Heroes of Faith

Join Pete and Shad as they chat with Matt Poulin about the challenges of identifying and grabbing hold of the path God has laid out for you. Matt is a professional athlete who has embraced the difficult challenged God has placed in his path, choosing to be flexible and share Gods love wherever he is. According to Matt, “The most important thing to me is my faith. Through that I make it a priority to make all people I come in contact with feel valued and seen. I am a very genuine person; my heart is to serve others and to help people anyway I can. I believe reputations are very fragile and thus I only promote things that I believe bring value to others lives. Loyalty is another trait I value deeply. I always strive to give more back to the ones who invest in me rather than take. I put 100% effort into the things I commit too. I have done that throughout my life, whether that was Baseball in the PAC-12 or CrossFit Career.”

The Courage of the Jesus

Did you know that Jesus exemplified courage? He not only possessed courage within himself but also instilled it in others. His actions and words inspire us to find courage in our own lives. 

Jesus displayed courage in various instances. For instance, when He walked on water and healed the woman who touched His robe, He spoke words of encouragement and commanded courage. He said, "Courage! It's me" (Mark 6:50-52; Matt. 9:20-22), urging others to be brave and trust in His presence.

What is even more remarkable is that Jesus gathered up His own courage, fully aware of the immense challenge He would face—death on the cross. His obedience to the cross was for our salvation. He took the first step, resolute in His decision to journey to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51).

In the garden of Gethsemane, the weight of what lay ahead was so overwhelming that Jesus sweat blood in agony (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22). When those who sought to arrest Him arrived, Jesus, fully aware of the events that would unfold, fearlessly stepped forward and asked, "Who do you seek?" (John 18:4).

Even after His resurrection, when Jesus found His disciples hiding in fear, He breathed courage into them, through the Holy Spirit, restoring their strength and resolve (John 20:22).

The significance of courage cannot be underestimated. In Hebrews 10:35, it is emphasized that courage carries with it a great reward... “Therefore, let us not lose heart or falter in our courage, for it brings blessings and triumph in our journey of faith!”

This entire study of courage culminates in Jesus, the one true example for us all. By drawing upon His strength and relying on His guidance, we can find the courage to face the unknown, overcome our fears, and fulfill our purpose. Let us look to Jesus, the ultimate embodiment of courage, and seek His presence in our lives.

• Why does the courage Jesus displayed inspire you?

• How can you respond to Jesus when he says, Courage, it is me?

• What will you do with the life that Jesus’ courage afforded for you?

Courage is essential for completing the race we're in. It is a recurring theme in the concept of courage that it empowers us to finish what God initiated. Once we are saved, it becomes our responsibility to share the good news with others, which displeases the enemy. The enemy will throw everything at us to make us quit. If we lack courage when facing critical decisions, we might fail to fulfill our mission.

In James 1:12, it is stated that those who remain steadfast under trial are blessed. They will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love Him. Romans 8 assures us that we are more than conquerors through God, and nothing can separate us from His love. Therefore, we have no reason to fear anything.

However, it is natural to have fears. That's why we need God's Word to guide and rejuvenate our spirit. We must persevere like endurance runners, encountering fearful situations daily. The key to courage is to keep pushing forward, no matter what happens. If we stumble, we get back up. If we lose focus, we pause, regain our bearings, and continue moving forward. We don't get to rest until we reach the finish line. It may sound challenging, and it often is, but we can accomplish all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

Take a moment to reflect on areas of your life where you may have given up and neglected to address fear while progressing. Identify those areas and ask God to assist you in overcoming them today.

Act Like Men

In his letters, the apostle Paul consistently implores his readers to be strong and courageous, echoing the rallying call of Joshua. These exhortations transcend mere physical strength, revealing a profound connection between courage and faith.  Paul's words inspire us to embrace courage in our lives, driven by our unwavering commitment to love, faith, and conviction.

In I Corinthians 16:13-14, the New Living Translation urges us to stand firm in the faith, displaying unwavering courage as we navigate life's challenges. The Message Bible emphasizes the importance of holding tight to our convictions and giving our all with unwavering resolve, grounded in love. The ESV version takes it a step further, highlighting the call to "act like men," emphasizing the strength found in faith. These scriptures remind us that our courage is intrinsically tied to our faith in God.

