Light Has Dawned

In this powerful episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Pastor Mark Little Elk to share an extraordinary testimony of redemption, hope, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ.

Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Mark was surrounded by poverty, alcoholism, addiction, violence, and hopelessness. Searching for acceptance, he became involved in gang life, meth addiction, and repeated incarceration. But after experiencing unimaginable tragedy, including the suicide of his 14-year-old daughter, Mark reached the lowest point of his life.

Then God met him.

From a jail cell to Bible college, from addiction to pastoral ministry, Mark's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. His testimony also offers a unique look into Native American communities, the challenges many reservations face, and the hope found only in Jesus Christ.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation

• Gang life, addiction, and prison

• Overcoming grief after losing loved ones

• The heartbreaking loss of his daughter

• The unforgettable moment he heard his daughter's heartbeat in another person through organ donation

• Finding faith in Jesus Christ

• Becoming a pastor and serving Native American communities

• Why there is hope for anyone who feels beyond redemption

Whether you're struggling with addiction, grief, incarceration, or simply searching for hope, this conversation reminds us that Jesus specializes in transforming broken lives.

Matthew 4:16

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light."

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📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Can a person's greatest setback become the foundation for their greatest purpose?

In this episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Dre Rodriguez, founder of Luv City, to discuss his remarkable journey from serving 10 years in federal prison to becoming a feature filmmaker, youth mentor, nonprofit leader, and community advocate.

Dre shares the lessons he learned during incarceration, the challenges of rebuilding his life after prison, and the vision that led him to create Luv City. He also talks about teaching himself filmmaking, directing his first feature film, Luv From the Trenches, and using storytelling to inspire hope and create opportunities for the next generation.
This conversation is filled with practical wisdom on perseverance, leadership, faith, redemption, purpose, and the power of choosing a different path.
In this episode you'll hear about:

• Growing up on the streets of Chicago
• Serving 10 years in federal prison
• Rebuilding life after incarceration
• Discovering purpose through serving others
• Founding Luv City
• Learning filmmaking from the ground up
• Directing the feature film Luv From the Trenches
• Leadership, faith, perseverance, and second chances

If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today.

About From Wrong to Strong Ministries
From Wrong to Strong Ministries exists to share stories of redemption that inspire hope, strengthen faith, and point people to Jesus Christ.

"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light." — Matthew 4:16

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

What if your greatest weakness became the place where God's greatest power is revealed?

In this From Wrong to Strong Ministries devotional, Cisco Terrazas explores the powerful truth found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness.

In a world that celebrates self-sufficiency and personal strength, Scripture calls believers to a different path—complete dependence on Christ. Through Paul's "thorn in the flesh," the promises of Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 40:29, and the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross, this devotional encourages us to stop hiding our weaknesses and instead allow God's strength to shine through them.

If you're facing discouragement, suffering, uncertainty, or feel overwhelmed by life's burdens, this message will remind you that God's grace is enough and His strength will sustain you.

Key Scriptures:
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Psalm 46:1
• Isaiah 40:29

From Wrong to Strong Ministries exists to share stories and biblical encouragement that point people to Jesus Christ - the One who transforms lives from darkness to light and from wrong to strong.

Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow the podcast and share this devotional with someone who needs encouragement today.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

What if one of the greatest obstacles to your God-given purpose isn't failure, but distraction?

We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to consume more: social media, entertainment, news, sports, and endless content. But what if all that consumption is keeping us from the very purpose God created us for?

This message was originally shared during a Men's Breakfast gathering at New Life Community Church Cicero, where men came together to encourage one another and grow through God's Word. It is now being made available to encourage anyone seeking to live faithfully for the glory of God.

In this message, Omar Calvillo explores a powerful truth found in the opening pages of Genesis: the very first thing God reveals about Himself is that He is Creator. Because we are made in His image, He has entrusted each of us with gifts, talents, abilities, opportunities, and callings that are meant to reflect His character to the world.

Too often, we spend our lives consuming what others have built while neglecting what God has called us to create.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why being made in God's image gives your life purpose
• The difference between consuming and creating
• How Adam and Eve's first sin involved wrongful consumption
• Why God has entrusted every believer with unique gifts and abilities
• The importance of cultivating your marriage, family, faith, and relationships
• How faithful obedience builds God's Kingdom one step at a time
• Why God is calling ordinary believers to become builders instead of spectators

Whether God has called you to lead your family, mentor others, start a ministry, build a business, disciple believers, or simply become more faithful where He has placed you, this message will challenge and encourage you to take the next faithful step.

Key Scriptures

• Genesis 1:1
• Genesis 1:26-27
• Genesis 2:15
• Deuteronomy 8:17-18
• Proverbs 27:17
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Proverbs 24:30-34
• Exodus 31:3-5
• Nehemiah 2:18
• Mark 6:3
• Matthew 25:21
• Philippians 1:6

Our mission is simple: Sharing stories of redemption that point people to Jesus Christ.

Through Jesus Christ, we can all go from darkness to light and from wrong to strong.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

What happens when one person says yes to God's calling?

In this powerful Christian devotional based on Joshua 1:1-2, we explore how God often places a vision in the heart of one obedient servant so that many others can experience His blessings. From Noah building the ark, to Abraham leaving his homeland, to Joshua crossing the Jordan River, Scripture reveals a consistent pattern:

God gives the vision. The servant obeys. Many receive the blessing.

Drawing from a recent experience at Glenhagen Farm Retreat and the work of the Mersades Ann Foundation, this devotional reminds us that many of the opportunities and blessings we enjoy today exist because someone obeyed God yesterday.

