The Joy Factor

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Cary Duckett to conclude our series “Stories Of Grace.”  In this episode, Pastor Cary discusses his recent mission trip to South Sudan with Ancient Promise International.  Cary shares his experiences training local pastors who lack access to formal biblical education, highlighting the challenges they face and shares about the ministry of Pastor Tobias who will continue their mentorship now. Cary shares some of the memorable moment from his time there, the cultural differences and some of the lessons he learned, as well as his hopes for the future of the church in South Sudan.  Tune in to learn about the resilience of these communities and how Cary's efforts are fostering spiritual growth and leadership in a region in need.  This is a powerful episode that you don’t want to miss! Thank you, Grace Bible Church, for your support of the pastors and making this mission possible! 

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Ray and Dawn Durkee to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. Ray and Dawn come from very different backgrounds but after marrying, realized that they needed to fix things in their own life to avoid bankruptcy. In this inspiring episode they share their journey to financial freedom after paying off over $120,000 in non-mortgage debt.  The Durkee’s are passionate about empowering others to achieve similar goals, offering actionable tips and motivation to help you take control of your finances.  This is a helpful and practical episode that you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Megan Fisher to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.” These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. In today’s episode, Megan shares her journey of overcoming an eating disorder. She opens up about how her spiral started and what her recovery process looked like, and offers hope, encouragement and practical advice for anyone who may be struggling with the same thing. Whether you're personally battling an eating disorder, know someone who is, or simply want to better understand this complex issue from a faith-based perspective, this episode offers valuable insights, compassion, and a message of hope. Join us as we explore how faith can be a powerful ally in the journey towards healing and self-acceptance. If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Stephen Humphreys to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.” These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. In today's episode, Stephen opens up about his painful experiences with other Christians and shares the discouragement and disillusionment he felt. He explains how he reconciled his personal relationship with God in light of his disappointment with other Christians. This is a powerful episode that you don't want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Star Ciptak to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.” These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. In today’s episode, Star shares how much of her life has been spent battling depression. From being a child without a good relationship with her mom, to joining the marine core, to breaking both of her hips, to postpartum depression, Star's testimony is truly a powerful testament to the fact that God is able to restore us and use our stories to help others. If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Neil Hoxworth to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.” These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. In today’s episode, Neil shares how he spent many of his teenage years battling a pornography addiction. Neil opens up about his journey - the shame, isolation and spiritual turmoil he endured while in his struggle. With raw honesty, Neil shares some of the practical strategies that helped him break free from the grip of pornography and reclaim his faith, relationships and self-worth, to help anyone who is facing a similar struggle do the same. If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Taylor Hoxworth to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. Taylor’s story of growing up in a cult is a heartbreaking but incredible story of God’s ability to rescue anyone, out of any situation.   This is a powerful episode that you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Jordan Kunaszyk to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things. Jordan Kunaszyk is an NFL football player who just ended his season as the Brown’s linebacker. He shares his story about how he came to know Christ, his football journey, and how his purpose in the NFL is to share Christ with the people around him. He talks about the power of perseverance and what it means to share Christ with the people around him.   This is a powerful episode that you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Michael Kelley to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Michael shares his testimony of believing Christianity can't be true because of lack of evidence - to being completely transformed because of the evidence. This is a powerful episode that you don't want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]  

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Mike and Michelle Lyons to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Ever wondered what it's like to open your home to a child in need? Mike and Michelle's story takes you behind the scenes into their lives as foster - and eventually adoptive - parents. This is not only a moving story about God's goodness and grace, but it also has a section of practical tips for anyone who is interested in beginning their fostering journey. If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Jason Hubbard to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Jason's testimony is a powerful story of how God can take someone who has been through abuse, homelessness, drugs and depression and bring their life to complete redemption in him.  This is a powerful episode that you don't want to miss!  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Jason and Tara Hubbard  to continue in our series “Stories of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  In this episode, Jason and Tara both share their testimonies of navigating the profound loss of their partners, from receiving the fatal diagnoses, to being with them in their last moments, to life after loss. Jason and Tara offer insights, encouragement and practical advice for anyone else who may be walking this challenging path.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Edlyn Sabrina to continue in our series “Stories of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Edlyn has lived on three continents, speaks 6 languages, is a keynote enrichment speaker and empowerment coach. She is an artist and an actress, has written a bestselling book and done her own TEDx Talk (both linked below). Something that makes these accomplishments even more amazing is the incredibly difficult situations and trails that Edlyn has walked through that have made her into the person she is today – including living in an abusive relationship for years. In today’s episode she dives into that story and shares practical tips and advice for anyone who may be going through the same thing.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected] Read Edlyn’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Redefine-Your-Success-Metrics-Personal-ebook/dp/B095XTG95F Listen to her TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2sqwe0Q68

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Cheryl Balogh to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Married, divorced, remarried and now hosting a marriage conference - Cheryl's story is an amazing testament to the way God can redeem any broken situation and use it for his glory! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected] You can find information about the upcoming marriage conference that Cheryl is hosting by visiting https://www.gbcakron.org/marriage.html

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Christina Hodgkinson to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Christina's story of leaving a corporate job to follow God into service at the International Welcome Center is a testament to how God directs our lives and uses every situation to bring us to the place he wants us to be – often far away from where we would expect!  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]  

