New Podcast: Catching Up with Laura Baxter

On this program Benson Gregory has a long overdue conversation with Laura Baxter to catch up with all that has been going on in her ministry in Honduras over the past two years. Laura tells us a little about life during the pandemic and how God has led her to be a missionary to missionaries and their children. We talk about some of the unique challenges she's faced, how she's adapted and how you can help her serve those who serve. 

Joanna Ministries, Inc. seeks to work with churches and other ministries to reach teens who have been abused and may be at risk for life on the streets as well as being trafficked. We go into one of the local hospitals to talk with teens who are pregnant. We want to be available to them and let them also know that there are safe places they can go. In opening a pregnancy crisis center, we hope to reach teens who have been abused and have become pregnant. Sharing pre and post-natal care along with seeking to help heal their hearts in the process. Because of Laura's own experience in an abusive relationship, God has given her a heart for girls who have been abused; to be able to share that there is hope and healing through a relationship with Christ. Learn more about Joanna Ministries, Inc here. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/423127991554349

New Podcast: Mission of Hope - New Executive Director David Heatherly - Christmas Collection

Today Executive Director Emmette Thompson catches us up on the latest with Mission of Hope, and introduces us to David Heatherly the incoming Executive Director. David tells us about his background and talks about Mission of Hope's efforts to collect items for the Appalachian region of Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee. 

Since 1996, the Mission of Hope has ministered to the people of various counties in Kentucky and Tennessee from which 80% of the region’s residents no longer have jobs in the coal mining industry.

Many of the people we assist are caught in the pockets of poverty and as a result have lost all hope for their future. With your help and with God’s love we can help bring new hope to many.

Mission of Hope strives to provide Christian ministries during appropriate seasons of the year, including Christmas and Easter, through a system of delivering clothes, food, toys, and school supplies to impoverished families; to assist in repair of existing homes or relocating to other homes when appropriate; to provide scholarships for qualifying children of the area; to assist in developing skills or other expertise for the creation of new or expanded jobs in the area; and to assist in locating jobs for persons who are willing to relocate outside the area.

The Mission of Hope is a year round ministry blessed to assist many of our less fortunate Appalachian neighbors with much needed goods and resources; college scholarships; and help with basic educational, health care and home repair needs.

If you would like to make a financial donation to Mission of Hope for our year round ministry expenses it would be greatly appreciated. The 2010 independent financial audit confirmed that 90 percent of every dollar donated went directly back into programs assisting individuals.

Thank you for caring enough to help those who still have hope.

Website

Facebook

Podcast: Cultivating gratitude - and how it can improve your health with Dr Joannie DeBrito

Photo by Ann on Unsplash

It can be hard to be grateful when it seems like everything in life is going wrong. It can feel worse during the holidays when there's such a focus on family and thankfulness. On this episode of my podcast I sit down with Dr Joannie DeBrito, licensed mental health professional and frequent Focus on the Family contributor, talks about how to be grateful when we aren't feeling grateful, the process of grieving and how gratefulness can be part of the journey.

Did you know researchers have found that expressing gratitude has many health benefits as well?
Practicing gratitude has been scientifically proven to positively impact your brain. It can make us feel happier and better about ourselves, improve energy levels, help us cope with our problems, and even decrease mental health struggles like stress, anxiety, and depression.

Please share this episode as it might help someone who is having difficulty especially during this time of year.

Dr Joannie DeBrito articles and resources at Focus on the Family