Most importantly, we discover that the greatest Jordan River is the separation that sin creates between us and God, and that Jesus Christ alone makes a way for us to cross from death to life through His perfect obedience, His death on the cross, and His resurrection.

If you're waiting for the perfect circumstances before serving God, this message is for you.

Scriptures Featured:

• Joshua 1:1-2
• Joshua 3:5
• Hebrews 11:8
• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Philippians 2:8

From Wrong to Strong Ministries devotionals are produced by Light Has Dawned Media, sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with people seeking transformation, purpose, and new life.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Have you ever been drawn to something that looked good, only to discover it led to regret and pain? The enemy rarely presents temptation as something obviously evil. Instead, he often disguises it as success, pleasure, opportunity, or acceptance.

In this From Wrong to Strong Ministries Devotional, Cisco Terrazas examines 2 Corinthians 11:14-15, where Scripture warns that Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. Through practical examples and biblical truth, this devotional challenges us to recognize the enemy's deception, guard our hearts, and seek God's wisdom in every decision.

We are also reminded that not every poor choice is the direct work of the enemy. We must take responsibility for our own actions and continually ask God for discernment, humility, and strength to walk in obedience.

No matter what mistakes you have made, there is hope in Jesus Christ. God's grace is available to all who repent, trust in Him, and follow the narrow path that leads to life.

Key Topics

• Satan disguises himself as an angel of light
• Spiritual warfare and biblical discernment
• Recognizing temptation and deception
• Taking responsibility for our choices
• The hope of forgiveness through Jesus Christ
• Walking faithfully with God each day

Key Scripture:
2 Corinthians 11:14-15

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

In this devotional, Omar Calvillo from From Wrong to Strong Ministries reflects on the first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospel of John:

“What do you want?”
“What do you seek?” (John 1:38)

Before miracles, sermons, or commands, Jesus asks a heart-searching question that still confronts us today. Why are we following Him? What are we truly seeking?

Through John 1:38-43, this devotional explores how Jesus invites us into relationship before revealing the full journey. Many times we want clarity before surrender and answers before obedience, but Jesus simply says:

“Come and see.”
“Follow me.”

This message is a reminder that faith is often built one step at a time by walking with Jesus, trusting Him even when we cannot see the full picture.

Whether you are searching for peace, purpose, healing, direction, or a deeper relationship with God, this devotional will encourage you to seek not only answers from Jesus, but Jesus Himself.

Scripture References:
John 1:38-43

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

What would you do if you were sentenced to life in prison for a crime you didn’t commit?

In this powerful episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Wayne Antusas, who was wrongfully convicted at just 18 years old and sentenced to life without parole.

Wayne shares his journey from the streets of Chicago and gang culture to surviving 23 years behind bars while holding onto his faith in Jesus Christ. What began as tragedy became a powerful testimony of redemption, prison ministry, revival behind bars, and God’s faithfulness through suffering.

During his years in prison, Wayne led Bible studies, prayer circles, and helped baptize inmates while continuing to fight for justice and cling to hope.

This episode covers:

•  Wrongful conviction 
•  Gang life in Chicago 
•  Prison culture 
•  Faith behind bars 
•  Redemption through Jesus Christ 
•  Prison ministry 
•  Revival in prison 
•  Hope after suffering 
•  Life transformation through faith 

This is a raw, emotional, and inspiring testimony that reminds us no prison cell is too dark for the light of Christ.

“The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…” — Matthew 4:16 NKJV

From Wrong to Strong Ministries
 🌐 fromwrongtostrong.org 

 🌐builderofmen.life

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

In this devotional, Cisco Terrazas challenges us to examine the influence of the people around us and how it shapes our identity.

“Bad company corrupts good character.” That’s more than just a saying, it’s a spiritual truth.

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, we see how the Apostle Paul engaged with different people to share the gospel without compromising who he was in Christ. He built trust, met people where they were, but never allowed their lifestyle to define him.

This message speaks directly to:

•  the influence of friendships and environments 
•  the tension between reaching others and staying rooted in Christ 
•  the importance of knowing your identity in Jesus 

Before coming to Christ, many of us were shaped by the people around us. But now, our identity is found in Him.

The question is:
 Are you influencing others… or being influenced?

If this devotional encouraged you:

•  Follow the podcast 
•  Share it with someone who needs this reminder 
•  Support the mission at fromwrongtostrong.org

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

Encore Presentation: One of the early stories that helped shape this ministry. The message is still just as powerful today.

Arturo Gamino grew up in Chicago’s Little Village, where violence wasn’t something you heard about… it was something you saw.

As a young child, he witnessed things no kid should have to see. Violence in the streets. Instability at home. Moments that slowly became “normal.” Over time, those experiences shaped how he viewed life, relationships, and even the value of it all.

By the age of 12, he was already pulled into gang life.

What started as exposure became identity. What felt normal began to lead him down a dangerous path.

But his story didn’t end there.

In this honest and powerful conversation, Arturo shares how those early experiences followed him into his teenage years… and how everything began to change when he encountered Jesus Christ. The mindset, the patterns, the direction of his life all started to shift.

This episode is for anyone who:

•  has been shaped by what they witnessed growing up 
•  feels stuck in cycles that started early in life 
•  is searching for a new direction and a fresh start 

Today, Arturo is living with purpose, leading his family, and encouraging others that real change is possible.

If this episode encouraged you:

•  Follow the podcast 
•  Share it with someone who needs hope 
•  Visit fromwrongtostrong.org to support the mission

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book

Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions.

ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC
SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned