Joy City

Just a little over one year ago, Olisha made the decision to have total knee replacement surgery in order to alleviate the pain, discomfort and lack of mobility that was severely impacting her life. She didn't know at the moment, that decision would change the very trajectory of her life forever. What Olisha would consider the worst day of her life is becoming one of the most developmental seasons of her life. How God is using what appeared to be a terrible experience and changing it into a new sense of calling in her life, a sensitivity to the needs of others and watching God grow her faith, confidence and trust in the Lord. Is it easy? Not at all, she describes a daily battle, the battlefield of the mind. Something I call negative soundtracks that play on repeat. However, she has found strength in her church community, support & friendship that she never could of imagined.In this episode we talk about Somatic therapy, The Body Keeps the Score and how our emotional trauma impacts our physical health and healing. Listen along as we hear Olisha's story of trial, sadness, joy & rejoicing. Valley moments, mountain high experiences have become a part of her life. If you find yourself in these moments of challenge, my prayer is you be encouraged, find a supportive church community to belong to and trust God even in your moments of uncertainty. Like Olisha, you will find God is ever present and always faithful because He loves you and all of us. Welcome to Joy City

Soundtracks are those internal voices that play on repeat in your head. Positive or negative, mostly negative, that will keep you from moving forward and have you stuck because your brain believes what your brain believes. Your thoughts determine your actions, and your actions determine your results - good or bad. But they can be erased, changed, and impactful in your pursuit of your goals. Don't allow your negative soundtracks to derail your vision, the plans for your life and that dream you have been putting on hold for years. Get a new playlist. 

In this episode I interview author Cassandra Watts-Houston about her book, "The Power of Becoming." Available on Amazon. Cassandra is the CEO of Evolve Leadership and Development, LLC and is an author. We will discuss the meaning of becoming who God created you to be and how to move in that direction. Cassandra can be contacted by email at: [email protected] or from her website: developaleader.com. Cassandra is available for speaking engagements, workshops and seminars. 

Today's episode is one that truly lit me up-because I had the privilege of sitting down with three incredible young people I met at Exponential 2026. If you've never heard of Exponential, think of it as a global classroom without walls-a space designed for learning, growing and connecting with others who are passionate about making a difference in the world. And these three? They embody everything that spirit stands for. They're curious, driven, and they have something powerful to share. My conversation with them reminds me why the next generation gives us every reason to be hopeful. The church is at its best when every generation is in the conversation together. 

What happens when you put thousands of the world's most forward-thinking people in one room? My episode guest, Pastor Scott Ehle of New Berlin FMC in New Berlin, Wisconsin is my guest and he has a few answers. I want to unpack the real value of attending a conference like Exponential 2026-beyond the keynotes, beyond the networking buzzword, and into what actually changes when you show up.We try and post and cover a lot, but here's what doesn't get posted-the hallway conversation that turns into a business partnership. The lunch table where you meet the one person who's already solved the problem you been stuck on for six months. The moment where you're sitting in a room full of people who "get it." This causes something to shift in how you see what's possible for you. The internet gives us information. A room like Exponential 2026 gives you transformation-and those are two different things. Thanks for joining Joy City, enjoy this episode. 

Did you see that Super Bowl halftime show? Which one? Oh, the only one? Which one was that? Join m and my friend Josh Helton as we continue our discussion on handling disputes. Whether it's the pandemic and masks, no masks, ICE or any other political or cultural situation that arises, we feel it's our right to chime in with our opinion and then make others believe it. However, I have never seen a shouting match or name calling sway anyone. Josh says, Jesus command to love even our enemy, isn't a suggestion or a motivational speech on trying harder. No, it's a command to be Christ-like. Welcome to Joy City. 

Welcome to our first episode of 2026. Handling disagreements. My goodness, in today's climate we have lost the ability to, "Come and reason together..." We lose our tempers, emotions flare, name calling because the norm and we stop listening to one another. In this episode, my friend Josh Helton and I discuss a disagreement we recently had and how the bonds of our friendship are stronger than the disagreement on a political position. While in discussion, Josh received a call from another dear friend, Choong Man Kim and he imparted some tremendous wisdom on how our "tone" can be misunderstood. So, his prayer when he speaks is not just may he speak the word of God, but may he speak in the tone of God. This helps contain the emotion. In Acts 15, the Bible describes the Apostle Paul and his ministry partner, Barnabas, having a "sharp" dispute. So much so, that Paul selects Silas to go off and do ministry and Barnabas, selects John Mark. However, later in biblical writings, the Apostle shares, "as much as is dependent on you, live peaceably with all men..." in other writings, he encourages us to be kind, tenderhearted towards one another. Many see this as hypocritical; I see it as spiritual formation and development in our relationship with the Lord. Jump in, enjoy the episode and send a question if one arises. 

Indomitable joy in the midst of suffering & sorrow is the topic of this recording. This calls for a meteoric mind shift, that God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him. Not in our situations or circumstances or the roller coaster of life, but that we find our joy in the Lord. Consider some "Thank Therapy" as we enter the Thanksgiving holiday, list 20 things each day that you are thankful for. Now you may of never imagined the earth's orbit? That God keeps us spinning, just the right distance from the sun? Or even the air we breath? Those are things to be thankful for.So James is instructing us to make a deliberate choice to see your trials as an opportunity for joy. God bless you all and happy Thanksgiving. 

In this episode, Coach Ryan and I discuss the benefits of youth sports in the lives of youth & adults. 

In this follow up episode, I discuss my interview with SS Coulter with Coach Ryan to get the parental perspective of a husband with (2) kids. Take a listen. 

Welcome to Joy City and welcome my guest S.S. (Shannon) Coulter. Shannon is the creator of The Fassa Tails and author of God's Dad Jokes and she joins Joy City to discuss the vision and mission for The Fassa Tails.Digital distraction is a huge challenge in our society today. We are thankful and grateful for technology, but we use it to what extent? And to what possible harm to our children? It is estimated that we touch our screens 300 times a day, or every 15 minutes. That is considered an addiction. Many people use screens as a comfort, a digital pacifier to calm, soothe or pacify a disgruntled toddler. Today, I discuss those issues and more with Shannon as well as the "WHY" behind her creation of the Fassa Tails.You can find out more about Shannon at her website, sscoulter.com as well as order the Fassa Tails and God's Dad Jokes. Shannon's desire to help parents inspire kids to "play again" like generations past, because it is a big key to joy and peace. You can also follow Shannon on social media:https://facebook.com/SSCoulter7 https://www.instagram.com/s.s.coulter/This is part 1 of our discussion regarding digital distractions. 

In this episode we explore the Zero-Based Thinking strategy that can change your life. 

We continue our discussion on activation energy. 

Welcome to Joy City - Mindset Matters! This episode Ryan and I discuss, activation energy and what it takes to launch your dream, vision or achieve your goals. 

Part 2.

