#12minconvos with Jesus Believers

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.

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/

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 .

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.

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."

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

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 [email protected]

Website: http://www.backtojesuschurches.org

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/

Dr. J. Richard Middleton is Professor Emeritus of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis at Northeastern Seminary and Roberts Wesleyan University, in Rochester, NY.

He holds a PhD from the Free University, Amsterdam (in a joint-degree program with the Institute for Christian Studies, Toronto); an MA in Philosophy from the University of Guelph, Canada; and a BTh from the Jamaica Theological Seminary, Kingston, Jamaica.

A native of Jamaica, he immigrated to Canada for graduate studies and moved to the USA for a teaching position at Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He is past president of the Canadian Society of Biblical Studies (2019–2021) and past president of the Canadian-American Theological Association (2011–2014). He is currently a Fellow of Every Voice for Kingdom Diversity and a Scholar with Global Scholars Canada.

Middleton’s research area is Old Testament theology with a focus on creation, suffering, and the ethics of power. His vision is to help Christians and interested others gain insight into the empowering worldview of the Scriptures.

Dr. Middleton is the author of Abraham’s Silence: The Binding of Isaac, the Suffering of Job, and How to Talk Back to God (Baker Academic, 2021); A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology (Baker Academic, 2014); and The Liberating Image: The Imago Dei in Genesis 1 (Brazos, 2005).

He co-authored (with Brian Walsh) The Transforming Vision: Shaping a Christian World View (IVP Academic, 1984) and Truth is Stranger than It Used to Be: Biblical Faith in a Postmodern Age (IVP Academic, 1995).

He is currently working on two new books, one (with Eerdmans) on the power dynamics between prophet and king in 1 Samuel and the other (with Baker Academic) on the biblical worldview for our troubled times.

Middleton has co-edited (with Garnett Roper) A Kairos Moment for Caribbean Theology: Ecumenical Voices in Dialogue (Pickwick, 2013) and (with Douglas Cullum) Orthodoxy and Orthopraxis: Essays in Tribute to Paul Livermore (Pickwick, 2020).

He has published articles and book chapters on the doctrine of creation; lament prayer and the problem of suffering; the dynamics of human and divine power in the books of Genesis, Samuel, and Job; and the relationship of biblical faith to contemporary science. His books have been published in Korean, French, Indonesian, Spanish, and Portuguese.

Richard is married to Marcia, his teenage sweetheart (they met at church in Jamaica); because of their mixed cultural heritage, they regard themselves as “Jamericadians.” They have two sons, Andrew (who lives and works in Abu Dhabi as a sales representative for a tech company) and Kevin (a physician assistant in western New York state).

For more details, see Middleton’s bio on the Global Scholars Canada website: https://www.globalscholarscanada.ca/gsc-scholars/richard-middleton/

Pastor Joey Bruce Miralo is the Senior Pastor of Amazing Church Philippines, a growing ministry with churches in Pasig, Rizal, and Cagayan. With over 35 years in ministry, Pastor Joey began his spiritual journey at the age of 17 after a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ during a near-drowning experience. That moment led him to dedicate his life fully to serving God and sharing the message of salvation.

Raised in a humble family as the youngest of nine siblings, Pastor Joey experienced significant personal transformation through his faith. His testimony has inspired many within his family and community to pursue a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Pastor Joey began pastoring at the age of 18 while studying in seminary, where he was assigned to lead an established church in a rural province. This early ministry experience helped shape his leadership, perseverance, and commitment to serving others despite challenges.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Pastor Joey and his wife are deeply involved in outreach to vulnerable youth. Through a faith-based shelter ministry, they provide care, food, clothing, education support, and spiritual guidance to young people who have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness, addiction, and difficult life circumstances. Their mission is to offer these youth not only practical assistance but also a loving spiritual family and renewed hope for the future.

Pastor Joey and his wife have three children. His passion is to see lives transformed by the power of God, churches planted, and communities impacted through faith, compassion, and service. He continues to devote his life to helping people encounter Jesus Christ and live with purpose and hope.

faithcentermanilaph.org