Professor Emeritus at Moody Bible Institute, Dr. Winfred Neely talks with Wayne Shepherd about his life of preaching and teaching. (click for more...)

Dr. Neely shares his remarkable journey of faith and his lifelong calling to preach and teach the Word of God. Introduced to prayer by his mother as a child, Neely came to personal faith in Christ at age 19 while serving in the U.S. Army through the witness of a humble dishwasher who led him to salvation. Just two weeks later, he began preaching—a calling that has shaped more than fifty years of ministry as a pastor, missionary in West Africa, and teacher of biblical exposition. In conversation with Wayne Shepherd, Neely describes preaching as the sacred task of a “herald” who faithfully proclaims God’s message without compromise, combining instruction, engagement, and transformation. Grounded in prayer and Scripture, his approach to preaching emphasizes faithfulness to the text, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and deep concern for the listener’s heart. His passion for training the next generation of preachers reflects his conviction that true preaching begins with God’s dealings in the life of the preacher and extends through him to the world.

NEXT WEEK: Sergey Rakhuba

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Ken Isaacs of Samaritan's Purse talks with Wayne Shepherd about his calling to meeting humanitarian needs around the world in the name of Christ. (click for more...)

Ken is Vice-President of Programs and Government Relations at Samaritan's Purse, and the author of Running to the Fire, Helping in Jesus' Name.

Interview Notes:

Former water well driller, went as a volunteer to West Africa (1985).

• Felt called by God to serve internationally.
• Connection with Franklin Graham led to work in Ethiopia with his family under difficult conditions (communist govt., war).
• Experience deepened faith and reliance on God.
• At 73, still actively serving—“Moses never retired.”
• Loves the work, considers it God’s calling.
• Finds purpose and energy in “running to the fire”—meeting needs in crises.
• Samaritan’s Purse Ministry:
  • 17–18 international offices, ~4,000 staff.Focus on war zones, famine areas, disaster zones (Israel, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan, Congo, Niger, Liberia, Colombia, etc.).
  • Staff chosen for faith commitment and skills (body of Christ with diverse roles).
  • All service explicitly in Jesus’ name—aid is unconditional.
  • Philosophy:
  • Meeting urgent needs (food, water, shelter, medicine) creates a platform for witness.
  • Work must be done with excellence; poor quality undermines witness.
  • Reputation sought: compassionate, loving, present in people’s greatest need
  • Partnerships:
  • Works with local churches and Christian organizations.
  • Example: Mission Eurasia in Ukraine; 1,600 churches partnered there.
  • Seeks partners passionate about proclaiming Christ.
  • Global Needs & Focus:
  • Sudan: Severe civil war, famine, displacement (12 million displaced, 150,000 killed).
  • Gaza: Food distribution, partnerships with local groups despite conflict.
  • Syria: Healthcare, new opportunities with emerging governance.
  • Emphasis: most crises are politically driven, not natural disasters.
  • Funding & Resources:
  • Less than 5% of support from US govt.
  • $530B in US private giving vs. $43B government aid (2023).
  • Independence from government allows freedom and faith-based work.
  • Scriptural Foundation:
  • Luke 10 (Good Samaritan) – “Go and do likewise.”
  • Matthew 24 – signs of the end times: wars, famines, earthquakes; Isaacs sees Samaritan’s Purse as positioned for these times.
  • Encouragement to Listeners:
  • Stay generous; pray for leaders worldwide.
  • Follow updates at samaritanspurse.org.
  • Remember ultimate goal: share Christ’s love through compassionate action.

NEXT WEEK: Winfred Neely

Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:
FEBC National Processing Center
Far East Broadcasting Company
P.O. Box 6020
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!

Wayne Shepherd talks with Jonathon Seidl about his alcohol addiction and the transforming power of Jesus to deliver him daily from his addictive behavior. (click for more...)

Website and book: https://www.jonseidl.com

Confessions of a Christian Alcoholic

Key Themes
God only uses sinners: Jonathon emphasizes that aside from Jesus, everyone God uses is imperfect.
Shame and vulnerability: He initially resisted going public with his alcoholism due to fear of judgment in Christian circles.
Sobriety journey: Now over two years sober; life is richer, though not easier. Alcohol wasn’t the problem but the solution he used to escape deeper issues.
Root Issues & Turning Point
Alcoholism tied to childhood wounds of rejection and abandonment.
Turning point came on an anniversary trip where his wife confronted him—she wanted him to address why he drank, not just stop drinking.
Four Steps to Break Free
Abiding in Christ – Developing an experiential, daily walk with Jesus (scripture, journaling, stillness).
Finding true identity – Seeing oneself in Christ, not in addiction or failure.
Radical vulnerability – Going beyond surface-level honesty, sharing deeply with trusted biblical community.
Obedience – Trusting and following God’s direction, even when it feels small or uncomfortable.
Supports & Safeguards
Weekly Christian therapy (counselor Gina) helped uncover root causes.
Biblical community and small group provided accountability and openness.
Close sobriety group (texts/emails) for immediate honesty when tempted.
Practices radical vulnerability—naming struggles before they escalate.
Broader Lessons
Addiction often stems from escapism, not just the substance.
Messy sanctification: the Christian journey involves ongoing struggles, not just “minor sins.”
Scripture shows God working through deeply flawed people (David, Abraham, etc.).
Encouragement: there is room in the church for imperfect stories and God’s redemption.
Aims to help others struggling with addiction, break stigma, and point to biblical hope.

NEXT WEEK: Ken Isaacs, Samaritan's Purse

Send your support for FIRST PERSON to the Far East Broadcasting Company:
FEBC National Processing Center
Far East Broadcasting Company
P.O. Box 6020
Albert Lea, MN 56007

Please mention FIRST PERSON when you give. Thank you!