One Voice Makes A Difference with Janet Swanson

• Tom was at the end of his rope, ready to take his life, then the Holy Spirit showed up in a powerful way.

This week's podcast is quite possibly the most powerful interview I have done! You are going to be filled with hope and you will never forget this conversation.

Pastor Tom Akins is from Statesboro, Georgia and now lives in Wrightsville, Georgia

He is the pastor at Oaky Grove Church and runs a huge business at Akins Farm. He studied Business at Georgia Southern University

Also studied Andersonville Theological Seminary and Grace Valley Theological Seminary.

Tom was down on his knees on a Wednesday night after church with a gun held to his temple, in complete despair and hopelessness. His finger slipped off the trigger while he was trying to pull it, and all of a sudden he broke, he cried out to God, "God if you don't do something in the next 60 seconds I am going to pull the trigger and come be with you."

Needless to say, Tom was at the end of his rope. It was the end of his marriage as he had known it, but at the beginning of a new season! Tom said being a pastor you're not allowed to divorce, even though it was not his fault, so how could he go on?

Do you want to know what to do when you are at the end of your rope? Maybe you're at the end of your marriage, or the end of your God given dream, or you feel there is no hope for your future or maybe …….it's for a specific promise God made to you! Whatever it may be, God has something for you in this podcast! You have landed on the right page today.

You are going to hear all the powerful things that God did for Pastor Tom while trying to take his life! Tom found himself surrendering to the power of the Holy Spirit and giving all his brokenness to Jesus. A baptist, broken, suicidal preacher fell under the power of the Holy Spirit while the pistol was still held to his temple!

You don't want to miss not even one detail of this powerful story of redemption!

Be sure you listen to the very end to hear the powerful prayer Pastor Tom Akins prays!

If you'd like to contact Pastor Tom Akins, you can click on this link that will fall his Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/tom.akins.1/about

Also, you need to tune to Y96 Hot County hits

95.9 from Dublin Monday through Friday at 7 am and hear a powerful devotion and prayer from Pastor Tom Akins!

At 11 years old, Lacey was already smoking weed, addicted to porn, dabbling with psychics and identified as bi-sexual. But then Jesus stepped in and radically transformed her life.

You guys, you are going to be so inspired by Lacey's story. Lacey is 26 and a mother to 5 children. She is married to Luke Thompson and they both study at the Fire School of Ministry. (Reinhard Bonnke)

Lacey's story is so powerful! What God did for her while she was in the middle of managing her sin is nothing short of a miracle.

Lacey identified as bi-sexual in secret, addicted to porn and weed. Lacey talked about the demonic force that is attached to same sex attraction. At the end of the day, the empty, loveless feeling she had led her to a lifestyle of sin with no boundaries.

She began to live with her husband and she got pregnant. She got married when she was 8 months pregnant. She married with intentions of getting divorced. Shortly after being married, she had an affair. Her husband found out and they decided to try to work through it. So, she cut the affair off, and got back with her husband. She got pregnant again with her second child when one of her friends invited her to a church. That Sunday they had a prophet there who was giving out words of knowledge and that Sunday she felt the presence of God come over her and immediately in His presence, she felt Jesus wipe away all her sin and in her heart she received Jesus that day. You've got to hear her full story.

If you'd like to contact Lacey Thompson you can find her on FB.

https://www.facebook.com/laceythompson512

Please check out my YouTube channel and give me a thumbs up and subscribe.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRUUvD3xoYlKEJ_rMwWe-Q/videos

Website: www.janetswanson.org

Welcome to our second season of ONE VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE podcast, with Janet Swanson.

In this new episode, Elaine tells of her journey of being a mom of four military officers, one each in the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines. Her heart is to reach out to moms to bring comfort to their empty hearts while their children serve in the military.

Elaine Lowry Brye is a mom who knows about letting go. Like many moms, she cried when her kids left home, wishes they'd call and write more, and spends sleepless nights worrying about them.

But Elaine's tears and concerns are even more poignant than most mothers'—because Elaine is the mom of four military officers, one each in the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines.

