Interview

Pastor Dave Drage has been serving Jesus for over 30 years, from the big smoke to the red dirt—and he's still going hard. He's got a real love for Australia and its people, and a bold belief that God's not done with this nation yet. With a guitar in one hand and a Bible in the other, Dave's story is anything but boring. He's walked through a spinal injury, a brown snake bite, skin cancer, and even a stroke—and come out the other side with a stronger faith and a good dose of Aussie grit.Known as a modern-day revivalist, Dave now pastors Power Community Church in Rosedale. Since replanting a 100-year-old chapel in 2021, the place has come alive—salvations, baptisms, miracles… the lot. Straight-talking, faith-filled, and not afraid to have a laugh, Dave brings a message that God still moves, still heals, and still has a plan—no matter who you are or where you're from.

Luke Strochnetter from Hervey Bay is a speaker, entrepreneur, and leader passionate about helping people realise they are already called and already on assignment. Luke's worn a lot of different hats over the years - from running businesses to organising events anywhere from 10 people to over 11,000, and even serving on Telstra's Regional Advisory Council. It's taken him into all sorts of spaces across ministry, business and government. His journey started as a shy, bullied teenager full of fear, before encountering God at a youth outreach event. Since then, it's been a 13-year journey of healing, growth, and stepping into opportunities he never thought possible - including working with some of the biggest companies in Australia. Through that journey, Luke's come to realise that ministry isn't just a church stage - it's the sphere of influence God has already placed you in. His heart is to help people see that they're already called and already on assignment, living with purpose and leading with integrity in every area of life. This message is captured in his first resource, You Must Pass Go, a 21-day devotional, available for preorder now. Now based on the Gold Coast, Luke works with Wez Hone through Business GREENhouse and the Kingdom Business Movement. In this program, Luke shares his story with Wes Leake, listen in!

Roberta Brown was widowed at the age of 44 and left to raise eight children on her own, she was left to pick up the pieces of her shattered life. Just when she believed all was going well, she learned that one of her daughters had become addicted to Methamphetamine, one of the most potent and dangerous drugs available. How does she cope with the unthinkable, and what will she do to save her daughter, and bring her back to fulfil her God-ordained destiny? In this conversation, Roberta shares about her book, "A Mother's Wilderness Journey", which follows Roberta's story of trust in God as she leads her daughter out of the grips of drug addiction and into the arms of Christ. Listen in to her conversation with Steve Mckenna!

Josh Wood is an ordained minister who has been teaching and preaching around the world for many years. He lives on the Gold Coast, Australia with his beautiful wife and their two beloved sons. He is also an avid fiction writer, having also previously worked in the film and TV industries. In this conversation he shares about his faith journey, and his incredible healing testimony!

Brad Thorn is a former rugby league and rugby union player and coach. He won four premierships with the Brisbane Broncos, during the team's most successful era. He appeared for Queensland 14 times and Australia 8 times, after which he made the successful transition to playing rugby union, representing the All Blacks in 59 test matches and winning a Rugby World Cup in 2011. In this interview, Brad Shares about his faith journey and what inspired his new book, "Champions do extra."

Mike Barrett is the CEO and Founder of Transformation Ministries International. A former Drug Enforcer and Drug dealer, Mike now moves in the power of God. After starting one of Australia's most successful Drug Rehab Ministries in the late nineties Mike has spoken globally in over 20 nations, speaking to tens of thousands of people at a time. He travels where others simply won't dare. From the slums of the Phillipines, to the Mexican border towns operated by the cartel, to war torn Africa whilst inspiring and encouraging the wider body of Christ to win the lost at any cost.

Bevan Matthews is a Kiwi-Born Evangelist and Author. After suffering from horrific trauma, he was caught in a life of addiction and darkness. That was, until a supernatural encounter changed his life! This eye opening interview will help you understand what goes on in the spiritual realm. Bevan shares how he saw both angels, and demons at work in his life and was transformed through the grace and love of God. Buckle up, this is one powerful testimony!

