Healing Through *Honesty* and Faith

This September, Greg celebrated 39 years of sobriety, and he’s quick to say it’s all God’s doing. In this episode, Greg shares how God removed the obsession and compulsion to drink. He talks about the sponsor who has walked beside him for all 39 of those years, and the stranger from under a bridge who told him, “Brother, you gotta get it out.” He also describes how a legalistic upbringing and childhood trauma shaped his understanding of God. Today, Greg is a former pastor, Celebrate Recovery coo

Ryan VandeHei spent 30 years trapped in cocaine addiction, repeat incarcerations, and over 140 criminal charges before God broke through. Through the relentless pursuit of a Teen Challenge worker and a community of believers who stood with him in court, he experienced radical redemption. Today he speaks openly about why willpower fails, the necessity of new fellowship, and how the same intensity once given to drugs now fuels his walk with Christ.

A shorter recording that reflects on episodes 31-33. The stories hold similarities and the messages have themes that are worth being highlighted. There is added scripture for deeper understanding. Addiction, or anything that we yearn for, is unable to meet our deepest needs. The "threads" that run through three interviews speak into that. "What are you thirsty for" is drawing you to be aware of what you might be settling for that is less than God's best for you, what you may be using to replace

Brian grew up milking cows on a Wisconsin dairy farm and gave his life to Jesus at seven, then spent years living a double life - church on Sunday, crack and cocaine the rest of the week. After his marriage ended, God brought him to his knees. He shares how running to the Word, letting go of idols, and Christ-centered recovery rebuilt his life, and why saving faith has to reach the heart, not just the paper.

Three DUIs, six months in jail, and a night in a holding cell when she was ready to give up. Then 23-year-old Maddy heard God say, "I need you to fight this fight." She shares how she traded drugs and alcohol for a relationship with Jesus, what nine months at Adult & Teen Challenge taught her, and why losing everything was how she gained everything. If you feel stuck in your past, this episode is for you.

I am honored to host Rev. David W. Pendergrass, Ph.D., who is an author, biblical specialist, and pastoral counselor who helps Christians think clearly about their faith. Trained in biblical studies, theology, and pastoral counseling, he has spent more than twenty years walking with people through grief, trauma, addiction, and broken marriages — and writes and teaches on shame, emotional health, and discipleship.

How the words, "Dad, You Stink", changed a man's life, forever. But Pete’s Story of Grief, Alcohol, and finding Christ, is a powerful example of how God get's your attention. Even when you're in an addiction you don't even realize is an addiction. Pete says, "You Can’t Fix You With More of You". Only God can fix you. Enjoy this edge of your seat testimony as Pete is called out of the Darkness and learn how a recovering Alcoholic meets the real Jesus.

Taking a pause to highlight some of the key takeaways from episodes 26-28. Guests who had a common thread through their stories.