Isn't it nice to be pleasantly surprised? 

Ashley Baines McNeese is an author, mother, and  professor at a college in Texas where she engages daily with "Gen Z" in her creative writing classes. Though she approached this position with some fear due to the negative things she'd heard about the young people she would encounter, she shares in this episode that she has been pleasantly surprised and encouraged by what she has learned from them. 

Researchers and pundits are finding that it's not all "gloom and doom" on our U.S. college campuses. Many of this age group are seeking truth, authenticity, and intellectual honesty. Ashley shares her experiences and tips for all  believers as they interact with younger friends in an effort to share the gospel and make disciples. 

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"You can't fight a spiritual war with physical weapons." 

In this episode, Ruth talks about the defensive and offensive weapons God has provided for us to engage in spiritual warfare. You will find this podcast to shed fresh light on "this present darkness" that we are living in. 

"Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world." 

Please also check out this recent Bible study on Treasure magazine written by former missionary to Panama Judy Lytle: https://www.wnac.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/September-Study.pdf entitled, "Faith, Fear, and Superstition" 

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Diana Bryant knows a few things about change. During her many years as women's ministry leader, pastor's wife, mom, grandma, and employee, she has experiences all kinds of changes -- some good and some not so welcome. Sit in on this conversation between Ruth McDonald and Diana as they talk about things we need to trust God during the good, bad, and ugly of life's transitions. 

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Participating in a short term missions trip can change your life! In this episode, pastor's wife and long-time leader in Women's Ministries Amy Johnson shares the many ways God has enriched her life through going on multiple missions trips. 

If you are interested in knowing more, here are some resources for you: 

https://thehannahproject.org

https://iminc.org/go/

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Who knows you better than anyone else on earth? Does that person know absolutely everything about you? Would you want them to? 

The Bible teaches us that we don't actually even know everything about ourselves... but God does. We may fear disclosing our deepest secrets to others because we feel they will reject us. But God, who knows us better than we know ourselves, has promised that He will "never leave us nor forsake us." 

Resources cited in this episode:

"Telling Yourself the Truth" by William Backus and Marie Chapian

Psalm 139:1-12; Isaiah 44:1-2; I Samuel 12:19-22

"If You Look," a song written by Jeff Hamlin and performed by Glad. https://genius.com/Glad-if-you-look-lyrics

Psalm 139:23-24

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In this episode, Cookie Vasquez of Bakersfield, California shares her survival story. Saved from addiction, a survivor of Covid, and a great storyteller, Cookie has a story to tell! Join her and host Ruth McDonald as they chat about Cookie's varied experiences and a fun Covid-induced hallucination. 

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Kristen Crabtree is a pastor's wife and palliative care nurse who shares her experiences and insights into how we as Christians can care for people "from the cradle to the grave." Sooner or later, we all walk through "the valley of the shadow of death" with our loved ones, and Kristen gives wonderful and -- yes, encouraging! -- advice to help us with this most certain of human experiences. 

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Note: This episode contains material that is not appropriate for children and young listeners.

Village of Hope provides hope, healing and practical help of every kind for children who has been traumatized by war. Child soldiers, children of rape, orphans, and abandoned children by the thousands have been transformed by the love of Christ expressed through the Body of Christ. 

If you would like to support this amazing ministry, please follow this link to give and to pray:

https://villageofhopeuganda.com

In addition to highlighting Village of Hope, Ruth and Cindy talk about trauma, particularly childhood trauma, and the hope that is available through Christ. Both recount how the Lord has healed and helped them throughout their walk with Him. 

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You're not going to want to miss this episode! In this oh so very important message, Ruth McDonald shares about the unfailing, unconditional, and totally undeserved love that God has for you. If you struggle with believing -- truly believing -- that God is delighted with you, you need this message. 

The amazing thing about His grace is that it's 0% about what we do and 100% about who He is! 

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In this episode, Ruth McDonald sits down with veteran missionary to Spain Lea Edgmon to discuss a very important topic: how to you hang in there for the long haul? Between the two, Ruth and Lea have over 60 years of experience as overseas missionaries and church planters. Listen in as they share tips and advice on how to hang in there... even when you don't feel like it!

Lea shares about some difficulties she has faced during her years overseas including the loss of her unborn triplets and other losses and trials. She gives testimony to the beauty of teammates who loved and supported her through tough times and cited the Scriptural basis for all the "one anothers." She urges us to encourage others by our actions, prayers, and words. 

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