Meeting Jesus in the Wilderness: Claire Thornton's Story of Addiction, Surrender and Redemption

Meeting Jesus in the Wilderness: Claire Thornton's Story of Addiction, Surrender and Redemption

Can God redeem even our darkest seasons? In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Claire Thornton shares her powerful testimony of addiction, recovery, and discovering the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. From growing up in a Christian home to battling substance abuse, Claire opens up about how God met her in her brokenness and transformed her life through surrender. Whether you're struggling with addiction, walking alongside someone who is, or wondering if healing is possible, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that no one is beyond God's redemption. In this episode, we discuss: * Claire's journey into addiction and recovery * Meeting Jesus in the midst of brokenness * The power of surrender and God's grace * Finding hope through grief and loss * How to support a loved one battling addiction * Why no one is beyond the reach of God's love If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to Rekindled Faith, like this video, and share it with someone who needs hope today.   Connect with Rekindled Faith: YouTube: @RekindledFaith [https://youtube.com/@rekindledfaith?si=pc6BYtTCaGljVifM] Instagram: @RekindledFaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith]  Connect with Melanie: Website: www.melaniebeerda.ca [http://www.melaniebeerda.ca] Instagram: @Melanie.Beerda [?utm_source=qr] Facebook: @Melanie.Beerda  [https://www.facebook.com/melanie.beerda]

Searching for Truth: Wes Huff on the History and Authenticity of the Bible

The Bible: History & Authenticity In this episode, Melanie welcomes Wes Huff, the Vice President of Apologetics Canada who shares his journey of faith, studies, and apologetics. Wes provides insightful answers to common questions about the reliability of the Bible and how Christians can navigate a skeptical world with love and truth. Whether you’re doubting, curious, or wanting to deepen your understanding of scripture, this conversation offers encouragement and practical guidance rooted in biblical conviction. *This interview is from 2024 on Rekindled Faith -- previously only available in audio but it is now with video on YouTube!! [https://youtu.be/i3TLf7s2lIY] Main Topics: - Wes’s personal journey from sociology and detective aspirations to biblical apologetics - The historical reliability of the Bible and translation accuracy - Handling objections around the morality of Old Testament events - The importance of biblical translations and how verses were added historically - Navigating hostility and persecution with humility and love - How faith, even in imperfect humans, reflects Christ’s example of servant leadership   Connect with Apologetics Canada Apologetics Canada Website [https://apologeticscanada.com/] Instagram: @ApologeticsCanada [https://www.instagram.com/apologeticscanada/] YouTube: @ApologeticsCanada [https://www.youtube.com/@ApologeticsCanada]   Connect with Wesley Huff Website: wesleyhuff.com [https://www.wesleyhuff.com/] Instagram: @Wesley_Huff [https://www.instagram.com/wesley_huff/] Youtube: Wes Huff [https://www.youtube.com/@WesHuff] Can I trust the Bible Series  [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhVPBNBAGY0&list=PLi3Emd5KCgRzOMl1djC_5YpYheog_I9OA]   Connect with Rekindled Faith Instagram: @RekindledFaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith%20] YouTube: @RekindledFaith [https://www.youtube.com/@RekindledFaith]   Connect with Melanie Website melaniebeerda.ca [https://www.melaniebeerda.ca/]   Instagram: @MelanieBeerda [https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr]

