The Door to Peace

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles during the turbulent 1960s and ’70s meant living through riots, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the rise of gang violence. It was a time of confusion and hardship for many.For Damon Kendrix, those years were shaped by unseen grace. As a young boy, God was already leading him—quietly and consistently—toward peace. Music became the unexpected lifeline, a divine escape route from the noise of the world to the stillness of God’s presence.In this episode, Damon shares how music transformed his journey and how he now lives with unshakable peace, no matter the chaos around him.You can find that same peace too.

What is hope? "Hope is a rope.  Hope is the rope that God gives us when we are falling off of the cliffs of life.  Despite how far down you fall into the depths of despair, there is always a sense of knowing that God will rescue us and there will be a better day."                                                                        - Bishop Broderick HugginsIn this heartfelt conversation, Bishop Huggins shares how enduring hope carried him through life’s deepest valleys—from childhood struggles to unimaginable loss. Through biblical wisdom and personal testimony, this episode offers a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the path, hope in Christ endures. Bishop Broderick Huggins serves as pastor of the Simply Church House of Prayer.  Simply Church has two locations: Port Hueneme and Bakersfield.  He also speaks around the country with B.A. Huggins Ministries.  Hosted by Tom Stephen. 

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead..." (Philippians 3:13).Paul isn’t asking us to erase the past. He’s showing us how to live with hope, even when the past carries deep pain.   In today’s episode, you’ll hear a father share his story after the loss of his daughter in a mass shooting.   On November 7, 2018 Kristina Morisette, along with eleven others, were killed in a mass shooting at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, Ca.   Michael's journey isn’t about forgetting. It’s about finding a path forward in the middle of unimaginable grief—about leaning into faith and moving forward with love and courage.It’s a reminder that sometimes the greatest act of faith is simply taking the next step, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.While this podcast focuses on Michael's story, the podcast was created to honor all those who have lost loved ones in mass shootings and to explore how families move forward from these tragic events. Others who lost their lives at Borderline are Sean Adler, Cody (Gifford) Coffman, Blake Dingman, Jake Dunham, Sgt. Ron Helus, Alaina Housley, Daniel Manrique, Justin Meek, Marky Meza Jr., Tel Orfanos, and Noel Sparks 

God meets us in all seasons of life. Recovery from human-made community trauma (ex. mass shootings or sudden political changes) to natural disasters that impact entire communities (ex. fires, floods, hurricanes) follow patterns or phases the five phases include:1) Hero Phase2) Disillusionment Phase3) Rebuilding and Restoration Phase4) Wisdom PhaseThe gift of Jesus' presence meets us differently in each of these phases and brings you what you need as crisis moves to wisdom.    In this podcast you'll first learn about these different phases of community trauma and then discover how God is working through each phase to bring you peace and hope.    If you'd like to know more about these phases, check out this link from the Institute of Collective Trauma and Growth: Learning Phases of Collective Trauma - ICTG - Getting Leaders Restorative Strategies to Grow after Loss

Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe and our host, Rev. Tom Stephen, dive into collective trauma related to recent wildfires in Southern California. Kate contextualizes the fires through the lens of losing senses of community and examines how people can come together even after times of devastation. Kate clarifies what the ‘hero phase’ can look like at the start of a disaster response and how helpers can extend a supportive hand  in the face of extreme loss. She and Tom talk about the importance of identifying needs in the face of overwhelming decisions. They touch on the question of why traumas happen and how to start to answers questions from ‘a cherry picked’ theology. Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe finishes with practical advice of how we can help people in need: “listen to the need, don’t try to guess what someone needs.” She discusses Psalm 46, including how it references natural disasters, human-caused disasters, and God's actions that we may experience as challenging, as well as an important first step for us to take when faced with catastrophe.Dr. Kate Wiebe is Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology and PsyD Program Chair, Licensed Psychologist (PSY35006), Pastor, and Consultant. 

The four weeks before Christmas can make you crazy.    So much to do.  So many expectations.  So many disappointments.   Is Peace even possible? In this podcast you'll hear an inspiring and informative conversation with Dana Rouse.   Dana's expertise in music, her depth of wisdom and her love for God will offer you ways to find the One who is peace this Christmas season (and any time of year).   Peace is possible. 

