S1 · E185
Today · 13 min
Diego Gomes: Healing From Trauma, the New Zealand YWAM Mission, and Why Christ Is Enough
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#12minconvos with Jesus Believers
Engel Jones
#12minconvos with Jesus Believers
One Story. 12 Minutes. A Global Echo of Hope.
What can happen in 12 minutes? A life can pivot. A heart can heal. A legacy can begin.
Welcome to #12minconvos with Jesus Believers, the daily podcast where high-impact storytelling meets the global mission of the Church. Hosted by Engel Jones, this isn’t your typical interview show; it’s a "flow-versation" designed to capture the raw, unedited, and transformative power of a single testimony.
Why Listen?
We live in a world of noise, but your spirit craves truth. Whether you’re on your morning commute, at the gym, or taking a "Grace Buffer" break, these 12-minute windows provide a snack of pure inspiration that fuels your Active Faith.
Every day at 3:12 AM, we release a new episode featuring a different Jesus Believer from a different corner of the globe. From entrepreneurs and artists to stay-at-home parents and world-changers, we explore the "new creation" moments that define what it means to follow Christ in the 21st century.
A Monumental Mission
When you listen, you aren’t just a consumer; you are a partner in a massive, five-year odyssey. We are currently on a mission to:
Record 5,000 New Testimonies
Visit 197 Countries by December 2031 to document the Spirit’s work across every border.
Our goal is to reach 10 million monthly views because we believe that the world is starving for authentic stories of hope. Every episode is a "digital seed" planted to spark a physical harvest of faith in your own life and community.
Professional Excellence
We believe the Message deserves the best Medium. Every #12minconvo is professionally mastered by our dedicated production team at Amazel Enterprise, ensuring that every word of hope reaches your ears with clarity and excellence. No "ums," no "ahs" just the pure, thought-provoking flow of a spirit-led conversation.
Join the Conversation
Are you ready to see how God is moving in your neighbor’s life—and in the life of someone halfway across the world?
Subscribe now and join Engel Jones as we navigate the globe, one 12-minute conversation at a time. Available everywhere you listen to podcasts—Apple iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, and at 12minconvos.com.
Every conversation begins and ends in prayer. Every story matters. Yours is next.
- 39 episodes
- daily
- Avg 12 min
- English
Support the show
Goes straight to the publisher. podnod takes nothing.
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
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S1 · E184Yesterday · 12 minNatasha Pierre: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Rebuilding Your Identity After sudden Career Loss
Natasha Pierre is a Christian leader, author, and women’s empowerment advocate devoted to helping women rediscover their identity, strength, and purpose through Christ. As the founder of Queens, a Christ-centered movement built on the pillars of Empower, Encourage, and Educate, Natasha creates transformational experiences that guide women through healing, growth, and purposeful living. Her work is rooted in the belief that every woman carries divine value and influence, regardless of her past experiences or present challenges. Through speaking engagements, mentorship, community gatherings, and discipleship-centered resources, Natasha equips women with the spiritual foundation, emotional resilience, and practical tools needed to walk confidently into the lives God has called them to lead. Natasha is the author of As I Fix My Crown: 8 Weeks to Becoming Who God Says I Am, a devotional journey designed to help women rebuild confidence, strengthen faith, and embrace the process of becoming who God created them to be. She expanded the experience through The Crown Room, a digital companion space where women continue to fix their crowns one week at a time as they move through the devotional’s eight-week journey. Through guided reflection, spiritual encouragement, and sisterhood, the Crown Room helps women apply the message of each week to their everyday lives. She is also the creator of the As I Fix My Crown Masterclass, an intentional teaching experience that helps women go deeper in confronting limiting beliefs, reclaiming their voice, and walking forward with renewed clarity and courage. Known for her commanding warmth, authenticity, and unwavering faith, Natasha is committed to cultivating spaces where women feel seen, strengthened, and equipped to thrive. Through Queens, the Crown Room, and the As I Fix My Crown experience, she continues to build a sisterhood centered on spiritual growth, purposeful leadership, and women walking fully in the identity, authority, and purpose God has placed within them. Website: http://www.mycrownedqueens.com Social handles: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578581705577 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/queenswomensministry TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@queenswomansministry YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@queenswomensministry
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S1 · E183Yesterday · 14 minRon Smith: Waking Up to the Ultimate "Good Deal" and Seeing Heaven’s Gates in Color
