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In this podcast episode Jacob Ekelman from Phoenix, Arizona, shares his remarkable journey from a life of addiction and rebellion to redemption through faith. Raised in a Mormon household, Jacob's struggles led him to getting locked up, to a rehab center, playing bass in a various rock bands, then a HIV diagnosis triggered a profound spiritual awakening. Right when it seemed that everything in his life was falling apart, it was actually coming together. He is now a devoted servant of Yeshua and the president of the Christian motorcycle club, Deacons MC, which focuses on spreading the gospel and community service. Jacob and Omar also discuss their shared mission in ministry and the importance of trusting God's plans. The conversation concludes with a heartfelt prayer and Jacob offering his contact information for those seeking connection. The episode is a testament to the transformative power of faith, encouraging viewers to never give up on themselves or God.

https://www.facebook.com/jacob.ekelman

https://www.facebook.com/groups/800280470922959

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In this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, guest Pastor Frank Robles joins from Phoenix, Arizona, to share his journey from the gang-infested streets of South Phoenix to founding a successful men's discipleship program. Pastor Robles discusses his upbringing in a tough neighborhood, his early church involvement, and his descent into drugs and gang life following a disappointing church experience and divorce. He recounts finding faith again, entering ministry, and eventually serving at 'City of Refuge,' a program aiding men recovering from addiction and incarceration. Through various success stories, Pastor Robles highlights the transformative power of faith, hope, and resilience in overcoming life's darkest moments.

https://www.facebook.com/Cityofrefuge8/

https://www.instagram.com/cityofrefugeaz

https://www.revolutionaz.com/

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This interview chronicles the life of Maurice 'Kojak' Fuller, a former high school basketball star from Anderson, Indiana. Kojak opens up about his upbringing in a close-knit community and the challenges of growing up without a stable father figure, which led him to seek solace in basketball. Despite his talent, he veered into a life of drugs and crime, resulting in imprisonment. During his time in prison, Kojak experienced a profound spiritual awakening that redirected his life towards faith and service. He established Money Ministries, dedicating himself to helping youth and ex-offenders overcome their challenges. His story is a powerful testament to resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of faith. Julio Mercado joins us as the guest-host for this impacting podcast interview.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kojak-fuller-71130517b/

https://www.facebook.com/moneyministries/

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In an insightful interview Jeff Zaugg, founder of the "Dad Awesome" podcast, discusses the importance of intentional fatherhood and his mission to inspire fathers to lead their families with intentionality and joy. Drawing from over 329 interviews and his own upbringing, Jeff shares practical advice on balancing family life and pursuing new experiences. Jeff shares his journey, including creating resources for dads, his own experience raising four daughters, and the importance of loving one's spouse as a key to good parenting. The conversation also covers the impact of Jeff's father on his life, principles like integrity, commitment to family, faith and surrounding oneself with positive, prayerful influences. He highlight's the transformative role of being a son of God in fatherhood. The conversation underscores the profound impact of a loving environment and encourages fathers to seek out resources for inspiration and guidance.

https://www.dadawesome.org/

www.youtube.com/@DadAwesome

https://www.instagram.com/dadawesome

https://f4f.bike/

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Erik Saldaña recounts his upbringing in Chicago, his parents' separation, and the positive influences that steered him away from gangs. Initially focused on sports, Erik later pursued a career in law enforcement and joined the Chicago Police Department. Encountering many challenges along the way, Erik turned to faith and began understanding Christian practices and the empathetic role required in law enforcement. His faith deepened as he engaged more with the Bible and sought mentorship, leading him to a pivotal role in his church's men's ministry. Despite initial hesitation, Erik embraced leadership, contributing to the ministry's growth by focusing on structure, discipline, and mentorship.
His story highlights the importance of obedience to God's call, the impact of spiritual support, and the essential role of men in family and community.

https://www.culturecitychurch.org/

"Men of Armor" - Men's Ministry page:
https://www.facebook.com/share/VseGVjj8rZ38gTvx/?mibextid=qi2Omg

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From the city of Chicago, a city most recently known for its crime and violence. On this podcast we will be sharing stories of redemption from individuals raised in the tough streets of Chicago and from around the country. Some of them were gang members, drug dealers, incarcerated; victims of and perpetrators of violence. Listen to my guests as they share their experiences, struggles, trauma, but also the strength, hope, faith and perseverance these have developed in them to keep pushing and moving forward in life. Tune in to hear how their lives have gone from darkness to light and from wrong to strong. Matthew 4 :16 reads "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned."
I will be your host, My name is Omar Calvillo and I am Wrong To Strong.

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On this podcast interview I am joined by Harry Peña, founder of "Life Impacters Foundation. (LIF)" He is also a partner of the Illinois Coalition to End Permanent Punishments. It was created as an organizing and campaign hub for people directly impacted by the criminal legal system to come together, build a movement, and lead and implement advocacy campaigns to end the impact of a criminal record following people long after incarceration. Harry spent 22 and a half years in prison.

He shares stories about his childhood that are truly heart wrenching. Here is a statement that he makes, that pretty much summarizes it all, "But being raised up in a house of violence, when the scripture says you train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he gets older, he'll never depart from it. Well, there are two spectrums to that. If you train a child to be a killer, he's going to be a killer."
On one occasion as a child, he witnesses his father violently beating on his mother and in that moment he picks up a kitchen knife and stabs his own father three times. This he recalls, was my first act of violence. This is just a sample of the various forms of abuse, torment and trauma that he will go on to experience which will create in him a hate for mankind in general.

This story delves into the transformative journey of overcoming traumatic pasts, gang life, and incarceration by finding redemption through faith, personal reflection, and dedication to advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of overcoming struggles, seeking justice, and supporting others in similar situations, ultimately working towards a brighter future free from permanent punishment and systemic barriers.

https://www.lifeimpactersfoundation.org/

https://endpermanentpunishments.org/

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On April 26th, 2024 JC Almanza & I stepped foot back into East Moline Correctional Center here in Illinois. We met there back in 1999, twenty five years earlier as young men steeped deep into darkness with criminal mindsets. Listen to this podcast as I share all the events that lined up and led to us having this opportunity to go back and share our stories of redemption with the inmates there. You can clearly see God's hand each step of the way. I also share a couple of poems that I wrote way back in 1998-99, while incarcerated. Through them I express the darkness & demonic presence that I felt all around me back in those days. Take this journey with us back into prison: Into the "Home of the Forgotten Souls."

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