Jesus Loves Addicts

43. Ex-Gang Member Turns to Christ (w/ Lloyd Brunty)

Special Guest: Lloyd Brunty
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Here is the extraordinary story of Lloyd Brunty, a man who emerged from a life steeped in organized crime and addiction to become a beacon of hope and faith for others. Lloyd's journey begins amidst a chaotic childhood marked by familial rejection and organized crime, leading him down a path of deep darkness involving gang membership and drug addiction.

After a tragic mistake claims the life of his young son, Lloyd's spiral deepens, and he finds himself on the brink of destruction. But it is here, in the depths of despair, that an unexpected encounter with the divine sets him on a path toward redemption. Lloyd recounts his powerful transformative experience in a courtroom that reshaped his life and his faith in ways he never anticipated.

Now the founder of "Truly Grace" ministry in South Mississippi, Lloyd dedicates his life to helping others break free from the chains of addiction and crime, using his past as a testimony to the unyielding power of Jesus Christ. This episode offers a raw and moving exploration of the highs and lows of faith, the challenge of confronting one’s past, and the profound impact of spiritual salvation. Tune in to witness a story of hope, restoration, and endless love.

42. Undercover Grace (w/ Amber and Brilynn Foreman)

Special Guest: Amber and Brilynn Foreman
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Kathryn and Paul sit down with Amber Foreman. For over 15 years, Amber battled addiction, initially turning to self-medication using Suboxone for 12 years until her family's intervention guided her to a newfound freedom in Jesus.

Joining the conversation is Amber's daughter, Brilynn, who offers a unique perspective on the impact of addiction on families, sharing her own experiences and emotions growing up with a parent struggling with substance abuse. The episode delves into Amber's tumultuous childhood, marked by trauma and abusive relationships, which unknowingly shaped her path toward substance dependence.

Amber courageously recounts her struggles, the challenges of recovery, and the pivotal moments when divine intervention seemed evident, leading her to a faith-based recovery program at the Home of Grace. This episode is not just a testimony of Amber's strength but a clarion call to challenge addiction stigmas, highlighting the power of love, forgiveness, and faith to overcome adversity.

Through Amber's journey, listeners are reminded that grace and redemption are possible no matter how deep their struggles may be. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and hope in the face of addiction’s powerful grip.

41. There is Purpose in the Pain - Part 2 (w/ Marc Calvert)

Special Guest: Marc Calvert
Hosted by: Ross Richard and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Join us in part two of our compelling conversation with Marc Calvert on the "Jesus Loves Addicts" podcast. If you haven’t already, be sure to catch up on part one to fully embrace Marc's incredible journey.

Picking up where we left off in Part One of his story, Marc calls Jared a pivotal figure in his journey. Jared played a crucial role in guiding Marc through his struggles. With patience and unwavering support, Jared helped Marc see the possibilities of change and the fruits of faith.

Experience the heartfelt moments as Marc recounts his initial skepticism, the turning point at a Halloween church event, and his path toward salvation. From jailhouse ministry beginnings to his work with The Home of Grace, Marc's story is a powerful testament to resilience, redemption, and the unstoppable love of Christ.

This episode provides a beacon of hope, illustrating how faith and community support can lead to profound personal transformations. Tune in for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation that might just change your perspective on recovery and redemption.

40. There is Purpose in the Pain - Part 1 (w/ Marc Calvert)

Special Guest: Marc Calvert
Hosted by: Ross Richard and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

In part one of a two-part episode, we sit down with Marc Calvert, a 46-year-old pastor of The Church of Turning Points in Wiggins, MS. Marc opens his heart about his struggles with drug addiction that began in his teenage years and led to multiple incarcerations. He candidly discusses his battle with methamphetamine and his spirals through addiction, incarceration, and toxic relationships.

Marc offers a raw and unfiltered account of hitting rock bottom and how a life-altering moment in a bush on his fortieth birthday became the turning point towards his recovery. He emphasizes the importance of finding resources and support to rebuild his life, one step at a time, which eventually led him to discover faith and begin his journey with Christ.

Tune in to hear how Marc overcame the challenges of broken family relationships, missed opportunities, and a hardened heart, ultimately finding redemption and a calling to serve others in recovery.

