Be the Difference

Matt and Julie Cooper met in high school and have since married, parented both biological and foster children, and have been in ministry together for over 20 years. Matt is the Director of Staff Care for Back2Back Ministries and Julie is the Senior vice President of Training for Trauma Free World. Welcome to part two of this in-depth conversation with the Coopers about their aligned passion to serve the vulnerable, no matter where they call home.

In part two of this episode, we pick back up with the Coopers when they are in a spiritual sweet spot - they felt revival, contentment, and happiness. And then God planted Cancun into both their hearts. Hear how God got their attention individually for a new place of ministry, how we give voice to the children who are a part of our family, and how Matt and Julie, while together, were also separate in their calls to ministry.

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Matt and Julie Cooper have been in ministry together for over 20 years. Matt is the Director of Staff Care for Back2Back Ministries and Julie is the Senior Vice President of Training for Trauma Free World. Matt and Julie met in high school and eventually came to accept Jesus on the same day, at the same event. From a solid friendship to a marriage and years of serving alongside one another internationally and in the states, Matt and Julie have an aligned passion to serve the vulnerable no matter where they call home. 

In part one of this episode, Matt and Julie share their differing vantage points on foster care and their responses to stereotypical gender roles within ministry. Hear how their relationship first began, how they respond when asked how they like working and living together, and all they’ve accomplished together over the last 20 years.  

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New month, new topic! This week, Chris is joined by Back2Back staff and Be the Difference Podcast Producer, Mikeyy Evans. Mikeyy is a videographer, husband to Katie, and father to five-year old twins.

In this week’s episode, Chris and Mikeyy discuss how our definitions of family change as we age, what led Mikeyy and his wife to foster care, and why defining family doesn't have to come  with time constraints and genetic connection. 

Hear what Chris and Mikeyy believe people need for familial access and receive an invitation from them on being the difference for families right where you are. 

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Rob Hall is a former educator, administrator, and counselor. He is a husband, father, advocate, and President of Trauma Free World. Trauma Free World is a community based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and is dedicated to helping people around the world heal from childhood trauma. Through in-person and online training, their desire is to assist anyone with an internet connection or mobile phone in healing, and helping others heal, from trauma.

In this episode, Rob shares about his 10-year old self and how most of his professional and personal decisions were born from walking through the next open door to see what would happen and why having a plan didn’t necessarily work out. Hear about how 23 years ago, Rob and his family’s lives were altered completely, about what keeps him up at night, and why Trauma Free World is what it is today, and how it impacts each of us individually and globally.

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It’s a new month, which means our co-hosts have a new statistic! This week, Sammy shares a staggering statistic about children around the world and their experiences with trauma. It is a stat at the root of the holistic care Back2Back seeks to provide globally. 

In this week’s episode, Sammy and Chris discuss what we are to do with numbers like this and how do we keep from remaining in a state of hopelessness? They share what Back2Back has learned, and now teaches, about trauma and how it is not simply a matter of a good guy versus a bad guy, and why mercy should always be at the forefront of our response, especially to the aggressor. 

Hear Sammy and Chris share why it’s important for us to know and understand a statistic like this and remind us that trauma does not concern itself with zip code, tax bracket, gender, or skin color. 

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Nick Jackson is an educator, a coach, a motivational speaker, and the founder of Speak Love. Through his impactful speaking abilities and his desire to teach on a skill he is practicing himself, Nick has reached over 1,000,000 people through his keynote addresses. Speak Love is a transformative Craveable Culture organization led with the belief that excellent character and unwavering love will allow us all to reach our fullest potential, together. Specializing in conversations, experiences, and restorative practices, Speak Love impels growth in areas of character and culture.

In this week’s episode, Nick shares how he went from an adolescent who hated school to an in-classroom educator with a desire to use his personal power to effect positive change. He shares about his own upbringing and how it propelled him to where he is today, and why.

Hear Nick share what he loves most about teaching, how meeting a woman outside a church changed the trajectory of his work, and why God gave him the word “me” and how he is using his position to evoke transformative conversation for youth.

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What happens when we speak without considering our words first? Today, Chris shares about an experience on a recent family adventure and how his interaction with a stranger led to considering deeper the power of our words and how and where reconciliation can occur.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering set of statistics regarding civility, or a lack of it, in the workplace and how it translates to our world outside of work. Hear how incivility and hospitality are related, what two common triggers are for incivility, and how we can each better engage with those around us.

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Join us this week as we welcome back Fred Oduyoye! Fred first aired on the Be The Difference podcast in episode four! He lives in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the Founder of Reachable Reconciliation, Inc.

Fred draws on his nearly twenty years of experience bridging urban and suburban communities to create intentional spaces for conversation about race, diversity, and responsibility in a small group setting. The goal of Reachable Reconciliation is to move a community from where they are to new places of understanding, empathy, and action.

