Monty shares his testimony and experiences of preaching on the streets. Monty discusses his journey from a life of alcoholism to finding salvation and his calling to evangelism. He also shares insights into the challenges and rewards of street preaching, and how his spiritual relationship with Jesus fuels his passion for the Great Commission. Despite facing opposition and misunderstanding, Monty remains steadfast in his mission to bring Jesus to the lost and hurting world.
Show notes:
- Monty Simpson shares his journey to street evangelism; - Simpson's upbringing and struggles with alcoholism; - His radical transformation after accepting Christ; - The challenges and opposition faced by street preachers; - The importance of being led by God in street preaching; - Encountering demonic opposition during public preaching; - The power of prayer and persistence in evangelism; - The need for more Christians to take the gospel to the streets (Matthew 28:19); - Simpson's call for support in his evangelistic mission.
Interview with Jennifer Cotney from Christian Mix 106.
Jennifer shares her testimony, about Christian Mix 106, and the Homeless Ministry in New Orleans.
Jennifer shares her testimony for Jesus;
God moves in Jennifer's children; Jennifer experiences church; Not feeling worthy of grace; Surrendering completely to Jesus; Husband gets saved; Jennifer and ChristianMix106; Kids and the homeless; Local churches ministering to the homeless; Disobedience and the aftermath; Seeking God for needs; A moving story about Wendy; The city and homeless sweeps; Hurricane Ida category 4 hits New Orleans; Aftermath of Ida and it's impact on the homeless; Still fixing her house after Ida; Reach Jennifer at ChristianMix106.com Jennifer Prays;
Interview with Healing Evangelist Garry Nesbit on what it is like to live the Supernatural Christian lifestyle. We talk about the supernatural - spiritual things of God.
Stephen Barret shares what it is like to evangelize in Japan. Signs and wonders confirming the word.
Show Notes with Time Stamps
02:05 Stephen went from no miracles to miracles 06:45 Jesus is not known in Japan 08:35 The Japanese think evangelism is for the Pros 10:08 God draws the right people 12:16 Stephen recounts a miracle in his ministry 16:15 an example of God drawing the hungry people 18:34 Japanese Mystics - Idolatry 20:38 Idolatry is a problem when new converts in Japan 21:43 Buddhism and Shintoism is prevalent 22:39 A Buddhist dreams about Jesus and then gets saved 25:38 The ones that follow you are the ones you disciple 27:49 The smart phone as a ministry tool 30:41 Japanese think Jesus is a historical figure among other gods; 34:58 Another miracle recounted 39:30 A terminal patient healed in Jesus Name 41:16 Commanding in the Name of Jesus 44:33 Signs accompany the gospel confirming the word 46:16 Dealing with Doubt and unbelief 48:25 Stephen was going blind from demonic attack 54:27 Running to the demons in dreams to attack 56:08 The devil tests believers 56:38 Don't seek sympathy get in agreement 1:02:53 Greater works than these 1:06:14 The devil circles about seeking whom he may devour 1:09:50 Acts is our blueprint for today - not leaven 1:11:54 Committing time for evangelism each week 1:18:17 Huddling after a spiritual encounter - discipling 1:20:12 Words of knowledge - spiritual discernment 1:27:03 Stilling the thoughts to be receptive to God 1:29:01 Learning from God directly 1:31:15 Stephen recounts a time he got healed 1:39:15 Stephen prays
God sets up divine appointments today! Testimony interview and Ministry Spotlight with evangelist Jerry Alford from TEAM - Truckers Evangeslizing America Ministry.
show notes:
How we met evangelist Jerry Alford was a divine appointment;
Cold windy day street preaching and then Disc Golf;
Jerry Alford shares how he got saved from a gospel tract;
Jerry Shares about the ministry;
Jonnathan grew up Buddhist and was radically saved by Jesus Christ. He talks about his new book release which deals with the abuse that he suffered and his current relationship with God.
Show Notes:
Houston is a prophetic hub;
Born and raised Buddhist;
Jonnathan talks about his current ministry;
Challenging one another and growing;
Writing stories about his abuse with his counselor;
God healed him from dyslexia;
The brutal honesty about his abusive childhood;
The struggle putting the abuse portion is his book;
Foretelling the future while being Buddhist;
Monks thought he was a reincarnation of a buddha;
Upcoming series on prophetic evangelism;
Following the spirit in business;
Hearing and following the spirit;
Not Buddhist not Mormon - Jesus Only;
Pray and prophesy on Sundays;
Jonathan prays us out;
Interview with Acie Burleson who finished his 2000 mile journey walking the cross from South Carolina to the Grand Canyon.
Show notes:
Typical Day and Cross description;
Supernatural Provision;
A dangerous close call;
People call the cops on Acie;
Supernatural favor of God;
He almost gave up;
Persecution and shut mouths;
Interview with Acie Burleson who is carrying the cross from South Carolina to the Grand Canyon.
Show Notes:
Problems getting this interview;
Lady contemplating suicide but sees the cross;
How Acie was commissioned by God to carry the cross;
Acie Encourages people with the call of God on their lives;
The Lord opened the door for this trip;
Zach dies and goes to hell and comes back;
God is supplying all his needs on this trip;
The cross, his clothes and his overall set up;
How he maps his path;
20 miles in a day is pushing it;
New Song Band Testimony;
Acie Prays us out;
Listener reviews and comments;
Have you ever felt like you were just one step away from the edge? Not just a metaphorical edge, but the kind of abyss where the silence is so heavy it feels like it might actually crush the life out of you? Maybe you're carrying a secret pain, a trauma from your childhood, or a mistake from your past that you're certain disqualifies you from ever being used by God. You look at the "perfect" people in the pews and think, "If they only knew what I've done—or what's been done to me—they'd walk the other way."
That weight of shame is a muzzle. It's a spiritual gag that the enemy uses to keep you from the very thing that could set someone else free: your testimony. We live in a world that is aching and screaming for reality, yet we often hide behind religious masks because we're afraid that our "mess" is too big for the "message." We feel empty, rejected, and alone, wondering if the supernatural power of Jesus is something that only happened in the Book of Acts or if it's still available for the person at rock bottom today.
I'm here to tell you that Jesus is the Rock at the bottom. In this post, I want to share the incredible story of my brother, Pastor AT, from San Antonio. His journey from being pushed off a three-story building to the drug-fueled streets of Hollywood, and finally to a radical revival in the heart of Texas, is a testament to the fact that God doesn't just want to save you—He wants to use your deepest scars as the blueprint for your greatest ministry. If you’ve been waiting for a reason to break your silence, this is it.
The Fall That Should Have Been Final
Imagine for a moment being five years old, standing on the edge of a three-story building. The air is hot, the sounds of the city are humming below, and suddenly, the world tilts. There's no warning. Just a shove from a bully, a moment of weightless terror, and then the rush of the wind as the ground comes up to meet you.
Pastor AT lived this. He was a young boy, an immigrant from El Salvador whose family had fled the horrific violence of a civil war where people were being hunted and executed. He came to America not speaking a word of English, already carrying the weight of a displaced life, only to be met with the cruelty of a bully. When he was pushed off that building, he landed head-first on the concrete. By every medical and physical law, he should have died right there. His skull should have shattered; his neck should have snapped.
