Pastor Jeff Shanks grew up in Detroit, and has lived in several areas of the country as he served the Lord in ministry. Several years back, he settled in Ocala, and now leads St. John's Lutheran Church in Ocala. Pastor Shank's ministry is also featured each Sunday morning at 10:30 on the Shepherd station in Ocala, WRZN - AM 720 and FM 103.5. Here, he shares many reasons for the gratefulness and the joy that he has in his heart.

A break from the norm, as episodes of Afternoons With Mike are heard simultaneously around the network. Today, we have market unique programming. In this episode, Pastor Phil Courson from Abundant Grace Community Church shares on our call for Thanksgiving - not just for the holiday, but as a lifestyle. He also addresses some of the recent events in UF Football.

Anthony Sabatini represents Lake County in the Florida House of Representatives. He is very active in protecting the liberties of Floridians, especially against the progressive left's agenda. He exposes some of our best known businesses, and their involvement in implementing the progressive policies. Patti Sullivan is a representative for parents and the bill of rights fought for on their behalf. She believes that the parents of Florida are waking up to their rights, and ready to fight to preserve them.

Tim Kroll grew up a preacher's kid. His well-known dad would go on to lead one of America's premier radio teaching programs for many years - "Back to the Bible". That teacher and Tim's dad was Woodrow Kroll, and some back he retired - for less than a week...before starting a new project - writing a complete Bible School curriculum that can be translated into other languages, and placed on a solar-powered mp3 player. Any pastor in the world that speaks that language can have seminary - in the palm of their hand.

She gained national attention by standing up for parent's rights and involvement in the recent school board debate in the national media. Quisha King represents Moms for Liberty, and is now a weekend contributor to Fox and Friends on the Fox News Network. State Representative Anthony Sabatini is a strong voice with an even stronger bent toward conservatism in Florida's politics. Now, he is running for US Congress - and aims to make a difference.

Finding her niche in marketing, Aimee Lloyd was on a solid career and personal path - until the unexpected loss of her baby girl. The grief that she experienced was only the beginning of life-changing events that were yet to come. Aimee found solace in her faith, and new purpose in her life. She shares her story with Mike in this episode.

After being named as President Trump's Press Secretary, Sean Spicer became not only a household name, but a familiar face as the daily press conferences were regular fare for TV News. He also took a media beating, including a regular lampooning on comedy shows. He has written a new book, and has serious concerns about America's direction. Also, singer LAUREN TALLEY literally grew up on the stages of churches and concert halls. She is now a solo artist, and a newlywed to boot. Finally, Major Hank Harwell oversees the Citrus County Corp of the Salvation Army.

Tim Kaufman makes his third appearance on Mike's show. This professional singer has appeared across the country in concerts, including being a soloist for Dr. Charles Stanley's church in Atlanta. Tim is part of the cast for the big Orlando Christmas season event called "Christmas Is," produced by Thurlow Spurr. The event will be held at Calvary Orlando on Dec. 4th.

SHANNON CARROLL and her husband had the American Dream, until they found a greater purpose in Jesus. They sold their house and cars, got out of debt, and developed a different business and lifestyle - both having to do with animals! Laurel Ordonez has a consulting firm aimed at equipping women in business. Finally, Megan Aldridge is a doctor of audiology, but she spends most of her time in another business - real estate, and this direction has captured her love.

He is recognized as one of the leading pioneers in Contemporary Christian Music. Thurlow Spurr founded a traveling group bearing his name - "The Spurrlows" - that traveled the nation, performing on television and in churches. Another one of his groups, "Festival of Praise" traveled around the world, sharing the Gospel in choral music. Thurlow himself served as the Director of Music for Calvary Assembly in Orlando, and later for the PTL Network. Now, he and his wife Kathey are producing "Christmas Is", a great holiday event in December.