God's Men Of Influence Podcast

In a jail cell in 2002 Glenn felt God urging him to start writing books. With 7 years of a prison sentence for drug trafficking left he obeyed. Filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, Glenn wrote for a year and then questioned if it was God who was urging him to write. Within a week a random letter arrived from Hope for Today Ministries in Tustin, Californiathat was addressed to an inmate who went home over a year prior. Inside the letter was a little note that said, “Here is what you asked for on how to write books.”  Over 17 years later, God has used Glenn to publish over 77 books. The first 10 books shined a light on the drug war and prison conditions that he spoke about on TV and in radio interviews. Then he started writing prayer books and became confused on how people would judge him, especially within the church. He began to realize that God’s Plan of Redemption is to be bold to explain what God delivered him from. He now writes about the prophecies of God that point to Jesus Christ and feels compell

Psalm 37:7-9 - "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land."  In this episode Dino talks with Antonio Zanellato, the first guest who has yet to surrender to God. Antonio has never been a patient man, but is ready for change. He is trying to learn forgiveness so that he can let go.  If you can’t forgive, the devil uses that door as a way in. Antonio is from Italy and came to the US in 2009. He grew up fatherless in Northern Italy, but was taken to Naples to live with his Grandparents.  He was not close to his mother and had mixed feelings about his dad.  Antonio was waiting for his dad to rescue him, a day that never came.  As he grew older, Antonio never turned away from a fight and went from being a good kid to one who was not. From 14 to 19 An

Romans 8:1 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  In this episode Dino talks to Doug Travato about his journey to find God. They discuss pride, ego, gratitude, humility and God’s blessings.    Doug is a man who is very repentant about the people he’s hurt in his past. He grew in a non-Christian home in Southern California and was never disciplined.  Doug joined the strongest Italian gang in town.  Fighting, drinking and skipping school was the norm and continued into college.  At 26, he ran off to Reno and married his sweetheart from the 2nd grade.  She was the only Christian in his life and helped to save Doug.   Things took a dark turn when Doug’s wife was told she had an Aneurism of the Aorta. She needed immediate surgery.  She called men at the church to pray over her and when the doctors went to look for the Aneurism it was gone, but they wanted to open her up.  Doug fell to his knees and gave himself to God.  The next day he refused to let her go into surgery.  She

On Father's Day in 1974 Freeman Palmore's father passed away and at 17 years old he denounced God.  What was to follow was 28 years of drugs, alcohol, infidelity and male prostitution that took him away from his wife, 3 daughters and son from another woman.  Freeman Palmore never taught his children about God.  He believed God had left him, but it was he who turned his back on God.  Freeman abused drugs and alcohol and cheated on his wife until he was finally kicked out of the house.  He made his way to New Orleans where the substance abuse continued and Freeman became a male prostitute to pay for his addictions.  There he had a son, but soon left for California and the Costa Rica.  In 2002 a near death drug overdose sent him into rehab where he rededicated himself to God and his family.  Dino and Freeman also discussed: Abuse Infidelity Addiction Prostitution Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance  Making amends                                                                           This is Freeman's test

Steve Murrin is a recovering sex addict who found himself in such pain that he planned his own suicide.   The grace of God stepped in and with a cinderblock and chain in his trunk, Steve called a crisis hotline.  The police tracked his car down and admitted him to a hospital where he was kept until his crisis was over.  Unfortunately, the deep rooted pain from being abused as a child by his stepfather left the scars that led to his addictions yet again.  Steve had no good answer when his 10 year old daughter asked him why he wanted to die and no good way of dealing with the pain when her mother took her and moved them away.  When the dark thoughts came again and all hope was lost, Steve was saved by 3 books given to him by a friend.  The day he handed back the 3rd book, he was hungry for the Word of the Lord.   In this episode Steve and Dino discuss: Abuse Pornography Addiction Suicide Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is S

Jerry Fisher and his brothers were beaten by his father.  Although he has forgiven his father, it left deep wounds that he still reconciles today.  In his 30's Jerry traveled for work, made lots of money and lived like he was single, but it wasn't the way to happiness.  At 40 years old Jerry found Christ.  A few years later, he brought his daughter to recovery at Mariner's Church for a meth addiction.  Jerry was angry with her boyfriend, whom he believed was the cause of her 3 year addiction.  God spoke to Jerry.  He drove to her boyfriend's house and reunited him with his own estranged father.  In this episode Jerry and Dino discuss: Abuse Marriage Infidelity Divorce Addiction Trust in Christ Parenthood Repentance                                                                            This is Jerry's testimony. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devotionals and updates and please like