But God had a different plan.
AT remembers the peace. Even in the middle of that plunge, the peace of the Lord was there. His mother, a woman of deep, desperate prayer, did something most of us find impossible. She told the Lord, “If it is Your will, please allow my son to live; but if it is not, then take him with You.” She surrendered him completely. When AT woke up in the hospital, the doctors were baffled. They ran MRIs, CT scans, and every test imaginable. The result? Not a single scratch. Not a broken bone. Not even a bruise. He was back in school the very next day.
This is the prophetic nature of God’s protection. As it says in the Word: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (Psalm 91:11-12 KJV). AT didn't just dash his foot; he landed on his head from thirty feet up, yet the hand of God was the invisible cushion that preserved a future evangelist.
The Mansion and the Mirror
Fast forward years later. That miracle hadn't yet translated into a relationship with Jesus. Instead, the trauma of bullying and the feeling of rejection led AT into a life of violence and drugs. He joined the Marine Corps in 1998, thinking that serving his country or becoming "somebody" would fill the void. But the void only grew. By the time he ended up in West Hollywood, he was living what looked like the "dream" to the world—staying in a mansion near the House of Blues, partying all day and night.
But inside, he was a "wretch," as he calls himself. The enemy was whispering the same old lies: “You’re worthless. You’re useless. This is it.” I remember a similar time in my own life back in 1995. I was at my own rock bottom when Jesus showed up. For AT, it happened with a gun in his hand. He was standing in that mansion, contemplating two ways to end it: a bullet to the head or a jump from the highest building in Los Angeles. It's ironic, isn't it? The man who had been terrified of heights ever since he was pushed off that building as a child was now being lured by the devil to jump again. The enemy always tries to repeat the trauma.
Right at that moment, the phone rang. It was a family member who had recently given her life to Christ. She didn't know he had a gun. She just knew she had to call. She told him, “Just give God one chance. Raise your hands and call upon His name.”
In that room, surrounded by the remnants of a wasted life, AT raised his hands. For the first time, he didn't just hear about God; he experienced the peace that surpasses all understanding. He felt Jesus inside of him. That encounter changed everything.
Taking it to the Streets
Now, Pastor AT doesn't just sit in a church building. He’s the face of "Jesus Lives In My City" in San Antonio. He takes the gospel to the darkest places—the places where people are afraid of being shot. Why? Because he used to be the one people were afraid of. He realizes that if he had no fear of men when he was serving the darkness, he should have even less fear now that he serves the Light.
He told me about a recent encounter with a man named Scottie. AT was downtown and saw this guy skateboarding without a shirt on, looking high and frustrated. Most people would have walked past. But AT saw the skateboard—something he used to be a professional at—and used it as a "point of contact."
He asked to borrow the board. He started talking to Scottie, who was actually on his way to buy more crystal meth. Scottie was angry at God because his grandmother had passed away. He was hurting. But AT didn't give him a theological lecture; he gave him a testimony. He loved on him.
Right there on the sidewalk, Scottie began to cry. He repented of his sins and confessed Jesus as Lord. He went from looking for "ice" (meth) to finding the Living Water. AT didn't just leave him there, either. He gave him his number and offered him a ride to church. That is true discipleship. It’s the "Acts 29" life we are called to live.
Personal Reflections
Watching AT’s ministry over the years has been a huge encouragement to me and my wife, Susan. Sometimes, in ministry, you can get caught up in the "how-to" and forget the "Who." We see people posting on social media for self-glory, but then you see someone like AT who uses technology to shine a light on what Jesus is doing in the streets.
It reminds me that our testimony is a weapon. In my own journey, especially when dealing with the spiritual attacks I describe in Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave, I realized that the enemy is most afraid of the person who isn't ashamed of their past.
I’ve learned that Jesus meets us at our rock bottom. He doesn't wait for us to climb out of the hole; He jumps into the hole with us. I’ve missed it sometimes—I've been the one walking into Walmart, praying for an opportunity, and then almost missing the person limping right in front of me because I was too busy looking for a "burning bush." But Jesus is always correcting me, reminding me that the "burning bush" is often just a person in need of a kind word or a prayer.
As AT says, "Break the Silence." There are people in your city right now who are contemplating suicide, just like he was. There are people who have been molested, raped, or bullied, and they are waiting for someone to be brave enough to say, "I’ve been through the fire, too, and Jesus brought me out."
Biblical References
The foundation of everything AT does is found in the Word. We often think we need a degree in apologetics to reach the lost, but the Bible shows us a different way. Look at the woman at the well or the man at the Gadarenes. They didn't go to seminary; they went and told people what Jesus had done for them.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Revelation 12:11 KJV).
This is the spiritual reality of our warfare. Your testimony isn't just a story; it's an overcoming power. When you speak the truth of what God has done, you are applying the blood of the Lamb to the situation.
AT also lives out the reality of being a "city on a hill." His ministry's name comes right from the teachings of Jesus:
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16 KJV).
And finally, the heart of the "Break the Silence" movement is found in the mandate of the Messiah:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised (Luke 4:18 KJV).
Key Takeaways
Your trauma is not your identity. God can preserve you through the unthinkable for a purpose you can't yet see.
Testimony over Theory. You don't need a PhD to share Jesus. You just need to tell people what He has done for you.
Discipleship is a 24/7 Lifestyle. It’s not about "events"; it's about the person God puts in your path while you're at the store or on the street.
Break the Silence. Bringing your pain into the light of God's presence is the first step to being able to help others heal.
Unity Impacts Cities. When ministries come together for the sake of the lost, the atmosphere of a city changes.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Pastor AT's life proves that no matter how far you've fallen—whether it’s three stories off a building or into the depths of a drug addiction—Jesus is there to catch you. But He doesn't just catch you to keep you safe; He catches you to send you back out as a warrior.
Are you hiding your light under a bushel? Are you letting the enemy keep you silent about the miracles God has worked in your life? It’s time to dig deeper and go higher. It’s time to recognize that you are the light of your city.
If this story touched you, I want to encourage you to head over to ConradRocks.net and check out more testimonies of how Jesus is transforming lives. We are all part of "Team Jesus," and your voice is a vital part of the choir.
Would you like to join the conversation? Leave a comment below or share this post with someone who needs to know that their life has a purpose. And if you haven't already, please subscribe to the podcast and follow our journey as we continue to spotlight what God is doing across the nation.
Action Items
Identify Your "Skateboard": Think of one hobby, interest, or past experience (like AT’s skateboarding) that you can use as a bridge to talk to someone about Jesus this week.
Write Out Your 2-Minute Testimony: Distill your "before," "meeting Jesus," and "after" into a short narrative so you’re ready when the Holy Spirit provides an opening.
Pray for a "Scottie": Ask the Lord to place someone in your path today who is at their breaking point, and commit to not walking past them.
Connect with a Local Ministry: Find an outreach in your area—like a food pantry or street ministry—and offer to help, even if it’s just for one afternoon.
