Overview:

Welcome back to The Daniel Kelley Podcast! In this episode, Daniel sits down with Jim Hicks—a world-renowned photographer, devoted husband and father of four, and the founder of Thirst Relief, an organization that’s brought clean drinking water to over a million people since 2005. Over the past nine months, Daniel has had the privilege of getting to know Jim and his family, and today he dives deep into Jim’s incredible journey.

From a life-changing late-night encounter that sparked the idea for Thirst Relief, to building a marriage that went through real turbulence and intentional healing, Jim opens up about his faith, his struggles, and his hopes for the future. You’ll hear candid stories about hearing from God, overcoming personal setbacks, wrestling with insecurity, and the realities of loving and leading well in family, business, and ministry.

Along the way, Jim and Daniel talk about the importance of authentic faith, what it really means to serve, and how taking responsibility for your own growth can transform every area of your life. Whether you're interested in world-changing missions, practical wisdom about marriage, or just need some genuine inspiration, this episode brings a powerful dose of heart and hope.

Stick around for a deep, honest, and uplifting conversation—and make sure to listen for a special announcement about a future episode featuring Jim’s wife, Lara, for even more wisdom on building a lasting marriage.

Time Stamped Overview:

00:00 Interview with Jim Hicks

06:47 "What If My Child Died?"

13:43 Unexpected Church Connection

20:40 Questioning Biblical Truths

24:53 Discovering Faith and Commitment

27:09 Enduring Impact of Shared Love

33:09 "Called to be a Fisher of Men"

39:14 Faith Conversion Sparks Family Conflict

42:43 Divine Gift: The Baseball Mitt

51:05 Transformative Marriage Through Personal Growth

53:05 "Unexpected Sign of Salvation"

01:00:26 Eventful Night Sparks Romance

01:08:26 "Missionary Life Clash: Engagement Ends"

01:13:21 Unexpected Prophecy and Uncertainty

01:15:33 Busy Lives, Love Neglected

01:23:16 "Battling Overwhelming Chronic Pain"

01:28:08 Parenting Dynamics and Triangulation

01:32:04 "Postponed Healing Exploration"

Resources:

Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyy/

Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleypodcast/

Jim's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimdavishicks/ 

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniel.kelley