What if the moment that nearly broke you became the turning point that clarified your calling? We open our sixth season with a candid, hope-charged conversation about rescue, refuge, and the quiet courage it takes to be still long enough to hear God’s next step. Joined by New Hope Girls’ U.S. director, Jeri Purdy, and board member Rob Wallstrom, we trace a story that moves from personal surrender to national transformation in the Dominican Republic.

Jeri shares how stepping away from a beloved role led to a hard reset—complete with failed plans, forced stillness, and a rebuilt rhythm of prayer and Scripture. Rob adds the lens of Hesed, the Hebrew picture of covenant love, and shows how that theology becomes practice: immediate care for girls in crisis and the deeper work of restoration that rewrites identity.

Together, we explore how New Hope Girls serves children as young as two, walks with them through education and adulthood, pays a living wage to women artisans, and keeps families close with on-site daycare. The mission reaches weekly into the barrio to serve 300 girls and, remarkably, now partners with the DR government to help reform national rescue and protection protocols with a Christ-centered, trauma-informed approach.

Along the way, we talk about discerning God’s will without needing the next 45 steps, why stillness is not weakness, and how closeness to a good God births patient, bold leadership. If your heart beats for justice, adoption, anti-trafficking, or faith that actually changes lives, this story will stay with you.

Be part of the movement: pray for caregivers and girls, support artisans by shopping their work, or become a monthly hope champion. If something stirred you, rewind, write it down, and ask, “Lord, what are you saying to me?” Then subscribe, share this episode with a friend, and leave a review to help others find the hope.

What if the help we offer keeps people from healing? That question sits at the heart of our conversation with James Scott of Our Neutral Voices, a South Side entrepreneur turned community builder whose life bridges poverty, perseverance, and purpose. James opens up about growing up with a single mom, running a neighborhood telecom store that doubled as a listening post, and discovering that the most powerful gift isn’t a handout but a path forward.

We dig into why “toxic giving” stalls progress and how equipping changes everything. James lays out ONV’s five pillars—spirituality and health, education and performing arts, financial literacy and economic development, and sports—and shows how this web supports entire households, not just individuals. He describes late‑night moments with a bass or lead guitar, where prayer and music steady his resolve, and explains why obedience to calling beats comfort every time.

Collaboration is the engine behind the impact. James shares how ONV convened 28 organizations into a coalition built on simple MOUs, transparent roles, and shared wins. We talk frankly about the toughest barrier of all: internal strife, jealousy, and donor competition that fracture trust from the inside. The counter is humility, consistency, and clear values—God first, do what you say, and let people see the work. James also previews Escaping From The System, a practical curriculum that helps families use safety nets wisely and then exit them with dignity.

If you’ve felt the nudge to start but waited for perfect timing, James’s message is for you: begin today. Take one step toward the barrier—learn, ask, visit, budget, practice—and watch momentum build. If this story moved you, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway so more neighbors can find it.

https://www.ourneutralvoices.org/

In this powerful and emotional episode, we sit down with Brandon Bower, Executive Director of The Lighthouse, to hear his personal story and calling to Christ-centered recovery. Brandon shares his heart for biblically based counseling and the transformative power of discipleship, mentorship, and authentic community.

We also explore the holistic ministry of The Lighthouse — from recovery and treatment programs to Friday night chapel and meals, community groups, a food pantry, and a thrift store — all rooted in walking alongside people with dignity, hope, and the love of Jesus. This episode is filled with testimony, encouragement, and a clear invitation to remain faithful to your calling while loving your community with humility and transformation in mind.

In this episode of the Love Fort Wayne Podcast, we sit down with Austin Bradmueller, Executive Director of Christian Community Health Care, to explore what it means to lead with the heart of a shepherd. Austin shares how his calling to care for others extends far beyond meeting physical health needs — it’s about bringing the hope of the Gospel to every patient and family, both in word and action.

Together, we dive into the story and mission of Christian Community Health Care, that provides free medical care while pointing people to Christ. Austin also reflects on his own journey of leadership — how this season came to be, what it means to stay rooted in faith, and how he continues to be shaped by mentors and fellow leaders who walk alongside him.

Whether you’re passionate about faith-driven leadership, community care, or holistic ministry, this conversation will encourage and challenge you to see leadership as service and every act of care as a reflection of Christ’s love.

Learn more or get involved by visiting Christian Community Health Care’s website.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Glenn Packiam - pastor, author, lead researcher for Barna Group’s Resilient Pastor Initiative, and special guest for our upcoming Resilient Pastor Summit - as he shares his journey into ministry, the realities of today’s ministry climate, and faith-rooted strategies to sustain resilient ministry leaders. Drawing from his book The Resilient Pastor, Barna’s groundbreaking national study on pastoral resilience, and his personal journey, Glenn unpacks practical wisdom for navigating burnout, cultural shifts, and the unique pressures of spiritual leadership.

Pastors and church leaders, you can hear from Glenn at Love Fort Wayne’s Resilient Pastor Summit on Wednesday, November 5th in Fort Wayne, Indiana! This event will equip pastors and ministry leaders with tools rooted in Scripture and research to strengthen their leadership, deepen spiritual resilience, and find rest for their souls as they serve. Register now at lovefortwayne.com/resilient.

What happens when decades of Fortune 500 leadership collide with a heart to advance the gospel? Join us for a powerful conversation with Stan Griswold, C12 Chair for Fort Wayne, as he shares how God led him from corporate boardrooms to shepherding business leaders on a foundation of faith.

From navigating billion-dollar deals to embracing the “4th quarter of life,” Stan’s story is a reminder that the marketplace is more than business—it’s a mission field. You’ll walk away encouraged, challenged, and inspired to see your work as part of God’s Kingdom impact.

Tune in and be equipped to lead with purpose!

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Anne Casteen, Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana. Anne shares the heart and mission behind the organization's life-changing mentorship programs and paints a powerful picture of the impact a caring adult can have in the life of a child. From success stories to current needs, we're invited to step into the role of a "Big". Whether you're familiar with Big Brothers Big Sisters or just learning about them for the first time, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to consider how your time, presence, and care can help shape a brighter future for our youth.

A testimony of saying yes to God's call, stepping out in faith, and building something beautiful in service to others. Rooted in their faith in Jesus, they lead with courage and compassion, creating healing spaces for individuals and families across Northeast Indiana.