Beyond Physical Battles, it is intriguing to note that Paul's call for courage does not relate to political fights, personal agendas, or physical conflicts. Instead, it is deeply rooted in our faith. While courage often requires a physical response, we recognize that it is fundamentally a spiritual attribute, necessitating a faith-filled response. Our faith enables us to draw strength from within and face life's trials with unwavering bravery.

Paul's message of courage resonated strongly with the disciples of the New Testament. Acts 15:30-33 tells of Judas and Silas, gifted orators who encouraged their fellow believers with words of courage and hope. Their example demonstrates that courage has the power to uplift and inspire others, nurturing a resilient community bound by faith.

It is vital to understand that displaying courage is not synonymous with machismo. Rather, Paul's exhortation to be courageous is underpinned by love. By revisiting the scripture, "let all that you do be done in love," we gain insight into the true motivation behind our courageous acts. Our love for family, community, and God compels us to rise with courage, standing firmly in faith, driven by unwavering convictions and strengthened by Christ.

Let us heed the timeless call for courage found within the letters of Paul. As Billy Graham once said, "Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, others are often inspired to do the same." Through unwavering faith, we can embrace courage as an essential attribute in our lives. As we lead by example, guided by love and conviction, our courageous acts will inspire others and strengthen our collective journey of faith.

Why Are Courageous Men Vital to the Great Commission?

Throughout history, men have been entrusted with significant tasks, and there is a purpose behind this. God has endowed men with certain attributes and uses their courage to accomplish daunting missions. Men often find themselves in situations of great danger, whether in accidents, war, or duty-related circumstances. They possess the capacity to take risks, conquer fears, and exhibit courage.

However, it is crucial to assess whether we are truly embracing this role. Are we allowing God to lead us to the edge of adversity to test our mettle? Have we ever fully committed ourselves to see what we are truly capable of? In the United States, we enjoy a great degree of security, and opportunities to demonstrate genuine courage are becoming increasingly rare.

Unfortunately, complacency and comfort have settled in. If we find ourselves questioning our courage or lack thereof today, it is because we are not actively seeking out situations that allow us to display it.

Let us reflect upon the story of Gideon from Judges 6-7. Initially afraid, Gideon sought numerous signs from God. Eventually, he mustered a fighting force and prepared to confront the Midians. On his way, God informed him that his troops were too numerous, as He wanted Israel to recognize that their deliverance came from Him, not from Gideon. Consequently, the risk level soared as Gideon's army was thinned out. Nevertheless, Gideon remained obedient and emerged victorious.

It is important to ask ourselves a fundamental question:

• Are we afraid to push the boundaries of our courage, and if so, why?

Let us entreat God to present us with situations that test our resolve, where we can discover our true potential. By embracing courage and stepping outside our comfort zones, we can play an indispensable role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

The Courageous Father
On the heels of Father's Day, the story of Abraham and Isaac stands out as a poignant example of Courageous Fatherhood. Their journey, as chronicled in Genesis 22, not only showcases Abraham's unwavering faith but also serves as a foreshadowing of God the Father's ultimate sacrifice through His Son, Jesus. We can see the profound parallels between these two father-son relationships and the significance they hold in our understanding of God's divine plan.
Understanding what led up to the story in Genesis 22 is critical to our faith. Abraham and his wife faced numerous trials, including their old age and inability to conceive a child. Despite the odds, their faith remained steadfast, as they believed in God's promise of a son. Isaac, known as the "son of promise," became a testament to their unwavering trust in God's word.
Now, as the story unfolds, God calls Abraham to sacrifice his only son—the very child through whom the promise was fulfilled. This momentous request tests the limits of Abraham's faith and reveals the depth of his devotion as a father. Abraham's willingness to offer up Isaac mirrors the future sacrifice God would make through His own Son, Jesus. Jesus, who could also be referred to as the "son of promise," would become the Lamb of God, offering salvation and serving as the ultimate solution for the sin of all humanity.
Through Abraham's courageous act and God the Father's ultimate sacrifice, we witness a parallel that tells of the redemptive plan that unfolded through Jesus. Today, as much as ever, we need courageous fathers to step up and follow the voice of God, demonstrating faithfulness to our heavenly father for future generations to follow. As we reflect on the bond between fathers and sons, let us draw inspiration from this story and honor the courageous fathers who embody selflessness, faith, and sacrificial love.
Questions:
How can you demonstrate courage to your sons today?
In what ways has your own father exemplified courage?
Why is courage critical to your faith?

