Connections with Mike Thom and Colleen Houde

Stephanie Morales-Beaulieu will never forget the day her dad called to tell her he had been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The doctor had given him three to five years to live. This propelled Stephanie into a season she did not think she would survive. After experiencing what a little bit of trust in God’s faithfulness can accomplish, Morales-Beaulieu was compelled to share th...

Marriage on its own can be challenging. Throw in kids, life and everything else, and things can get very complicated.  Speaker and author Lucille Williams hopes her new documentary, Faith, Love and Pancakes , will help turn things around, allowing couples to win in their relationships.  In this episode of Connections, Williams talks about her new documentary and where you can watch it.  See omnyst...

January is Alzheimer's awareness month.  In 2019 Linda Wiebe's husband, Herb, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a journey that has taken their family down a winding path.  Today on Connections, Linda shares her family's experience with Alzheimer's and how their faith has impacted this journey.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On March 6, 2016, Pastor Tim Remington was shot six times at close range. After being shot, Tim survived blood loss, multiple surgeries, a saddle clot, an infection, and a stroke. He made an incredible recovery, which only spurred his belief that God still works miracles. Amy Joy Hess shares his story today on Connections. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new documentary sharing the story behind the Grammy-winning, multi-platinum-selling Christian band Casting Crowns will hit theatres this week.  The film  Home by Sunday  gives fans a front-row seat to the last two decades, showing the band's journey from a youth band to becoming one of Christian music's best-known bands. Home by Sunday will hit theatres across the country on Nov. 30. See omnystu...

After Death  is a gripping feature film that explores what happens after we die, based on real near-death experiences, conveyed by scientists, authors, and survivors. From the  New York Times  bestselling authors who brought you titles like  90 Minutes in Heaven ,  Imagine Heaven , and  To Heaven and Back , emerges a cinematic peek beyond the veil that examines the spiritual and scientific dimensi...

Texas Life Coach Michael Taylor has thrown a lifeline to individuals looking to kickstart their spiritual journeys and self-discovery in his new book, What if Jesus Were a Coach? What if Jesus Were a Coach? aims to inspire readers to find their own truth about God. The author shares his personal experiences and delves into the teachings of Jesus to help readers realize that there is more to spirit...

There are great rewards that come along with being a foster parent, yet there are also great challenges that make them feel depleted, alone, and discouraged. The many burdens of a foster parent's day--struggling children, difficult biological parents, and a broken system--are only compounded by the many burdens of a foster parent's heart--confusion, anxiety, heartache, anger, and fear. In her new...

As a young teenager, Wande lacked confidence and often chased the approval of others by following the latest trends or behaviours of her peers. Upon discovering an interest in Christian rap music, the development of her faith and the direction of her future changed for good. Wande shares her powerful testimony today on Connections.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singer/songwriter, Katy Nichole, has not only gone viral, now reaching well over 150 million people with the chorus to her debut single "In Jesus Name (God of Possible)," but she has also reached the second-highest position on iTunes’ overall Top Songs chart while remaining No. 1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel chart since the song’s release. Today on Connections, Katy shares what it's been l...

It was 2017 when Heather and Ernie Ginter's lives were turned upside down. Just before a planned trip to Costa Rica to celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary, Ernie was experiencing some pain and was quickly diagnosed with gallstones.  He went in for emergency surgery and was able to go on his trip. When they arrived back, they were devastated to find out the doctor had also found a rare form of...

Parents want their children to grow up with the ability to face life, especially disappointments and risks, with confidence and bravery. Children who learn resiliency are less likely to give up, avoid risks and become overwhelmed with anxiety and depression. Kathy Koch, PhD., is a child development specialist and author of six books, including RESILIENT KIDS: RAISING THEM TO EMBRACE LIFE WITH CONF...