Read One Chapter of Acts: Immerse yourself in the "normal" Christian life of the early church to build your faith for the supernatural.
Actual Audio of a miracle in Memphis and follow up interview with healing evangelist Garry Nesbit. Getting into the nuts and bolts of street evangelism.
This is an interview with Glenn Roseberry - missionary to Africa. In this blog post you will find the remaining three podcasts to a four-part interview. These podcasts are staggered over three days.
In these podcasts, Glenn will be discussing what it is like to live in the rural Africa. What his daily life is like. He will be discussing things like spiritual warfare, witchcraft, radical Islam, and persecution.
Missionary to Africa part 2 - Daily Life
What is a day in the life of a Christian Missionary in Rural Africa? PODCAST HERE
First podcast ;
House churches among the persecuted;
Living in a goat stall to building a house;
Elephants and other wildlife ;
The Luke 10 Evangelism model;
Chores on the Farm;
Daily sharing of faith;
Witch doctors and demonic influences;
Ignoring distractions for the Kingdom;
Exercise and food;
Fluoride and malaria;
No gender mixing;
Roles of women and men;
Medical supplies and logistics;
Addressing hygiene issues;
The cost of medical care;
Prosperity gospel and scams;
Day to day discipleship;
Having the same problems as Paul did;
Missionary to Africa part 3 - Witchcraft , Islam, and the Internet
Continuing the interview with Glenn Roseberry - Missionary to Africa. Internet, Power, Spiritual warfare and a success story. PODCAST HERE
Internet and Electricity;
Going into town to charge phone;
Solar Panel and sharing;
Leading the world in phone banking;
Spiritual warfare and child abductions;
Witchcraft and prosperity;
The police and getting 'disappeared';
Islam and witchcraft;
Muslim coming to Christ;
Luke 10 person of peace;
Becoming a man;
Continuing the interview with Glenn Roseberry - Persecution.
The names and countries are kept secret for safety purposes; PODCAST HERE
Many people per square mile;
Armed forces and their solutions;
Radical Islam - Al Shabaab;
House churches in Muslim areas;
Dressing according to local culture;
Staggered walking approach;
Saved from gangs ;
The dangers of shaving;
Attacked for having a bible;
Kidnapping and murder;
Beaten and tortured;
Dangers of crossing borders;
Christians turning Christians into government;
Machine gun fire;
Police arresting people by the hundreds;
Young girls kidnapped and married;
Forced conversions to Islam;
Housing needed for young girls;
The studio lights were low, and the hum of the recording equipment felt louder than usual. I sat there, looking at my screen, waiting for Amy Riardon to join the call. I’ve done hundreds of interviews for Coffee with Conrad, but this one felt different. There was a weight in the air, the kind of weight that comes when you’re about to pull back the curtain on a topic most people would rather leave in the dark.
I’ve had people reach out to me in confidence for years. They whisper their struggles in the corners of Facebook groups or send cryptic emails from anonymous accounts. They’re trapped in a cycle of porn addiction and same-sex attraction, and they feel like they’re the only ones in the church who are "broken." The shame is like a thick, suffocating blanket. It tells them that if the church knew, they’d be cast out. It tells them that their brain is permanently ruined. It tells them that Jesus is shaking His finger at them from a distance, like a cold professor grading a failing student.
Maybe you’re feeling that weight right now. You’ve tried the filters, you’ve made the promises, you’ve cried the tears on Monday morning, only to find yourself back in the same dark room by Friday night. You feel like a hypocrite. You love Jesus, but this "monkey on your back" won't let go. You’re looking for a way out, but the exit sign seems to be flickering and fading.
Today, I want to tell you that there is a way out. It isn't a quick fix or a five-minute prayer that makes everything vanish forever. It’s something much deeper. It’s about moving from behavior modification to heart transformation. In my conversation with Amy Riardon, we dug into the "Kingdom Keys" for being an overcomer. We’re going to talk about breaking the power of shame, the necessity of confession, and what it actually looks like to find true intimacy with Jesus. You aren't alone, and you aren't beyond hope. Let’s dig deeper and go higher.
Breaking the Silence of the Secret Stronghold
One of the first things I asked Amy was why everyone is so quiet about this. I mean, the statistics are staggering. We’re talking about more than half of pastors and youth leaders struggling with this, according to major research groups. Yet, you wouldn't know it by sitting in a Sunday morning service.
Amy’s voice was steady as she answered, "There is a tremendous amount of shame surrounding this topic for men, women, everybody who's dealing with this." She admitted that she never intended to talk about her struggle with porn and same-sex attraction. She wanted to keep it buried. But God had other plans.
You see, shame thrives in the dark. It’s like a fungus that grows in the damp, hidden corners of our lives. When we keep our struggles secret, we give the enemy a foothold. I’ve seen this in my own ministry and in the lives of those I’ve helped through my books. When you’re dealing with a spiritual stronghold, the first step is always to bring it into the light.
"I realize even just recently realize more and more layers of shame being removed," Amy told me. Even after being set free, the process of talking about it continues to heal her. She talked about her husband, Kevin, and how they had to navigate this together. It wasn't easy. It required brutal honesty and a commitment to communication. If you’re married and struggling, the fear of losing your spouse is real. But Amy and Kevin found that transparency actually built a bridge for them to march forward together.
This leads us to a hard truth: you cannot heal what you will not reveal. We often think we can handle it ourselves. We buy the software, we delete the apps, but we keep the secret. And because we keep the secret, the root remains.
The Power of Confession and Accountability
I’ve always been a big believer in the Word of God as our primary manual for life. James is very clear about how we find healing.
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16 KJV)
I asked Amy if that act of confession—just getting it out of her mouth—really helped. She didn't hesitate. "Most definitely," she said. It helped break the shame. But here’s the tricky part: who do you tell?
We’ve all heard the horror stories. Someone opens up to a "friend" or a leader, and by the next week, the whole prayer chain knows the details. That’s a betrayal that can drive a person even deeper into hiding. Amy suggested looking for someone who is already proven to be trustworthy. If someone gossips to you about others, they will gossip about you. Don't go there. Find someone who has a close relationship with God, someone who is compassionate and understanding.
Start small. Share a little bit and see how they react. If they listen without judgment and follow up with you later, you’ve found a safe place. Confession isn't just about dumping your sins; it’s about inviting someone else into the fight with you. It leads to an accountability structure.
We talked about software like Covenant Eyes. For Amy and Kevin, it was a vital tool. Everything she looked at on the computer went straight to him. It acted like a "police force" for her eyes. But she said something that really stuck with me: "It can't change my heart."
Software can stop the finger from clicking, but it can't stop the heart from wanting. We can make a covenant with our eyes, just like Job did.
I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid? (Job 31:1 KJV)
That is a necessary step. If your phone is your "third arm" and it’s constantly leading you into sin, you might have to take drastic measures. Jesus said if your eye offends you, pluck it out. In 2026, that might mean getting rid of the smartphone or the high-speed internet for a season. It sounds crazy to a world that relies on technology, but what is the price of your soul? I’d rather go to heaven with a flip phone than go to hell with the latest iPhone.