Have you ever avoided a tough conversation?  Sometimes we fear hurting someone's feelings, so we put off having a direct conversation about a growing problem.     Our desire to be "nice" allows that problem to continue unnecessarily.   Have you ever been overwhelmed and undone because of the brutal directness of a boss or friend? Some people see themselves as the main character in Jimmy Buffet's song, "Just an Old Truth Teller," who says, "I'm just an old truth tellerBrutally directI see it eye for eyeI'm rarely incorrect." Nice or Brutal?  There is a better way to address tough conversations.  In this podcast, organizational ecologist John Losey, shares strategies and skills that bring peace to organizations and communities.  John uses the lens of candor, kindness and emotional courage.   Peace is possible before, during and after a touch conversation.   As a business and church consultant, John utilizes a holistic approach to provide organizational development, emotional skills, strategic planning and effective communication.   His passion is to guide individuals and organizations to their next best step, towards growth and sustainability.John’s website: https://intowisdomgroup.com/

Mike Amato joins the podcast and speaks to our host, Tom Stephen, about his near death experience of meeting Jesus in Heaven. He speaks of the conviction that Jesus gave him to “tell the story” of the peace of Christ. Over the years, Mike has shared his experience with people around the county bring peace and hope to those who have lost a loved one in death.  

“We cannot truly love unless we give up our right to be right” - Nita Hanson"Surrender has everything to do with trust.  I cannot surrender to something I don't trust." - Nita HansonTom Stephen is joined by longtime friend of the podcast and recurring guest, Nita Hanson. Nita Hanson shares how even in her darkest moments of the war in Ukraine, she experiences the Peace of Christ.   That peace has been a part of her life since she first surrendered herself to God's love.   Surrender leads to sacrifice which turns to service. You'll hear how the people in Ukraine are doing and how God continues to work through Nita and her staff to help those facing complete devastation. Nita speaks with humor and a warmth that is familiar and also powerful.Nita has a gift for holding space for peace in chaos and validating the good in people. She highlights tragedy and has a way of seeing the Peace of Christ in all things; Nita Hanson is truly an inspiration. We here at Door to Peace hope that you feel her brightness and authenticity in her message and that you'll experience the same peace Nita experiences. 

“We need to prepare for death the same way that we prepare for life."In this podcast Mickey Fenn offers practical insights for those who facing the death of a loved one.    As a hospice chaplain and someone who has encountered death both personally and professionally, her experience helping families will give you practical insights into how you can walk through the last stage of life of the one you love. Talking about death is hard.  This podcast creates a pathway for you to do what is uncomfortable and discover the beautiful moments that are possible in the midst of pain and loss.   She explains how "preparing is a blessing."  Mickey shows us how to offer dignity for both the person who is dying and the people who need to grieve.    How to hold onto hope for life even as one prepares for the reality that everyone will eventually die.    You will be encouraged and comforted. "Treat every day like it is Easter.  Death is not the end.” -Mickey Fenn

Conflict at home?  At work?  In your faith community? You might be surprised at what lies at the core of most conflicts. Jen Fraser joins the Door to Peace podcast to share practical tools of what she has learned about psychological phenomena that occur in conflict. She is passionate to meet people where they are and bring peace and understanding to the root of the anxieties and worries during conflict. Jen masterfully says that “Conflict can be a way of stabilizing the system”. Jen shares her experience of conflict at a church she attended and what helped her learn where spiritual maturity fits into working through conflict with those we care about. She touches on the importance of communication, commonalities and connection. Holding space and making space for a neutral and powerful God is the ultimate pathway to moving from conflict to peace. Jen Fraser is a pastor at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Santa Barbara, Ca.  and is originally from Phoenix, AZ. Jen’s passion and care for getting to know people is palpable in her words. Jen takes a counseling framework to navigate her personal and professional worlds to empower those around her and hold space for Christ in her relationships. 

How can followers of Jesus bring the peace of Christ into a world that sees Christians as judgmental, hypocritical and hateful?Jon Ritner advocates for a shift from some traditional Christian behaviors to living more like Jesus — connecting with people with genuine curiosity to better understand their needs and longings. This podcast will offer new perspectives on how to approach ideologies that differ from our own. Tom engages Jon to delve into his commitment to connecting with people who may expect judgment or condemnation. The two explore the idea of radical and powerful disruption of traditional Christian “in and out group” mentalities. Drawing from personal experience, Ritner discusses how to interact with those who feel alienated by the church, showing them respect and love. His radical love for people is evident in his dedication to spreading the peace of Christ. “Let’s take off our ‘Junior Holy Spirit’ badge!” https://gocommunitas.org/people/jon-kristyn-ritner-2/https://www.jonritner.com/meet-jon 

