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In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee speaks with Jennifer Chan, Senior Director of Missional Engagement and Catalytic Training at Redeemer City to City in New York. Jennifer shares that a big part of her role is to equip churches across NYC to engage in better spiritual conversations. She reflects on her unique ministry journey—including time at organizations like UNICEF—and how becoming a mother of twins has shaped her perspective and approach to ministry. Jennifer al...

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Danny Sanabria—husband, father, and a dedicated missionary to the young people of New York City. Danny’s journey of faith began when he had a radical encounter with Christ at just 16 years old. His life was transformed, and he felt an undeniable calling to share the gospel with his friends and neighbors—a mission he has never stopped pursuing. Now serving as the Executive Director of Youth for Christ NYC, Danny is pa...

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee sits down with Erica Lara, a seasoned youth minister and dedicated youth worker in New York City. Alongside her husband, Macho Lara, Erica co-planted The Table NYC, a church in Queens. Having spent nearly a decade serving with Young Life, Erica shares her journey of seeking new ways to impact the next generation. At the time of recording, she was still discerning her next steps. However, it has now been announced that she has joine...

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso talk to Pastor Willie Alfonso. Pastor Willie grew up in Williamsburg to an abusive father. By the age of 11 he was kicked out of his home and forced to live with relatives and on the streets. He was addicted to drugs and felt he had no future, until he came to faith in Christ. He went on to become the Chaplain to the Brooklyn Nets and Chapel Leader for the Staten Island Yankees and the Hispanic players of the New Yor...

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, host Alicia Lee talks with Adrian Tam about his journey from working at Deloitte to becoming a pastor. He talks about his work with Faith Tech, a global community connecting Christians in the technology sector, and his role at Redeemer City to City Australia. Adrian reveals that he's about to step into a new role as senior pastor of an existing church in Sydney alongside his wife, describing it as a "pioneering church" with a rich 25-year history t...

In this episode of the Faithly Stories podcast, hosts Alicia Lee and Adam Durso interview Terry A. Smith, Lead Pastor of Life Christian Church for over 30 years. They discuss his new book "The Lord Give You Peace," which explores the Hebrew concept of shalom as more than just the absence of conflict, but rather as "the harmonious working together of everything in our lives in alignment with God's good intentions." Pastor Terry shares personal stories, including a miraculous healing of his daught...

Meet Drew Hyun: Lead Pastor of Hope Church NYC, as he shares his compelling story of navigating life's beauty, disappointment, and hope. Despite growing up in a church environment, Drew reveals how his faith journey was shaped by overcoming personal and familial challenges. Discover how his relationship with his father evolved from a place of pain to one of healing and mutual respect, showcasing the power of forgiveness and love. Dive into the dynamics of public versus private spirituality and t...

Meet Dan Buttafuoco: a devoted Christian, seasoned trial lawyer, loving husband, father, and grandfather. His journey is one of faith, family, and a deep connection with God. For Dan, practicing law is more than a profession—it’s a ministry dedicated to helping others. He emphasizes the importance of humility and warns against the dangers of pride, believing that true success comes from serving people. His passion for Christian apologetics and biblical history led him to establish the Historica...

In this powerful episode, Guest Host Pastor Adam Durso sits down with his brother, Pastor Jordan Durso, for an honest conversation about the challenges of doing ministry as a family. As Pastor Jordan says, “Satan hates family.” He opens up about his divorce, while Pastor Adam shares how a failed succession plan at Saints Church led to seven years of silence between him and his parents, Michael and Maria Durso. Their story of reconciliation came full circle two years ago at the Pastors Prayer Su...

Guest Host: Adam Durso

What happens when the bonds of friendship among church leaders become lifelines during moments of crisis? Join us as Pastor Adam Durso invites Pastor John Decuir to share an inspiring tale of camaraderie and faith. Sparked by a mutual friend, Pastor Kevin, their relationship blossomed into a steadfast alliance that proved invaluable when the relentless LA fires struck Pastor John's community. Through gatherings like the Pastors Prayer Summit and the transformative 30 for 30 event, they've built ...

What if a personal struggle could lead you to a profound spiritual awakening? Join us on a compelling journey with Colin Nykaza, the Director of Evangelization at St. Patrick's Cathedral, as he shares his transformative story of faith and perseverance. Despite being raised in a Catholic family, it wasn't until a challenging period in college, marked by personal struggles including OCD, that Colin found a deeper connection with his faith. Discover how a life-changing encounter with the Blessed Vi...