In this week’s episode, Fred answers a key question: why? Why Reachable Reconciliation? And why is it important to reconcile with ourselves, first? He takes us back to his childhood in Columbia, Maryland and how what he grew up seeing and understanding wasn’t actually what he would see everywhere as he grew up and left.

Hear Fred share why he loves figuring out what makes people tick, why ongoing relational learning is key, and why he believes that if we are not having conversations, we aren’t doing the right work.

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Today is Be the Difference Podcast’s 50th episode! Thank you to all our faithful listeners for joining us in this journey of talking to everyday people about the remarkable ways they’re being the difference.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering statistic on teens who age out of the foster care system and are thrust into the world. Hear how this impacts them both individually and with the global work Back2Back does, what being a safe adult in the life of a teen with trauma means, and how, as safe adults, we can see coping mechanisms as leadership skills worthy of development. Lastly, we want to know who you know that is making the difference in the life of a vulnerable teen and who understands the glaring need for connection and relationship.

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Jes Biondo is a daughter, a former Back2Back staff member, a traveler, a teacher, lifelong learner, creator of Sprezza Foundry Shop, and Executive Director and Podcast host of Collected Ministries & Podcast. Jes attributes her desire to say yes, even when she doesn’t know the outcome, to her parents and a teacher from her childhood.  She has taught English camps in Thailand, served the vulnerable in Mexico, and held teaching workshops in Kenya, among many other things. She believes serving is never one-sided - we can both teach and learn everywhere we are, and this model allows for sustainability within communities.

In this episode, Jes shares how she knows when God is leading her to something or asking her to reroute. Hear how she believes leaders can best serve and love their single staff members, why loneliness and singleness are not mutually exclusive, and why cultural representation is imperative in the classroom.

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Who do you know? When Be the Difference Podcast began, the goal was simple - highlight everyday people making the difference at their jobs, in their communities, and around the world. We realize, though, people don’t often know where to be the difference if there aren’t eyes to see and speak on the difficulties and hardships in the world.

In this episode, Chris and Sammy discuss a staggering statistic around childhood literacy. Hear how this impacts them both individually and with the global work Back2Back does, what you can do right now to help children gain access to books and adults who read, and how you can help the podcast grow! We want to hear from you and those you know who are being the difference for one!

Another full year of stories of how everyday people are being the difference for one! Together, we’ve listened to stories of grit, determination, following promptings without knowing how things will end, and how people, everyday, choose to show up for others and leave an impact that won’t be forgotten. Thank you for joining us, sharing with us, and gathering around others to ensure they feel known and loved.

In this episode, Sammy and Chris share a Back2Back tradition called “picture of the day” and share each of their own “pictures of the year” from the podcast. You’ll hear about moments they’ve loved, felt challenged, and grown as a result of people sharing their stories. Hear about their highlights from Season 2 as they review the last year of change-makers.

Sammy’s Clips

‘Tis the season! For two seasons of the Be the Difference Podcast, we have gathered together to hear of everyday people making an impact in the lives of those around them. We don’t need fancy job titles or a lot of money to come alongside others and offer our time, energy, and resources. As Sammy and Chris reflect on the stories we’ve heard and the lives changed as a result of those stories, they are inviting us to be the difference right now, in the midst of the Christmas season!

In this episode, join Chris and Sammy as they share personal anecdotes and 12 ways you can be the difference today, as we await the celebration of our King’s birth. Hear how they’ve each been impacted by the guests who have shared their own difference-making ways and prepare for the final episode of 2022!

12 ways to be the difference this season:

Kelly and Steve Carr are husband and wife and Co-Founders of Echo Church in Walnut Hills, Cincinnati, Ohio. Steve formerly led the church, but in recent years, Kelly has stepped into the Lead Pastor role. Echo Church was founded in 2005 and is a body of believers united by common relationship with Jesus. They believe when we listen to what God is saying, we begin to see the world in a different light, and invite others to journey with them as they ask questions, seek Jesus, and work out their faith.

In this episode, Kelly and Steve share how they named their church, what Steve wanted to call it before Kelly stepped in with a different suggestion, and why they landed on Echo. Hear about why O’Charley’s and the produce department at Kroger were pivotal points in their lives and how Steve taking a sabbatical made room for Kelly to step into a lead pastor role.

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Michayla White is a wife, mother, lover of Jesus, and Executive Director of International  Network of Children’s Ministry (INCM). INCM exists  to connect children’s ministry leaders to what they need - training, resources, and community. Michayla attributes her passion for children’s ministry and those who lead it to her mother, a volunteer children’s ministry director, and seeing her commitment to investing in children and seeing them as important to the family of God.

In this episode, Michayla defines children’s ministry and what INCM believes is the best possible curriculum for children’s ministry leaders to possess. Hear about her own challenges as a woman in leadership, how we can all make the future more equitable for women in leadership, and the questions that keep her up at night.

