldn't even blink her eyes to signal to those standing over her. She could hear the sirens. See the flashing lights. But she felt nothing.
In the end, she would awake from her nightmare without her right arm, which had been severed above the elbow in a car accident. The trauma of the event proved life-altering for Nguyen, who was 22 at the time. She went on to make a series of bad decisions that affected herself, her family and her friends in ways she regretted for years to come.
When Glynis is diagnosed with ovarian cancer, at first she doesn't believe it. But once she realizes this is not a nightmare and the tests are not lying, she finds herself on the verge of a decision-wallow in self pity or put on her big-girl stretchy pants and dance out loud.
Growing up in a loving home filled with joy, love and nourishment is something that everyone dreams of, but that's not always what happens.
Christi Haag together with her husband, Dr. Jerry Haag, President and CEO of One More Child, is working hard to change that.
Christa K. Lynn passionately stands beside survivors of trafficking as they overcome vulnerabilities, obstacles and injustices to build dream-worthy lives.
She earned her master’s degree from Liberty University, is a licensed mental health counsellor in the state of Florida, a certified clinical trauma professional and founded an organization providing direct services to adult trafficking survivors in southwest Florida.
Lyme disease is a growing threat in Canada, with the number of reported cases continuing to rise each year.
According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in 2016, 992 cases were reported. In 2017, that number jumped drastically to 2025 cases.
Teresa Renkenberger knows all to well what it’s like to experience difficulties in life, and that’s a big reason why she works hard to help others.
Now a successful realtor, Renkenberger has spent many a hours working with people experiencing homelessness in Flowood, Mississippi.
Those long days led her to befriend one man by the name of Benny. She asked Benny how long it had been since he had had a shower. His response was, a year.
Often the most negative thing affecting a child’s self esteem is their own thoughts. Words have power and if a child listens to those negative voices in their head, they will end up being their own biggest bully! The Big, Bad Bully by Jack Canfield and Miriam Laundry features stunning artwork and is packed with helpful exercises that can help kids build a healthy self esteem.
It’s clear: in the past year, the world has become a less tolerant and less safe place for hundreds of millions of Christians around the world. That’s one of the findings of the latest World Watch List, Open Doors’ annual research into the 50 most dangerous nations to practice one’s faith as a Christian.
Arrested for attempted armed robbery at fifteen, author Chris Marchand has a good sense of what it means to live a godless life.
His teen years were a shipwreck of substance abuse, imprisonment, and reckless living until Jesus got his attention through several of his faithful disciples. Thanks to that intervention, Marchand went on to earn a Doctor of Ministry degree and has served as a youth minister.
On any given night there are over 10,000 plus homeless people in the Twin Cities metro area including more than 3000 children.
And on any given night you can find Allan Law out there working to help those young people.
Law has spent his entire adult life devoted to helping inner-city youth, families, and the homeless find hope, through much-needed food, basic living necessities, participation in developmental activities, and the companionship help only a trusted friend and mentor can provide.
A man from Duck Lake, Saskatchewan is helping to keep old Bibles and hymnbooks out of the landfill, by starting what he is calling, The Bible Collection Project
Tim Martens has offered to take old, damaged Bibles and hymnbooks and store them until he can give them a proper burial.
Do you feel disorganized? Whether it's your office, living space, or maybe even your mind - Susan Macaulay has some great tips to get organized and have a clean start in 2020.
Macaulay is a professional organizer. She's also part of the Christian group, Faithful Organizers.
Substance abuse is a huge problem everywhere In the world. It can especially be a problem in the restaurant industry.
Steve Palmer lived with a drinking and cocaine problem and turned his life around. He is now a restaurateur and the ForbesBooks author of Say Grace: How the Restaurant Business Saved My Life.
Mike Signorelli, once an atheist, is now the founder and Pastor at V1 Church in New York City. He has created a 32 page eBook for those who need a quick start guide to help them go from chaos to clarity in their lives.
Zoe Niklas discovered hope in the darkness of danger and isolation. She found out that freedom from abuse is possible.
Niklas spent most of her childhood living and dealing with panic, pain, fear, abandonment, psychological, sexual and physical abuse at the hands of her own mother and many stepfathers.
Homes For Heroes Foundation started in order to address the growing issue of homelessness amongst the Canadian veteran community.