Content and Media
Items on this page come from our various communications and podcasts.
Ron Bracy: “God wants me to simply trust and obey where He leads”
Some 2,500 years after the time of the prophet Habakkuk, Lt Col Ron Bracy, USAF (Ret.), found himself asking the same question as the Old Testament prophet: “How long, O Lord, will I call and you will not hear me?”
Amanda Yashack, part 2: “God is healing me and he is giving me my life back”
In this episode, Amanda concludes her story by sharing how God began to radically heal her heart and change her life through a series of events.
Fall 2021 Ministry News
OCF Ministry News items from Connected newsletter.
Where do you see yourself in OCF?
“In order to tangibly strengthen our connectivity, we have an enormous need for members to step into the yoke with the Lord and one another. If you are willing to be spent for the Gospel, we have a myriad of areas where you can sign up to serve.”
Amanda Yashack, part 1: “That morning at PT something inside me just completely broke.”
Capt Amanda Yashack, USAFR, talks about how her life spiraled out of control when she was in ROTC, largely as a result of the trauma she experienced after a sexual assault, and then how that led to burnout, compartmentalizing her pain, and as she calls it…rock bottom.
Sam Alexander: “I realized that I need to really focus on bringing God into my work”
LT Sam Alexander, USN, gives a peek into submarine culture, how isolation can have an impact on one's faith, and the importance of developing a spiritual support system or a mentoring relationship.
Hannah Johnson: “In order to glorify God, I have to have it all together”
Today you're going to hear from LT Hannah Johnson, USN, as she talks about her struggles with spiritual perfectionism, and as she says, the fear of being a fraud or being found out.
Grant Johnson: “Your identity is not wrapped up in the aircraft that you’re flying.”
As we continue this multi-episode focus on the topic of identity, you’re going to hear from LT Grant Johnson, USN, as he shares his story of dreaming to be a jet pilot, only to come up short.
Lynda Johnson: “I no longer see myself as the star of my movie”
Lynda Johnson's identity was shaken after she was told she couldn’t run anymore unless she wanted to risk more damage to her health. Today, she shares her story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession.
Aaron Zimmerman: Finding peace when our identity is in Christ
Christian athlete and Marine aviator are two things first lieutenant Aaron Zimmerman wanted to be known for. However, a medical diagnosis would ground his aspirations of being a Marine aviator and raise questions about where he was placing his identity.
Chris Thompson, Gold Star Mother: “God wants you to keep on living”
Chris shares her story of military life at the intersection of faith, family, and profession by telling the story of her daughter, Betsy, and offering insights on life as a Gold Star Mother.
Spring 2021 Ministry News
OCF Ministry News items from Connected newsletter.
A year of opportunity and blessing amid turmoil
The arrival of the COVID-related shutdowns during the spring of 2020 brought an end to both conference centers’ plans for their normal summer programs and events. Nonetheless, both locations have overcome many of the challenges the pandemic has created.
Rico Lane: “I just didn’t have that loving relationship with a father”
Capt Rico Lane, USAF, shares his story, which includes three primary themes: fatherhood, faith, and family—specifically how God used the Bible verse text messages of a grandfather to begin changing Rico’s life.
Becky Haggerty: “God, why don’t you care?”
Becky’s story is one of battling through anxiety and self-worth. It’s a story that tells of her journey to be in a right relationship with her Heavenly Father even when it seems like life sometimes has more valleys than mountaintops, even when it seems like God just doesn’t care.
What is Christian Mentoring?
According to the Barna Group, a market research firm specializing in studying religious beliefs and behavior, as of 2015 only 17% of practicing Christians said they meet regularly with a spiritual mentor.
Chipu Chu: “I was broken. I needed a savior.”
(Season 2, Episode 1) In this episode, you’ll hear the story
53. He Will Be With You
Do you sense God calling you out, asking you to do something that is outside your comfort zone? In your intimidating assignment look for encouragement through a prayer partner, a mentoring relationship, or participation in a workplace Bible study.
52. Rest Interrupted
Interruptions can be opportunities to demonstrate compassion. How we respond when our plans get changed can add to or take away from our resilience.
51. Where Now is the Lord?
When circumstances turn from desirable to undesirable or when the task ahead is greater than one’s resources, it is common to want to know our importance to God and whether He is with us in our labors.
50. Discouragement—I Have Had Enough!
Discouragement can place us at opposite ends of God’s intention requiring Him to correct us, turn us around, and put us back on His course.
Biblical Truths from Life’s Experiences
What parables has God given to you through the simple circumstances of your life that you can share with others? Too often Christians do not share with others what God is teaching them and doing in their lives, things that can encourage other believers and make them sensitive to God’s moving in the world—and even in their own lives.
49. Character of a Leader—Holy?
Take a minute and evaluate the presence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life. Which fruit is most abundant in your life right now? After reflecting on the abundance, think on the fruit you sense needs to be growing in you.
Identity and Unity in Christ
Who are you? Seems like a simple question, but our answer provides important insight into how we view ourselves at our core and what we believe to be our true identity.
48. Daniel’s Wise Alternative
Discerning wisdom is not an overnight process. Spiritual wisdom accompanies the practice of spiritual disciplines, particularly when prayer and Bible study are hallmarks.