Ron Smith grew up in the small logging and cowboy community of Elgin, Oregon. He spent eight years in the Philippines as a missionary and graduated from Calvary Bible Institute in Manila, Philippines. He is married with three children and five grandchildren. He currently lives in La Grande, Oregon, with Merlie, his Filipino wife. Ron is also a real estate agent, tennis player, scuba diver, and referees high school basketball and soccer. His short-term trips to the Philippines continues to this day...want to go? https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572047722099
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S1 · E182Sunday · 16 minKaye David: Overcoming an Identity Crisis to Disciple the Marginalized in the Philippines
Kaye David is a Jesus believer from the Philippines whose life is a testimony of God’s faithfulness, transformation, and answered prayer. From a young age, Kaye began seeking God deeply, and during her college years, she experienced a profound change in her heart and a renewed desire to know and serve Him. Today, Kaye and her husband serve together in ministry as part of their church’s worship team and discipleship ministry. They mentor leaders and facilitate multiple life groups for young people, adults, and young professionals, with a heart to help others grow in their relationship with God. Kaye shares how God has transformed her own life and used her experiences to encourage young people who are searching for truth, identity, and hope. She also celebrates God’s faithfulness through the birth of her son and the transformation she witnessed in her husband’s life after years of prayer. Her message is simple but powerful: Jesus is enough, God is faithful, and what may look like a challenge can become an opportunity to witness another miracle from God. Kaye encourages others not to give up, reminding them that God is not finished with their lives yet. https://www.facebook.com/nlcfgingoog
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S1 · E181Sunday · 13 minAngela Donadio: Surviving a Near-Fatal Hemorrhage and Finding Grace in the Silent Seasons
Angela Donadio is a seasoned ministry leader, trusted Bible teacher, and award-winning author. A survivor of two near-death health crises she encourages others to Make Life Matter as they engage with God's Word, embrace His call, and experience a life of Kingdom purpose. Angela holds a Master's Degree in Leadership and Ministry and partners with her husband to lead River of Life, a vibrant and diverse church near Washington, D.C. She is the founder of the Communicators' Collective Retreat, offering soul care for female leaders, and Voice of the Voiceless, providing empowerment and education initiatives for women globally. She leads international missions teams and has ministered through worship and the Word in more the than twenty countries across four continents. She loves adventure and being a mom to two young adults.
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S1 · E180Saturday · 13 minPhales Moomba: Labeled the "Too Serious Church Girl," Navigating Dreams, and Healing Hearts in Zambia
Pastor Phales is a spirit filled woman of God who ministers through the prophetic, sound biblical teachings and profound wisdom. She is passionate about dreams and their interpretation and helps people understand their dreams. Pastor Phales is an international public speaker and currently serves as an assistant pastor at Dominion Chapel International. She holds a Diploma in Agricultural Education from Natural Resources Development college and has earned professional certificates in the following; Theology, Human Resources Management, Authorship and Publication, psychosocial Counseling, Professional Baking and Decor and Rapid HIV testing. She has further expanded her expertise through masterclasses in Trade beyond boarders , Women in Diplomacy, Gospel advancing training, Discipleship, Effective gospel outreach to Muslims, handmade carpets and tailoring. She is the founder of wisdom Table a ministry dedicated to imparting biblical wisdom and spiritual growth, founder of women of wisdom Zambia a team dedicated to women empowerment and spiritual growth and is the CEO of Saipha Home a business designed to beautify your houses. she is happily married to a vigilant preacher Apostle Sailas Moomba and together they are blessed with three sons; Sailas, Perez and Kairos. Interested in a copy of her book Titled: Unveiling Secrets Behind Your Dreams? If you'd like a copy of the book, please feel free to contact the author directly by email or WhatsApp. She'll be happy to send it to you personally upon request. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004438457005 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaq9dnyFsn0nvUATeU2Y
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S1 · E179Saturday · 13 minRev. Kevin T. Taylor: The Lion King Broadway Epiphany and Returning to Your True Pulpit
