The distance between West Monroe, Louisiana and Guatemala may be measured in miles, but for Abby Wood and her teenage son Gavin, that gap closed into something far more meaningful during their recent mission trip. What began fifteen years ago with a simple $43 monthly commitment to sponsor a child has blossomed into relationships that transcend borders, languages, and cultural differences.

When the Woods first connected with Compassion International, they simply wanted to sponsor a child sharing their newborn son's birthday. That initial connection with a Ugandan boy named Xavier has lasted nearly two decades. More recently, they added Guatemalan Ellie to their sponsorship family after their church helped establish a Compassion center in her community.

The true magic happened when Abby and Gavin stepped off the bus in Guatemala to an unexpected welcome—community members with phones and even a drone capturing their arrival, children holding welcome banners, and celebratory fireworks lighting their path. The abstract concept of sponsorship suddenly had faces, personalities, and embraces attached to it.

Walking into Ellie's home where eight family members live together revealed details no letter could convey. Her father leaves at 4 AM six days a week for a 12-hour factory workday. Her mother rises at 3 AM to prepare his meals. Despite modest surroundings, they proudly displayed their collection of letters from the Woods, kept securely in a locked drawer like precious jewels.

Most touching was discovering Ellie's true personality—not the shy girl from photographs, but a playful, competitive spirit who couldn't wait to play games with her American friends. These moments of connection transcended language barriers (requiring both Spanish and Mayan Kekchi translators) and revealed the human bonds at the heart of global ministry.

The impact wasn't one-sided. At another home visit, a skeptical father finally approached after observing from a distance. "I just really didn't know this was real," he admitted. "Today I know there's really someone out there who cares about us." His words captured why showing up matters as much as financial support.

Ready to make a difference that ripples through generations? Visit compassion.com to discover how a modest monthly commitment can transform lives across the globe—including your own.

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Joanna Herman shares her journey through divorce after seven years of marriage and how she discovered that her circumstances don't define who she is in God's eyes.

• Facing fears of financial insecurity, loneliness, and judgment as a worship leader going through divorce
• Battling shame and the feeling that divorce "wasn't supposed to happen" to her despite doing things "the right way"
• Finding hope by realizing this difficult period was just a chapter, not her entire story
• Clinging to Isaiah 43:2 as a reminder of God's presence during deep waters
• Drawing strength from her mother's example as a single parent and supportive community
• Discovering deeper worship connection through her pain and healing journey
• Learning to combat negative thoughts with truth about her identity in Christ
• Recognizing how God strategically placed supportive people in her life before her crisis

"Find yourself a godly community to surround yourself with who's going to be there to celebrate those mountaintops and pray you through the valleys... just because life may not always be going good, we still serve a good God."

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Laura Womack shares her powerful journey through postpartum depression following the birth of her second child. After struggling silently for two years while putting on a brave face for others, she found healing through an unexpected spiritual breakthrough that transformed her relationship with God and restored her joy.

Some highlights of our discussion:
• Experienced postpartum depression after her second child when circumstances were dramatically different from her first birth
• Forced to return to work just six weeks after giving birth when her husband lost his job
• Struggled with feelings of intense loneliness despite having a supportive husband and family
• Continued attending church and Bible studies but was "just going through the motions"
• Found healing through surrendering to God during a small group Bible study after nearly two years
• Learned valuable lessons about God's patience, love, and healing power through her experience
• Believes Christians should acknowledge mental health struggles and seek both spiritual and professional help

If you're struggling with postpartum depression or any mental health issue, don't wait to seek help. Reach out to God first, then find godly counselors and friends who can support your healing journey.

First West Counseling

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Our latest episode dives into the ins and outs of Hallie Dye's new book, "You're Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have)". Her book addresses what it means to be a good mom on God's terms.

This conversation emphasizes the worth of a mother. In order to do so, Hallie takes us all the way back to Genesis, where everything good was created.

This conversation also highlights some of the behind the scenes of how Hallie became and author and how she stated her Podcast show, The Salt Works.

Please listen along and find yourself being encouraged!

Get your copy of Hallie's book, "You're Still a Good Mom," available on various platforms!

The Saltworks

You're Still a Good Mom: Motherhood Surrendered to the One Who Never Fails (Even When You Feel You Have) by Hallie Dye

Moody Publishers

The Vine

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Step into the profound journey of faith as we sit down with Dr. Troy Bostick, my father-in-law and trusted dentist, to unravel the incredible story behind the Gideons. Originating from a simple idea to counter the saloon culture of the late 19th century, this evangelistic association has blossomed into a monumental force for spreading the Christian faith across the globe. Discover how two determined businessmen from Wisconsin ignited a mission that now operates in over 200 countries, distributing Bibles in 196 languages, with a staggering 95 million Bibles shared just last year. We'll uncover the unique color-coding system that helps direct Bibles to groups like military personnel and medical staff, and dive into the biblical inspiration for the name "Gideons," drawn from a figure known for his steadfast obedience to God's will.

Our conversation takes a personal turn as we explore the impact of becoming a Gideon, emphasizing its non-denominational nature and the heartfelt commitment involved. Dr. Bostick sheds light on the various roles within the organization, from speaking engagements at churches to the distribution of Bibles in hotels and hospitals. We also highlight the innovative Gideon card program, a meaningful way to honor loved ones by donating Bibles in their name. With personal stories and gospel narratives at the heart of this endeavor, we discuss how these tales of faith can connect and empower. Join us for an episode brimming with inspiring stories, and learn how the Gideons continue to make a difference worldwide.

gideons.org

upfromthemuck.com

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In this episode, I talk with Tara Fuller as she shares with me a moment from her life that used to clouted with shame, but is now counted as joy.

Tara is an elementary teacher, a wonderful mother of two, and my friend.

In this episode, she opens up about her early struggles with identity, anxiety, and depression, culminating in a life-altering suicide attempt in 2015. She shares how seeking approval from God, rather than others, and the unwavering support from her husband, Kenny, were instrumental in her recovery. Tara's journey showcases the resilience that can emerge from the darkest times, providing hope and encouragement for anyone facing similar battles.

Tara offers invaluable advice for overcoming mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of Christian therapy and the practice of EMDR to process trauma.

Join us for this heartfelt episode, as we explore the significance of keeping God's word close so that we can remember to replace the lies of the enemy with God's truth.

Take a listen and be encourage!

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When you find yourself at a career crossroads, the leap of faith into your true calling can be both thrilling and daunting. Mr. Damon Nailer, a man of many talents: educator, author, motivational speaker, and beacon of divine inspiration, has walked this path. In our heart-to-heart, Damon unwraps the layers of his journey, revealing how he navigated from a traditional educational role to fulfilling his purpose in leadership and spiritual guidance.

There's a transformation that occurs when you align your life with a higher calling, and Damon's story is a testament to that. We ponder the delicate dance between professional ambition and personal faith, where trust in God's plan becomes the pulse of entrepreneurial spirit and success. The wisdom he shares—from his books to the founding of Real Life Academy—reflects a life steeped in continuous fellowship with the divine, reshaping not only his own destiny but also impacting those around him.

Our conversation isn't just about Damon's milestones; it's a broader reflection on how success shapes our relationships and the way we lead. The episode peels back the curtain to reveal the nuanced ways in which faith and leadership intertwine, offering insights into how vision, guided by spiritual maturity, can broaden our horizons and influence.

Take a listen and be encouraged!

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