Surrendering the Self

Episode 7- Kenny Harwell: I’m Gonna See a Victory

In this episode, Christopher and Kenny discuss the transformative power of surrendering one's life to Jesus, particularly when reaching "the end of yourself". Christopher shares his personal journey through mental health struggles, church hurt, and the "strongholds" of the mind created by consuming media that glorifies sin. The conversation dives deep into: * Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing the "enemy" at 2:00 AM and using prayer and fasting to combat oppressive spirits. * Marriage Restoration: How a marriage on the brink of divorce in April 2025 was saved through transparency, seeking godly counsel, and the commitment to pray together daily. * Finding Purpose: The impact of mission trips to Guatemala and finding value in "shoveling dirt" for God’s kingdom. The episode concludes with a powerful salvation prayer and a call for believers to operate in the "fire of the Holy Spirit" to find victory over darkness

The Nations and the Hammock: Alex Hernandez Testimony

In this powerful episode of 70 Times Seven, host Chris Rivers sits down with Alex and Esther Hernandez to discuss their recent mission trip to Guatemala and Alex’s incredible life testimony. Alex shares raw stories from his childhood, including the spiritual warfare his grandmother faced while he was a baby in a hammock , the tragic loss of his parents , and an audible call from God to take him to the nations. The conversation dives deep into the "illogical" nature of faith, the importance of immediate obedience, and a moving metaphor about the "molting process" of an eagle as a symbol for spiritual rebirth. From surviving a home invasion to seeing miracles in the mountains of Guatemala, this episode is a testament to surrendering earthly "fun" for divine joy and purpose.

Surrendering the Self

This episode explores the internal and external transition from the chaotic "hustle" of manual labor to the peaceful clarity of a structured system. Russ Gibson and Christopher Rivers discuss the spiritual challenge of letting go of "working by feel"—an instinct-based approach that feels safe but ultimately limits growth.

The Restoration of the Rose: Anne Plotz Testimony

In this episode, Annie Plotz recounts the "personal prison" she lived in after being drugged and assaulted at age 19. She details her descent into alcoholism, weight gain as a form of "self-defense," and multiple suicide attempts. The narrative culminates in a miraculous intervention at a small church revival, leading to a life dedicated to victim advocacy and sharing the "aroma" of God's restoration

To Ashley From Your New Heart

A Childhood in 8 Mile Ashley shares her experiences growing up in a Catholic family in 8 Mile, Alabama. While she remembers a childhood filled with hunting, fishing, and "mud riding," it was also marked by the shadow of her father’s alcoholism. She recalls young memories of searching for his vehicle at local bars and even visiting him in jail. The core of Ashley's testimony centers on a season of intense grief: * The Loss of Alyssa: After a traumatic miscarriage on Christmas Eve in 2016, Ashley became pregnant again but developed severe preeclampsia. Her daughter, Alyssa, was born at just 30 weeks and spent 53 days in the NICU. On July 3, 2018, Alyssa passed away in her parents' arms at a hospital in Birmingham. * A Father’s Passing: Not long after losing her daughter, Ashley watched her father’s health decline. She reflects on the pain of his passing and the weight of planning a second funeral while still reeling from the first. In the wake of these tragedies, Ashley describes how she began self-medicating to "numb the pain" while trying to remain present for her older daughter, Carly. She speaks candidly about the "skeletons in the closet" and the struggle to maintain a facade of a joyful life while falling apart inside. Ashley’s life took a definitive turn when she began attending South Coast Church in 2022. Through a divine encounter with a stranger who prayed for her, she was led to South Coast Recovery. She describes the miracle of her "turnaround," getting baptized alongside her husband, Carlos, and her daughter, and the peace of receiving a "new heart" from God.