From F-4 Phantoms to Faith: Craig Applefield’s Unbelievable Story of Courage

Russ Hedge: Courage at the Crossroads of Cancer, Faith, and Purpose

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046680/fan_mail/new] In this episode of Courageous Crossroads, Jeff visits with Russ Hedge about what courage looks like when faith, fear, hardship, and hope all meet at the same crossroads. Russ shares that the most courageous thing he has ever done was walking down the aisle at church to give his life to Jesus, a public and deeply personal step that changed the direction of his life. From there, he reflects on courage as moving forward despite difficult circumstances, trusting God through uncertainty, and choosing your perspective when life does not go as planned. Russ Hedge is a Salem, Oregon-based Christ follower, husband, father, encourager, speaker, marketing coach, livestream producer, and author whose purpose is to inspire people to live a purpose-driven life of significance. Known for his positive outlook through major life challenges, including a near life-ending car accident, the loss and illness of both parents, and his stage-four melanoma journey, Russ continues to encourage others through his book Life Happens… And Then You Choose! [https://www.russhedge.com/buy-book-now?utm_source=chatgpt.com], his website RussHedge.com [http://www.RussHedge.com], and his shows including Marketing with Russ… aka#RussSelfie [https://www.russhedge.com/podcast?utm_source=chatgpt.com], The Experience Live with Russ & Scott [https://www.russhedge.com/new-page?utm_source=chatgpt.com], The Experience Local, Live with Russ & Scott [https://www.russhedge.com/the-experience-local-live-with-russ-scott?utm_source=chatgpt.com], and his broader podcast links on Spotify and Apple Podcasts [https://www.russhedge.com/podcasts?utm_source=chatgpt.com]. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: * Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics [https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsapologetics/] * Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org [info@crossroadsapologetics.org] * Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org [https://crossroadsapologetics.org/] See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

From F-4 Phantoms to Faith: Craig Applefield’s Unbelievable Story of Courage

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046680/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Craig Applefield reflects on a life shaped by service, discipline, failure, faith, and redemption. A former Navy F-4 Phantom pilot and Vietnam veteran who flew roughly 300 missions, Craig shares lessons from combat, leadership, business, and family before offering a surprising answer to the question of the most courageous thing he has ever done: living 69 years without the Lord. After decades as a successful but controlling businessman, Craig’s life changed during a mission trip to Mozambique, where an encounter with poverty, humility, and sacrificial kindness opened the door to faith. Today, Craig is a devoted husband, father, Christian, mentor, and servant-leader whose story points to courage as grit, moral strength, trust in God, and the willingness to keep serving others with grace and purpose. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: * Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics [https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsapologetics/] * Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org [info@crossroadsapologetics.org] * Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org [https://crossroadsapologetics.org/] See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

Amber Sommerfeld: Living Courageously in the Gifts of God

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046680/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Amber Sommerfeld shares her story of faith, family, spiritual growth, and courage, reflecting on her life as a wife, mother, ministry leader, and follower of Jesus who has learned to step out in obedience even when it feels uncomfortable. Amber, who lives in Ankeny with her husband, Todd, has spent many years raising their three children while also growing in her passion for Scripture, healing, deliverance, and helping people experience freedom in Christ. Through honest stories about depression, the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and moments when God called her to speak or act with boldness, Amber defines courage as living by faith, taking the next step even when fear is present, and being willing to obey God with humility, authenticity, and love. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: * Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics [https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsapologetics/] * Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org [info@crossroadsapologetics.org] * Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org [https://crossroadsapologetics.org/] See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

David Iles and the Quiet Work of Courage

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046680/fan_mail/new] In this episode, the host talks with David Iles about courage, calling, and the quiet discipline of doing the right thing even when it is difficult or unpopular. Drawing on his work in funeral service, David reflects on how meaningful service can help families through grief and explains why he sees courage less as one dramatic act and more as a daily commitment to integrity, compassion, and consistency. David Iles is a Des Moines, Iowa native, a third-generation funeral director, and part of a family business that serves families through a network of funeral homes and a pre-need planning agency. He is also a husband, father of two young boys, and a thoughtful leader shaped by faith, family, and a deep sense of purpose in helping others on some of the hardest days of their lives. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: * Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics [https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsapologetics/] * Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org [info@crossroadsapologetics.org] * Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org [https://crossroadsapologetics.org/] See you in the next episode! Be blessed!

From California to Calling: Steve Freeman’s Courageous Journey

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2046680/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Courageous Crossroads Podcast, Steve Freeman offers a thoughtful and deeply personal picture of courage, describing how the most courageous thing he has done was surrender his life to Christ and then follow God’s call even when it meant leaving comfort, certainty, and financial security behind. He shares the story of walking away from a successful career path in Southern California, moving his family to Iowa, and helping plant a church, all out of a growing conviction that courage is found in faithful obedience. Steve Freeman is the pastor of Living Hope in Clive, Iowa, and a former insurance professional with more than 30 years of experience. He is also a husband, father of four, grandfather, and ministry leader with a strong commitment to sharing the gospel, strengthening marriages and families, and encouraging others to live with purpose, faith, and truth. Thank you for listening! We hope you feel inspired and encouraged by our conversation today. If you did, be sure to share this episode with others. Let's stay in touch: * Follow us on Instagram @crossroadsapologetics [https://www.instagram.com/crossroadsapologetics/] * Email us at info@crossroadsapologetics.org [info@crossroadsapologetics.org] * Visit our website www.crossroadsapologetics.org [https://crossroadsapologetics.org/] See you in the next episode! Be blessed!