The all-powerful God has chosen us and blessed us with everything we need for a fulfilling life and a righteous path. Through His triumph over the enemy and His conquest of death, hell, and sin, we have been embraced as His children and will inherit His kingdom. However, despite these incredible blessings, why is courage still necessary for us?

Many of us hold the misconception that courage is a fixed trait, something we possess once and for all. We may consider ourselves courageous individuals until we find ourselves in a situation where courage seems to elude us, and the resulting disappointment can be disheartening. In reality, courage is not an innate gift that we receive; rather, it is a choice we must make repeatedly in different situations, sometimes even multiple times a day.

It may be difficult to grasp, but on a daily basis, humans make around 35,000 decisions. Many of these decisions are made subconsciously, while others are intentional. If we were to analyze our daily decision-making process, we would likely discover that a few choices are influenced by fear. We can either succumb to that fear or rise above it by demonstrating courage.

Numerous heroes of faith in the Bible have exemplified this truth time and time again. David, the young boy who defeated a giant with a single stone, was also the same man who ordered the murder of one of his most loyal soldiers (2 Samuel 11:14-15). Moses, who directly communicated with the Almighty, doubted God multiple times during the Israelites' exodus (Numbers 11:14-15). The disciples, witnesses to incredible miracles performed by the Son of God, fled in fear when Jesus was arrested (Mark 14:50). Nevertheless, they fought the good fight and many of them became martyrs for their faith.

Courage is a conscious decision; it is not a constant companion. We must actively choose to exhibit courage in our decision-making process. 

• Am I unwittingly surrendering to fear, or can I recognize opportunities where I can demonstrate courage? 

These are questions we should ask ourselves, as we navigate the choices we face each day.

The Courage of Conviction

Courage is not always about engaging in physical battles. In fact, some of the most powerful examples of courage can be found in individuals who hear the voice of God and act upon what they believe. In this post, we will explore the concept of courage through the lens of conviction. What does it mean to have the courage of conviction, and how can it shape our lives and impact the world around us?

One of the greatest examples of a life driven by conviction is that of the apostle Paul. Initially, his conviction led him to persecute the church, but a transformative encounter with Christ changed his course. Paul's unwavering belief in Jesus and the power of His love fueled his passion and motivated him to live a life poured out for God and others. (Acts 26:9; II Cor.5:14-15)

In the account of Ezra, we find a powerful example of courage rooted in conviction. The Jews, entrusted with the task of rebuilding the temple, faced opposition and questioning. However, they boldly declared their identity as servants of the God of heaven and earth, standing firm in their conviction and carrying out the work decreed by the king. (Ezra 5&6)

The story of the three Hebrew men who refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's image is a testament to the courage of conviction. Despite the threat of being thrown into a blazing furnace, they unwaveringly proclaimed their trust in God. They made it clear that they would not compromise their faith, regardless of the consequences. (Daniel 3)

Following Jesus' death and ascension, His disciples exemplified the courage of conviction. Peter and John, when faced with opposition, boldly declared their allegiance to God over human authority. They fearlessly shared their firsthand experiences and refused to be silenced, emphasizing the importance of obeying God rather than man. (Acts 4-5)

As believers, we are called to live with the courage of conviction. We must stand firm in our beliefs, holding onto what we have seen and heard from God. Just as others throughout history have taken up causes greater than themselves, we too are challenged to identify the missions in our lives that need our attention and dedication. May we embrace the courage to stand for our convictions, making a lasting impact on the world around us.

• What missions have started in your life that you need to finish?

