Gospel Spice | Awaken Delight in God through faith in Jesus Christ

Hope and Healing After Human Trafficking: Real Stories, Real Freedom | with Kathrine Lee

Stéphanie welcomes Kathrine Lee to discuss, through the film "Still Hope," the harsh realities of human trafficking, the hope that is possible beyond it, and the life-changing freedom that comes from knowing Christ. Hope, identity, and healing are possible, no matter the darkness. Forgiveness is a courageous, ongoing act that transforms not only survivors of trafficking but anyone struggling with pain. By embracing story, community, and action, each of us can help bring healing and God’s light into the darkest places—starting with ourselves. Our brains remember narratives far more vividly than mere facts. The movie “Still Hope” stands apart from other films on human trafficking by showcasing not only the darkness but also the healing journey that survivors undertake. The film’s narrative is survivor-informed—real experiences, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope are at its core. This careful storytelling invites viewers not just to witness, but to empathize and reflect on their own lives. A central theme in both the movie and Kathrine Lee’s work is the biblical truth that one’s true identity cannot be stolen—even by the evil of trafficking. The movie’s protagonist, Hope, has her name changed by her trafficker. Yet, she emerges, still Hope. Kathrine Lee shares a moving insight from a survivor: “They can take so much from me, but they cannot take my name.” This empowers survivors to remember who they are as beloved children of God, with purpose and the possibility of transformation. Healing from trauma, especially such profound exploitation, is a long-term process. Pure Hope Foundation practices a trauma-informed approach, honoring each survivor’s choices and pace. Some survivors advised on the film, lending authenticity to its scenes, while others prefer not to revisit those memories at all—a choice fully respected by Kathrine Lee and her team. Forgiveness is the critical theme. The journey is neither easy nor immediate. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, nor does it diminish the need for justice. Instead, it’s about releasing the hold of pain and reclaiming freedom and light. As Kathrine Lee teaches, "Forgiveness equals freedom,” and is a process of aligning our lived reality with the truth of who God says we are. Trafficking injures people through an evil community, and it is in healthy, supportive community that true healing takes place. Pure Hope Foundation offers a space where survivors develop life skills, work experience, and a sense of belonging. The film also shows how healing encompasses the families of survivors, teaching everyone about boundaries, safe relationships, and grace. Awareness is not enough. Action is required—whether through supporting films like "Still Hope," volunteering, donating, or simply living out love and advocacy in everyday life. Worship and prayer also play an essential role, as these spiritual disciplines open our hearts to both healing and purpose. Let’s take our place and bring hope to a hurting world. Three Important Questions to ponder after this conversation: ·         How did the narrative form of "Still Hope" shift your understanding of human trafficking? ·         In what ways do you resonate with the theme of identity that cannot be taken from you? ·         Where in your life might forgiveness—of yourself or others—bring greater freedom? MORE ABOUT THE MOVIE “STILL HOPE” Hope, a teenager from a tight-knit community, finds herself in danger when the person she believes to be a new friend proves unsafe. Taken from all she knows, Hope is forced into sex trafficking and stripped of her identity. After finding freedom from her captors, Hope discovers that survival is only the first step. Inspired by true stories, Hope’s journey is a powerful illustration of the courage it takes to walk the complex path of recovery. “Unlike other films, this story isn’t just about the rescue piece but also about redemption, resilience and walking alongside survivors on their journey to healing,” said Kathrine Lee, co-founder and CEO of Pure Hope Foundation. Pure Hope is a nonprofit organization mobilizing action against the sex trafficking industry and played a pivotal role in the real-life stories behind the film. “It highlights the bravery of women and men who have endured sex trafficking and the courageous work of recovery. That’s why this film is so important.” Showcasing the aid of individuals and organizations who stand shoulder to shoulder with these warriors, viewers of Still Hope will be encouraged to join arms with advocates in the fight against trafficking. “Your voice and your support matters,” said Natalie Grant, cofounder of Hope for Justice, nine-time GRAMMY® nominee and supporter of Still Hope. “I want to encourage viewers to join this important and courageous work of healing—not just for each individual impacted by sex trafficking but for the dedicated advocates guiding those who are ready to receive support.” More at https://stillhopemovie.com/ [https://stillhopemovie.com/]  MORE ABOUT PURE HOPE FOUNDATION WITH KATHRINE LEE Kathrine Lee is the co-founder of Pure Hope Foundation, a second-stage program that restores survivors and aids in ending the demand for sex trafficking. They offer stabilized survivors continued healing, personal development, extended educational support and vocational skills to help them acquire skills that will allow for healthy, independent lives. The activities in Hope Home include trauma-informed restoration programming. Examples of programming include multidisciplinary therapies, nutritional education, GED pursuit, College Prep, educational assistance, financial literacy/education, Bible study and application, etc. More at https://purehopefoundation.com/ [https://purehopefoundation.com/]  Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Inviting Jesus to fulfill our deepest longings (5th lesson from Luke)