The Bacuyani family has always loved to travel and explore together. They have been travelling the world with their three boys since 2012. But it wasn't until tragedy struck in 2021 that they decided to start travelling full time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron House is the founder and executive director of Piercing Word Ministry.  Piercing Word Ministry is a full-time non-profit based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. They tour throughout the United States and beyond, bringing God's word to centre stage and igniting a passion for the Word of God and the art of the church. Part of that was encouraging the audience to memorize God's word. In 2013, House s...

In a culture where value is placed on grand displays of power and influence, it is easy to get caught in the comparison trap that creates an enormous pressure to do more, try harder, or “go big or go home.” The constant striving for greatness and abundance can disrupt our peace, happiness, and confidence. Like many women, Rachael Adams questioned her worth, which she based on her contributions as...

Joyce Wolfe was a confident, laid back and spiritually strong woman, that was, until 2018 when her family experienced a health crisis.  This event sparked anxiety and panic attacks for Joyce, something she had never experienced. Today on Connections, Joyce shares how she found peace. She will also share how she uses her experience to help others find hope and joy. See omny.fm/listener for privacy...

Refuge for Women was formed in January 2009 in Lexington, KY, and was founded by Ked and Michelle Frank. Before starting Refuge, Ked had a series of pivotal conversations with the leader of a group doing outreach to women in local strip clubs. Although the outreach had been ongoing for three years, the women who wanted help with escaping had no long-term places to go. In response to this need, Ref...

With prices on the rise for basically everything, saving a dollar or two here and there can help. Nichole Schaubroeck, known online as Coupon Cutie,  is an expert in this area. Nichole has spent years figuring out the best ways to save money and is now using social media to help others do the same. Today on Connections, Nichole shares ways that we can save money in the grocery store. See omnystudi...

Jodie Ballenger experienced more in her childhood than many of us will experience in our lifetime. Her mother was a prostitute, and her father chose his new wife over her, leading to neglect and abuse. This impacted her life in ways she never imagined. Today on Connections, Jodie shares her powerful story of redemption and faith.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jodie Ballenger experienced more in her childhood than many of us will experience in our lifetime. Her mother was a prostitute, and her father chose his new wife over her, leading to neglect and abuse. This impacted her life in ways she never imagined. Today on Connections, Jodie shares her powerful story of redemption and faith.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first thing you will notice when you meet Kechi Okwuchi is her scars. One of just two survivors of a devastating plane crash that killed more than one hundred people, sixteen-year-old Kechi was left with third-degree burns over 65 percent of her body. More Than My Scars is her incredible story. A story of not just surviving impossible odds but thriving in a world that is too often caught up wi...

"I'm a broken dude who has been saved, is being saved, and will be saved by Jesus. I'm trying hard to figure out how to follow His ways." Jerrad Lopes is a Christian author, speaker, and the founder of Dad Tired, a non-profit ministry focused on equipping men to lead their families well.   Jerrad served as a pastor in the church world for 11 years.  Several years ago, Jerrad and his wife, Leila, w...

Anxiety is the most common mental illness diagnosis, and those who suffer from it often feel overwhelmed, out of control, ashamed, lonely, and spiritually defeated. Many Christians question whether anxiety is a sin and wonder why it so often persists despite prayer and faith. The truth is that anxiety is an emotion that can serve as a life-saving tool, offering instinctual responses to danger.  Dr...

Matthew Kenslow juggles more than balls and clubs at his motivational speaking engagements. He juggles the challenges — and stigma — that accompany his Asperger’s Syndrome. His eye-opening book,  Juggling the Issues: Living With Asperger's Syndrome, is a deeply personal perspective from a bright young mind who refuses to let labels define him or limit him. Today on Connections, he shares his power...

Many women struggle with the voice in their head that tells them they are not enough…not smart enough, not pretty enough, not capable enough, not present enough. In her book, Set Apart: How to Stop Comparing, Own Your Giftedness, and Rest in Jesus , Denisse Copeland uses the biblical story of Mary and Martha to share her own story of recognizing her unique giftedness and unpacks how women can embr...