Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews “off-grid farmer” Angela Kuncaitis. Matt and Angela Kuncaitis were your fairly typical homeschool family living on a hobby farm in the rural Midwest...but on October 15, 2008 all that changed. They sold their home and purchased a 40-acre Amish farm with 9+ outbuildings, a pond, and more. All 8 of them. At first glance, this may not seem out of the ordinary, but there is so much more to the story.  Their old farm is also “off-grid,” meaning they have no electricity. Imagine your life without all the modern day conveniences: no washing machine, no refrigerator, no running water for your sink or hot shower, NO TELEVISION! This is an amazing story of victory and reliance on Jesus Christ through all circumstances. Find out more about Maple Valley Farms at www.eclecticculturefarm.blogspot.com. 

The combination of Jason Gray's onstage humor, self-disclosure, and genuine compassion, coupled with his technical artistry, has proved to have a highly magnetic effect. But his underlying secret lies in the fact that it's not a calculated act drummed up for the stage. The integrity and openness that transform his performances into something like large, personal conversations are really the logical outgrowth of his desire to live all of life under the jurisdiction of a gracious God. The gospel, the relationships, the art, and the acts of service are all part of an inseparable whole that communicates God's heart to the world.  While his relationship with Centricity Music has broadened his audience, it isn't likely to alter his core message any. Gray seems to have set up a more-or-less permanent base camp somewhere between Christ's Sermon on the Mount and Paul's statement about boasting in our weaknesses. "I'm afraid most of us would prefer to be strong and impressive over being the kind of person that Jesus calls blessed." Jason offers in summation: "But for those of us who don't have it in us to be impressive or strong, who couldn't get our act together if our lives depended on it, the good news is that there is a preferred place as honored guest in God's Kingdom for us—that's what the beatitudes tell us—and that by his love, all the outsiders and losers are being made beautiful." Jason’s new CD, A Way to See in the Dark already has breached our radio stations with the song Remind Me Who I Am.  Learn more about Jason and all he has going on at www.jasongraymusic.com. 

Downhere was formed by Marc Martel and Jason Germain who were roommates at Briercrest Bible Collegein Caronport, Saskatchewan. Martel and Germain added fellow Canadians Jeremy Thiessen and Tyson Manning, along with American Corey Doak in 1999.  The two co-writers and lead singers reflect the others’ commitment as well as the entire band's resolution to take Downhere to a higher level in especially challenging times. Clearly they've been tempered by time, yet their resolution as believers, like their commitment to each other and to their mission, only endures and grows with time. And that sentiment is echoed by the band's drummer, Jeremy Thiessen. "It's been nearly nine years since Downhere was born back in Canada. The music industry has seen some pretty significant changes and challenges in that amount of time and so have we. But the one constant in our story is the sense of calling. Were it not for a deep conviction in each of us that this is the mission the Lord has for us in this season of our lives, I doubt very much that Downhere would still exist today. It is out of this conviction that we find the strength and determination to press on, pursuing excellence in all that we do until we feel this chapter is done.”  Downhere is about to release their latest CD, Alter of Love. You’ve probably heard Let Me Rediscover You playing on your favorite Christian radio station. Find out more about the new hit CD as well as what makes Mark Martel tick, this Tuesday on Christian Devotions Speak UP!

It was April 16, 2000 – Palm Sunday. The Billy Sprague song, How Could You Say No? was to be performed by Tracie Daniel, accompanied by the live praise band at the Troy Baptist Church in Troy, Michigan (currently named Woodside Bible Church.) Molly McClelland was involved with drama at TBC and envisioned an illustration which would come to life during the song. She approached a church member, Marc Eckel, about creating this artwork. The combination of the music and visual aid were very well received. The first performance would become a pattern for what would become “The Sacrifice” – Splat Experience’s first presentation.  Marc and his family moved to northern Indiana in 2001. The following year, George Paiva (pastor of The First Baptist Church of Pierceton) asked Marc to be on a planning committee for their Easter services. Marc offered to reproduce the performance done two years earlier for two services. On March 31, 2002, the small country church witnessed the emotional and dramatic worship presentations with an added twist. After the paintings were completed Marc raised red painted hands to symbolize the blood of Christ on the hands of all sinners. Within several weeks, George and Marc decided to pursue the potential of what was presented during these performances. Due to the technique of splattering paint, the name “SPLAT” was adopted. Since the performance was experiential, George suggested adding the word “EXPERIENCE.” Splat Experience was established in late April of 2002.

