Ep. 12 – Jesus in the Firehouse (with Stephen Avila)

Ep. 15 (Dockside Discipleship) Why Adventism? How Did I Find Jesus Here, Even in an Imperfect Church?

Can you truly find Jesus in an imperfect church? In Dockside Discipleship Episode 15, Pastor Mikey interviews Rhonda Wilson, Highland Church’s office administrator, during a peaceful fishing trip by the pond. Together, they share an honest conversation about faith, doubt, and discovering Jesus within the Seventh-day Adventist Church—not because it’s perfect, but because Jesus is present. This episode focuses on personal testimony, not debate. Rhonda opens up about her spiritual journey, the questions she wrestled with, and how her relationship with Jesus grew through real-life experiences, grace, and community. If you’re searching for: • Why Adventism • Finding Jesus in an imperfect church • Christian testimony and faith journeys • Seventh-day Adventist experiences • Honest conversations about church and belief This episode is for you. Filmed while fishing at a pond Hosted by Pastor Mikey Featuring Rhonda Wilson | Highland Church Dockside Discipleship explores faith in everyday life—where Jesus meets us in ordinary moments.

Ep. 14 Are You Disciplining Your Kids… or Just Managing Them?

In this conversation, Mikey and Jose Ayala explore the complexities of fatherhood, particularly within the context of Christian parenting. They discuss the importance of discipleship over mere behavior management, the cultural influences that shape parenting styles, and the significance of building trust and authenticity in relationships with children. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to model their faith and values, creating a nurturing environment where children can grow spiritually and emotionally. The conversation concludes with a prayer for guidance and blessings for families. Takeaways Discipleship involves guiding children spiritually, not just managing behavior. Cultural influences, especially honor and shame, impact parenting styles. Building trust with children is essential for effective parenting. Authenticity in parenting fosters deeper connections with children. Parents should model their faith and values consistently. The response to a child's failure defines the parent-child relationship. It's important to engage with children in their spiritual journey. Parents can choose to break generational patterns of parenting. Discipleship is about relationship, not just rules or expectations. Glorifying God should be the primary focus of parenting.

EP.13 The Blessing That Outlives You: How One Decision Shapes Generations

In this heartfelt conversation, Mikey and Jose Ayala explore the significance of the Puerto Rican greeting 'Bendición' and its deep-rooted cultural and familial implications. They discuss the impact of pivotal life decisions, particularly in the context of fatherhood, and how these choices shape the trajectory of their lives and the lives of their children. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust, support, and faith in parenting, highlighting how one decision can lead to a ripple effect of blessings across generations.

Ep. 12 – Jesus in the Firehouse (with Stephen Avila)

In this episode, Mikey Ayala interviews his cousin Stephen Avila, a firefighter in Texas. They discuss their family ties, personal journeys, and the impact of mentorship on their careers. Steven shares his experiences in the fire service, the challenges of maintaining faith in a godless environment, and the importance of community support for mental health. The conversation delves into the realities of emergency response, the emotional toll of witnessing trauma, and the significance of living out the Golden Rule in both firefighting and everyday life. In this conversation, Stephen Avila shares his experiences as a firefighter, emphasizing the selflessness required in the profession. He recounts personal stories that highlight the protective nature of brotherhood and the importance of building healthy relationships. The discussion transitions into the intentionality needed in faith and work, illustrating how overcoming challenges has led to a deeper sense of purpose. Stephen reflects on divine interventions in his life, culminating in a realization of the holistic support he now experiences in his career and personal life. 00:00 Family Ties and Personal Journeys 06:13 The Path to Becoming a Firefighter 11:51 Faith in a Godless Environment 17:53 Facing Trauma and Building Resilience 24:11 Community and Mental Health in Firefighting 32:01 The Power of Community in Firefighting 37:12 Engaging with the Marginalized 42:41 The Deep Calling of a Firefighter 46:39 The Burden of Service and Community Safety 56:54 Living Out Love and Support 01:01:07 Practical Steps to Center Jesus in Life 01:04:54 The Journey to Finding the Right Fit 01:08:47 Embracing Your Story for God's Glory 01:10:58 Finding Clarity in Your Path 01:11:50 The Importance of Community and Support 01:12:47 Living Out Your Faith in Everyday Life 01:13:58 The Power of Authenticity in Faith 01:14:56 The Journey of Self-Discovery 01:16:04 Building Confidence Through Support 01:17:03 The Interplay of Faith and Career 01:17:59 Finding Balance in Life 01:18:56 The Role of God in Career Decisions 01:19:45 The Significance of Personal Growth 01:21:06 The Journey to Becoming a Firefighter 01:21:57 Recognizing God's Hand in Your Journey 01:23:13 The Essence of Following Jesus 01:24:04 The Power of Vulnerability 01:24:58 The Journey of Reinvention 01:26:02 The Beauty of Transformation 01:26:58 The Miraculous in the Ordinary 01:27:57 Closing Thoughts on Faith and Life 01:28:58 Encouragement for the Journey

Ep. 11 Pastor to Pilot: Ben Curet’s Journey of Faith & Flight

In this episode, Mikey Ayala interviews Ben Curet, who shares his journey from pastoral ministry to becoming a pilot. Ben discusses the importance of faith in navigating life transitions, the challenges of mental health in aviation, and the significance of authenticity in building relationships. He emphasizes the need for prayer and trust in God's guidance throughout one's career. The conversation highlights the value of being approachable and supportive in professional settings, as well as the impact of living out one's faith authentically. Sound Bites "Your story is God's story." "People are attracted to transformation." "Don't just pray, pray some crazy stuff." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ben Curet 02:16 Ben's Journey: From Pastor to Pilot 07:36 Navigating Career Transitions with Faith 16:12 Being a Christian in the Aviation Industry 20:46 Mental Health in Aviation: A Critical Discussion 27:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Titles 32:26 The Power of Everyday Voices 35:03 Practical Principles for Everyday Believers 35:50 Navigating Challenges in Aviation 41:16 Building Trust and Spiritual Conversations 51:32 Finding God's Direction in Life 55:52 Identity Beyond Profession