God's Men Of Influence Podcast

Spending time with Jesus every day will change your life and no one knows that better than Byron Hack.  Byron had strayed from his faith until he was diagnosed with testicular cancer at age 25.  After being angry with God, he heard the voice to surrender and watched a miracle happen when he did.   “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself” - Luke 10:27   Byron manages a software group and has been married for 26 years with 2 kids.  He has been volunteering for Glad Tidings India since 2006. Biggest Weakness - Making time for Jesus every day as a first priority.  Life is busy and Byron lets it get in the way. Biggest Strength - Raised in a Christian home and has a good foundation of scripture.   The last few years he’s been able to trust God more and more. Dark Time - In high school  and college Byron had turned away from God.  When he met his wife Cathy she was a Christian and prayed to God for hi

James Craft used pornography to cope with his childhood pain.  He and Teri married young and became very visible Christian Pastors.  James’ pornography addiction led him to an affair and Teri to a very difficult decision.  In this episode Teri talks about how her journey with God helped her decide to stay with James and how Pure Desire Ministries helped them to rebuild trust and faith in their marriage.   Teri knows that there were years of sin in their marriage that Teri may have noticed, but shut herself off from.  God wants us to live in truth and honesty, but sometimes we don’t. The Lord reminded Teri to be pure of heart and all will be recovered and so she went on a journey with the Lord. It is so important to have a consistent walk with the Lord even in the little things so that you can be ready for when the storms come. By the time the infidelity was discovered, James and Teri were already miles apart. Teri still loved her husband, but now she was damaged by him and the question became “Lord how can y

Alcoholism and violence put Derek Boyd in jail, but you would not recognize who Derek says he was if you met him today.  This is surely God at work.  Listen to Derek’s struggle and testimony and hear the power of our Lord’s work in this inspiring episode.   “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” - James 2:17   Biggest Weakness & Strength - Not helping enough people, but his mission is to help others. Dark Time - Derek grew up in a broken home with a lot of fighting and police.  When his mom passed away at 9 years old his father left and he was raised by his grandmother.  He didn’t understand why his mom was taken and he resented God.   Derek became an alcoholic and stopped going to work and burned many bridges.  Soon he was alone and homeless on the street. Derek’s bottom kept getting deeper for 16 years.  He had no relationship with his family and hadn’t talked to his daughter for a year.   Originally, Derek believed alcohol was a solution to his pain, but in h

How powerful would it be to get to the end of yourself and use your gifts only for God’s purpose?  Bryce Johnson is on a journey to let go of himself and only work through God with his Faith-Based sports radio show “Unpackin It Ministries”.  This is his testimony. “ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 Bryce lives in Charlotte N. Carolina and leads a ministry called “Unpackin’ it Ministries”  for faith based sports fans.  Each week they look at sports stories through a biblical lens.  They continually talk to sports figures about their faith. Find the show and ministry at www.unpackinitministries.com Biggest Weakness - Bryce gets distracted by his own pursuits from what God wants.  He chases things on the peripheral of what God wants from him. Biggest Strength - His belief in a very powerful God.  Bryce steps out in faith in a big way. Dark Time - After college when he started his radio show professionally thi

Human Trafficking is a terrifying plague fueled by a very dark evil.  Finding Freedom International is a Christian organization that is fighting back by going directly to the darkest shadows and bolstering the safe houses and caregivers that are taking care of the young victims who are sometimes no older than 10 years of age.  Terry LaDow & Tera Schatsky have developed a year long training program that is making a big difference in the lives of these victims.  Here is their story.   Finding Freedom Int’l works with organizations that set-up safe houses for the victims of human trafficking. Terry & Tera are Christians who share their story and train caregivers so that they can do better in their jobs. The training program is a year long so that they can be certain that the material is understood and implemented. The girls that are victimized typically work 6 days a week and only keep enough money to survive and continue working.  They stay because for many complicated reasons, they believe the

God is a firm, but loving parent says special forces hero Larry Broughton.  This is a guiding principle for Larry as he leads his very successful Real Estate business.  Things were not always so clear for Larry.  In this episode, he talks about how he overcame sexual trauma and molestation as a teenager to become the man of Christ he is today.   “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.Nothing will be impossible for you.” - Matthew 17:20   Child of God - Larry often times feels broken, but is on a journey to be a better person than he was before. Larry used to think God was punitive and angry and therefore would not love him because of his sins. Don’t hide your talents and expect God to solve your problems if you’re not using the gifts you were given. Biggest Weakness - Larry doesn’t always trust that God loves him, but has realised that it’s really that he doesn’t love h

Suffering from a near death experience and being a child victim of drug addicted abusive behavior formed Joel Bogges belief structure.  After a moment of fear and inspiration, he revisited his faith and became a true follower of Christ.  Now as a podcaster with his own show called “Relaunch” Joel speaks loudly about his Christianity and how it is possible to be more, earn more and contribute more.   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”Jeremiah 29:11   Biggest Weakness - Struggles in the way he sees opportunities.  He looks for trusted partners to fill in the gap Biggest Strength - Joel loves to lead people to Clarity and Confidence which equals Direction. Dark Time - Joel’s parents divorced and lived with his mom, but spent time with his dad.  On a camping trip at 5 years old went onto a bridge and didn’t know that a train was heading right at them.  Joel fell off the bridge 30 feet down and lost so much