Kevin Weatherby is the pastor of the Pecos County Cowboy Church in Fort Stockton, Texas. He lives on his ranch near Coyanosa with his wife and three kids. Kevin has a website called Campfire Cowboy Ministries, which contains original devotionals for cowboys and cowgirls. His first book will be coming out in early spring of 2011. Feel free to stop in and visit him at www.campfirecowboyministries.com. Joe’s public ministry began at the ripe age of fifteen when he auditioned and secured a bass guitar position in a band by the name of Wickeds End. Joe went on to play with other such bands as the Glenn Rowlands Band, Fish Tribe, and eventually joined Redline.  Joe attended Victory Leadership Institute in Nashville, TN. where he found a deeper desire to minister to those who sit in the streets, as well as the pews. Joe continued to play the bass guitar in Redline, but couldn't deny hearing the Lord calling him away to a ministry of another kind. Joe resigned his position as bassist of Redline and moved back to California at the age of twenty-one to fill a youth pastor position, and soon met his beautiful bride Tina.  Joe accepted a position at a local Hospice in Riverside, CA which is where he is today. Joe states: “There was some opposition when I first stepped into the Hospice pastoral position because of my age, but as soon as I began to minister to the patients and families, I was always asked to return. The Lord had grace on me.” Joe continues to minister with Hospice today at the age of thirty, and believes that the Lord still has great plans for his life to spread the word of God throughout the world.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews Author Anita Mellott and Christian Author Guild’s own Cynthia L. Simmons. Anita Mellott grew up in India climbing mango trees and devouring books and mangoes. With a post-graduate degree in journalism and mass communications in hand, she moved to Canada to major in communications and culture at the University of Windsor. A brief stint in advertising and P.R. followed when she returned to India and began teaching journalism at her alma mater. Anita worked for 13 years as a writer/editor with Habitat for Humanity International. She’s now happily married and home-schools her kids. You can find more about her at www.anitamellott.com. Cynthia joined Christian Authors Guild (CAG) in 2004. She has served as chaplain, conference director, and president. CAG granted Cynthia lifetime membership in December 2009. Cynthia's writing appeared in CAG publications, NATHHAN NEWS, Chattanooga Regional Historical Magazine, Georgia Right to Life Newsletter, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Catholic Exchange, and Christian Devotions.com. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, came out in 2008. Cynthia continues to serve in a leadership position at CAG. She teaches seminars, conducts podcast interviews, and makes videos. Find out more about her at www.clsimmons.com. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews former Army Ranger and author Jeff Struecker. Jeff Struecker was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. At age 18, he enlisted in the US Army as an infantryman and retired as a chaplain with over 22 years of active federal service. He currently serves as Associate Pastor of Ministry Development at Calvary Baptist Church in Columbus, GA. Jeff served for ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions from private to platoon sergeant. While serving in this unit, Jeff competed in the David L. Grange Best Ranger Competition for three consecutive years. His efforts culminated with a first place finish in 1996. He also served as Assistant Instructor of Military Science at the University of Louisville and was recognized in 1998 as the US Army ROTC, Noncommissioned Officer of the year.  Jeff was also prominently featured in the national best seller Black Hawk Down, later made into a major motion picture.  His books include The Road of Unafraid, Certain Jeopardy, and Blaze of Glory.  Discover more about Jeff at www.jeffstruecker.com. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews world champion taxidermist and teacher, Rick Krane. Rick Krane of Anglers Artistry™ is the premier fish taxidermy instructor in the industry today. A world-renowned fish taxidermist and nationally acclaimed fish judge/seminar instructor, Rick has been providing customers and taxidermists around the world the very best cutting-edge fish art the industry has to offer. Over a quarter of a century of his life has been devoted to taxidermy and his entire life to Christ. Rick graduated from college with a BS and MS degree, applying those degrees for a short time as a fisheries biologist for a state division of fisheries and wildlife before moving on to his career in taxidermy. Rick has had the opportunity to work in museums and large display stores for wildlife art. He’s a featured writer for the taxidermy trade publication Taxidermy Today Magazine and his work has been featured on the cover of several trade publications. Rick also supports such organizations as Susan G. Komen for the Cure (breast cancer) and the Children’s March of Dimes. Recently,Rick became a coordinator to help provide service related to taxidermy for the Catch a Dream Foundation. Rick lives on a farmstead in rural NH with his family. He has a wonderful daughter, Amber, and a beautiful, supportive wife, Kathie. When Rick is not working and fixing up the farm he spends time with his family, along with sculpting and fishing.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews author and professor, Stephen Post. Stephen G. Post is Professor of Preventive Medicine, Head of the Division of Medicine Society, and Director of the Center for Medical Humanities, Compassionate Care, and Bioethics at Stony Brook University. He was previously (1988-2008) Professor of Bioethics, Religion and Philosophy, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, and Senior Research Scholar at the Becket Institute of St. Hugh's College, Oxford University. Post is a Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University. Post has published over 150 articles in peer-reviewed journals and his most recent book, published with Jossey-Bass (2011) is The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion, and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times. Stephen is a public intellectual committed to conveying important ideas in the wider culture and has appeared on a diverse range of radio and television programs including Nightline, 20/20, and National Public Radio.  Learn more about him at www.stephengpost.com. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews author and founder of Hunter’s Hope, Jill Kelly. “Two weeks after my husband Jim retired from his Hall of Fame career with the Buffalo Bills, our son was born. On his daddy’s birthday, Valentine’s Day, 1997, Hunter James Kelly joined our family. We were ecstatic. The protégé son had arrived full of life and promise.  Our family was growing and life seemed perfect.” “With our two-year-old daughter, Erin, shadowing my every move, Hunter adjusted to life…Kelly style. And while he initially appeared to be just a very fussy infant, Hunter was actually fighting for his life. The news of his fatal, genetic disease was shocking. It’s every parent’s deepest terror. We were told that Hunter would not live to see his second birthday.  With no treatment, no cure, and ultimately no answers, we were desperate.”  What do you do when your family’s world is turned upside down?  What do you do when you don’t know what to do?  How do you face the trauma and press on when all hope is gone?  The Kelly family turned to God.  Following His lead, Jill has become an author and the founder of Hunter’s Hope.  Find out more about Jill as she shares this powerful testimony.  You can also help by going to www.jillk.org. 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP! as host Scott McCausey interviews famous actor from the movie Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Courageous, Ken Bevel. After 20 years of active service in the United States Marine Corps, Ken retired to serve in the ministry. He currently assumes the role as the Senior Associate Pastor of Connections and Major Events at Sherwood Baptist Church. His responsibilities include coordination of major events, coordination of the Security, Usher and Greeter ministries, and assisting new members and visitors with connecting to the Body of Christ and the Sherwood Family. He is a native of Jacksonville, Florida and has been a member of Sherwood Baptist Church since February 2007. Ken and Lauana have been happily married for 14 years and have two children, Kyra and Kaleb.   In addition to his daily responsibilities, Ken may be recognized by his role as Lieutenant Michael Simmons in the 2008 inspirational movie “Fireproof” and for his role as Nathan Hayes in the upcoming movie slated for release in September Courageous.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey talks baseball and Jesus with special guest Jim Morris, formerly of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and Caleb Breakey, former writer for the New York Yankees. Jim "The Rookie" Morris has an inspirational and transformational message about following your dreams and having a game plan for success. His life story is the inspiration behind the Walt Disney blockbuster film, The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid. Jim Morris is a great speaker who inspires and motivates his audience with honesty and humor. He is candid about his early-life failures and he uses them to provide a roadmap for success in business, family, and community.  If you would like more information about booking Jim, check out www.jimtherookiemorris.com. Caleb Breakey earned a degree in journalism from Western Washington University at the age of 20, spent a season covering the New York Yankees as an intern for MLB.com, and was published in the SeattleTimesand the SeattlePost-Intelligencer. In 2009 he was named a finalist for Sportswriter of the Year. Today Caleb is the founder of the popular teen web site, www.calebbreakey.com, which shapes the writing of teen rock stars.