What's standing in your way? To move from theory to practice to mastery, the shift of our mindset can be subtle to substantial. Closing the gap between who we are capable of being and who we are actually being - not someday, but today! Life can be hard at times, we have to zoom out, gain perspective and know that with time, support and coaching, things become easier. When things get hard, reflect on how far you have come and what you have done. Go from, "I can't do this, to I am doing this." Be encouraged - you really can do this. 

Many wonder, how do you change? In this episode, I talk about what Abraham Maslow titled, "self-actualization." The importance of actualizing our potential. So we all have choices, to step forward into our growth and discomfort or backwards into comfort and safety. I also share Bruce Wilkinson's book, "The Dream Giver." In it, we meet a character called, "Ordinary." Wilkinson shares that he believes we are all born with a "Big Dream" on the inside of us. How to rise above the ordinary, conquer our fears and overcome to obstacles that can keep us from achieving our big dreams.Thank you for listening and I encourage you to share with others so we can reach, impact and even inspire as many people as we can by coming alongside to coach them up to take that forward step into their own greatness. No matter how young, no matter how old - we are all born with greatness inside of us.

In this episode, military veteran Ryan Bates and I discuss the topic of "mindset" and what a mindset shift can do to help you in your life to obtain the God given vision for your life. In Joy City, we believe that the plans, desires, goals and dreams that God has for your life, can be fulfilled. What does it take? How do I do this? Can I really achieve these? YES you can. With God's help and by His grand design and with others alongside to lend support and encouragement. It is all possible. Come on in, join us in Joy City and let's ACTIVATE together. Contact Host: [email protected] or (209) 522-3583.

In this episode, I am joined by Maria Rameno who has experienced many challenges navigating her own mental health journey in the church community, and she offers her insight on how we can come alongside and assist and not harm those who face similar struggles. We talk triggers, anxiety & depression and therapeutic remedies like EMDR, Cereset, talk therapy and medications to aid one in their journey and how the church can provide support and compassion.If you or a loved one are suffering through a mental health crisis, seek help today. If we can ever be of any assistance, contact us today.  

Brian Warth is the founding pastor of Chapel of Change in Los Angeles (Chapel of Change - Home) which has four campuses: Whittier, Paramount, Carson and Long Beach. Brian is the author of the book, "Young Man Arise" Young Man Arise! Warth, Brian V: 9781629526072: Amazon.com: Books, which details his life growing up in gang infested area of Los Angeles in which his family suffered the impact of gang violence. Brian's older brother was shot and killed, and Brian would later find himself arrested and incarcerated for a gang inflicted murder, in which he received a life sentence as a teenager. Brian tells his story of restoration and hope in the darkness of his prison cell, his marriage to his wife and about being a father to three amazing children. A message Brian carries with him everywhere, entitled, Fresh Hope. 

MMI Director Terry Beasley joins Joy City as we talk to men, about men and by men. Terry and I discuss some of the common concerns facing many men around the world today. MMI reaches men both domestically and internationally. Terry's weekly prayer zoom regularly has men from Pakistan, Australia, the U.K. and cities across America. His prayer zoom is accessible to all and you can reach him on his Facebook page by searching Terry Beasley. Just a few of the issues we discussed; our inability as men to "humble-down" and ask for help or directions in our lives based upon the perceived incompetence or weakness that it shows when we are unable to "figure it out." Terry has extensive personal life experience and ministry experience in which he shares to assist men in being open, honest and vulnerable with other men. We also discuss the possibility of rejection when engaging with other men, which has left men with their walls up and in a defensive posture when they encounter other men. The episode is loaded with some golden nuggets and is sure to benefit all men, everywhere, regardless of age. Be blessed and enjoy the episode. 

Founder and senior attorney at Church Law Center joins Joy City. Mr. Steeves has served twice as Dean of Trinity Law School and also serves on the Board of Directors of Nasthotah House Seminary in Wisconsin. Mr. Steeves shares four pillars or attitudes of joy that he shares with us. One, is when good things are happening, and it lets us know what joy feels like. Two, realigning your thought patterns, or disciplining your thinking. This is a spiritual habit believers should consider developing. Three, the filling of the Spirit, though your moment may be unpleasant...I know that my Redeemer lives. Four, is when a situation does not make sense or when bad things happen. Here's Jesus on the cross at Calvary, "My God, my God, why has Thou forsaken Me?" Enjoy our conversation regarding joy. 

This is a continuation of our group conversation talking addressing change in our lives. DK & Deborah faced a life and death decision in planning their family and Josh & Jaimie were wrestling with uprooting their family and moving to Montana. We all face daunting decisions in our lives and how we go about making those decisions can be critical to us moving forward. We talk the importance of building community and having people around you who are safe places to share, learn and be encouraged. 

This 2-part series deals with the major changes that impact all of our lives. Choong Man (aka DK) talks about preparing to have a child after doctors advised that his wife could die during child birth and Josh shares about moving his family from his hometown to Montana and the anxiety, worry, fear and anger during the process. "If it doesn't challenge you, it can't change you." If you are facing challenges in your life, be encouraged and build yourself a supportive community of people who will value you, support you, encourage you, excite you and learn with you. Community is critical. 

1 Corinthians 7:7, "For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that." Wow! Welcome to Joy City with my guest, Ashley Stovall. Ashley works at Modesto Junior College and is in charge of recruiting new students, student support services and the testing center. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration and many social interests. As a single Black woman, I sat with Ashley to talk about the Gift of Singleness. 