Tune in next week for part two!

39. ROUNDTABLE - Why Jesus Loves Addicts

Panelists: Paul Del Giudice, Kathryn Kihyet Beatty, and Ross Richard
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Welcome to a transformative episode of Jesus Loves Addicts as we kick off a new year with heartfelt discussions on embracing a Christ-centered approach to recovery. Our co-hosts delve into what it truly means to prioritize God above all in the journey to overcoming addiction, sharing personal insights and experiences that challenge prevailing stigmas.

In this episode, we explore the profound differences between secular and spiritual recovery programs, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with wise counsel and community support. Our panelists candidly discuss the blessings and challenges of the Christian walk, the significance of aligning one's priorities, and the eternal perspective that guides believers toward true healing.

Listeners can expect engaging discussions around societal perceptions of addiction, the temptations of sin, and the spiritual warfare that often accompanies recovery. From personal testimonies of transformation to biblical insights that provide hope, this episode invites you to reflect on the eternal truths and promises of Christ's unwavering love. Join us as we uncover the deeper connections between faith and recovery, inspiring you to embrace a purpose-driven life guided by His grace.

38. Touch the Hem of His Garment (w/ Jocey Stork)

Special Guest: Jocey Stork
Hosted by: Ross Richard and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Josie bravely shares her poignant journey from growing up in an alcoholic and abusive household to battling her own addictions and ultimately finding her path to recovery at the Home of Grace for Women in Eight Mile, AL. Raised amid chaos, Josie was never truly a child; she was thrust into the harsh realities of addiction and mental illness at a tender age. Her story is one of pain, survival, and redemption.

Discover how her once-chaotic life spiraled through alcohol and drug addiction, leading Josie to hit rock bottom. Experience her heartfelt retelling of multiple brushes with the law and numerous attempts at rehabilitation as she desperately sought change. Despite facing many setbacks and a life filled with rejection, Josie's unwavering faith in God's transformative power became her beacon of hope.

As she surrendered to the healing process through structure and a supportive community, hear how Josie's faith journey and commitment to structured living led her to a life free from addiction. Learn about the significant role her faith played in her recovery, as well as the importance of capturing her prayers in a prayer box, which resulted in the realization of hope through marriage, sobriety, and personal accomplishments.

This episode promises to challenge the stigmas surrounding addiction, celebrate the triumphs of recovery, and, most importantly, provide a testament to the healing power of love and faith. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and the rediscovery of God’s embrace.

Leave your 30-second testimony at JesusLovesAddicts.com

37. Just Keep Looking Forward (w/ Starr Blackmon)

Special Guest: Starr Blackmon
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

Starr's story is one of resilience, illustrating her journey through the challenges of addiction, her time in prison, and her eventual return to faith and family. With the loving support of those around her and the strength from her relationship with God, Starr found her way to recovery. She shares the pivotal moments in her life and the insights that led her back to health, ultimately discovering redemption.

This episode is not just about the fight against addiction; it is also about the power of love, forgiveness, and the unwavering pursuit of a better life. Join us as we celebrate a story of hope and transformation during this Christmas season. Discover the inspirational lessons from one woman's determination to reclaim her life.

Leave your 30-second testimony at JesusLovesAddicts.com

36. Searching for Spiritual Answers (w/ Ryan Lantaff)

Special Guest: Ryan Lantaff
Hosted by: Paul Del Giudice and Kathryn Kihyet Beatty
Sponsored by: America's Thrift Stores
Produced by: Home of Grace

In this episode, we uncover the intricate layers of Ryan's upbringing, from his loving yet troubled family dynamics to the dark corridors of his teenage years. As he battles with hallucinogens and an insatiable quest for spiritual answers, Ryan's story takes listeners through a whirlwind of illegal escapades, emotional challenges, and spiritual awakenings.

Join us as we follow Ryan's path from darkness to hope, where, amidst the chaos, glimpses of God's extraordinary love begin to shine through. Ryan's tale is one of resilience and growth, offering an inspiring testament to how faith and community can intervene in even the most desperate of circumstances, inviting listeners to reflect on the power of forgiveness and redemption.