The Heal Ministry Podcast

As a counselor and an author, Esther Smith takes us through her personal journey of chronic pain, illness, loss, and redemption. I think by taking a look at the title of her books below, you’ll want to check this episode out! Esther shares practical ways we can both grieve our losses and still move forward in the kingdom of God, regardless of what hand we’ve been dealt. Esther IG: @esthermariesmth...

After a hike, Dustin Ortman felt some weakness in his back. A few days later, he was being rolled in a wheelchair to his doctor appointment looking for answers. He was diagnosed with Guillan Barré, an autoimmune disease that affected his nerves. Today he takes us through this journey and what he does now each year to celebrate the anniversary of his battle with Guillan Barré. Tera IG: @terabradham...

The former CEO and president of World Vision US for twenty years, Richard Stearns joins us today for a conversation about global suffering and God's sovereignty and mystery through it all. We talk about Rich's new book, Lead Like it Matters to God, and how Rich led World Vision through the HIV/AIDS crisis.  Rich Twitter: @RichStearns Lead Like it Matters to God: https://amzn.com/0830847308&nb...

Rick Heitz battled what doctors told him was MS for years before discovering his true diagnosis: Sjorgen's Syndrome. But even the name of his condition doesn't do justice to the relationships and physical capacities it has taken from him. Even amidst such loss, Rick has gained much more. Listen in today to see how God has worked in Rick's life! Support Rick: https://giving.ag.org/Give/Details/7000...

Vaneetha Risner joins us today to talk about the suffering of her life: from starting out as a quadriplegic when she was mistreated for polio as an infant, to her recovery, to walking through four miscarriages and the loss of her son, to the heartbreak she experienced in her marriage and then being diagnosed with post-polio syndrome. While Vaneetha has walked through her fair share of fire, she's...

Laura Landrum has lived with undiagnosed pain since she was young. On top of that, she shares today about God's goodness amidst the recent development of painful cysts, how God transformed her life through His redemptive love after her abortion, and her secret places of thunder with God. We all have so much to learn from Laura and how she continues to walk in obedience amidst her pain.  Laura...

You read that right. All things women. I don't know if we cover ALL things women in this episode, but we cover a whole lot of them. Join two of my best friends and me as we have a vulnerable, candid conversation about women's health - from periods to miraculous healing to fun facts to practical tips for how we can glorify God and help our bodies out, this is a conversation you don't want to miss!...

After a car accident thrust her into the world of chronic pain and shaken beliefs, best-selling author and speaker Sarah Bessey had to re-establish her identity with God. Today, she courageously delves into the depths of her pain again to bring us the golden nuggets of wisdom and healing she’s gleaned along the way. We're all in process, but Sarah is the compassionate friend who will reassure you...

We are kicking of Women’s Health Awareness month with authors, speakers, and stars of TLC’s TV show Rattled, Josh and Aly Taylor. They were in their mid twenties when they discovered that Aly had an aggressive form of breast cancer. Today, they share their journey through cancer, treatment, and the fear of recurrence, what fertility looked like for them after Aly was healed, and how they’re doing...

Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to Jeff and Debbie Andrick, who share the wisdom they've gleaned from their over seven decades on this planet. From Jeff losing his first wife to cancer, to them adopting a son in their 50s who ended up being on the autism spectrum, to Debbie's life of faithfulness as a Kindergarten teacher and doing prison ministry, gosh you guys - you just want to become...

In this episode with one of my favorite people on the planet, we talk about Josh's work with SLS, an organization designed to provide housing and work opportunities for neurodiverse adults, the international ministry he founded, Multipli Global, and his wife's recent cancer diagnosis. This wisdom has golden nuggets all over the place, so it is definitely one you want to get out a notepad or a note...

On April 19, 1995, Amy Downs was a self-described "lazy college dropout." But 26 years ago, her life changed forever when a bomb went off in the building she worked in, dropping her down three floors and leaving her upside down in her office chair for over six hours as rescue workers attempted to get her out. In those moments of waiting, Amy realized she had not lived her life the way she had want...