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Ashlea Humphreys to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Ashlea's testimony of how God brought her through one of the lowest seasons of her life as she struggled with postpartum depression will help and encourage anyone who is going through the same thing. This episode is a beautiful testament to the goodness of God and his healing power in the lives of his children. If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Becky Pike to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Can you imagine finding out you have a disease that results in you losing many of your organs and having to have over 100 surgeries? For Becky, this isn’t just something to imagine – it’s something that she has experienced firsthand. Despite that and so many other things, Becky remains cheerful and overflowing with love for Jesus and people around her.  This episode is an incredible testament to the goodness of God and the way he so gently cares for his children.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Sarah Cox to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Sarah and Christie both bring their own unique experiences to the table in this episode as they discuss miscarriage – what to say and what not to say to someone experiencing it, along with practical advice and encouragement for anyone who may currently be going through it.  This is a vulnerable and emotional episode that we pray will be a blessing to anyone who listens.  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Matt Hicks to continue in our series “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  From growing up in a small town in Indiana, to narrowly escaping death many times in Iraq, to being personal security for President Barack Obama, to now serving immigrants at the International Welcome Center – Matt Hicks truly has done it all.  Matt’s story is an incredible testimony of how God directs our lives and uses every situation to bring us to the place he wants us to be – often far away from where we would ever expect!  If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

Today on The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Jennifer Reebel to kick off a brand-new series – “Stories Of Grace.”  These episodes are testimonies of God’s goodness in the lives of people in and around Grace Bible Church, often with practical advice to help anyone who is experiencing similar things.  Jennifer talks about her times serving Ukrainian orphans in Turkey – one of which began with her stuck in a holding cell.  This is a powerful story of God’s provision and protection that you don’t want to miss! If you have any questions or comments regarding this episode, please email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland and Pastor Cary Duckett end our 3 week Christmas series by discussing the different emotions surrounding Christmas and Jesus - and how those emotions were the same in the lives of the characters in the nativity sene all the way back at the very first Christmas.

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland and Pastor Stephen Humphreys discuss practical ways to share the gospel this Christmas - whether with your family, friends, children or neighbors. This is a practical and insightful episode that you don't want to miss during this season!

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland and Pastor Cary Duckett kick off our special 3 week Christmas series by diving into 10 incredible Old Testament prophecies foretelling details about the birth and life of Christ. This is a joy-filled episode to help you start preparing your hearts and minds to focus on Jesus this season.

On today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to discuss how we as Christians should respond to the LGBTQ+ movement. This is an important and insightful conversation that you don't want to miss!

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Cary Duckett to answer the questions "Is it okay to skip church?" and "Why is giving important?" These are important questions that are answered directly from scripture - and the answers might surprise you! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Jason Cox to discuss how to know if God is calling you into ministry. With Pastor Jason's personal testimony, sound biblical advice, and practical tips - this is an episode that you do not want to miss! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to discuss 11 practical ways you can help your kids fall in love with Jesus. This is a deep and insightful episode that you don't want to miss! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Cary Duckett to talk about dealing with toxic family members - and when you should consider cutting them out of your life. If you have any questions or comments please email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to answer several questions submitted by listeners. In part 2, they discuss weed and birth control specifically. If you have not listened to part 1, we highly suggest you do so before listening to this episode, as the biblical foundation for all of these topics is laid out there. We pray that this episode will be a blessing to you and bring you both clarity and joy. If you have any questions or comments please email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to answer several questions submitted by different listeners - are tattoos, piercings, alcohol, weed, or birth control sinful? In part 1 they discuss the first three of those topics, with the timestamps of each one listed below: Tattoos: 6:35 Piercings: 16:00 Alcohol: 19:05 Next weeks episode will be the remainder of the conversation, where they will discuss weed and birth control. We pray this episode will be a blessing to you and bring you both clarity and joy. If you have any questions or comments about this episode or would like to submit a question for our "Ask A Pastor" series, please email us at [email protected]

Today on the Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Cary Duckett and his wife Cherry to discuss everything around adoption - their own story, the highs and lows, what they would do differently if given the chance, and a biblical perspective on why Christians should adopt. This is a powerful episode that you don't want to miss!

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Cary Duckett to discuss everything surrounding forgiveness. Some of the questions they address are: What is forgiveness? Why should I forgive? and What are some practical things I can do to help me forgive someone who has deeply hurt me? If you have any questions or comments about this episode, or would like to submit a question for our "Ask A Pastor" series, please email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to discuss everything surrounding spiritual gifts - do you have a gift, how do you find it, how do you use it, and what are some dangers associated with it? If you have any questions or comments about this episode, or would like to submit a question for our "Ask A Pastor" series, please email us at [email protected]

In today's episode of The Joy Factor, Christie Garland is joined by Grace Bible Church's Children's Pastor, Tara Hubbard, to discuss the question "did God create evil?" If you have any questions or comments about this episode or would like to submit a question for our "Ask A Pastor" series, please email us at [email protected]

In this episode, Christie Garland is joined by Pastor Stephen Humphreys to discuss the question "How is eternal punishment (hell) a just response to temporary sin?" If you have any questions or comments about this episode, or would like to submit a question for our "Ask a Pastor" series, please email us at [email protected]

In our debut episode of THE JOY FACTOR, we are kicking off our Ask A Pastor series with an often overlooked question: "How do we practically find joy in God, especially when life is difficult?" Pastor Cary Duckett and Christie Garland explore this question together and give us five practical tips: 1.      Deepen your personal relationship with God. 2.     Be in consistent fellowship with other believers and find ways to serve them.  3.     Realize God has a purpose for the hard seasons of our lives and don’t let the practical aspects of our joy become circumstantial. 4.     Realize God is the giver of all good things and constantly praise him for them. Realize Jesus is better than all those things. 5.     Remind yourself that death is coming, and you will be in God’s fullness of joy forever.  If you have any comments or would like to submit a question, please email us at [email protected]