What if the moment that nearly broke you became the turning point that clarified your calling? We open our sixth season with a candid, hope-charged conversation about rescue, refuge, and the quiet courage it takes to be still long enough to hear God’s next step. Joined by New Hope Girls’ U.S. director, Jeri Purdy, and board member Rob Wallstrom, we trace a story that moves from personal surrender to national transformation in the Dominican Republic.

Jeri shares how stepping away from a beloved role led to a hard reset—complete with failed plans, forced stillness, and a rebuilt rhythm of prayer and Scripture. Rob adds the lens of Hesed, the Hebrew picture of covenant love, and shows how that theology becomes practice: immediate care for girls in crisis and the deeper work of restoration that rewrites identity.

Together, we explore how New Hope Girls serves children as young as two, walks with them through education and adulthood, pays a living wage to women artisans, and keeps families close with on-site daycare. The mission reaches weekly into the barrio to serve 300 girls and, remarkably, now partners with the DR government to help reform national rescue and protection protocols with a Christ-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Along the way, we talk about discerning God’s will without needing the next 45 steps, why stillness is not weakness, and how closeness to a good God births patient, bold leadership. If your heart beats for justice, adoption, anti-trafficking, or faith that actually changes lives, this story will stay with you.

Be part of the movement: pray for caregivers and girls, support artisans by shopping their work, or become a monthly hope champion. If something stirred you, rewind, write it down, and ask, “Lord, what are you saying to me?” Then subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the hope.

What if the help we offer keeps people from healing? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with James Scott of Our Neutral Voices, a South Side entrepreneur turned community builder whose life bridges poverty, perseverance, and purpose. James opens up about growing up with a single mom, running a neighborhood telecom store that doubled as a listening post, and discovering that the most powerful gift isn’t a handout but a path forward.

We dig into why “toxic giving” stalls progress and how equipping changes everything. James lays out ONV’s five pillars—spirituality and health, education and performing arts, financial literacy and economic development, and sports—and shows how this web supports entire households, not just individuals. He describes late‑night moments with a bass or lead guitar, where prayer and music steady his resolve, and explains why obedience to calling beats comfort every time.

Collaboration is the engine behind the impact. James shares how ONV convened 28 organizations into a coalition built on simple MOUs, transparent roles, and shared wins. We talk frankly about the toughest barrier of all: internal strife, jealousy, and donor competition that fracture trust from the inside. The counter is humility, consistency, and clear values—God first, do what you say, and let people see the work. James also previews Escaping From The System, a practical curriculum that helps families use safety nets wisely and then exit them with dignity.

If you’ve felt the nudge to start but waited for perfect timing, James’s message is for you: begin today. Take one step toward the barrier—learn, ask, visit, budget, practice—and watch momentum build. If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so more neighbors can find it.

https://www.ourneutralvoices.org/

In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Brandon Bower, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, to hear his personal story and calling to Christ-centered recovery. Brandon shares his heart for biblically based counseling and the transformative power of discipleship, mentorship, and authentic community.

We also explore the holistic ministry of The Lighthouse — from recovery and treatment programs to Friday night chapel and meals, community groups, a food pantry, and a thrift store — all rooted in walking alongside people with dignity, hope, and the love of Jesus. This episode is filled with testimony, encouragement, and a clear invitation to remain faithful to your calling while loving your community with humility and transformation in mind.