• What courage of conviction is stirring on the inside of you?

• Has God asked you to take up a cause bigger than yourself?

Sometimes, the courage exhibited by the heroes of faith in the Bible may have seemed foolish or antagonistic to others. Take, for example, Daniel, who openly defied the King's decree (Daniel 6), or Paul, who asserted his Roman citizenship to his captors when they were about to release him from prison (Acts 26). Even Jesus Himself, on multiple occasions, intentionally broke religious rules, such as the Sabbath, in order to expose the hypocrisy of the Pharisees (Mark 2:23-27).

Throughout history, God has often required His followers to go beyond societal norms and expectations. While courage is universally recognized and admired, whether it be demonstrated by firefighters rushing into burning buildings, police officers standing against criminals, or a mother battling cancer for the sake of her children, there are instances when God asks for even more. Can we display the kind of courage that Noah did, who built an ark far away from any water source? Are we willing to challenge our persecutors while in captivity to reach a wider audience with the message of the gospel? Will we break social and religious conventions to draw attention to the right path as ordained by our Creator?

True courage emerges when we comprehend God's calling on our lives and grasp the truth. To be courageous, we must confront the difficult question of what obedience truly demands. Do we possess enough faith in God to tread the arduous path, even when those closest to us question it?

We should ask ourselves:

• What is my willingness to take risks in obeying God's directives?

• Am I fearful of others' opinions, even those closest to me, regarding my words and actions?

• Am I avoiding God's specific calling on my life due to a lack of courage to step out in faith and obedience?

By reflecting on these questions, we can assess our risk tolerance and evaluate if we are allowing fear or the opinions of others to hinder us from embracing God's calling on our lives.

Finding Courage in God's Promises In times of difficulty and adversity, it can be challenging to stay courageous. However, the promises of God provide us with the strength and encouragement we need.Today, let's explore a few key scriptures that remind us of the unwavering courage we can find in His word. Philippians 4:13 (NLT) - Drawing Strength from Christ: This theme of scripture throughout my life, reassures us that “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength”. With this verse as our foundation, we can approach any challenge with unwavering courage, knowing that we have the power of Christ within us. 1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) - Vigilance in the Face of Adversity: Peter reminds us to be sober-minded and watchful because our adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Understanding the spiritual battle we face, we can find courage by remaining alert and steadfast in our faith. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV) - The True Nature of Our Struggle: We are reminded that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. This verse encourages us to recognize the real enemy behind our challenges, helping us find the courage to overcome by relying on God's strength. Romans 8:35, 37 (NLT) - Overwhelming Victory in Christ: Despite the troubles and hardships we may face, we can take heart and find courage in God's love.These scriptures assure us that nothing can separate us from Christ's love, and through Him, we have overwhelming victory. Proverbs 3:21-26 (MSG) - Clear Thinking and Common Sense: God's instruction here advises us to guard clear thinking and common sense with our lives. By staying focused on these principles, we can travel through life without fear, enjoying peace, safety, and restful sleep because, “God will be right there with you; he’ll keep you safe and sound.” Psalm 112:7 (ESV) - Firm Trust in the Lord: The one who takes courage according to God's word is not afraid of bad news; their heart remains firm, trusting in the Lord. This verse reminds us to place our trust in God, knowing that He will sustain us through any situation. Psalm 91:7, 14-16 (NLT) - God's Protection and Salvation: God promises to rescue and protect those who love and trust Him. Even in the face of danger and calamity, we can find courage, knowing that God is with us, answering our calls, and rewarding us with His salvation. When we find ourselves in need of courage, we can turn to God's promises. His word reassures us of His strength, protection, and unwavering love. By trusting in Him and keeping our hearts firm, we can face any challenge with courage, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. Questions: What is your favorite courage scripture? How can you encourage yourself in God using His word? What scripture do you need to memorize to take Courage for what you are facing today? Get devotionals straight to your inbox at https://www.ironedgeministries.com/

To understand courage from God's perspective, we need to look at Jesus. His life on Earth exemplifies the ultimate portrayal of courage, from His early years speaking in the synagogue to His sacrificial death on the cross.

