Former atheist, Iraq War veteran, and recovering alcoholic Ryan Smith shares a raw, powerful testimony of redemption, faith, and transformation through Jesus Christ.

In this episode of All Things New Podcast, Ryan opens up about growing up as a pastor’s kid, rejecting Christianity, battling addiction, serving two combat tours in Iraq, and ultimately being radically saved by Christ. This Veterans Day conversation dives deep into identity, pride, unity in the body of Christ, recovery, missions, and what it truly means to follow Jesus beyond religion.

• From militant atheism to saving faith in Jesus Christ

• Growing up as a pastor’s son and rebelling against church culture

• Alcohol addiction, suicidal darkness, and God’s relentless grace

• Two combat tours in Iraq and powerful near-death moments

• Brotherhood in the military vs. the body of Christ

• Why theology should never divide believers

• Recovery, idols, and surrendering alcohol to Christ

• Missions in Mexico and Cuba and the power of underground churches

• Veterans Day reflections and honoring those who served

“Once you’ve tasted God, you don’t want sardines anymore.”

This episode is a must-listen for veterans, those in recovery, believers wrestling with faith, and anyone searching for authentic Christianity rooted in grace, unity, and truth.

📖 “Behold, I am making all things new.” — Revelation 21:5

Brad Hancock shares a raw, unfiltered testimony of addiction, gang life, prison, and a radical encounter with Jesus Christ that changed everything. From nearly losing his life to discovering true freedom behind prison walls, Brad’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond redemption.

In this episode of the All Things New Podcast, Brad opens up about growing up in Gulfport, Mississippi, losing his parents at a young age, falling into drugs and incarceration, and how the Lord met him at the lowest point—transforming fear into faith and chaos into calling. Now serving at Gateway Rescue Mission, Brad walks daily with men seeking restoration and new life in Christ.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone impacted by addiction, incarceration, recovery ministry, or simply needing hope that God still makes all things new.

Key Topics Covered:

• Growing up in broken environments

• Addiction and gang affiliation

• Life inside Mississippi prisons

• A near-death encounter that led to surrender

• Finding Jesus in prison

• Obedience in the face of fear

• Redemption through Christ alone

• Ministry at Gateway Rescue Mission

• Celebrate Recovery and discipleship

• God’s grace for the forgotten and incarcerated

📖 “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

Chris Turner shares a powerful testimony of restoration—how Jesus brought him from a painful, institutionalized childhood and seasons of homelessness into a life of purpose, service, and joy. This conversation is a reminder that God heals, the Church helps, and love truly changes lives.

In this episode of the All Things New Podcast, we sit down with Chris Turner to hear how God has worked through faith, community, and obedience to transform his life. Chris opens up about growing up in DHS custody, navigating broken relationships, struggling with addiction, and how a real relationship with Jesus began changing everything in 2019.

We talk about the power of Celebrate Recovery, learning humility before God, serving faithfully in the local church, and stepping out in boldness to pray for people in everyday places. Chris also shares how meaningful relationships within the Church helped meet real needs—and how God often uses those moments to bless both the giver and the receiver.

Topics covered in this conversation:

• Growing up institutionalized and the long-term impact it had

• Homelessness, addiction, and survival

• Finding faith and purpose through Jesus Christ

• Celebrate Recovery and spiritual accountability

• Praying for strangers and living out faith daily

• The Church stepping in with real, practical support

• Looking ahead to future ministry opportunities and missions

Scripture referenced:

• Revelation 21:5

• James 5:13

• Matthew 28 (The Great Commission)

Ministry & Episode CTA If this episode encouraged you, please follow or subscribe, share it with someone who needs hope, and leave a comment or review. Your support helps this message reach more people who need encouragement and restoration.

Contact – All Things New Ministry Email: allthingsnewinc@gmail.com Aubrey Pridgen: (601) 940-7495 Scott Walters: (601) 278-4816