God In The Ordinary

Do people with chronic illness get a pass when it comes to sharing the good news of Jesus? In this edition we meet Zack and Farrel DeBaltzo, who are winning their battle against Cystic Fibrosis without missing a beat when it comes to revealing God in their everyday lives. As a married couple who both have Cystic Fibrosis (more commonly known as ‘CF’) they've experienced extreme levels of the disease and been hospitalised multiple times, sometimes even reaching crisis levels. But they've never let CF stop them from allowing God to use them right where they were. Farrel and Zack share how they've shared the truth of Jesus through casseroles, taxi driving, large medical conferences, and even at truck stops in the middle of Texas! We learn how God has allowed Zack to use exercise as part of his healing journey and how and why he shares his home gym with others; and Farrel talks about how she's seen God using her through her knowledge of specific foods that are helpful to people with Cystic Fibrosis. This couple will bring you a healthy measure of inspiration as they help you to see how to share what you have with those who need to know the joy and hope found in Jesus.

Presented by Sharon Tedford. Produced by Gary Dell. Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Have you wondered whether you’re sharing your faith ‘enough’?  Do you feel guilty that you don’t have a long list of people who’ve become Christians because of your witness?  Our guest for this edition is comedian, preacher, and writer, Andy Kind.  Andy has confidence in his specific gifts and allows God to use the uniqueness of his story as he goes about his everyday life, intentionally living in a way that honours God.   He discusses the joy of the gospel and how Christians can express that in fresh ways, as we invite people into the delight of knowing Jesus; shares about the importance of both preparation and improvisation in his work as a comedian and helps us to see how that technique applies to us all, as we seek to make Jesus known through our daily activities; and talks about how he shares the Gospel without feeling the need to count converts!  We also touch on the issue of 'stage fright' and how fear can prevent all of us from moving forwards in a task or conversation relating to faith.  This conversation will remind you that as a Christian, you're sent to restore people back to God.  No matter what your ‘ordinary’ looks like, you’ll find some helpful tips and joy-filled encouragement in this edition.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

When your work situation prevents you from openly sharing the gospel, it is a lost cause?  Can we still reveal the truth of Jesus in places where we can’t easily speak out about our faith?  In this edition we meet Brittany Bonnaffons, Louisiana Overall Teacher of the Year.  Brittany is an enthusiastic and gifted teacher of 9th grade High School students.  Brittany shares how she's found ways to live her faith out loud so that her students are in no doubt about Who she follows!  In the classroom, and on the field where she coaches track athletes, Brittany is not ashamed of the gospel and expresses her faith in Jesus through very practical and replicable ways.  She handles Instagram with delightful grace and demonstrates how Christ can be glorified through what is sometimes seen as a negative platform.  Her dynamic love of tulle will have you hopping over to social media to see her photos and learn how you too can use what you love to bring the hope of Jesus to those around you.  Regardless of what you do in your everyday life, this edition will be sure to offer you some excellent ways to encourage and uplift the people you meet from day to day.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

How often are the senior members of our communities forgotten?  Is elder care something that we in the church should consider as important?  In today's edition, host Sharon Tedford talks with Candy Arrington who unexpectedly found herself caring for her elderly mother, whilst at the same time raising her young children.  Candy talks about how she developed the skills to serve her mother and all the personal lessons she learned from those interactions; and how, after her mother passed away, she quickly realised her senior aunt also needed her care and attention.  Candy also shares about the deep pain and the immense joy that comes with elder care; and shares some great tips on how we can all reveal God to those in our circles who are senior.  Join us as we talk about how caring for others brings personal and spiritual growth even in the most challenging life circumstances.  Candy’s story is inspiring and will help you think about how to engage with and share the hope of Jesus with people who are aging. 

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

There’s something extraordinary about the word 'vulnerable'.  It either strikes fear or the anticipation of meaningful connection into one's heart.  Which one are you?  In this edition Sharon chats with Kirsty Allen, a wife and mother of two, who’s found new freedom in living a vulnerable and sincere life - both spiritually and in her ordinary relationships.  Kirsty discovered the necessity of living life in the vulnerable lane when one of their children was diagnosed with long-term additional needs.  Kirsty talks about the beauty and the bravery that grows through openness and how it is a powerful tool in revealing God to others; shares how God helps her to 'go first' with kind but candid discussions as she encourages other parents of kids with learning and physical differences; and tells stories of how she’s able to bring God into often difficult and complex medical appointments, in natural and unrestricted ways.  Do join us as we learn how Kirsty first uncovered her own need to be unguarded in her relationship with God through an unusual experience with a crop of wild blackberries!  And we also hear about The Quest Life, an extraordinary retreat event that deepened Kirsty’s relationship with God.  There’s lots to consider in this edition as we drill down on turning our attention towards Jesus in every situation, so that our lives naturally reveal God, no matter what we’re doing.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Angels are all over the Christmas story – from the Angel Gabriel popping in to visit Mary, to the huge angelic choir singing in the skies over the gathered shepherds.  So, are angels still appearing to people today?  In this special Christmas edition, our guest, Mike Robinson, says they are.  Mike shares with us about his encounter with an angel at a time when he felt extremely discouraged, and how her song boosted his confidence and helped him 'face the music' in a difficult job situation; talks about how God rescued him and his family from a terrible car crash that should have ended in disaster: Mike believes God intervened with the protection of some mighty angels; and we hear about the incredible healing Mike has experienced on more than one occasion and talk about how God is present in all our circumstances today – even in our sickness.  Listen in to learn some simple approaches to sharing the good news of Jesus with your neighbours and friends during the Christmas season.  And, be reminded of the very best way to welcome “Emmanuel, God with us” into your own life this year.  Producer, Gary, and Host, Sharon, wish you all a very Happy Christmas!