To grasp the magnitude of His courage, we must imagine not only the physical pain but also the psychological horror of bearing the weight of all sin and being separated from His Father, despite having the power to stop it all at any moment.

When confronted in the garden, one of His disciples attempted to defend Him by attacking a guard (Matthew 26:51-53). However, Jesus urged him to put away his sword, explaining that those who resort to violence will perish by it. He revealed that He could easily summon twelve legions of angels from His Father for protection.

This level of courage surpasses our comprehension. It entails willingly sacrificing oneself despite having the power to avoid it. It involves allowing oneself to be victimized in order to fulfill a mission. That is the embodiment of true courage.

To discern moments that require courage or an elevated level of courage, consider these questions:

• Am I reacting to fear solely for self-preservation, or am I acting in alignment with my strategic purpose?
• Are my actions genuinely courageous, or am I merely responding to an attack on my ego?
• Do I possess a deep understanding of my calling in Christ, enabling me to discern when to turn the other cheek and when to take a more offensive stance?

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The story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho is a powerful encouragement for us today. It teaches us that courage is not solely about physical strength or a fearless demeanor, but about faith and obedience to God's voice. In the face of a daunting task, Joshua and the Israelites demonstrated their courage by following God's unconventional instructions.
Instead of engaging in an epic battle scene, God asked them to take a simple walk, blow horns, and shout. This might not have been what they expected, but their courage was shown in their unwavering faith to listen and obey God's voice. It reminds us that true courage comes from trusting God's guidance, even when it doesn't align with our own plans or expectations.
The story of Jericho's fall, as recorded in Joshua 6:20-21, highlights the result of their faith and obedience. As the people shouted and the horns sounded, the walls of Jericho collapsed, leading to their victory. It serves as a reminder that when we faithfully obey God's instructions, He brings about complete and promised victory in our lives.
In our own journey, God may ask us to do things that seem contrary to our expectations or plans. He may challenge us to step out of our comfort zones or take unconventional paths. However, we can find encouragement in knowing that God's ways are higher than ours, and He is always with us, strengthening and helping us along the way.
The result of our faith and obedience, our courage, is complete and promised victory!
By aligning our lives with God's will and embracing faith and obedience, we can experience the courage, strength, and victory that come from following His voice. Let us remember the words of Isaiah 41:10, "Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

• How does the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho encourage you today?

• What is God asking you to do, that isn't quite what you thought you would/should do?

• What steps of faith can you take towards obedience to his voice?

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As we take a look at what Courage is, we see a great example in the Bible through the story of Joshua. In Deut 1:37, God tells Moses to “build up” courage in Joshua because of his good report about the promised land when he spied out the land. And 2 chapters later God said, “Then command Joshua: Give him COURAGE. Give him strength. Single-handed he will lead this people across the river. Single-handed he’ll cause them to inherit the land at which you can only look.”(Deut. 3:28 NLT)
This comes as a result of Moses’ own disobedience. We could say that in a moment of anger, it was Moses’ lack of courage that caused him to do things his own way and not trust God’s way. But, that’s a whole other post. For the sake of brevity, just think about how Moses was charged to give Joshua courage and he did just that (Deut. 31:6-8 & 23).
The first thing that happens for Joshua as a leader is that he hears the same words God said to Moses. “In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you. Strength! COURAGE! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul” (Josh 1:1-9). This reminds me of a quote from Dan Rockwell in The Leadership Freak, “The courage of leadership is seldom seen and never understood by those who choose safety over adventure.”
We see that Joshua speaks courage into the people just like Moses spoke it into him (Josh1:1-9). What was their response? They answered Joshua with the rallying cry, “Strength! COURAGE!” (Josh. 1:18).
Take note that consistently, along with the command of courage, comes the word STRENGTH. We cannot be weak and have courage. “Be Strong and Courageous”! What happens when we are weak is what happened to Joashua’s enemies, “their hearts sank; the COURAGE drained out of them just thinking about the People of Israel” (Josh 5:1). When you are weak you are moved to cowardice and inaction before the battle has even begun!
Answer the call today, obey God’s voice and do what He has told you to do… be strong and courageous!