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November is here! This means many things, but for the Be the Difference Podcast, it means a month of new guests who bring their own stories and experiences in being the difference. It also means we are highlighting a new topic: voices in leadership! To kick off, Sammy and Chris meet with special guest, Beth Guckenberger, and ask for her insight on women in leadership and why it matters.

Beth is co-executive Director of Back2Back Ministries, as well as an author and speaker who has long held leadership positions within the evangelical world. She is currently writing a new book about the very topic of women being used by God in leadership positions. In this episode, hear a little bit more about the heart behind this month’s topic, why Beth’s next book started as a secret between her and Jesus, and how her heart has grown and expanded on this topic. Hear words of encouragement as we engage in this conversation and who Beth’s own examples of women in leadership are. And please join us throughout this month to hear from two other women who lead within their own spheres of influence and ministry, and how we can each support the women in our lives who are leading with grace and love.

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Brad Wise is a husband, a father, a creative, and the founder of Boonrise - a video production company that exists to tell a better story through videos, experiences, and workshops that spark hope and action. Brad loves looking at things one way and asking if there’s a better or different way to do it; this intrigue and passion started in his adolescence when, instead of writing a paper on the effects of steroids, he asked to do a video instead. What began as a way to make his friends laugh and do work he actually enjoyed has turned into creating space and content where people can share and listen to each other’s stories. Brad shares, “When we tell our stories and we listen with kindness and imagination, something transcendent happens.”

In this episode, Brad shares his own definition of creativity and art, and how everyone can belong within that world. Hear about a woman named Joan he could listen to for hours and the story she shared that is one of his favorites, what exactly Boonrise means, and why Brad and his team chose it for their organization, and what is next for their team and why he is excited for what’s to come. 

Links to learn more:

Check out this bonus episode of Be the Difference! Today, our faithful producer Mikeyy shares a teaser for next week's episode with Brad Wise, founder of Boonrise. Sammy asks Brad who fostered the creative spirit in him, and Brad’s response is a beautiful story of how his mom stepped in, let him experiment, and formed the storyteller that he is today.

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Katie Guiliano is an artist and the founder of Hosanna Revival, a company that exists to excite people about engaging in scripture by creating beautiful and intentional tools for their lives. Katie’s relationship with Jesus began after she graduated high school and truly flourished, along with her business idea, in Spain while reading her plain black covered, bilingual Bible. What started in a secret Etsy shop with just Katie in 2015 is now well-known globally and is made possible because of a team of 13 dedicated artists and business-minded people, plus two sweet dogs.

In this episode, Katie shares about the very humble beginnings of Hosanna Revival and what spurred her to create and build a business simultaneously. Hear why she and the Hosanna team pray over every product before it leaves their hands, how she believes art and creativity will always point us back to Jesus, and why she felt led to paint the cover of a Bible in the first place.

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Welcome to season two of Be the Difference! It’s a new month, which means the Be the Difference Podcast is highlighting a new theme. In season two, Chris and Sammy will highlight one big question every month and dive into that question with our guests.

October is here, and we are focusing on one big question - how can we be the difference in others’ lives through art and creativity? Do you consider yourself creative? An artist? Is there a chance we’re all more artistic than we give ourselves credit for? Chris and Sammy answer this question for themselves, discuss how art draws us into community, and how it always unlocks something new within us.

This month, you will hear from two different special guests - Katie Guiliano  and Brad Wise - two founders of creative endeavors who have designed their lives after being present through art. Join us this month as our co-hosts take part in creative, honest, vulnerable conversations about art, how it impacts the creator and those who engage with the creation.

Together, all around the world, we are highlighting those who are being the difference. Join us.

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Toni Steere is a mother, comes from a long line of women who “give their lives away,” and is the Director of Legacy 68:5 - an adoption, foster, and orphan care ministry within Houston’s First Baptist Church. Legacy 685 connects, equips, and sustains families and organizations locally and internationally with resources, education, and practical help.

In this episode, Toni shares about how her heart for Africa led her to Guatemala, what her 10-year old self would say about her life today, and how fasting and prayer changed everything. Hear how God used a young boy named Gus to teach Toni that attachment matters, and why mowing a field with a machete opened doors no human could close.

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Check out this bonus episode of Be the Difference! Today, our faithful producer, Mikeyy Evans, shares a teaser for episode 38 with Toni Steere, whose work is all about walking alongside kids in difficult spaces. Sammy poses a question - “Why do you keep doing it?” And Toni’s response is just the motivation we all need to step into the gap for the vulnerable and to remember that Jesus trumps trauma.

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Mike Wilson is a husband, biological and adoptive father, and the Co-Founder of myLIFEspeaks - a non-profit organization whose vision is for every Haitian child to experience family. Mike and his wife, Missy, have never wanted to come in and “Americanize” the culture of Haiti. Rather, they celebrate the Haitian culture while investing in locals to lead others and together elevate the future of Haiti. They know true sustainability and change comes from within.

