Project Redemption

Looking for a powerful way to share the gospel? Join us today as we dive into Michael Merker’s remarkable journey in using theater to bring Biblical truths alive and discover profound lessons that await us all.Michael Merker has both a bachelor’s and a master’s of fine arts (BFA/MFA) in acting and directing, from the Goodman School of Drama of the Art Institute of Chicago (now the Theatre School at DePaul University). After working for years as a professional actor, director, stage manager, and musician, he went on to write, direct, and perform Bible-based plays in church and parachurch settings. He enjoys playing guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums on worship teams. He’s been married over forty-four years to his wife, Linda. Together they homeschooled their six children, and they now have ten grandchildren. He currently resides in the Puget Sound area.

Connect with Michael:For interviews, contact [email protected]Michael’s FacebookActing Out His Word website

Keywords

Michael Merker, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony,

Are you looking for ways to get closer to God? Join us today with author Micah Juntunen as she gives you five spiritual disciplines to Abide with God. See how much fruit your relationship with God will produce after you listen to this episode!

Micah is a passionate follower of Jesus, speaker, author, and blogger inviting others to grow in Truth and walk towards freedom. Her first book: You Are Loved and Free: A Guided Journey to Winning the Battle for Your Identity, invites its readers to heal from the past and rebuild their identity in Christ. 

She lives in Colorado with her husband and three children where you can find them mountain biking, hiking, camping and enjoying God’s creation. She also loves to cook, scrapbook family adventures, and get lost in a historical fiction novel. 

Share a little about what God taught you in this season:

God taught me that imposter syndrome – the symptoms are really evidence of a deeper heart issue – a deep sense of unworthiness and trying to perform for worth based instead of resting and working from our God given worth and callings. But this was not an overnight learning, it was a journey of breaking up with worldy beliefs, and learning how to fight the accuser. God just kept bringing me back to the parable of the soil especially where Jesus explains it to his disciples in Luke 8:11-15

This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Connect with Micah:You can find Micah on her website/blog: micahruth.com or on Facebook@micahruthauthor

Keywords

Micah Juntunen, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony, how to fight the accuser, how to fight the devil, spiritual battles, spiritual warfare, imposter syndrome,

When life is over and you stand before God, what will he say to you? There is no greater tragedy than for someone to go through their entire life thinking they are a Christian only to hear these seven fateful words at death. Tune in today to hear what led Denise to write about these seven words.

Denise Wilson is passionate about the salvation of the lost. She has served as a missionary in both Italy and Toronto. Currently, she is involved in personal evangelism and outreach in and near her hometown of Caledon, Ontario, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She has a BSc. in biblical studies from Emmaus Bible College. 

What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)I have no one favorite, but a meaningful verse to me is 2 Corinthians 5:21 

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT) 

To think that we can be made right with God is an incredible thought.  

Connect with Denise:

Website: denisewilson.ca 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@denisewilsonauthorGrab a copy of Denise’s book, Seven Words You Never Want to Hear: How to Be Sure You Won’t by clicking here or grab the new Seven Words You Never Want to Hear Study Guide HERE.

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Denise Wilson, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony,

As parents, it can be easy to put our identity in our children and grandchildren. Learn how one mother found her own identity while dealing with estrangement from her children

Michelle Rohlf has spent a lifetime focusing on relationships and encouraging others to cultivate their own healthy relationships. She speaks at retreats, women’s meetings, and Bible Studies. She has a passion for mentoring and discipleship, whether it be one on one or in small groups. Married to a wonderful, supportive man since 1995, Michelle resides in Phoenix, Arizona. She has two daughters, two grandsons, and two small, fluffy dogs. Losing Her, Finding Me is her first book.

What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)1 Peter 5:10 I have struggled with destructive and unhealthy thoughts my whole life. I condemned myself and shamed myself. When I read this scripture the word, “settled” stood up and presented itself and I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Keep your eyes on me and you will be settled.” I love that word, settled. I so wanted to be settled in my life. To be happy and content and know that God is for me always, even in the hard times.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: michellerohlf.com

Facebook: Michelle Rohlf

Instagram: @michelle_rohlf

YouTube: Michelle RohlfGrab a copy of Michelle’s book, Losing Her, Finding Me: A Mother’s Story of Estrangement and Self-Discovery by clicking here.