Life changes when tragedy happens.  Aaron Walker was living a successful life when in 2001 he struck a pedestrian with his car killing him.  There were many lessons that Aaron keeps close to him from this event, most important is that he never forgets that his life could end at any moment.  Now as a Christian life and business coach Aaron says “Work like it depends on you and trust like it depends on the Lord.”   “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” - Colossians 3:23   Biggest Weakness - Not very compassionate confirmed by his wife.  Aaron does not know how to show his compassion. Biggest Strength - Discernment in business and with his family and friends. Aaron has been a Christ follower since 9 years old and tries to live in obedience with the Lord. Even as a successful businessman he starts his day through prayer and scripture. Aaron takes his coaching very seriously and prays every day for each client. Started early in business at 18

When a boy is molested at 8 years old and discovers pornography a few weeks later, he is at a high risk for living a dysfunctional and sinful life.  David Zailer was a victim of molestation which led him to drug addiction and eventually performing in pornography films.  This is a powerful story of how David found God at age 40 and launched Operation Integrity, an organization dedicated to helping people find resources for recovery.   “I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations.  At first I didn’t think of it as a gift and begged God to remove it.  Three times I did that and then he told me My grace is enough; it’s all you need.  My strength comes into its own in your weakness.  Once I heard that, I was glad and let it happen.” - 2 Corinthians 12   David grew up going to church for 3 to 4 weeks and eventually Gave up asking God for help. Biggest Weakness - Unbelief and Fear.  David grew up fearful, but ignored his feelings.   Biggest Strength - David is not afraid

Terry LaDow was a person who admittedly behaved horribly as a younger man.   He was an angry drunk who was both physically and emotionally abusive to his girlfriends and then first wife.  Although this behavior was learned at a young age through growing up in a violent and loveless home, Terry was able to find God at age 31 and slowly change his life.  This is his testimony.   “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” - Matthew 5:14   Dark Time - Terry grew up in an alcoholic and violent home and started drinking at age 8.  He realized quickly that drinking gave him acceptance and a sense of self-worth that he sorely needed.  His mom never said anything kind to Terry and his dad was physically abusive.   In his early 20’s Terry moved to Los Angeles to get away from his family, unfortunately he brought the bad behavior of abuse with him.   Terry easily found relationships with women whom he could abuse and them charm to keep them from leaving.  He abused alcohol and emoti

Even the best Pastors can get caught up in sin, but God forgives.  James Craft was addicted to pornography that led him down the dark path of adultery and the loss of his ministry.  In this episode learn how James and his wife overcame the dark addiction and James’ poor choices and found God’s path to recovery..   “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17   James and his wife created the thenovusproject.org to help couples with pornography addiction. Women are not meant to be martyrs, but instead to discover what God wants.  James’ wife was angry, but realized he was a broken man and her heart shifted. Since the walk with the Lord and his wife, James has become healthy and the real James Craft.   If James relapsed he would have to sleep on the couch.  He had to do a polygraph test to become completely exposed.  James knew that this was what he needed to beat the addiction. James wrote a letter of full disclosure to the chur

Even the best Pastors can get caught up in sin, but God forgives.  James Craft was addicted to pornography that led him down the dark path of adultery and the loss of his ministry.  In this episode learn how James and his wife overcame the dark addiction and James’ poor choices and found God’s path to recovery..   “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come The old has gone, the new is here!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17   James is a husband of 23 years, father of 3 girls and a son of God. Biggest Weakness - Fear is the root of all his challenges and it pushes God away. Biggest Strength - Faith that he has been able to develop throughout the years.  He has learned to be a conduit for God’s wishes. Dark Time - Grew up in a Christian home with lots of dysfunction.  Everything had to look perfect to the outside world.  Image was everything and it taught James to keep a facade up.  He learned to isolate and medicate when things went badly in a very unhealthy way.  James’ drug of choice was porno

After his father was found tied to his own bed and shot to death, Byron Davis and his sister were left to be raised by their mom.  Although she instilled faith in the Lord and the belief that he should never let anyone tell him how his story will end, Byron drifted into rationalizing his addiction to sex and committed adultery.  In this episode he discusses the fall of man and the way back to God.   “For all things work together for good to those who love God and are called to his purpose” - Romans 8:28   The Epic Life Project - Empowers people to live the life God wants them to live. Biggest Weakness - When he gets passionate about a problem he tries to do too much and drops the ball. Biggest Strength - Approaches problems in a systematic way.  He helps people become their best. Dark Time - Raised by a single mom after his father was found shot to death.  His mom told him to never let anyone tell you how your story will end.  Byron became a champion swimmer and went to school on a scholarship.  When