"Our hearts are restless until they find rest in Thee," wrote St. Augustine in his ConfessionsFinding peace in the presence of God is not always easy within Christianity.   Many have discovered that in order to experience God's love, peace and forgiveness we need to untangle ourselves from different streams of Christianity that have been more concerned about power, prestige and control. Fawn Parish speaks about her experience detangling her experiences of the church with her profound experience of Christ. Her experience fuels her passion for people to know the Peace of Christ and "knowing Jesus as He knows Himself". Fawn Parish is someone who loves God, and loves people. She is an author and speaker. She has a heart for people in need and is passionate about caring for those who are (re)discovering Jesus. She describes herself as a platypus. Fawn Parish's blog can be followed on her website: https://www.fawnparish.com

Do you want to being your day with a fresh and restored mind that will influence all that you do?Do you want to start each day with a God-given confidence and expectation? In this podcast, you'll learn a simple process of beginning the day by planting "seeds" (ancient wisdom) that will set your attitude to face whatever the day may bring. In your work, in your relationships, in your solo time, you'll discover more satisfaction and peace as you allow these ancient truths of scripture to influence your mind and heart. Day by day, you can be better in every way. 

Rev. Garrett Andrew is back!  And he brought a friend and co-writer with him.Out of passion to help those isolated during the pandemic, Linda strongly encouraged Garrett to write a book with her to help those experiencing fear, depression and anger. Their newly published book  "Peace Be With You: Tools and Thoughts to Guide You from Anxiety to Serenity," published in 2023,  is bringing hope and healing to many. Linda and Garrett have a strong passion to help people discover serenity but they come from it from two very different perspectives. Garrett has expertise in the "what" questions of life, or the overarching meaning and goals of people try to understand and employ.  Linda is seasoned with deep experience in the "how" questions of life, with thousands of training and counseling sessions that have helped people find transformation.In this podcast, you'll enjoy their friendship as you discover ways to experience the peace that God has for you. 

Diagnosed in April 2011  with stage 4 breast cancer, which spread to her lymph nodes and liver.  Amy was told, "get your affairs in order."    The cancer would eventually spread to lymph nodes near her heart, lungs, skin,  bones and even to her brain.   Thirteen years later,  Amy shares how the boundless and unmeasured love of Jesus carried her through the ups and downs on the cancer roller coaster.    As a young mom she wrote, "It seems like warfare, killing cancer, keeping toddlers alive, seeing God come thru in the big and the mundane things."  In this podcast, Amy's life reveals the truth behind the old hymn, "O, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus," and the peace that is possible in the darkest of times. 

Knowing, hearing and acting on God's direction brings peace not only in your life but in the lives of others.   In this podcast, you'll see how it can literally save lives.As a surfer and father, John has learned over the years to pay attention  to God's direction and to act on what he senses God calling him to do.   His experiences will inspire and encourage you.   "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge God and God will keep your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6. 

Changing lives one wave at a time,Surfing, surf culture, the surf industry defined John Viella's life for many years.     God planted a seed in John's life at a very young age that would take John's love for surfing and use it to help kids in the foster care system to grow as individuals and discover God's love while on a surf board.  In this podcast you'll not only hear about MTCSurf, but you'll be inspired to discover God's calling in your own life.    God will use you to become an initiator of God's peace in the lives of others. To learn more about More Than Conquerors Surf check out their website: More Than Conquerors Surf (mtcsurf.org)

When Larry Smith received the phone call from his daughter that his 18 year old granddaughter had died in a car accident - he felt horror.In this intimate and meaningful podcast,   Larry Smith and Pastor Tom explore the impact and reality of grief.   You'll also hear helpful insights into how to be with others who are walking through unexpected death.In addition to his extensive business consulting career, Larry has served  for over twenty-five years with Scholar Leaders International.   He has also been active with Fuller Seminary in both the Institute for Religion and Public Life and as a Trustee.      He presently lives in Italy with his wife, Victoria.  If you would like to read Larry's article about experience with grief, which was published in Plough Magazine, you can find it at:  Another Grief Observed: Remembering my granddaughter Sydney by Larry A. Smith (plough.com)

Listen to this every week.  Rev. Lorenda Barber speaks from experience when she says, "Check the record of your life.   You'll see that you have survived and that God has a plan for you and that plan is good."If you are looking for something more, God has that for you.  If you are looking for the ability to live a better life, God has that for you.    Rev Lorenda will often pray, "God, if you don't help me, I'll fail, I'm good at that."  That simple prayer turns her eyes away from her and on to the plan and purpose God has for her.God will do the same for you. Get ready to have your mind and heart stimulated to not only survive but to thrive.   God's message to you is, "It's personal.  You and me - you don't have to do this alone."   

