The Union Podcast

Well, just like that, The Union Conference has come and gone. As Bonnie and I reflect on various aspects of the event, we are in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Throughout our meetings with volunteers and team leaders, we consistently emphasized that every aspect of the event—whether it was hospitality, registration, or any other area—was designed to facilitate an encounter with the Lord for our attendees. By God’s grace, this focus was a clear hallmark of the conference.

In this episode, we look back on the event and are joined by our incredible interns, who share their unique experiences. Together, we unpack the highlights, including moving testimonies of how God worked in and through the sessions, moments of deep connection during worship, and the rich teachings that encouraged attendees to live in truth and grace.

Whether you attended the conference or are hearing about it for the first time, this episode is filled with heartfelt reflections and inspiring stories that remind us of God’s faithfulness. Join us as we celebrate all that He did and look forward with hope!

We are currently in the midst of the year-end giving campaign. If you're passionate about gospel-centred sexuality and identity and want to support the ongoing work of The Union, we would love to partner with you. You can make a financial contribution through our website.- www.theunionmovement.com/partner

Also, our latest video resource, The Youth Leader Course, has just launched. If you are committed to discipleship in the next generation, this resource is for you. Start your journey towards clarity and confidence in Biblical sexuality and identity today- www.theunionmovement.com/video-resources

Racial reconciliation is a significant topic in our current cultural moment. The key question is: Is the approach taken by the world effective? We argue that it is not and that the Scriptures and the Gospel of Christ offer a better solution. This was the focus of our recent interview with Monique Duson. Monique helps us better understand how intersectionality and Critical Race Theory (CRT) influence today's perspectives on human sexuality. Additionally, we discussed her new book titled "Walking in Unity."

"Walking in Unity" aims to provide Christ-centered solutions to the issues surrounding race and racism. Authors Monique Duson and Krista Bontrager address the distinctions between secular approaches to achieving consensus and the biblical call for unity. They explore what Scripture teaches about racial harmony and emphasize how Christians can find a shared identity through faith in Christ.

Monique Duson is the President of the Center for Biblical Unity. With a social services and children's ministry background, she has worked with a diverse range of underserved communities. Monique served as a missionary in South Africa for over four years, helping children and teachers affected by drugs, violence, and trauma. For two decades, she advocated for Critical Race Theory (CRT), but after experiencing a series of events, she began to recognize the contradictions between CRT and the historic Christian worldview. Monique is now convinced that CRT is not the best path to achieving racial unity, and she actively speaks out against its application within the church.

Monique has appeared on various shows, including *Relatable* with Allie Beth Stuckey, the *Alisa Childers Podcast*, and *Breakpoint* with John Stonestreet. She holds a BA in Sociology from Biola University and is currently pursuing an MA in Public Theology at Birmingham Theological Seminary.

Click here for more on the Center For Biblical Unity and to get your copy of “Walking In Unity”

Follow on social media under the handle @centerforbiblicalunity

In today’s episode, we uncover the complex and often misunderstood realities of human trafficking in Canada and beyond. Unlike the kidnapping or smuggling scenarios frequently highlighted in the media, trafficking often unfolds as a deeply relational crime. Perpetrators build trust and meet unmet needs in unhealthy ways, preying on vulnerable individuals to establish control. In Canada, this issue significantly impacts, disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities, along with women and girls.

Joining us today is Sofia Friesen from Ally Global, a Vancouver-based charity dedicated to combating sex trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors. Together with local partners in Nepal and Cambodia, Ally provides safe housing, education, and aftercare for over 200 children who have been rescued from human trafficking and abuse. Additionally, our local leaders conduct anti-trafficking presentations in high-risk areas, educating students, teachers, and the wider community about the dangers of human trafficking. In Canada, their mission is to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors through engaging and educational resources. These resources aim to equip children and youth with the skills they need to navigate online interactions and relationships safely and healthily.

This episode provides a heartfelt and enlightening discussion about the larger issue of human trafficking and the important efforts being made to combat it.

For more information about Ally Global, visit their website or follow them on social media - @allyglobal

The shame from past sexual experiences can be a heavy burden, affecting our current and future relationships. In today's world, influenced by hook-up culture, hyper-sexualization, and widespread use of pornography, many people struggle with feelings of regret and guilt that impact their self-worth. This shame can lead to fear and insecurity, making it challenging to trust, be vulnerable, and fully experience the love and intimacy necessary for healthy relationships. It's important to recognize that this doesn't just affect the person with the sexual past, but also their partner.

In this deeply personal and insightful interview, Richard De La Mora, a respected pastor, devoted husband, and co-founder of LoveAlwaysMinistries.com, sheds light on his latest book, "Body Count." The book addresses a sensitive and vital issue in today’s hyper-sexualized world: navigating a relationship when one partner has a significant sexual history. Richard candidly shares his own journey of marrying a former adult film actress and how they successfully navigated through challenges such as jealousy, shame, and societal judgment. The interview delves into the book's core themes, exploring how to cultivate a thriving relationship despite a partner's past and how to overcome mental obstacles like recurring negative thoughts or "mental movies." Richard emphasizes the transformative power of grace, both in receiving it from God and extending it to a partner who may have a challenging sexual past.

Richard De La Mora is a husband, father, pastor, evangelist, and author. His deep love for Jesus and passion for people led him to San Diego, CA, in 2012, where he began working in full-time ministry. He married his wife, former porn star Brittni, in 2016. Shortly after, they began preaching the gospel and sharing their unique story worldwide, which depicts a modern-day version of Hosea and Gomer. In 2020, Richard and Brittni founded Love Always Ministries. A ministry that helps people walk in their calling by discovering God’s love and leading a victorious life through purity.

