First Person With Wayne Shepherd

The grandson of the late Dr. Warren Wiersbe, Dan Jacobsen, talks with Wayne Shepherd about the publication of one of his grandfather's unpublished manuscripts. (Click for more)   Years ago an unpublished Wiersbe manuscript tucked in a dusty manila folder was unearthed by the Jacobsen family. Wiersbe grandson Dan Jacobsen, a young pastor himself, spent two years preserving his grandfather's original writing and completed the work titled, Becoming New, A 100 Day Journey of Transformation Through God's Word. It's a powerful continuation of Warren Wiersbe's legacy.In this FIRST PERSON interview, Dan mentions a podcast furthering the legacy of Warren Wiersbe-- it can be found at Apple podcasts here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/warren-wiersbe-sermons/id494964859. They can also be found on YouTube and Spotify. And to hear a previous FIRST PERSON interview with Dr. Wiersbe, please click here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/121603/episodes/10962795-warren-wiersbe                 

Businessman John Wieland, author of Uncommon Threads, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his story of faith and the lessons he's learned about faith, family, and business.  (click for more) You'll find the book Uncommon Threads here.John Wieland Program Notes:Background & BusinessCEO of MH Equipment (material handling/forklift company in Illinois).President of His First Foundation.Took over MH Equipment in 1994 when it was nearly bankrupt; no entrepreneurial or mechanical background.Business grew during a strong economy; attributes success to God’s grace, not personal ability.Rejects the idea of “self-made men” – too many factors are beyond human control.Faith JourneyGrew up in church in Jerseyville, Illinois, but not a believer; thought attending church was “doing God a favor.”Encountered Scripture in college (Matthew 7 – narrow vs. wide gate) and realized he was outside God’s kingdom.Surrendered to Christ as a sophomore in college, influenced by Navigators ministry (discipleship & scripture m

Hal Habecker of Finishing Well Ministries, joins Wayne Shepherd to talk about encouraging seniors to actively pursue and fulfill God's calling. (click for more) Website:  https://www.finishingwellministries.orgInterview notes:Background & Faith JourneyBorn in Hershey, PA, one of six children in a farming family.Came to Christ at age 6 in an independent Bible church.Early fascination with older people, shaped by the death of his childhood pastor.Active Christian leader in youth (campus life, Bible study).Studied at Taylor University; initially interested in politics inspired by Mark Hatfield.Mission trip to Haiti → encouraged to attend Dallas Theological Seminary.Married while in seminary; mentored by Howard Hendricks, who redirected him from politics to pastoral ministry.Ministry CareerOrdained at First Baptist Dallas under W.A. Criswell.Worked with physicians/dentists, leading to involvement with the Christian Medical Society (served as national director for 15 years).Pastored a Dallas church for 21

Pastor and author George Koch joins Wayne Shepherd in conversation about his life experiences and his book, Bullies, Parasites, and Slaves.  (click for more) More about George's book:  https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bullies+parasites+and+slaves&crid=3HRAB41FIEJ9R&sprefix=Bullies%2Caps%2C117&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_3_7Interview Summary:George Koch’s BackgroundCareer began in tech: co-founded a software company in the early 1980s to manage corporate investment portfolios.Developed what may have been the first English-language query application on a relational database; early connection with Oracle when it was a small company.Faith JourneyChildhood: raised in a fundamentalist church, strongly impacted by the song Jesus Loves the Little Children.Struggled with the church but held onto the truth that Jesus loves everyone.Civil rights era shaped his views—volunteered in Chicago inner-city project, gained firsthand experience of cultural differences and shared humanity.Adult years: left faith

A beloved professor at Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Bill Thrasher, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his own faith story and teaching on prayer.   (click for more)For more about prayer: www.VictoriousPraying.comInterview Notes – Dr. Bill ThrasherTheme: Spiritual formation, prayer, and the Christian lifeBackground:Dr. Bill Thrasher is a longtime professor at Moody Bible Institute.Passionate about prayer and the spiritual disciplines.Emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God over mere religious activity.Key Topics:Spiritual Formation:Formation is more than just head knowledge; it’s about transformation into Christlikeness. Spiritual formation includes both the inward and outward life. Prayer: Prayer is central to Thrasher’s teaching and personal life. Encourages believers to see prayer not as a duty but a delight. Advocates for honest, heart-level conversations with God.The Role of Weakness:Emphasizes that God uses weakness to shape dependence on Him. Weakness is not a disqualifier but a platfor

