Life can change in an instant. In this heartfelt episode of Connecting Faith and Life, I share two major updates—one very unexpected and personal, and another that marks a new chapter for Proclaim Ministries.

First, I open up about a serious hand injury that required surgery and recovery. What began as an ordinary morning suddenly turned into an ER visit, stitches, and weeks of physical therapy. Yet through the pain, I experienced God’s presence and the power of prayer in ways I never had before. The love, compassion, and encouragement I received from family, friends, and our ministry community reminded me that we don’t always need to “fix” people’s problems—sometimes just being present makes all the difference.

Second, I reveal the exciting new direction for Proclaim Ministries. We are sharpening our focus: helping kids and teens connect faith and life—and equipping the adults who disciple them with clarity and competence.

This means new content, a fresh framework (the One10 Faith & Life Framework), and renewed commitment to serving churches and families worldwide.

This episode is both a story of gratitude in hardship and a vision for the future. Whether you’re a parent, youth leader, or simply passionate about reaching the next generation, I invite you to join us on this journey.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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There is a story in the Bible that shook me, but still gives me hope.

[0:00] Intro

[0:40] Proclaim News

[5:20] Keep moving forward

[16:45] Final thoughts

Bible verses:

Romans 5:6-8

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Ministry News and Prayer Requests

Please pray for new editors as one of our editors, Noah, is going off to college and has been doing an amazing job editing the podcast. We also invite you to support the ministry through donations.

I am headed into a busy time of year with speaking at schools and professional development events. I truly enjoy this opportunity to be salt and light, and make real-life connections through The Choose Well Program.

I believe we are all full-time ministry workers. We live out our faith, regardless of our profession.

Biblical Reflections and Personal Growth

I am always amazed by the raw and real nature of the Bible, which shows both the depravity of man and the greatness of God.

Reading God’s Word helps me better understand God’s love for us, that it is not based on performance but on His mercy and grace.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
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Are you weak, strong, or wise? You can be all of those things through God alone.

[0:00] Intro

[3:20] Helping teens with social media

[9:00] Proclaim Kids Ministry

[14:30] Weak, strong, or wise?

Bible verses:

1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Colossians 1:16

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Challenges of Social Media and Cell Phones

On behalf of adults, I apologize to kids and teens for creating addictive devices and networks. Adults fall victim to the comparison trap that social media creates, but kids and teens do so much more. Social media has created an environment where people not only compare themselves to other people they know, but to other people in the world, including fake accounts.

I want to encourage kids and teens to be faithful to their own paths, as set by God, rather than trying to be like others.

One way to do that is to spend time with God's Word. Reading the Bible helps all of us understand God’s true nature and avoid creating false idols.

Are you weak, strong, or wise?

"Weak people seek pleasure. Strong people seek purpose. Wise people seek God."

We can be easily tempted to only seek pleasure in our lives. But we are just as readily tempted to seek purpose. True pleasure and purpose are only found in God.

“We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” - C.S. Lewis

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

Download our app to get notified every time we upload new content https://proclaimministries.com/app
Support the ministry https://proclaimministries.com/give

Follow Proclaim Ministries:
https://www.facebook.com/proclaimministries
https://www.instagram.com/proclaimministries/