Why do horrific things happen to good people?   Why do innocent children suffer abuse?  Have you ever cried out to God and asked, "Why so much?  Why did I have to suffer so much?"Rev. Lorenda Barber has experienced horrific pain.   Abused as a child and later in life  kidnapped as a young mom she was left for dead on the side of a road in Florida. She not only survived but her life today is thriving.  In this powerful podcast, you'll her story of how God turned the ashes of her life into a crown of beauty which allows her to bring hope and healing to others. God can also turn your ashes into something beautiful. Rev. Lorenda Barber ministers to people across the United States as a bible teacher and prayer warrior.   As a medical professional, she trains the staff of  over 335 ambulatory medical clinics throughout California. 

Get ready to experience practical and powerful wisdom that has been helping people out of difficult circumstances literally for thousands of years.    God has designed a pathway for carrying you through  and bringing you out of the lowest places in your life. In this second podcast with Rev. Dr. Kate Wiebe, she'll explore how God worked in the lives of biblical characters to help them with depression, discouragement, forgiveness and other difficult places we all experience.Rev.  Dr. Kate Wiebe is a pastoral psychologist who works with individuals and organization who experience both internal and external crises.   She is the founder of Institute for Collective Trauma and Growth (ICTG) whose vision is to equip leaders to respond to the impacts of trauma in their organizations and communities.  

The effects of the massive COVID hangover continues. Preschool  and elementary students having an abnormally hard time at school.College students and young adults  feeling a general malaise about their future.Churches struggling to have worshippers return to the sanctuary Businesses having a hard time keeping employees.Employees frustrated with having to go back to work in the office.Families feeling a little off as they seek to make life normal again.  The after effects of the  COVID pandemic are hanging around, much like a hangover long after the party ended. In this podcast, you'll get valuable insight into why this is happening and what we can do about it from an expert on the impact of long term crisis and trauma. Rev.  Dr. Kate Wiebe is a pastoral psychologist who works with individuals and organization who experience both internal and external crises.   She is the founder of Institute for Collective Trauma and Growth (ICTG) whose vision is to equip leaders to respond to the impacts of trauma in their organizations and communities.  

What do you think about these thoughts from Garrett Andrew? “We are the most depressed, medicated, addicted, obese people who have ever existed...a Digital Detox allows us to disconnect from the tree of knowledge of good and evil (our iphones) and simply be present with those around us.”"Walking in nature takes me out of myself, connects me the fullness of the world in which I am a part and reminds me more about who I am and who God is." “Is there anything that brings you more peace than knowing you are loved and loving others?” Peace is the result of the choices we make.    In this episode we continue our conversation with Garrett Andrew as he describes 7 Non-Crazy Practices to Peace:   Ways of living that deepen your relationships with others and with God. Garrett Andrews presently serves as the pastor at Nipomo Presbyterian Church who regularly spends time on his porch watching the sunset. 

In response to a friend's request to experience the Christian season of Lent in a life giving way,  Garrett wrote on Facebook,"Someone asked me for some practical, non crazy, practices they could try during Lent. This is what I offered in case you may be looking for something."From a digital detox to mindfulness, you are invited to  experience Seven Non-Crazy Practices to Peace which can redefine Lent as well as bring you peace throughout the year.  Garrett Andrew presently serves as a pastor in Nipomo, Ca.  He's not your typical pastor - from ADD to no longer being enslaved to alcohol. Garrett marvels at God's grace and the peace he experiences today.    He is currently working on a  book about peace with an 80 year old member of his congregation.   The book is entitled, "Peace Be With You: Tools and Thoughts to Help Guide you from Anxiety to Serenity."  

In this podcast, Coach Andy shares a whole new way to begin a conversation about God: Sharing breath with God.After eighteen years of humbly learning from our multicultural island community and living out a daily walk with Jesus, Coach Andy has helped hundreds of young people on the Hawaiian island of Maui to discover God's peace.   Learning together with one of his team of Young Life leaders, Kona Mederios taught about Aloha’s meaning "the presence of breath."   "Alo" means to be with/presence and "Ha" means breath of life.In this podcast, you'll experience a simple way to begin a conversation about God's love with the Millennials and Gen Z. This powerful image strips away the trappings of religion with an essential part of being human - breath. Andy has spent the last 28 years not only coaching high school football, surfing and supporting his local community, he has also served as an Area Director of Young Life.   He spent ten years in Ventura and the last eighteen years on Maui.

There is always hope. No matter how big a hole you find yourself in as a result of drinking, there is always hope.  That's the message John has for all those who are lost in addiction. From bar fights, to almost dying, to losing everything, John not only found peace but a new life that he never thought was possible. John Sutherland's story is inspiring and encouraging.  John found a way to live not just survive.   You can too.For the family members and friends of someone using alcohol as a solution for your problems - never give up and always be ready.  When your loved one is ready to get sober, they'll need your help and love.    Never give up.   