Welcome to Joy City and today I am joined by the creator of Why Not U?, Derrick Wells. Derrick enlarged the vision and created Why Not U Leadership Academy for the Sacramento area schools. He developed the core curriculum to present to the admin at each location and has spent the last several months hitting up big time conferences to keep learning, enlarging and implementing the vision. Coach E.T., Eric Thomas and the 120 Conference-You Owe You in Chicago, John Maxwell Leadership Conference in Florida and most recently, CMCR Marriage Conference with Married Into Crazy podcast host who served as the keynote speakers. Here’s my interview with Derrick Wells. We talk Why Not U? Coach E.T. and John Maxwell as well as a Marriage Conference in Lake Tahoe. Derrick feels that conferences are a way to continually invest in yourself and grow. Derrick’s mission and goal is not only to serve others but to inspire over 1,000,000 people in podcasting and coaching. He talks the John Maxwell, “Law of the Lid” and more. To be around “winners” and there is no complacency, everyone is striving to become better. So that pushes him to greater heights. The Marriage Conference, “Married Into Crazy” is a podcast from Snooks & Lovie and CMCR Marriage Retreats had them as the keynote speakers. In this conference they learned about creating a vision for your marriage, setting goals and defining the dreams for your marriage. So the conference pushed you into communicating with your spouse and then creating a vision board and a plan to work towards the vision. Why Not U? was formed after talking to people and would find them not taking action on their words. Excuses, obstacles and other hinderances that keep people from their giftings and ideas. Derrick wants to inspire and coach people to operate in their God given gifts and help to elevate people to reach their dreams. Derrick speaks on allowing people around you, close to you, to help you discern your gift. Ask people, what do you see that I am good at? What do you see that excites me? Then take that information to help define your calling and gifting. Just some great takeaways and insight from Derrick on leadership, coaching, ministry & marriage. You can find Derrick on his IG page @thewhynotu or his website, simply click on the link in his bio. Just an amazing time with Derrick. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am excited to be joined today by Evan Moore, Vice President JP Morgan Chase Bank / Community Manager and Board member of the Modesto Stanislaus Chapter of the NAACP as the Religious Affairs Chair. Evan is a husband, a father, a pastor and a young man on mission. I was fortunate to join some pastors for lunch and met Evan there.  Evan, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. I could not be more thrilled to have you make time for Joy City. Evan shares about how it is to navigate his faith while working in the banking industry and the NAACP while being a youth pastor. Kingdom first is his attitude in tackling all his roles, he speaks about being led by God in all the areas of his life. Light shines in darkness but at times we want our light to shine amongst other lights. Evan also shares how it is operating in these spaces as a Millennial and walking in humility is critical. He finds challenges in being young and wanting to flex your muscles, but he resists that by being a listener first. He is the youngest Vice President Community Manager in Northern California and one of the youngest preachers at his Church (Lighthouse in the Valley, Stockton, CA). Operating inside the walls of the church and within the community is his current calling. He speaks on “self-mastery” and the ability to truly read others but find challenges in seeing their own flaws. As a youth pastor, he engages his group and ask them, “what is the best way to reach your generation?” He goes even further by asking more challenging questions and talks about how that is even being done in the secular spaces. He shares on ways to speak and get the outcome you desire and it’s not talking “at them” but talking to them and addressing their sensitivities. Most leaders are opinionated, and it seems like this is a generation of leaders. Evan shares some of the hardships of his upbringing; from being hit by a diesel truck at 3 years old and being put in a body cast, to being homeless and attending continuation school to now being one of the youngest V.P.’s in Nor Cal banking industry. Evan’s father was not in his life and was a drug dealer and his mom battled a drug addiction but knew the Lord. And through it all, God watched over and kept them and healed them. Even in her addiction, she would protect and pray over him and was a staunch advocate for him and his well-being. Just an amazing life story that you don’t want to miss. You can connect with Evan by email [email protected] or Facebook or Instagram (evn.moore).So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am joined today by Tajira McCoy, a dynamic writer who’s reviews are fire, travelling all across the country participating in tours and readings and just happens to be my niece. Tajira, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. I could not be more thrilled to have you make time for Joy City. Taj is currently in Washington, D.C., where she just completed a deadline in submitting her manuscript to her publisher. She has just released her second novel, “Zora Finds Her Happily Ever After”, off the success of her first novel, “Savvy Sheldon Feels Good As Hell.” We talk about the challenges of leaving a full-time career as an Admissions Director at a Law School to becoming a full-time author and literary agent. Taj was first published in 1994, when she was a fifth-grade student and talks about how writing allowed her to process her internal emotions. Tajira holds a J.D. degree, has travelled the world and has experience in dealing with a myriad of challenges. Taj talks about Savvy Sheldon and her insecurities with her weight and identity and how she created Zora. Both books are available on Amazon. Take a listen as she shares how editing, book covers and titles are determined and now, how she is taking the role on of helping other budding authors launch their careers. Connect with Taj by reaching her on her website, tajmccoywrites.com. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. and I am joined today by Latricia Beasley-Day, a Community Organizer for Faith in the Valley here in Stanislaus County. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is Almighty God and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary and how to grow, nourish and maintain that relationship. Latricia, welcome to the show, welcome to Joy City. Latricia and I met at Clergy Appreciation Day hosted by Doctor’s Hospital. Latricia explains Faith in the Valley as a grass-roots organization that advocates for social justice from many different angles. Trying to engage the clergy community. Faith in the Valley is comprised of five (5) multi-racial, multi-faith federations consolidated into one (1) organization. Housing is a main and critical issue for all the counties, immigration is huge in several counties and in Stanislaus County the need is for housing. However, the organizers are driven by what is crucial for the community. Right now she is meeting with the Jewish community regarding Black & Jewish relations by using a Belong Circle. Walking in multi-faith communities how do you keep Christ first? Latricia talks about how being in this arena makes her even more on fire for Jesus and how she sees there is a void in their lives as Jesus is missing. Yet, she feels the call to love and know the human being. Latricia walks us through her upbringing in the church and how she operated in San Francisco and even becoming a single mother. How the church supported her mother by supplying rides to and from church and then embracing her when she became pregnant as a young woman. The beauty of community in her life and what she is trying to pass to others. How God can take your ashes and make them beautiful. Latricia talks about being involved in a church plant in Modesto and being sent with the organizing and launch team of her church. You can reach Latricia either by email at [email protected] or by cell (209) 495-4377.So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I want to welcome you to the show. Joy City’s central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. Jesus said in John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. In 2nd Corinthians the Apostle encourages the people by saying, “Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, poor, yet making many rich, having nothing, yet possessing all things.” This my beloved listeners is Joy City.And I want to welcome my guest today, Choong Man Kim, also known as :DK, one of the awesome leaders of DIVIN3KINGDOM. DIVIN3KINGDOM's mission statement is to bring people into the community of the Trinity for the infinity, through serving, mentoring and creativity. :DK will share more on that in a minute and you can also learn more on his website www.divin3kingdom.org. My guy is married, expecting their 1st child, and he and his wife serve in ministry together. Enough already, we will get into all of that, welcome to the show Choong Man. He is a graduate of William Jessup University and later attended Seminary (Gateway) where he received his Master of Divinity degree. :DK began his rap adventures when he was sixteen (16) years old and attended a party where he consumed alcohol for only the 3rd time in his life. Due to the alcohol courage, he jumped into what’s called a “Battle Rap.” His friends and all the people at the party, “went crazy.” He stated that he was getting a lot of positive attention from negative behavior. However, he had an experience battle rapping with a close friend and he felt his rap crossed the line, so he quit rapping for quite some time.While at a retreat, he started rhyming for fun and edifying the kids and lifting them up and he was encouraged by a minister to use his gift of rap for God. He continued seeking God in this lane and was supported greatly by a mentor figure, Ron Sararana (aka DJ Efechto of Humble Beast Records). He uses basketball and music to encourage and minister to people all around him. He has had the opportunity to play basketball behind the wall at San Quentin State Prison as well as having his voice recorded on NBA2K when Michael Jordan was on the cover. You can connect with Choong Man (aka :DK) through his website, www.divin3kingdom.org. If you would like to learn more about the ministry, reach out to him directly. So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at pastorstuart@lifeconnection4christ.