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Michelle Rohlf, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony,

Losing someone can bring immense pain. Tune into today’s episode with Guy Powell and learn how to cope through this difficult time and lean on God’s love so grief doesn’t take over you completely.

Guy R. Powell is a marketer, part-time historian, Christian and author of the new historical fiction, The Only Witness: An History on the Shroud of Turin.

The Shroud of Turin is the most valuable yet controversial relic with theories and science proving and disproving its validity as the true burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Powell builds a compelling history of the burial cloth beginning with its witness to the most significant event in human history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Powell’s history describes how the Shroud travels from Golgotha in Jerusalem to Edessa, Constantinople, France and finally Turin, Italy. If you are interested in a Christian story intertwined with a possible history of the Shroud then this story, The Only Witness will be of special interest to you.

What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)There are so many. Certainly, the very familiar, John 3:16 or Psalms 23, but I think the one most important is Micah 6:8.

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.And what does the Lord require of you?To act justly and to love mercyand to walk humbly with your God.The other verse that is an underlying theme of my book, is John 20:29.Then Jesus told him,‘Because you have seen me, you have believed;blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’

Connect with Guy

https://www.youtube.com/@Guy.R.Powell.ShroudofTurin

https://www.facebook.com/AHistoryOfTheShroudOfTurin

https://www.instagram.com/guy.r.powell/

https://www.tiktok.com/@guy.r.powell

https://www.linkedin.com/company/92743191

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4741110.Guy_Powell  guypowell.com 

Grab a copy of Guys’s new book, “The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud Of Turin” by clicking here.

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Guy Powell, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony, History of the Shroud

Tune into today’s episode and learn how you can reach for Christ and sail through your storm to something beyond.

Cindy is an intentional CEO-a Connector and Encourager to Others. She loves to inspire, empower, equip and coach those traveling through unexpected storms and motivate them toward new seasons of life. Cindy is an award-winning Bible study author, a passionate communicator, and a strong Biblical teacher who participates in Christian writing and speaking conferences and coordinates for a nationwide Christian outreach ministry. The mother of two adult children, she can often be found at the local coffee shop or the inspirational beach near her New Hampshire home. What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Romans 15:13. We do not have to settle for wishful thinking. We can come to the God of Hope. When we choose to trust God He will not only fill us with ALL joy and peace but we will OVERFLOW with hope. How? By the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Connect with Cindy

Cindy Saab on Facebook and Instagram 

Email: [email protected] 

Website: CindySaab.com 

Grab a copy of Cindy’s new Bible study Beyond: Finding Strength And Hope Through Unexpected Storms by clicking here.

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Cindy Saab, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony, Christian storms

On today’s episode, hear a story about one husband’s journey through his wife’s cancer, exploring the struggles and finding hope along the way. Get an unvarnished gaze into living and dying with cancer from the words of those who have gone through it, full of love, understanding, and devotion.Born and raised in a small central California farming town, Gary Sorg is no stranger to life’s endearing and challenging moments. He spent twenty years with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department, earning a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s in correctional counseling along the way. Then he went on to a second career for the State of California Department of Justice at the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. When not writing, Gary enjoys traveling with his wife, Janie, Bible study with friends, riding his motorcycle, target shooting, and time with family.  

What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)Well, we are told we must have one of these, but I have defaulted to adopting my mother’s favorite instead of coming up with one on my own. They are actually three verses in one short sentence; 1 Thessalonians 5: 16, 17, & 18 – 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 

Why: Because we should rejoice that we are children of God, the most powerful being in the universe, and we are going to be His heirs. What a deal – like we won the parental Powerball jackpot. We are told to pray and to give thanks, because God’s plan is perfect; even if we can’t make sense of it. Like Paul of the New Testament, we will know good times and bad, but we should be thankful we are under God’s care, and can have inner peace no matter what our affliction or circumstance. 

Connect with Gary:http://www.garysorg.com/

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Gary Sorg, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony, Christians with cancer

On today’s episode, learn how Carol Chisolm faced her alopecia with courage and overcame shame through embracing her true identity in Christ. Carol Chisolm is a singer, songwriter, and author. Her inspiring lyrics and powerful vocals leave listeners wanting more. She is truly an anointed singer, who ushers listeners into the presence of the Lord with her captivating tones. She was named Songwriter of the Month (July 2020) by Nashville Christian Songwriters, International. She was one of the top five finalists in the 2021 God’s Music Talent Showcase and named the 2022 Traditional Artist of the Year for theTampa Bay Gospel Music Awards.

