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In this episode, David Heflin welcomes LA Sprague, the founder of "Christians with Chronic Illnesses," to discuss her inspiring journey with POTS, her faith, and her new podcast aimed at encouraging believers facing health challenges. They explore the impact of chronic illness on dreams, faith, and relationships, emphasizing the importance of community, vulnerability, and divine trust. Main Topics: LA’s personal journey from aspiring missionary and musician to living with POTSUnderstanding POTS: symptoms, challenges, and management strategiesThe emotional and spiritual impacts of chronic illnessThe inception and purpose behind "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" podcastBuilding community and providing a safe space for honest faith discussionThe significance of trust and understanding in marriage amid chronic illnessThe role of gratitude and divine interaction during health strugglesFuture plans: music album, community growth, and resource development Resources & Links: Christians with Chronic Illnesses Support Group on FacebookLA Sprague's Music on SpotifyThe Supernatural Case of an Accidental Time Traveler by Paul Trumbo Broken and Mended MinistrySupport and Donate to Broken and MendedInformation about POTSConnect with LA Sprague: InstagramEmail: [email protected]: Listen to LA's podcast "Christians with Chronic Illnesses" for inspiring stories, faith encouragement, and community support — available on all major podcast platforms.

Tveen Verano shares her family's emotional journey from a joyful, ordinary life to the shock of a childhood cancer diagnosis. Her story highlights the power of faith, community, and the importance of spiritual resilience amid unimaginable hardships. Main Topics Covered: The emotional impact of childhood cancer diagnosis and treatmentHow faith and scripture sustain families during crisesPractical ways to support loved ones in their struggleThe role of community and prayer in healing and hopeBalancing joy and grief in the midst of sufferingIn this episode: Tveen recounts her son Alex's diagnosis and initial shockThe importance of faith and Scripture, especially Psalm 16:8The emotional and spiritual processing during crisis momentsThe significance of community support, prayer, and a positive mindsetNavigating sibling reactions and family dynamicsHope and remissionAdvice for supporting others facing illnessThe importance of balanced support groups and spiritual formationResources & Links: Psalm 16:8Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louis GiglioUnmet Expectations by Lisa HughesBroken and Mended support group ministryNeuroblastoma InformationEpisode w/Lara SilvermanConnect with Tveen Verano: https://www.instagram.com/tveenverano.rd/https://www.youtube.com/@tveenverano9283 Thank you for listening. Join us next time on In the Seams for more stories of faith, perseverance, and hope. Host: David Heflin Producer: Andres Ruiz Editor: John Shields

In this episode, Miles Washburn shares his inspiring story of battling Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare and severe autoimmune disorder, and how, through this experience, God inspired a mission to support fellow patients. Join us for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, faith, and making a difference. Key Topics Miles’ background as an athlete and his life before GBS The rapid onset of GBS symptoms and diagnostic process Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes, symptoms, and misconceptions The emotional and physical impact of GBS on daily life and recovery The importance of faith, purpose, and mental resilience during health crises Miles’ initiative: climbing Mount Ventoux as a fundraiser for GBS patients How community support and sponsorships aid in recovery efforts Practical advice for navigating chronic illness and misconceptions The power of faith and purpose in overcoming adversity How listeners can get involved and support Miles’ fundraising campaign Timestamps (0:00) Welcome and introduction: why GBS awareness matters (1:25) Miles’ personal story and background before illness (3:28) How GBS struck unexpectedly and the initial signs (7:22) The diagnosis journey: from symptoms to hospital stay (13:38) Understanding Guillain-Barré syndrome and variants (19:39) The rapid impact of GBS: life-altering overnight effects (26:42) Common misconceptions and misunderstandings about GBS (33:09) Comparing personal health journeys and fatigue (34:12) Finding purpose: Miles’ calling to help others through his experience (40:02) The Mount Ventoux challenge: a symbol of resilience and faith (48:33) How to participate: fundraiser details and donation info (53:22) Closing remarks: spreading awareness and encouraging others Resources & Links Miles for GBS Facebook Page Miles’ Fundraising Website Guillain-Barré Syndrome Foundation 1 Peter 4:10 - (Key Verse) What If? by Bill Humphreys - Amazon Broken and Mended Host: David Heflin Producer: Andres Ruiz Editor: John Shields