Get your copy of Body Count

Learn more about Love Always Ministries

Follow on socials:

Richard- @richardelamora

Brittni- @brittnidelamora

Love Always- @lovealwaysministries

To learn more about Kyla and the work of Restored & Transformed, visit her website here

Get your Union Conference 2024 Tickets Today!

When faced with continuous challenges and unexpected obstacles in life, how can we create a fulfilling and close marriage? How can we transition from feeling stressed and overwhelmed to feeling energized and motivated, and find the strength to improve our marriage relationship? In this episode, hosted by Bryan Pue, we will hear from Robert Paul, and return guest Tara Lalonde, as they unpack principles from their new book entitled “Empowered To Love”. Robert and Tara provide practical, biblically based tools for husbands and wives to enhance their personal lives and empower their marriage. Instead of simply hoping and praying for something better, couples are encouraged to actively take steps to care for themselves and prioritize their most important relationship.

Through insightful guidance, Robert and Tara will address questions like:

Why is Empowered to Love so important in today’s cultural moment, and how can it offer hope for struggling marriages?

How can couples focus on personal development without falling into self-centeredness?

What are the greatest threats to creating a marriage that feels safe emotionally, spiritually, physically, and mentally?

Why is personal responsibility so crucial in maintaining a healthy relationship?

How can we avoid codependency and recognize when we are taking on too much responsibility for our spouse’s emotional and spiritual health?

What does it mean to “guard your heart” in an unhealthy marriage while still showing up as the best version of yourself?

How has the modern view of love and commitment in marriage gone off track, and how can we reclaim the true meaning of covenant love?

Is love a feeling or a choice, and how do both perspectives shape a lasting marriage?

What words of hope can we offer to couples who feel stuck in negative patterns and don’t know how to move forward?

Whether you’re a newlywed or a couple facing years of unresolved tension, Empowered to Love offers real hope, practical strategies, and transformative insights that can help your marriage flourish in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in and take the next step toward a healthier, more empowered relationship.

Robert S. Paul, M.S., is the vice president of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute and the primary architect of the Hope Restored marriage intensive programs. He is a licensed professional counsellor with over 30 years of experience and is an international speaker. He has coauthored six books, including The DNA of Relationships with Gary and Greg Smalley and, more recently, 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage. Robert and his wife, Jenni, have been married for 43 years and have four children and seven grandchildren.

Tara Lalonde, PhD, is a registered psychotherapist in Ontario and has been counselling adults and couples for over 20 years. She is a lead marriage therapist with the Hope Restored marriage intensive counselling program in Ontario, Canada. She is also the author of An Unexpected Freedom: Discover Peace and Joy in the Reality of Life. She and her husband, Vince, have been married for 19 years.

Get your copy of “Empowered To Love”

Register for a Hope Restored Marriage Intensive- USA

Register for a Hope Restored Marriage Intensive- Canada

The Union Conference 2024 Registration

Sexuality Unmasked Website

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Healthy and thriving marriages filled with love are cultivated over longer periods. Just like with grapes grown to make wine, it can take years of purposeful attention to the proverbial soil quality of this covenantal relationship. Sometimes there can be little rocks under the surface that end up choking the life and love out of marriages.  Little things left unchecked can become big problems.

So, how do we identify these rocks and get them out of the soil of our marriages so that the fruit of this relationship can be intoxicatingly healthy?

This is exactly what we are going to discuss in today's episode with Neil & Sharol Josephson from FamilyLife.

Before stepping into the call to work with FamilyLife, Neil worked as a Bible school president and Sharol as a TV broadcaster. Together they also worked as marriage pastors at a large church in Southern California. In addition, they have served as the directors of FamilyLife Canada and have recently stepped into a role as the directors of FamilyLife International. Neil and Sharol have been married for over 40 years and have a great depth of understanding and wisdom in what it takes to have a thriving marriage. This was a great conversation and we know it will impact your life.

Checkout FamilyLife Global

Start Your Journey With Our New “In God’s Image” Resource

We often talk about how God is the "Author and Finisher of our faith" and how He "orders our steps". However, when it comes to the reality of singleness, we have a hard time believing that it could be under His authorship. This is compounded by the overemphasis that can be placed on marriage within the church at times, which leaves us wondering, "Do I write my story, or is God writing my story?" In this conversation, we will be discussing these very issues with our guest, Meisha Watson.

Meisha has worked in the Canadian entertainment industry for over 12 years. She has hosted on YTV's The Zone and the ZoneWeekend, presented at the Canadian Screen Awards, and interviewed top chefs from across Canada. Meisha is the executive producer of the hilarious, musically led, biblical teaching variety show for kids called 'HEY MEISHA!', which airs on Saturday mornings on YES TV and streams on YouTube, Yippee TV, and the Castle TV App. In addition, Meisha also produces and hosts the podcast "My Single Story", where she gets real about the dynamics of being a single Christian. Meisha's guests join her to discuss not only the good, the bad, and the cringeworthy, but also to make space for community as we are equipped, heard, and cherished by God. You can find "My Single Story" podcast on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Check the show notes to stay up to speed and follow along with Meisha.

In This Episode we cover:

-How to breakthrough in trusting God in your singleness

-Recommendations for people in the “dating world”

-How to stay hopeful

-How to hold to convictions

-How to involve your community

-Navigating the challenges of the online dating world

And more…

Follow Meisha on:

@iammeisha

@mysinglestory

@heymeisha

My Single Story YouTube Channel

“Hey Meisha” YouTube Channel

Meisha Watson Website

“Hey Meisha” Show Website