Compassion can shape lives. So many babies have been born in adversity. Their start in life is so difficult. And yet God has a plan. Adoption is so often part of that. And sometimes, the most hopeless story, can be the one God uses to display His great power, and His gentle compassion. Arie Mahler shares his inspiring testimony, from a tiny village and Sulawesi jungle birth, to his upbringing in Seattle, and his current calling to direct the Compassion Center at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, Washington. Your faith will surely be buoyed as you are invited into Arie's heart and family. Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Show Notes: https://bit.ly/42lp2g9 Topics Shared: Born on the island of Sulawesi in a grass thatched roof hut His mother passed away shortly after, due to complications of childbirth He was left in the hut, and bitten by a wild animal His uncle brought him to a missionary orphanage in Manato, a 3 days journey Dr. Donald Gish and uncle, went and got Arie to bring him back to the orphanage Grandpa Gish and Nana Evelyn They didn’t think he would make it through the night Miraculously nursed back to health On the Cover of the Newsletter for the church in Seattle where he would be adopted One year process for him to be adopted by his new Seattle family His parents first meet him at Daily’s Drive In, A godly upbringing His Dad gets cancer when Arie was 16 A pivotal transition Young marriage and family The quest to find his birth father Healing and answers Becoming Papa and Gram A sweet reunion at a memorial THE P.S. Questions Answered: As a coach and parent do you have advice on figuring out the whole sports life church home balance? Who is the greatest NBA player of all time? The Greatest Shooter? What is the greatest need in the church today? What legacy do you wan’t to leave behind? How to get involved in The Compassion Center at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, Washington and what it is all about.Guest Links:The Compassion Center Website: https: //alderwood.cc/compassion-center/ Alderwood Community Church Email: ReachUs@amcc.orgRelated Episode: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/the-search-for-redemption-holland-webb/ ------------------------------------------ For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/ *FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free! We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.comFor Bingeable Series, hover over the “Episodes” tab: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/episodes/We're on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live :)... all you need to do is type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and it should pop right up.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present. Has your spouse or roommate ever stumbled upon a private addiction and confronted you? What if you were a young and new pastor who loved working with kids? Today’s guest walks us through how his secret porn addiction was discovered, how he asked for help, how it affected his church and pastoring and how the Lord strengthened his marriage. Our God is a God of reconciliation and restoration. Vulnerability and asking for help open the door. Acts 20:24- (NIV) “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me, the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Show Notes: https://bit.ly/40YnnMI ---------------------------------------------- Topics Shared: Awana kid Saved and baptized at age 9 Retired military father, absent Teachers didn’t believe in him He thought he wasn’t smart enough for college Growing in faith in teen years Looking for his soulmate in high school “Find me somebody to love.” Found many father figures at church Became a youth pastor at age 19 Married young Struggle with porn Wife discovers He shares it with the church Plan for restoration Finding a new church Brandon Heath ‘God isn’t finished with you yet” Ultimate Healing Some of the P.S. Questions Answered: What would you say to parents who are raising kids while in the military? How has walking in other people's shoes transformed you? If you had limitless time or talent, what other ministry would you like to participate in or start? What is the legacy you want to leave behind? Neil Mathew’s Website and Podcast Website:https://www.opspodcast.com/Podcast: Other People’s Shoes Podcast Guest Quote: “I was so intoxicated with the role of a pastor, I forgot what it was to be a pastor and to be a shepherd.” Related Episode:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/podcast/episode-3-secret-addiction-open-healing-judianne-charbonneau-young-mom/------------------------------------------ For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/*FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free! We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.com For one splashy bright monthly Letters From Home Newsletter: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/newsletter/For Bingeable Series, hover over the “Episodes” tab: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/episodes/ We're on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live... All you need to do is type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and it should pop right up.

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present. Do you believe in Miracles? Is there anyone in your life whom every time you see them, you are reminded with a resounding swell in your heart that God is a God of miracles. Shauna’s story is this. Her story is traumatic, impactful, full of hope, full of faith, and wonder. You will see her struggle as she asks God, ‘why did you save me? Why am I alive?” You will also see how her experiences, and faith journey has led her to the beautiful ministry she serves her loving God in today. Philippians 4:13-“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Kdqgmu ------------------- Topics Shared: Traumatic miracle birth Growing up on 3 sides of the track Witnessing her mother being abused The incident Finding forgiveness Safe space found Saved at age 8 Bumpy teens Young arranged marriage Abusive cheating teen husband Becoming a Mom and divorced at 17 Life as a single Mom Drug season Hasty marriage Mental abuse and pregnancy Traumatic delivery Losing 7 liters of blood Left the hospital after 8 days Why did He save me? A long depression Losing everything Homeless with two kids A new chapter Paying it forward Call to Coaching The P.S. Questions: What are 3 of your most helpful tips as a life coach? What legacy do you hope to leave behind? Shauna Parker’s Links: Website: https://shauna-parker.com/ Instagram: @shauna.parker.coaching For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/ *FREE APP* Letters From Home Podcast has its own downloadable app., with all of our episodes in one easy place. Search our podcast name in the Apple APP store, and in the Google Play store. All free! We would love to hear how the Lord has encouraged you through this story. lfhpodcast@gmail.com To join our Facebook Group for bonus live stories and convos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3475957805750898 For one splashy bright monthly Letters From Home Newsletter https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/newsletter/ For Bingeable Series, hover over the “Episodes” tab: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/episodes/ We're on Instagram, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, Google, iHeartRadio and all of the places podcasts live :)... all you need to do is type in ‘Letters From Home Podcast’ and it should pop right up.