Moving from Behavior to the Heart
As the interview continued, we moved into the deeper waters of the heart. Amy mentioned how she used to feel like she had "ruined her brain." If you’ve spent years looking at pornography, you know exactly what she means. Your brain develops these "pathways." You see a certain image, and your mind automatically jumps to the next lustful thought. It feels like a physical groove has been worn into your gray matter.
But here is the miracle: God is the Creator of the brain. He can rewire what the enemy has twisted. Amy found that as God began to heal her heart, her perception of women changed. Instead of seeing them as objects for her own gratification, she began to see them through the eyes of Jesus.
"If I really going to love a woman, I'm not going to be lusting after her," she explained. This wasn't just about "not doing" something; it was about "seeing" something differently.
I pictured a scene she described: driving down the freeway and seeing a billboard. You know the ones—scantily clad women used to sell everything from beer to car insurance. For someone in the heat of a struggle, that billboard is a landmine. In the past, Amy would have felt immediate condemnation. You’ll never get over this. You’re still a lustful person.
But she learned a new strategy. Instead of cowering in shame, she began to pray for the person on the billboard. "Lord, I pray for this woman. I pray that You save her, that she gives her heart to You, that she uses her life as a testimony for You."
Think about how powerful that is! You take the very thing the devil meant for your destruction and you turn it into a weapon of intercession. When you see a person as a soul in need of a Savior, the lust begins to evaporate. It’s hard to lust after someone while you’re sincerely crying out for their salvation. This is what it means to see as God sees.
But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)
Finding True Intimacy with Jesus
The title of Amy’s book and blog is Longing for Intimacy. That word "intimacy" is often misunderstood in our culture. We’ve sexualized it so much that we’ve forgotten its true meaning. Amy admitted she used to think intimacy and sex were the same thing.
"Intimacy with Jesus is that deep, deep connection that I had always thought that I could only get with another woman," she said.
This is where the real victory lies. It’s not in the filters or the willpower. It’s in the presence of God. When you start experiencing that deep, intimate connection with Him—where you can share the deepest, darkest parts of your heart and know that He isn't shaking His finger at you, but drawing you closer—everything changes.
I’ve talked about this in my book, Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey . When you encounter the real Jesus, not the religious version we see on posters, but the King of Kings who loves you with an everlasting love, the cheap substitutes of this world lose their luster.
Amy described her previous view of God as a "college professor" grading her. Many of us live that way. We think we have to get our act together before we can talk to Him. But Jesus wants to talk to you in the middle of the struggle. He’s the Great Physician. A doctor doesn't wait for the patient to get well before he sees them; he sees them because they are sick.
Personal Reflections: The Battle and the Victory
As I listened to Amy, I thought about the many times I’ve had to check my own heart. We all have "billboards" in our lives. It might not be porn for you; it might be anger, or greed, or the "Oreo cookie" temptation I jokingly mentioned in the interview. The devil is a master at finding the crack in the armor.
I’ve learned that the moment I stop maintaining my intimacy with Jesus, I become vulnerable. You can't live off the manna from a month ago. You need fresh bread every day.
Give us this day our daily bread. (Matthew 6:11 KJV)
There was a time when Amy struggled with dreams—suggestive, sexual dreams that would leave her feeling guilty and defeated before she even got out of bed. She felt like she was opposing herself.
In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will. (2 Timothy 2:25-26 KJV)
She sought out her pastors for deliverance. They prayed for her, and those dreams stopped. That weight, that "monkey on her back," was gone. Now, I want to be clear: deliverance is real, and it is a powerful tool in the Kingdom. But even after deliverance, you still have the "flesh" to deal with. You still have to make choices. You still have to guard your heart.
The victory isn't a destination where you never face temptation again. It’s a state of being where you are so connected to the Vine that the temptation no longer has power over you. You recognize it for what it is—a lie from the pit—and you hand it over to Jesus immediately.
Biblical References
The Word of God is our sword. If we aren't grounded in it, we will be swept away by every wind of doctrine and every whim of our own emotions. Here are some of the scriptures that anchor this journey of overcoming:
On the reality of temptation and the way out:
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)
On the cleansing power of God when we are honest:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 KJV)
On where our focus should be:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
On the internal change that must happen:
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2 KJV)
On making no provision for the struggle:
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. (Romans 13:14 KJV)
Key Takeaways
Shame is the enemy's greatest weapon. It keeps the struggle hidden and the root alive. Breaking the silence is the first step toward freedom.
Confession leads to healing. Finding a trustworthy, compassionate person to talk to breaks the power of the secret.
Tools are for protection, not transformation. Software and filters are helpful "police," but only Jesus can change the heart's desires.
Intercession kills lust. Praying for the person who is a source of temptation shifts your perspective from your own gratification to their eternal salvation.
True intimacy is the solution. Most addictions are attempts to fill a void that only a deep, personal connection with Jesus Christ can satisfy.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Friend, if you are reading this and you’re in the middle of that secret war, I want you to know that there is hope. You didn't ruin your brain beyond repair. You aren't too far gone for the grace of God. Jesus isn't waiting for you to be perfect; He’s waiting for you to be honest.
Amy Riardon is a living testimony that you can come out of the box. You don't have to live your whole life in a state of "damage control." You can walk in the sun again. You can have a heart that is so full of the love of God that the shadows of the past no longer have any pull on you.
I want to encourage you to visit Amy’s blog at LongingForIntimacy.com. She has resources, videos, and a book that go into much more detail on how to navigate this path. She’s been where you are, and she’s found the way home.
If this post has spoken to you, please don't just close the tab and move on. Do something. Reach out to a trusted friend. Pray that prayer of intercession the next time you see a "billboard." And most importantly, spend time talking to Jesus—not as a judge, but as the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.
God bless you as you dig deeper and go higher!
Action Items
Identify a "Safe Harbor": Pray and ask God to show you one trustworthy person you can talk to. Commit to sharing your struggle with them this week.
Conduct a "Digital Audit": Look at your phone and computer usage. Are there apps, sites, or times of day when you are most vulnerable? Set up accountability software or remove the triggers entirely.
Practice the "Billboard Prayer": The next time you see an image or person that triggers a lustful thought, stop immediately and pray for that person's salvation and relationship with God.
Daily Intimacy Check-in: Set aside 15 minutes a day specifically for "transparent prayer." Tell Jesus exactly how you feel, what you're struggling with, and ask Him to reveal His love to you in a new way.
Scripture Immersion: Write down one of the KJV verses listed above and keep it with you. Memorize it and speak it out loud when you feel the "monkey on your back" getting heavy.
I’d love to hear from you. Have you experienced the power of confession in your life? How has intimacy with Jesus changed your perspective on struggle? Leave a comment below or reach out to me through ConradRocks.net. If you found this helpful, please share it with someone who might be fighting this battle in silence. You never know whose life you might change.
I remember standing on a busy street corner in Mobile, Alabama, feeling my heart hammer against my ribs like a trapped bird. I had a sign in my hand that read "REPENT," and honestly, I felt like I was standing there naked. It was a "dare" moment—one of those times where the Holy Spirit nudges you so hard you either have to jump or live with the regret of staying on the shore. Beside me stood Joseph McFarland, a man who has become a brother in every sense of the word. We were nervous, looking at the bus station, looking at the crowds, wondering if we were about to be embraced or executed.