An Army brat turned ROTC candidate turned military wife, Elaine never expected her kids to have a call to serve, and certainly didn't expect all four to join up.

Three of her kids—two sons and a daughter—attended the Naval Academy, and it was there that Elaine got her own calling: she joined the Naval Academy Parents' Listserv, and began a fifteen-year journey of helping moms and dads adjust to their strange, new, lonely lives as military parents.

She also spent a year teaching in Kabul, Afghanistan where she experienced life in a war zone. Her love of her country and desire to support her fellow parents led to her to write Be Safe, Love Mom: A Military Moms Stories of Courage, Comfort, and Surviving Life on the Homefront and create this web site to further support and connect those who love their military children.

You will hear Elaine talk about her family and what it means to "LET GO" and "LET GOD"

You will hear about miracles and what to do when your child has a "CALL" upon their lives!

Elaine talks about the chapter in her book, "No Guts, No Glory" all about in your book?

Then you will receive a powerful prayer over your life that will equip you for the up's and down's of military life and just when a mom needs to LET GO@

If you'd like to purchase Elaine's book, here is the amazon link to the book:

https://www.amazon.com/Be-Safe-Love-Mom-audiobook/dp/B00US6IT72/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1KG6BNJCIB6G&keywords=be+safe+love+mom&qid=1655831724&sprefix=be+safe+love+mom%2Caps%2C94&sr=8-1

facebook Be Safe Love Mom-Elaine Brye

instagram Be Safe Love Mom

Podcast Be Safe Love Mom-What Holds Us Together

there are 15 episodes on Apple Spotify

Rhett tells his story of being diagnosed with childhood disease of Ulcerated Colitis and Crohn's Disease and the God moments he's had along the way.

Today is 100 episodes of One Voice Makes A Difference! As you all know, we've been raising awareness of childhood disease, Crohn's, UC, Iliesotomy, colostomy, and Colon cancer! For the past two months you have heard many stories and today I wanted to end this season with a young man that I admire so much, none other but my son, Rhett!

Rhett tells his story of near death, but how faith played a big part in his recovery. He also talks about the importance of ACCEPTING the cards you have been dealt! You can't ignore the trauma, you can wish it away, you can't even pray it away, but you have to face it, you have to confront it, and Rhett said for him, he had to accept it. When he did, God began to show up in a million little ways.

One simple interview on my podcast connected us to the beaches in Puerta Vallarta for a pastor's retreat to a mighty man of God who was the CEO of Harvest Foundation, to a certain doctor in Florida and from the sick bed to a jet in the sky….God had a plan! You've got to hear this week's podcast and all the litte/big things God did in the midst of much pain and suffering.

For all of you who have suffered with Crohn's, UC, Ileostomies, colon cancer or IBD, I want you to know that I SEE YOU….I FEEL YOU……I LOVE YOU….. AND I AM PRAYING FOR YOU! YOU ARE MY HERO AND I AM SO SORRY THAT YOU HAVE HAD TO SUFFER! I am believing God for restoration in your spirit, soul, and body! GOD IS GOING TO RESTORE YOU HIMSELF!

1 Peter 5:10

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

• A story about a small town girl that had no where to turn. She found strength and hope as God began to show up in small powerful ways

As you all know, I have been doing everything within my power to bring awareness to Crohn's Disease, Ulcerated Colitis, Auto-Immune Disorders, Ileostomy, Colostomy, & Urostomy bags, Colon cancer etc.

I have been so inspired by all my guest that have been on my podcast. You are going to be inspired by Brandi also as we bring awareness of the suffering that some people go through.

Brandi was diagnosed with UC at the age of 18 in Feb of 2006 as a high school senior. Right when she thought she would get better, things just got worse and darker for her. Following many surgeries she was also diagnosed with Crohn's as her body decided to attack the Jpouch.

Brandi has suffered greatly, but God always provided a person that could help direct her right when she needed it. Throughout Brandi's sufferings, Philippians 4 has really ministered to her and has always given her strength.