Rev. Kevin T. Taylor is a pastor, educator, and executive leader who bridges the sacred and the strategic. Since 2021, he has served as Pastor of Israel A.M.E. Church in Albany, NY, where his ministry blends worship, justice, and innovation through initiatives like Speaking Truth to Power Tuesdays and the Summer Literacy Challenge. Beyond the pulpit, Kevin brings over 20 years of C-suite and nonprofit leadership experience, including roles as Chief Finance & Talent Officer at the Connecticut RISE Network, Interim CEO & CFO of Greentown Labs, CEO of City on a Hill Charter Public School, and COO of KIPP Massachusetts. A proud Tuskegee University alum, he has been honored by Marquis Who’s Who (2025), 100 Men of Color, and the National Council of Negro Women. Through preaching, teaching, writing, and community service, Rev. Taylor equips organizations and congregations for spiritual growth and lasting transformation. https://revkttaylor.com/
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S1 · E178Friday · 14 minAndrea Fortenberry: Breaking the "Mommy Martyr" Trap and Trading Perfectionism for Daily Grace
Andrea (AWN-DRAY-UH) Fortenberry is a writer, speaker, and host of The Perfectionist's Guide to Mothering, a podcast that equips moms to find freedom from perfectionism and show up for the life God has for them. She is the author of _Two-Minute Timeouts: 100 Devotions for Weary and Wonderful Days (_Our Daily Bread Publishers). She is on staff with MomCo as the Leadership Development Manager and cohosts The MomCo Leadership Podcast. She loves chai lattes, reading books and all things Golden and Gilmore girls. My website: https://andreafortenberry.com My podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/andreafortenberry/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreafortenberry
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S1 · E177Friday · 12 minDr. Chuck Coker: Surviving a Spouse’s Suicide, Rebuilding with Nine Kids, and Teaching on Four Continents
Dr. Chuck Coker stands as one of America's premier authorities on Employee Engagement, Emotional Intelligence, and Organizational Development, uniquely integrating biblical principles with cutting-edge psychometric science to transform both corporate culture and individual lives. With decades of corporate leadership experience and distinguished academic credentials, Dr. Coker has revolutionized how organizations approach human potential. His innovative methodologies for applying psychometric tools throughout the employee lifecycle have been validated through rigorous University and Fortune 100 corporate studies across multiple continents, establishing him as a trusted advisor to America's top businesses. Scholarly Impact & Publications Dr. Coker's thought leadership extends through his comprehensive body of work, including his 2 latest books "Are You Coachable: The Science of a Growth Mindset" (2024), and “A God Shaped Mind: The Neuroscientific Path to Spiritual Maturity” (2026) designed to help coaches, managers, and leaders maximize human potential. His expertise reaches thousands through 100+ published articles in prestigious publications, 13 Manuals, 6 books and 15+ online courses through LifeThrive University, all grounded in a biblical worldview. Global Influence & Academic Excellence As a licensed administrator of over 50 assessment profiles and creator of 10+ validated instruments, Dr. Coker's materials are currently utilized across multiple states and three continents in seven languages. His academic contributions include serving as Department Head at Westminster Theological Centre (UK) and lecturing at world-renowned institutions including Harvard, Cambridge, and Auburn. Leadership Recognition & Service Dr. Coker's industry leadership is exemplified through his roles as Past Chairman of the President's Council for the National Speaker's Association and Past President of NSA North Florida, where he was honored as "Speaker of the Year". He served as Vice President of a NYSE Company overseeing 200+ Sales Representatives and was cofounder of the Balfour Motivational Research Institute. His 2016 TedTalk demonstrated his expertise in People Metrics to mitigate workplace risk in construction/manufacturing sites. In 2024 he received the Legacy award by Lifework Leadership. Legacy of Service Demonstrating his commitment to developing others, Dr. Coker (a 9th Degree Black Belt) founded a non-profit organization 43 years ago, training Olympic TaeKwonDo in faith-based communities. His dedication has produced 63 Junior Olympians and 4 Olympic qualifiers across 16 schools in five states, earning his induction into the Master's Hall of Fame (2009) and the Martial Arts History Museum (2013). http://www.Lifethrive.com and http://www.chuckcoker.com
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S1 · E176Thursday · 11 minDr. Michelle Jeremie: Why "The One Life" Means No More Segregating Your Faith
Dr. Michelle Jeremie is a vibrant advocate for embracing joy in the journey of the 1Life experience and is a recognized voice of clarity, healing, and connection. She serves as a ministry leader, educator and Consultant who is called and committed to building up the people of God by closing the gaps between theology and reality. IG: @mjeremie Website: www.livethe1life.com
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S1 · E175Thursday · 12 minMaukeisha Alexis: Why Going "80 or 50 Percent" is Better Than Stopping Your Faith Walk