Cindy-Leigh Boske is a singer/songwriter & worship leader based in Brisbane, Australia. She’s performed with artists such as Keith Urban, Vanessa Amorosi, The Corrs, Tina Arena and many more. She’s been described as the “Woman with the golden pipes”. In this conversation she shares about her faith journey, her upbringing as a Pastor’s kid, and how she coped with the sudden loss of her Father. Listen in to her story!

Duncan Robinson is a Pastor, Author, Comic and Podcaster based in Sydney. He is the Lead Pastor of Northgate Church in Belrose, and he has co-founded I Need Answers Now which is a AI tool to answer questions about God. In this conversation, Duncan Shares about his faith journey, his background in radio and the heart behind his new book, "Full Phoenix Rising."

Carol Prater is a Pastor with a heart for people, prayer and the prophetic. She speaks regularly at Churches and Women's events and is honestly one of the most loving people you will ever meet. In this interview she shares about her transformation story, after discovering a prayer journal, where her mother had been praying for her and her sisters. It's a powerful testimony of her Mother's prayers. Listen in to her story!

Mike Knott is the former leader of Elim Churches NZ. Mike has an apostolic and prophetic ministry and has seen many miracles and healings in many nations around the world. Listen in to his story!

Joe Matthews is an Evangelist, based in Brisbane, Australia. In this conversation, Joe shares born and raised in Aotearoa, NZ. And how he has a heart for Men's ministry, winning souls and seeing lives transformed. Listen in to his story!

Graeme Burrill is the presenter and producer of the FLS (Faith, Life, Sport) podcast. He's worked in Australian commercial and community radio for over the past 25 years in a variety of roles. With a passion for sport and with his Christian faith. He's keen to share the stories and testimonies of the many Christians in Sport from around the world. His guests include Marnus Labuschagne, Brad Thorn, Shaun Pollock and More! Listen in to his story!

Patrick Davis is an eclectic hip-hop artist and speaker from Cleveland, Ohio. He has travelled throughout the United States and Australia to share his story, music, and life. After facing 45 years in prison as a juvenile and his brother being murdered, Patrick gave his heart to the Lord, and everything changed. Steve McKenna caught up with Patrick to hear his story. Listen in!

Mandy Worby is a Radio host, a podcaster & an experienced Tour Guide for Israel & the Middle East. She's part of the team for Christian's for Israel Australia and has a heart to share about the Hebrew roots of the Christian Faith. Steve McKenna caught up with Mandy to hear her story. Listen in!

Hudson Dale is a Real Estate Agent, a Men’s ministry leader and a man on a mission! Wes Leake caught up with Hudson to find out about his faith journey and the heart behind the ministry. Listen in!

Greg Sheridan is an Australian foreign affairs Journalist & author. He has written numerous books on politics, religion, and international affairs and has served as the foreign editor of The Australian newspaper since 1992. He is a regular commentator on Australian television and radio, including for the ABC and Sky News. The ABC describes Sheridan as "one of Australia's most respected and influential analysts of domestic and international politics. In this interview, he shares about his faith journey & some lessons we can learn from the early Church, listen in to his story!

Jo Chapman is a Voice over artist, Radio announcer, and Fundraising Consultant and a Mum who's passionate about choosing faith in every circumstance! Steve Mckenna caught up with Jo to find out about her journey of faith. Listen in to her story!

Justin Stephney was born the son of a preacher man, he had every reason to feel the call of God on his life. But for most of his youth and young adulthood Justin's rebellious streak took him far from his destiny, as he gave free rein to the lusts of the flesh and abused drugs to the brink of suicide. After a number of attempts at Transformations Rehab, he finally got on the right track. He is now Senior Pastor at Presence Church, Gold Coast. Listen in to his story!

Hughie Pitman is a Pastor and Evangelist based in QLD, Australia. As a young surfer and fitness enthusiast in Sydney, at age 18, he accepted Christ. After studying theology in NSW Hughie moved to America in the late 70s. Hughie has pastored churches and held Evangelical meetings in Australia, the USA and Canada. Hughie trained in the Billy Graham school of Evangelism and is a current member of the Next Generation Alliance of Evangelists. Listen in to his story!

Clinton Montgomery is the Director of Advancement for Alphacrucis University College in Australia. He's served in Pastoral ministry, nearly became a tennis pro, and has a heart to share the gospel where he goes! Listen in to his story!

