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Angel Esparza shares the bone-chilling story of being trafficked by his own family, being injected with heroin, and being surrounded by chaos throughout his entire childhood. It wasn't until he was introduced to Jesus that love and happiness became a possibility in his life. You've never heard a story like this that starts with him on the door steps of a mobile home that pretends to be a day care yet was trading money, drugs, and alcohol in exchange for a weekend with Angel and his siblings that entailed abuse, manipulation, and trauma that would stay with him for years. Angel also opens up about the failed suicide attempts where God stepped in multiple times, from a ceiling fan breaking to a shotgun's firing pin being broken. This episode will send chills down your spine while reminding you Jesus is the GOOD NEWS and SAVIOR of the world. Angel even forgave one of his abusers, to his face! Share this podcast everywhere. Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

David Diga Hernandez, a gifted Bible teacher, global evangelist, author, and someone whose ministry has deeply impacted me, invited me onto his Encounter podcast for this deep conversation. We talk about my journey from comedy to ministry, losing my best friend Armani, trusting God when the miracle doesn’t come, and finding joy again through Jesus. David brings wisdom and compassion to a subject close to my heart: the story behind Me, Armani, & Jesus. We close by praying for those walking through grief. Get the book "Me, Armani, & Jesus" Amazon: Paperback Signed Copy: Hardcover + Paperback

