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. 

Patina Ripkey and Lanie James, two pastor's kids who are now in full-time ministry in the local church, share their thoughts on "church hurt." When the church is working, it is a joyful gathering that brings healing and restoration to so many people's lives. However, although the church was designed by God to be an incredible place of worship and spiritual transformation, sometimes it falls short, and people leave feeling hurt and confused. Is there healing after church hurt?

Suzanne spent about twenty years heavily immersed in the occult. She was a successful medium, wiccan, reiki healer, and tarot card reader. She helped build covens all over the country and organized major festivals in an attempt to make paganism an acceptable practice. However, her involvement in paganism and the occult left her empty. Then, on a rainy night, as she considered how mad she was at God, her van filled with the light of God's presence and she turned her life over to Jesus. She is now writing a book, "Broomstick to the Cross," documenting her experience.

Marci had an accident while on a family vacation. She thought her recovery would only take a few weeks. Instead, it took 6 months before she would be able to walk again. As a very independent wife, mother, and business professional, she found herself bedridden and then confined to a wheelchair, unable to care for herself. In those moments she learned the blessing of depending upon others for her care, and turning her mind to the Lord for daily strength.

Megan grew up in a suburban, middle-class, two-parent household. On the outside, Megan appeared to be normal and well-adjusted, but on the inside, Megan was broken. Upon entering high school Megan began experimenting with drinking and drugs. Her addiction eventually landed her in Orlando, under the control of a pimp, where she was trafficked for five years. However, her story does not end there. She encountered Jesus, and after struggling with her brokenness and addiction, she is now on staff at One Purse, an organization that serves those coming out of human trafficking.

Doug grew up in a small rural community in central Ohio on his family's 500-acre farm. In high school, he was popular and succeeded in just about everything he did. He graduated high school in 1983, then about a year later in December of 1984, he had a tragic accident that changed the direction of his well-planned future. His journey to a relationship with Jesus took some unexpected turns but eventually he found himself in a small church at the invitation of a co-worker. His passion for his family and faith in God is inspiring.

What once seemed like a perfect life in an amazing community, suddenly turned into the darkest season Joanna would ever endure. In her mid-forties, as a single parent, she discovered that all three of her children were going through major personal struggles. She also found out her boyfriend of 4-1/2 years was a drug-addict. After leaving him, he stalked her, destroyed her vehicle, and installed tracking devices on her truck. Through it all, Joanna gained strength from her relationship with Jesus. 

Dionne (Dee) Coleman is the Executive Director of Samaritan Village in Orlando Florida. Samaritan Village is one of the only long-term residential programs for survivors of sex-trafficking in Central Florida. Although Dee is not a survivor of sex trafficking, she believes her personal experiences have helped her develop the empathy needed for the women she serves.