Alive! with Pastor Patina Ripkey

How does someone leave their lifelong dream of becoming an attorney, to respond to God’s call to become a Pastor?  Well, it doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen without a wrestling match with God. Jay finally relinquished control of his dreams to the Lord and found himself in some unexpected places along the way.  His journey has included many ups and downs, but he has a clear sense of purpose. Loving Jesus and following Jesus is more important than anything else in his life. 

Jessica had a beautiful life: two wonderful children, a loving husband, a great job, and many friends and family. But in 2022 she was faced with a cancer diagnosis that rocked her world. Instead of allowing her circumstances to cause bitterness and anger, she will tell you that her suffering brought her closer to Jesus. She frequently says, “I can do hard things. I have God on my side” and she has certainly proven that to be true.

This interview is part 2 of the interview with Tony Loefflin. Chip currently serves as the Sr. VP of International Solid Rock. He is passionate about evangelism and sharing the hope of Christ with those who have been incarcerated. As part of this ministry, he also disciples prisoners through the Church Behind Bars, teaching them how to be a fully functioning church inside the prison walls.

Tony Loeffler grew up in a broken home with a lot of anger toward his absentee father. As a result of his pain he became addicted to drugs and was diagnosed with schizophrenia. He got involved in witchcraft, and read tarot cards for several months before he became homeless and eventually gave up on life. But on a very cold night in Chicago he had a miraculous encounter with Jesus and his life was never the same again. From that point forward he committed his life to serving Jesus and has ministered in some of the most dangerous prisons in the world.

Does God approve of women who take on leadership roles in the church? Are women who lead in the church going against the will of God? Carolyn answers these questions about women with eloquence and grace. She also shares her insights into the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God.

Assel was born into a family of very talented musicians and began playing piano and organ in church at a very young age. He was hired as a church musician when he was a teenager. In this interview, Assel talks openly about the ups and downs of his faith journey. He also  answers some very challenging questions. How do we trust God enough to walk by faith? How can one trust God for a marriage partner? You might be surprised by his answers. You will definitely be inspired.

Brady Duke has always been known as someone who excels at whatever he does. His ability to think under pressure and to not allow pain to hinder progress has enabled him to excel as an athlete, a student, and as a Navy Seal. After marriage he went to church faithfully and led small groups and Bible studies with his wife. On the surface everything looked perfect, but there was something he was hiding from everyone…a pornography addiction. But he found freedom and total healing in Christ!

Mary Jane (MJ) grew up in a home where both parents were alcoholics. She did not hear the words “I love you” from her mother until she was an adult with children and never heard those words from her father. She spent her life in search of love, and finally found what she was looking for in Jesus. Now MJ says, “Jesus is everything.” 

Our culture is sexually saturated with porn. It’s easily available and accessible to everyone and can be viewed anonymously. It has become an epidemic and is having a very negative affect on relationships and families. Today we have an honest conversation with Bruce Bailey who is the Director of SAFE in the Pandhandle and Pastor Brian James, who is Senior Pastor at First Church Oviedo, about the effects of pornography.

Have you ever wanted more out of life, but weren’t sure where to turn? As a young child, Patti had a miraculous encounter with God. She spent much of her life trying to discover the nature of this God, who had been so kind to her. With little spiritual direction, she ended up researching many different religions and dabbling in New Age activities, until she finally found an incredible church that taught her the Bible. Eventually she answered the call to become a Pastor and while in seminary, all the dots of her life finally connected.