Growing up in South Central Los Angeles during the turbulent 1960s and ’70s meant living through riots, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the rise of gang violence. It was a time of confusion and hardship for many. For Damon Kendrix, those years were shaped by unseen grace. As a young boy, God was already leading him—quietly and consistently—toward peace. Music became the unexpected lifeline, a divine escape route from the noise of the world to the stillness of God’s pres...
Jul 26, 2025
1 hr 9 min
What is hope? "Hope is a rope. Hope is the rope that God gives us when we are falling off of the cliffs of life. Despite how far down you fall into the depths of despair, there is always a sense of knowing that God will rescue us and there will be a better day." ...
Jun 6, 2025
47 min
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." (Philippians 3:13). Paul isn’t asking us to erase the past. He’s showing us how to live with hope, even when the past carries deep pain. In today’s episode, you’ll hear a father share his story after the loss of his daughter in a mass shooting. On November 7, 2018 Kristina Morisette, along with eleven others, were killed in a mass shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, Ca. ...
Apr 17, 2025
36 min
God meets us in all seasons of life. Recovery from human-made community trauma (ex. mass shootings or sudden political changes) to natural disasters that impact entire communities (ex. fires, floods, hurricanes) follow patterns or phases the five phases include: 1) Hero Phase 2) Disillusionment Phase 3) Rebuilding and Restoration Phase 4) Wisdom Phase The gift of Jesus' presence meets us differently in each of these phases and brings you what you need as crisis moves to wisdom. &n...
Mar 11, 2025
28 min
Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe and our host, Rev. Tom Stephen, dive into collective trauma related to recent wildfires in Southern California. Kate contextualizes the fires through the lens of losing senses of community and examines how people can come together even after times of devastation. Kate clarifies what the ‘hero phase’ can look like at the start of a disaster response and how helpers can extend a supportive hand in the face of extreme loss. She and Tom talk about the importance of...
Feb 19, 2025
44 min
The four weeks before Christmas can make you crazy. So much to do. So many expectations. So many disappointments. Is Peace even possible? In this podcast you'll hear an inspiring and informative conversation with Dana Rouse. Dana's expertise in music, her depth of wisdom and her love for God will offer you ways to find the One who is peace this Christmas season (and any time of year). Peace is possible.
Dec 14, 2024
50 min
Have you ever avoided a tough conversation? Sometimes we fear hurting someone's feelings, so we put off having a direct conversation about a growing problem. Our desire to be "nice" allows that problem to continue unnecessarily. Have you ever been overwhelmed and undone because of the brutal directness of a boss or friend? Some people see themselves as the main character in Jimmy Buffet's song, "Just an Old Truth Teller," who says, "I'm just an old...
Oct 25, 2024
48 min
Mike Amato joins the podcast and speaks to our host, Tom Stephen, about his near death experience of meeting Jesus in Heaven. He speaks of the conviction that Jesus gave him to “tell the story” of the peace of Christ. Over the years, Mike has shared his experience with people around the county bring peace and hope to those who have lost a loved one in death.
Oct 15, 2024
40 min
“We cannot truly love unless we give up our right to be right” - Nita Hanson "Surrender has everything to do with trust. I cannot surrender to something I don't trust." - Nita Hanson Tom Stephen is joined by longtime friend of the podcast and recurring guest, Nita Hanson. Nita Hanson shares how even in her darkest moments of the war in Ukraine, she experiences the Peace of Christ. That peace has been a part of her life since she first surrendered herself to God's love. &...
Sep 25, 2024
49 min
“We need to prepare for death the same way that we prepare for life." In this podcast Mickey Fenn offers practical insights for those who facing the death of a loved one. As a hospice chaplain and someone who has encountered death both personally and professionally, her experience helping families will give you practical insights into how you can walk through the last stage of life of the one you love. Talking about death is hard. This podcast creates a pathway for ...
Sep 14, 2024
48 min
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