What stood out to you about courage in the story of Joshua?

What things are you weak in that need to be strengthened?

How has God asked you to be courageous lately?

Throughout the word there are numerous scriptures regarding courage. God is constantly telling us to TAKE courage, or fear not. But how do we do that? When we are inundated with crises all around, and our families are being targeted, it's hard not to feel worried or afraid. 

The world's definition of courage is “ to overcome fear”. It's not being fearless, because there is no such thing. Fear is an emotion God gave us, and as men, it often keeps us from walking straight into danger. We acknowledge the fear, mitigate it, and move forward. 

But what is courage through God's eyes? The common theme throughout the Bible when it comes to courage is that it is not something we can obtain on our own. 

Psalms 27:1-3

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid?

The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,so why should I tremble?

2 When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall.

3 Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.

David was a great warrior, but his courage came from trusting in God. If we do not have faith first, we cannot find our courage. Because our courage comes from trusting in the almighty. There are times when David says that God is his fortress, or hiding place. Hiding does not sound very courageous to me, especially for a warrior like David. He is not saying that he is hiding from the attack, but that the only way he can fight sometimes is to let God take over completely. He trusts that Gods will is perfect, and therefore hands over all control to God. That is real courage. 

So pray that God increases your faith. The more you trust and obey, the greater your courage will be. 

Questions:

How does the world define courage?

Does the world's definition of courage align with Gods? 

How can I increase my courage?

Join Pete and Shad as they move where the spirit leads and discuss what it takes to step onto the battle field as a man of God in our current time.

Become part of the movement at ironedgeministries.com.

Join Pete and Shad as they move where the spirit leads and discuss what it takes to step onto the battle field as a man of God in our current time.

Answer the call at - https://www.ironedgeministries.com/

Back by popular demand … Sparring Sessions. Join Pete and Shad as they move where the spirit leads and discuss what it takes to step onto the battle field as a man of God in our current time.

Back by popular demand … Sparring Sessions. Join Pete and Shad as they move where the spirit leads and discuss what it takes to step onto the battle field as a man of God in our current time.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

We are so grateful to you for your support in 2022. Without you we would not exist and the testimonies of these modern day heroes of faith would go untold.

This year your support not only launched Iron Edge Ministries, but save thousands of lives during our mission in Ukraine. You did that!

As we move forward into 2023, our goal is to reach more and more people with our vision of inspiring heroes of faith. We need you to share the testimonies of the heroes we highlight throughout the year. The more people we reach, the more will be inspired to carry out their own specific calling in Christ.

God bless you all in 2023 Iron Edge Warriors.

Pete and Shad

Join Pete and Shad as we chat with Joe Markiewicz and discuss his journey through life. Joe is a very successful businessman and Owner/President at Markiewicz International Inc., but more than that, he is a follower of Christ who uses his business platforms to show Gods love to others. Joe is also a patriot and uses one of his platforms, Defender Gear and Liberty Dispatches to promote the American dream and the Biblical foundation on which this country was built.  

Tune in to this authentic discussion with a Man of God and hero of faith in the marketplace.   

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We are moving forward with a clear vision of the calling God has for the Iron Edge community. After a few months of intensive prayer, vision casting, and counsel, our resolve to inspire men to serve is stronger than ever. Join Pete and Shad as they discuss the mission of Iron Edge.   

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John Finch is an author and filmmaker who sole focus is on healing wounds specifically inflicted by fathers. Most people have what is called a father wound that needs healing through forgiveness, prayer, and wise council.   

Join Pete and Shad as they discuss with John Finch the long lasting effects of anger and bitterness caused by the father wounds many of us receive in our lifetime, and the freedom that can be found in forgiveness.   

► Subscribe to The Father Effect with John Finch! http://ow.ly/1Pk330r68pY 

► John shares the key to finding forgiveness for his father https://youtu.be/u6V33REaldg    

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Tim Morton is a successful local businessman, minister, and father in California who saw an opportunity to serve and ran for office as a school board member in his hometown.

Being a cancer survivor and no stranger to conflict, Tim talks about the challenges he has faced as a public servant and Christian man, especially during this time of crisis.

