Episode 30 — Tyler Vine

Tyler Vine moved all over the place as he grew up, he had godly parents

and grandparents, and a loving father, but unfortunately when Tyler was

young, his father was a drug dealer. Seeing the damage drug addiction

caused in his parents lives and marriage, Tyler determined to never follow

in his dad's footsteps. But when Tyler turned 11, he got high for the first

time on pain pills. Tyler then continued on a downward spiral into harder

drugs making him infamous in his small town and with law enforcement.

In and out of jail constantly, Tyler seemed to be a lost cause. But then,

God stepped in. Tyler now has a message for those he spent time with in

prison.

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Episode 29 — Hannah May Barnett

Hannah May Barnett was born in a Christian home, and her grandfather

was a pastor. She grew up in the church, and loved Jesus. But one day

after church her parents informed her that they were getting a divorce. It

was completely out of the blue, and Hannah was totally blindsided. Soon

Hannah found herself using drugs, and in a homosexual relationship.

Satan had totally attacked her identity. But God stepped in and poured

out His love on her, and everything changed.

We hope you enjoy this impactful testimony.

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Episode 28 — Stephanie Vine

Stephanie Vine began using marijuana and alcohol as a teen, and by the

age of 15 she was using meth on a daily basis. Becoming pregnant in her

twenties she attempted to sober up, but ended up losing custody of her

son when he was 3 months old due to her continued drug abuse.

Stephanie struggled for years in her addiction and eventually found herself

pregnant again. This time she was determined to sober up. She fought

hard but battled depression and soon realized she couldn't do it on her

own. So she finally tried Jesus. After surrendering and giving her heart to

God, for the first time she experienced peace and joy and soon she won

custody of her son again. It seemed as if things were looking up, but was

she now exempt from trials and tragedy? You'll be inspired by Stephanie's

rollercoaster testimony.

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Episode 27 — The Lundays

It's not often you get to hear a recovery story like this one. Today we sit

down with Ken Lunday and his wife and daughter. You will hear how God

miraculously saved him from the grips of drug addiction that was sure to

end his life. It's an earthshaking reality of how drug addiction not only

destroys the lives of the addict, but in turn negatively affects the lives of

those closest to us. But God is the master of working things together for

our good. He is able to heal all wounds and bring restoration to the most

dire circumstances. I believe you will be touched by our interview with the

Lunday Family today.

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Episode 26 — Kyle Hunter

Kyle Orth was a danger to society. If he didn't like you, that was a bad

thing. If he did like you, that was a different kind of bad thing.

Because Kyle was strong, violent, had a broken moral compass, and did

everything to the extreme, he was a threat. But he was also a top 1%

salesperson. This meant he could talk anyone into doing anything. That

proved to be extremely destructive.

He spent half his life between the age of 14 and 34 incarcerated. When he

was in prison, he was a threat - once beating a guard so badly that he

earned himself months in "the hole." When he was out of prison, he was a

threat - running a criminal enterprise, making big money as a car

salesman, which allowed him to hide the other money he was making

illegally. All that money was gas on fire.

Kyle wasn't just destroying his own life. He was a flaming tornado of

destruction, wiping out other people's lives. If you were already on a

destructive path, he'd pour gas on that too.

But then, God. Buckle up for this powerful testimony, and be on the

lookout for Kyle's upcoming movie on Netflix!

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Episode 25 — Misty Lumley

Misty Lumley is a beautiful Southern Belle whose life was once ruled by

addiction, and reckless behaviors. Raised with a very religious background

and a Grandfather who was a pastor, Misty was saved and baptized at an

early age. But soon she began to run with the wrong crowd, and became a

thrill seeker with no boundaries. Before long she was experimenting with

drugs, such as cocaine and acid, and as that lifestyle progressed she

found herself trapped for two decades in a full blown methamphetamine

addiction. But God wasn't finished with Misty's story. Maybe you can

relate and if so, God's not done with your story either. Let's jump into

Misty's testimony!

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Episode 24 — Kelly Master

Today we sit down with Kelly Master. Kelly is a Motivational Speaker,

Author, and Director of the non-profit organization, "For Dignity," located in

New Jersey. She is a captivating storyteller with a beautiful gift of

translating life's trials into opportunities of hope. Kelly has authored two

books, Fierce & Free and, SHINE: Uplifting Words for Girls in Stilettos, and

has guest blogged for several online publications.

