Deeper Still

Suanne interviews Ines Franklin, author of Unchartered: Navigating Your Unique Journey of Faith. Ines shares open and honestly about the twists and turns in her own faith journey, from being raised by a single mom in Puerto Rico to getting divorced to having an affair -- and then having everything change when God crashed into her life at age 40 and redeemed it all. Ines reminds us that we shouldn't be surprised when we fail or obstacles come our way. It's all part of our unique faith journey, and God's grace is always big enough. Ines is a teaching pastor at Mariners Church in Seattle. Follow her @inesfanklin

Suanne talks to Terra Vincent, Director of Strategic Partnership at World Relief, about the worldwide refugee crisis. Terra breaks down misconceptions many Americans hold about refugees, gives us a window into what they wish we knew about them, and shares stories of how World Relief is making a difference. Learn more about World Relief and how you can make a difference at worldrelief.org

Suanne interviews Dr. Nijay Gupta, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, about his new book Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught and Ministered in the Early Church. Visit Nijay's blog cruxsolablog.com and follow him on Insta @nijay.gupta and Twitter NijayKGupta

This week Suanne interviews bi-vocational pastors of the Light Church, Terrance & Keisha Campbell. Terrance & Keisha share how The Light Church grew out of their daughter's heart to serve the homeless, how their unique calling as bi-vocational pastors has given them a different perspective on what it means to steward their influence, and how taking the next faithful step is often the best and only thing we can do as followers of Christ. The Light Church is located in Oak Park, IL.

Suanne interviews writer, speaker and marriage coach Dorothy Little Greco, author of Marriage in the Middle: Embracing Midlife Surprises, Challenges and Joys, about navigating the unique challenges couples face during midlife including deciphering disappointment and unmet expectations, learning how to say what you need, caring for aging parents and extending lots of grace. While the conversation tips towards midlife marriage, Dorothy's wisdom and encouragement transcends relationships no matter where couples find themselves on the journey. 

Suanne interviews Liz Heinzel-Nelson, the Executive Director of Villages in Partnership (VIP), and her husband, Stephen, as they share the story of how VIP came to be and the good work God is doing as they seek to eradicate extreme poverty in Malawi, Africa. Villages in Partnership is a development organization that works in the rural villages of Sakata, Malawi, partnering with 29 villages and impacting over 21,000 lives. VIP has been in existence for over a decade and has supporters throughout the 50 states and the United Kingdom. Learn more at https://villagesinpartnership.org 

Ever wonder where Ash Wednesday comes from? The traditions and biblical framework surrounding Lent? Wonder why some churches practice Lent while others don't? Need some motivation and practical tips on how to practice Lent this year? Listen in as Pastor of Spiritual Formation Eric Haskins quizzes Suanne on all things Ash Wednesday & Lent, and provides some inspiring and practical guidance along the way. Eric will be preaching at the Christ Church Ash Wednesday service Wed, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m. on the Oak Brook campus.

Suanne interviews Mindy Caliguire, Founder and President of Soul Care, an organization dedicated to aligning the spiritual reality of caring for our souls with how we actually live. Everything in life emerges from the soul: work, relationships, service, art, leadership, health, and beyond. Caring for it as a way to experience the abiding presence of Jesus is not a luxury; it's essential to our life with God. Listen in as Mindy shares her own journey of soul neglect to soul health, explains the biblical framework for the soul and some practical tips (a page, a person, a plan!) for caring for the soul in the midst of your everyday, hectic and ordinary life. Learn more about Soul Care at www.soulcare.com

Note: We apologize in advance for some audio challenges in this episode.

Suanne talks to Christ Church pastors Tara Beth Leach and Charlie Browning about what it looks like this Advent season to be a people who cling to hope in the midst of a broken world and learn to rejoice in the midst of all things.

Suanne interviews author, speaker and podcast host Elisa Morgan about her new book Christmas Changes Everything: How the Birth of Jesus Brings Hope to the World. This conversation is a powerful reminder that God enters our stories, just like he did for Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, Anna and so many others in the Christmas story---and meets our deepest needs.