This episode offers Part 2 of our exploration of the gospel of Luke through the lens of the question that John the Baptist asked Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?” (Make sure to have listened to Episode 427 before tuning in to this one). Today, we’re asking this question of ourselves, our own lives, and our own hearts: Is Jesus truly the One our hearts desire? This begs a second question: if, as Christians, we’ve answered yes, then does our life reflect our stated priority? So, we examine the evidence of Jesus’ identity through: ·         Scripture: A thorough study of Luke’s firsthand accounts and prophecies. ·         Lives of Others: Observing faith’s impact in people around us. ·         Personal Reflection: Identifying if we’re filling the “God-shaped hole” with substitutes. ·         Asking God Directly: Inviting honest, personal encounter. Luke’s narrative highlights three responses to Jesus, which inform our own possible response: ·         Unbelief (Nazareth): Viewing Jesus as a lunatic. ·         Rejection (Pharisees): Accusing Jesus of deception—a liar. ·         Faith (The woman who anoints Jesus): Trusting Jesus as Lord. So, which will it be for you and me? The choice is ours – for salvation, but also throughout our lives. We get to choose to follow Jesus every single day. Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly. The journey is ongoing—keep pursuing deeper relationship, letting Him fill what only He can. Reflection: Who is Jesus to you? Lunatic, liar, or Lord? The answer shapes your identity, faith, and future. The invitation is to make Him your One—day after day, every day. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/] Malachi: Messenger to Messiah https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/] Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/] Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/] Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Jesus, are You the One? (4th lesson from Luke)

This episode dives deep into the Gospel of Luke, specifically chapters 4 and 5, focusing on one essential life question: Is Jesus the One? A.W. Tozer said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” With this anchor, let’s focus on John the Baptist’s question to Jesus in Luke 7:19: “Are you the one, or should we look for someone else?” Stéphanie walks through key passages in the gospel of Luke. Luke paints a vivid portrait of Jesus through six defining attributes: 1.      Human: Jesus was fully human, experiencing temptation, rejection, and emotions. His empathy is real and relatable, especially in moments of loneliness and rejection, as seen in Nazareth. 2.      God: Jesus claims to be God Himself, most notably when forgiving sins and performing miracles that only God could do. 3.      Lord (Master): Peter’s humble obedience to Jesus’ authority—even against his own experience as a fisherman—role-models for us what it means to submit to Christ as Master. 4.      Messiah (Anointed One): Jesus fulfills Messianic prophecy, notably reading Isaiah 61 in Nazareth, and performing miracles reserved for the Messiah such as healing lepers. 5.      Healer: Luke, the physician, documents numerous healings, illustrating that Jesus brings hope, restoration, and wholeness in physical and spiritual ways. 6.      Groom: Through parables and encounters, Jesus positions himself as the bridegroom, inviting us into intimate, joyful relationship—the ultimate spiritual union. Through Luke, we are issued a challenge: Seek Jesus, not just as a distant historical figure, but as the One who knows us fully and loves us perfectly. ----------- DID YOU KNOW? The Gospel Spice Podcast is part of a larger range of tools brought to you by Gospel Spice Ministries.  Would you consider supporting this show today? It comes to you completely free, but is labor-intensive to produce. For the price of a cup of coffee or two, your monthly support of $5 or $10 would make a huge difference! Contact us to donate by Credit Card [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL], or donate via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL]. The Gospel Spice Ministries exist to inspire Christ-followers in our generation to delight in the glory of God by knowing and experiencing Jesus more intimately. We provide resources to empower Christian leaders across generational, social, ethnic and geographical boundaries towards more intimacy with Jesus Christ and discipleship effectiveness through a Biblical Christocentric foundation. The Gospel-Spice Ministries provide a safe environment for spiritual and community growth empowering people to know Christ more intimately, serve one another more powerfully, and reach the world for Jesus. Gospel Spice Ministries is a non-profit organization registered under the tax-exempt 501c3 status. Your donations are tax-deductible under IRS Section 170. We want to be the best possible stewards of your financial support. Contact us to donate by Credit Card [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL], or donate via PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL]. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/] Malachi: Messenger to Messiah https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/] Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/] Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/] Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.   Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways: 1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too! 2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app; and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