Kelly is a catalyst that ignites the flame of faith in others. Her joy and

boldness are infectious. She has helped addicted, exploited, and

incarcerated women for the past 12 years through her NGO work and

regularly speaks to women in USA prisons, strip clubs, and recovery

homes.

Kelly has been recognized in the international media and has received

several local awards for her advocacy in preventing human trafficking and

child exploitation. You are going to love our show today.

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Tracy Kovach grew up in a broken home and lived much of his life on the streets.   He started injecting meth by the age of 14  and had police contact 37 times as a juvenile.   Tracy has been in 13 different prisons in California and Arizona.  His first term was 1988 in Folsom Prison in California at the age of 23. In 2007, Law enforcement in Arizona drove a tank into his house looking for a meth lab and Chop Shop.  Tracy was looking at spending the rest of his life in prison.   But then,  Tracy went to a church service in the county jail and gave his life to the Lord Jesus Christ on June 28th 2007. Tracy has now been clean and sober for 18 years,  has been out of prison for 16 years,  is a husband,  father,  grandfather,  and great grandfather.  He is also a pastor and is fully badged to go into every prison in Arizona.  Among many other important positions Tracy is now the jail Minister for Teen Challenge of Arizona,  and a prison minister with prison fellowship.   His life story is a true testimony of the redeeming power of God.  You will be encouraged as you watch today's show.

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Straight from the pages of Cosmo Girl Magazine 2004, Valeria Salazar joins us today to share her amazing testimony.  
Valeria was your average young adult struggling to get through college,  when her life took an unexpected turn.  Finding herself in Federal Prison,  Valeria thought her chances of having a successful life and career were over.  But God stepped in.  Valeria's story is a testimony of trauma,  struggle and hardships,  but she kept going.  Through God's providence,  and Valeria's persistence and resolve,  she not only achieved her dreams,  but surpassed them.  Her story reminds us that no matter where we are,  God still sees us,  and when we surrender our lives to Him and follow Him,  He works all things together for our good.

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In this episode we are talking to Sam and Noelle Borgia. 
Noelle is an author,  ministry school graduate,  teacher,  pianist,  and vocalist.  She has a heart for those struggling with addiction and a passion for introducing people to a personal relationship with the Lord.  She is married to Sam Borgia,  a corporate executive chef,  who was freed from the bondage of addiction in 2018. Together,  they have launched Shattered Mirror Ministries with the unified mission of helping to empower those struggling with substance abuse to receive freedom from addiction,  a new identity in Christ,  lasting victory,  and to fulfill their God-given purposes.  
You will be blessed by their story.

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Today we will talk to Chris Smith.   

Chris Smith's life is a testament to resilience and transformation. Raised in poverty with early exposure to drugs and alcohol, he entered the criminal justice system at just seventeen, spending a total of twenty years in and out of prison. Since 2017, Chris has redirected his focus to recovery and wellness. Today, he serves as a Recovery Coach, Social Worker, Recognized National Speaker, and Faith Based Coordinator in Northwest Tennessee. His personal journey from adversity to advocacy informs his work, where he dedicates himself to guiding others on their paths to recovery and rehabilitation. 
His story inspires others, demonstrating that through resilience and perseverance, transformative change is possible. 
We hope you enjoy this powerful show today.

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On this episode,  we will be joining our host Donna Sparks,  as she interviews  Melisha Johnson. 

Melisha was raised in a loving Christian home,  but quietly battled insecurity,  rejection,  and feelings of unworthiness.  These struggles led her down a difficult path,  resulting in a 12-year federal prison sentence. 
In the depths of prison,  Melisha experienced a spiritual awakening.  Surrounded by darkness,  she surrendered completely to Jesus Christ and began rebuilding her faith from the ground up. 

Today,  Melisha is a sought-after speaker,  mentor,  and ministry leader who passionately shares her journey to inspire others in churches,  reentry programs,  women's conferences,  and correctional facilities. 
Listen as Melisha shares her miraculous transformation.

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Today we are talking to Aura Lynn-Rouse. 
Aura has an amazing testimony.  She struggled with a life of trauma and addiction.  In November 2008, after leaving work she and a friend went out partying.  Driving home that night,  Aura hit and killed a man on the side of the road.  Absolutely unaware of the incident,  she was completely devestated when law enforcement told her what she had done.  Aura was then arrested for homicide and taken to the county jail.  But God wasn't done with her story.  Sit back and enjoy this powerful episode. 