Maukeisha Alexis is an educator, communication strategist, author, and award-winning public speaker from Trinidad and Tobago who is passionate about helping people discover the power of communication to transform lives. For more than fifteen years, she has served as a Guidance Officer with the Ministry of Education, where she has worked closely with students, teachers, and families. Her experiences in education have reinforced one central belief: communication is not simply a skill, it is the foundation upon which relationships, learning, leadership, and personal success are built. Although she is recognized today as a confident speaker, her journey did not begin that way. She understands what it feels like to question your own voice, struggle with confidence, and battle limiting beliefs. Rather than allowing those obstacles to define her, she chose to grow through them. That personal transformation became the foundation of her life's work. Through Toastmasters International, Maukeisha developed into an accomplished communicator, earning multiple speech contest victories, including becoming a two-time Division International Speech Champion. Her speaking journey has taken her beyond Trinidad and Tobago to compete on the district stage throughout the Caribbean, strengthening her conviction that courage grows every time we choose to speak despite fear. She is the founder of The Courage to Speak, a communication platform dedicated to helping individuals move beyond fear, communicate with confidence, and influence with authenticity. Through speaking, coaching, workshops, interviews, and educational content, she equips people with practical communication tools they can immediately apply in their personal and professional lives. Maukeisha is also the creator of the S.I.P. framework: Smile, Inhale, Plant Your Purpose, a practical approach that encourages speakers to pause with intention, connect with their audience, and communicate from purpose rather than fear. Her philosophy is simple: confidence is not the absence of fear; it is the willingness to move forward despite it. As an author, she continues to expand her mission through books and training programs focused on communication, confidence, and personal growth. Her work with educators emphasizes that every lesson is delivered through communication, making effective communication one of the most valuable tools any teacher can possess. Beyond the stage, Maukeisha is a devoted mother whose greatest desire is to leave a legacy that extends far beyond applause. She believes success is measured not only by personal achievement but by the lives we inspire, the confidence we awaken in others, and the courage we help people discover within themselves. Her vision is to become one of the credible global leading voices in communication, empowering thousands to realize that communication truly matters and that when we change the way we communicate, we change the way we connect, lead, and live.
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S1 · E174Wednesday · 13 minChantell Cooley: Escaping Poverty to Co-Found a University for 100,000 Students
Chantell Cooley is a marketplace leader, author, and mentor who has spent more than three decades proving that faith and business were never meant to be separate. As Co-Founder of Columbia Southern University and Co-Owner of Columbia Southern Education Group, she helped build one of America's most respected online universities from a single prophetic word into a global institution serving more than 100,000 graduates, all while operating with excellence in the secular marketplace and staying deeply connected to God as her CEO. Today, Chantell equips business leaders, entrepreneurs, and executives to do what she has lived: hear God's voice in real decisions, position themselves with clarity, and build with excellence without separating their calling from their strategy. Her message is direct. What holds most businesses back is rarely the lack of a better plan. It is the lack of clarity on what God is actually saying right now. Chantell is the author of several books, including Stand on the Word, Stand on the Word for Leaders, Beyond the Basics, Winning the Game of Life, Cooley Farm Adventures, Living in the Overflow, and Marketplace Mantles. She is not a pastor and she is not a consultant. She lives in the space between both, bringing prophetic discernment and real marketplace results into one voice, raising a generation of Marketplace Ministers who lead with integrity, build with vision, and advance the Kingdom of God through their business and influence. WEBSITE AND LINKS TO DIRECT LISTENERS Website: www.chantellcooley.com Instagram: @chantellcooley Youtube: @ChantellCooley
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S1 · E173Wednesday · 13 minAlexander Hepburn: The Armed Robbery, a Miraculous Courtroom Disappearance, and Finding Faith
Alexander V. Hepburn, also known as I Am Stacs, S.T.A.C.S—which stands for "I Am Simply Telling All Christ Saves"—is a Bahamian creative, author, songwriter, recording artist, mental health advocate, and ministry leader. Through his music, writing, teaching, and ministry, he inspires transformed hearts, renewed minds, and lives devoted to Christ. Alexander promotes Mental Health Music, the integration of faith based doctrine with mental wellness. He is a 2024 Bahamian Gospel Industry honoree, holds an Associate Degree in Biblical Studies from North Carolina Theological Seminary, and is a Certified Youth Leader in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, graduating from the National Youth Leaders Certification Program. He is joyfully married to Jade Leandrea Hepburn, and together they are raising their son, Asher Alexander Hepburn.
