From Wrong To Strong

Welcome back to another episode of the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. This week Klavs Vadonis, who has been involved in Cook County jail ministry for over a year, shares a devotional based on Matthew 21:28-32. The passage tells the story of a man with two sons who are asked to work in a vineyard. One initially refuses but then goes, while the other agrees to go but does not. Kla...

In this special 100th episode of the 'Wrong to Strong Chicago' podcast, host Omar Calvillo celebrates the milestone along with his youngest son, Moses Omar Calvillo. Omar introduces the episode by expressing gratitude to their listeners and supporters, highlighting the show's journey and thanking past guests who have shared their stories. The episode features the very first recordin...

Welcome back to another episode of the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. This week Julio Mercado discusses Matthew 21:42, where Jesus refers to Psalms 118:22-23, emphasizing that Jesus, although rejected by the Pharisees, becomes the cornerstone of God's kingdom. Julio highlights that Peter in Acts 4:11-12 reiterates this message, affirming Jesus as the only source of salvatio...

A Call for All Men to Find and Experience Inner Healing: In this emotional and deeply moving episode, Rudy Soto shares his incredible journey from experiencing spiritual attacks, witnessing tragic events, and grappling with loneliness and broken relationships. He shares his harrowing journey from a life of substance abuse, criminal activities, and dealing with personal demons.  To finding redempti...

Join Aisha Mercado in this 2-Minute Devotional from Wrong To Strong as she reads Matthew 11:28-29. Aisha discusses the importance of laying our burdens at Jesus' feet and cultivating a daily, intimate relationship with Him. Learn how beginning the day with prayer can bring peace and set a positive tone. Be encouraged by Aisha's personal testimony and find inspiration to deepen your conne...

Welcome back to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals. Thank you for joining us this week as our brother Greg Wood highlights Romans 8:28, which emphasizes that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Greg uses the analogy of Kool-Aid, explaining that just as the drink's components (Kool-Aid mix, sugar, and water) taste better together than separately,...

Join Ann and Omar Calvillo as they celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary. In this special episode, they share their journey, provide advice for married couples facing challenges, and dive into thoughtful questions about marriage, love, and faith. Listen to them as they reflect on their past, discuss their growth, and highlight the importance of faith, communication, and prayer in building a str...

Join Tiana Juarez in this episode of the 'Wrong to Strong 2 Minute Devotional' as she reflects on 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. This powerful scripture emphasizes the true essence of love—patience, kindness, and humility—urging believers to embody these qualities in their daily lives. Tiana challenges viewers to introspect and ask themselves, 'Am I walking in love?' By seeing people th...

Welcome to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotional! This week, brother Arturo Gamino shares insights from the book of Psalms, focusing on the importance of self-reflection and seeking God's guidance. Arturo emphasizes praying for God to reveal any wrongdoings within us and to lead us on the right, everlasting path. He highlights Psalm 16:2, reminding us that there is no goodness a...

Join host Omar Calvillo in this powerful episode of Wrong to Strong Chicago, where special guests Reginald Watts and Arthur Rhodes recount their incredible journeys from incarceration to redemption. Growing up amidst hardship in New Orleans, both men navigated the perilous streets and found themselves behind bars in the infamous Angola Prison. Their lives took a transformative turn through faith,...

"Feeling lost? Remember, God has a plan for each of us. When I was at my lowest, a dream reminded me of His presence. He holds us, guides us, and brings hope. Trust in His purpose for you."  Welcome to Week #5 of the Wrong 2 Strong "2-Minute Devotionals." Cisco Terrazas recounts a vivid dream from a time before he found Christ, inspired by Isaiah 41:13. In his dream, he was los...

God bless and welcome back to the "Wrong To Strong" 2-Minute Devotionals! This week, T-Chaka Alexander joins us to talk about the powerful difference between joy and happiness. He explains why joy should be our ultimate pursuit, noting that joy is mentioned significantly more often than happiness. T-Chaka explains that happiness is external and temporary, while joy is internal, permanent...

