Living Grace

On this episode of Living Grace, Kate Merrick, was able to sit with host Cheryl Brodersen and discuss her new book, And Still She Laughs: Defiant Joy in the Depths of Suffering. Kate opens up about the process of writing her new book after years of silence due to the loss of her daughter from cancer, but Kate explains how God used this season to bring revelations that have ministered to Kate so much. No matter how different our lives may be, we have all faced pain and suffering, and Kate brings a raw platform to truly encourage others in their suffering. Kate was a recent speaker at the 2017 When Leaders Lead Conference in Murrieta, CA.

We are so excited to have Hannah Overton back for another episode on Living Grace as she shares further of being falsely accused, sentenced to prison and set free. Her story, however, only begins there, as Hannah also shares many stories of God using her and the many opportunities she has had since then to minster to ladies in prison. Hannah's story truly represents God's promise in Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Be encouraged in that whatever you are going through today, never stop clinging to the Lord, as Hannah states in this episode, and keep moving forward! Hannah has established Syndeo Ministries, and you can be a part of her ministry as well. Visit syndeoministries.com for further information and stay up to date with ways to help! Hannah was also a recent speaker at the 2017 When Leaders Lead Conference.

Do you doubt the power of God? Andrea Cullen shares about Remedy, the discipleship program that focuses on supporting and discipling women coming from abusive situations or addictions. Having dealt with abuse and addiction herself, Andrea's ability to both relate to the ladies and speak the Word to each one is truly a testament of God's power. No matter whether you have faced a similar situation of addiction or abuse, or whether you need support for loved ones in those situations, Remedy is available! Remedy meets on Tuesdays at 6pm at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa in the Mother's Privacy Room next to the Family Room. Be encouraged by Andrea's testimony, and know that you can overcome through the power of Christ!

Celeste Yohai remembers sitting at work as a young adult, feeling depressed and hopeless. She recalls there were Christians that worked alongside her during that time and specifically remembers one Christian that was so kind to her. It was the kindness of the Lord through this believer that drew her to salvation. From being in a depressed state, to being called as a missionary to Amsterdam in the Netherlands, Celeste would not have believed this would be her life. Enjoy this episode of Living Grace as Celeste explains how God has used her gifts as a musician, ministering in Amsterdam and sharing the gospel in her community.

It is amazing how plans can change so quickly. From being a 21-year-old, married to whom she thought would be forever, to being served divorce papers seven years later. Amber Adams shares her testimony of Romans 8:28 where God took her plans that had gone awry and turned them into something beautiful. Christ truly heals, and as we will see in this episode of Living Grace, Amber's plans turned into something even better!

From Polycarp in the second century to Elizabeth Fry of the nineteenth century and Gladys Aylward of the twentieth century, many men and women have dedicated their lives to serve the Lord in inspiring ways. Cheryl Brodersen discusses the impact of historical Christian missionaries, martyrs and activists with Jasmine Alnutt, who teaches on church history, and the powerful messages they have left. Equally through their failures and triumphs, their stories remind us that it is about God using us despite our human frailty. Do you feel like your failures cancel any use the Lord may have for you? Do you desire to serve Him but are afraid that God might send you to a place you do not want to go? Be encouraged that God will use you according to the desires He has placed in your heart as He promises in Psalm 37:4. We only need to keep our focus on Him.

itting in one of the women's retreat sessions in Murrieta, CA, Dina Creanga heard the Lord tell her that He was calling her back to Romania as a missionary. After 30 years away from her homeland, God was sending Dina and her husband back. By listening to God's call, they witnessed His living grace as they saw every need taken care of for their transition. Do you feel a specific call on your life from the Lord? Have you been pushing His call away? Be encouraged by this testimony that God is in control of your life and has the best waiting for you. Let Him guide you towards His best plans for your life.

Cheryl Brodersen begins season two of Living Grace by interviewing Kathy Gilbert, who has had the pleasure of knowing Cheryl's mom, Kay Smith, Elisabeth Elliot and Arlita Winston. Kathy shares the impact each woman has made on her life under the context of her own testimony as a hippie in the late 60s and early 70s. Enjoy this encouragement from Kathy as she discusses the power of Jesus breaking through her life, not only upon receiving Him into her heart, but also continuously through her daily walk with Him.

On this episode of Living Grace, Cheryl interviews Rose Martin. Rose explains how God pressed upon her and her husband to serve in missions after 30 years of living an established lifestyle at home. Rose and her husband chose to live by faith, and Rose shares a wonderful testimony of His faithfulness.

In this episode of Living Grace, Cheryl talks to Marta Patton who is a missionary with her husband, Don Patton. Together they have traveled to several countries, sharing the Gospel and ministering to people in different cultures across the globe. Although they have had to give up comfort many times to listen to the call of God, their ministry, marriage and lives have been super blessed by simply obeying Him.