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews Christian Author and Evangelist Nick Vujicic. Imagine being born without arms. No arms to wrap around a friend; no hands to hold the ones you love; no fingers to experience touch; no way to lift or carry things. How much more difficult would life be if you were living without arms and hands? Or what about legs? Imagine if instead of no arms, you had no legs. No ability to dance, walk, run, or even stand. Now put both of those scenarios together… no arms and no legs. What would you do? How would that affect your everyday life?  Meet Nick Vujicic, pronounced “Vooy-cheech.” Born in 1982 in Brisbane, Australia, without any medical explanation or warning, Nicholas Vujicic came into the world with neither arms nor legs. Now at 28 years of age, this limbless young man has accomplished more than most people accomplish in a lifetime. Nick recently made the massive move from Brisbane, Australia to California where he is the president of the international 501c3 non-profit organization, Life Without Limbs. Since his first speaking engagement back when he was 19, Nick has traveled around the world, sharing his story with millions of people, speaking to a range of different groups such as students, teachers, youth, businessmen and women, entrepreneurs, and church congregations of all sizes. He has also told his story and been interviewed on various televised programs worldwide. “If God can use a man without arms and legs to be His hands and feet, then He will certainly use any willing heart!” 

Join us this week on Christian Devotions SPEAK UP!as host Scott McCausey interviews Christian author and teacher Carla Maclachlan. Also listen to Andrew Peterson as he stops by to chat about his new book, The Monster in the Hollows. Carla’s passion is Jesus Christ and this passion is demonstrated in her lifestyle, writing, and teaching. Carla has ministered to adults, children, and families for over 20 years, instilling in them this same passion of living for Jesus. It is her desire that all people would enter into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and for believers within her realm of influence to know how to live life “sold out” for Him. She has been married for 27 years and has two grown sons.  Carla has written a book entitled Parenting Moment by Moment that trains parents to apply truth in very practical ways in their lives and the lives of their children. Andrew Peterson is best known for his uplifting music to God, but when he isn’t writing music or performing, he focuses on his Wingfeather novels. In March of 2008, Waterbrook Press published the author’s first fantasy novel, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, followed by the Christy award winning sequel North or be Eaten.  His newest work, The Monster in the Hollows, continues the saga. Join us as Andrew talks about his new book.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike now lives in Hanover, Pennsylvania with his wife, Jen, and their three daughters. In addition to his novels of supernatural suspense, he writes a bi-weekly column for his local newspaper and is an adjunct professor of writing at Lancaster Bible College. He received his BA degree in sports exercise and medicine from Messiah College and his MBS degree in theology from Master's Graduate School of Divinity.  Mike is a friend of our ministry and an alumnus of many of the Christian Writers Conferences we advocate. To read more about Mike and his thrilling novels, check out his website at www.mikedellosso.wordpress.com.