Listen in on Tera's message from the January Winter Heal Retreat.  The next Heal Retreat is Saturday, April 24, 2021, at either 11am CST or 3pm CST. Each retreat is an hour and fifteen minutes long and includes worship, a message, and breakout sessions to connect with others going through similar circumstances as you. Find out more and register at https://www.thehealministry.com/events . We h...

Jennifer Noonan has lived through both of her children being diagnosed as on the autism spectrum. After years of excruciating work, stubborn perseverance, and tenacious hope, both of her children are now in full remission. She takes a treatment approach and shares with us the side of the autism conversation that explores what could physically be going on in autistic individuals, not just what is g...

Lamar has become known as the autism pastor for his ability to pastor those who are differently abled and often left out of the Church. After finding out he was on the autism spectrum at the age of 36, he has made it his mission to show us the way to making Church the inclusive home it should be. Lamar has also recently been on a cancer journey, and he shares about all this and more in the episode...

When Amanda's daughter was diagnosed with Down Syndrome at birth, it was the last thing she and her family were expecting. But instead of this difference tearing apart their family, God has used Rory to bring more joy, more strength, and more truth to the Cunninghams' lives than they ever could have imagined. Now Amanda runs a business, the Glory Days Co., designed to help parents caring for diffe...

Listen to one of the best-selling contemporary Christian authors, Philip Yancey, share about pain. From his dad dying of polio to the multiple books he has authored on grappling with God about disappointment and pain, Philip is as close to an expert in this field as it comes. Philip's books have sold more than 15 million copies and have been translated into more than 40 languages worldwide. He did...

We're turning one year old! This special episode features some highlights from some of our favorite episodes the past year. Whether you're joining us for the first time or you've been with us since the launch of the podcast, we're grateful you're here. Thank you for celebrating with us, and we pray you are encouraged with each episode that releases.  Heal Website: https://www.thehealministry....

George Dennehy was born without arms in a country where his difference was stigmatized. Without being touched or cared for as an infant in an orphanage, George survived and was adopted into a family in the US. After battling years of insecurity and struggles with his identity, now he is living freer than ever through Christ as he speaks and creates music for all of us to enjoy. You can find his vi...

After losing both her mom and sister to cancer, Niki found out six weeks after her sister’s death that she, too, had cancer. Today, she takes us through her journey of colorectal cancer and how God has helped her become a cancer thriver, not just a cancer survivor. Niki is also an author and a podcast host, so check out her resources below: Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart: ht...

Tchofor Dick Nchang joins us today from Cameroon, Central Africa, to share his journey through Sickle Cell Disease. Diagnosed when he was two years old, Dick’s pain crises worsened to the point where he nearly lost his life. In 2016, he received a bone marrow transplant and had two years of bedrest following the procedure. Today, he is doing better than ever, and he founded the Sickle Cell Interna...

Carley and Mark DenBoer join us today to talk about their lives and how they seek to glorify God amidst their marriage with chronic pain. After a biking accident in high school, Mark has had an unimaginable headache that never leaves. Carley has been diagnosed with both lupus and severe depressive disorder. While we talk about fun parts of their lives and I think you will fall in love with their p...

Paul Rudzitis has experienced quite a bit of pain, from a hangman's fracture in his neck to prostate cancer to doing Ironmans. He joins us today to talk about what he's learned from God amidst each of these situations that were thrown his way.  Join the Heal Community or become a Heal Advocate: https://www.thehealministry.com/  Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller: amzn.com/1594632820/&...

When he was in high school, Mike Bartlett suffered a nerve injury when his boat crashed and the blunt side of a propeller hit him right between his spine and major artery. He shares the lessons he's learned after over a decade of living with nerve damage. This one gets better and better as we dive deeper and deeper, so listen all the way to the end! Mike IG: @bikemartlett NNU IG for hiring student...

Listen in to Tera's message from the Fall Heal Retreat, then sign up using the link below for the Winter Heal Retreat happening on January 30, 2021. The Heal Retreat is a one-hour event designed to help you draw closer to God and build community with others who are experiencing physical pain or limitation. The Winter Heal Retreat will take place Saturday, January 30, 2021 from either 12-1pm EST or...