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S1 · E172September 1 · 15 minRossie Manka: Escaping the Prowling Lion of Addiction to Raise Five Kids in Christ
Rossie Manka is a Christian author, speaker, coach, and ministry leader whose life and work are rooted in the transforming power of Jesus Christ. Through her testimony, teaching, and outreach, Rossie helps women, young adults, and people facing life’s hardest circumstances discover that pain does not have the final word—and that faith in Christ can make a life unshakable. Rossie is the author of Unshakable: A Woman in Christ, a powerful memoir of redemption, healing, and renewed identity. Drawing from her own journey through trauma, abuse, addiction, brokenness, and spiritual darkness, she shares the story of how God met her in the places where hope seemed impossible and led her toward freedom, restoration, and purpose. Her message speaks honestly to those who carry shame, rejection, fear, or the weight of their past, reminding them that no life is beyond the reach of God’s grace. As the leader of Unshakable Faith Ministries, Rossie brings that message beyond the page through women’s groups, teen and young-adult mentorship, prison outreach, homeless and community outreach, evangelism, faith-based teaching, and the distribution of encouragement resources to communities in need. She is passionate about helping people use their pain for purpose, grow stronger through the storms they face, and become living evidence of what God can restore. Rossie also serves as a speaker and faith coach, equipping people with biblical encouragement, practical growth tools, and the courage to walk fully in their God-given calling. Known for her warmth, honesty, resilience, and life-giving voice, Rossie’s heart is to see people healed, strengthened, and set free to live boldly for Christ. She believes that when one person chooses faith over fear and purpose over the past, that decision can bring hope to families, communities, and generations. Website: www.rossiemanka.com Social handles: · LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossie-manka-bb4207212/
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S1 · E171September 1 · 12 minKathleen Knapp: Why Deep Grief is the Unexpected Doorway to Your Divine Purpose
Kathleen Knapp is a Christian author and Speaker from Western Canada. Her memoir, Speechless: A Mother's Memoir of Caregiving, won the 2026 International Christian Book Award for Christian Memoir. She also wrote Navigating Grief: A Journey of Hope & Healing. Her work appears in Guideposts, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Unveiled Living E-Magazine, and several Christian anthologies. Drawing on 35 years as a Registered Nurse and her own caregiving journey with her late son, Kathleen writes to bring hope to grieving and special-needs families. When she is not playing pickleball, she enjoys a good book or coffee with a friend. You can find more of her work on her website: http://KathleenKnappWriter.com .
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S1 · E170August 31 · 10 minMargaret Agard: Turning Your Daily To-Do List Over to God to End Overwhelm and Striving
Margaret Agard is an award-winning author, former executive in the high tech industry, and mother of eight children, step-mother to seven (they were never all at home at the same time!). She speaks on giving her life to God by giving her daily to-do list to God. She is currently writing her third memoir titled Love: Becoming One with Parker, from her house in a forest in North Carolina.
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S1 · E169August 30 · 14 minWilmin Noel: The Jail Angel, the Grape Soda Dream, and a Pit-to-Palace Bahamas Miracle
Wilmin Noel is a Bahamian public servant, youth mentor, and community leader dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities through service, mentorship, and opportunity. Born and raised in Englerston, New Providence, Wilmin understands firsthand the challenges many young people encounter. Those experiences inspired his lifelong commitment to helping others discover purpose, overcome obstacles, and become positive contributors to society. In 2017, Wilmin co-founded the Guided Steps Youth Empowerment Program, an initiative focused on mentoring young men, promoting conflict resolution, encouraging personal development, and connecting participants with employment opportunities. Through mentorship, faith-based guidance, and strategic partnerships, the program has positively impacted the lives of many young Bahamians. Wilmin currently serves in the Office of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, where he contributes to national initiatives and supports the work of government through public service. His experience has strengthened his leadership, organizational, and community engagement skills while reinforcing his commitment to serving the people of The Bahamas. As a devoted father and mentor, Wilmin believes that true leadership is rooted in integrity, compassion, and consistency. He is passionate about investing in the next generation and creating pathways for young people to reach their full potential. With a heart for service and a vision for stronger communities, Wilmin continues to dedicate himself to youth development, nation-building, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Personal Motto: "From the Streets to Purpose."