When Jamie Looney left the military, his life took an ugly turn toward drugs, alcohol and infidelity.  He and his wife Crystal, obsessed with partying, became less involved with their children.  Jamie's oldest son Sebastian began using drugs. Although Jamie and his wife eventually found Christ, it was too late to change the path Sebastian was on, until on Christmas Eve he was arrested for a serious crime.  This is Jamie's testimony. In this episode, Jamie and Dino discuss: Growing up on the Yakama Indian reservation where drugs and alcohol were prevalent. Deploying as a Marine and the effect on his family. Leaving the military. Drugs, Alcohol and Infidelity in his marriage. Finding Christ through influential Christian men. His son's spiral into drugs and crime. Driving from Minnesota across the country on Christmas Eve to be at his son's arraignment. Surrendering to Christ when his son is sentenced to 17 years. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www

Correct your spiritual damage as early as you can.  Today at 70 years old, Dino's guest Jim Hogan is an ambassador for Jesus Christ, but it has not always been the case.  In this episode Jim and Dino discuss Jim's "Standing Stone Ministry" as well as: 1. Jim's marriage of 48 years 2. Growing up in a dysfunctional alcoholic family. 3. Finding and losing Surrogate parents in a terrible accident. 4. The loss of a mentor to suicide. 5. Building and losing a multi-million dollar business. 6. Ego and Isolation. 7. Dealing with Financial Loss. 8. Moral troubles inside a popular ministry.  Recommended Books: 1. Leadership is an art - Max Depree 2. Team of Teams - General Stan McChrystal 3. Prayer Shield - C. Peter Wagner "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 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join us on Facebook for our daily devoti

Betrayed and molested by a family member, Eric Botelho had many trials before finding God. In this episode Eric and Dino discuss his sober living homes Sanctuary House as well as: 1. His Christianity - God did not call him to be comfortable or safe. 2. Radical Encounters with Jesus.  3. The Effects of sexual molestation by a trusted family member. 4. Running with a crew and being the only survivor with his brother. 5. The power of his mother in the fight against his addictions. 6. Adulterous relationships. 7. How his family was pushed away by the Catholic Church. 8. God put people in his life to show him Jesus. 9. Choosing faith on days you don't feel it. 10. Seminary Training 11. Anchored Recovery Community   "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28-30 For past shows and to learn more about the God's

Dino continues his conversation with Jon Lugo.  What is the purpose behind our trials?  This answer is beyond us.  We only need to know that there is a purpose.  We call this knowledge faith.  In this episode  Jon Lugo discusses: Coming clean about his drug dealing. Seeing God for the first time in his parents forgiveness Being Unprepared to Surrender to God. Telling the truth to 110 fraternity brothers Safely removing himself from the drug dealing organization. Working through his fear. God reveals himself amidst massive withdrawal symptoms. Becoming a prayer leader at church. Reconnecting with his ex-girlfriend, breaking up with her, becoming friends with her and marrying her. Allowing God to guide his life.   "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - Jame 1 Verse 2&3  For past shows and to learn more about the God\'s Men of Influence community, check us out at  ww

What is the purpose behind our trials?  This answer is beyond us.  We only need to know that there is a purpose.  We call this knowledge faith.  In this episode Dino talks with Jon Lugo about his faith as well as: 1. The Power of Sharing Your Christianity 2. The Pain of Denying Jesus. 3. Drugs and Alcohol. 4. Selling drugs at church. 5. Fighting with a pipe, arrested & sent to court. 6. Unleashing his drug addiction in college. 7. Selling drugs on a large scale. 8. Being attracted to evil. 9. The power of guilt. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,  because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." - Jame 1 Verse 2&3 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.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 comment

Anger is the thorn that drives our guest David Kamashin to his cross. After a life filled with addiction, prison, theft and homelessness David has been delivered and sees the Gospel in everything.  In this episode, Dino and David discuss: 1. Alcohol, drug and sexual addiction 2. Sex offense  3. Prison 4. Fatherhood 5. The power of meth amphetameme 6. Adultery 7. Theft 8. 12 years of homelessness 9. Dealing drugs 10. Radical Recovery Ministries 11. Fuel Ministries Recomended Books: Crazy Love - Frances Chan Radical - David Platt "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles." - Hebrews 12:1-2 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.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 f

The beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord.  Nobody understands this better than our guest Steve Woodson.  In this episode Dino & Steve discuss: 1. Drinking, Drugs and Drug Dealing  2. Promiscuity, living in the flesh 3. The Impact of Spreading Yourself Too thin on Your Spirituality 4. Hearing the Lord's Voice 5. The threat of Prison and much more. "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord" - Psalm 1 For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.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 does a man go from dealing drugs and working with a motorcycle club to becoming a Chaplain who manages a sober living facility?  Only God can do this.  In this episode Dino and his guest Danny Simmons discuss: 1. The nature of man's evil 2. Drug manufacturing and dealing until age 59 3. Turning point: admitting to his family who he was 4. Being broken 5. Losing a child to a violent man 6. Surrendering to God 7. Learning to forgive 8. Fuelministries.org Danny's Recommended Book A Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren Disciplines of A Godly Man - Kent Hughes "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed" - James 8:36