In 2019, Carol released her single and music video, “Wonderfully Made”. It was inspired by her long journey with alopecia. She calls herself a survivor. After suffering many years with this autoimmune disorder, which results in hair loss. She coined the phrase “I have alopecia, but it doesn’t have me” to remind her that her identity is in Christ and not a reflection in the mirror. Carol has done it again. Her latest single, “Shepherd of My Soul” was released March 3, 2023. Carol’s music is available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and other digital services.

Carol is a contributing author in the award-winning anthology, She Writes for Him: Black Voices of Wisdom and My Bald Is Beautiful: I Am Not My Hair. Her book about her personal alopecia journey, Breaking the Shadows: How to Embrace Your True Self and Live in the Light of God’s Glory will be available this year along with a companion CD of 10 original songs included in the chapters of the book.

Carol is also an entrepreneur. She is the owner of CC Bookkeeping & Notary Services, LLC helping the small business owner save time and grow their business by performing those time-consuming tasks that are important aspects of a successful business. Connect with Carol on Instagram @ccbookkeeping321 for all your bookkeeping needs.

What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)This is one tough because I have so many. The scripture that really spoke to me during my alopecia journey was Psalm 139:14. David wrote, “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well”. Most people are quite familiar with the first part of this scripture, but I found refuge in the last phrase, “and that my soul knoweth right well”. You see the scripture does not give life until you believe it, embrace it, and apply it. I had to be convinced within myself that God’s works are breathtakingly marvellous and that included me, despite having this condition that caused me to lose my hair. It couldn’t rely on peoples’ opinions, but my soul had to be securely anchored in the Word of God, otherwise, I’d still be living in the bondage of fear and shame. 

Connect with Carol:Website: www.carolchisolm.com Facebook: Carol Chisolm Ministries Instagram: @carolchisolmministries Email address: [email protected] 

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Carol Chisolm, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony,

Join Sara Cormany as she shares a unique and inspiring story of how a life-changing experience led her to fully surrender herself to Jesus. Get ready for a conversation filled with laughter, and hope.Sara Cormany is an award-winning author and speaker, and the world’s most reluctant marketer. Her first solo title and devotional, Even When, is slated to come out in Spring 2024. A former educator, editor, and ghostwriter, Sara now serves authors as a project manager and the head of platform coaching services for Redemption Press, where she draws on both the failures and successes of nurturing her own social media platform to over 15K+ followers. But when asked, her most favorite roles include being wife to Nathan, mom to Grace, Drew, Sophie and Maddie, and a girl perfectly held by Jesus.What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)I find the scripture that breathes life into my heart changes with the seasons I’m in, so for now it is this: I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13-14

Connect with Sara:Website: www.saracormany.com IG: saracormany FB: Sara Cormany 

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Sara Cormany, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony,

Join Gail Porter for exploration into how to leave fear and insecurity behind by embracing God’s truth about who you are. Tune in on for guidance on overcoming the fear of rejection.International speaker and award-winning author of five books, Gail Porter served for fifty years with Cru, an international Christian organization. During her twenty years in Asia, Gail ministered to women and had opportunities to speak at women’s conferences in many countries. Gail’s personal journey of rising above the fear of rejection created a passion in her heart to help set others free from the heartache of rejection. In her latest book, Living on the Path of Freedom: Leaving Fear of Rejection Behind, Gail prepares people to walk in freedom and live an authentic life as the person God created them to be. What is your favorite scripture / lifetime verse (and why)Isaiah 43:18-19. This verse reminds me to keep leaving the past behind—including my former fear of rejection—and walk into the new things God is doing in my life. He promises to make a way, even in the wilderness or the desert.Check out Gail’s new book, “Living On The Path Of Freedom: Leaving Fear of Rejection Behind” by clicking here.

Connect with Gail:Website: https://gailporterauthor.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gail.porter.731

Listen on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Keywords

Gail Porter, Athena Holtz, Christian podcast, Christian authors, christian publishing, christian publisher, Athena Dean Holtz, christian podcasts, christian testimony, Jesus testimonies, Jesus testimony, fear of rejection,