You see, many of us sitting in the pews every Sunday feel that same tug. We want the "more" of God. We want to see the sick healed, the broken restored, and the supernatural reality of the Bible manifest in our daily lives. But then the "what ifs" start screaming. What if people laugh? What if I'm not "spiritual" enough? What if the devil decides to make me his personal target because I've stepped onto his turf? We want the power of the Book of Acts, but we're often too paralyzed by the fear of the 21st-century reaction.
The pain point for many believers is this gap between the Sunday morning sermon and the Monday morning reality. We feel unqualified, under-equipped, and frankly, a bit terrified of what might happen if we actually started acting like the Great Commission was a direct command. We settle for a lopsided message of grace that doesn't require change, while the world around us is literally dying for a touch of the authentic, supernatural Jesus.
In this post, I want to take you behind the scenes with my good friend Joseph McFarland—part of "Team Jesus" here at Coffee with Conrad. Gary Nesbitt calls us the "Cheech and Chong of Christianity" because we’re just real dudes who love Jesus and aren’t afraid to say "Dude, you need Jesus!" Joseph’s story is a wild ride that starts in a tattoo parlor and ends up in the back of a garbage truck at forty-five miles per hour, and it’s the perfect solution for anyone wondering if God can still use an ordinary person to do extraordinary things.
Joseph spent nearly thirty years in the tattoo industry. Now, I’m not here to bash art, but for Joseph, it was a lifestyle that eventually began to weigh on his spirit. He told me how he’d tattooed thousands of people, but as he grew in his love for Jesus, the Holy Spirit began to convict him. He never did demonic or witchcraft symbols—he had that line in the sand even then—but eventually, the Lord led him to walk away from it all. He traded the tattoo needle for the Gospel, and he’s never looked back. It’s funny how God doesn't waste anything; Joseph still draws on napkins and styrofoam cups at work, creating beautiful horses and roses that people in his office actually keep and treasure. He took that artistic talent and turned it toward making the ministry signs we use on the streets.
One of our most intense moments happened on Highway 49 in Gulfport, right in front of the Starbucks. The humidity was thick, the smell of roasted coffee was in the air, and six to eight lanes of traffic were zooming past us. We were taking turns preaching and holding signs when I looked across the concrete median.
"Dude," I said, pointing. "It's the devil."
I wasn't being metaphorical. Out of nowhere, in the middle of zooming traffic, a man appeared who looked like he’d stepped straight out of a nightmare. He was dressed in a red cape, a black tutu with a pink skirt, horns on his head, and a long white beard. He was a self-proclaimed Satanist, and he was livid. He walked through those lanes of traffic without even looking, cursing at us and screaming that God was dead.
The spiritual atmosphere shifted instantly. Joseph didn't flinch. He just started screaming back, "Jesus loves you! God sent His Son to die for you!" The man was spitting and flipping us off, but as we stood our ground in the name of Jesus, he just veered away and vanished back into the traffic. A lady rolled down her window a few moments later, her eyes wide. She told us, "You guys just ran off the devil!" It was a concrete reminder that Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4 KJV).
But the story everyone asks about is the truck. Years ago, Joseph was working on a garbage route with a godly mentor named Woody Lot. Woody was discipled him, teaching him how to pray and read the Word. Joseph was a Baptist by upbringing and didn't know much about the baptism of the Holy Spirit or speaking in tongues. He asked Woody when it would happen, and Woody just said, "In God's time, son. When you least expect it."
It was a Friday, and they were halfway through the route. Joseph was standing on the back of the garbage truck, holding onto the metal bar, wind whipping past his face as they hit about forty-five miles per hour. Woody was in the cab, singing praises to Jesus, and Joseph was singing along from the back.
Suddenly, Joseph felt a heat—a "hotness" he says he can’t explain—fall over his entire body. It started at his feet and rushed to his head. His body began to tingle with a power he’d never felt before. The last thing he saw was his own hand letting go of that metal bar. He tumbled off the back of the truck at full speed, rolling into a ditch.
Woody slammed on the brakes and ran back. Joseph was lying there, and when he tried to speak, he thought he was speaking English, but Woody couldn't understand a word.
"McFarland," Woody shouted, "I can't hear you because you're speaking in tongues!"
Joseph lay in that ditch, unharmed. No scrapes, no bruises, no blood, and no soreness. He was just on fire for God, vibrating with the presence of the Holy Spirit. A lady came to her front door to see if he needed an ambulance, but Joseph was too busy worshipping in an unknown language. It reminds me of the promise in the Word: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17 KJV).
Since joining up with me and Susan, Joseph has seen that same supernatural power manifest through words of knowledge. We were on a pier in Pascagoula once, and the Lord told Joseph to stop a specific man named Travis. Joseph stood right in his way. The man looked like he wanted to bolt, but Joseph looked him in the eye and said, "Sir, you have an infertility problem."
The man’s jaw hit the floor. He called his wife up from the beach, and they both started weeping. They had spent thousands on treatments that failed. Joseph prayed for them right there, and a few weeks later, they messaged him on Facebook. She was pregnant. They have a baby now. That’s the "extraordinary" that God wants to do through "ordinary" people who are willing to be "Team Jesus."
Personal Reflections
Watching Joseph grow in this ministry has been a masterclass in humility and obedience for me. Sometimes, when we pray for people together, the anointing is so thick it feels like a physical weight. I’ve seen Joseph release the anointing, and it’s hit me so hard I’ve almost gone down myself! We’ve stood in my garage, selling old junk to fund our summer ministry, and had the Holy Spirit blow through that place like a literal rushing mighty wind.
What I've learned through my friendship with Joseph is that the "dark" stuff—the warfare—is real, but it’s just training. Before Joseph started coming out with us, I warned him that all hell would break loose. He was skeptical until his lawnmower motor literally fell off the frame, his lightbulbs started exploding like fireworks, and he was physically pushed down his porch steps by an unseen force.
I’ve had my share of these battles too. In my book, OPEN YOUR EYES: MY SUPERNATURAL JOURNEY (https://amzn.to/3RJx7by), I talk about the reality of the spiritual realm. If you aren't being attacked, you might want to check which direction you're walking. As the saying goes, if the devil never crosses your path, maybe you're both going the same way. But once you realize you have authority as a son of the Most High, those shadow demons and "bad luck" streaks lose their teeth. They are just trying to get you to stay home. Don't let them.
Biblical References
The foundation of everything we do on the streets comes back to the message of Peter in the Book of Acts. When we hold up those "REPENT" signs, people often get uncomfortable. But repentance isn't a dirty word; it's a "turn-around" word. It’s the first step to the supernatural life.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38 KJV).
We see people healed because we believe the Word is still alive. When we met George, his hearing was shot and his heart was failing. God healed his body and provided him a place to live. When we saw a man who was emaciated and dying of liver cancer, we prayed. Months later, he came walking up to us, healthy and muscular, pushing a bicycle.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give (Matthew 10:8 KJV).
