LAB the Podcast

Joyce Kelly joins LAB: The Podcast to share her story and talk about life, grief and her work to bring hope to the hurting. 

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The love and faithfulness of God are evident in every chapter of Ralph’s story, from the bright height of accomplishment to the disorienting darkness of isolation.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Ralph share how he encountered the beauty of God’s faithfulness inside a federal correctional facility and what he learned that changed him forever.

This is a good-for-the-soul message, perfect for this moment.

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On Tuesday, March 24, 2020, I sat down with my friend Pastor Sean Flannery to talk about navigating difficulty and disruption in the midst of pandemic. Sean has a gift for pastoring people in and through deep valleys and uncertain times. Spending an hour with him was a gift to me and I pray it will be a blessing to you and your family. Sean Flannery is an ordained priest and rector of Church of the Vine, in Newberg, OR, part of the Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others. Sean is married to Melody, and father of Kincaid, Leila and Jory. 

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Author Victoria Night and her son, John Michael join Zach for LAB: The Podcast’s Season 3 premiere. In Victoria’s book, My John 3:16, she shares the heart wrenching details from the day tragedy struck John Michael’s life, altering it forever and destroying his dreams.

On December 14, 2015, John Michael left for school as usual not knowing that within the hour his life would be forever changed. Just a few weeks prior he had just signed his National Letter of Intent to play D1 lacrosse for Mercer University. But at the age of 17, John Michael suffered a massive brainstem stroke that left him locked-in.

This condition known as Locked-In Syndrome (LIS), leaves its victims fully aware and cognizant but unable to move or communicate. He was only able to move his eyes up and down for the first month. Thanks to the generosity of our friends and community, he has, through much intensive therapy, regained movement, had the feeding tube removed, drinks from a straw and his speech is slowly returning.

After three weeks in an ICU and five and a half months at The Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA, John Michael returned home to continue his therapy. To this day he has speech, occupational, and physical therapy four to five times a week and many other extra treatments and activities to stimulate his brain.

Listen in to hear how far John Michael has come and how their faith has gotten them to today. 

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There is something so powerful about having someone willing to fight with you and for you. Unfortunately, young adults aging out of foster care often face new challenges and the complexities of adulthood with no one left in their corner. Erin NeSmith, founded Tampa’s Grow Into You Foundation in order to bravely enter this space to provide coaching and mentoring services to individuals experiencing a hardship, particularly youth and those within the foster care system. Her life and work are testimony of God’s faithfulness and love for the most vulnerable. 

Mrs. NeSmith is a graduate of the University of South Florida and is a public school teacher where she focuses on at-risk populations and cultivating and overseeing college prep programs. She was an on-site county appointed teacher at A Kid’s Place (a local foster care group home) for two years. Erin’s passion and commitment are an example and an inspiration for us all.

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Special Agent Braziel retired from the FBI after serving 26 years. While serving as a Special Agent, she was assigned to a human Trafficking task force serving the Tampa Bay Area. Her subject matter expertise and work with the local task force opened the door for her current role as a advisory board member for the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators. On this episode, Zach and Special Agent Braziel talk about the global impact of human trafficking, provide information to empower thoughtful personal engagement and hear how the International Association of Human Trafficking Investigators is helping to equip law enforcement here in Tampa in preparation for the 2021 Super bowl

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A survivor of childhood sex trafficking spanning seven years, Edie Rhea calls herself a “freedom fighter”. Knowing firsthand the devastating impact of sexual slavery. she devotes her life to helping rescued women find hope, help and healing. Edie’s personal story of triumph over tragedy drives the heart of her ministry. Relying on her Christian faith, she credits the root of her healing to the incredible power of forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Listen Below

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The Gospel of John contains a record of Jesus’ prayer for everyone who believes in Him. In John 17:21 we find Him praying “that all of them may be one”. Zach sits down with these two pastors who dare to ask what the real implications of that prayer might look like for their churches who were meeting just blocks from each other. In a world often so divided there is life and beauty appearing in Tampa Heights. Listen now on the link below

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A powerful conversation with Pastor Nunn. The great grandson of Julius “July” Perry who was killed in the Ocoee Massacre Tuesday November 2nd 1920. This is a must needed conversation on reconciliation, racism, and the power of the Gospel to overcome hate. 

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If you are facing adversity, struggling with loss or wondering how to move forward, we believe you will be blessed by Susan’s story of faith.

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