From Darkness to Light: Alfred Ivery's Powerful Testimony

Saved in the Cell - God's Miraculous Redemption Story

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Christian singer Alfred Ivery on my Coffee with Conrad podcast. Alfred shared his incredible journey of redemption - how he went from living a wild lifestyle far from God to surrendering his life to Christ and experiencing a miraculous deliverance.

Alfred grew up in a Christian home but strayed from his faith in his early 20s after a painful divorce. He got caught up in the temptations of women, parties and singing in clubs. This led him down a destructive path of legal troubles, facing a felony charge and mandatory prison sentence for repeated convictions of driving with a suspended license. 

While awaiting sentencing in a jail cell, expecting to serve 2 years, Alfred had a dramatic encounter with God. He cried out in genuine repentance, surrendering his life to Christ no matter the consequences. When appearing before a notoriously harsh judge, a miracle happened - his case was unexpectedly dismissed! Alfred walked out a free man, forever changed.

Since recommitting his life to God, Alfred has been living to serve and glorify Him. His testimony demonstrates the emptiness of life apart from God, and the joy, peace and purpose found in Christ. Alfred's story is a powerful example of God's love, grace and transforming power. No matter how far we may stray, God is always calling us back to Him.

I encourage you to visit Alfred's website at alfredivy.com to hear his anointed music and be inspired by his ongoing ministry. His songs, like "You Saved Me," flow out of his life story and relationship with the Lord. I pray his testimony touches many lives, especially young people who may be struggling or running from God. In Christ, there is always hope, forgiveness and new beginnings!

An Enlightening Interview with Author Frank Viola

Rethinking Faith with Frank Viola

I recently had the incredible opportunity to interview one of my favorite Christian authors, Frank Viola, on my show Coffee with Conrad. Frank has written thought-provoking books like Pagan Christianity and Reimagining Church that have really challenged my thinking and opened my eyes to look at Scripture in a fresh way. 

In our discussion, Frank shared the heart behind his latest project, the "Rethinking" series. His goal is to examine many aspects of the Christian faith and ask: Is this really biblical? Does it work in our lives? He wants to provoke Christians to go on the same journey he has been on - to reexamine much of what we've been taught, retain what is scriptural, but have the courage to rethink things that may be more based in human tradition than God's word.

Some of the key topics the "Rethinking" series explores include:

- What is the true nature of salvation? 

- How do we experience genuine spiritual growth?

- What should be the real mission of the church?

- How can we live by the indwelling life of Christ on a practical level?

While Frank readily admits he doesn't have all the answers, his writings come from his own journey and discoveries that have helped him know the Lord more deeply. His heart is to see Christians living out an authentic faith that truly represents Christ to the world.

One major burden Frank expressed is the lack of love and graciousness among believers today, especially on social media. He emphasized that as Christians, we must treat others the way we want to be treated in every situation (Matthew 7:12). This is the essential core of divine life. 

I appreciate how Frank backs up his perspectives with Scripture and explains things in an understandable way. While I may not agree with every single point, I always find his books and podcast to be thought-provoking, insightful and challenging me to dig deeper in my faith. I encourage you to check out his writings and teachings for yourself at frankviola.org. 

Interviewing Frank Viola was a true honor and I'm excited to see how God continues to use him to shine light and speak truth to the body of Christ. His example inspires me to keep pursuing Jesus passionately, think biblically, and represent Christ authentically in all I say and do. I hope you'll join me on that journey!

Shining a Light on Human Trafficking: An Interview with Janet Marie Napper

Trafficking: America's Darkest Secret

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and to bring attention to this critical issue, I recently had the privilege of interviewing Janet Marie Napper from the organization Overcoming Abuse God's Way. 

In our discussion, Janet shared some alarming statistics about the prevalence of sex trafficking, especially among vulnerable youth. According to Janet, the most at-risk age range for becoming a victim of sex trafficking is 11-13 years old, for both boys and girls. Shockingly, the U.S. Justice Department reports that even children as young as 5-6 years old are being forced into sex acts for financial gain within the United States.

Janet emphasized the importance of prevention through education. Her organization focuses on providing biblical abuse education to help those who have experienced sexual, physical, emotional, verbal or financial abuse. By helping victims understand how they got into their situation from a biblical perspective, and equipping them to overcome the effects like anger, unforgiveness, insecurity and fear, true healing can begin. 

Sex trafficking has now become the most profitable illegal business in the U.S., surpassing both drugs and guns. Janet stressed that it is just as easy to procure a child for sex as it is to obtain illegal drugs or weapons. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.

Overcoming Abuse God's Way offers free support groups for abuse victims in several counties in Tennessee. Through these groups, participants realize they are not alone and can start the process of overcoming the trauma and destruction that abuse causes in their lives and relationships. 

The interview concluded with a moving prayer from Janet for victims currently trapped in sex trafficking, that they would cry out and be heard, be led to freedom and restoration by God's love. Her prayer also petitioned for greater awareness and sensitivity to the reality of trafficking happening all around us.

To learn more about Janet's important work or to support Overcoming Abuse God's Waynull financially, visit their website at overcomingabusegodsway.com. Together we can shine a light on the darkness of human trafficking and extend hope and healing to the victims.