Awaken delight: Satisfy your soul’s longing for God | A very, very special invitation for you!

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4 Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Stephanie announces the upcoming release of her new book, AWAKEN DELIGHT: Satisfying Your Soul’s Longing for God, releasing on July 28, 2026 with IVP. The book isn’t just a project—it’s an invitation for YOU to join a new adventure of discovering and sustaining authentic delight in God. This book has been taking shape for years in Stephanie’s heart, and now everyone connected to Gospel Spice is invited to take part. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight] to preorder, and more! You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God. Delight in God is neither a robotic or purely intellectual act, nor just a fleeting emotion. Instead, it arises from the intentional merging of knowledge and experience—head and heart, theology and personal encounter. Delighting in God is a conscious choice, something that not always comes naturally, but must be nurtured. While God could have programmed us to delight in Him, He instead gives us the freedom—and the gracious invitation—to respond and pursue that joy ourselves. The deepest delight in God grows when theology and experience meet. As Stephanie illustrates using chocolate—the joy isn’t just in knowing about it, but in tasting it. Similarly, knowing God is delightful and tasting that delight through living relationship leads to sustained spiritual joy. By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you. Delight in God slays hopelessness and anchors us in His reality. YOU are invited to engage in the adventure in two distinct, complementary ways: ·         Pre-order the book [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight]: You will receive many worthwhile bonuses, including access to the Gospel Spice “French Faith” course, the Awaken Delight online book club, gorgeous giveaways, and other gifts. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight] now! ·         Become part of the launch team: [https://www.gospelspice.com/booklaunchteam]This “next level” involvement is for those among you who really want to be part of the insiders’ team. It's a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in God's Kingdom work, and to share God's love with your family and friends! It includes pre-ordering, sharing the book with others, writing reviews, and enjoying exclusive perks such as a one-on-one personal coaching session with Stephanie. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/booklaunchteam [https://www.gospelspice.com/booklaunchteam] for more information and to signup! Awakening delight in God isn’t about ignoring hardship; it’s responding to God’s invitation, rooting hope in His unchanging promises, and walking with intentionality and community. As Gospel Spice embarks on this journey, YOU are welcomed to join, grow, and awaken true delight together. SAVE THE DATE! We will host a wonderful book launch party on Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Also, we will soon offer more details about the excluside Awaken Deligth Weekend Retreat on September 19+20 in the same location. Stay tuned for more! MORE ABOUT “AWAKEN DELIGHT” You can preorder on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584/]here: https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584/ [https://www.amazon.com/Awaken-Delight-Satisfying-Souls-Longing/dp/1514013584/]  Or go to https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight [https://www.gospelspice.com/awakendelight] for the details. Once you’ve preordered, make sure to fill out the form on this page so you can receive your gifts AND enter our giveaway for a chance to win a stunning prize! "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."―Psalm 37:4 What if you've lost your delight in God? Or you've never really experienced it in the first place? What if a season of suffering has snuffed out your joy, leaving you spiritually discouraged and emotionally numb? Delighting in God changes everything: how you experience your faith, relationships, and circumstances―and even how you see yourself. You can experience Psalm 37:4 as your daily reality. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle connects scriptural and theological truth to your everyday life so you can experience what delighting in God really means. It's not about checking boxes on a spiritual to-do list or mustering a constant state of positive feelings. Rather, delight is about satisfying your soul's deepest longing through a vibrant relationship with the living God. In Awaken Delight, Stephanie Rousselle - shows how delighting in God is crucial for spiritual growth, - provides spiritual habits that help you live in delight, and - includes discussion questions and Bible engagement great for book clubs or small groups. By looking to Christ as your model of divine delight, you can discover that no matter what you're experiencing―whether weariness, sorrow, hope, or happiness―you truly can "taste and see that the Lord is good." If you are longing for a revived faith filled with hope, delight, worth, and grace, Awaken Delight invites you to cultivate a worshipful, life-giving delight in God that's rooted in God's delight in you. You can preorder on Amazon [https://a.co/d/eQx9DYT]here: https://a.co/d/eQx9DYT [https://a.co/d/eQx9DYT]   Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!