In this episode, Mike shares about where he was on January 12th, 2010 and how it was a moment he will never forget. Hear how God continually reminds him, “I’m still here,” about what keeps him up at night, and why he will always tell people not to give up on Haiti.

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Welcome to season two of Be the Difference! In this episode, we are kicking off a new season filled with fresh stories and intentional conversations. In season two, Chris and Sammy will highlight one big question every month and dive into that question with our guests.

September is here, and we are focusing on one big question - how can we be the difference in the world of adoption and foster care? Has this topic always felt far away? Has it felt like something only wealthy people can take part in? Chris and Sammy admit it used to feel far away for each of them, but over the years, they’ve come to understand one thing: adoption and foster care is all about being present for someone else. Whether it’s being community around foster and adoptive families or coming alongside bio families as they navigate working to bring their family back together, we all want to feel like we belong.

This month, you will hear from two different special guests who have designed their lives after being present in the world of foster and adoption, and every month of season two, you can listen to a new episode every week!

Together, all around the world, we are highlighting those who are being the difference. Join us.

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After one life-altering moment, Brian Berman sold everything he owned and walked away from a successful career in business to move to the Dominican Republic. He has spent over a decade of his life since then investing in people. In 2010, Brian and his wife, Nebraska, co-founded Project Mañana International. They are dedicated to helping to break the cycle of poverty through nutrition, education, and discipling projects.

In this episode, Brian shares exactly what happened that turned his life upside down. God has used every part of Brian’s story and taken him on a journey he never could have imagined. Hear stories of the miracles he has witnessed, the lessons he has learned, and why he will never stop investing in people.

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Anna Valdez is the Director of Programs at Fostering Hope in Austin, Texas. Anna trains and coordinates trauma informed efforts for volunteers, churches, foster parents, caregivers, and institutions, both locally and internationally. She served for five years with Back2Back Ministries in Monterrey, Mexico as a full time caregiver to teenage girls. Drawing from this learning and experience, Anna has successfully implemented programming as a Texas Christian University Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner and a Trauma Competent Caregiver Affiliate Trainer for Back2Back Ministries.

In this week’s episode, Anna shares how God called a shy girl from southern Texas into a journey that would lift the veil on the emotional pain of the world and shift her perspective on hope and healing forever.

Hear stories of her first night as a caregiver in a children’s home, the way God changed her view of success, and why she is passionate about training and equipping caregivers today.

Links to learn more:

(This episode was originally published on May 25th, 2021)

Mashawn Rigmaiden is the co-founder of Strip Church Dayton and co-owner of Bangs Salon and Spa. She is convinced Jesus loves every person and the church can be a place that welcomes hard stories. Strip Church Dayton’s goal is to offer hope, healing, forgiveness, and freedom to the women and men in the adult entertainment industry.

In this week’s episode, Mashawn shares how God intentionally uses her “rebellious wiring” to be the difference in unexpected places like strip club dressing rooms. She has learned there is a story behind every face and a cross shaped void in every heart.

Hear stories of how Jesus is redeeming her past, teaching her to share His love without judgement, and transforming lives in the process.

Links to learn more:

(This episode was originally published on Mar 2nd, 2021)

Todd and Beth Guckenberger live with their family in Cincinnati and serve as the co-executive directors of Back2Back Ministries. After college graduation, the Guckenbergers packed up an Isuzu trooper and moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised eleven children.

In this week’s episode, Todd and Beth share some of the experiences that led them to realize they had something to offer, the emotions they were feeling as they crossed the Mexican border for the first time, and how their dream of being the difference has grown and changed in the past 25 years.

Hear why they still say people are worth the work, 25 years, 5 countries, 8 ministry sites, and thousands of co-laborers later.

Links to Learn More:

(This episode was originally posted on October 26th, 2021).

For 13 years, Chuck has served as a teaching pastor at Crossroads Church. Prior to being a pastor, Chuck spent nine years in the corporate world at Procter & Gamble. Today, he is the founder of Courageous Love, a nonprofit organization built to unite and ignite people for racial justice through programming and intensives that take participants through life-changing moments of racial healing.

In this episode, Chuck shares why he walked away from a successful corporate career to become a pastor in his local community. Hear how one brave step at a time launched him into a journey he never imagined for himself and why courageous love has and always will be the fuel that keeps him moving forward.

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This week, we announce the end of season 1, and the plans for season 2! Take a listen to hear some of the things we have in store, and all about our plans for the summer. Thanks for being the difference with us! 

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In this week's episode you’ll hear from 20 children and teens who regularly spend time with the Back2Back Cincinnati team. Hear their thoughts on what’s great about the world, what problems they see that need to be solved, and how they hope to be the difference in the world.