Former NBA star Mike Newlin talks with Wayne Shepherd about his basketball career and his long commitment to his relationship with Jesus Christ.  (click for more)Background & Basketball CareerMike Newlin was a standout NBA guard, scoring over 12,000 points.Drafted by the San Diego Rockets, who became the Houston Rockets one week later.Known for his discipline—trained 6–8 hours a day in high school.Believes time, not talent, is the key to success.Described his entrance into the NBA as the "easiest thing" he'd ever done because it was the logical result of consistent hard work.Conversion to ChristianityBecame a Christian at age 27, just before an NBA season.Was at the peak of his career, considered a top guard in the league.Transition was costly: after his conversion, a coach benched him for three years, claiming he didn't trust believers.Struggled emotionally and spiritually with the fallout—it took 40 years to fully process the pain of that loss.Spiritual Growth & Life After NBAStu

Colby Barrett, Executive Producer of the documentary, A Faith Under Siege, talks with Wayne Shepherd about Russian forces persecuting Ukrainian Christians. (click for more) A Faith Under Siege can be viewed on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E4gJWdsyAA&ab_channel=AFaithUnderSiegeThe film is endorsed by Mission Eurasia. To read Faith Under Fire: Understanding and Responding to Religious Persecution, click here. 

Mike Joens put his faith in Jesus Christ while in the Marines. He went on to become a successful animator and has now created a series for children. (click for more)Mike's dream all along was to create an animated series for children that would teach God's Word. That happened with the production of Theo Presents, available on DVD here.Key Interview HighlightsSpiritual Transformation: Mike accepted Christ in 1972 while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. A divine intervention led him from a bar in Naples back to his barracks, where two fellow Marines shared the gospel with him.Early Christian Growth: After becoming a believer, Mike developed a deep hunger for Scripture, progressing from The Living Bible to a King James Version Thompson Chain Reference Bible, reading voraciously and studying theology.Call to Ministry: Though initially drawn to pulpit ministry, God redirected Mike to a different kind of calling—animation.Professional Background: Mike honed his craft at animation studios like Hanna-Barber

The CEO of the large and successful Correct Craft company, Bill Yeargin, joins Wayne Shepherd in conversation his personal faith journey and how it has helped him lead over 2,000 employees and distributors in over 70 countries.                                              NEXT WEEK:  Mike JoensSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Evangelist, teacher, and counselor Sammy Tippit talks with Wayne Shepherd about his decades of experience proclaiming the Gospel around the world.                                         NEXT WEEK:  Bill YearginSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Bill Hendricks, President of The Giftedness Center and the Executive Director for Christian Leadership at The Hendricks Center at Dallas Theological Seminary, talks with Wayne Shepherd about finding purpose through God's spiritual calling.                                            NEXT WEEK:  Sammy TippitSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Chad Roberts, a pastor who has been totally blind since 2018, talks with Wayne Shepherd about his story of determination, with God's help, to not quit but continue his ministry.(click for more)The circumstances that led to Chad's blindness have not deterred him in the least from continuing to teach God's Word as a pastor. You can learn more about Chad and his story here, including his radio and media ministry called Awakened to Grace.NEXT WEEK:  BIll HendricksSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

At 93 Rob Elliot is still active in business, and more importantly active in sharing his faith in Christ. He talks with Wayne Shepherd. (click for more) Rob is the Founder of Elliot Construction, a Chicago area concrete contractor, which began in 1955. His story of faith is a challenge to all who know him and you will be encouraged when you listen to how God has led and provided for him and his family.  More about Rob here.                                              NEXT WEEK:  Chad RobertsSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