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Joe Oden burns for revival and awakening. He is a product of revival himself. He was saved and delivered from drugs during the Brownsville Revival, and he has never been the same. Joe has spent the last twenty-five years traveling throughout America and the world, equipping and mobilizing the body of Christ to share the gospel and reach the lost. His heart burns with the desire to see people transformed by the power and presence of Jesus. He currently serves as the national prayer and evangelism director for the Assemblies of God; director of the Assemblies of God World Prayer Center; and as the evangelism commission chairman for PCCNA (Pentecostal/Charismatic Churches of North America). In addition, Joe has authored several books and serves on different councils and boards, including ACPE (Association for Clinical Pastoral Education) and the executive committee for the Global Evangelist Alliance, a division of Empowered 21.

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Today we are spending some time with Jennifer Vickers. You may remember we spoke with her husband Michael, in Episode one. 
Jennifer did not grow up in a Christian home. She endured a lot of abuse physically verbally and sexually. Jennifer says her parents did the best they could with what they had been given. One Sunday she rode a school bus to church  after a neighbor had invited her. Jennifer asked Jesus into her heart and noted that she felt safe for the first time ever.
However, things took a dark turn when her mother went to prison when Jennifer was only 13.
After a failed suicide attempt, Jennifer fell into deep depression, and that is when her out of control drug abuse sent her spiraling. 
The good news is, Jennifer's story has a happy ending!  We hope you enjoy her testimony.

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On today's show,  we will be talking to Cassie Cooper. 
Cassie was in addiction for 19 yrs,  she had been to prison 3 times .  She lost everything including her home and her kids .  Cassie has now been clean for almost 8 1/2 years.  She is a peer supervisor for the state of Arkansas and peer support for Saint Bernard hospital .  All this is because Cassie made a decision to accept Jesus into her life and make him her Lord and Savior .  Cassie and her husband now run a faith based men’s transitional home.  We pray you are blessed by Cassie's testimony.

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Ashley and her husband, Heath, are church planters in Lagrange, Indiana where they pastor Fountain Church. She is passionate about seeing girl’s lives transformed through the power and presence of Holy Spirit. She loves ministering in the local jail and to the ladies in her community through events and retreats. When she isn’t doing ministry outside of the home, she loves being with her husband and five homeschooled children, her main calling.

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Join Donna as she interviews Ministry Director and Substance Abuse Counselor, Jennifer Long.  

Jennifer was a drug addict and was convicted as a felon several times.  Childhood trauma and bad decisions led her to a life of misery.  But after meeting Jesus while she was incarcerated she was radically changed by the power of the blood!  

Now Jennifer serves as a Ministry Director and substance abuse counselor.  She uses every opportunity to share the hope that only Jesus can give! 
Join us as Jennifer shares her beautiful story on Free on the Inside!

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Amber's life was once bound by suffering,  addiction,  rejection,  guilt,  and shame.  But now she has now been transformed and is living a life of freedom and victory through Jesus Christ,  revealing God's power to turn ashes into beauty and sin into grace.  
I hope you are blessed by Amber's story.

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Donna interviews Serena Dyksen in this episode:
 
Serena Dyksen was taken for an abortion at thirteen years old after being sexually assaulted by a family member. The abortion was carried out by George Klofger, who later made headlines for hoarding thousands of fetal remains. At 16, she found herself pregnant again, but this time chose life in a Planned Parenthood parking lot. The abortion never undid her trauma and almost cost her everything — until one night, when she was met with God's lavish love for her. It was through these difficult experiences that Serena encountered God’s grace, leading her to a life of healing and redemption.

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Story of Grace Prison Ministry with Evangelist Donna Sparks

Join Donna as she interviews Jasmine Cervini. 
Having journeyed through addiction,  Jasmine now celebrates five years in recovery,  a path made possible through her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.  Jasmine's story is a powerful reminder that redemption is always within reach.  From hopeless and alone,  to a beautiful life filled with love and freedom.

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Story of Grace Prison Ministry with Evangelist Donna Sparks

On this episode,  we will be joining our host Donna Sparks, as she interviews  Keith and Katie Goodwin. 

Keith and Katie Goodwin are youth pastors from southern Indiana.  After many years of struggling in active heroin addiction,  their lives were radically transformed when they encountered Jesus in a county jail.  The Lord restored them,  restored their family and set them on fire for Jesus!  They are passionate about preaching the gospel and sharing the message of hope that shouts,  "If He can do it for us,  HE can do it for anyone! " 
We hope you enjoy the show!

