Courageous Crossroads

Send us Fan Mail

Gemma Longfellow, a dynamic and visionary leader, currently serves as the Managing Partner for People & Culture at a leading global marketing agency specializing in sports and gaming. With her extensive experience and unwavering commitment to fostering excellence, Gemma has become a prominent figure in the creative industries. Her passion for leadership and organizational development has not only shaped the success of her team but also left a lasting impact on the agency's culture.

Located in Manchester, UK, Gemma balances her professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life. She resides with her husband and their two school-age boys, creating a nurturing home environment where values of creativity, innovation, and sportsmanship are deeply instilled. Gemma's unique blend of professional acumen and personal dedication makes her a role model in both her professional and local communities. Her leadership style, marked by empathy and strategic thinking, continues to drive the agency's growth and its people towards new heights of creativity and efficiency.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Dan Kerr is a native of Fredericksburg, Iowa, and has spent
over 30 years in Des Moines with his wife of 34 years. A
proud father and grandfather, Dan is also a seasoned
professional in the banking industry, specializing in
financing for medical professionals. His journey, however, is
marked by a deep commitment to faith and recovery. After
battling alcoholism for 40 years and facing the devastating
loss of his son, Dan made the courageous decision to
embrace sobriety. Now over four years sober, Dan is
passionate about giving back, helping others, and living a life
of service. His story is one of resilience, faith, and finding
joy in both family and recovery.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Doug Ecklund is the longtime CEO of Cellular Advantage, a company that he
and his wife Mitzi have grown from a single mall kiosk into one of the top US
Cellular Authorized Agents in the country with over $28 million in revenue and
more than 100 team members. Doug invests his time supporting the culture that
has been built to enrich the quality of life of those in and around the business.
He has been a member of the Young President Organization since 2004 and was
a founding member of the Iowa chapter of the Entrepreneurs Organization in
2000. He enjoys being outside with his family, whether it is walking the dogs in
the timber or with a golf bag on his back. Doug and Mitzi enjoy serving as adult
leaders for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade boys and girls at their church.
They have two children and live in the Des Moines area.

For more information about Cellular Advantage, go to www.celladvantage.com.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Brandon McNace is the founder and leader of Exodus 51, a groundbreaking nonprofit dedicated to freeing modern-day slaves in Pakistan. What began as a simple step of faith has grown into a life-changing mission that has already liberated thousands from bondage. Brandon's passion for justice and his unwavering commitment to God's calling have driven him to create an organization that not only frees individuals but also provides them with the resources and community support needed to rebuild their lives. His story of courage and faith continues to inspire many to take action in their own lives.

To support Exodus 51 and help free more lives from slavery,
visit https://www.exodus51.org/

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Levi Simon is a dedicated and courageous young man who made a life-changing decision to move from England to Israel eight years ago, driven by a profound Zionist dream. At 28 years old, Levi has served in the Israeli Defense Forces, participating in special forces units and experiencing the realities of combat. He currently works as a tour guide in Jerusalem, where he passionately shares the rich history and spiritual significance of the land with visitors from around the world. Known for his resilience, deep faith, and ability to balance vulnerability with strength, Levi is committed to building a meaningful future in Israel, aspiring to contribute to the community through farming and creating a home grounded in tradition and purpose.

You can connect with Levi at https://www.instagram.com/tourisraelwithlevi?
igsh=OWJtNm5oYmVqcG96 and www.levisimon.com

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Rachel Vontobel-Newman is a dynamic individual with a rich multicultural background, hailing from Zurich and having lived in various countries across Asia and Europe. A seasoned finance professional, Rachel transitioned from a high-paced career in investment banking to embrace a life rooted in faith and family. She resides in London with her Canadian husband, Andrew, and their two children. Rachel is passionate about Christian apologetics, which she has studied extensively. Known for her courage and obedience to God's calling, Rachel is also an aspiring author, working on a young adult novel that integrates apologetic themes. Her journey of faith and resilience inspires many as she continues to navigate life's challenges with unwavering reliance on God.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Ralph Jones is a third-generation leader in the textile industry, heading a family business founded in 1936. With a deep-rooted passion for nonwoven textiles, Ralph has successfully navigated his company through significant industry shifts, expanding operations across the eastern United States. A devoted family man, Ralph has been married for 34 years and is a proud father of thre and grandfather of three. His children and grandchildren live in Nashville and Dallas, with his
son recently joining the family business. An avid hunter, Ralph enjoys bird hunting and spending time in nature, appreciating God's creation. His journey of courage and trust, especially during challenging times for his company, exemplifies his faith and determination. Ralph believes in the power of facing life's brutal realities head-on, a principle he attributes to his strong faith, and personal and professional resilience.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Nicola Maytum is an accomplished educator with a passion for transforming educational practices and fostering inclusive learning environments. Nicola brings a unique perspective to her role in education. Her journey began in the classrooms of the UK, where she honed her teaching skills and developed a deep commitment to addressing challenges in diverse school settings.

Over the years, Nicola has emerged as a leader in educational innovation, particularly noted for her work in improving learning outcomes in underperforming schools. Her approach emphasizes collaboration, resilience, and empowering both students and educators to reach their full potential. Nicola's career trajectory reflects her dedication to leveraging education as a tool for 
improving the lives of others, advocating for inclusive practices, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement.

Currently engaged in international school development, Nicola continues to inspire others through her insightful perspectives and unwavering commitment to educational excellence. Her journey underscores the transformative power of education in shaping brighter futures and fostering sustainable development in communities worldwide.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Bill Thrall, co-founder of Trueface in 1995, is renowned for his contributions to
books like The Cure and The Ascent of a Leader. His expertise extends to helping
leaders build trust and create grace-based environments, benefitting CEOs and
heads of various organizations. Before Trueface, he led Open Door Fellowship for
over two decades, where he developed a character training program influencing
leaders like Kit Danley. In his leisure time, Bill enjoys fishing, golfing,
woodworking, and gardening. He and his wife, Grace, have three children and nine
grandchildren. You can contact Bill at [email protected], and learn more about his
ministry at www.trueface.org.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Send us Fan Mail

Brandon, an international evangelist, is deeply committed to his mission of
liberating individuals and guiding them to fulfill their true potential. His
ministry, which can be explored further at www.exodus51.org, is a testament
to his dedication to this cause. Brandon's approach is inclusive and dynamic,
effectively engaging audiences of any size and demographic, from quaint
rural congregations to expansive, multi-site churches. His central message is
unwavering: the focus is, and always will be, on Jesus.

In his personal life, Brandon is happily married to Erin, his soulmate, and
together they are proud parents of three wonderful sons. Beyond his
evangelistic endeavors, Brandon enjoys spending quality time with his
family, playfully affirming his role as the 'toughest guy in the house' to his
boys. This balance of profound spiritual leadership and devoted family life
embodies the essence of Brandon's character and mission.

Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others.

Let's stay in touch:

• Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics
• Email us at [email protected]
• Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org

See you in the next episode! Be blessed!