Newly Quadriplegic. Can you imagine at age 19, after a boating accident, waking up from surgery to the doctors telling you that you will never walk again? Despair settled in. This is the beginning of Joe Delagrave’s deep transformation. His journey to forgiveness and faith is one you will never forget. He brings us into his happy but imperfect childhood, his WSU football days, his boating accident, a life-changing prison visit, and ultimately his inner heart working, that gave him the drive of an Olympian. He is a keynote speaker, Team USA Paralympic Wheelchair Rugby Medal Winner and well-loved child of God. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3XPOXuS -------- Topics Shared: Soaking up affirmation from coaches His goal in high school was being a college athlete Supportive parents Birth father in prison, missed Joe’s entire childhood It wasn’t 15 years for some crazy offense, it was choices over and over Drugs, check fraud, not paying his rent At 13 God spoke to him about being a speakerHis battle between pleasing people or pleasing God Football Scholarship to Winona State in Mn. Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and the back sloughs of Mississippi Boating accident Spinal cord injury levels Joe’s neck snaps at the C6 and C7, and he blacks out Rescue boat, ambulance, then med flighted to the local hospital The Asia Test proves his spinal injury Airlifted to LaCrosse Hospital for surgery to fuse his C6 and 7 Complete quadriplegic or incomplete quadriplegic? Don Beebee House of Speed shirt cut off Opening his eyes to Prov. 3:5-6, and a newly-abled worldSurrounded by loving family The God of 2nd chances Functioning as an incomplete C6 and C7 quadriplegic God softens his heart toward his dad Visiting his birth father in prison Reconciliation and forgiveness in one life-changing encounter Marriage, babies and adaptive sports Discovering wheelchair rugby An athlete againPreparing, making and medaling in the Paralympics Resources: Website- https://www.joedelagrave.com/ IG- @jdelagrave14 Joe’s Quotes: “Are we on fire for God, or on fire for what people think? A lot of times those two don’t coexist very well.” “As my athletic career was taking off, my relationship with Jesus was completely going the opposite way.” “We never know what kind of impact we make by simply being kind.” —————————————— For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Can you imagine being falsely accused as a pastor? Then add to that, false charges filed against you where even the FBI gets involved. Markus Watson walks through what he and his family went through at their church, and though months later, exonerated by the Presbytery was voted out of his church. Incredulous. Markus has arisen from that devastating chapter with several new chapters in his life. He is currently the primary podcaster and host for Fuller Seminary “Spiritual Life and Leadership”, the best-selling author of “Beyond Thingification” and the pastor at a new church. Through it all, he is reminded, that no matter what trial he goes through, he knows he is God’s beloved. His story will grip your heart, and change your perspective on so many levels. Jer. 31:3-“The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.” Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3wdso7n --------------- Topics Shared: Raised in faith Aspiring Hollywood actor A change of plans Fuller Seminary Pastoring his first church Emergency meeting while on sabbatical Accused of porn Forensic analysis of his laptop Turns into a potential criminal investigation The FBI got involved How the attorney knew he was innocent Exonerated by the Presbytery Voted out of his church Flourish San Diego Beyond Thingification Pastor at Westmorland Community Presbyterian Church Markus' Quotes: "The FBI had my laptop." " 'Lord, I don't deserve your love.' What a terrible message to be telling myself over and over and over again." "I spent a lot of time in the Psalms, Psalms of lament." "I had this image of myself having lost everything, sitting in a prison cell." "We had double our normal attendance that Sunday. Everyone will show up for a scandal." "The thought of being a pastor again felt like being thrown into a snake pit." "We can't love someone if we are judging them." Markus Watson's Website:https://www.markuswatson.com/ ------------------------------------------ For more inspiring stories:https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Disclaimer: This story contains sensitive content that may not be safe for young ears. Consider putting in earbuds if you have kids present. While deployed to Kuwait, Jerry Dugan wrote to his family the “in case I die” letter. His whole hard life had led to this moment. You will see the wonderful way the Lord protected him, changed him and his family, and how he was able to come home. He is truly an honorable man, but one who wasn’t always proud of his family name. At 14, in his mind, his family name stood for trouble, heartbreak, bullying, racial microaggressions and brokenness. He had already been through so much in his young life. Jerry shares with us the life-changing prayers and loving God that lead him to a new family honor, and helped him to change the generational patterns that informed his childhood. Jeremiah 1:5-"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations." Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3CTvYYb -------------------------------------- Topics Shared: Biracial childhood Tiger Mom Performance-based acceptance Performance-based affection Top Gun style bet to break up his parents Heart-breaking divorce The Army brushed a lot of things under the carpet Suicide ideations and suicide attempts Intervention Loving foster home Bullied by uncles in Ca. His gentle father flips the switch to military policeman with army training A turning point Deployment to Kuwait, 1/'03-3/'03 Writing the 'in case I die' letter War homecoming and seeing his kids for the first time Quotes: "When you are 7 or 8 years old and the amount of affection you are getting from your mom, the kind of attention you get from your mom is solely based on your performance in an activity, that sets a weird expectation." "In the movies they always have that 'in case I die' letter they hand to their buddy to hand off, but I was so convinced I was going to die, that I wrote my letter. I disguised the wording just enough so it didn't freak my wife out when she read it, but it was there. Everything I wanted to say to her was in that letter. I folded it, and I mailed it that night. It was one last mail run before we crossed the border." "We as a church can do better, back off the condemnation, and demonstrate more of the Jesus who hung out with prostitutes and tax collectors and treated them with dignity, treated them with respect because he honored their dignity." References: Beyond the Rut Website & Podcast: https://beyondtherut.com/ https://therealjerrydugan.com/ Jerry Dugan's Ted Talk: http://therealjerrydugan.com/category/biblical-marriage/ Marriage Episode with Meg Glesener: https://beyondtherut.com/meg-glesener-healthy-marriage-btr-236/ The Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 & Website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ ------------------------------------------ For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Losing a loved one through medical malpractice has to be one of the most difficult experiences in life. This is Ami Shroyer’s story, and she would say she was loved for 100 years in 20 by her beloved Mike. Not everyone gets to experience a love like this. As a traveling teen musician, she met the love of her life. They start their marriage in love and soon after, they started their family. While serving the Lord as a family, preparing land for a new ministry, her husband Mike inhales some debris. Through a series of misdiagnosis and careless medical practice, Mike passes away. Ami brings us into that season of her life, the love, the pain and the beyond. Her name means, 'beloved little follower of the Lord,' and as her story unfolds, you will see her uncommon faith, from just a little girl, to this present day. She is resilient, and has an affinity for daisies, which reminds her of the love of her husband, Mike Shroyer. Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3vcl0J7 Topics Shared: Beloved little follower of the Lord Uncommon faith Creative child whose wings were clipped Lived in 21 different houses before 21 Jesus clubs and writing music Friend-zoned Bill Gaither's nephew Skipped graduation to travel around the country singing Severed parental relationship made right Meeting the love of her life "Miracle of Mercy" Mike's life song Quick & happy marriage Working at Andy Stanley's church, their Atlanta years Starting a family wholeness center The 5/11 Wholeness Journey Mike gets suddenly ill The Doctors fumble his care Medicinal toxicity and dehydration sets in One last visit Horrible passing Superman Loved for 100 years in 20 Fields of daisies Name on the front of the building A voice for strong homes Ami Quotes: "I always want purpose, not closure. You can't close off a love like this. We are not meant to. We need to continue to live wide open with purpose." "It literally feels like he is on a trip before we get there, but he just got there first." "The night that he passed away my daughter said 'Mom, now it's even. And I said, 'what do you mean?' And she said, 'Well the two babies that are in heaven have Dad, and you have us. It's even." My son said, "I've been thinking, I could be really angry with God that I am 12 and Sadie is 8, and that this would happen, but I got to thinking, if this were going to happen some day anyway, I would rather that it happen when I'm 12 and Sadie is 8, because if it were later in life, you would be all alone, and right now you have us." Resources: Elizabeth Elliot "Path of Suffering" Ami's Website: https://amishroyer.com/ Podcast: Journey Through Fields of Daisies (on her website) ------------------------------------------ For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Bible Project has been a tidal wave of blessing to this world and one of the Bible Project’s key visionaries is Michael McDonald. Sometimes it takes a rough childhood, and the longing of a young boy to find a father figure, to inform his global focus and mindset. Changed by the love of his Father, he grows up to be a world changer, albeit imperfect. Michael McDonald is currently the Bible Project Director of Global Focus and Strategic Relationships in Portland, Oregon. His story to get there is rare, and is a beautiful global adventure we are invited on. It is so easy for our homes to be self-focused and American-focused. His perspective will change you.Matthew 5:14 -"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3HzW5q9 Bible Project Website: https://bibleproject.com/ Topics Shared: Raised strong Baha'i Nelson, crazy wild childhood Mental illness and abuse in the home