MCL's Christian Leaders of the Year: Their mentors, their callings, and how they fulfill them

5 Mississippi artists on faith and creativity

MCL Editor Katie Ginn recently interviewed five Mississippi artists whose walk with Christ informs their work onstage and in the studio. They shared about their early (and current) inspirations, how their art impacts their faith, and how anybody can – and should – engage with the arts for God’s glory. Meet the artists:  Kathy Thibodeaux Founder and Artistic Director, Ballet Magnificat! Katelyn Harbaugh Painter, oil and watercolor John Maxwell Playwright and actor Mandy Ellard Painter, pastel and oil Antonio Mack Christian hip-hop artist (stage name Martyrs Tone)

On Mission, From Mississippi to Botswana and Back: The Fortenberrys' Story

Margaret Fortenberry grew up on the mission field in Zimbabwe. In an American seminary, she met Robert - and before too long, they were married and committed to long-term, foreign missions. But their story took many twists and turns along the way.  MCL Editor Katie Ginn sits down with the Fortenberrys to discuss why it took a decade-plus for them to get overseas, why they didn't go to the first country they chose ... and why coming home to Mississippi was harder than leaving.  If you've ever thought about serving in missions or even just going on a short-term mission trip, this episode is for you.

From infidelity to forgiveness: Rusty and Heather Bryant

What happens when a “perfect” marriage suddenly isn’t? In this vulnerable, hope-filled conversation, Rusty and Heather Bryant share the story of how their 15-year marriage was shattered by infidelity — and how God rebuilt it stronger than before. From small-town beginnings and a seemingly solid relationship to the devastating moment of confession, this episode walks through the pain, the repentance, and the long road to healing. Ultimately, it’s a story about the gospel in action. Today the Bryants use what they’ve walked through to help other couples find healing - through coaching, mentoring, retreats, and intensives. In this episode, we discuss: *  What was really going on beneath the surface of a “great” marriage  *  The moment everything came to light — and the immediate aftermath *  The difference between being sorry you were caught vs. true repentance  *  How forgiveness starts (even when you don’t fully understand it yet)  *  The role of Christian community in real healing  *  What helps rebuild trust  *  Why trying to “move on” without dealing with pain doesn’t work  *  How the Bryants' story became a ministry helping hundreds of couples  This will stay with you: Heather describes the moment she fully confronted her sin — and encountered the love of Christ: “I couldn’t lift my head… And then I felt the Lord say so sweetly to me that He loved me no matter what… That’s the moment my life changed forever.”  Why this conversation matters If you’re married, have been hurt, or simply want a clearer picture of what redemption looks like, this episode is a powerful reminder: *  No one else can “complete” you — only Christ can  *  Sin doesn't have to be the end of the story  *  Healing requires honesty, community, and time  *  God can restore what's broken  Connect with Rusty & Heather Bryant The Redeemed Marriage (coaching, mentoring, and podcast): https://www.theredeemedmarriage.com/ [https://www.theredeemedmarriage.com/]  Listener takeaway Don’t try to walk through hard things alone. As Rusty says, couples who isolate don’t truly heal — they just try to move on. Real restoration happens in the light, in community, and anchored in truth.

4 financial pros talk money, stewardship, and family as colleagues

None of these professionals started their careers in finance. They also didn't start off working with close family! Marray and TK Harris are a husband-wife team, and Jeff Miley and Kayla Soukup are stepdad / stepdaughter, all working to serve clients in the area of money. Listen in for some great financial and spiritual wisdom - some of it learned the hard way.

Rebecca & Dalco Turner: Faith, family, line dancing, and more

Rebecca and Dalco met line dancing as young people in Hattiesburg. It was "fun at first sight." But through a 2-year engagement, key relationships, and some fun physical challenges, their relationship has grown into one of spiritual maturity and mutual love and respect. Listen as they share their calling and their advice for their younger selves.