Faith. Hardship. Loneliness. On this episode of Hope Helps, Charly Burridge-Jones introduces three guests who are on three separate faith journeys. Cristina and Stephen, both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Jaspreet—a Sikh activist—share the ups and downs of finding, following, rediscovering, and recommitting to their faith. Together the guests explore the full scope of faith journeys—including times when faith has empowered them as well as moments it needed rekindling. Their stories demonstrate how continuing to choose faith in times of weakness brings miracles.

“I’m addicted to my faith.” Jaspreet’s infectious enthusiasm and passion for defending all faiths has inspired many. However, his own faith journey was born years ago, in the midst of a period of depression that almost cost him his life. Unable to find help while struggling with self-harming thoughts, Jaspreet found himself praying on the steps of The Golden Temple—Sikhism’s most sacred religious site. During his lowest of lows, he felt a spark of hope—which then ignited everything. Cristina and Stephen overcame significant opposition from their families to pursue their own faith—a decision which brought healing and happiness to their lives. However, unexpected events in both of their lives—including a difficult divorce and a bewildering heart defect—led them to low points in their journeys. Tune in to this episode of Hope Helps to learn how unanticipated trials and the decision to rekindle faith brought hope, healing, and happiness to their lives.

If you are seriously struggling or thinking of self-harming, please reach out to https://www.samaritans.org or call 116 123 for help and support.

Dancing. Singing. Midnight meals. Tropical Christmas mornings, holiday road trips, Father Christmas and… a barbecue? On this special festive episode of Hope Helps, host Charly Burridge-Jones shares magical Christmas traditions of UK residents from around the world. Featured guests Amy and Michael Morris recount the remarkable story of how their family grew from zero to seven children overnight—just in time for Christmas!

Although it’s said to be the most wonderful time of the year, Amy and Michael understand many may be spending the Christmas season in less than ideal circumstances. Their experience fostering 21 children brought them face to face with real trauma—providing a unique perspective on how to feel the Christmas spirit no matter the situation. Michael, remembering lonelier holiday times, shares that whether we find ourselves in an ideal situation this year or not, “each of us has the opportunity to extend [kindness] to someone else… it’s a time of year where we can give something of ourselves and feel some joy through what we’re able to offer others.” If you’re not feeling the Christmas spirit yet, it’s not too late. Come and hear what the Morris children are looking forward to this Christmas!

“We don’t live in isolated communities,” says civil service worker Mamataj Begum. We meet different people all around us, whether at work, school, sporting events, or simply walking down the street. As society becomes increasingly divided, collaboration with others becomes increasingly valuable. Ben Shapiro is a six-year employee of the interfaith charity, the Faith and Belief Forum. He describes the power people have to dispel stereotypes and solve societal problems when they work together and understand each other. The good news? Exciting opportunities for inter-community engagement are all around us.

Interfaith charities exist to connect people with different backgrounds who share common goals. Ben and Mamataj originally became involved through university programs. Since then, they have participated in interfaith book clubs, theatre productions, zoom conferences, dinner parties, festival days, and fitness challenges. “If you like doing something,” notes Mamataj, “inevitably there’ll be an [interfaith] group on the internet [which also does] that thing.”

In the end, what matters most may not be the activity we engage in, but the attitude we bring. Inter-community environments create a “safe space” where people can be themselves without fear of being judged. When we approach these spaces with curiosity instead of assumptions, we are better prepared to learn from each other. “Take the first step,” Ben urges. “It’s so much better than you can imagine… [Kind, welcoming] people are waiting for you.”

For professional storyteller Darren Hill, life is a pilgrimage. “It’s a journey which has a beginning… an end, and the middle bit.” Darren’s “middle bit” includes prestigious theatrical training and a career he loves. However, it began with the challenge of dyslexia and facing opposition while pursuing his storytelling dreams. He believes overcoming life’s obstacles is possible through stubbornness, determination, humility and listening to others. “I’ve met people from all cultures and ages that teach me… what life’s all about,” says Darren. “I am the product of all of those people, and they [are] all with me… as a part of who I am.”  

In recent years, Darren performed a one-man theatrical production nearly every night during a 500-mile pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago—which exposed him to the life stories of countless fellow travellers. Join Charly Burridge-Jones as she and Darren discuss lessons learned throughout his physical pilgrimage as well as the pilgrimage all human beings have in common—the journey of life. 

Grief after losing a loved one—though devastating—is felt by many. Richard Auger and Camilla McNally came to understand this pain first-hand after unexpected tragedy struck their lives. While their personal stories are different, both beautifully convey how faith in Christ enabled them to overcome grief. Focusing on prayer, service and self-compassion has the power to displace confusion, bitterness, and sorrow with comfort, hope, and healing.

Richard and Camilla, both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, believe that one day pain, sorrow, and death will be done away and that eventually, they will be joyfully reunited with their lost loved ones. In the meantime, the sorrow they have experienced serves as a reminder of the abiding love felt for those who have passed on. Join Charly Burridge-Jones as she talks with Richard and Camilla about how we can help ourselves and each other navigate and overcome grief.

Peter and Alexandra Mackenzie Johns met at age 16 and dated for a few years before serving missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and going their separate ways. After eight years, they reconnected and realized they were perfect for each other. 

During their ten-year marriage, they have lived and worked in Jersey, India, and soon, Jordan. Alex and Pete regularly trade off the roles of child caretaker and breadwinner as they care for each other’s interests and health. The couple participates in the Nauvoo and British pageants as a way to share their love of the arts and to express their faith in Christ.

Lola Ogunbote was only 14 years old when she had an experience with racism that changed her life forever. Lola is a black woman, football coach, activist, and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Regular encounters with racism do not stop her from pursuing her dreams. She is a firm believer that in order to build bridges and eliminate injustice, we must learn to love each other in the way that Jesus Christ loves each of us.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, it is our duty to accept each other, regardless of race, gender, or sexuality. The best way to combat ignorance is to ask questions with a sincere attempt at understanding and to put our prejudices aside, letting love in.

This week on Hope Helps, Charly Burridge-Jones speaks with Felicity and Ben Munzer, a newlywed couple living in England. They assert that the ideal marriage is 1+1=3, where two individuals join together to create something greater than themselves. Ben and Felicity know that they have found a relationship that has clicked into place, and that with persistent effort and care for each other, their marriage will last a lifetime and beyond.