The Director of the Far East Broadcasting Company ministry in Thailand converses with Wayne Shepherd about his radio ministry.  (click for more)   Sumet Techarukpong is a Thai businessman whom God called to serve in the radio ministry of FEBC. In this FIRST PERSON interview he tells his personal story as well as outlines the staff's extensive radio work in Thailand, resulting in millions of responses to it's Bangkok office.For more about Thailand and FEBC's outreach in that country, please visit www.FEBC.org/Thailand.                                                 NEXT WEEK:  Rob ElliotSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Cheryl Steele Tinsley, the lone survivor of a wilderness surveying trip gone awry, talks with Wayne Shepherd about her experience.  (click for more) On July 3, 1980, Cheryl Steele Tinsley and three of her friends were caught in a deadly “freak storm” on Michigan's Lake Huron that meteorologists say only appear once every ten to twelve years.  Her three companions died, but Cheryl miraculously lived.As you listen, Cheryl will recount the story and speak to what she learned about how God speaks to us when we encounter the reality of death.Cheryl has also written a book detailing the experience titled Wave by Wave, A Memoir of Survival, Faith, and How God Works which can be found here.                     NEXT WEEK:  Sumet Techarukpong of FEBC ThailandSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Author Matthew J. Wolak joins Wayne Shepherd to share his story of difficulty connecting with his Dad and subsequent restoration.  (click for more)   Matthew J. Wolak is a faith-based speaker and author of the book Loving Your Father Even Though He…A GUIDE FOR MEN: Acknowledge, Prepare for & Discuss Your Father Wounds with Your Dad. Matthew is married to his wife Stacy and they live in Southeastern Wisconsin.Learn more about Matthew and his story in his new book at: www.matthewjwolak.com                                     NEXT WEEK:  Cheryl Steele TinsleySend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Wayne Shepherd reads excerpts from Serving God and Country, United States Military Chaplains in World War II.   (click for more)   In World War II, over 12,000 Protestant ministers, Catholic priests, and Jewish rabbis left the safety of home to join the Chaplain Corps, following the armed forces into battle across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and the high seas.With author Lyle Dorsett's permission, this week we feature selected readings from this book. These are the personal stories of some of the bravest and most selfless men who served with the armed forces. Many lost their lives or suffered debilitating wounds while serving as pastors to the troops. For more information about Dorsett's book, click here.                                          NEXT WEEK:  Matthew WolakSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Dannah Gresh, author of Lies Girls Believe, talks with Wayne Shepherd about equipping girls with biblical truth to counteract cultural lies. (click for more)Dannah Gresh is the bestselling author, speaker, and founder of True Girl, America's most popular Christian tween event. She has authored dozens of books and Bible studies that have been translated into many languages, including the classic And the Bride Wore White and Lies Girls Believe. Her resources have equipped over two million moms and leaders as they seek to raise their girls in confidence and Truth. Dannah is the cohost of Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's Revive Our Hearts. She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, and the TEDx stage. She lives on a hobby farm in State College, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bob.                         NEXT WEEK:  Memorial Day- WWII ChaplainsSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please ment

Adam Waters is a living testimony that God can rescue and redeem a life headed for self-destruction. He tells his story to Wayne Shepherd.  (click for more)   Now lead pastor of Grace Bible Church in Elmhurst, IL, Adam was once a kid who didn't believe in God. He became a father as a teenager, was released from the military for abusing drugs, and arrested for crime before surrendering his life to Jesus Christ. Look for FIRST PERSON on social media:  Facebook.com/FirstPersonInterview                                         NEXT WEEK:  Dannah GreshSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

The President and CEO of Hope Rises, Bill Simmons, talk with Wayne Shepherd about his ministry and spiritual practices for organizations.  (click for more)     Formerly known as American Leprosy Missions and recently renamed Hope Rises, the ministry Bill leads continues to restore the dignity and health of those suffering from neglected diseases.Based on his experience leading Christian boards and organizations, Bill is the author of The Way of Interruption; Spiritual Practice for Organizational Life.                                             NEXT WEEK:  Adam WatersSend your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:FEBC National Processing Center Far East Broadcasting CompanyP.O. Box 6020 Albert Lea, MN 56007Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!