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S1 · E168August 29 · 11 minBishop Alexander: Why You Must Take Your Faith Beyond the Four Walls of the Church
Bishop Alexander is a first-generation college graduate whose life and leadership have been shaped by a deep commitment to faith, service, and helping others discover their God-given purpose. Bishop's commitment to leadership and service was evident throughout his educational journey. After graduating from Itawamba Agricultural High School, he attended Itawamba Community College, where he was elected Student Body President, representing the student body and developing a passion for servant leadership. He later transferred to the University of North Alabama, where he was again elected Student Body President, becoming one of the few individuals to serve as student body president at both the community college and university levels. Bishop earned a Bachelor of Science in History with a minor in Political Science from the University of North Alabama before completing a Master of Criminal Justice degree. He plans to continue his academic journey by pursuing a doctorate with a concentration in Administration and Leadership. Professionally, Bishop has served in higher education for the past 12 years, dedicating his career to student success, alumni engagement, leadership development, and building meaningful relationships that strengthen educational communities. Before his career in higher education, he served as a Congressional aide in the United States House of Representatives. Ministry has been the defining calling of Bishop's life. For the past 28 years, he has faithfully served in ministry as a pastor, preacher, mentor, and public speaker. His passion is proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ, equipping believers to grow in their faith, and inspiring leaders to serve with integrity, humility, compassion, and biblical conviction. Whether preaching from the pulpit, mentoring emerging leaders, or speaking at conferences and community events, Bishop seeks to encourage others to live lives that honor God and impact their communities. Bishop is actively involved in civic and community leadership. He is a graduate of Leadership Shoals Class 32 and Leadership Alabama's Alabama Leadership Initiative (ALI) Class V. He is a past president of the Greater Shoals Area Rotary Club and serves on numerous nonprofit, educational, and community advisory boards, believing that faith should inspire meaningful service both inside and outside the church. When he is not serving through ministry or his work in higher education, Bishop enjoys traveling, investing in relationships with family and friends, and encouraging others through teaching, speaking, and leadership development. He resides in Alabama, where he remains committed to serving God, his church, and community. www.linkedin.com/in/bishopalexander
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S1 · E167August 28 · 18 minKayongo Rogers: The Miracle Surgery, the Secret Child, and Accepting the Invitation to the King’s Table
I am Rogers Kayongo, the lead pastor of Back to Jesus Church and the team leader of the Dream Reality Center Foundation, based in Kampala, Uganda, East Africa. I am married to Jemmimah Muwamguzi, and we have three wonderful children together. Our vision is to reach souls and positively influence our community. Our mission is to preach Christ to all mankind, with the ultimate goal of restoring, healing, and protecting lives. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we have successfully established churches in three different communities and have witnessed transformative changes in the lives of many people. However, one community in particular caught our attention because of the difficult circumstances its residents were facing. Parents were struggling with extreme poverty, made worse by the lack of clean water and medical facilities. Even when medical care was available, it was often inaccessible because of the long distances and lack of transportation. The community also had very limited access to education. Being predominantly Muslim, many people viewed salvation as a sin, which made it difficult for us to introduce the Gospel. Instead of beginning by simply preaching, we chose to demonstrate the love of Christ through practical acts of service. We provided clothing, medication, food, and support to orphans who were desperately in need of care. We began with seven orphans, and by the grace of God, we have grown to support 32 children. Over time, the community began to accept us. Even some of the toughest individuals began to trust us and believe in the work we were doing. Eventually, members of the community donated land for the construction of a humble school. Today, that school is growing and has more than 130 students. We trust in the Lord, the Provider and Author of every God-given vision, to help us replicate this success in the other two communities. When I heard about your missionaries and that you train pastors and leaders, I saw it as an opportunity to seek advice and learn from those who have been doing this work for many years. The Bible says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” I believe there is much I can learn from others who have walked this path before me. I also wrote a book called Father-Son Talk after learning and witnessing the effects of fatherlessness and the gaps that often exist between younger and older generations. Much of what I have learned while serving children through the Dream Reality Center Foundation has helped me understand that orphanhood is not only the absence of physical parents; it can also be psychological and emotional. My own life is a testimony of this reality. I have parents, but my story is one that I believe God has used to build the ministry I am doing today. To make a long story short, my mother was a student when she visited her older sister's home