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59 submissions
| # | Starred | Locked | Notes | Created Sort ascending | User | IP address | First Name | Last Name | Mobile Phone | Address | Birth Month | Birth Day | Birth Year | Why are you interested in pursuing this initiative? | Tell us about your family: | What is your experience with Zoweh events and/or resources? | How did you first connect with Jesus in a personal way? | Tell us about a time when you shared your Jesus story. | Explain your familiarity with the following terms: wounds, vows and agreements. | Tell us about a significant wounding moment that you experienced. | Explain your personal familiarity with spiritual warfare. | Give an example of how you have heard from God. | Have you had any training in listening and/or engaging in another man's story? | Which of the following books have you read? | How did you discover the Elder-Sage Initiative? | What is the best time to call you? | First Name | Last Name | Phone | Operations | ||
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| 81 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #81 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #81 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #81 | Thu, 07/02/2026 - 09:45 | Anonymous | 208.38.225.198 | Earl | Moyer | earl.moyer@gmail.com | 9376021882 | 210 North Branch Run Tipp City, OH 45371 United States |
February | 11 | 1949 | Ready to dig deeper and share my Christian growth experiences with other men. | I grew up on a farm married my childhood sweetheart (at 19, she was 18), spent 24 years in the US Air Force. I have a Son (52), married with a son and daughter and Daughter (48) married with a daughter. Great, solid family relationships, all Believers. | I attended Dangerous for Good event in Dayton, OH 2026; I have also attended Heart of a Warrior Expedition in Goshen VA spring 2026. Currentlyleading Heart of a Warrior Group/class and also completed The Good Man Series (June 2026). | I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior at 17 while attending a Billy Graham Crusade (1966). Went into the USAF shortly afterward and did nothing with that first step of faith experience until 1974 when I became involved with The Navigators organization. The Navigators showed me what that decision some 8 years earlier was all about. I began my walk with Jesus as my Savior and never looked back, even with plenty of misteps on the way, He never left me. | While on a Kairos Prison Ministry Weekend, one of the Residents (prisoners), asked me about who Jesus was (is), so the best way to explain who Jesus is was to step beyond the Biblical context and share WHO Jesus is and how following Him has impacted my life and my families life. The result of this was that it answered his questions and (seemed to) offer Hope to him in his life. | Having experienced the Zoweh Heart of a Warrior experiences and studies, I have come to understand that the wounding has a spiritual dimension and the wounds men often suffer results in their life being (far) less than what God desires for them. The wounds lead to personal vows to never again do anything that would allow another person to "wound" them again. The wounds become scars that limit deep spiritual growth. | Having reflected upon this for, what seems like, a very long time, I believe that the "wounds" that I have experienced have curiously resulted in me making decisions that frankly have improved my life. But in ministry with, and to, other men, I have learned that while my "wounds" are minor, I am able to understand and empathize with men who have suffered far greater (deeper) wounds by listening and often, just "being there" for them. | I belive satan is real as are his demons. They frequently play a role in our every day life as well as those around us. I often choose to see the issues of my community, my nation, and the world, as issues of spiritual warfare - where spiritual (heavenly) forces are engaging with evil forces. The intent of the evil is to cause us to lose Hope and lose focus on our REAL spiritual calling as sons of God. While our purpose is to worship God in all things, our mission is to proclaim God and what He has done for us through Jesus Christ, practices of evil result in us becoming confused and disoriented to the point where we fail to undertstand/accept our mission - which requires overcoming the evil spiritual forces by actively engaging in spiritual warfare along with Jesus. | When starting a recent men's group at my Church, I believe clearly that God provided guidance to me and I heard His desire was for me to start not just another men's group, but one focused on fathers with time demands of jobs and children/family activities that can conflict with their own spiritual growth. Having led a number of men's groups over the years, that particular vision had never occurred to me - I am confident that God "spoke" to me by revealing a desired different approach to discipling other men. | I have experienced 21 years of prison ministry (Kairos International), served on numerous Emmaus Weekends teams, and led a number of men's groups, so yes, I understand, and I'm always looking to learn more. | The Heart of a Warrior, Wild At Heart | Zoweh Website | Between 9:00 am-8:00 pm week days , I'm retired. | Rob | Ulmer | rob.ulmer@stillwaterchurch.org | 937-454-9405 | |
