Spark Directory

Bunni Pounds sits down with Dr. Hormoz Shariat — often called the Billy Graham of Iran — to discuss revival, discipleship, and the underground church.

This episode of Conversations with Christians Engaged is part of our Stories from Israel and Iran series, featuring believers making a real impact in culture worldwide. This week, Bunni Pounds sits down with Dr. Hormoz Shariat — often called the Billy Graham of Iran — to discuss how God is transforming one of the most closed nations on earth. From his journey as a former Muslim to leading a 24/7 satellite ministry reaching millions across the Middle East, Dr. Shariat shares stories of revival, courage, and discipleship under persecution.

Discover how Iran is now home to the fastest-growing church in the world, why the underground believers there are hungry for the Word, and how the same Gospel that’s changing lives in Iran can reignite our faith here in America.

This episode will stir your heart for global missions and remind you why our freedom in the U.S. matters — so the Good News can continue to reach the ends of the earth.

Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 49:38 — “I will set my throne in Elam.”

Learn more about Dr. Shariat’s ministry at IranAlive.org.

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SUMMARY:

PODCAST INTRO:

Lori Ann shares the journey she entered into when her life hit a major detour, based on an unexpected diagnosis of heart failure. Married to her high school sweetheart and mother to three adult children, Lori's life was bustling with activity and health consciousness. However, a shocking diagnosis challenged her understanding of control, faith, and God's presence in suffering.

Lori Ann candidly discusses the initial disbelief of her diagnosis and the silence from God that she experienced, comparing her questions and search for understanding and the struggle with answered prayer to a spiritual wrestling match. Despite her pristine health metrics, she overlooked minor symptoms, not knowing those symptoms were pointing to her life changing detour.

Throughout the conversation, Lori Ann delves into the duality of grief and gratitude, acknowledging the coexistence of pain and thankfulness. She emphasizes the significance of lament in her faith journey, a practice she initially hesitated to embrace but found crucial for expressing her deepest fears and doubts to God.

I especially loved when our conversation turned to her book, Divine Detour where she explores three pivotal questions inspired by Jesus's temptations in the desert: Is this life all there is? Is God always good? Is God's plan enough? These questions reflect her struggle with worry, doubt, and control, ultimately leading her to a deeper relationship with God.

You’re going to be extravagantly blessed as you listen to this conversation and all that Lori Ann has to share. In every one of her answers she delivers beautiful insight with regard to God’s heart for those who are suffering.

If you are in a season of loss and uncertainty and you wonder where God is, does He care about what is happening in your life….then make time to engage with every bit of Lori Ann’s insight.

The title of her book says it perfectly, Divine Detour because when the unexpected throws a block into the road that were happily headed down, I know that is the exact spot where the enemy wanted to destroy us (with a diagnosis, with that loss, with no end in sight, with grief)…but God….He enters with His love, grace and mercy, and turns our detour into something far more beautiful than what this life has to offer.

If at all possible, get your pen and paper ready because you’re gonna want to capture and reread these distinctions and revelations that Lori Ann has to share.

Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In this episode #215, host Doris Swift is joined by returning guest Valerie Ellis—author, speaker, teacher, and founder of Our Everyday Parables, a multi-author site dedicated to bringing families resources where faith and fun meet. Valerie’s passion for connecting kids with biblical truth through engaging books shines as she shares about her journey, including inspiration from her own two boys and her background as a certified teacher.

Doris and Valerie dive into the stories behind Valerie’s beloved children’s books—like Let’s Go Bible Adventures, designed for kids obsessed with trains, trucks, and ice cream vans, and Share the Joy: A Christmas Lift-the-Flap Book, which helps instill a spirit of giving during the holidays. They discuss Valerie’s newest release, Wild Faith Devotional for Kids, packed with fascinating animal facts and faith lessons, and explore how everyday moments and the wonders of creation can point children (and adults!) to God.

You’ll also hear practical wisdom on helping your kids experience “Jesus joy,” resources for parents and caregivers to make faith relatable, and tips for aspiring writers who feel called to create meaningful books for children. Tune in for encouragement, laughter, and a timely reminder that investing in the youngest generation can have eternal impact—even in the busiest seasons.

00:00 Children’s Christian Books and Devotional

07:06 “Supporting Parents in Faith Education”