Join host Omar Calvillo as he sits down with Ismael Centenero in another compelling episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago.' This podcast delves deep into Ismael’s life, from growing up in the crime-ridden streets of Chicago to getting involved in gang life, and battling addiction. Ismael shares his story of hardship, including being left for dead with a traumatic brain injury, the loss of...

Join Jorge Irizarry in this week's Wrong to Strong 2-Minute Devotional, where he shares impactful scriptures from Matthew 18:21-22 and Ephesians 4:31-32. Jorge discusses the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual journey, relating it to his personal experiences and the transformative power of letting go of grudges with the help of Christ. Be inspired to release any bitterness, embrace kin...

With us today is Wrong To Strong Pastor Shawn Rae. On here he shares Isaiah 1:18 and explores the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and the transformative power of God's grace. Shawn provides a personal testimony of his journey from a life of crime and addiction to finding salvation in Jesus Christ. He extends an invitation to listeners to accept Jesus, repent, and experience a new life in C...

In this episode, we discuss themes of redemption, faith, and overcoming fear with guest, Taijun Waters. Taijun shares his personal journey of being raised in Chicago, his struggles with fatherlessness, and the pivotal role of faith in his life. They delve into Taijun's experiences with fear, particularly the fear sparked during his college years, and how he ultimately conquered it. The discus...

I am excited to announce that we are launching a new segment on our podcast titled "Wrong To Strong" 2 Minute weekly devotional. Last year we released this devotional on video format only and all 53 weeks of 2024 are available on YouTube. We decided that in this new year we will add this segment for our audio listeners to experience as well.   Each Wednesday we will be blessed to have a...

In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes Pastor Jaime Cazares, who shares his extraordinary journey from a troubled past to a life filled with faith and redemption. Growing up in the tough streets of Hammond, Indiana, and Tucson, Arizona, Jaime faced numerous challenges, including homelessness, life of crime, drug addiction and time in prison. Despite the...

Join host Omar Calvillo in an inspiring podcast episode as he interviews Adam Vigil, an MMA fighter with a powerful story of redemption. Raised amidst the crime and drug culture of Denver, Colorado, Adam shares his journey from a troubled youth, marked by gang involvement and addiction, to becoming a world champion fighter. His transformation, driven by faith in Jesus Christ and the support of min...

This podcast episode, hosted by Omar Calvillo, features Carlos Alvarez sharing his transformative journey from the violent streets of Chicago to finding redemption through faith. Growing up in a gang-influenced environment, Carlos talks about his struggles with crime, drugs, and violence. He describes his experiences with family trauma, including his father's near-death beating and his own cr...

First and foremost, we extend our sincerest gratitude to our loyal listeners who consistently tune in to our podcast interviews and share them with others. We are truly appreciative of your support. On this episode, we aim to emphasize the global reach of our podcast, express our thanks to our listeners and financial supporters, and encourage continued support. This episode also delves into our po...

In this heartfelt podcast episode, host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Gil Lopez, who shares his powerful story of transformation from a life of gang violence and incarceration to finding hope and purpose. Raised in the tough streets of Chicago, Gil recounts his struggles, including family neglect, gang involvement, and multiple imprisonments, culminating in a significant federal prison sentence. Th...

In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago', host Omar Calvillo interviews Pastor Rick Valdez from Cross Com Ministries. Pastor Rick shares his powerful story of transformation, from growing up in the tough streets of Chicago to dealing with childhood abuse, gang involvement, and a life of drugs and rock and roll. He details his journey of repentance and surrender to God, leading to his...

In this episode of 'Wrong to Strong Chicago,' host Omar Calvillo welcomes guest Anthony Spaulding, a former gang member who turned his life around after being sentenced to natural life for double murder. Raised in the crime-afflicted streets of Chicago, the "Wild Hundreds", Anthony shares his transformation from a life of violence and incarceration to one filled with hope, fait...

This episodes feature James L. Capra, former D.E.A. Chief of Global Operations. A veteran of law enforcement and military service, discussing his life journey from overcoming crime and violence to becoming a CEO. Capra highlights the profound influence of his father, faith, and supportive wife in shaping his career and personal growth. The narrative underscores themes of hope, integrity, and perse...