In this episode of Sharing Life Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Alan Urda to talk about the powerful role God’s people have played in his life and faith. Alan shares how the love, encouragement, correction, and consistency of fellow Christians helped shape his walk with Jesus—and why the church is far more than a Sunday gathering.

Together, they explore the beauty of spiritual family, the importance of belonging, and how Jesus is the reason His people matter so deeply.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Philly Nong, a student at Freed-Hardeman University whose journey to Christ spans continents, cultures, and questions. Growing up in South Africa in a religious environment shaped by spiritual ritualism and Old Testament sacrificial practices, Philly’s understanding of God was sincere—but incomplete.

What followed was a journey he couldn’t have scripted.

From traveling to the United States for school, to eventually finding his way—seemingly providentially—to Freed-Hardeman University, Philly’s story is a powerful reminder that God is always at work behind the scenes. It was there, through the influence of the Henderson church of Christ Campus Ministry and a pivotal retreat, that Philly encountered the gospel clearly and responded in faith, being baptized into Christ just over a year ago.

This episode is about more than a journey—it’s about learning to trust God’s timing.

Philly shares how seasons of waiting, uncertainty, and searching were all part of a bigger picture that only God could see. His story will encourage you to trust that even when life feels delayed or unclear, God is never late.

In this episode of Sharing Life, Changing Lives, Robert Hatfield and Bill Wade sit down with Vincent Meninno to hear his powerful story of faith, courage, and transformation. Raised in Catholicism, Vincent’s spiritual foundation was deeply shaped by tradition and family. But during his college years, he began asking deeper questions about Scripture, truth, and his personal relationship with God.

Those questions led him on a journey that wasn’t easy—but it was worth it.

Vincent shares how studying the Bible challenged his assumptions, how he wrestled with what it meant to follow Jesus fully, and how he ultimately found the courage to change direction.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Ethan and Kara Darety share their journey as parents walking through the reality of their daughter’s diagnosis with cystic fibrosis. With honesty, vulnerability, and deep faith, they open their hearts about the fears, questions, and prayers that have shaped their family’s story.

But more than anything, this is a story about trusting Jesus in the middle of uncertainty.

Ethan and Kara remind us that faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live, especially when life feels fragile. Through every doctor’s visit, every unknown, and every long day, they are learning what it means to place what they love most into the hands of a faithful God.

This episode will encourage parents, strengthen your trust in God, and remind you that you are not walking alone.

Emily shares her personal journey through postpartum depression and anxiety, the lingering effects that followed, and the grief of losing her mother. Rather than offering clichés or easy answers, she opens up about the real struggles, doubts, prayers, and spiritual wrestling that marked those seasons.

Throughout the conversation, Emily reflects on how Jesus met her in her suffering—not by removing every burden immediately, but by sustaining her, strengthening her faith, and anchoring her hope when she felt weakest. This episode offers encouragement to anyone who has battled depression, walked with someone who has, or wondered how faith and mental health intersect.

In this episode, you’ll enjoy:

• Thanksgiving gratitude lists from our children, full of sweetness, humor, and genuine appreciation
• Encouraging insights from our Kids Ministry, shared by coordinator Kara Darety
• A look at the impact and purpose of our Kids Ministry, and how it helps shape young hearts for Christ
• An uplifting reminder that thankfulness is often most powerful when heard through the voices of little ones

As you prepare for Thanksgiving, let this episode warm your heart and lift your spirit. The gratitude of our children—and the dedicated ministry that serves them—points us back to the goodness of God in beautiful ways.

Thanks for listening, and Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at the Henderson church of Christ!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Real gratitude from real people—college students, young adults, and seasoned members of our congregation
• A wide range of blessings that our church family is celebrating this year
• Reflections from the Psalms with Robert and Bill, offering Scripture-centered reminders that cultivate thanksgiving in every season
• Encouragement to slow down and intentionally give thanks, even amid the busyness of life

Whether you’re listening during your holiday travels or in a quiet moment at home, we hope this episode helps you pause, reflect, and remember the goodness of God.

Thank you for listening, and Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Sharing Life, Changing Lives!

Now back in the United States, Jason serves as Missionary in Residence at Freed-Hardeman University, helping equip and encourage the next generation of mission-minded Christians. In this conversation, he reflects on what he learned about faith, dependence, and community during his time overseas—and how those lessons continue to shape his ministry today.

Drawing from his own faith journey, Matt shares how the church has shaped him, what to do when the church disappoints us, and why showing up—week after week—still makes all the difference. Together, Bill, Robert, and Matt reflect on how Jesus designed His church to be a family, a place of healing, and a launching point for serving the world.

Episode Resource:

• [VIDEO] Matt's class: "Does the Church Matter?"

Watch the video of this episode below.

With wisdom from both the classroom and the church, Mrs. Kim shares insights about how children learn, what makes Bible teaching powerful, and how both teachers and parents can partner to shape young hearts for a lifetime of faith.

Jared shares from his experience working with teens and families, offering insights into the challenges young people face today, what they need from the church, and how intergenerational relationships can help faith grow. Whether you’re a church leader, a parent, or someone passionate about building up the next generation, this conversation will encourage you to invest more intentionally in your youth group.

With honesty and hope, the Hollamons share how God’s peace carried them through fear, uncertainty, and healing. Their story is a testimony to the sustaining power of prayer, community, and trust in God’s plan—even when it looks different than expected.

Jerry shares from his own life experiences, opening up about the moments when the cross became most real to him—through heartache, redemption, and spiritual renewal. This conversation reminds us that the message of the cross is not just about what happened two thousand years ago—it’s about what God is still doing today in the lives of His people.

From speech and song leading to puppets and Bible Bowl, the Carpenter boys open up about what it’s like to participate in Lads to Leaders, what they’ve learned, and why they love it.

Whether you are currently facing a valley or supporting someone who is, Rick’s perspective will inspire you to lean into the promises of God and trust His presence even when the road is hard.

In this episode, Mark and Paul discuss what motivates them to serve as elders, how they’ve witnessed God working in the congregation, and the importance of building a church family that embodies Christ’s love. This heartfelt conversation will encourage, inspire, and remind you of the joy of walking in God’s grace.

What you'll learn in this episode:

•  What motivates Mark and Paul to serve as shepherds of the Henderson church of Christ.
• The unique joys and challenges of being an elder in a congregation.
• How faith, hope, and love guide leadership and foster unity in the church.
• Words of wisdom for anyone seeking to grow in their walk with Christ.