How God uses disrupted lives for His glory (3rd lesson from Luke)

Shattered lives and costly obedience grow our ultimate hope in the power of grace. That’s the key lesson from the pages of the gospel of Luke this week. As we continue unpacking the Gospel of Luke, let’s now turn our attention and focus on Jesus, as herald and incarnation of Heavenly Sacrifice and Compassion. Jesus’ story begins with unimaginable humility: leaving heavenly glory for earthly struggle. More than anyone, He embodies sacrifice, compassion, and perseverance—not born merely to live, but to die for others’ benefit. Luke’s narrative is not just history—it’s an invitation. We, too, are “on stage,” living between difficult circumstances and challenging relationships. Stephanie reminds us that faith means pressing on, pressing in to Christ, and pressing up — seeking God’s will, letting go of self-sufficiency, and finding our identity as beloved, grace-soaked children. The ultimate lesson is that our brokenness and struggles, when surrendered to Christ, become pathways for God’s love and glory. Don't forget to check out the accompanying workbook to enhance your experience of the Gospel of Luke! Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/luke [https://www.gospelspice.com/luke]  Key Takeaways: * Patience and obedience often coexist with disappointment and struggle. * Faith isn’t about having it all together, but about surrender and trust when life shatters our expectations. * God uses ordinary, broken people to fulfill extraordinary purposes. * Our deepest security is in relationship with God, not circumstances. * Success means being in God’s will—today. We invite you to check out the first episode of each of our series, and decide which one you will want to start with. Go to gospelspice.com [http://%20gospelspice.com%20]for more, and go especially to gospelspice.com/podcast [http://gospelspice.com/podcast] to enjoy our guests! Interested in our blog? Click here: gospelspice.com/blog [http://gospelspice.com/blog] Identity in the battle | Ephesians https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/372022/link/] Malachi: Messenger to Messiah https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/356130/link/] Wisdom from the Book of Proverbs https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/324347/link/] Come to the Table | The Feasts Jesus celebrated https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/ [https://www.podcastics.com/episode/309956/link/] Bonjour! Gospel Spice exists to inspire our generation to delight in God. We do this through the podcast, online Bible studies, leadership trainings, and more. We want to serve Christ-followers who seek to live a life spiced with the gospel. We want to love God, because He first loved us. We want to experience the fullness of life with Him—and not be content with stale, boring, leftover faith. Jesus tells us that the most important thing is to love the Lord our God, so we take Him seriously. He adds that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Now, there are many ways to do that, but I have always personally felt deep compassion for victims of human trafficking – it is modern day slavery, and it revolts the heart of God. And so, they are our particular neighbors here at Gospel Spice. We want to play our part in raising awareness and then financially supporting those who fight this great evil.   Now we would love to invite you to join the team in one of three ways: 1, pray Gospel Spice forward – pray for our guests, our listeners and participants, and for us too! 2, play Gospel Spice forward by telling your friends about us, and by please leaving positive reviews and comments on your podcast listening app; and 3rd, PAY GospelSpice forward. Less than 1% of our listeners are supporting us financially. We need your help! Please pay Gospel Spice forward today. It can be a one-time donation, or a monthly one, for the amount of your choice. Your donation is fully tax-deductible in the US. Plus, once we cover our costs, a significant portion of your donation will be given back to Christian organizations that fight human trafficking, and that we vet thoroughly. So, you can know that every dime you give is used for the Kingdom of God. Every little bit helps. So, be part of the spice of the gospel by becoming a financial partner today! Support us on Gospel Spice [https://www.gospelspice.com/donate], PayPal [https://www.paypal.com/biz/fund?id=U9CFSXW2XCWCL] and Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/gospelspice]!