| 79 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #79 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #79 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #79 | Sat, 06/20/2026 - 03:39 | Anonymous | 2604:f440:8:4003:81dd:c370:7c63:472a | Joseph | Zgrabik | geescravi@gmail.com | 7042215875 | 6010 Webster Way Waxhaw, NC 28173 United States |
March | 14 | 1960 | I would like to be there for other men in their struggles just as other men have been there for me in my struggles and continue to be there for me and for each other. I feel I have the gift of encouragement and empathize with other men in the battles they face. I sense the Lord speaking to me to tell me this is a good direction for me to pursue. | I have been married for 41 years to my wife, Alfia. We have three adult children, Jacob (36), Hannah (34) and Aaron (30). Our two sons live in Phoenix, AZ and our daughter lives in Roanoke, VA. We have three grandchildren, from our son Jacob and his partner, Lisa. Jacob and I were always at odds, and I never thought I would ever have any kind of relationship together, but one day we talked about it all and hugged each other and shed a lot of tears. Today we are very close, all by the grace of God. Our youngest, Aaron, is in a recovery program in Phoenix. | I first heard about through the one day event, Dangerous for God. At the time I was more involved with John Eldridge's book, Wild at Heart, but saw many parallels and good information in both. I attended Heart of a Warrior for the first time this past April 2026 | I gave my life to Christ in 1979, after a friend convinced me that I should read the Bible. This got my curiosity and I managed to get a free Bible from somewhere because the enemy just would not let me buy one. I didn't know which one to buy so I just put it off for months. Then one day I was with a friend in the park, and I just started talking to the Lord, unknowingly out loud. I just figured I was just talking to myself, but then the Holy Spirit (didn't know it was Him but new something was different) - I can't even put it into words, implanted in my mind, convinced me, whatever you want to call it, that I needed to call out to Jesus for help. I believe when I did this, I became a believer because I already knew in my heart of hearts that Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead. My calling out to Him sealed the deal that He did this for me. I say I got saved in 1979, but I came to really know the Lord in 1996 after my mother had passed away 2 years previous to this encounter with God in the desert of Tucson, AZ where we were living at the time. This encounter changed my perspective on how God reaches me and how intimacy with me is what He most wants in my life. | I have shared my story twice recently in two different men's groups. Both time at The Barn in Indian Land, SC. I told about growing up Catholic with five brothers and one sister in Cleveland, OH and stories of how the nuns treated their students. I was humiliated in the 2nd grade and since then Jesus has redeemed me by walking with me through the incident allowing me to see what should have happened. Even going as far as telling me, "Ignore her (the nun) and come with me. I can't tell you how freeing that was. | A wound is something that you have experienced that has driven your life to do things that you either have no idea you are doing or are stuck because someone has caused so much pain that it only brings about anger and believing lies about yourself and God. Wounds caused us to live a life in our false self. Vows, say I will never be like that person, do what that person has done, ever be like my father, ever be like my brother and turn from anything this person has done. Agreements are things we say are good in many ways and help us to make better choices. I made an agreement with myself and God that I will not react to anything my wife says without asking myself these two questions and agreeing on the next statement. first one - Do you think your wife is malicious? [I normally immediately say, No]. So, what is going on, then? Next, do not respond until you have the big picture (85%, 95% is not enough). This usually requires me to take some emotional risk, asking questions. | My father wound was one of the biggest wounds for me that God has allowed me to walk through and bring about healing of my soul. I would always ask my dad for his advice when I needed to decide about something. He would never give it and say something to the effect, "I am not going to give you advice because if it doesn't turn out, you are going to blame me for your decision." I always looked at that as him being a cop out and feeling abandoned as a result, especially at a time when I could have really used his guidance. Then while reading, "Wild at Heart" The Father wound chapter God spoked to me about my father wound. He asked me pointed questions. Like, "Do you think your dad loved you?" [Yes, of course] Do you think your dad hated you? [No, not at all]. "What do you think he really meant when he said what he said?" "Do you think your dad gave you advice?" [What? Really!] This is where God healed me. I said "No" and then he showed me how my God lived by example and he trusted me to do the right thing(s), make good choices by the example he was to us all. I broke down in tears and the lie was exposed. This has given me much more courage to make decisions now, where before I would