Have you or someone you love experienced sexual assault, alcoholism, drug addiction, divorce, single motherhood, dealing with feelings of being unworthy or feelings of intense hatred of self?   Dawn experienced all these plus some moments of profound joy all before her 30th birthday.  This episode will bring you hope as you hear how Dawn Megli found a path out of the chaos caused by others and her choices - from a feeling of being lost to a life with purpose and meaning. Her life is best described by the song lyric..."There is a wideness in God's mercy." Dawn's story will show you the door that led her to a restored and empowered life. No matter where you've been or what you've done, peace is a gift waiting for you. 

An inspiring and powerful interview in this second podcast with Dr. Mike Stephen.    As an ER doctor he learned to find peace in what we call "sacred moments."    Those moments, in both joy and tragedy, in which you know there is something bigger than yourself.Peace is possible each day in the sacred moments that we are given.    Our hope is this podcast will inspire everyone towards peace in their homes, with friends and neighbors, at work and in your heart.   This podcast also speaks directly to our first responders discover those sacred moments in the midst of caring for others in difficult circumstances.

In this inspiring and comforting podcast, you'll hear from a trauma doctor who after over two decades of experiencing intense situations in the emergency room discovered how God can heal the memory of those traumas.Our body and mind carry trauma, both when we personally experience a traumatic event and when we are helping others in the midst of a tragic situation.    As a first responder in a busy trauma unit in the heart of the inner city.    Dr. Mike Stephen knows pain and knows the peace that is possible.    He discovered the power of talking it out, prayer and receiving the love of others and from God who leads us to the Door to Peace. Our prayer is that this podcast would be heard far and wide by first responders and those in the service industry who deal with trauma on a regular basis. 

How do we find peace when your loved ones are facing death through war? In this second interview with Nita Hanson, who has served the people of Ukraine for the past 36 years, you’ll hear how she sought God to find peace so that she would be freed to serve those facing wars. She found peace by being brutally real with God.  God can handle whatever we give him.  You, too, can find peace in unimaginable situations.   This very personal testimony is profoundly simple and simply profound.  You’ll also hear how her ministry, God’s Hidden Treasures, has been able to be the hands and feet of God’s love in Ukraine.   After listing to this podcast, pass it along to others you know who face unimaginable things.   

The religion of Christianity can feel empty. God intended it to be abundant. Life can feel empty. Simply going from one job to another or one relationship to another may have moments of fulfillment but many long for a greater sense of purpose and meaningful adventure.God's desire is for your life to have meaning and to be a positive influence in the world. Nita Hanson has served for over 26 years in Ukraine.   Some have called her the "Mother Teresa" of Ukraine.   From a simple beginning of holding babies to helping to care for people in this war-torn country, she has brought peace and hope to the poorest of the poor.  In this podcast you'll discover how to experience peace through surrender following Jesus' example of surrender.   Her life strategy is simple - God says to do something and she does it.    Nita's story brings hope to the hopeless.   A heart that listens to God will be led to those in deepest need to offer and discover peace in all circumstances.  

John Sutherland lost a lot of years, friends and money over politics. As the political divide increased in the United States over past five years, John encountered many families being torn apart because of politics.  Brothers, sisters, moms, dads, sons, daughters arguing and separating because of political opinion because they saw no other option.   Holiday and vacation got cancelled.  Politics destroying homes.  Politics also divided community groups, places of worship.    For some, the test of a good place to worship had more to do with politics than with the teaching or music.  At one point John realized he was part of the problem because of his strong opinions on politics.    And then something changed.    John moved from being a peace breaker to peace maker in regard to talking about politics.    He is now part of the solution.  On this episode you'll not only hear John's story but have seeds planted in your life to find peace while still holding strong opinions on politics.  Peace and political discussion is possible.   

On November 7th, 2018, on a College Night at Borderline Bar and Grill in Thousand Oaks, California around 11:20pm a man walked up to the hostess and instead of pulling out money, he pulled out a gun and shot her.  He then began to shoot into the crowd on the dance floor.   The shooter killed 11 customers and then killed a police officer.  As the community was still in shock from the mass shootings the next day,  November 8, two fires broke out in the afternoon that would eventually cause mass evacuations.  Two major community traumas in less than 24 hours.    On this podcast, you'll hear first hand how a local reporter, Dawn Megli-Thuna helped to bring healing and peace to the community.   From that experience you'll learn ways to discover peace when the absolute worst happens.