Like verses 4 & 5 says, " Be full of joy always because you belong to the Lord. Again I say, be full of joy! Let all people see how gentle you are, for the Lord is coming soon".

Again…. Verses 6& 7 says, "Do not worry. Learn to pray about everything. Give thanks to God as you ask Him for what you need. The peace of God is much greater than the human mind can understand. This peace will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

Then it goes on to say, " thing on these things…..good reports! "

Brandi's life verse is that she has learned to be happy with whatever she has. She strives to be content in need and want. She has learned the secret of being happy at all times…….Through Jesus Christ!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things because Christ gives me the strength.

Howard tells his story of bladder cancer and how the voice of hope got him through it all.

I think one of the hardest things you can do in life is find the voice of hope when bad news knocks on your door! If you live long enough, you will find yourself going through something that is bigger than you and bigger than your own voice.

Many of us work hard at denying toxic, or bad emotions. What you don't realize is that every emotion serves a purpose along with the trial that comes with those emotions. If you numb one emotion, you numb them all.

If you are struggle and sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to navigate through the stormy waters, you are going to be blessed by this podcast. Pay close attention to what you are about to hear. A VOICE of HOPE in the Storm: Howard Taylor and his wife Lois.

Howard's voice brings me so much joy by listening to his tone and his optimism in the middle of pain and devastation.

As you know, I am bringing awareness to IBD, Crohn's, UC, Colon Cancer, Auto Immune Disorders, and childhood sickness. You will be so inspired by hearing Jason and his mom's story. They encouraged me so much even with our own walk with my son's disease.

Jason Roberts is 25 years old and currently lives in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He grew up in Georgia and played baseball all throughout his upbringing. Was diagnosed at 16 with severe IBD and life was radically changed.

Melissa Roberts is the 59 year old wife of Paul Roberts (married 38 years) and mother to 5 children -Melissa had surgery to remove her colon in 1990 had the second surgery to connect internally the same year. God has done a great work of healing in her and her son's lives!

You will hear about how Jason dealt with anger and rebellion due to his illness. You will hear from Melissa the difference in perspective when you are going through sickness verses when your child is going through the sickness.

Jason was only 16 years old at the time when he was diagnosed and things accelerated in a downward spiral. He was in shock and knew that he was very sick and near death.

We talked about how God is near to us even in the darkest, coldest places in our lives. I can't wait for you to hear this whole story. You will be inspired. I want to share this scripture with you today. In the podcast I mentioned that it was in the book of Isaiah, but it's actually in the book of Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 31:2-4

Thus says the Lord: "The people who survived the sword Found grace in the wilderness— Israel, when I went to give him rest."

The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Again I will build you, and you shall be rebuilt,

God wants to rebuild everything that the enemy has torn down in your life. Keep believing and don't lose faith. You will feel the Love of God in the podcast and I pray the Holy Spirit will draw you to God's heart by showing your kindness and love.

There are many feelings involved with IBD: fear, sadness, confusion, anger, self-pity. It affects every aspect of your life - physically, spiritually and emotionally. Because being confined to either the hospital or home can bring on all those feelings and emotions.

Here's a word from Jason and Melissa if you have been diagnosed with this disease!

Jason - hold fast to God and don't let go of your faith in Him. Watch what He does, because He will work and be faithful. It's ok to be afraid or angry and be as gentle with yourself as you can because it's easy to be hard on yourself. This disease is not your fault.

Melissa - don't be afraid to ask people for help and make sure people are praying for you. There were many times we literally felt we were being carried on the prayers of people.

If you'd like to get in touch with Melissa or Jason, you can reach out right here:

Social Media:

Jason - Facebook: facebook.com/jason.roberts

Melissa - Facebook: facebook.com/melissakoonroberts

Instagram: mkrobs919 // Twitter: mkrobs

Kim tells how she made it through the roughest waters of her life. Being diagnosed with Cancer that eventually led to a permanent colostomy bag.