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Rick and Lisa Bursey are husband and wife, mom and dad to two boys, and officially the new Site Directors for Back2Back’s ninth global site in Linares, Mexico! Originally from Ontario, Canada, the Burseys have long served children and said yes to every big and small moment God has extended an invitation. In 2008, they quit their jobs, sold their belongings, and moved two hours south of Monterrey, Mexico to a small town called Linares. Today, they are excited for the future of the Linares site and all it will provide for the children they serve.

In this episode, Rick and Lisa share the three words they’d use to describe their life in Canada, how saying yes was like building muscle over time, and why they believe comfort can breed discomfort. Hear how Lisa responded when God put hungry, sad, or withdrawn people in front of her, how one of Rick’s worst moments led to the opening of Possibilities House, and why patience and perseverance are words, and attitudes, they live by.

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Dynette Clark is a wife, a mother to three, and sees the best in everyone she meets. She is also the Executive Director of Building Blocks for Kids (BB4K), a Cincinnati-based organization with a vision to create community for all children, regardless of challenges, through support, resources, and scholarships. As a child, Dynette always wanted to babysit and long considered being a teacher before getting her degree in business. After having her first son, and attempting to return to work, she realized she wanted to be with her child and started an in-home daycare service. She later received certification for Montessori education and taught while her own children were in school. She and her husband were blessed with a third child, and shortly after he arrived, everything changed.

In this episode, Dynette shares about a baby girl named Sydney who was born in 1998, and how her story was the foundation for Building Blocks for Kids. Hear how Dynette believes our stories are changed when people are beside us, why community is the foundation of what Building Blocks for Kids does, and the one thing every child served through BB4K gives back.

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Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

Kevin Schwieger was born on the mission field and has served within ministry for over 30 years, from serving as a missionary to Marketplace Pastor at Grace Chapel. Two and a half years ago, Kevin discovered a new hiking trail and in his excitement to share about it, the vision for of Luke5Adventures was born. Luke5Adventures makes the impossible possible by gathering dedicated volunteers and special equipment to give outdoor experiences to people with disabilities. From Ohio to Colorado, Kevin and his team bring Luke 5 to life by helping everyone experience Jesus through nature, no matter their abilities.

In this episode, Kevin shares about how a conversation that never happened sparked curiosity and, ultimately, the founding of Luke5Adventures. He talks about “target versus tool,” how it applies to this work, and how God convicted him. Hear how God focused Kevin’s attention on a population of people that had before been “out of sight, out of mind,” and why he considers it “soul-quenching work” whenever they help provide a way to nature that was previously inaccessible.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

Troy Culbreth is husband to Sharmaine, father to Troy Jr, Kaleb, Riley, and Austin, and founder of Cross Worship Music. Cross Worship is a collective of worship leaders and musicians based out of Cincinnati, Ohio with a heart to reconcile the body of Christ across denominational and racial divides. They believe there is something special when we all come together, and the musicians capture that divine guidance and share it with their audience.

In this episode, Troy shares about how he went from a 12-year old boy who just wanted to be a basketball star to leading cross-cultural denominations in worship. He talks about the impact one song can have in a person’s life and why he believes the message doesn’t end when the melody does. Hear how God burdened Troy to do something about His people worshiping as one and what Troy sees for Cross Worship in the next nine years.

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LaMarqué Ward, Sr. is a husband, father, author, pastor, and former professional basketball player. In 2015, LaMarqué founded Dream Builders University (DBU) to educate young men and women about leadership skills. Since then, DBU has been a leader in providing professional development services for schools.

In this episode, LaMarqué shares about who inspired him as a young man, and why their combination of strength and compassion drew him in. He talks about how the words “I see gold in you” were the catalyst for finding his bigger purpose and why he’s always believed there’s more to the story. Hear how LaMarqué lives with Kingdom-mindedness, why being effective is key, and the one thing he says at the end of every talk or guest appearance.

Links to learn more:

Hope and Cheque Garcia have served with Back2Back Ministries for 13 years. They met on Monterrey’s campus, fell in love, and have been faithfully serving ever since. From co-captaining partnering children’s homes to now co-directing a brand new site, Hope and Cheque have a lot of experience when it comes to saying yes, even when they don’t know the where or how.

In this episode, Hope and Cheque share vulnerably about the hard in even the best of God’s stories, about how they each remember first meeting each other, and what brings them joy in their new home in the Dominican Republic. Hear how their transition from Monterrey to the D.R. started with the words open door and red carpets, why they waited so long to get a phone plan in Monterrey, and what they’ve learned in the last 13 years working in this “less than normal” job.

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Andrea Holtman serves as the Director of Weightless Anchor, a hospitality home for women on the streets, often victims of sex trafficking and struggling with substance abuse. Adopted at birth in Liberty Township, Ohio, Andrea graduated college, got married, and had three children all in a 14-month span. Now in her 40’s, she is figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up.