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. Executive Director, Kevin VanDonselaar, of Christian Berets joins me on today’s show. You can learn more about Christian Berets on their website at: Christianberets.orgKevin is marred with (3) teenage children, they all serve in ministry together. Kevin has been an attorney, practicing law, for over (25) years and has served as a volunteer, board member and now the E.D. for Christian Berets. I met Kevin when I was invited by members of our own church (Brice & Sandy Ringsby) to Christian Berets camp last summer.Christian Berets ministers to such a diverse group of needs; from those with Down Syndrome, or those on the spectrum, to those with physical limitations and yet there is a wide variety of ministry for those who attend camp. They provide amazing, compassionate and caring counselors. If you know someone with disabilities, a family member or you would like to volunteer, go to the website and get engaged. The pillars of the ministry are: Love, Serve, Protect, and Share the Gospel. The staff desires to demonstrate the Gospel and then share the Gospel. There is chapel, songs, bible stories and live-active learning experiences. Another highlight is the camp talent show, the fire department comes to have “water-wars” with the campers and staff, as well as a suds mountain. Go carts and a 4 seater Razor with a Superman wrap on it. Volleyball, Wiffleball, carnival activities, outdoor amphitheater and board games. Add the amazing chef that provides tremendous meals for the campers, staff and family. Christian Berets camp is also accessible to non-Christians and Kevin shares an amazing story of a camper who wanted to go home and felt “tricked” into camp because she was not a Christian. Kevin called the parent, Mom told her to stay one more night and if she wanted to come home she could. It was that next day, that particular camper said YES to Jesus and is now a self-professing Christian. Kevin was called to this ministry and then was tasked with leaving his career and talking about this with his family. His wife and kids all prayed, all came into agreement and they wanted to experience the ministry as a family. All Kevin’s kids serve in the ministry and his wife travels to camp after her work hours. Serving when it’s convenient is one thing and sacrifice is another. Kevin goes through this transition in our interview. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and Happy New Year, welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I’m joined by my co-host, Bro. J.C. (really pastor JC). If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. As we enter 2023, we have such high expectations for the new year, but for many, 2023 has not began the way they envisioned it. JC, who is a life coach, teaches many of his clients that you have to have a plan – a goal and making it something that we enjoy doing. John 17:13, “…that they may have the full measure of MY joy within them.” Jesus is the very Source of our joy. Not things, achievements, accomplishments, money made but Jesus is our joy. The Apostle Paul says, “I die daily…” It all begins and ends with Jesus. We dive into Psalms 139 and ask every listener to read this Psalms every morning for (30) days and then journal what stands out to you. Just a glimpse is “O Lord, You have searched me and know me…” This Psalms reminds us that God has a perfect knowledge of us, describes us as fearfully and wonderfully made and that God’s thoughts towards us are precious. Think about that, God not only thinks we are marvelous, but when He thinks about us, the thought is precious. Wow! We don’t even think about ourselves in such high esteem as God does. We also discussed leadership Guru, John C. Maxwell and his year end questions. Reflection questions, the now question and the forward questions to prepare us for the new year.So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. And in his book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence encourages us to practice the presence of God daily and try to know the Holy Spirit that is in the Scriptures. Now Brother Lawrence was a lay member, not a cleric, priest or pastor – an ordinary, and I’m putting that in air quotes, brother who loved God. It demonstrates for you and me and millions of others, God wants to draw close to us.Chrystal Welch, my wife, joins Joy City today as we discuss disruption, transition, connection and ministry in the context of our relocation to Modesto, CA. Chrystal discusses leaving relationships behind and being unable to connect with a running group or meaningful relationships since moving. Family, children and her parents remain in their local areas. As well as making huge moves and being engaged in ministry. Tune in and hopefully some nuggets will help you in the midst of disruption or transition. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. I am so excited about my guest, Pastor Rod Cochran who serves as the Pastor of Christian Love Baptist Church in Modesto, CA. I met Rod at the City Pastor Luncheons, and we clicked in talking sports, restorative justice and church and I can’t wait to get to know him a bit better today. I know there will be great takeaways here, some information you can use right away and some for later down the road called life and as a father, maybe even some parenting tips. Let’s jump right into it, man Rod welcome to Joy City. I’ve been chasing you for months to get you on the podcast, brotherman, how are you, the family, things at the church? Rod talks taking over a church after losing the only pastor they ever knew and after his first Sunday, we all experience the pandemic and a global shut-down. Dr. Cornell West says, “Never forget, Justice is what love looks like in public.” We have a hard time defining justice, but we know what we mean by love. Majority of people understand love is being respected, accepted and valued. Rod shares growing up in the deep south and what justice means to him. Lastly, hear Rod's story on dying and being dead for over (4) minutes and his life transforming encounter and how he handles "survivor's guilt." So, when God opens our eyes in Joy City, we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts, and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins, we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome back to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are new you may wonder, “Joy City” really? Yes, after the Apostles were beaten and released, they found “great joy…” and Jesus in John 17 says, “that they may have the full measure of my JOY within them.” That yes, we face many trials and storms but the Apostle encourages us, we rejoice in hope and as sorrowful, yet ALWAYS rejoicing…” So welcome to Joy City my friends. I am so excited about my guest, Marissa Mattox Heffernan who serves as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at New Hope FMC in Rochester, NY. I met Marissa at the FMC Justice Summit where she did a workshop entitled Justice & Jubilee: The Call to Beloved Community. Let’s jump right into it, Marissa welcome to Joy City. I can’t tell you how excited I have been to be able to chat with you. How are you, the family – those 3 beautiful little girls? What’s happening on the East Coast? Rochester is cool right now, someone said, “Summer checked out like someone owed them money!” Marissa serves on both the National FMC Justice Network as well as her local Genesis Justice Network. She attributes her engagement in these networks with her remaining a part of the FM Church. Our goal is to try and lend a prophetic voice to the Church regarding justice. Our local network is more grassroots and she desired to create a team to resource pastors in the justice arena. Creating a more vocal space for people to share and to fit.As an assistant pastor of discipleship, people see discipleship as the God stuff, church and Bible, and justice is that stuff that happens out there. I would like to see justice “re-integrated” into biblical teachings. How we are called to restore fullness and shalom in ourselves, in our community, in our churches and outside them as we remind people of the innate work of God in creating us in His very image. As a Christian, justice is the reparative, reconciliatory power of God in community. https://fmcusa.org/resources/2019bod (Link to the FMC Book of Discipline).Dr. Cornell West says, “Never forget, Justice is what love looks like in public.” We have a hard time defining justice, but we know what we mean by love. Majority of people understand love is being respected, accepted and valued. Also Pastor Bruce Wright was in Liz Cornell’s workshop as we worked through her book, “The Love Required of Us.” https://freemethodistbooks.com/product/the-love-required-of-us-ebook-editionMarissa shares her back story of growing up in a church and then falling away before a life-crisis bought her back to church. Being a woman of color brought friction which allowed her to focus her mission in ministry by ministering to youth who identified as LGBTQ and received push-back from some parents. This is when she begin to be a self-proclaimed “pot-stirrer.” She wanted to create safe spaces for kids who couldn’t find safe spaces to fit in, this should be the church. In helping herself identify, she found great value in Dominque DuBois Gilliard’s book, “Subversive Witness.”  https://www.amazon.com/Subversive-Witness-Scriptures-Leverage-Privilege/dp/0310124034Beloved, God has called us to justice, because he has called us to Himself and justice is an attribute of God. He lays the plan out in Exodus and through Deuteronomy and relativizes the community so we are now brothers and sisters, not by blood, but by something greater, the Spirit of the living God. You can reach Marissa at marissamattoxheffernan on FB, [email protected], Justicenetworkfmc.org, marissamattoxheffernan.com. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. Thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God Almighty and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. Amazing experiences and engaging conversation and sharing, time to sit in our discomfort when topics were addressed that left you wondering and then rejoicing that God is in the midst of it all and He desires UNITY in the Body of Christ and has laid out a plan for the Church and left it to us to fulfill. Praise & worship with a multi-cultural team, flag dancing and words of exhortation that just left many weeping or wiping their eyes as we felt the heart of God. I mean the Free Methodist way is clear, “Love is the way we demonstrate God’s heart for justice. Like many, I don’t know how God is working thru all of this, I just trust that He is.  Keynote speakers.; Thursday night Rev. Dr. Alexia Salvateria on Becoming the Body of Christ. I will try to articulate what she spoke on as she expounded on Isaiah 65:17-24 and asked the question, “Don’t we all want that life?” The promise for a communal and abundant life – YES, we all desire that, hunger for it even. I mean to see the UNITY of the Body so the full power of God may be released thru the Body of Christ. Well, how do we get there? She took us on a journey, the journey from mercy to justice, using the expression where “mercy and justice kiss.” Seeing thru the eyes of Jesus and having the compassion of Christ. How Jesus feels our suffering as it is His own suffering. She told us that Justice as the big picture question, “What is going on?” While mercy asks, “What do we do?” Lord help us, because stewardship never asks what are the limits of our giving, stewardship is giving everything. I could just go on and on about Dr. Aexia but I would run out of show.  Friday, Dr. Soong-Chan Rah with Prophetic Lament.  Lamentations chapter 1. I mean as the American church, we tend to avoid lament and make everything about praise, but lament is missing and it recognizes struggles and suffering, that the world is not as it should be. Lament challenges the status quo and cries out for justice against existing injustices. He shared about his mother, a single mother who spent hours on her knees in prayer while raising her children and working two jobs. It is heroes like her and so many others that in a church that is self-centered and success driven, we don’t even acknowledge nor recognize. Beloved, God has called us to justice, because he has called us to Himself and justice is an attribute of God. He lays the plan out in Exodus and through Deuteronomy and relativizes the community so we are now brothers and sisters, not by blood, but by something greater, the Spirit of the living God. https://www.smcfmc.org/news/justice-network-summit-2022So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. Every tribe and nation under heaven, worshipping God as one. As the Apostle Paul says, “may we fight for the UNITY of the faith in the bond of peace…” No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him.. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-358

