Jesus Loves Addicts

69. Leaving The Window Open (w/ Shane and Shelly Martin)

Join us for a compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," featuring the heartfelt and inspiring journey of Shane and Shelly Martin, a couple who overcame years of addiction through the power of faith. In this episode, Shane and Shelly candidly share their personal battles with addiction, from nicotine, pornography, and alcoholism to overcoming PTSD.

Despite facing significant challenges, their faith in Christ led them to find redemption, reconnect with their true selves, and contribute positively to their community. Find out how their powerful story of recovery unfolded, how they started a successful recovery program at Connect Fellowship in Long Beach, Mississippi, and how they're now dedicating their lives to helping others on their journey to healing.

Shane and Shelly's story is a testament to resilience, the importance of community, and the transformative power of love and grace. Tune in to hear how this incredible couple found strength in their faith and each other, and their mission to break addiction's stigma while spreading hope to those still struggling.

68. Crack is Stronger Than Me (w/ Brandon Rogers and David Herrington)

In this heartfelt episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, we dive deep into the transformative journey of David Herrington. Once lost to cocaine and crack addiction, David shares his experiences of living on the streets, serving time in prison, and the turning points that led him to find hope and renewal through Jesus Christ. Joining this conversation is Pastor Brandon Rogers, who plays a pivotal role in David's new life, showcasing the power of community and faith in healing one's soul.

Listeners will explore David’s early life in Alabama, his struggles with substance abuse, and the spiral that led to a decade behind bars. But more importantly, we hear the profound story of redemption as David narrates how Christ turned his world upside down, guiding him towards a path of service in the ministry, where he now aids others trapped in addiction's grasp.

Pastor Brandon sheds light on the workings of the community-based ministry at Anchor and the collective effort in supporting recovery journeys. This episode is a testament to love, resilience, and the unyielding grace found within the embrace of faith.

67. Search for Stability - Part 2 (w/ Joseph Deason)

In this gripping episode of Jesus Loves Addicts, we continue with part two of Joseph Deason's powerful story of addiction, redemption, and faith. Joseph recounts his tumultuous journey through drug addiction, starting from experimenting with substances in his teenage years to battling with severe meth addiction. He shares candid insights into his life experiences, including a traumatic car accident, encounters with the law, and losing loved ones.

The episode explores the dark places addiction can take a person, but also highlights the transformative power of faith and recovery. Key points include the impact of family dynamics, experiences with various rehabilitation attempts, and the ultimate decision to choose a path centered around God.

Listeners are encouraged to hear the raw and sincere conversation about overcoming addiction, the challenge of societal stigmas, and finding salvation through Christ. It's a story of resilience and hope, emphasizing that despite the darkest times, recovery and redemption are possible through faith and a supportive community.

66. Search for Stability - Part 1 (w/ Joseph Deason)

In this compelling episode, the hosts of Jesus Loves Addicts dive deep into the tumultuous early life of Joseph Deason. Growing up amidst chaos, from witnessing tumultuous family dynamics to exposure to addiction at a young age, Joseph shares candid memories and pivotal moments that shaped his path. This is the first part of a two-part series exploring Joseph's journey from a troubled childhood to a redemptive embrace of faith.

Join the conversation as Joseph and the hosts discuss the hurdles of growing up in a dysfunctional family, the allure of chaos, and the first encounters with substances that would later lead to addiction. Joseph's story is not just one of struggle but of resilience and transformation, as he ultimately finds stability and purpose through faith and the support of a caring community.

65. Diving into Sin (w/ Jaclyn Herman)

In this powerful episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," join host Kathryn and co-host Ross as they welcome special guest Jaclyn Herman. Jaclyn, wife of Pastor Victor Herman and mother to six, opens up about her tumultuous journey from a seemingly idyllic childhood to battling addiction and finding salvation in Christ. Born in South Florida, Jaclyn's life took a drastic turn after her parents' unexpected and traumatic divorce, leading her down a path of substance abuse and legal troubles.