Kim is a 58 year old mother of six and a survivor of cancer. When my son was sick in the hospital, Kim reached out to me with so much compassion and told me if I needed anything she would be there. She's a complete stranger to me, but not a stranger to pain and suffering. I am so inspired by her zeal for life and to LIVE, no matter what she faces.

It was a honor to have Kim on this podcast. I hope you are blessed by this podcast. I want to leave you with a scripture that will get you through some hard times!

Isaiah 43:2 New Living Translation

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.

If you'd like to reach out to KIM, click the link here for FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=558813407 or email at

[email protected]

Ana tells her story of childhood disease of Crohn's and how she is dealing with the challenges it brings.

If you've been following my journey with my son Rhett Swanson, then you know I am bringing awareness to IBD, Crohn's, Ulcerated Colitis, Colon Cancer, Ileostomy bags, and childhood disease. Today you will hear about Ana's story of survival and how she got through it all.

Ana is 28 years old and started to get sick at 14, but not officially diagnosed until 15. She graduated from high school even though she was sick in 2012 and went to college for nursing.

She joined the BCM at her first college and went through a lot of sickness in school. Eventually she had to move back closer to home and went to Ga State University at Perimeter college. She got a degree finally in 2018. Still all while going through illness physically, mentally and emotionally. She sadly never made it to nursing school, but she was able to go on many mission trips.

Ana is still going through so much with Crohn's disease including having to have a month long stay in January 2022. That was the longest hospital stay that ended in two surgeries. One ended in one of her worse nightmares of having to get a temporary Ostomy bag. Things were really rough for a while, but slowly got better! Due to Covid and not being able to work she decided to open her own business of painting! Then this May 2022, she published her first book!

Her powerful story of trials and triumphs is still going and she is getting stronger each day.

She stands upon Phil. 4:13 I can do ALL THINGS through Jesus Christ who gives me strength.

You are going to be so inspired by her story.

Melinda talks about the thing that she had feared happened to her like in Job's case in the Bible. For her it was Colon Cancer, Death of husband, Chemo, Partial colectomy with Colostomy bag, and second diagnoses of cancer.

Job 3:24-26

24 I sigh when food is put before me, and my groans pour out like water.

25 For the thing I feared has overtaken me, and what I dreaded has befallen me.

26 I am not at ease or quiet; I have no rest, for trouble has come."…

Today you will hear Melinda's Story. This whole month I am bringing recognition to Ileostomy & Colostomy bags, IBD, Crohn's, Ulcerated Colitis, Colon Cancer and Childhood Disease. If you have been following me, you know what my son Rhett has gone through the past few months with his colectomy and Ileostomy bag. I have seen the silent killer of hopes, dreams, growth and so much more try to steal my son's breath right before my eyes. There is nothing worse than seeing someone you love in so much pain, and there is nothing you can do about it but grieve the loss, cry and try to move forward.

I want you to hear Melinda's story and grasp a hold of how HOPE captured her during the darkest times of her life. When the thing she feared knocked on her door.

It's the Word of God that we cling to in hard times. We have a hope and a promise and we have to cling to it! We have to BELIEVE!

David said this:

Psalm 27:13-14 New King James Version

13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

14 Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!

There is an expiration to this trial. This pain did not come to stay, but it will pass for the Word of God says:

Psalm 30:5

…….Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning…….

Melinda survived the death of her husband in the middle of Chemotherapy treatments. She had surgery to remove a portion of her colon just to wake up to another nightmare of having a bag. A surgery that was only supposed to take 3 hours, took 9 long hours.

Melinda is so very inspiring! She survived the death of her husband, and stage 4 colon cancer. She went from cancer to funeral, from funeral to a colostomy bag, from a bag to chemo, from chemo to broken bones, from broken bones to another devastating diagnoses to tumors in her lungs and now more chemo.

HOW DOES A PERSON MAKE IT THROUGH THIS? Listen to this full episode and find out! You will hear the raw story of how Melinda walked through the valley of the shadow of death. You will hear about her dark times, her good times, and how God used people to help her. I pray you will be touched by this incredible story!