          Welcome to Joy City where I am joined by my son; Cayman Welch and my co-host, Brother J.C. who now serves as the pastor of Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward, CA.           We welcome Cayman who has his own media company, Black Ambition Media, and part of that is his podcast, The Rising (@egtherising), dealing with social issues that impact the Black Culture. Cayman and his crew also had the honor of facilitating the 1st ever Juneteenth Celebration for the City of Elk Grove. Big moment for his life and trajectory of his life and aspirations. This shows the Lord can open doors and provide opportunities and we must be prepared to engage.           Bro. J.C. asked Cayman, "how does it feel to be out on your own and creating your own identity apart from your dad?" Cayman expresses that the things he has learned growing up, the principles of prayer & reading scripture are things to lean into as he learns the principles of life on his own.  JC reminds him that he is creating his own legacy.          JC continued with, "What are 2 challenges that you have faced being a PK (pastor's kid)?" Cayman talks about seeing what "people first" looks like. At times it is hard to see people first when you are a kid and you want stuff.  2nd challenge was just being under a spotlight - when you're a pastor's kid people will put expectations on you.           Cayman also serves as worship leader for a church in Lodi, CA. He began his experience at our 1st church plant when he was about 8-9 years old. He has grown so much in his musical gift and using it to God's glory as a young man. I asked Cayman to share his thoughts on church today. Cayman actually likes what we generally call "old school" church and dealing with some young people today, they don't have a similar church history and some have never been to church.           In addition, as young people, you have grown up in the digital age and the hip hop area, this becomes a filter in which younger generations view church or the Bible. Cayman discusses how he sees integrating these concepts into what is deemed ministry today.           We discuss trying to reach out to those who may be lost in the sense of how the Bible uses the term lost souls. COVID pushed many churches to realize that you have to be engaged with the population, connecting with people where they are in love and compassion. Community organizing is a big piece, doing things for people for the sake of being a resource or helping hand. God is there and may we be the hands and feet of God.          Enjoy the conversation and you can reach out to Cayman on YouTube by entering Black Ambition Media, listen in to the podcast at @eg_therising or email at [email protected] an amazing time speaking and sharing with Cayman today and I pray it is encouraging for you too. 