Pastor Troy Brewer returns to the Pod to unpack how he built a media machine with one purpose: fund the mission God gave him. Troy Brewer Ministries has rescued 13,000 kids from human trafficking, built rescue homes around the world, and grown to a scale where rescuing 1,000 people can add roughly $2 million to the yearly budget. That pressure forced Troy to rethink money, media, leadership, and what it actually takes to sustain a massive calling. In this episode, Troy breaks down the $4 million breakthrough that helped launch the next chapter of the ministry, why he built an international calling center, and how ODX grew from roughly 4,000 subscribers to nearly 19,000 after launching one of its major shows. Troy Brewer and Zach Rippey also unpack why content, television, books, YouTube, live events, and digital media became part of the rescue strategy. Troy opens up about the emotional cost of fighting trafficking, why he now focuses on “rescuing the rescuers,” and how he learned not to become more impressed with evil than with the goodness of God. You’ll also hear:• The dos and don’ts of getting involved in rescue work• Practical ways to get in the fight against human trafficking• How Amber Alert cases have become part of the operation• Why Troy says he was investigated by the FBI• Why storytelling matters when protecting trafficking survivors• How media and recurring support help fund rescue operations Learn more:ODX: https://odx.tvTroy Brewer Ministries: https://troybrewer.com/ Work with Zach on a Speech or Your Podcast: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Rod Parker spent years preaching freedom while privately battling addiction, shame, and a destructive double life. At his lowest point, Rod sat with a loaded .357 in his mouth and a Bible on his lap before crying out, “Jesus, show Yourself.” Rod shares how Hebrews 11:1 came alive, what happened during his near-death and out-of-body experience, and how an encounter with Jesus changed the direction of his life. This is an honest testimony about hidden sin, deliverance, lasting freedom, and the grace of God meeting someone at rock bottom. In this episode: ​ The secret addiction Rod hid while serving in ministry​ The night he nearly ended his life ​ Opening the Bible and asking Jesus to reveal Himself ​ His near-death and out-of-body experience​ Seeing Jesus and receiving a vision of hell​ Why deliverance can happen instantly, but freedom is a lifestyle​ Punching Vanilla Ice in the Face at a Party ​ Share this pod with a friend! Subscribe for more great episodes. Get Rod Parker's book here: From Death to Deliverance Church Notes Journal: https://collabs.shop/jl7xeg.  Code: “ILIKEBIRDS” for 10% off  Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Kelsie Blevins was raised by addicts, moved out at 16, hit rock bottom after a DWI, and eventually told Jesus, “I’m done.” What happened next transformed her faith, identity, and future. Today, Kelsie is a successful real estate agent who sold more than $50 million in real estate during her first two years. But this conversation is not simply about business success. It is about surrendering to Jesus, breaking generational cycles, keeping promises to yourself, and becoming unrecognizable from the person your past said you would be .You’ll also hear: • What it was like growing up with two addicted parents • Why returning to her dad’s basement reopened old wounds • The night she received a DWI and believed her life was over • How consistency created evidence that changed her identity • Why Kelsie refuses to separate her faith from her business • The surprising client who told her, “You made me want to open my Bible again” • How she handled an unusual request from an OnlyFans couple If this conversation encourages you, share it with someone who needs proof that their past does not get the final word. Subscribe to I Like Birds for more honest conversations about Jesus, purpose, healing, and transformation. Follow Kelsie Blevins on Instagram Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📗 Me, Armani, & Jesus Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Should Christians want to get rich or has bad theology made believers afraid of money? In this value-packed episode, Zach sits down with entrepreneur and communicator Omar El-Takrori for an honest conversation about wealth, biblical stewardship, tithing, entrepreneurship, and why some God-given callings require serious capital. After investing more than $135,000 in coaching and personal development with Myron Golden, Omar went from making a few hundred thousand dollars a year to building a multimillion-dollar business. Omar unpacks how investing in himself changed his beliefs, why money should remain a tool instead of becoming an idol, and how Christians can pursue prosperity while keeping their hearts surrendered to God. You’ll also hear: Why some Christians are afraid to pursue wealth How $135,000 in coaching helped Omar build a multimillion-dollar business What losing $100,000 taught him about fear, faith, and money How tithing prepared his heart to steward greater wealth Why increasing your ability increases what you can carry The hidden cost of entrepreneurship and financial freedom This isn’t about getting rich for ego. It’s about getting paid for purpose, increasing your capacity, and using what God gives you to serve more people. If this convo challenges the way you think about faith, money, and purpose, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Follow the I Like Birds Podcast so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Troy Brewer, Kelsie Blevins, and Rod Parker! Get Zach's new book "Me, Armani, & Jesus" Signed Copy here: Get on Amazon here: Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking Connect with Omar on YouTube: 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Is Forrest Frank proof that a new Great Awakening has already started? In this fascinating episode of the I Like Birds Podcast, Zach Rippey sits down with revival historian Larry Sparks to unpack what’s happening across America—from Forrest Frank’s Jesus Generation Tour and packed stadiums to college campus baptisms, young people turning to Jesus, and a renewed hunger for God. Larry makes a bold declaration he says he hasn’t publicly made before: “We are actually in a Great Awakening.” But how do we know the difference between genuine Christian revival and spiritual hype? Larry takes us through the history of America’s Great Awakenings, the charismatic movement, supernatural encounters, and why the Word of God and the Spirit of God must remain together. He also shares a fresh prophetic insight about “the oil of our time” and what it could mean for Christians who want to experience a genuine move of God in this generation. YOU’LL ALSO HEAR: • Why Larry believes what’s happening around Forrest Frank could be part of something much bigger in America• The difference between renewal, revival, and a Great Awakening• Why supernatural manifestations alone are NOT proof that God is moving• Larry’s warning for the modern charismatic church and why biblical discernment matters more than ever• Why the next great move of God may require Christians to embrace both the Word AND the Spirit ME, ARMANI, & JESUS Get a signed copy of Zach’s brand-new book, “Me, Armani, & Jesus: The Human Experience of Losing a Best Friend”: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus Amazon:https://amzn.to/462H6A9 CONNECT WITH LARRY SPARKS Larry’s books:https://www.faithandflame.com/collections/larry-sparks-1 Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. Learn more about Larry:https://larrysparksministries.com/about PARTNER WITH I LIKE BIRDS MINISTRY 🕊️ 🎁 Patreon — Get a free 7-day trial:https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Support I Like Birds Ministry:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📘 21 Days in Africa:Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo:@ZachRippey23 📚 I LIKE BOOKS Get 20% off some of your favorite books:https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 Support The Suubi Project + Sponsor a Child:https://suubiproject.org/ 🔴 Become a BIRD and get access to channel perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOQj_M7tm_siflOiHUgHNpg/join WORK WITH ZACH ✍️ Work with Zach on your speech:https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact 🎙️ How Zach reached 30 million people with his podcast—and how you can too:https://youtu.be/ADMIvLFDyAc?si=NN4kw-NOfzU7c3qc 🎤 Book Zach Rippey to speak or perform comedy:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking EPISODE SPONSORS 🔧 Need a new appliance in DFW?Text Jamie Eldridge and let him know what you need:817-659-6587 Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha and Omega Pest Control | DFWNeed your bugs GONE? One Call Kills Them All!Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 🏠 Tops RoofingFree inspection and estimate:817-477-2744https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ #ForrestFrank #ChristianRevival #GreatAwakening

