Episode 18

Pastor Travis Carey is the Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine. But his story didn’t start behind a pulpit — it started on the streets of Bangor.

As a teenager, Travis began experimenting with drugs and alcohol, even after accepting Christ as a young boy. By 18 years old, he was fully addicted to opiates. What followed was nearly a decade of destruction, broken relationships, and searching for a freedom that nothing in this world could provide.

Then in 2014, on his knees in a jail cell, Travis surrendered his life — once again — to Jesus Christ. This time, everything changed.

Travis enrolled in the Calvary Residential Discipleship program at Calvary Chapel Bangor under Pastor Ken Graves, completed the School of Ministry, married Maddi (a graduate of the women’s CRD program), served on staff at The Ranch Church in Hawaii, received ordination in 2018, and then answered God’s call to plant Calvary Chapel Greater Portland — in the spring of 2020, in the middle of a global pandemic.

In this episode, Travis shares his full testimony: the darkness of addiction, the moment of surrender, the journey of discipleship, and what God is doing now through his ministry in Portland. This is a conversation about grace, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of a God who never gives up on His children.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, hopelessness, or feeling too far gone — this episode is for you. There is hope. His name is Jesus.

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CONNECT WITH PASTOR TRAVIS CAREY:

Calvary Chapel Greater Portland: ccgreaterportland.org

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CONNECT WITH LIGHT IN THE WILDERNESS:

Website: lightinthewilderness.org

Instagram: @litwministries

Facebook: Light in the Wilderness

YouTube: @LightintheWildernessMinistries

Donate / Support Orphan Mission: lightinthewilderness.org/about

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KEYWORDS:

opiate addiction testimony, jail cell surrender, drug addiction recovery, Jesus set me free, calvary chapel, church planting, discipleship, redemption story, Christian podcast, testimony podcast, addiction deliverance, Travis Carey, Light in the Wilderness, Maine pastor, opioid crisis, hope in Christ, transformation

Dive into the gripping story of Jimmy Graham—a battle-hardened U.S. Navy SEAL with 15+ years of elite service, sniper certifications, and high-stakes ops worldwide—who traded combat boots for CIA shadows as a Global Response Staff (GRS) protective officer. From the chaos of Benghazi, Libya, and Kabul, Afghanistan, to Beirut and Kirkuk, Jimmy guarded America's most critical assets in the world's deadliest hotspots. But his true mission ignited back home: As a devoted husband and father of four, he founded Able Shepherd in 2012, transforming SEAL-honed tactics into life-saving training for civilians, families, churches, and schools. If you've ever wondered what it takes to stare down danger and walk away stronger, this is your wake-up call. Subscribe for more insights on resilience, faith, and family. #NavySEAL #CIAGRS #AbleShepherd #BenghaziHero #CommunitySafety #testimonies #faith #podcast Follow the show!Instagram @litwministriesTwitter @litwministriesFacebook @lightinthewildernessWebsitehttps://www.lightinthewilderness.org/Donatehttps://www.lightinthewilderness.org/about

Luke Parker is a former CrossFit Games athlete and television personality best known for his appearance on The Bachelorette. After stepping away from competitive CrossFit, Luke found deeper purpose beyond the competition floor. Now retired from professional sport, he lives a joy-filled life with his beautiful family, rooted in faith, fitness, and the outdoors. Today, Luke is a proud member of the Mayhem Athlete community, where he uses his platform to share his testimony and passion for Jesus Christ. Unashamed of the gospel, he travels and speaks to athletes and groups across the country—encouraging them to pursue excellence in both body and spirit. Driven by the belief that true strength comes from faith, Luke’s mission is to inspire others to reach their full potential—physically, mentally, and spiritually—by finding their identity in Christ. When he’s not in the gym or mentoring others, you’ll likely find him outdoors, hunting, hiking, or spending time with his family enjoying God’s creation.

Mark Wright is the Founder and President of Idols Aside Ministries, a Christ-centered organization dedicated to reaching and discipling the fatherless through sports, outdoor adventures, and authentic relationship. A native of Polk County, Florida, Mark grew up in a family rooted in faith and service. After earning his degree in Business Administration from Appalachian State University—where he excelled as a record-setting football player—Mark spent several years in the corporate world before answering God’s call to full-time ministry. In 2009, Mark launched Idols Aside Ministries with a vision to use sports and the outdoors as a bridge to share the love of Christ. Through partnerships with professional athletes and local mentors, the ministry creates meaningful opportunities for young men and women to encounter their Heavenly Father and discover their true identity in Him. Under Mark’s leadership, Idols Aside Ministries has hosted hundreds of outreach events, sports clinics, and retreats across the country, leading countless youth and families to a deeper relationship with Jesus. His heart beats for restoration—helping the fatherless know they are seen, known, and loved by God. Mark and his wife Becky continue to live out that mission daily from their home in Lakeland, Florida, trusting God to impact the next generation one life at a time.