Hello, and welcome to today’s Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. And in his book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence encourages us to practice the presence of God daily and try to know the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. Now Brother Lawrence was a lay member, not a cleric, priest or pastor – an ordinary, and I’m putting that in air quotes, brother who loved God. It demonstrates for you and me and millions of others, God wants to draw close to us.I welcome back my co-host, Brother JC, man it’s been a minute. Bro. JC is now pastoring Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward, CA. As our kids head back to school,  we discuss the latest book by author Richard Watts, entitled, “ENTITLEMANIA-How Not to Spoil Your Kids, and What to Do if You Have.” Watts is a personal advisor and legal counsel to the super wealthy and spends his days within the castle walls of the most successful families in America. For the book, go to the website at www.entitlemania.com.Entitlemania is the state of mind in which children believe they should have anything they want, while also believing they shouldn’t have to make any effort to get it. The responsibility lies with us as parents for creating these children. Watts discusses the two concepts that cause this: One, giving too much which takes away incentive and Two, not allowing the consequences of a child’s actions. Let’s listen in as Watts shares his thoughts and then Bro. JC and I will discuss it. In the U.S., we spend just over $36 billion dollars on back to school shopping. The American debt climbs during this time, placing many purchases on credit cards or even borrowing money to pay for kids back to school supplies. The average household will spend $864 on back to school supplies. Sports or activities training for lacrosse or tennis and using high profile coaches to “get results.” We no longer allow our children to choose, we have “mini-me” syndrome and we do not OWN our children. Listen is as we discuss many of the concepts Watts discusses and how does our faith or relationship with God play into this concept. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, and welcome to this week's Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. And in his book The Practice of the Presence of God, Brother Lawrence encourages us to practice the presence of God daily and try to know the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. Now Brother Lawrence was a lay member, not a cleric, priest or pastor – an ordinary, and I’m putting that in air quotes, brother who loved God. It demonstrates for you and me and millions of others, God wants to draw close to us.On today’s show, I’m headed back to family camp where I was able to catch up to and grab some time with our Junior camp director Heather Yardy and her husband Jake. I mean family camp was awesome, a place where you can encourage spiritual growth thru a Bible centered environment and enjoy a tremendous sense of community. I mean even when we see many churches shortening or even eliminating family camp, we keep moving forward and Jake and Heather are catalyst in that movement for Life Connection Church. Here’s my interview with them both.Heather and Jake share the why of being engaged and involved in camp. They had great camp experiences as kids and want to share that with their children and others. Both are teachers, have their own kids and work together in church and yet, they want to help others. They enjoy seeing their kids at camp now that their oldest is a junior camper and Jake enjoys encouraging kids to win at games and in life. Jake and Heather met at family camp and now they are married and have their own families. We also discussed “togetherness” or “team building” models of games and settings. After going through COVID and isolation, they work diligently to keep kids working together. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, and welcome to today’s Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA. If you are familiar with the show, thank you for your support and encouragement – if you are new to the show, I want to welcome you and let you know that our central theme is God and our relationship to Him through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ and how to maintain that relationship. I got Josh Helton on the show today, Josh is just one of those dudes….ha ha ha, the kind you meet and just gravitate to – like you wanna hang out with Josh. I haven’t known this brother long, just a month or so after meeting him – I mean we had lunch in order to get an understanding of who we are as brothers and I think it’s a growing relationship from there. Josh, welcome to Joy City brother – how are you? Josh is married (Jaimie) with 3 kids (22, 13 and 8) and they are what we know as a blended family. Josh and Jaimie also have 2 grandkids. Josh talks about raising kids, giving them grace and how him and his wife work together to keep their family moving forward. Staying centered around Jesus is key in their marriage and with their children. They want to not just talk it but really live it out by forgiving one another and loving one another. Josh is the student pastor and works at Youth for Christ and talks about finding balance between marriage, church and work. At work and church he counts it blessed to be able to connect with young people who may not have the same “home life” as his family does. He understands that as coming from a divorced home and abandoned by his father and seeing his mom struggle. He is not a stranger to that life, so he wants to be gracious and loving, simply walking alongside young people in their struggles. You can reach Josh at his church Celebration Church in Modesto, CA. or his Youth for Christ email: [email protected] when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, and welcome to today’s Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA recording from beautiful Diamond Arrow Campground in Nevada City. We are at family camp this week and I was excited to be able to sit down with our Youth presenter in a moment of down time, Mikey Koons. Mikey is the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at LifeHouse Church in Rocklin, CA, where he also has the honor to serve as the Worship Arts Director. We will cover a lot today, including his wild super power that he calls Pastor’s id Syndrome, being a sponge or a light bulb and how the young people seem to be re-engaging in socializing after this pandemic and staying connected electronically but not necessarily physically interacting with one another. You will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to grow in your pursuit of God, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Lets jump into my interview with Mikey Koons:Growing up as a pastor’s kid, camp is part of my lifestyle, not just being at camp as a young person but also singing or speaking at camp. So being around all these kids is like a huge rush of energy. You will always have a mix of kids who are present here and then those who are tethered to the world through their devices. I am familiar with many students who have fits of anxiety when their devices don’t work. After being birthed into this technology age, this is all they know. So lets not rush to judgment. Parental anxiety regarding allowing youth to go to camp; as creatures of comfort and routine this is difficult. You have to trust but there is so many benefits of experiencing camp. Team building is emphasized when we live in a world that is solo-based. We are made for community, interacting and flourishing as humans. Mikey talks about using as little words as possible when sharing the Gospel of Christ with young people. Walk the walk and be an example to others. He then shares the challenges of coming up as a pastor’s kid. I want to be the one standing on the fringe who captures those who are walking away or slipping away. I want to be the one who people ask, “Why do you love me?” Pastor’s kid conversation was eye opening regarding the unfair standard pastor’s kids are held to. This forced him into being the “best fake” on the outside. It also pushed him deeper into music, both secular and Christian. He wanted to play Rock & Roll and be famous. Now at 35 years old, he is just scratching the surface on several areas of his life and the effects of living in a fish bowl. If you say “no” to the church you are saying ‘no” to God. But learning to say no is growth. You can reach Mikey at his church Lifehouse Church in Rocklin, CA. [email protected] when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, and welcome to today’s Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and even in Joy City we shed tears, voice frustrations and struggle to deal with the tragedies of this life. However, our JOY is found in the Rock, Jesus Christ and it is in Him we rejoice. Brother JC joins me as we discuss inflation and rising gas prices.Listening and discussing inflation and rising gas prices from Dave & Rachel Ramsey. Dave Ramsey from Financial Peace University. Dave teaches strategies to keep us from the panic of inflation and he uses the 3rd pig analogy by saying that when the big bad wolf comes to huff and puff to blow your house down, you don't panic. But pig 1 and 2 are screaming. Rachel brings the other perspective that, hey maybe you did all these things, but it's still scary out there. Real life hits us all - JC expounds on being a life coach at a non-profit as he sees life impact those who are economically challenged like never before. This is the value of the church - community. Proverbs 6:6 teaches us how to plan and store up for days of famine. We also discuss Acts 4 and the sharing of believers. The beauty of the church and the Christian community is the body of Christ and we embrace, support and share with one another. There is a learning curve in dealing with our finances, sharing and generosity. God has an economic plan for His people, knowing that our security is not in our worldly wealth but in our heavenly Savior. That where our heart is, there is our treasure also. Yet, in the midst of that we need to learn the tools taught through biblical principles. JC talks about "gleaning" your crops but leaving the edges for those who could not care for themselves. God has always provided the church the ways and the means to take care of those who find themselves in need. Ruth being an example. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, and welcome to today’s Joy City podcast, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and even in Joy City we shed tears, voice frustrations and struggle to deal with the tragedies of this life. However, our JOY is found in the Rock, Jesus Christ and it is in Him we rejoice. I am excited to welcome my guest today, Chelsea Johnson. Chelsea is the head girl's basketball coach at Amos P. Godbee High School . She also host a podcast called The Servant Leader Podcast and  April 2022 makes 2 years. We will cover a lot today and you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to grow in your pursuit of God, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Chelsea welcome to the show. So much has happened over the last year, since the last time we spoke…preparing finally for a season, I was transitioning to a new church and you were transitioning to becoming a new mom….wow, so how did all that go? Chelsea and her husband welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Hendrix and the experience has been such a wonderful blessing. She has been coaching for (13) years and has so many mothers give her advice and she has encountered so many styles so she gleans a bit from all of them but is thankful for her own mother, who raised her and her siblings as a single mom. So now, your not only coaching young ladies, but your own daughter, how do you integrate the two? Love, love and more love. ""May the work I've done speak for itself..." is her mantra. Her team and the young ladies around watch as she and those in her village serve. We don't Bible beat, but may our light shine in a different way that makes people want to be curious. Prayer is not forced, but after their 4 years they want to lead prayer at practice or games. Her biggest thing is action, not just words. So as an alumni of Amos P. Godbee High, she can truly relate with the young people. Chelsea also spoke on facing challenges and triumphing over them and always being there for everyone, creating an atmosphere that displays Christ is the head of her life. Her joy is hearing and seeing the transformation of lives to a life lived in Christ. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and even in Joy City we shed tears, voice frustrations and struggle to deal with the tragedies of this life. That’s why I am so excited to welcome my guest today, Pastor Rick Countryman. Rick is what we call the Pastor Emeritus of Big Valley Grace Church here in Modesto. What that means is that after 40 years of pastoring, he handed the mantle over, but he remains a vital and valuable member of that pastoral staff. We will cover a lot today and you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to grow in your pursuit of God, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Rick welcome to the show. Now we have to dive into this horrific shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde Texas that killed (19) children and (2) teachers. Now Rick, I know that you have seen some tragedies hit the lives of loved ones, family members or church members, what would you say if you had the opportunity to stand in front of this community. Rick went on to share his own loss of his 1st wife in a tragic car accident as well as other things that can impact us with no notice at all. He also remarked about the importance of a church community to come around you and how we as believers are called to bare one another’s burden’s and weep with those who weep. He comments on leaving the ER after a death and going up a few floors to a new baby being birthed. How we live in this life of tension, weeping one moment and rejoicing another. Thank you for that and somehow someway, I pray that God get that sentiment to these families. Now lets keep it moving we went on to talk about Rick’s journey to Christ, his engagement at Big Valley Grace, his run for Mayor of Modesto and so much more. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and my co-host, my brother and dear friend John Cunningham Jr., who we lovingly call Brother JC, Pastor at Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward California. I am so excited to welcome our guest today, Pastor Hasani Lateef, Forward Church in North Carolina and I know you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to improve in your pursuit of God and business through hearing Pastor Hasani, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Pastor Hasani is married with three children and after serving in student ministry for 20 years, he was led to launch Forward Church just over 3 years ago and prior to the pandemic. In this episode, we discuss where Forward Church came from and how it came to be a church. How his wife and kids responded and have stepped into their respective roles. The challenges of a new church plant, a global pandemic and resiliance in the face of great adversity.  The son of a Washinton D.C. police officer and minister, he details how blessed he was to be raised by a loving caring dad and yet, having tremendous fear and respect for his dad in a godly sense. It was upbringing that supports his testimony of God's trustworthyness and faithfulness and how he shares that with young people who perhaps were raised with no male influences in their lives. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to Joy City. 

Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and my co-host, my brother and dear friend John Cunningham Jr., who we lovingly call Brother JC, Pastor at Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward California. I am so excited to welcome our guest today, you will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to improve in your pursuit of God and business through hearing Jeremy Parsons, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. Jeremy welcome to the show. Jeremy is a Team Vicar at the Church of England which makes him part of a team ministry that oversees 7 churches yet he best describes himself as an “ordained entrepreneur” as he is CEO of Magic Subscriptions and he helps entrepreneurs build their businesses.As an “Ordained Entrepreneur,” Jeremy and I discuss the challenges of moving ahead with the dreams and visions inside of you and the resilience required when doors aren’t opening as you may of imagined. Jeremy discusses his journey to a Christian life, a self professed atheist who had an encounter with God that brought him to the faith. Then coupling his drive for business with ministry. We also talk briefly about John Wesley, a evangelist and theologian from England, whom we know as the Founder of the Methodist denomination. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and my co-host, my brother and dear friend John Cunningham Jr., who we lovingly call Brother JC, who of last week was elevated to the role of Pastor at Christ Centered Missionary Baptist Church in Hayward California. I am so excited to discuss Nick Vujicic, born with no limbs and the challenges he faces and has overcome. You will hear some tremendous insight, a few actionable tips that you can implement to improve in your pursuit of God through hearing Nick, and I am confident that you will find at the very least some mild amusement along the way too. I was blessed to be serving at the Dept. of Corrections in Solano when Nick visited and shared his story. To see a man with no limbs and be inspired by his story and his journey.Somethings in life you cannot change, but who's story are you going to believe. In the midst of people putting you down you may feel you are not good enough or that you are a failure. We tend to focus more on what we cannot do, then what we can do. You take one step at a time. Sometimes, you may fall down. Now what? You have to fight to get back back up. Nick says he doesn't know what it's like to be called "fat," or to have an eating disorder, to be from a broken homes or to of been abused. But one thing he does know well, is a broken heart, is the feeling of being alone. Bro. JC and I have the ability to share our thoughts about Nick's story and to encourage our listeners that nothing is impossible to God. We have the privilege of restoring others to victorious living. Nick's parents asked the doctors, WHY? Nick asked his parents, WHY? Yet, he still has hope and wants us to have hope in Jesus Christ as well. Unfortunately, BAD things happen to everyone and that has nothing to do with whether you’re a “good” person or a “bad” person-on the flip side, good things happen to everyone too. So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, I’m your host, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and my co-host, my brother and dear friend John Cunningham Jr., who we lovingly call Brother JC. Welcome to Joy City, a place where YOU can find your joy and happiness in the kingdom of God, Let me hip you to this; Jesus never uttered and opinion, He never guessed. He didn’t give us sound wisdom or keen observation. Not at all, Jesus’ words are the essence of truth and when we adhere and follow them intently, we become stronger, healthier, holier and joyful. I am so excited to welcome our guest today, I know him as Brother Dre’, others know him as Bishop, while others call him Elder Swinney. He’s a dear friend, JC he gave me a few BUCKETS when I was coaching high school basketball, a faithful husband, I was fortunate to be at his wedding (probably 100 degrees in Sac that day), devoted father and an example of what a Church leader looks like and a motorcycle club President, recently returning from a ride to Arizona. Put your hands together and welcome my guy, Andre Swinney to Joy City. This motorcycle club Dre, what is this about? I know you been riding for awhile. I know you can’t give us the entire story Dre, but man give us the highlights. Man Dre, this last week has been so troubling as we witnessed this horrific shooting in Sacramento which left 6 dead and 12 injured. I mean at any given moment, someone we know is facing darkness and horror, illness, death, bereavement or a catastrophic loss.In any ONE day, we may be called to kneel, watch and pray with someone close to us. Sometimes human suffering is dramatic and horrifying-more often tho, it is ordinary and quiet. You like JC and myself have heard so many times that “it’s God’s will.” Yet, I know, the Divine in no way intends us to suffer BUT instead, is WITH US! And invites us deeper. The apostle Paul in Philippians 2 says, “regard one another as more important than yourself…” I mean how does this show up?We have the privilege of restoring others to victorious living. I read through some sayings of Rabbi Harold Kushner again recently and he says, “Our responding to life’s unfairness with sympathy…may be the surest proof of all God’s reality.”Unfortunately, BAD things happen to everyone and that has nothing to do with whether you’re a “good” person or a “bad” person-on the flip side, good things happen to everyone too. The challenge for me is that some things start out looking great and end up terrible, while other things seem bad in the beginning but turn out to be a blessing…I mean the pandemic showed us we are not in as much control of life as we would like to be? So when God opens our eyes in Joy City we can clearly celebrate others for our differences, we can support one another in our efforts and we can cheer one another on in the spirit of unity and when One wins we all win. No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Being a resident of Joy City is as the Apostle Paul says, “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as having nothing yet possessing all things.” You see God’s purposes are bigger than our own lives or our own communities. Now I know we don’t like to hear that, but we know God cares, matter of fact He cares so deeply He sent Jesus to the cross. I mean Christ is called the man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. It is through that level of love that He is able to draw us so close in order to comfort and strengthen us.In Joy City, it’s about FAITH – even in adversity or with scarcity of resources, we can pursue God with daily communion and in His presence is a fullness of JOY. Friends, true Christian worship is a MYSTERY, yes, a MYSTERY! I say that because when we give our lives completely over to the King, our worship does not rise and fall on our circumstances or situations or even our humanistic inclination or instinct. NO, not at all, the focus remains on God and who He is. Now I get it and I am growing every day as many of you are. But, we can get so caught up in what I call “Santa Claus” Christians. A Santa Claus Christian eagerly looks for God to put up a Christmas tree with all their gifts under it. Now, that Christian is grateful and praise Him for that, that is right and proper to be thankful for all God does for us and all the good; large and small, that He gives us. However beloved, that is the lower level or first floor kind of love God requires us to grow out of. We are instructed to worship God, but we will skip that to worship a man or a woman, a job or that money. Many worship celebrities, I mean look at how many reality shows glamorize bad behavior of the rich, famous and aimless – even a sporting event. I can’t worship God right now the GAME is coming on. I mean we will scream, shout and jump up and down, clap our hands and if it’s a concert, even sing along-not one bit concerned with who is around us or what others think of us. But lift my hands, open my mouth and say hallelujah, I don’t dare clap or bow my knees. NO, I just couldn’t do that!  I cannot even adequately articulate the glory of the God we are called to worship. I mean if I could explain these thousands of attributes and His dwelling in an unapproachable light – then we may be humbled. I mean we just aren’t as humble as we ought to be, and to me, this is why we fall short outside the gates of Joy City. The prophets who did not have an easy life at all or even Job who says naked I came into the world and naked I shall depart, the Lord gives and the Lord has taken away, I’m still going to bless His name. But his wife, like many of us, sees the good things gone, her kids gone, their livelihood gone and her husband covered in boils – curse God and die. Cause God can’t still be good can he? That’s a question you my friends have to answer. The prophets describe Him as radiantly beautiful, that he is fair and royal, gracious and majestic, true and righteous, loving and romantic. Human language was exhausted in trying to describe Him. So after awhile, even the prophets gave up on trying to describe Him.No one can come face to face with what God is like and ever be the same. Welcome to Joy City. Seeing His true image, touches the depths of our soul and beholding His glory will renew our minds, transform us and give us strength to live this life for Him. Come on in, where the table is spread and the feast of the Lord is going on. I want to invite you to be a part, a resident of Joy City. A place where the Body becomes stronger and our love for others only increases. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583. 

Hello and welcome to Joy City, a weekly blog and podcast, hosted by yours truly, Stuart Welch the Lead Pastor of Life Connection Church located in Modesto, CA and my co-host brother John Cunningham Jr., who we call brother J.C.  You see, Joy City isn’t a geographical location, it’s a place where YOU can find your joy and happiness in the kingdom of God, following hard after God and fulfilling the call of God in your life. In Joy City faith is all important, our trust and confidence in the ways, will and word of God. Let me hip you to this; Jesus never uttered and opinion, He never guessed. He didn’t give us sound wisdom or keen observation like Solomon. Not at all, Jesus’ words are the essence of truth and when we adhere and follow them intently, we become stronger, healthier and joyful.  This is truly getting real, as you and I have a dear friend whose wife is battling a debilitating illness, we have been fasting & praying and others around us are battling , in and out the hospital – one sister in hospice care, hurricane just tore thru Louisiana and we have an on-going war.Being a resident of Joy City is as the Apostle Paul says, “As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing, as having nothing yet possessing all things.” You see God’s purposes are bigger than our own lives or our own communities. Now I know we don’t like to hear that, but we know God cares, matter of fact He cares so deeply He sent Jesus to the cross. I mean Christ is called the man of sorrows and aquainted with grief. It is thru that level of love that He is able to draw us so close in order to comfort and strengthen us.In Joy City, it’s about FAITH – even in adversity or with scarcity of resources, we can pursue God with daily communion and in His presence is a fullness of JOY. Now I get it, over the last 2 years, we all have been challenged and at times, have had to focus on SURVIVING. I mean whether it was threats to our health, our sense of justice, our safety, our relationships, as well as the disruption of so many of the routines and forms of what we call NORMAL life. We were all forced to expend energy on SURVIVING.Yet, having a Joy City mindset allows us to seek ways to experience Christ and live into our purpose. You and I both know, cause we have been in contact with thousands of men and women, young and old who have faced so much adversity in their lives and their brains have been wired to activate when faced with perceived danger. They have been forced into survival mode since a young age. Whether it’s the prefrontal cortex or the amygdala – fight flight or freeze is real and the power of the brain to lock up – and stay locked up into adulthood is real. Now neither you nor I are scientist or nuerosurgeons, we have just seen this behavior on the street and in the pews. Too many people are still living in poverty, and we will never ignore that fact, and they are faced with daily violence or subject to systemic injustices and this can and has triggered a SURVIVAL mindset.This mindset has been forged by fear, subjected to threats so it is reactive and we get that, we understand that and GOD does as well, which is why He has made a way for us…He has INVITED us, as people of faith, to lean into His love by the Holy Spirit. As Christians we understand that we live in 2 realities; the spiritual and the natural. As mere mortals we find ourselves pulled between the 2 – however, God has given us His Spirit, the Holy Spirit to dwell on the inside as well as the Mind of Christ so we can focus on fulfilling God’s purpose in our lives and in this world. In that we rejoice and in that we find our Joy in Joy City. I’ve enjoyed being your host and you can comment below, or email me at [email protected] or call me at (209) 522-3583.