Summary

In this episode, Jim engages with Ezra Kenyanya, to explore his multifaceted journey as a community leader, youth pastor, and advocate for practical humanitarian work. Ezra shares his experiences growing up in a Christian household, his transition from Kenya to the U.S., and how various life experiences shaped his values and career path. The conversation delves into the importance of practical faith, the role of nonprofits, and the significance of values-based decision-making in personal and professional contexts. In this conversation, Jim and Ezra Kenyanya explore the importance of understanding one's values and how they relate to freedom, community engagement, and purpose. They discuss the role of love in fostering connections and the significance of value-based coaching for young people. The conversation also highlights the importance of recognizing transferable skills and the impact of the Jeremiah Program in empowering single mothers through education and support.

Ezra's Bio:

Ezra Kenyanya is a Kenyan Adventist Pastor based in the US, recognized as a people leader and strategist in the nonprofit sector. He currently serves as an Associate and Youth Pastor at the Kenyan Community Church in Minnesota while also working as a Program Manager at the Jeremiah Program, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering single mothers to thrive in the workforce, preparing their children for academic success, and reducing generational reliance on public assistance.

Ezra earned a BA in Biology and an MA in Community and International Development from Andrews University. He has been married to his wonderful wife, Beryl Jemimah Morara, for eight years.

Ezra is deeply passionate about youth ministry and missions, dedicating much of his time to empowering young people. He has spoken extensively at events for youth, students, young professionals, civic leaders, and churches across several countries in Africa and throughout North America.

His leadership roles have included President of ALIVE North America, Chair of the GYC Africa Board, and leader for the Twin Cities African Youth and Young Adults. Additionally, he serves as a Board Member for Maplewood Academy and Beyond New Beginnings.

He is also the founder of two organizations, Vuna International and the DIRA Program, aimed at providing humanitarian services and addressing inequalities that prevent individuals from reaching their full potential.

His deepest aspiration is to make the gospel practical, relevant, and applicable in everyday life.

In this episode of Intersect, Jim Moon speaks with mental health professional Cortney Buckholz about the intersection of mental health and ministry. They discuss Cortney's journey into the field of mental health, the importance of presence, the power of listening, and how vulnerability can foster connection.

Cortney shares some powerful examples of how to minister at work when we must wait for a co-worker or client to start a spiritual conversation.

She also touches on the need for churches to be safe spaces for those struggling with mental health issues and the importance of understanding and addressing these challenges within the community.

During an anxiety-inducing health crisis, Kim Steffens found peace by praying for people. The prayers of a supportive community also encouraged Kim amid her fear and uncertainty. She realized it Takes A Village to support people during their most difficult struggles.

Through her experience, a desire was born to pass on the blessing of praying support by creating a non-profit called Takes A Village to build neighborhood prayer boxes. The boxes are a simple strategy for bringing neighbors together to provide support for people in need.

Listen to discover how Intersect host Jim Moon and his wife Ingrid met their neighbor Scott through a Takes A Village prayer box during a health struggle of their own.

Learn more about Kim's non-profit Takes A Village on Facebook or at takesavillagemn.com.

Dr. David Levy discusses the power of forgiveness and reframing after a recent hit and run. Listen to discover how to walk in freedom by processing your grievances in conversation with God.

Dr. Levy is the author of Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Learns the Power of Prayer... One Patient at a Time. To learn more about Dr. Levy and his work, visit drdlevy.com

What if your boss told you about a promotion coming your way because of a dream he had the night before? Would you believe him or say, "How about giving me the promotion today?"

Find out how Samuel's calling aligned with the dream of his boss in this episode of Intersect.

Maydys shares how her friendship with Jesus transformed her life and spilled over into her workplace. She was set free from living a double life and found freedom by learning to trust God wholeheartedly. Find out how her experience with God improved her work relationships and opened the door to blessing her co-workers through prayer.

Discover how Oli helped her mom, Maydys Johnson to meet Jesus during Karen Lewis' Bible Study seminar at Minnesota Camp Meeting.

To learn more about the Lifting Up Jesus Bible Study lessons from Karen Lewis go to: https://liftingupjesus.net

Attorney Marc Walwyn operates his legal practice as a ministry. In this episode, Marc describes how his faith in Christ has influenced interactions with legal clients, atheist friends, and old classmates from college. Marc's motto at work is "Listening. Winning." Marc shares how this motto has also impacted his approach to blessing people from all walks of life and inviting them to follow Jesus.