From www.restoreofada.com: Dana Hargus, M.Ed., LPC Founder Dana Hargus is the Founder of Restore of Ada. She was raised in the Ada area and holds a bachelor's degree in education and special education, and a master's degree in school counseling. After successfully working with students with behavioral and developmental issues, she returned to earn her degree in counseling. She has been working as a counselor for over twenty years. Dana owns Biofeedback and Counseling Inc. of Ada, which serves the Central Oklahoma area with twelve counselors. Restore utilizes biofeedback, relational coaching, and nutritional therapy as an adjunct to (or independently of) traditional talk therapy. When talk therapy is not enough, Restore may help. In this episode, David Heflin and Dana Hargus discuss the possibilities of biofeedback as a promising intervention beyond "talk therapy." Can the brain be retrained to respond differently to our chronic pain and related anxiety? Dana also shares how her Christian faith has informed her life and career, and provides a foundation for how she helps others. She shares about her new and unique program in Ada, Oklahoma (Restore of Ada) and her online program available to anyone (Restore +). https://brokenandmended.org/

Broken and Mended Vice President, Andres Ruiz joins David Heflin to recap the "Broken Apart, Mended Together" conference featuring Dave Furman, Aren and Trina Bahadourian, Shannon Cramer, and Vaneetha Risner. Before debriefing each of the sessions, David talks with Andres about his chronic illness journey, how he got connected to Broken and Mended, and what his role is today. Then, David and Andres talk about each session: key scriptures, themes, and quotes from the Oct. 18th conference. You can find the original YouTube links here: https://brokenandmended.dm.networkforgood.com/emails/important-conference-information Links to previous podcasts with conference speakers Aren an Trina Bahadourian and Shannon Cramer: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956/ https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1537466/ Lara Silverman's book mentioned in the podcast: https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Through-Fire-Finding-Surprising/dp/B0FMQZ264W Diamonds Conference information and registration: https://diamondsconference.org/2025-fall-conference Broken and Mended $50,000 campaign https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/projects/262074-50-000-campaign-fall-2025 Main website: https://brokenandmended.org/ Hosts: David Heflin and Andres Ruiz Edited by John Shields

In this episode, David interviews Lara Silverman, the author of the newly released memoir, Singing Through the Fire. Lara was a high-power attorney just entering the best and most exciting time of her life when she was struck with severe vertigo, nausea, and pain. This mysterious illness eventually claimed her career and left her bedbound. But God was still at work in Lara's life. As she gained some of her mobility back, God brought a love story into her life with Matt Silverman. The only problem was that Matt was ill, too, very ill. Matt had terminal cancer. Her story is one of faithful lament and resilience as she and Matt fought to experience joy every day and everything that God gave them. The interview focuses specifically on a theology of suffering and living with eternity in view. If you are suffering or struggling with grief or both, this interview will encourage you to hold on to hope. Singing Through Fire: A Memoir of Finding Surprising Joy in Life's Darkest Trials: Silverman, Lara: 9798218714994: Amazon.com: Books Lara's YouTube channel: The SILVERMAN show - YouTube Lara's other social media links: https://www.facebook.com/lara.palanjian.silverman/ Instagram Broken and Mended Conference Registration: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025 In The Seams interview with fellow Armenians and mutual friends (and Broken and Mended conference speakers!) Aren and Trina Bahadourian: https://rss.com/podcasts/intheseams/1635956 Broken & Mended Chronic Pain Support Ministry Clip From The Chosen mentioned in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDvcEkjthA Host: David Heflin

