Today is Earth Day.

Every year on April 22nd, people across the country recognize and celebrate Earth Day, one of the largest environmental events in the world. 

The goal is not only to promote Earth Day just once a year but to connect people to nature every day. 

A Rocha is an international Christian organization which, inspired by God’s love, engages in scientific research, environmental education, community-based conservation projects and sustainable agriculture.

Today on Connections, Scott Gerbrandt, A Rocha Manitoba director and Zoe Matties, A Rocha Manitoba program director share the importance of Earth Day and how we as Christians can start caring for the world around us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newest group from Elevation Worship Records, Elevation Rhythm,  just released their new debut LP titled Growing Pains.

While the group has previously released a handful of singles, such as “QUIET” and “NEVER WALK AWAY,” Growing Pains is a cohesive introduction of the group to the world. 

The 12-song project was created for a generation searching for purpose, identity and acceptance.  

Today on Connections, a couple of members from the Elevation Rhythm team will share a little bit about this new album and the meaning behind it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, others have asked Gail Song Bantum and Brian Bantum to reveal the secret to their marriage as a multiracial Christian couple with high-profile ministry callings.

They're doing that in their new book, Choosing Us: Marriage and Mutual Flourishing in a World of Difference.

This book reveals the lessons, mistakes, and principles that have helped the Bantums navigate race, family history, and gender dynamics in their twenty-plus years of marriage, while inspiring readers to pursue mutual flourishing in their
marriages and relationships.

Today on Connections, Brian shares the secrets that helped them make it through their marriage. He'll also chat about the book and why they decided to write it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alicia Dougherty and her husband, Josh, experienced nine years of infertility and losses.

This led them to foster care and adoption from foster care. Eventually, it spiralled into 10 children joining their family in just eight years.

Six of their children are adopted from foster care, and four are their biological children. They call themselves the Dougherty Dozen.

Today on Connections, Alicia shares what a day is like in their household and why they decided to share their lives online. She'll also share the role that faith has played through their journey.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joshua Broome was one of the most successful adult film stars in the world. He spent six years in the industry. He obtained fame and wealth and travelled the world, all to find out that none of those would fill the emptiness in his heart.

He eventually moved on, overcoming depression as well as the shame that comes with doing thousands of pornographic films. Today he is a pastor sharing the gospel with people around the world.

Today on Connections, Joshua shares how he went from porn star to pastor.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first thing you will notice when you meet Kechi Okwuchi is her scars. One of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than one hundred people, sixteen-year-old Kechi was left with third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up with how we look on the outside to remember that our true value is within.

Today on Connections, Kechi shares her story with us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

First responders often go unrecognized for the heroic duties they offer to communities. They work long, gruelling hours, receive modest pay and sometimes are placed in unforeseen danger. Their jobs can take a physical or emotional toll on their lives and their loved ones also.

Adam Davis, a former police officer, understands the sacrifice and
the commitment of a first responder. He has made it his mission to
strengthen and restore the well-being of other first responders through
 his continued service to others in his ministry, speaking and books. 

Today on Connections, Adam shares his testimony. He also shares why it's important to have resources available for first responders.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recognizing that a large amount of Millennials, Gen Z’s and younger are disconnected from a growing Christian faith, Dr. Robert Petterson has founded a new ministry to help grandparents of faith, most of whom are not technology savvy, reach their digital native grandchildren with the Gospel message and biblical values.

Legacy Imperative seeks to mobilize and equip grandparents and other followers of Christ with the tools to pass their faith on to the next generations in a way that is relevant and meaningful to them.

Today on Connections, Dr. Petterson shares where the idea came from and what role grandparents play in passing their faith on to the next generation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Churches aren’t immune to the Great Resignation, and that’s an important conversation to have. A surprising number of pastors have either quit or seriously considered it. 

Douglas Brouwer spent 40 years as a Presbyterian pastor. He shares his moments of disillusionment, doubts and, ultimately, an acceptance of grace with unexpected candour in his new book, Chasing After Wind: A Pastor’s Life.

Today on Connections, Douglas takes us on a journey through his 40-year career in ministry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As parents, we either raise kids who are dependent on us or we raise kids who grow into confident and capable adults. It all comes down to helping them develop their mindsets, skillsets, and toolsets.

Jonathan and Erica Catherman share practical ways to prepare your kids for life on their own. They help you see how your kids view everyday demands of life as either threats to survive or challenges to thrive, then offer age and ability appropriate guidance on the real-world skills kids ages 2 to 22 need before flying solo.

Today on Connections, the Cathermans share how we can start preparing our kids now, so they're independent when it's time for them to launch.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.