How the Baha'i faith shaped his views about God Traveling alone at 14 and on his own at 17 Where he got his love for helping with injustice, compassion and women's equality Living in Turkey to find himself His move from business into the non profit world Starting his nonprofit, Hear The Cry 10 years + traveling with Bob Goff and Dream Big His current work at Bible Project, with John Collins & Tim Mackie His heart to bring Bible Project to the nations Bible Project in 30 languages so far Book to help our Global Mindset: "Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" Kenneth Bailey Quotes from Michael McDonald: "We started a number of schools, opened up some hospitals and some rescue homes for gals getting rescued out of the sex trade. We worked in Ughanda Somalia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nepal, India, different ministries in each of those places. So we find incredible local leaders that have a passion for one of those types of things and then help create some infrastructure and do that." (with Bob Goff) "I have been part of Bible Project since the beginning, because it has been friends that were working on this project. I saw the first two videos that came out in 2014, and just thought 'wow, these are going to be an incredible resource for people.' I was thinking of them globally right away, just because I worked with so many pastors and teachers in other countries that are starving for good Bible resources, and thought these would be a great asset, especially because they are free, and they are so well done." "The reality is Christianity isn't a western religion. It was a Middle Eastern religion that is coming out of Israel...we need to understand history and context." ------------------------------------------ For more inspiring stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

How many people choose adoption, while single in their twenties? I would imagine, not many. And to have the boys be age 3 and age 4. That is a true baptism into parenting. This isn’t a calling for everyone, but it was a calling for Holland Webb. You will hear how the loss of his own Father at an early age affected him, and how this whole adoption and parenting experience has affected his heart and faith. His life mission and his road to personal redemption are remarkable and relatable. He has co-authored the book 'Adventures in Fatherhood", with Carlton Hughes . Proverbs 31:8- "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute." Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3UxF4Q9 ----------- Topic Shared: Growing up without a Father Filling holes from our childhood Single parenting How Americans are perceived in the Philippines Working for non-profit companies International Disability and Development Consortium. Cohosting a podcast Challenging our assumptions Missionaries Adoption as a single man Biracial families Fulfilling in others what we lack Caring for parents with dementia Holland's Website: https://www.hollandwebb.com/ The Afterword Podcast: https://www.hollandwebb.com/category/blog/ Adventures in Fatherhood: https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Fatherhood-Devotional-Holland-Webb/ ------------------------------------------ For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/

Have you ever wondered what it would be like, to move to Hollywood to pursue your dream of filmmaking? Chris Staron brings us right into his experience of dreams fulfilled and disillusionment in Hollywood. He will take us backstage into his own personal foray into the Christian Filmmaking industry. His experience may surprise you. Through all of the ups and downs of his journey, including becoming a starving artist, you will admire the man of God Chris is and see how his faith is anchored. *Mark. 8:35-“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” ------------ Topics Shared: Homeschooled twins His faith story Heaven’s Gates and Hells Flames Bullied in high school Upstate New York Ithaca College Film Program Sherwood Pictures Campus Crusade Mentor Interning on the Bernie Mac Show Production Assistant on Hells Kitchen Indie Movie Director Bringing Up Bobby success Writing his book, The Cradle Robber The story of William Jennings Bryan & the Scopes Monkey Trial Advice for someone being bullied Audition tips Truce Podcast and Website: https://trucepodcast.com/ Guest Quotes: “I wouldn’t characterize Hollywood as necessarily anti-God, it’s that they just don’t know who he is… it wasn’t so much that they were against you, it was that you were an alien species.” “We often glamorize those things, and hold up the success stories, but there is nobody out there talking about the real struggle of being a starving artist in the Christian world.” “In most staunch conservative reformed churches, prosperity is there. We believe that nothing bad can happen to you if you are a Christian. But if you look at the Bible, the central character of the Bible is a guy who gets crucified for being exactly where God wants Him to be.” “Paul gets shipwrecked and bitten by snakes and beaten and thrown out of town for being exactly where God wants him to be. So I think our conception of what success is and what money is, is way off.” “We can’t judge our success based on the numbers and people’s response. Success in God’s eyes is being faithful.” Show Notes: http://bit.ly/3EkWSrI ------------------------------------------ For more everyday extraordinary faith stories: https://lettersfromhomepodcast.com/