How to Identify False Prophets in 2026 with Pastor Brian Gibson is a powerful conversation about discerning real prophecy from counterfeit ministry, testing spiritual gifts, and staying grounded in biblical truth. Zach sits down with Pastor Brian Gibson to unpack one of the biggest questions facing the Church right now: How do you know what’s real and what’s counterfeit when it comes to prophecy, miracles, and spiritual gifts? Brian shares why the existence of false prophets doesn’t erase the reality of true prophetic ministry, how believers can discern the difference between someone who is simply wrong and someone operating deceptively, and why character, accountability, and motive matter just as much as gifting. In this episode, you’ll hear: • How to identify the difference between a false prophet and a wrong prophet• How Brian personally caught someone faking a supernatural manifestation• Whether Christians should publicly call out false prophets and false teachers• Why prophetic gifting can still operate when someone’s personal life is compromised• How accountability inside the local church protects believers from deception• Why prophetic words should be tested, judged, and handled with humility If you’ve ever wondered how to discern prophetic ministry, what to do when Christian leaders fail, or how to pursue the gifts of the Spirit without falling into deception, this conversation will challenge you to stay rooted in Scripture while remaining open to what God is doing. Subscribe to the I Like Birds Podcast for more conversations that help you grow deeper in your faith, walk boldly with Jesus, and navigate the real questions facing believers today. CONNECT + RESOURCES Get Brian Gibson’s book, Ignited by the Spirit:https://www.faithandflame.com/products/ignited-by-the-spirit-a-journey-into-the-prophetic-the-power-of-the-holy-spirit-and-your-divine-calling-july-2026 Use code ILIKEBIRDS20 for a discount. Get Zach’s new book, Me, Armani, & Jesus:Amazon: https://a.co/d/07QqYlywSigned copy: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/me-armani-jesus Come see the live event in Burleson, Texas:https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLBEB869F6Y5R/checkout/7KBLAUBR2NVYOIJDLIIQBFGZ PARTNER WITH I LIKE BIRDS MINISTRY 🕊️ Patreon — Get a free 7-day trial:https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds Donate:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 21 Days in Africa:Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned copy + free gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback Bird Merch:https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop PayPal:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE Venmo:https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23@ZachRippey23 I Like Books — Get 20% off select books:https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. EPISODE SPONSORS Alpha and Omega Pest Control | DFWNeed your bugs gone? One Call Kills Them All!Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 Tops RoofingFree inspection and estimate:817-477-2744https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ DFW Appliance StoreText Jamie Eldridge and tell him what you need:817-659-6587Get the I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds

September 27, 2020, divided my life into two worlds: the one where my best friend Armani was alive and the one where he wasn’t. In this raw solo dolo episode, I share the heart behind Me, Armani, & Jesus, why I buried parts of my grief for three years, and what happened when I returned to the cabin and river connected to Armani’s final days. We talk about the friendships we keep putting on the back burner, facing the places we would rather avoid, and learning how to wrestle with God without walking away from Him. This story is for anyone grieving someone they lost, searching for hope, or needing permission to admit that their heart still hurts. Support the book, share this episode, and reach out to your best friend while you still can. Help us do it for the One! Buy on Amazon: https://a.co/d/01DOIvKs Order a signed paperback: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopy Order a signed hardcover: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/signedcopy-x6tyg

What happens when you stop shrinking, stop striving, and finally believe what God says about you?17-year-old author and entrepreneur Macy Jules shares how she overcame identity struggles, anxiety, perfectionism, unhealthy friendships, and an eating disorder by learning to abide in Christ instead of trying to control everything.Macy also reveals how she graduated two years early, turned her private journal entries into the book *Revealing Your Greatness*, and grew from 96 to more than 8,000 followers by boldly sharing biblical truth online.You’ll discover:* How to replace lies about your identity with God’s truth* Why your waiting season may actually be preparation* The difference between exhausting striving and powerful abiding* How healthy boundaries protect your purpose and peace* Why God never called you to stay smallYou are not buried—you are planted. You are not behind—you are being trained. And you do not have to earn the love of God.📖 *Revealing Your Greatness*: https://a.co/d/0bYZ7pmu📲 Follow Macy Jules: https://www.instagram.com/macie.jules/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet NEW SHOP UPDATE: 1. Collectors CD 2. Me, Armani, & Jesus Pre-Order 3. Dove Logo Hats GO SUPPORT HERE Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Preston Woody is setting a new standard and letting us know just how suffocating perfectionism is. Zach Rippey is partnering with Preston Woody to get his message out to the world, impact people, and lead them toward a new standard in their lives. This is a segment we recorded LIVE at the cheers for 6 years show!Check out the new show "The Standard with Preston Woody" on our channel: HERE

In 2020, I lost my best friend, Armani. It was brutal, sudden, tragic, and heartbreaking. I spent the first 3 years burying emotions, wrestling with grief, asking God tough questions, and living in a constant desperation for healing. God invited me to go to the same cabin, mountains, and river Armani spent his last days to seek healing and face the dragon of grief. What happened on that trip to Tellico Plains, Tennessee, will forever be with me and this story is one that will lead you closer to the cross and even closer to the Jesus who sits on the throne at the right hand of the Father in eternity. This book will be life-changing for many. If you want to support it and be a part of it launching to the world, you can back it up here: Me, Armani, & Jesus... The Human Experience of Losing a Best FriendThe final project will be out on Amazon and ilikebirdsministry.com