Get ready for a no boundaries discussion that we hope encourages others to serve where they are and listen to Gods call. You are needed.

Become an iron edge warrior at ironedgesharp.com

Jason Conner currently serves alongside his wife Amanda as senior pastors of Mosaic Church in Coventry, England. Jason as both a family man and spiritual leader has been affectionately described as a calm giant. A kind hearted pastor that others can glean from and depend on. 

Even his golf game, which is above average, exudes this calm presence. He’s a country boy at heart who grew up in the Everglades of South Florida.  In his spare time when he’s not on the course smashing the long drive, Jason enjoys hunting, fishing, and generally just being outside.

Jason and Amanda have been married for 21 years and have three beautiful children Brookelyn 20, Caden 17, and Talia 12 which they love being adventurous with.

Jason believes that his greatest contribution to the world is his willingness to share his journey of faith with others and help them uncover the firm foundation of their true identity in Christ. 

He’s madly in love with Jesus, His Church, and His people.

mosaicchurch.co.uk

Join Pete and Shad as we discuss our role as men in our communities and local churches. 

Chris Russo has been on staff at Seacoast for over 14 years. His greatest passion is motivating and encouraging people in their relationship with Christ. In his time at Seacoast he has served in college, young professional and marriage ministries. Chris also led Seacoast’s Columbia campus for four years and has been the West Ashley campus Pastor since July, 2017.  

Chris has been married to his wife, Abbi for over 11 years and they have amazing sons named Isaac, Jonathan and Samuel. Chris also serves as an adjunct instructor for Southern Wesleyan University and South Eastern University. He loves coffee, Chick-Fil-A, playing golf and traveling as much as he can.

Join us on the Iron Edge Podcast for a great discussion with LTC Judd Douglas of the US Army. We break down some of the issues men face regarding leadership and service in the church as well as at home and in business.

LTC Douglas enlisted in the U.S. Navy in July of 1996 as an Electronic Warfare Technician, later to become a U.S. Navy Diver with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Three out of Coronado California. His specific duties encompassed the Diving Supervisor and the primary Mammal Handler for “Ten”, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin trained to locate underwater explosives. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, LTC Douglas pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from American Military University. In 2003 he attended Officer Candidate School where he was commissioned into the Arizona Army National Guard. In January of 2005 he became a distinguished honor graduate in his flight class and a rated Army Aviator; qualified in the AH-64D “Apache Longbow” and OH-58 A/C. Shortly thereafter he deployed as an Apache Pilot and Platoon Leader for D Company, 1-285th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. LTC Douglas transitioned to the UH-60 Blackhawk Maintenance Facility in 2009 where he became a Maintenance Test Pilot, an Instructor Pilot, and the Commander of Det 1, C Co., 5-159th Medical Evacuation Unit; eventually commanding the MEDEVAC on a combat deployment in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. LTC Douglas is qualified in the AH-64D Apache, LUH-72A Lakota, OH-58A/C, and UH-60A/L Blackhawk; to include Maintenance Test Pilot and Instructor Pilot.

Over the past 8 years LTC Douglas’ assignments have consisted of Brigade Operations Officer, Supervisor of Instructor Pilots, Army Aviation Support Facility Commander, Aide-de-Camp to the Deputy Commander of NORTHCOM, and Battalion Commander. During this time he completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Grand Canyon University, attended the Defense Support to Civil Authorities course at NORTHCOM/NORAD, finished his professional development studies at the Command and General Staff College, and is currently attending the Joint Combined Warfare School. LTC Douglas has lead at all levels from Platoon to Battalion; including multiple Company and Battalion Commands. His awards and badges include a Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Meritorious Service medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Army Aviation Wings, and a U.S.Navy Second Class Dive Badge.

LTC Douglas has been married to Tammie Douglas, his high-school sweetheart, for 22 years and has three children; Kaden (21), Payton (18) and Kole (14). Kaden Douglas is serving alongside his dad a Blackhawk Mechanic (15T) in the Arizona Army National Guard at the Western ARNG Aviation Training Site.