We don't do this for money or fame. Joseph makes horseshoe nail crosses out of his own pocket to give away. It’s a $2 ministry that opens $1,000,000 doors. We met a woman at a hospital pond who was at the end of her rope, and when Joseph put that cross around her neck and hugged her, she broke down. She had been praying for God to send someone to love on her. God is looking for the hands and feet, and He found them in a former tattoo artist and a guy with a podcast.
Key Takeaways
Obedience Over Ability: God doesn't need you to be a professional; He needs you to be willing. Joseph was a garbage collector when the Holy Spirit fell on him.
Expect Spiritual Warfare: If you step out for Jesus, the enemy will notice. Don't be surprised by the "exploding lightbulbs" in your life—it’s just a sign you’re on the right track.
The Power of Repentance: The message of "Repent" is the gateway to the gift of the Holy Ghost. It’s about turning toward the Light.
Signs and Wonders are for Today: Infertility, cancer, and deafness are no match for the name of Jesus when believers stand in their authority.
Simple Tools Work: You don't need a huge budget. A handmade cross or a simple sign can be the "thousand words" someone needs to see.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Joseph McFarland is a testament to the fact that your past doesn't disqualify you from a supernatural future. Whether you’re a tattoo artist, a garbage collector, or a corporate executive, Jesus is looking for that "open and willing heart." We are the Cheech and Chong of Christianity because we’ve realized that being real is more important than being religious.
If you’ve been feeling that nudge to "dig deeper and go higher," I want to encourage you to stop waiting for a "perfect" time. There is no perfect time—there is only God’s time. If you want to learn more about my own journey into the supernatural and how to deal with things like night terrors and demonic attacks, check out my books OPEN YOUR EYES and Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave (https://amzn.to/3XRFohl).
What is God nudging you to do today? Is He asking you to pick up a sign, pray for a neighbor, or maybe just finally say "yes" to the Holy Spirit? Don't let the fear of "falling off the truck" stop you. Even if you do, you might just find yourself speaking in tongues in a ditch, completely unharmed and totally transformed.
Action Items
Identify Your "Sign": What is one simple way you can represent Jesus this week? It could be a kind word, a small gift, or offering to pray for someone’s "infertility" (or whatever their mountain is).
Study Acts 2: Read the chapter in the KJV and ask the Holy Spirit to show you how that same power applies to your life today.
Audit Your Warfare: If you’ve been experiencing strange "bad luck" since deciding to grow spiritually, stop complaining and start commanding. Use the name of Jesus to tell those shadows to leave.
Connect with the Team: Follow Joseph McFarland on Facebook to see the ongoing "Team Jesus" adventures and get inspired by the street ministry updates.
Subscribe: Sign up for the newsletter at ConradRocks.net to stay connected with our community of believers who are seeking the "more" of God.
Imagine sitting in a local Chinese restaurant, the steam from a hot plate of food rising to meet your face, but you can’t even taste it. You aren’t there for the food. You’re there because it has been raining for four solid days in Alabama—that heavy, relentless Southern rain that soaks through your clothes and settles into your very bones. Your feet are pulsing with the fire of "jungle rot," covered in blisters from miles of walking in sodden shoes. You have a fever of 103 degrees, and the only thing keeping you upright is a pitcher of beer and the desperate hope that someone will finally call the police on you.
This was the reality for John Roush. For years, the streets of Mobile and Tillmans Corner were his only home. He wasn't just a man who had fallen on hard times; he was a man consumed by the ravages of alcoholism, lost in a cycle of "wandering abroad" and public intoxication. He had reached a point where jail seemed like a luxury because it offered a dry bed and a hot meal. If you’ve ever felt like you were in a pit so deep that the light of heaven couldn't reach you, then you understand the pain point John was living every single day.
We often talk about the "homeless problem" as a statistic or a political talking point, but for the person in the tent, it is an agonizing spiritual and physical battle. It’s the agitation of losing your children, your dignity, and your very will to live. It is the feeling of being "pushed out" by the world, unwanted and unseen. But I’m here to tell you today that there is a solution that doesn't come from a government program or a temporary shelter.
In this post, we’re going to dive deep into John’s testimony—a story of how Jesus Christ can take a man from a tent in the woods and turn him into a radical, on-fire minister for the Gospel. We’re going to look at the supernatural way God delivers us from addiction and how your greatest tragedy can become your primary ministry. As I often say in my book, OPEN YOUR EYES: MY SUPERNATURAL JOURNEY, the spiritual realm is more real than the world we see, and John’s story is proof of that.
When I sat down to talk with John on Skype for the podcast, I was struck by the raw honesty of his journey. He didn't start out on the streets. He began as what many call a "functioning alcoholic." We’ve all seen it—the person who holds down a job but spends their evenings drowning their soul in a bottle. But eventually, the functioning stops and the consumption begins. The addiction grew until it followed him right into the heart of downtown Mobile.
John shared a scene with me that perfectly illustrates the desperation of the "pit." He was in that Chinese restaurant I mentioned earlier. He had ordered his beer, knowing full well he didn't have a cent to his name. When the bill came, he looked the waitress in the eye and simply said, "Ma'am, I'm not going to pay." He wanted the police to come. He was seeking the "mercy" of a jail cell.
When the three-strike sergeant arrived, a man with fifteen years of grit on the force, he was puzzled. He asked John why. Why do this? John told him the truth: "My feet hurt from being wet for three days. I have blisters all over. I just want a warm bed and a dry place." In a rare moment of providential mercy, the sergeant didn't arrest him. He saw the brokenness and dropped John back at his camp. But even that mercy didn't solve the root problem. The root wasn't a lack of a bed; it was a spiritual stronghold.
The "wandering abroad" laws in Mobile were used to push the homeless out of sight, especially during city functions. Business owners didn't want the "eyesore" of the broken. So John was pushed out to Tillmans Corner. His addiction shifted from beer to anything that was free. If a drug came through the camp, he did it. He was living in a state of total spiritual darkness. When we are in that state, we become susceptible to every demonic influence that seeks to keep us bound.
The ritual of his life became shoplifting at Walmart. He would load a basket with $600 worth of beer and supplies and just walk out. He had no fear of the consequences because he had nothing left to lose. But God was setting a trap of grace for him. Eventually, he was caught and given a choice: six months in jail or three months in a Christian rehab.
John chose the rehab, but he didn't know Jesus. He knew the name, but he didn't know the Person. In fact, he was so bound by his old nature that in his very last week of rehab, he got kicked out for stealing a dip of snuff. Imagine that—inches from the finish line, and the enemy trips him up over a tiny tin of tobacco. He was dropped off at a Walmart and went right back to the woods. He got drunker than ever because he knew the six-month jail sentence was coming.
It was during that six-month stint in the Mobile County Metro Jail that the "seed" began to sprout. He started doing things that weren't "him." He was writing letters to judges for other inmates and helping people get into better housing units within the jail. He didn't realize it then, but the Holy Spirit was already moving through him.
I will give you a new heart also, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26 KJV).
When he finally got out, the weight of his losses hit him. He had lost his children to DHR. His family told him he couldn't stay with them anymore. He was back in the woods behind Walmart with sixty dollars in his pocket and a week's worth of booze.