Pastor Randy Moraitis is a devoted husband and father, the founder and President of Care Possible and a man of God, but it wasn’t always this way. Randy was raised by a teenage single mother, who had troubled marriages and an addiction that eventually resulted in an overdose.  This is Pastor Randy’s testimony.   “Teach me to do your will,for you are my God; may your good Spiritlead me on level ground” - Psalm 143:10   Care Possible - www.carepossible.org Donate to help people get the therapy they need who can’t afford it. Biggest Weakness - Randy judges people, but would prefer to look at them through Christ’s eyes. Biggest Strength - Faith, Family and Friends. Randy’s dad was not in his life and so he looked to God as his father. Dark Time - Randy’s mom was 15 when he was born and his parents divorced after 2 years.  His stepdad was an alcoholic which created a very dysfunctional home life.  Randy felt like a caregiver for both his mom and sister.  When his stepdad and mom divorced, they moved into a

Before you can move forward in a troubled relationship you have to clean up the issues you’ve had in the past both as individuals and a couple.  You must get clear about each others positions and show respect for how your spouse feels and thinks.  So how do you do this in a constructive way? Marriage and Family counselor Mark Howerton gives valuable tips on how to clean up the past so that you can have a long and healthy relationship. Dino and Mark discuss things like:   Releasing resentments Family of origin Faulty beliefs Thinking patterns Sympathy vs. Empathy   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence    Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.    

What happens to a man when he grows up with a void he can’t fill?  Marcus Slaton was abused as a boy by a stepfather who didn’t know how to be a parent and a mother who was too weak to stop it from happening.  He grew up to become a man who was searching for love; the void he couldn’t fill.  This need led him down a very dark path.     “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” - Ephesians  3:20   Marcus had an addiction to pornography starting when he was a child who found his stepdad’s collection.  It set an unrealistic standard for he and his wife.  It distorts reality and dishonors love and sex. The woman who exposed his 3rd wife’s affair, introduced him to his current wife Teri. They became friends and moved slowly, because he was afraid to tell her of his 3 marriages. Marcus married his wife in 1997 and they had a daughter, but that wasn’t enough to fill his void.  He began to make bad decisions and started an affai

What happens to a man when he grows up with a void he can’t fill? Marcus Slaton was abused as a boy by a stepfather who didn’t know how to be a parent and a mother who was too weak to stop it from happening.  He grew up to become a man who was searching for love; the void he couldn’t fill.  This need led him down a very dark path.     “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” - Ephesians  3:20   Biggest Weakness - Marcus is really good at making things happen and leaving God out of it.  Waiting on God is very hard for Marcus. Biggest Strength - The gift of encouragement.  Marcus will always see the good in every person and situation. Dark Time - His father was away in the Air Force and Marcus’s mom cheated on him with the church priest.  The priest named Norm was kicked out of the priesthood and married his mom.  Marcus didn’t know his biological father growing up and that created a void in his life.  Norm was an abusive

What causes conflict in marriage?  What typically causes conflict to escalate in relationships?  What are the characteristics of a conflict-free or low-conflict relationship? In this episode marriage and family counselor Mark Howerton provides the secrets to discovering true intimacy in your relationships.  He and Dino discuss:   Rules for a fair fight Faulty Perception and interpretation Releasing resentments Over-arching values of our relationships Empathic connection 4 legs to relational intimacy   For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out atwww.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like our page www.facebook.com/GodsMenOfInfluence      Help us spread the Word and please rate our show on itunes and leave comments for us. Tell us what insights you took from this episode.  

How do you discipline your child properly?  Well, first you start from day one.  If a child is not disciplined early, they begin to believe that their way is preferable and then they demand it.  This erodes empathy and creates narcissism.  If not kept in check, a narcissist heads their logical extreme and they become sociopathic.  In this episode, licensed therapist Mark Howerton explains his 5 tips for practical parenting.   Discipline Math - A+B = C A = Clarify Expectations B = Take the opportunity to Warn them C = The consequences if they don’t heed your warning   2.   The Parent’s State of Mind CFCF - Calm, firm, consistent, follow through        3.    Choose Your Battles - There are many things we can and should ignore.  We must    remember that our children just want our attention, so lavish them with good attention or they will seek negative attention by acting out poorly.        4.   Say yes as much as possible, but when you say no mean it.      5.   Be a United Front - Be your spouse's

Struggle was a big part of host Dino Katsiametis’ life until he surrendered to Jesus Christ.  Dino struggled through infidelity, divorce, financial ruin and a party lifestyle.  Through Christian teaching and men’s group Dino found stability and created the God’s Men of Influence ministry.  Prayer and scripture now lead his decisions  and his life improves as he surrenders to the Word.   “As Iron sharpens Iron, so one man sharpens another” - Proverbs 27:17   God’s Men of Influence ministry is based on Proverbs 27:17 Dino believes men’s groups are crucial because there are things that men can only hear from other Christian men.  Talking to other men with Christian values is the best way to be held accountable. Biggest Weakness - Competitiveness and Pride.  The love of money get’s a hold of Dino and he struggles against this weakness. Biggest Strength - Dino’s desire to be more like Jesus drives him. Dark Time - During his first marriage when things got bad Dino cheated on his wife.  He became very sel