In this episode, Andrea shares how a friend talking about Jesus like He was her brother and the book, Blue Like Jazz were pivotal moments in her story and why surrender is how she gets through every day. Hear how she answers when people ask her what she does for a living, how Weightless Anchor got its name, and why a woman snoring on the couch is the greatest gift.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

Sammy Mathews is a fluently Spanish speaking Trauma Competent Care trainer, podcast host, loyal friend, and Assistant to Back2Back’s Executive Director. In 2007, she went on her first trip with Back2Back ministries, and it was a trip that forever changed the course of her life. From trip participant, to intern, to full-time caregiver, Sammy has long been in pursuit of what it means to exhaust oneself for others.

In this episode, Sammy shares what brought her the most joy as a child, how it translated into her current career, and how she got where she is today. Hear why ten boys under the age of 13 made up the best and most difficult days of her life, what the two things every human needs are, and how being seen by a safe adult changes everything.

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As a Volunteer YoungLife Leader at Mariemont High School, Garrett Dexter maintains a full time job and spends the rest of his time connecting with students at basketball games, coffee shops, and summer camps. Garrett and thousands of other YoungLife leaders around the world have the same goal -  to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ and help them grow in their faith.

In this episode, Garrett shares why he chooses to spend his free time investing in the lives of high school students. Hear why he loves working with teenagers, what people often misunderstand, and how investment in one life can change a whole family story.

Links to learn more:

Welcome to Be the Difference: Clips from the Cutting Room Floor! In these bonus episodes, we turn the reins over to our amazing producer Mikeyy, to share with you some of his favorite conversations from previous episodes that didn't quite make the final cut.

From church stages and children’s homes to checkout lines and airplane rides, Beth Guckenberger makes the most of every minute as Co-Executive Director of Back2Back Ministries. She speaks, teaches, and has authored 11 books. Her latest book, Throw the First Punch: Defeating the Enemy Hell-Bent on Your Destruction, is an honest conversation about spiritual warfare and how to play spiritual offense.

In this episode, Beth shares why she decided to become an author and the lies she almost let stop her. Hear how she decides what to write, where she found her love of Hebrew words, and how we can throw the first punch today.

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In this episode, Chris and Sammy share some of their favorite moments from 2021. Hear what they’ve learned about themselves, God, and others after 21 stories of everyday people being the difference in the lives of others.

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14 years in Kyiv, Ukraine was not something Karen Springs would have predicted for her own life. A story of advocating for orphaned and at-risk children, working with hundreds of adoptive families, and managing humanitarian projects throughout the world can only make sense when seen in the rearview mirror.

In this episode, Karen shares lessons learned while writing her book, Adoption Through the Rearview Mirror. Hear how 14 years in Ukraine, hundreds of children and families, and one epic road trip around the country taught her that life is always a paradox of both heartache and hope.

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Today Jason Johnston is the Executive Director of Bogg Ministries. Nine years ago, he was just one of two guys named Jason who both saw a need in Dayton that wasn’t being met in a big enough way. Since 2010, Because of God’s Grace Ministries has moved from feeding four families a week, to over 2,000 people a month throughout the Dayton area. In this episode, Jason shares his journey from Madison, Wisconsin to Dayton, Ohio and the life changing story in between. Hear how an unexpected arrest, an invitation to hold a door, and a 20-minute commute wove together, creating the life Jason is living today. 

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As the Executive Director of The Healing Center, Adrienne Wiley leads a team of staff and volunteers united in one goal - to be a Christ-centered community where people receive unconditional love, healing, and the power to change. What began as a volunteer role for Adrienne has grown into not only a career, but also a calling to offer practical, social, and spiritual support to individuals and families.

In this episode, Adrienne shares how the Rocky movies inspired her journey and why she prefers the title of Royal Duchess of Tri-County to Executive Director. Hear what it’s like to enter the doors of The Healing Center, why “no” can be kind, and the one thing she wants everyone to know.

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For 13 years, Chuck has served as a teaching pastor at Crossroads Church. Prior to being a pastor, Chuck spent nine years in the corporate world at Procter & Gamble. Today, he is the founder of Courageous Love, a nonprofit organization built to unite and ignite people for racial justice through programming and intensives that take participants through life-changing moments of racial healing.

In this episode, Chuck shares why he walked away from a successful corporate career to become a pastor in his local community. Hear how one brave step at a time launched him into a journey he never imagined for himself and why courageous love has and always will be the fuel that keeps him moving forward.

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Grit, determination, and relentless hope define the life of Daniel Asama. His story began as a boy determined to survive and today he uses that same determination to help others to survive and thrive. As the Director of Back2Back Nigeria, Daniel leads a team of over 50 staff working together to ensure 160 children in Nigeria are known and loved.

In this episode, Daniel shares why he walked away from a successful career to work full time for Back2Back. Hear why he believes national leadership is so important, a lesson he learned from a carwash, and how he finds hope in the lives of the children he serves.