Raymod Gonzales was raised in a Christian home but had a prodigal son experiance after a time with substance abuse. In his 30's, he came back to the Lord and is now the CEO of United Christian Broadcasters Asia Pacific and Edge TV and Radio in the Philippines. Our Producer was recently in the Philippines and caught up with Raymond in Manila.

Geoff Bullock is an Australian singer-songwriter and author. He helped pioneer the Hills Christian Life Centre, which later became Hillsong Church. He's recorded over 20 albums and written well known songs including "The Power of your Love", "Refresh My Heart," "Have Faith in God" and "This Kingdom." He regularly ministers in Churches and conferences with a heart see people come back to the heart of God. Listen in to his story!

Rick Warren is a Pastor and author. He is the founder of Saddleback Church in California. His book, "The Purpose Driven Life," has soled over 50 million copies! Since 2022, he serves as executive director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition. He was mentored by Billy Graham from the age of 18 and his vision is to reach the world with the Gospel by 2033! Listen in to his story!

Rick Warren is a Pastor and author. He is the founder of Saddleback Church in California. His book, "The Purpose Driven Life," has soled over 50 million copies! Since 2022, he serves as executive director of the Finishing the Task mission coalition. He was mentored by Billy Graham from the age of 18 and his vision is to reach the world with the Gospel by 2033! Listen in to his story!

Andy Park is an author, songwriter, worship leader, and teacher. He has served on the pastoral staff of several Vineyard churches for over 30 years. Andy travels widely to teach and lead worship. He has visited over 30 countries in his ministry travels. Among Andy's best known songs are "In the Secret", "The River is Here", and "We Will ride". Andy has a passion to teach on issues of worship as a lifestyle, receiving and sharing the blessings of God's present kingdom, and God's heart for justice among the poor. Listen in to his story!

Josiah Queen is a singer/songwriter from Florida in the USA. After breaking into a wide audience through TikTok and other social media. He now has millions of people who listen to his songs on a monthly basis, and his most popular tune, "The Prodigal," has over 86 million streams on Spotify. Matt and Fel Limmer caught up with Josiah for his first ever Australian interview! Matt also joined Josiah with an impromptu singalong of the song, "Jesus Freak," which Josiah recently recorded with Toby Mac. Listen in to his story!

Chad Gentry is the founder of "Nineties Worship Night," a movement which includes a Docuseries, Podcast, Music, Record Label, and Live Events based in Nashville. He's worked with artists like Ron Kenoly, Don Moen, Paul Baloche, David Ruis, Darlene Zschech and Geoff Bullock. Listen in to his story!

Russ Matthews works as a team member of City Bible Forum and Third Space in Sydney, Australia. One of his key roles is managing the ministry of Reel Dialogue. He writes film reviews and articles for Reel Dialogue, which are published in various publications. Russ has a passion for film and getting conversations started on themes from these visual creations. The discussions can include topics of life's bigger questions that can include God, the Bible, and Jesus. Listen in to his story!

Nigel Christensen is from Celebrate Messiah NZ. He was raised in a home with parents who have now been serving in Jewish ministry for almost fifty years. Following a career as a primary school teacher, the Lord showed Nigel his background was no accident but rather the basis for a calling into Jewish ministry in 2014. Nigel now serves with Celebrate Messiah—New Zealand as their North Island representative. During the summertime, he offers free "Welcome to Wellington" tours and BBQs to Israeli travelers. Throughout the rest of the year, Nigel is an itinerant Bible teacher, traveling and visiting churches in the North Island to help believers have a heart for the lost sheep of Israel. In this conversation, he shares about his faith journey, his heart for Israel and his views on "Replacement Theology." Listen in to his story!

The Advice is a Christian Band from the USA. Their name came from Exodus 18:18 where Jethro gave advice to Moses to bring in help to judge the people. Matt Prater caught up with the Band to find out a bit of their story and the heart behind their music. Listen in!

Des Kennedy describes himself as a 'Prodigal Son', growing up in a loving Christian environment, but rejecting that life to find his own way in life. Some would call his life successful, however, Des looks back with regret on wasted years, on being a failed dad, and husband, and on finding faith in Jesus, how his life has turned around and is now focussed on serving others, particularly men. Des is the host of Momentum, a radio show and podcast aimed at helping men grow to be the men of God they were created to be. Listen in to his story!