What if the safest path isn't God's path?Pastor Micah Berteau had a thriving ministry, a clear future, and every reason to stay put, including his dad's expectations. Instead, he walked away from it all to plant a church from the ground up in Fort Worth, Texas. In this honest conversation, Micah shares the hidden realities of church planting, pastoral leadership, church hurt, criticism, faith, and trusting God when the outcome isn't guaranteed.You'll also hear:* Why he chose planting over inheriting a ministry* How to leave a church the right way* The truth about church hurt and betrayal* Why hardship often shapes your calling* Building a church with nothing but faith* The Thief on the cross taught us so much * Youtubers chose to end their baby's life because of Down syndrome, Zach and Micah unpack it unapologetically. Micah Berteau is the pastor of The House Church and is a husband and father of 4 boys! Enjoy this great conversation Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking 🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🕊️ 🎁 Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds 🕊️ Donate on Our Website https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support 📘 21 Days in Africa Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiYSigned Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback 🧢 Bird Merch https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop 🩵 PayPal Donation https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE ✊🏽 Venmo Donation https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23 📚 I Like Books — Get 20% Off https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippeyUse code ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 The Suubi Project — Sponsor a Child https://suubiproject.org/ 🎙️ EPISODE SPONSORS Tops Roofing  Free Inspection and Estimate?  (817) 477-2744 https://www.topsroofingcompany.com/ 🛠️ DFW Appliance Discount Text Jamie Eldridge: 817-659-6587Get your I Like Birds discount:https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds 🐜 Alpha & Omega Pest Control — DFW “One Call Kills Them All!”Call Tim Davis: 817-426-4445 https://alphaomegapests.com/

Has joy gone missing from the Church? Some Christians act like if you laugh too hard, the Holy Spirit leaves the room. But what if joy isn't the enemy of our faith—what if it's actually one of the greatest evidences of it? In this episode, I sit down with comedian Michael Pasvar for an honest conversation about Christian joy, church culture, comedy, faith, and why so many believers seem afraid to laugh. We talk about:• Why joy feels like it's disappearing from the modern Church• The difference between holiness and seriousness• Why comedy is rooted in truth• How laughter breaks down walls and opens hearts• Why humor can be a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel• Michael's new comedy special, Blended Feathers• Church culture, worship trends, and the tension many Christians feel today One of my favorite moments from this conversation is the idea that if joy were a person, we'd have to put her on a milk carton: "Missing: Joy. Last seen moving powerfully through the early church. Known for bringing life, freedom, laughter, and strength. If found, please return immediately. Things are not working well without her." Scripture tells us in Nehemiah 8:10 that "the joy of the Lord is your strength." If that's true, then maybe one of the enemy's greatest strategies isn't stealing our salvation—it's stealing our joy. 🎤 See Michael Pasvar's new comedy special here: Blended Feathers Book Zach Rippey to Speak or Perform Comedy here: ⁠https://ilikebirdsministry.com/comedybooking⁠ Work with Zach on a Speech: https://www.rippeywrites.com/contact How Zach reached 30 million people with his podcast and you can too! FREE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/ADMIvLFDyAc?si=NN4kw-NOfzU7c3qc  🤝 Partner with I Like Birds Ministry 🎁 Get a Free 7-Day Trial on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ILikeBirds  🕊️: Make Donations on our Site: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/support  📘: 21 Days in Africa:  Amazon: https://a.co/d/3iFskiY Signed Copy + Free Gift: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop/p/21-days-in-africa-signed-paperback  🧢: Bird Merch: https://ilikebirdsministry.com/shop  🩵 Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=C55JZNGUB97EE  ✊🏽: Venmo https://account.venmo.com/u/zachrippey23  📚 I Like Books  📚 Get 20% off some of your favorite books: https://www.faithandflame.com/pages/my-shop/zachrippey  Use code "ILIKEBIRDS20 at checkout. 🧡 Donate to The Suubi Project + Sponsor a Child:  https://suubiproject.org/  ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ EPISODE SPONSORS: Are you in the DFW & need a new appliance?  Text Jamie Eldridge & let him know what you need:  ☎817-659-6587 Get your I Like Birds discount code here: https://www.appliancestorenearmetx.com/ilikebirds Alpha and Omega Pest Control | DFW  Need your bugs GONE?  One Call Kills Them All!  Call Tim Davis @ 817-426-4445 and this will be the beginning & the end of your pest problems:

This viral story of a YouTuber and his wife terminating their baby's life due to a potential Down syndrome diagnosis has sent the internet on fire with discussion... Here is the perspective of two Jesus Followers who have close ties to this story. Pastor Micah Berteau of The House Church joins Zach in the studio to unpack it all.Whatcha think? Is this just the world being the world, or does society as a whole have to shift its mindset on LIFE! Support our work here: Ilikebirdsministry.com