during the holidays. Unfortunately, she was raped by her sister's husband, and she became pregnant with me. Because of the culture and circumstances surrounding the pregnancy, the family decided that she should abort me. She tried several times, but by the mercy of God, the attempts were unsuccessful. However, the drugs she took during those attempts affected both of my feet, and I was born with a disability. When my mother realized that I was disabled, she hated me even more. The family decided to keep me hidden because my existence was considered a constant reminder of shame and reproach, and they feared that my presence would raise questions that could affect my mother's sister's marriage. So I was taken deep into the village and kept there as a secret. I was not told who my parents were. I used to call every woman “Mom” and every man “Dad.” Yet, deep inside, I knew that something was missing. When I looked at other children with their biological parents, I felt a deep pain and confusion. It tortured me emotionally. Then missionaries came to the place where I was living. I believe I was around seven years old at the time. They preached Jesus to me, and Jesus performed the first miracle in my life. My encounter with Christ brought a total change. Why am I sharing this? After I was saved, my mother finally opened up to me and revealed that she was my biological mother. She took me into her new marriage, and her husband accepted me and adopted me as his son. For me, that was the second miracle. One day, my stepfather told my mother to take me to the hospital so that I could get a wheelchair or walking sticks to help me move around. When we went to the hospital, Jesus performed what I consider the third miracle. There, I met a man from the United States who had come to volunteer. He was a specialist who operated on children with disabilities. When he saw me, he told my mother that he would perform the operation at no cost. He gave us an appointment, returned as promised, performed the operation, and today I stand as a living testimony of that miracle. Unfortunately, my hero, Professor Belitcher, was shot and killed at the very hospital about three months after I was discharged. I never knew why he was killed. May his soul rest in peace. How I wish he were still here. I would have visited him and told him, “See how God is using the man you saved.” But he is no longer here. So the only way I can continue the legacy of love shown to me by my stepfather and Professor Belitcher is by extending that same love to others. I believe I would not be the person I am today if those two men had not reached out their hands to help me. I always carry that thought with me: perhaps there is another Rogers among the orphans and needy people whom God brings into my life. I have many testimonies of children whose hands I have held and who, through God's grace and the support they received, have gone on to succeed in life. You know, gaining wealth can make a person feel great, but serving a purpose brings something deeper—satisfaction, joy, and peace of mind. This is who I am and why I do what I do. You can reach us on prkayongorogers@gmail.com Website: http://www.backtojesuschurches.org
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S1 · E166August 27 · 11 minRaenelle Gay: Open Heart Surgery at Nine and Choosing to No Longer Hide Your God-Given Gifts
Raenelle Gay was born in San Fernando, Trinidad, to Brian and Lesley Ann Spencer. From an early age, her life was shaped by resilience and determination. At just nine years old, she underwent open-heart surgery, an experience that strengthened her faith, deepened her compassion for others, and inspired a lifelong appreciation for the value of life and well-being. She attended St. Madeleine Secondary School, where she developed an interest in understanding people and the factors that influence their emotional and social development. This passion led her to pursue higher education at Caribbean Nazarene College, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Counseling, and Management of Human Resources. Committed to expanding her knowledge and impact, she later completed a Master's degree in Family Life Education at Oasis Institute of Higher Learning. Professionally, Raenelle serves as a Guidance Officer attached to the Ministry of Education, where she supports the emotional, social, and behavioral development of students while working closely with parents, teachers, and school communities. Her work is centered on helping children build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate life's challenges. Beyond her role in education, Raenelle is a Mental Health Coach and Family and Relationship Counselor. Through counseling, education, and advocacy, she is passionate about promoting mental wellness, strengthening marriages and families, and helping individuals build healthier relationships with themselves and others. She is committed to making conversations about mental health more accessible and reducing the stigma surrounding emotional well-being. Raenelle has been married to her husband, Peter Gay, for ten years. Together they are raising their two sons, Amaziah and Izayah, whom she considers among her greatest blessings. Her experiences as a wife and mother enrich her professional work, allowing her to connect authentically with the families she serves. Grounded in her Christian faith, Raenelle believes in the importance of compassion, hope, and lifelong growth. Whether she is counseling individuals, mentoring students, speaking on family life, or creating educational content on mental health, her mission remains the same: to encourage healing, strengthen relationships, and empower people to thrive emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. https://www.instagram.com/consultraenelle.tt?igsh=MWdqMjl3Mjd4eXZrdw== https://www.facebook.com/share/1FAW1JePrt/
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