This leads us to the second concrete scene that changed everything. It was a humid Alabama evening. John came out of his tent, the smell of damp earth and pine needles filling the air, and he simply hit the dirt. He fell to his knees in those woods and made a deal with the Creator of the Universe. He admitted he was an alcoholic. He cried out, "Lord, if you will make me whole again, if you will take this alcoholism from me, I will be your disciple forever. I just want my girls back."
When he stood up, he wasn't the same man. The desire for alcohol was gone. Not suppressed, not managed—gone. He called a friend who ran a rehab in Lucedale, Mississippi, and said, "I'm done. I'm trying Christ." Two days later, he walked out of those woods and has never looked back.
Personal Reflections
Looking at John’s life, I’m reminded of how often we try to "clean ourselves up" before we come to God. John tried rehab and failed. He tried to "function" and failed. It wasn't until he was on his knees in the dirt, admitting total defeat, that the supernatural power of God could take over.
In my own walk, I’ve seen how Jesus often lets us reach the end of our own strength so that His strength can be made perfect in our weakness. We see this pattern throughout the Bible and throughout the testimonies on ConradRocks.net. Whether it’s deliverance from night terrors or deliverance from a bottle, the key is always total surrender.
John’s story also challenges me regarding how we view the "marginalized." It’s easy to look at a homeless camp and see a "problem" to be solved by the police. But when John looks at those camps, he sees his former neighbors. He sees people who need socks, flashlights, and—most importantly—the Hope that only Jesus provides. He went from being a "vessel of wrath" to a "vessel of mercy."
I’ve had many conversations about the prophetic nature of our lives, and John is living out a prophetic turnaround. He is now the one going into the woods, under the bridges, and into the flea markets to preach. He didn't just get saved; he got commissioned.
Biblical References
The Word of God is clear about the pit and the deliverance that follows. John’s testimony is a modern-day echo of the Psalms.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. (Psalm 40:2 KJV).
John was literally in the miry clay of Alabama, and God set his feet on the Rock of Ages. We also see the principle of how we treat the "least of these" in John’s new ministry. He is now working with others to create a central resource center in Tillmans Corner—a place for showers, meals, and veterans' services, but centered on the Gospel.
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. (Matthew 25:35-36 KJV).
John’s life is a reminder that we aren't just called to pray for people; we are called to minister to their physical needs as an entry point for their spiritual needs. Alcoholism is a cruel taskmaster, much like the wine mentioned in Proverbs:
At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder. (Proverbs 23:32 KJV).
But the sting of the serpent is no match for the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. John was delivered because he stopped fighting and started submitting.
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 KJV).
Key Takeaways
Total Surrender is the Key: Transformation didn't happen until John admitted he couldn't do it on his own.
Your Pit is Your Platform: The very community where John was once a "nuisance" is now his mission field.
God is a Restorer: Not only was John delivered from alcohol, but God began the process of restoring his relationship with his children.
Physical and Spiritual Needs are Linked: Effective ministry involves meeting people where they are, whether that’s under a bridge or in a jail cell.
The Power of the Seed: The time John spent in jail and the failed rehab weren't wasted; they were the "planting" phase for the eventual harvest.
Conclusion and Call to Action
John Roush’s testimony is a powerful reminder that no one is too far gone for the reach of Jesus Christ. From the streets of Mobile to the woods of Tillmans Corner, God was pursuing a man who had lost everything. Today, John stands as a witness to the supernatural, delivering power of the Holy Spirit.
If you are struggling with addiction, or if you feel like you are in a pit that you can’t climb out of, I want to encourage you to follow John’s example. Stop running. Fall on your knees and cry out to the Lord. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
If you enjoyed this testimony, please check out more stories of God's power on my blog at ConradRocks.net. You can also find more about the spiritual battles we face in my books, OPEN YOUR EYES and Overcoming Night Terror.
Please share this post with someone who needs hope today. Whether they are in a high-rise office or a tent in the woods, the message remains the same: Jesus saves, Jesus delivers, and Jesus restores.
God bless you as you dig deeper and go higher!
Action Items
Identify Your "Pit": Honestly assess what is holding you back or keeping you "bound" today.
Practice Total Surrender: Spend time in prayer today, not just asking for things, but submitting your entire will to God.
Look for the "Neighbors": Find one way this week to help someone in your community who is overlooked or marginalized.
Support Local Outreach: Look into ministries like John’s "God’s Messenger Ministry" or local soup kitchens and see how you can contribute.
Scripture Memory: Memorize Psalm 40:2 and remind yourself that God is the one who establishes your goings.
Turning Houses into Homes: Healing the Spiritual Roots of Homelessness
The humid air of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has a way of slowing you down, forcing you to notice the things—and the people—you might normally rush past. I was sitting there with a cup of coffee, looking out at the live oaks draped in Spanish moss, when I realized how often we overlook the "invisible" among us. We talk a lot about the supernatural and the prophetic over at ConradRocks.net, but sometimes the most prophetic thing you can do is see someone that the rest of the world has decided to ignore.
I’ve spent a lot of time walking the streets, sharing the Gospel, and meeting folks where they are. Usually, when we think of the homeless, we think of the men under the piers or the folks panhandling near the Walmart. But there’s a whole other world of hurting people—women and children—who aren’t sitting on the sidewalk. They are couch-surfing, sleeping in cramped cars, or running from shadows that most of us can’t even imagine. They are the ones who have been "beaten down" by life until their very identity is a bruised and broken thing.
The pain point here isn't just a lack of a roof; it's a lack of hope. It’s the cycle of "band-aid" solutions that provide a meal for a day but leave the soul starving for a lifetime. We see people trapped in cycles of addiction, the aftermath of the foster care system, and the crushing weight of the "working poor" reality where one missed shift means an eviction notice. It’s a spiritual battle as much as it is a financial one.
But there is a solution that goes deeper than a temporary shelter. I recently had the privilege of connecting with Diane Easley, the director of Sue’s Home in Ocean Springs. What they are doing isn't just housing; it’s a radical, faith-based transformation. They are digging into the spiritual roots of why these women are where they are, and they are helping them rebuild their lives from the foundation up. It’s about more than just a bed; it’s about becoming a new creature in Christ.
I remember the first time I heard about Sue’s Home. It felt like one of those moments of divine providence that I love so much. A friend mentioned Diane’s work, and it clicked. We often get donations of clothes for women and children, but in our direct street ministry, we mostly encounter men. God had a plan to bridge that gap. When I finally spoke with Diane, I could hear the fire in her voice—a burning desire to provide safety, security, and a long-term path to wholeness.
From Derelict to Divine
Diane told me a story that perfectly mirrors the work God does in our lives. When they first found the property for Sue’s Home, it was a derelict, abandoned mess. It was the kind of place people walk past and shake their heads at, thinking it was beyond saving. But the Christian community stepped up. For ten months, volunteers labored, using donated materials to turn that "derelict property" into a beautiful facility.
