In this powerful episode of Called to Be Free Academy, host April Amrine, a former missionary and neuroscience enthusiast, tackles the often-unspoken topic of mental health in the church. Titled "Darkness," this episode dives into the stigma surrounding depression, anxiety, and mental illness within the body of Christ, exploring why these struggles are so hard to discuss. April shares her personal journey with depression and offers hope through biblical examples like Elijah, David, Jeremiah, Hannah, Job, and Moses, who faced despair yet found God’s presence. Drawing on neuroscience insights from Dr. Caroline Leaf and Dr. Daniel G. Amen, she connects neuroplasticity and brain health to scriptural truths like Romans 12:2, showing how faith and science align to renew the mind. Practical steps are provided for churches to support those struggling—through education, support groups, and safe spaces—and for individuals to connect with their faith community. This episode is a call to break the silence, bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and hear God’s voice in the wilderness of mental health challenges. Join us for a compassionate, faith-filled conversation that offers hope and healing.

Join host April in Season 3 of Walk the Wilderness with Me from the Called to Be Free Academy for a transformative dive into the power of surrender. In this episode, we explore how yielding your heart fully to God—releasing worry, fear, and control—unlocks the gifts and calling He has placed on your life. Drawing from Matthew 11:30, Psalm 51:10, Romans 12:2, and insights from Lisa Bevere, Lisa Harper, and Mark Hankins, we unpack surrender as a daily choice that renews your mind and aligns you with God’s purpose. From neuroscience to scripture, discover how letting go of hidden places invites true freedom and peace. Grab your Bible, reflect on David’s heart, and embrace God’s easy yoke in this uplifting episode.

Join April in this vibrant and encouraging episode of Called to Be Free Academy as she tackles a common struggle for Christian women: staying focused during prayer. With 50% of Christian women reporting difficulty maintaining focus in prayer (Val Marie Paper), this episode dives into biblical truths, neuroscience insights, and practical tips to help you overcome distractions and deepen your connection with God. Whether you're juggling work, family, or a racing mind, April reminds you that God’s grace is sufficient, and His peace guards your heart and mind (Philippians 4:6-7).

Through powerful scriptures like Colossians 4:2 and Psalm 46:10, April unpacks how to stay steadfast in prayer, embrace gratitude, and rest in God’s presence. She shares four faith-filled tips—starting with stillness, praying scripture aloud, using a gratitude journal, and setting intentional prayer times—to sharpen your focus. Backed by neuroscience from Dr. Daniel Amen and studies showing gratitude’s impact on mental clarity, this episode empowers you to transform your prayer life into a place of victory, not struggle.

April’s grace-filled encouragement and actionable steps will leave you inspired to approach God’s throne with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Tune in, grab your Bible, and discover how to cultivate an unshakable prayer focus, no matter what season of life you’re in!

Share your story at Support@calledtobefreeacademy.com, and connect with April and other Christian women on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. Subscribe, leave a review, or drop a comment to support the podcast. Let’s keep growing in grace together!

This Weeks Resource:

You, Happier: The 7 Neuroscience Secrets of Feeling Good Based on Your Brain Typeby Dr Daniel G. Amen.

This is not an affiliate link, I do not get compensation from this link it is simply a helpful resource in understanding your mind and how to overcome struggles.

Sources:

· Val Marie Paper, Barna Group (prayer focus statistics)

· Amen, D., You, Happier (2022); Scientific Reports (2020)

· Steffen, P.R., Journal of Religion & Health (2011)

Struggling to identify your God-given gifts and talents? In this encouraging episode, April from the Called to Be Free Academy shares how to uncover your unique calling. Discover how obedience to God’s nudges, faithful stewardship, and stepping out in faith—even in weakness—can reveal the purpose God has for you. Packed with practical steps like journaling, prayer, and serving others, this episode will inspire you to let your light shine. Tune in to explore scriptures like Matthew 25:14-30 and 2 Peter 1:10-11, and learn how to embrace your gifts to glorify God.

