This is a special feature "presentation" but really can be considered part 3 of Alvin Smith's episodes (Make sure you listen to the first two. Did somebody say Trilogy!?). This episode is dedicated to his charity organization, Into-Africa, and the goal is that you would listen and realize you can change. Things in your life can change. Your LIFE can be BETTER if you are willing to think differently and put in the necessary work. Know Better. Do Better. Be Better.

You'll hear a few audio clips we've taken (with permission) to help you understand what Winning Minds and Into-Africa are all about. Another reason for this being “special feature’ is because we've recorded a song for Into-Africa. The “featured” song features Atlanta, Georgia resident Chetan Benson – an amazing voice, but more and most importantly a husband and father.

So…here it goes! A condensed interview-visionary presentation, and a special feature song for Into-Africa are coming atcha right now! It’s time to WIN…and go IN-to Africa!

Into-Africa

Door Church

"Into-Africa" written and produced by Fred LaValley. Vocals by Fred LaValley and Chetan Benson. Instrumental is for non-profit use from www.allroundabeats.com 

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*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* God Over Money Records | Music, Apparel, & Lifestyle

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The goal of Winning Minds is to challenge the way we think, and to offer perhaps a new way of thinking which leads to better living. One of the key people who led me to start this podcast, although indirectly, was Alvin Smith. He was raised in Athens, GA and now is an associate pastor of Door Church in Tucson, AZ and is the Founder and Director of Into-Africa ministries. This episode is part 2 of my conversation with him, and as you listen, I believe you will be inspired to think, live and be better than you ever have before. Thanks for listening to this podcast. I hope it contributes to your next winning decision.

https://www.door.church/

https://www.into-africa.org/

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* https://www.godovermoney.com/

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At 26 years of age, he and his wife moved to the poorest nation in the world: no running water, no electricity…in his own words, he describes it as “overwhelming poverty.” But what he and his wife started now reaches not only people all over Sierra Leone, but 14 other African nations, and can even be found in Europe. How does that happen? In this podcast, Alvin Smith speaks about how being creative and resilient can enable us to rise above poverty and improve ourselves and our communities. Thanks for listening to this podcast. I hope it contributes to you next winning decision.

https://www.door.church/

https://www.into-africa.org/

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* https://www.godovermoney.com/

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"Where are the men?" This was the cry of Michael Thurmond as he stood before a crowd of a few hundred people in the sweltering sun of a June afternoon in Gainesville, GA. They all came to discuss and rally together to dedicate themselves to fixing, not the problems of the world, not the problems of America, but the problems within their own community. And when Mike began to speak, he spoke with passion from his own life experiences and convictions. In this episode, Pastor Mike takes up that same message. So please listen and consider his words. Thanks for listening to this podcast, I hope it contributes to your next winning decision.

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* https://www.godovermoney.com/

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In a society where we are more connected than ever… well, at least we thought we were until social distancing and quarantining showed us that we need more than 4G and 5G friends. We need real relationships. In this episode, I’m speaking with Isaac Owolabi –  engineer, entrepreneur, husband, dad… friend… who has lived all over the US and not only “been there, done that, got the t-shirt”, but also still has real friends in those places. Thank you for listening to this podcast, and I hope it helps you make friends and be a better friend.

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* https://www.godovermoney.com/

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It was a Wednesday night, 9 years ago that he found himself on the run from the law, lonely and broken… and that night, at 21 years of age, he chose to change. The man he tried to become since he was 17 was not the man he wanted to be anymore. In this episode, Joe Hernandez shares how the wrong idea and example of what a man is took him to a dark and dangerous place. But he has changed now and endeavors to help others WIN by embracing the truth and the challenge of what a man really is.

Joe and his wife are now youth pastors of The Door Church in McAllen, TX after pioneering a church-plant in Detroit, MI for 3 years.

https://www.thedoormcallen.com

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)*

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This is part 2 of the two-part series with Ashton Cheeks. In this episode Fred and Ashton dive into the lessons Ashton learned, and how he has changed the way he thinks about habits and discipline. He tells us how disciplined thinking is not emotional, and also by applying disciplined habits you can transform areas of yourself you are not confident in.

You can follow Ashton on Instagram @ashton_develops and on Facebook at facebook.com/ashtoncheeks.

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)*

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Meet Entre-believer, Ashton Cheeks: broken dreams didn’t break him, and tough luck didn’t leave him down on his luck thanks to his never-quit attitude. But just like he needed more than dreams, he needed more than attitude. Ashton is now WINNING because he’s learned the value of good habits and daily, practical discipline. In part 1 of this 2 part series, he tells us how life and his mentor taught him “You can have hallelujah, but you need ‘do-allujah’.” 

You can follow Ashton on Instagram @ashton_develops and on Facebook at facebook.com/ashtoncheeks. 

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)* 

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This is part 2 of my conversation with Javy Gaona. If you haven’t heard part one, please go back and listen to it first so you can understand and appreciate all that Javy has to say here. In this episode we discuss more of his life, and particularly, the challenge of asking for help. If you think you need help, if you want help, I encourage you to ask for it, look for it, and do not stop until you find the help you need. Javy found it, and wants you to know – there is hope! Things can change!

*Credit: intro track is "Warriors" by Bizzle (God Over Money)*

Music during Ad Sponsor: Butterfly Woke by Jeris (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/VJ_Memes/61357 Ft: airtone