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Story of Grace Prison Ministry with Evangelist Donna Sparks

Today we catch up with Donna Sparks and her ministry partner Sue Baker as they share a conversational teaching on the Holy Spirit and the gifts and working of the Holy Spirit.  

What are some topics you would like to hear us discuss on the show?  Write to us and let us know.  Send your mail to: 
Story of Grace Prison Ministry  
P.O. Box 13 
Lexington,  TN 38351

We pray you are blessed by today's episode!

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Today Donna sits down with Evangelist Andrew Rosenbarker:

Andrew may be walking in his calling now,  but he had a rough start.  Andrew grew up in poverty in an addiction household.  He experienced sexual abuse from a female babysitter when he was only 4 years old. This led Andrew into 12 years of active addiction,  alcohol,  weed,  pills,  and coke.  
But,  today Andrew has lived 14 years 100% clean. 
 Join us now as Andrew shares his testimony on Free on the Inside!

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In this episode Donna interviews fellow Assemblies of God Evangelist, Julie Seals.
Julie Seals is The Hope Dealer! An ordained prison minister and evangelist with a relentless passion for sharing the life-transforming power of Jesus Christ through her personal testimony, she is a sought-after keynote speaker and workshop presenter for women’s conferences, church revival services, and youth ministry events. Julie has overcome Spina Bifida, a 17-year addiction to crystal methamphetamine, the amputation of her left leg, and a life sentence in federal prison to share her relentless passion for seeing people SET FREE from darkness to boldly live out the call of God upon their lives. She co-founded Her Hope Recovery Ministry, a mentoring & discipleship movement for women in recovery. Her greatest joy is knowing Jesus and sharing her story for His glory. From her own journey out of hell on earth, Julie inspires and challenges people from all walks of life to encounter, know, and live for Jesus! Julie is married to Florida Department of Corrections Chaplain, Mike Seals. Together they have two children and five granddaughters.

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Today we are talking with Assemblies of God Evangelist Anthony Sluzas. Once an aspiring Hollywood actor with parts on the popular sitcoms Three’s Company and The Two of Us, many would have assumed Anthony’s life was golden. But behind the scenes was a different story. Tune in to hear this inspiring episode.

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Join Donna as she interviews Pastors Jeremy and Christina Kupsch. 

Both Jeremy and Christina lived a life of addiction and misery, until one day their wild living and desperation caught up to them. When things seemed to be absolutely hopeless, they each called out to Jesus and HE stepped in,  wrapped them in His loving arms, and brought them home. 

Join us as Jeremy and Christina share their incredible journey from desperation to destiny, on "Free on the Inside!"   Enjoy the show.

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On today's show we interview Minister Kara Sanderson:

Kara Sanderson is an ordained minister with over 21 years of experience as a praise and worship leader, teacher, evangelist, revivalist, prophetic voice, conference speaker, and author. Passionate about frontline ministry, she is committed to reaching the lost and broken, reigniting faith, and advancing the Kingdom of God. Her first book, “Trash or Treasure?” aimed at healing, restoration, and helping others discover their worth was released in 2023.

Kara was ordained through Global University Berean Bible and AR AOG School of Ministry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. She is a wife, mother, and co-owner of an excavation business alongside her husband, Tim.

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Today we interview minister and Chaplain Jason Cayea. After a life altering encounter with Jesus in prison, Jason began following Jesus, and is now a powerful minister. Whether he is on th job or in the gym, Jason always manages to talk to someone about His personal Savior Jesus Christ.

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Join Donna as she interviews Evangelist Michael Vickers. 

Michael was born and raised in Montgomery Alabama,  he was abandoned by his father at 18 months old and grew up in poverty stricken neighborhoods that were full of gang and drug culture.  He was constantly seeking affirmation since he never received it from his father.  That led to Michael  joining a gang at 9 years old.  Before he became a teenager,  he was sexually abused by a man for 3 years. Michael says his life was your typical fatherless,  broken and wounded story.  

Michael was incarcerated 5-6 times before he ever turned 18,  then he did almost 4 years in prison from 19-23 years old.   When Michael got out, he became a full blown needle junkie.  Michael overdosed several times,  and even stopped breathing and was pronounced dead a couple of times.  He shouldn't be alive today based on the statistics.  But God is GREATER than statistics! 
Join us as Michaels shares his incredible story on the Free on the Inside Podcast!

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