Scotty Lago is a husband, father, and former professional snowboarder whose career took him to the very top of the sport. A world champion and Olympic athlete, Scotty earned a bronze medal in the halfpipe at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Games. During his career he also won multiple X Games medals and had multiple wins on the Dew Tour, including a Dew Tour Championship.After retiring from competition, Scotty shifted his focus to life beyond the halfpipe. An avid outdoorsman, he now represents leading brands in the outdoor industry, creates content as a YouTuber, and shares his passion for adventure with a broad community of followers. He is also the founder and owner of Lago Boards, his own snowboard brand that reflects his lifelong dedication to the sport.Recently Scotty experienced a life-changing encounter with God at a Pursuit for Truth event in Maine, where he became a follower of Christ. Now, his greatest pursuit is sharing his testimony and spreading the good news of the gospel with others, pointing people not only to adventure in the outdoors but also to lasting hope in Jesus.

Stephen Griffith is a former Master Trooper with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, where he served for over seven years. During his time in uniform, he served on the Honor Guard Unit, was a Basic School instructor for three Basic Schools, served in the Trooper Selection Unit and was on the Rapid Response Team (Tactical Team). He is a certified general instructor in the State of NC where he continues to teach and instruct in Basic Law Enforcement Training. His experience in law enforcement developed a deep appreciation for what quality leadership, and selfless service looks like. These qualities have only been enhanced by his biblical world-view and filter of the Gospel.
Stephen also is currently a sworn law enforcement officer with the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office where he has served some time on their Rapid Response Team.
Today, Stephen serves as the Discipleship Director at Osborne Baptist Church, where he leads adult ministries, serves leaders, and helps cultivate a space for spiritual growth in the church.
In addition to his role in ministry, Stephen works with Blu Bearing Solutions, an organization committed to equipping individuals and teams to "Prepare for the Known & React to the Unknown" by fostering continuous growth, sharing unparalleled knowledge, and delivering authentic, unique training. His unique background in both law enforcement and ministry gives him a powerful perspective on discipline, character, and calling.

Chris Beck is a highly decorated retired U.S. Navy SEAL who served his country with distinction for over two decades. A veteran of SEAL Team One and the elite SEAL Team Six (also known as DEVGRU), Beck completed 13 deployments around the world. Over the course of his military career, he was awarded numerous honors, including the Bronze Star with a “V” for valor and the Purple Heart, reflecting his courage and sacrifice in service to the United States.
After retiring from the military, Chris Beck made national headlines when he publicly came out as transgender in 2013, adopting the name Kristin Beck. He began hormone therapy, underwent some surgical procedures, and became a prominent voice in discussions surrounding gender identity and the transgender experience, especially among veterans.
However, in a deeply personal and public decision in 2022, Beck announced that he had detransitioned and returned to living as Chris. He credits his renewed faith as a major factor in his journey back, stating that following Christ gave him clarity, purpose, and a renewed sense of identity. Since then, Beck has become an outspoken advocate warning about the potential psychological, medical, and spiritual consequences of gender transition, especially among young people.
Now a vocal proponent of faith-based identity and healing, Beck speaks openly about the mental health struggles he faced, the complex realities of gender dysphoria, and the peace he has found in his faith in Christ. His mission is not only to support fellow veterans and individuals facing identity confusion but also to engage in national conversations about gender, truth, and the power of redemption.

Tiff Shuttlesworth is a respected evangelist, author, and founder of Lost Lamb Ministries, a global missions organization dedicated to reaching the unreached with the message of Jesus Christ. With a ministry that spans over four decades, Evangelist Shuttlesworth has preached the gospel across the United States and in countries around the world, including some of the most spiritually restricted and politically closed-off nations on earth. Known for his unwavering boldness and uncompromising faith, Tiff has conducted evangelistic crusades on nearly every continent, often under challenging and dangerous circumstances. His passion is rooted in fulfilling the Great Commission, and his clear, powerful presentations of the gospel have drawn millions to hear the message of salvation. Through Lost Lamb Ministries, he has committed his life to “going after the one”—seeking the lost with urgency and compassion. By God’s grace, his ministry has witnessed over 1 million souls come to Christ, a milestone that reflects his lifelong dedication to evangelism and discipleship. Beyond the pulpit, Evangelist Shuttlesworth also mentors young evangelists, trains leaders, and equips churches to effectively reach their communities. His ministry is marked by integrity, sound biblical teaching, and a deep burden for the eternal destiny of every individual. Whether preaching in packed arenas, remote villages, or underground gatherings, Tiff Shuttlesworth remains faithful to his calling: to lead the lost to Jesus and to prepare them for eternity.

Joshua Broome is a former porn star whose life has been radically transformed by the power of the gospel. Once one of the most recognized names in the pornography industry, Joshua starred in over 1,000 films, won multiple awards, and was even named Performer of the Year—achieving everything the world told him would bring fulfillment. But behind the fame and success was a man broken, lost, and battling depression and hopelessness. At his lowest, God reached down and Joshua encountered the life-changing love of Jesus Christ. Walking away from the porn industry and surrendering his life to God, Joshua experienced a total transformation. He now shares his incredible testimony across the country, exposing the hidden darkness of the porn industry and proclaiming the hope and freedom found only in Christ. Joshua is a passionate minister of the gospel, a powerful speaker, and a graduate of Liberty University. He is happily married to his beautiful wife, and together they are raising their children in the truth and love of God’s Word. His life today stands as a beacon of redemption, purity, and purpose. Through his ministry, Joshua is committed to helping others break free from addiction, shame, and sexual brokenness, and to pointing people to the only One who can truly satisfy—Jesus.