Pastor Andrew Mclennan is the host of the Faith Boost podcast and Co-host of Rise and Shine on Vision Christian Radio. Andrew has served in Pastoral ministry for many years and preached the Gospel in over 25 nations, and has seen many miracles and moves of God in his travels. He's also got a background in commercial radio and in corporate sales training. Listen in to his story!

Cheryl Hauer has served with Bridges for Peace for over 20 years. She is an author and speaker with a great story to tell! Bridges for Peace is a Jerusalem-based, Bible-believing Christian organization supporting Israel and building relationships between Christians and Jews worldwide. Cheryl resides in Jerusalem with her husband Steven. Listen in to her story!

Steve Taylor is an American singer, songwriter, record producer, film maker, and actor. He had a successful solo career during the 1980s. In contrast to many Christian musical artists, his songs have often taken aim at Christian hypocrisy or "error" with the use of satirical, sardonic lyrics. In 1997, he founded the record label Squint Entertainment, which fueled the careers of artists such as Sixpence None the Richer and Burlap to Cashmere. He has produced and written for numerous musical acts, one of the most consistent being Newsboys. And Manwell Reyes was the lead singer for Group 1 Crew, an American Christian hip hop and R&B band. Matt caught up with them at Easterfest many years ago, and got to chat to them about their story!

In 2004 Michael Harvey began to develop Back to Church Sunday throughout the UK and eventually throughout the English speaking world. He has spoken to thousands of church leaders in his Seminars and has to date seen hundreds of thousands of Christians mobilised to invite, resulting in 1 million+ accepted invitations. He is author of the book Unlocking the Growth and Creating a Culture of Invitation in your Church. As an itinerant speaker he has a ministry across 18 countries and 5 continents. Listen in to his story!

Murray Noble is a Communication Specialist and Researcher for Open Doors Australia. With an international perspective of the global Church, and a heart for social justice, Murray has a passion for giving all people the opportunity to follow Christ, regardless of their location or situation. Listen in to his story

Lucian and Jaylene Tabacaru are Aussie Missionaries from Brisbane, Australia. Their family includes Lucian, Jaylyne and their three kids Isaac, Noah and Lavinia. Since 2019, the Tabacaru's have been blessed to call the beautiful island of Espiritu Santo in Northern Vanuatu their home away from home. As missionaries they serve entirely on a volunteer basis and depend on the kindness and generosity of others to help us make a difference. The Tabacaru family serves in many ministry segments including Teen Girl Ministry, Medical, Disaster Relief, Kids Sports Program - Rugby and a small support school program. Join Grace Buckman in this interview where we hear more about their upbringing, being called to and moving to Northern Vanuatu for missions, and the wonderful journey serving the Lord there over the past 5 years.

Paul Robinson is chief executive officer of Release International based in the UK, an inter-denominational Christian ministry working through local church partners in more than 25 countries, helping persecuted Christians prayerfully, pastorally and practically. Listen on to his story!

Joseph Rojas is the lead Singer of Christian Rock band "Seventh Day Slumber." He tried to commit suicide following a cocaine binge, and became a Christian while being taken to the hospital in an ambulance. He continues to share his testimony of hope and healing. The band remains dedicated to addressing issues like addiction, depression, and self-worth through their music, ministry, and live performances, inspiring fans from all walks of life.

Pastor Tim Dillmuth is the discipleship pastor for Voice of the Martyrs Korea (South) and has worked for the organisation for over ten years. He has worked closely with underground Christians from North Korea, China, Southeast Asia and Central Asia. He currently oversees VOM Korea's China and Russia work as well as the Communications department. Pastor Tim was born in the USA and he and his family reside in Seoul, Korea. Listen in to his story wherever you get your podcasts!

Jacqueline Donaldson is the former deputy mayor of Blacktown Council in NSW, Australia. In this interview she shares about her testimony and her heart for the gospel. She's even shared the gospel in the local Mosque! Listen in!