When a woman walks through those doors today, she sees beauty. But Diane is always honest with them. She tells them, "This is the honeymoon part." Eventually, they are going to "hit the wall." That’s when the real work begins. It’s easy to feel good when you have a clean bed and a hot meal, but the real transformation happens when you start digging into the "poor choices," the "dysfunctional homes," and the deep-seated pain that led to the homelessness in the first place.
We have to see past the physical symptoms to the spiritual reality. You can’t just paint over the rot; you have to replace the wood. Sue’s Home requires a six-to-nine-month commitment because they refuse to put a "band-aid on a problem." They are looking for the root causes.
Breaking the Cycle of the "Working Poor"
One of the things that struck me during our conversation was the reality of the "working poor." Diane pointed out that about a third of their clients are women who are trying their best—working twenty hours a week at minimum wage while trying to raise children. In today's economy, that math simply doesn't work. One bout of flu or a car breakdown, and they are out on the street.
Sue’s Home provides that "cushion" while these women reevaluate their lives and change their trajectory. They help them get their GEDs, enroll in community college, and develop life skills. They are teaching them how to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness," as it says in Matthew 6:33 KJV. When you get the spiritual order right, the "things" start to be added.
I’ve seen this in my own walk. When we stop chasing the provision and start chasing the Provider, the landscape of our lives changes. But for these women, many of whom have had their trust "totally obliterated," learning to trust the Father is a long, slow process. It takes a community that won't stop loving them, even when they try to push everyone away.
The Breakthrough for the Youth
There’s another group Diane is passionate about: the 18-to-24-year-olds aging out of foster care. There has been a 300% increase in homelessness in this age group. Can you imagine being eighteen, with no family, no resources, and no idea how to even sign a lease?
This is where the "Breakthrough" program comes in. Instead of just putting them in a facility, they help them get into apartments and provide case managers and mentors. If we don’t reach these young women at this critical junction, they often fall prey to human trafficking, deeper addiction, and more abuse. It’s a preventive strike against the enemy’s plans for their lives.
Personal Reflections
Listening to Diane, I had to reflect on my own journey and how I view the "least of these." It’s easy for us to sit in our comfortable pews and have a "chip on our shoulder" about people who don't look like us or smell like us. Diane mentioned that some women come in covered in tattoos or coming off a "self-medicating" binge to numb the pain of abuse.
I’ve realized that the church often overlooks the homeless because they "don’t increase the tithe base." That’s a hard truth, isn't it? But Jesus didn't look at the tithe base; He looked at the heart. He looked at the spiritual potential of a broken person.
There was a time when I might have judged someone's situation without understanding the spiritual battle they were fighting. But as I’ve delved deeper into the prophetic and the supernatural—even writing about the intense spiritual warfare in Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave—I’ve learned that many of these "bad choices" are symptoms of a much larger spiritual oppression.
I was moved by the testimony Diane shared about a young woman who had been in fifteen different foster homes. She was angry, belligerent, and determined to push everyone away before they could "turn on her." But the staff at Sue’s Home just wouldn't stop loving her. Today, that "hopeless" woman is a sold-out Christian, a homeowner, and a mother. That is the power of the Gospel in action. It’s not just a theory; it’s a life-altering force.
I’ve missed it before. I’ve looked at the surface. But Jesus keeps correcting me, reminding me that "as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Every time we turn a blind eye to the hurting, it's like we are turning a blind eye to Him.
Biblical References
The foundation of everything Sue’s Home does is built on the Word of God. When we talk about the "working poor" or those struggling to survive, we have to remember the promise in the Scriptures: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (Matthew 6:33 KJV). This isn't a prosperity gospel; it’s a priority gospel. When these women learn to put God first, He begins to order their steps and provide for their needs in ways they never thought possible.
The heart of ministry to the homeless is found in the words of Jesus Himself. He said, And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me (Matthew 25:40 KJV). This is a sobering reminder that our service to the marginalized is direct service to our Lord. If we want to see the face of Jesus, we often have to look into the eyes of the person the world has cast aside.
We also see the heart of God for the broken and the solitary in the Psalms. God setteth the solitary in families: he bringeth out those which are bound with chains: but the rebellious dwell in a dry land (Psalm 68:6 KJV). Sue’s Home is that "family" for the solitary. It is the place where those "bound with chains" of addiction and trauma can find the freedom that only comes through Christ.
The goal of this long-term ministry is nothing less than a complete spiritual overhaul. We are told, Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). Diane’s stories of former clients coming back as homeowners and night managers are living proof of this verse. The "old things"—the homelessness, the anger, the foster care trauma—have passed away.
Finally, we are called to a specific kind of fast and a specific kind of worship that includes the physical needs of our neighbors. Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (Isaiah 58:7 KJV). When we open our homes and our hearts, we are fulfilling the very fast that God has chosen.
Key Takeaways
Homelessness has spiritual roots. It is rarely just about a lack of money; it’s often about a lack of identity, hope, and healing from past trauma.
Long-term commitment is necessary. "Band-aid" solutions don't work for deep-seated problems. Transformation takes time—often six to nine months of consistent love and counseling.
The "invisible" homeless need our attention. Women and children sleeping in cars or couch-surfing are often overlooked by traditional street ministries.
Mentorship is vital. Especially for youth aging out of foster care, having a Christian mentor to "come alongside them" and disciple them is the difference between success and a return to the streets.
We serve Jesus by serving the "least." Our treatment of the downtrodden is the ultimate litmus test of our faith.
Conclusion and Call to Action
God is doing something remarkable on the Gulf Coast through ministries like Sue’s Home. They are on the "boots on the ground" front lines, doing the hard work of turning derelict lives into beautiful testimonies of grace. But they can’t do it alone. It takes a community of believers who are willing to step up, pray, and provide the resources needed to keep the doors open.
As I always say on the podcast, we need to "dig deeper and go higher." That applies to our charity just as much as our prayer life. If you feel led to support this work, I encourage you to reach out to Diane. Whether it’s through financial donations, goods, or the commitment of your time as a mentor, you can be part of someone’s "breakthrough."
Please visit ConradRocks.net for more episodes and articles on how to live a life directed by the Holy Spirit. If this message touched you, share it with your friends and family on social media. Let’s make sure the "invisible" among us are finally seen.
Action Items
Pray for Sue's Home. This is an intense spiritual battle. Pray for Diane, the staff, and the women currently in the program to have the strength to "hit the wall" and keep going.
Review your own perceptions. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if you've been judging the "homeless" based on appearance or if you've been overlooking the women and children in your own community who are in crisis.
Become a Mentor. If you are in the Gulf Coast area, contact Diane about mentoring a young person aging out of foster care. Your wisdom and stability could change their entire life trajectory.
Support Faith-Based Ministries. Consider adding a ministry like Sue’s Home (Community Care Network) to your monthly giving. They depend on the "God’s people stepping up" rather than government handouts that might limit their ability to share the Gospel.
Share the Gospel. Remember that the poor have the Gospel preached to them. Don't just give a handout; give the hope of Jesus Christ.
Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher. God bless you.
Note: For more on my journey into the supernatural and how God delivers us from the darkest places, check out my books OPEN YOUR EYES and Overcoming Night Terror.
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