In this episode, David shares his personal story, starting with injuries to both hips and culminating in diagnoses of Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Crohn's disease. David shares how disorientation marked the first few years, but with God's help, he eventually made his way to acceptance and renewed purpose. David shares how this renewed purpose resulted in Broken and Mended and its different resources, including this podcast show. If you can help Broken and Mended financially or just want to get connected to its ministries, go to brokenandmended.org. Register for the free virtual conference on 10/18 here: Broken and Mended Incorporated - Broken and Mended Conference 2025. Short explainer video on AS: Areas of Inflammation in Ankylosing Spondylitis Information on Crohn's Disease: Mayo Clinic Explains Crohn’s Disease Host: David Heflin Edited by John Shields

Broken and Mended board member and fundraising consultant, Glenn Newton, talks about his long battle with severe back pain. Not many years after finding relief through a successful back surgery, Glenn was faced with an even more painful disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia. Glenn shares how it impacted his life, ministry, and relationship with God. Glenn's story is one of persistence and hope, even when it appears all hope is gone. Trigger Warning: Suicide is discussed in this episode. If you need help, please call the suicide and crisis lifeline at 988 (for U.S. Residents). Website about T.N. and why it is linked to suicide, but also why there is hope: https://arizonapain.com/trigeminal-neuralgia-suicide-disease/ Book by Glenn Newton: Conversations With God Event page for Broken and Mended Seminar at Agape Church of Christ in St. Johns, Fl. Broken and Mended Free Virtual Conference Registration Page Broken and Mended Donation Page Episode Host: David Heflin Edited by John Shields Produced by Broken and Mended Incorporated

In this episode, Broken and Mended Executive Director, David Heflin, shares four ways from Scripture that Jesus identifies with sinners to fulfill his promise to be with us. Even on the days we suffer the most, Jesus is with us. Sometimes our experience may confirm this, and sometimes that experience proves elusive. That's why we start with Jesus' promise (Matt. 28:20) and not our experience. Still, a greater experience of that promise is likely to follow when we commit ourselves to believing it. Scriptures Referenced in the podcast: Matt. 1:22-23 Matt. 28:20 John 1:1, 14 1 Pet. 3:18 Rom. 6:23 John 1:29 Matt. 3:13-16 Matt. 4:1-11 Heb. 4:15 Phil. 2:5-11 John 14:23 David also announces a virtual conference hosted by Broken and Mended on 10/18 with speakers: Dave Furman, Vaneetha Risner, Shannon Cramer, and Aren and Trina Bahadourian! More details will be announced soon. Host; David Heflin Editor: John Shields

Lauren Watt has dealt with devastating chronic illnesses and pain since her early teenage years. After experiencing a massive disruption in her life, she graduated from high school at the age of 23. Lauren still struggles with some chronic conditions, but her life is greatly improved. She has been helped through a therapy called "brain rewiring." In this episode, Lauren shares her heartbreaking story, but also how God walked with her through her darkest days, and how lament helped her (and can help us) stay connected to God. Lauren shares how scripture has helped her stay rooted in God's promises and His character, and how we can continue to follow Jesus, regardless of our circumstances. Lauren's Substack; https://laurenspen.substack.com/ Dr. Lee Warren's podcast (brain rewiring and neuroplasticity): https://www.wleewarrenmd.com/podcast/ Sermon by Tim Keller mentioned by Lauren: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmaUtbayGY&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD Books recommended by Lauren: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-When-Hurts-reflections-suffering/dp/1784980730 https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Gospel-Devotional-Connecting-Scripture/dp/1433593483 Host: David Heflin Producer: Andres Ruiz Editor: John Shields