Embracing Disability in the Church with Greg Harris

Embracing Disability in the Church | Presuming Competence, Belonging & the Body of Christ with Pastor Greg Harris    How can the Church become a place where people with disabilities are not just welcomed, but fully included, valued, and equipped to participate in the life of the body of Christ?    In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie Beerda sits down with Pastor Greg Harris to discuss disability, discipleship, and what biblical inclusion looks like in the local church. Drawing from his experience as a father, pastor, and doctoral researcher, Greg shares how his understanding of disability has been shaped through raising a son with disabilities and studying the intersection of disability and discipleship.    Together, they explore the assumptions many of us make about cognitive ability, why we should presume competence when interacting with people with disabilities, and how churches can create spaces where every person is treated with dignity as an image-bearer of God. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be the body of Christ and offers practical encouragement for building communities that reflect the heart of Jesus.    In This Episode: * Greg's journey as a father of a child with disabilities  * Presuming competence and respecting a person's internal life  * How to engage meaningfully with people with disabilities  * Why age-appropriate communication matters  * Common misconceptions surrounding disability  * What Scripture teaches about serving vulnerable people  * The significance of 1 Corinthians 12 and the body of Christ  * Creating churches where everyone can participate and belong  * Embracing interruptions and diversity within worship gatherings  * The work of the Lazarus Center and disability theology in Canada    About Greg Harris:  Greg joined the team at SouthRidge Fellowship Baptist Church in 2022 and became Lead Pastor in 2025. He has been married to Sarah since 2011, and together they have three children: Benjamin, Emily, and Oliver. Greg holds a Diploma in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts from Columbia Bible College, a Master of Divinity from Northwest Baptist College and Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. His research focuses on the intersection of disability and discipleship in the local church.    Resource mentioned: The Lazarus Centre  Website: https://www.thelazaruscentre.org [https://www.thelazaruscentre.org] Instagram: @thelazaruscentre  [https://www.instagram.com/thelazaruscentre]   Connect with Greg:  Instagram @gregharris7  [https://www.instagram.com/gregharris7]   Connect with Rekindled Faith:  Instagram: @rekindledfaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith]    Connect with Melanie:  Website: melaniebeerda.ca [https://www.melaniebeerda.ca/] Instagram @melanie.beerda  [https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr]

Welcome to the Rekindled Faith Podcast

Welcome to Season 5 of Rekindled Faith: The Wilderness. Have you ever felt distant from God, stuck in a season of waiting, or unsure of where He is leading you? Throughout Scripture, the wilderness is not a place of abandonment—it is a place of preparation, dependence, and transformation. This season, we'll explore how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty, isolation, and spiritual dryness, teaching us to trust Him more deeply and become firmly rooted in His Word. Through biblical teaching, honest conversations, and practical encouragement, you'll discover how the wilderness can become the very place where your faith grows strongest. Join us as we learn what it means to follow Christ faithfully and emerge from the wilderness with deeper roots, renewed hope, and a stronger foundation in Him.

Season 4 Finale: Looking Back, Looking Forward

Join Melanie and Andi for the Season 4 finale of Rekindled Faith as they reflect on the conversations, lessons, and guests that shaped this season. From spiritual growth and prayer to evangelism, community, and trusting God through uncertainty, they share how these discussions impacted their own faith and the lives of listeners. In this special episode, Andi shares an exciting personal announcement, and together they celebrate God's faithfulness throughout their time hosting the podcast. Melanie also offers a preview of Season 5: The Wilderness—a season focused on finding God's presence and purpose in seasons of waiting, isolation, and uncertainty. In This Episode: • Highlights and lessons from Season 4 • How the podcast has impacted Melanie and Andi's faith • Encouraging listener stories and feedback • Andi's exciting life update • A look ahead to Season 5: The Wilderness Thank you for joining us this season. We pray these conversations have encouraged you to follow Christ more deeply and remain faithful in every season. Resources:  Book Melanie mentioned: "Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters" by Carmen Imes Connect with Rekindled Faith: Instagram: @RekindledFaith [https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith] Connect with Andi: Instagram: @AndreaWallins [https://www.instagram.com/andreawallins] Substack: @SacredlySourced [https://substack.com/@sacredlysourced] Connect with Melanie: Instagram: @MelanieBeerda [https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr] Facebook: @MelanieBeerda [https://www.facebook.com/melanie.beerda/] Website: MelanieBeerda.ca [http://melaniebeerda.ca] Substack: @MelanieBeerda [https://substack.com/@melaniebeerda]