Join host, April Amrine, from the Called to Be Free Academy, In this laugh-out-loud mini-episode of Notes from a Failed Missionary, we dive into a hilarious misadventure in Frosinone, Italy, where a language barrier and a tray of "grape juice" turn children's church into an accidental winery. With sarcasm, heart, and a touch of chaos, our host recounts the moment they learned that Italian communion is not kid-friendly. From a creaky shed to a theology-shifting prayer meeting, this episode is a wild ride that ends with a heartfelt reminder: God's grace covers even the messiest missionary mishaps. Perfect for anyone who loves funny, faith-filled stories!

Podcast Player Links

· YouTube

o https://www.youtube.com/@CalledtoBeFreeAcademy

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o https://open.spotify.com/show/0MmcIn9XQTlGffnQ5prqcK?si=d4f8b509ab694a76

· Amazon Music

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· GoodPods

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· Apple Podcasts

o https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-to-be-free-academy-podcast/id1559483004

· PodChaser/ Radio Public

o https://radiopublic.com/called-to-be-free-academy-podcast-WYQPVr

· Pocket Casts

o https://pca.st/62artmde

Let’s connect:

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· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april.amrine/

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalledtoBeFreeAcademy

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and give it a like!

#funnymissionarystories #Christianmissionary #missionstories

Join host April Amrine, for some hilarious Christian life lessons on the Called to Be Free Academy, Season 3: Walk the Wilderness with Me's funny mini episode pulled straight out of her upcoming book Notes from a Failed Missionary. Dive into our chaotic adventure at the Italian immigration office in Frosinone, where our Rosetta Stone Italian fails us, a grumpy clerk gives us the runaround, and a mysterious holographic stamp from a tobacco shop becomes our quest. Just when hope seems lost, a coffee date with a kind-hearted commissioner and a lightning-fast visit to human services turn the tide in our favor.

Laugh, cringe, and marvel at how God prepares a feast before our enemies in this tale of faith and perseverance. Don’t miss out—subscribe and follow us on Facebook at Called to Be Free Academy for more wild stories!

Podcast Player Links

· IHeart Radio

o https://iheart.com/podcast/283079441/

· Spotify

o https://open.spotify.com/show/0MmcIn9XQTlGffnQ5prqcK?si=d4f8b509ab694a76

· Amazon Music

o https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a327617-08e2-46f7-b558-5d52d8de1760/called-to-be-free-academy-podcast

· GoodPods

o https://go.goodpods.com/LQrKEJ

· Apple Podcasts

o https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/called-to-be-free-academy-podcast/id1559483004

· PodChaser/ Radio Public

o https://radiopublic.com/called-to-be-free-academy-podcast-WYQPVr

· Pocket Casts

o https://pca.st/62artmde

Let’s connect:

· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Calledtobefreeacademy

· Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april.amrine/

· YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalledtoBeFreeAcademy

Don't forget to hit that subscribe button and give it a like!

The Ultimate Treasure Hunt: Christian Women Seeking Purpose

Episode Description:

Join host April in the sixth mini episode of Notes from a Failed Missionary, a bonus series from the Called to Be Free Academy the Christian women's empowerment podcast, where she shares quirky and heartfelt, faith-based life lesson, filled excerpts from her upcoming book. In this episode, titled "The Ultimate Treasure Hunt," April recounts a hilarious and humbling 2013 adventure inspired by Kevin Dedmon’s book of the same name.

Picture April and her mom as a Scooby-Doo-esque duo, chasing divine clues in a shopping plaza to find a woman named Susan—only to stumble into an unexpected encounter that’s equal parts awkward and miraculous. From lurking behind store end-caps to praying for a stranger’s sister in the napkin aisle, April learns that God’s plans don’t require perfection—just a willingness to step out in faith.

This episode challenges Christian Women seeking purpose to try their own treasure hunt and trust God to show up, even when the clues don’t quite match. Tune in for a story of divine detours, spiritual pirates, and the beauty of God’s love in the mess.

Don’t miss the call to share your own stories and check out Called to Be Free Academy on https://www.facebook.com/Calledtobefreeacademy! And be sure to hit that like and subscribe

button!

Follow on:

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Calledtobefreeacademy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/april.amrine/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalledtoBeFreeAcademy