Darren Woods is a community leader, an entrepreneur, and a Christian businessman. He also serves in his local church as a deacon. Darren is committed to family, marriage, and men’s ministry and brings years of experience and wisdom to conversations about ethics, morality, discipleship, forgiveness, humility, and a variety of other topics. Darren is a graduate of University of Edinburgh Business School, in Scotland and is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pro-Vets Group and President of Black Venture Fund, Inc. Black Venture Fund is a non-profit, business-education organization providing technical assistance, consulting, execution services, help with business plans, and networking opportunities to Black business owners in Central Florida.

Tina is on the front lines of the battle against human trafficking. She is a public speaker, a writer, an entrepreneur, and a self-described “warrior” who uses her personal story to educate others. She serves Jesus by getting down into the trenches with the most vulnerable and the most abused, and helping them experience spiritual, emotional, and physical freedom through the grace and love of Jesus Christ. She serves the greater Orlando community, and owns and operates the PALATE COFFEE BREWERY, which is a mission-based coffee shop located in Historic Downtown Sanford, Florida. All profits are dedicated to the abolishment of modern-day slavery. She is also the Co-Founder of LOVE MISSIONS, which uses projects to fight the injustice of human trafficking.

Merrie and her husband, Igor, are Co-Founders of Harbour Hope International located in Orlando, Florida. Harbour Hope International is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking by providing mentoring relationships to survivors of sex trafficking on their journey toward self-sustainability. Merrie has an exciting walk of faith that will inspire all who hear her story. She is a graduate of Oral Roberts University and before founding Harbour Hope, she ministered in the inner city of Los Angeles, served as a missionary in Russia, and worked as a full-time staff member in local churches.

Samuel Perez was on a quest for love, fulfillment, and purpose. Instead, he found himself completely broken and alone. In a moment of desperation, he considered suicide, but Jesus met him in his mess and radically changed him. Samuel openly shares his personal testimony of his life as a gay stripper, in hopes that others will be encouraged and follow Jesus as he has done. He is passionate about reading and teaching the Bible and currently ministers online as a Christian Influencer. His personal testimony is captivating, raw, and powerful.

After surviving years of childhood sexual abuse from her grandfather, Jeanne Icenhour still believes that God is good. In her late thirties, after she was married and had two children, she was stopped in her tracks by suppressed memories that came to the surface unexpectedly. Through her relationship with Jesus, friends and family, and professional therapy, Jeanne was healed of her childhood trauma. Jeanne’s story is compelling and gives hope to those who have suffered abuse. She now serves as a Pastor in the United Methodist Church.

Ada Madison was a successful business owner in the prime of her life when she met her knight in shining armor. They were married and seemed to have the perfect life. However, after two years of marriage she found out that her husband had secretly stolen all her money and everything she owned. She found herself homeless with only $20 left to her name, literally running for her life. But it was during this time that she encountered Jesus and after two years of homelessness, Ada was able to put her life back together. Now Ada is back to running her business, writing books, and selling her art, but she is also sharing Jesus’ love with everyone she meets!

Hello My name is Patina Ripkey and I am a Local Pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo in Oviedo Florida. This podcast is dedicated to sharing life Changing Testimonies with Pastor Patina Ripkey and special guests.

If you think human trafficking is something that happens only to those who come from broken families or who live in other countries, think again. Shelby Easterling was raised in a Christian home in a very tightknit family. However, at 18 yrs. old she moved away from home and was seduced into the life of human trafficking by her boyfriend. Shelby openly shares her story of drinking, drugs, dancing, and eventually human trafficking. Patti Garrett, Shelby’s mother, also shares the perspective of a broken-hearted mother. Her wisdom shines through in personal insights and lessons learned.