Paul Cohen was born in the Netherlands in 1963. After finishing High School he went to live in Israel and spent a brief period in a Yeshiva (Jewish Theological College) in Jerusalem. Paul met his wife Sue in Israel and later immigrated to Australia where Sue had grown up. Sue became a believer in Jesus in 1984 and was instrumental in Paul becoming a believer in February 1987. He has attended various Bible Schools and since 1992 Paul volunteered or worked for several prominent ministries to the Jewish people. He has a heart to see his people know the love and grace of their true Messiah and desire to share the Biblical stories from a Jewish perspective. Paul and Sue were the founders of Brit Chadashah (the Celebrate Messiah Congregation in Sydney) in 2013, which Paul led for 10 years, today known as Beit Shalom. Paul gives lectures in Biblical theology and Jewish studies at the Western Sydney Bible School, and gives online courses at the Messianic Training Centre. Grace Buckman Caught up with Paul to hear his story, listen in!

Shawn McDonald is a singer/songwriter based in the USA. His life has been marked by a string of heartaches, bad breaks, and personal mistakes, events that have landed him both in trouble with the law and in love with the Lord - in that order. The street-tough but tenderhearted McDonald has never shied away from telling his story - of growing up in Eugene, Oregon, as an angry, rebellious teen who was a drug addict and a dealer, looking for any and every way to escape his pain and a dysfunctional home. In 1998, at just 20 years old and at the end of his rope - and facing nine felony counts on a drug bust - McDonald cried out to God… and started turning his life around. He hasn't looked back since. Listen in to his story!

Qween V is a Hip-Hop Artist and an Evangelist with a powerful testimony! She has that fiery Islander zeal, and she loves to share her faith on the streets wherever she goes. Listen in to her story!

Dr Ross James is the founder of Health Communication Resources Inc., which has pioneered community-centred media ministries with faith-based organisations in Asia and Africa, and WA's Mid West. Ross is a story teller, a radio announcer, a journalist, a lecturer and a cross-cultural communications specialist. He's been involved in ministry in the Seychelles Islands, the Philippines, Pakistan and many other Asian locations. Listen in to his story!

Elohisa Ro'eh was born in Tuscany - Italy and has lived in Africa, India and the Middle East, but now calls Australia home. Inspired by music since the age of four she began her spiritual journey in her early 20's on a quest to find God. After journeying for 25 years in the New Age, everything changed when she had an encounter with Christ 8 years ago that completely transformed her life. She abandoned her old path and have been since devoted to having an intimate relationship with Jesus. Her passion for music is now being focused on worship but also bringing Prophetic messages from The Kingdom of God through music and song.

Eunia Simbagoye goes by the title Princess Eunia, which reflects her commitment to serving God, embracing her identity as His daughter, and living a life devoted to Him. Originally from Burundi, now based in Brisbane, Australia, she has been an evangelist for a decade and an itinerant preacher since 2022, she has a large social media following, and impacts many people around the world. She is also a journalism student with a Bachelor of Business majoring in International Tourism and a Master of Divinity. Writing is her passion, and she is excited to complete her journalism course to broaden her influence. Her dreams include running her blog, contributing to Christian magazines, and starting a podcast to inspire fellow believers. Grace Buckman spoke with her recently, listen in to her story!

Daniel and Victoria Cunningham are leaders of a ministry called Deliverance Down Under. It's all about Capturing Intimate Jesus Testimonies, Deliverance and Evangelism. They are based in Brisbane, Australia and are members of New Heart Baptist Church. Grace Buckman caught up with them recently to hear more about how they got started in the ministry, what's on their heart for this generation and so much more!

Jonas Myrin is the Grammy®, Dove and Billboard award winning singer, songwriter and producer who wrote two original songs for the movie, "The Hopeful," which is out in Cinemas from October 17th 2024. His songs are sung by churches all across the world (How Great is Our God, 10,000 Reasons among others). He has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Barbra Streisand, Idina Menzel, Andrea Bocelli, Delta Goodrem, Lauren Daigle, Snow Patrol and Celine Dion. Join Grace Buckman as we hear from Jonas about his childhood, his passion for music, career in the industry and involvement in The Hopeful. Made For You is available now.