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Does the Advent season afford us new opportunities to share the good news of the gospel?  What can we do to reveal God in the ordinary rhythms of the Christmas season?  In this edition, host Sharon Tedford talks with Dr. David Daniels, lead pastor of Central Bible Church, Fort Worth, Texas.  David helps us to think through all the benefits of intentionally focusing on the wonder of Christmas in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day; shares about where that wonder is in new and insightful ways; encourages us to purposefully seek God even in the midst of all the busy activities that go along with this time of year, as we discuss how being busy can steal the wonder from Christmas.  He also gives some important tips on how we can avoid the trap of being preoccupied with ‘stuff’!  David's enthusiasm for mission is clear and he shares with Sharon how he sees the whole church as missionaries – every single person, regardless of their rôle in life.  And wonder isn’t just for Christmas, it’s for life!  David teaches us the importance of living in awe of our great God throughout the year: an inspiring perspective that will be sure to bring something fresh to your life. 

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Is it possible to share the truth of the gospel with men and women in the armed services?  How can people in the military hear about Jesus?  Today’s guest works for a vibrant and important mission agency that’s working behind the wire on British military bases, sharing the love of Christ.  John Surtees is the communications lead officer for the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association (SASRA).  On this edition we talk about how the Scripture Readers of SASRA are able to reveal God on Army and Air Force bases; how they bring the truth of God through ordinary ways and everyday conversations; and discuss how Scripture Readers support and work alongside Armed Forces chaplains and welfare officers, and how their presence is necessary and welcomed.  John tells us about his time in the Royal Air Force and how God was very near during his time oversees; shares about how he was able to freely discuss his faith with the other men and women around him, and how that spurred him on when he returned to the UK.  We hear some simple and practical ways that we can help both the families of those serving, and service personnel themselves.  So stop by, listen in, and learn some new ways to bless those serving our countries.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Is there a place for God in my finances?  Is it really possible to live debt free?  Does society’s view on money match the Bible’s approach; and does it really matter anyway?  On today’s edition host Sharon Tedford talks to financial coach, Leah Adams.  On today’s episode host Sharon Tedford talks to financial coach, Leah Adams. Leah helps us to think about how we might change our mindsets to be more focused on financial freedom, and how that’s closely linked to spiritual freedom in Christ; talks about how our income could bless other people instead of only paying off our lenders; and shares about the current societal norms that are deceiving us and encourages us to think differently about saving money versus borrowing money.  Living from paycheck to paycheck is a trap from which we can be released.  We also talk about how Leah’s skills as a retired pharmacist continue to be used by God; and we hear about another string to Leah’s bow that will bless us all.  This episode should cause you to think differently about your finances and confront your attitude towards money – join us if you’re up for the challenge!

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito

Prison ministry isn’t easy.  So, is it worth it?  Are there any encouraging outcomes from sharing the gospel in a prison?  Can people convicted of crimes find freedom in Christ?  Richard Stephens, UK Chairman of Kairos Prison Ministry International, is our guest for this edition.  Richard tells us of how he’s seen God work in incredible and life-changing ways within the prison system, through the volunteer work he does with Kairos; shares how he has personally seen men have their lives turned around by the supernatural power of Jesus; and talks about the great need for the Gospel within prison walls and how it must partner with the academic to lead people into whole-life healing, encouraging new ways of thinking and living.  As we talk, it becomes clear it’s the love of Jesus that draws the broken towards spiritual freedom: Richard helps us understand the many ways we can show that love.  We also learn about surprising ways to serve in the Kairos ministry that don’t require us to go to the prison at all!  The Bible is clear that Christians ought to reach out to those in prison with the truth of the absolute freedom found in Jesus.  Richard’s passion on this subject will motivate you to respond.

Presented by Sharon Tedford.  Produced by Gary Dell.  Find out more about us at www.anchor.fm/god-in-the-ordinary and www.61-things.com/gito