As she candidly recalls her experiences, Jaclyn shares intimate details of her struggle with addiction, the devastating impact it had on her family, and her eventual arrest on federal charges. Yet, amidst the darkness, Jaclyn experienced a profound spiritual awakening while incarcerated, discovering the transformative power of God's grace and forgiveness.

Listen as Jaclyn recounts her journey of redemption, from joining Bible study classes in prison to being introduced to the Christian recovery program at the Home of Grace. Through faith, prayer, and the support of a loving community, Jaclyn rebuilt her life, ultimately accepting her calling to ministry alongside her husband.

This episode offers hope and encouragement to anyone facing their own battles with addiction or seeking a deeper relationship with God. Jaclyn's story is a testament to the possibility of new beginnings and the unwavering love that Christ offers to us all.

64. My Mom Passed Me the Joint (w/ Victor Herman)

In this compelling episode of "Jesus Loves Addicts," we delve into the life of Victor Herman, a pastor with a past that mirrors many tales of struggle and redemption. Growing up in an environment of addiction and violence, Victor embraced a life of hedonism and found himself facing the harsh realities of Alabama State Prison.

Victor takes us through his journey from being a "God-hating libertine" to experiencing a transformative encounter with Jesus during his time in prison. He opens up about his tumultuous childhood, surrounded by substance abuse and broken relationships, and how it shaped his early years.

This episode explores the powerful themes of redemption, the challenge of overcoming stigmas, and the profound impact of divine intervention. Victor shares how his life took a pivotal turn through a series of life-altering experiences, including his conversion to Christianity and how it eventually led him to meet his wife and find his purpose as a pastor.

Join us as we celebrate this story of hope, transformation, and the unconditional love of Christ that continues to guide Victor's path and inspire those around him. Whether you're struggling with addiction, seeking redemption, or curious about the journey to faith, this episode offers powerful insights and inspiration.

63. Loved to Pieces (w/ Heather Angles)

In this moving episode of 'Jesus Loves Addicts,' we dive into Heather Engels' powerful story of overcoming addiction and finding redemption through faith. Heather, now 42, shares her journey from a chaotic childhood filled with strict religious expectations and turbulent family dynamics to a life of addiction that spanned over 15 years.

Heather recounts her experiences growing up with an abusive father and a struggling mother, navigating the instability between different households, and the early seeds of faith planted by her grandmother. She reflects on relationships marred by substance abuse and the search for love in the wrong places, all while striving for perfection and grappling with shame.

The episode delves into Heather's turning point and journey to sobriety, highlighting her time at the Home of Grace, a faith-based recovery program. Heather shares how the power of community and faith brought her healing and led her to a loving family and a supportive church community in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Join us as Heather courageously shares her story of transformation, the challenges of recovery, and how Christ overcame her weaknesses, offering hope and encouragement to those battling addiction.

62. You Can't be a Victim and Victorious - Part 2 (w/ Bo and Tasha Ridley)

In this compelling episode, hosts Paul and Tasha Ridley delve into a deeply personal narrative of overcoming addiction through faith in Christ. Following up on the first part of Bo and Tasha Ridley's story, this episode continues to unravel the challenges of addiction and the power of redemption.

Bo and Tasha courageously share their individual struggles with addiction, stemming from trauma and leading to substance abuse and multiple arrests. Their candid discussion covers their darkest moments, including living in the woods, experiencing family loss, and battling depression. They reveal how faith and love became pivotal in their recovery journey.

The Ridleys' story is not just about the battle with drugs but also about finding identity and purpose through an intimate relationship with God. As they navigate through life's valleys, they discuss the transformative power of God's love, the importance of transparency, and the continuous fight for healing and recovery.

Whether you're struggling with addiction, know someone who is, or simply want to be inspired by a story of hope and perseverance, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the challenges and triumphs faced by those overcoming addiction.