When you believe you can are in control and can walk without the Lord is when you fall.  Faith requires true humility and surrender to God.  In this episode Dino and guest Justin McIntee, discuss being the son of a drug dealer and the power of humility as well as: 1. Battling Selfish Thoughts. 2. Fully Surrendering to the Lord. 3. Praying for Others to Find Faith. 4. Being the Son of the Largest Drug Dealer in Orange County. 5. Falling Into Drugs and Alcohol. 6. The Nature of Addiction and How to Walk Away. 7. Hiding From the Lord in Shame. Recommended Book: A Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren "Humble Yourself Before The Lord and He Will Lift You Up" - James 4:10 

Most people don't think God is listening to them, but when you walk in his word you realize how attentive he really is.  The Word becomes flesh and today's guest Matt Arellano talks about going deep into Scripture and dwelling in the Word.   Dino and Matt also discuss: 1. Losing Your trust In the Lord 2. Stepping out in faith 3. Fighting pride to stay humble 4. Fuel Ministries  5. The Pain of pornography & justification, 6. Habitual sin and much more... For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.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. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind" - Romans 12:2

Before his was a major league baseball pitcher, Tim Fortugno was the angry son of a single mom and then an abusive stepfather.  He struggled with poor choices like stealing, drugs and alcohol abuse that led him to trouble with the law and a juvenile home.  Tim had thoughts of suicide and murderous rage for his stepfather, but God protected him.  Tim was rejected when at 16 his mom told the court that she no longer wanted him at home.   Tim was put into a Christian foster home and at 17 he gave his life to the Lord.  At 21 he came to California, met his wife and was brought back to his love of baseball.   Tim was pitching and no longer checked in with the Lord.  He hurt his arm and entered a very dark time, until he came back to God. After years in the minors, Tim found himself pitching for the Angels in Anaheim as a 30 year old rookie.  Now Tim works as a scout for major league teams. For past shows and to learn more about the God's Men of Influence community, check us out at  www.godsmenofinfluence.org Join

As parents, we all strive to ensure when our children reach a pivotal crossroad, they listen to the words that we’ve taught them, but most importantly, that they listen to the Lord. Dr. Jeff Zweerink is an astrophysicist and Research Scholar for Reasons to Believe. Jeff grew up in an upstanding Christian family in a small Midwestern town in Missouri, and like many of us do, he found himself moving down a sinful path to a place of concealment. While he did practice Christianity, it wasn’t until his ways were exposed that he truly found a foundation for his faith. His parent’s, while disappointed, left faithful words of encouragement and love to him that would prove to be a pivotal point in his Christian Life. Today Jeff dedicates his life to helping others understand the correlation between Christianity and Science. Like his other colleagues from Reasons to Believe, he uses scientific discoveries as a tool to prove Christian truths, rather than contradict them. He also works with 3rd-5th grade level children,

“God, Family, Career.”  This is the order in which David Rivera listed his priorities during perhaps the most pivotal job interview of his life. God called to him and asked him to be honest, and that all pieces would fall into place thereafter, and they did. David has enjoyed a beautiful life as a Christian, but he hasn’t always walked with the Lord.  Today his life is immersed in an organization many of us have seen or read about in the last six months, the Ark of Noah Foundation. This organization, with David as it’s President, is working to bring a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark from the Netherlands to Brazil. The Ark is an interactive, informative, cultural Biblical museum and event center. The Ark of Noah will provide a Judeo-Christian Bible based experience for young and old in the underprivileged communities around Brazil, and they need our help to make it happen. Please help them and donate. Every dollar counts. Visit their website and facebook page so you can play a part in this incredible moveme

When we read and hear about the story of Noah’s Ark, we can’t help but picture a gargantuan vessel, capable of withstanding floods and able to corral a zoo’s worth of animals. Our guest, Herald A.M.A. Janssen, is the director for an organization called The Ark of Noah Foundation, and they have created a full-scale replica of biblical proportions. A native of the Netherlands, Herald leads the European division on a campaign to raise the funds they’ll need to transport the Ark all the way to Brazil. Herald's journey to this foundation was filled with love for the Lord, and while he's had an excellent Christian life, it did not come without its struggles. He faced a dark time while working in asset management in Germany, when he was unfairly accused of corporate fraud and spent over ten years struggling to stay afloat financial and prove his innocence. Herald kept his faith in God throughout the whole ordeal, and his prayers were answered. He was later called to play a part innovative organization. The Ark of No