Rachel Lundy has lived with various chronic medical conditions--all under the umbrella term, dysautonomia--since she was a teenager, robbing her of a normal teenage life and a promising athletic career as a swimmer. Rachel began her website and blog in 2007. Today, it is a hopeful collection of blog posts, book recommendations, and other resources for people with chronic health conditions. Rachel is now a wife and mother of four. She still struggles immensely with chronic illnesses, chronic fatigue, and disability. Yet, her story and witness to God's faithfulness in her struggles are very inspirational and encouraging to our own painful journeys. Rachel has written two books (Hope For The Hard Days and Chronic Illness and Friendship), both of which have free PDF versions available here: https://www.cranberryteatime.com/p/books.html. Paperback and Kindle versions of Hope For the Hard Days can be found on Amazon. Rachel's two favorite books: When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty: Tada, Joni Eareckson, Estes, Steve: 9780310238355: Amazon.com: Books Heaven by Randy Alcorn Also mentioned by Rachel: Together Through the Storms: Sarah Walton, Jeff Walton: 9781784984724: Amazon.com: Books Rachel is also a regular Diamonds Conference speaker. Host: David Heflin Editor: John Shields

Dr. Timothy Gunnells, professor, preacher, and president of Broken and Mended Incorporated, shares from his struggles with the changes and stresses brought on by chronic illness in his Diamonds Conference 2025 talk. Diamond's Conference all-access pass to the 2025 Diamonds Conference and other past events can be purchased here: https://diamondsconference.org/past-events. Past blog post from Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/traveling-together-on-the-path-of-chronic-illness-by-timothy-gunnells/ Past podcast interview with Tim: https://brokenandmended.org/episode/chronic-pain-career-and-family-life-a-conversation-with-timothy-gunnells/ Intro: David Heflin Editor: John Shields

Professor, counselor, and author Nate Brooks shares about his new book, Disrupted Journey: Walking With Your Loved One Through Chronic Pain and Illness.. Nate shares what he has discovered on his journey in supporting his wife, Kate, through her chronic health conditions. We cover the importance of faithful lament, finding ways to still have fun together as families, creating an atmosphere of accountability and confession, rebuilding a more meaningful community that you lost, and more! Links mentioned in the show: Nate's faculty page: Nate Brooks - Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary Nate's two blog posts that led to him writing the book: https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/21/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-one/ https://www.biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/2022/11/23/when-your-spouse-suffers-from-chronic-pain-or-illness-part-two/ I'm Exhausted by David Powlison Emily Maurits page for "Watchers" (those supporting loved ones through chronic health problems). Emily Maurits Interview on In The Seams Interview with two husbands of spouses living with chronic pain and illness Nate and Kate's website Counseling Website 1 John 1:8-9 NIV - If we claim to be without sin, we - Bible Gateway Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video) on Vimeo Host: David Heflin, Producer: Andres Ruiz, Editor: John Shield

This is the talk David gave for the Diamonds Conference on 1/24/25. How do you have joy in the midst of pain? Is happiness the same thing as biblical joy? How has the prosperity gospel harmed our ability to experience joy? How can Tolkien's vision of fellowship help us find courage and experience joy? David tackles these questions and more in this session. Here's the link for the all-access pass to listen to all the sessions from the conference: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/diamonds-2025-courage-in-chronic-illness-tickets-1217186089359?aff=oddtdtcreator Edited by John Shields

In our final episode of 2024, we review the interviews and themes from all the episodes of 2024. Some of the dominant themes that emerge throughout all the conversations: embracing weakness as knowing the power of God, the overlap between chronic illness and mental illness, the need for the church to re-imagine its theology of suffering, practical resources for addressing chronic conditions (mental or physical), and God raising up people to help people who are hurting. Please see previous episode show notes to find links or resource mentioned. I did say I would like to Let's Start Talking (a missions ministry I was involved in) and Terry Powell's recent post about dealing with depression that was recently published on our website. Donate to Broken and Mended Scripture discussed in the episode: 2 Cor. 12:1-10 Diamond's Conference registrations 2025 We will see you in 2025 with more interviews and episodes! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (And please subscribe/follow and review!)