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From an unexpected encounter in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to bringing light to communities all over the world, Kevin and Jenny Sasson are living a life they never could have predicted. Kevin serves as the Executive Director of SonLight Power, a Christian non-profit that equips people living in energy poverty with faith-based love and solar power for transformational, lasting impact. Jenny is the Director of Connected Life and the Hispanic Ministry Pastor at Vineyard Cincinnati Church.

In this episode, Kevin and Jenny share two incredible stories: one that brought them together in the first place, and one that put their faith to the test in a way they never could have imagined. Tune in to hear their life changing experiences, how that gave them further resolve in their complimentary ministries, and what it means to them to bring light to the world while being the difference.

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After one life-altering moment, Brian Berman sold everything he owned and walked away from a successful career in business to move to the Dominican Republic. He has spent over a decade of his life since then investing in people. In 2010, Brian and his wife, Nebraska, co-founded Project Mañana International. They are dedicated to helping to break the cycle of poverty through nutrition, education, and discipling projects.

In this episode, Brian shares exactly what happened that turned his life upside down. God has used every part of Brian’s story and taken him on a journey he never could have imagined. Hear stories of the miracles he has witnessed, the lessons he has learned, and why he will never stop investing in people.

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Once a dream scribbled on a napkin, Tried and True Parenting is now an organization whose sole mission is to bring hope to families. Jen Powers, Executive Director of Tried and True Parenting, draws on her 20 years experience as an elementary school teacher, children's pastor, and parent educator to lead families to a place of hope and healing.

In this week’s episode, Jen shares the story of those who paved the way for her to lead and the shaping of Tried and True’s vision. Leading with vulnerability, Jen speaks hope into the darkest places. Hear her words of wisdom and truth in the face of parenting guilt and shame, and why she believes it is never too late to change the story.

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After intentionally asking God to “disrupt them,” Jeff and Christi Zurcher packed up their lives and moved from Cincinnati, Ohio to Selma, Alabama. The plan was to spend one year working with SCORE International - six months in Selma, then on to the Dominican Republic. Then, unexpectedly, plans changed. After asking for disruption, their lives were disrupted once again.

In this week’s episode, Jeff and Christi share the ways they are different after a year spent in a small southern town with the singular goal of loving others like Jesus. Learn how they were able to adapt and be all in, even when things didn’t go as planned.

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After wrestling with the idea of purpose, Terri and her husband, Phil, decided to make a change. Now foster parents and church planters in Port Macquarie, Australia, Terri and Phil have a newfound sense of purpose.

In this week’s episode, Terri explains how over time, they realized they were the only ones drawing dividing lines between “life at work” and “life on mission.” We’ll also learn why it’s so important to have a community of support around foster families, and some insight into the complexities of the Australian foster care system.

Tune in to hear why Terri firmly believes when we do our work in faith to bring God glory and encourage others to follow Him, we are on mission.

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Chris Cox has been serving with Back2Back Ministries for 13 years. In 2018, Back2Back opened an 8th site focusing on vulnerable children, youth, and families in Cincinnati. Chris serves as the director there. Prior to launching this site, Chris served as director of One21 in an effort to resource emerging generations. The pursuit of equality and unity for all people drives Chris. He continues to train, speak, and lead on multiple platforms both locally and nationally.

In this week’s episode, Chris shares lessons he learned in years of youth ministry, how he knew it was time for a new chapter, and what a day well spent looks like today.

Hear why he believes in the power the presence of a safe adult offers to a teen, how he keeps going when stories are hard, and which attraction he never misses at Disney World.

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Two years ago, at just 24-years old, Megan Henderson said “yes” to God’s call to step into the role of single foster parent. Now a mom to four kids under the age of five, and a staff member at Venture Church in Harrisburg, NC, Megan lives out the church’s mission daily to be a community of people that strive to love loud, risk often, and hope always.

In this week’s episode, Megan shares the moment she knew she was called to be a foster parent and how she learned to surrender control and let God build her family.

Hear why she believes fostering is about more than just kids, how her perspective has shifted when it comes to sharing kids' stories, and the ways her community rallies around her to make this story possible.

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Joey Taylor is the Director of Bespoken Live, a storytelling, story-listening, and mindfulness program designed to create safe space for people to find their voice together. With experience in interfaith engagement and community development in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Cincinnati, his commitment to story began when he was encouraged to develop youth programming in the face of political and religious polarization and social isolation.

In this week’s episode, Joey shares his experiences with story - from engaging youth in Cincinnati through storytelling experiences, to creating an online community to share a cup of coffee and a story, all while learning that healing is possible when we tell our stories.

Hear why storytelling makes a difference, how to create a safe space for others to share, and why true hope is found in a blend of beauty and brokenness.

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Mashawn Rigmaiden is the co-founder of Strip Church Dayton and co-owner of Bangs Salon and Spa. She is convinced Jesus loves every person and the church can be a place that welcomes hard stories. Strip Church Dayton’s goal is to offer hope, healing, forgiveness, and freedom to the women and men in the adult entertainment industry.