Curious about how faith can guide us through life's most challenging moments? Join us as Karl Chan, a leader at the Bowery Mission, shares his extraordinary journey of balancing faith and ministry work across cultural landscapes from Malaysia to Australia, and now in New York City. Karl's story is one of resilience and insight, where he examines the complexities of living up to a family legacy of faith while navigating personal beliefs and cultural expectations. His candid reflections on anger, ...

Discover the transformative journey of Alex Williams, a third-generation pastor navigating the complexities of faith and leadership within the Institutional International Ministries Church in Brooklyn, New York. What does it mean to lead a congregation with historical roots while embracing modern perspectives? Through Alex's captivating narrative, we explore the evolution of church roles and the importance of creating an inclusive community that transcends denominational boundaries. Gain insight...

What happens when a young man from a small town in South Dakota finds himself at the center of urban evangelism in New York City? Join us as we uncover the riveting journey of Mac Pier, founder of Movementorg, whose life was forever changed by extraordinary spiritual encounters. From a demonic encounter during his high school years to a near-death experience that led to a profound commitment to Jesus, Mac's story is one of transformation and purpose. Discover how these pivotal moments ignited hi...

Meet Nicholson Thibault, or Nick, as he shares a transformative journey of faith and family through the lens of a Haitian-American upbringing. At just 14, Nick experienced a spiritual awakening that revolutionized his understanding of Christianity, leading him to a vibrant role in youth ministry and beyond. He opens up about navigating the trials of high school and college, using his passion for football and gospel rap as a way to express and affirm his beliefs amidst peer pressure. Discover how...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Chad Prewett, a basketball coach at Auburn University, as he shares how his faith has transformed not only his personal life but also his coaching philosophy. Hear Chad's moving testimony about overcoming substance abuse through a life-changing moment at a Christian concert and how this experience has guided him in balancing toughness with care on the court. From coaching girls' basketball to being a dedicated father, Chad reveals the profound influence of f...

Ever wondered how a professional athlete finds redemption beyond the field? Join us as David Tyree, a Super Bowl XLII champion, reveals the transformative power of faith and family in his life. From his tumultuous upbringing in East Orange and Montclair, New Jersey, to a pivotal moment that saw him crying out to God following an arrest, David's journey is a testament to overcoming personal challenges through spirituality and self-reflection. His story explores the impact of moving to a diverse c...

What happens when traditional faith meets modern challenges head-on? Join us for an engaging conversation with Vandalyn Kennedy, a dynamic youth leader and leadership strategist with the Church of God in Christ. Vandalyn shares her journey from a Pentecostal and Baptist upbringing to becoming a national influencer in youth ministry. You'll hear how her college years at Sarah Lawrence, a bastion of liberal thought, sparked a transformative shift in her spirituality, as she learned to navigate the...

Prepare to be inspired by the incredible journey of Jessica Aquino, whose life story is a testament to the transformative power of faith and redemption. Raised amidst the fear and uncertainty of Santeria, Jessica's life took a miraculous turn through her mother's healing and conversion to Christianity. Jessica candidly shares her battle with addiction and the profound impact of her father's absence, ultimately leading to a path of healing and leadership in ministry. Her story is one of resilienc...

Unlock the secrets to a transformative faith journey as we explore the impactful stories of Kristian Hernandez and the Fred family. Christian, a dedicated pastor from Astoria, Queens, provides a glimpse into his path from a troubled teenager to a leader in faith, ignited by the unexpected influence of a local skateboarder named Ducky. Through his experiences, we gain insight into the essence of seeing God as a loving father and the resilience needed to overcome personal challenges. Kristian's jo...

What happens when cultural heritage and biblical ideals intertwine to shape a life? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jason Min, the lead pastor of Citizens LA, who shares his extraordinary journey from a Korean-American immigrant family to leading a vibrant church community in Los Angeles. Experience his heartfelt tales of discovering God's love at a youth retreat and how his church became a sanctuary of belonging and identity. Through Jason's story, we unravel the often complex dan...

Michael Byrd's story is a powerful testament to faith and resilience, and we're thrilled to spotlight his journey on the Faithly Stories Podcast. Imagine realizing the personal nature of Jesus' sacrifice during a passion play and having your path to ministry solidified in the heart of Russia—Michael's experiences are nothing short of inspiring. Join us as he opens up about the challenges and triumphs of embracing ministry at a young age, the transformational call to serve others, and the profoun...

What happens when one's logical mind confronts the mysterious realm of faith? Join us in a compelling conversation with Tim Yee as he uncovers the intricate layers of his spiritual journey. With 27 years of pastoral experience, Tim shares a story that begins with an unexpected family decision to attend church during his childhood in Santa Barbara, California. Despite being an active participant in social church activities, he wrestled with a lack of inner peace until a pivotal junior high retrea...