In this week’s episode, Mashawn shares how God intentionally uses her “rebellious wiring” to be the difference in unexpected places like strip club dressing rooms. She has learned there is a story behind every face and a cross shaped void in every heart.

Hear stories of how Jesus is redeeming her past, teaching her to share His love without judgement, and transforming lives in the process.

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Ryan and April Berg are the co-founders of Aruna Project and live with their three children in Cincinnati, Ohio.  By providing empowerment through employment, the Aruna Project creates lifelong freedom marked by holistic care for victims of human trafficking.  Aruna Project’s products are crafted by skilled artisans who are finding their voice, experiencing independence, and growing with a sisterhood of others who have overcome.

Ryan and April have a desire for justice on behalf of the enslaved and channel that desire toward freeing, empowering, and employing young women from the brothels of South Asia. They are passionate advocates of those who have been silenced through sexual exploitation.

In this week’s episode, Ryan and April share the trajectory changing moment when they experienced first hand the reality of modern day sexual slavery and how they decided to be the difference.

Hear stories of threads of hope in hard places, practical solutions to insurmountable problems, and the freedom that is possible when numbers become names.

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Anna Valdez is the Director of Programs at Fostering Hope in Austin, Texas. Anna trains and coordinates trauma informed efforts for volunteers, churches, foster parents, caregivers, and institutions, both locally and internationally. She served for five years with Back2Back Ministries in Monterrey, Mexico as a full time caregiver to teenage girls. Drawing from this learning and experience, Anna has successfully implemented programming as a Texas Christian University Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Practitioner and a Trauma Competent Caregiver Affiliate Trainer for Back2Back Ministries.

In this week’s episode, Anna shares how God called a shy girl from southern Texas into a journey that would lift the veil on the emotional pain of the world and shift her perspective on hope and healing forever.

Hear stories of her first night as a caregiver in a children’s home, the way God changed her view of success, and why she is passionate about training and equipping caregivers today.

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Fred Oduyoye lives in Cincinnati Ohio and is the Founder of Reachable Reconciliation, Inc. Fred draws on his nearly twenty years of experience bridging urban and suburban communities to create intentional spaces for conversation about race, diversity, and responsibility in a small group setting. The goal of Reachable Reconciliation is to move a community from where they are to new places of understanding, empathy, and action.

In this week’s episode, Fred shares how God uniquely designed and equipped him to help others learn, grow, and find ways to respond to racial issues in their communities.

Hear stories of the leaders he chased, the conversations that surprised him, and the community that supports him as he leads others to be reconciled to those within their reach.

Claire Brown is an Ohio native living in eManzana, South Africa. In 2017, she founded Lydia’s Mission, a non-profit organization that empowers women in generational poverty and children in chronic food insecurity by addressing their physical needs, while embracing their hearts for Christ. Today Lydia’s Mission has 29 women working full time in the ministry and feeds over 1600 children five days a week in the local community.

In this week’s episode, Claire shares how she realized at a young age she had a passion for sharing the gospel and being available for God to use her.  She never intended to start a large growing non-profit but her willingness to say “yes” has taken her on a journey she never could have imagined.

Hear stories of how she’s empowering women by encouraging their creativity, giving them a voice, and creating a sense of belonging, under a tree in a rubbish dump.

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Brent is the founder and CEO of ARTE, whose mission is to simply connect communities and create a culturally competent dialogue through the arts. Brent’s work with Pieces Art Engagement reaches out to community and business organizations to help with diversity, equity, inclusion awareness, and training. After a 16-year career working locally for Ford Motor Company, he felt called to return to the artistic gifts God has given him and pursue a degree in fine arts from Miami University.  While completing his degree, he began working in group homes in Cincinnati, found a full-time position with Children's Hospital in an adolescent mental health unit and was inspired to earn his Masters in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati.

In this week’s episode, Brent shares what prompted him to make a midlife career change and live life on purpose. Hear why he believes art is a powerful tool for engaging reconciliation, truth, and empowerment while bringing hope and healing in the lives of children, families, and communities.

Don’t miss Brent’s powerful impromptu spoken word performance at the end of the episode!

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Todd and Beth Guckenberger live with their family in Cincinnati and serve as the co-executive directors of Back2Back Ministries. After college graduation, the Guckenbergers packed up an Isuzu trooper and moved to Monterrey, Mexico where they lived for 15 years. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, they have raised eleven children.

In this week’s episode, Todd and Beth share some of the experiences that led them to realize they had something to offer, the emotions they were feeling as they crossed the Mexican border for the first time, and how their dream of being the difference has grown and changed in the past 25 years.

Hear why they still say people are worth the work, 25 years, 5 countries, 8 ministry sites, and thousands of co-laborers later.

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The Be the Difference Podcast by Back2Back Ministries shares stories of everyday people who are being the difference in the lives of others. Hear what they’ve learned, obstacles they’ve overcome and why it’s worth it.