have a hard time picking what restaurant to eat at - I mean agonize over it. | Spiritual warfare is real. The devil is real but God is more powerful than him. I would say the greatest spiritual battle every man faces is sexual satisfaction and the enemy knows it. God has designed us as men with this drive but the enemy constantly looks for ways to pervert it. The Scriptures tell us that the enemy prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. This is why we need to be in an intimate relationship with God and with our spouse to battle his wiles against our souls. The enemy is subtle and being in fellowship with other men helps us to talk about those attacks and makes us stronger for the next battle we face. | I have so many examples and just had an encounter with God on my porch this evening that allowed me to say this simple statement to my wife who was sitting on the sofa at the time doing her schoolwork. "I am so glad that we can be together and have fun together!" Nothing earth shattering, but what has this done for my wife's soul. I may never know! A few Carolina Outpost ago, as I was going on the spiritual journey walk (my name for it), we were approaching the chapel with the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace and I felt like God gave me nothing, until, He said this to me, "Just relax!" I would like to say I complied willingly, but I did not. In fact, I got somewhat angry at God and said some choice words [If you will allow me to be real here] "WTF is that supposed to mean, God" Again, I heard, “Just relax!” I had to hear a few more times until my heart settled down. I was everything but relaxed. Now I was getting curious, my heart shifted to, "What is going on? "Next, God drew me to the side outside of view of everyone and I fell to my knees. More, "What is going on God?" Now, I knew I was in God's presence. Then it started: [I cannot tell this story without weeping] "Joe, I am so proud of you! Me: Thanks Lord, I really appreciate that!" God said this to me repeatedly again until He and I knew that I got it. I shall never, ever forget this encounter I had with my Lord, The King of kings, the lover of my soul, the One who calls me a Warrior for His Kingdom. | I have had some time to listen to other men's stories, but I know this is something God wants me to do more of. I am just not sure how to do it as it seems that every time I reach out not much happens. Even so, I am not giving up because I think this is the path the Lord has me on. I need to listen more. I have been listening better to my one friends stories and his struggles, and this has brought us closer together as friends and brothers. At The Barn, I am in a group with other men where we listen to each other’s stories. | King Me, The Screwtape Letters, Bondage Breaker, Victory over the Darkness, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Mere Christianity | Heard about this at the last Heart of a Warrior event this past April 2026 | Fridays are best as I work remotely on Friday's and can take calls. Tuesday is about the only day that is very busy. Monday morning is good too. Wed or Thurs evening is fine too. | Haines | Maxwell | haines@bravomarketingagency.com | 704.564.5928 | |
| 73 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #73 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #73 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #73 | Thu, 05/07/2026 - 19:50 | Anonymous | 2603:80a0:3f00:1d4:80da:e83e:8893:af6d | Kenneth | Prine | kprine6@yahoo.com | 9037361134 | 167 Camp Rd Longview, Texas, TX 75605 United States |
July | 15 | 1957 | The Lord has given me the opportunity to work with men in my local church through life groups. He has also through my own personal struggles laid on my heart that men, (including me), are not oriented and are struggling to be true image bearers of Christ. As I have gotten more involved with Zoweh through the weekly Zoom calls with Michael, the Holy Spirit has moved my heart towards ministering to men who are struggling with their walk with God. I feel called to step up and work with men to find their true self, as I am currently doing in my own life, and in doing thus fulfilling the Great Commission | I am married to the most beautiful women in the world! She is the most precious gift from God. Her name is Kim, is a product of East Texas and grew up in Gilmer, Texas. When Kim and I married, she had four children from a previous marriage and I had two. Her children all live in Longview, Texas, while my son and his family live in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and my daughter and her family live in Texarkana, Texas. Kim and I have seven grandchildren - Mckenzie; Michael; Hanna; Reagan; Emma; Knox and Hudson. We also have one great grandchild, Juniper and Juniper has a little brother coming soon. |
Three years ago, I bought Michael's book, "Heart of a Warrior", I ordered it from Zoweh. Michael's book change me as a man and ultimately help me to understand that I was disoriented. Fast forward two and half years and I get invited to sit in on Zoom calls with Michael on the very book I had read prior and was in the process of teaching in small men's group. On April 17th thru 19th, I was fortunate to attend my first Zoweh event, the Heart of a Warrior Encounter in Goshen, VA. |
I had surrendered my heart to Jesus during vacation bible school when I was 8 years old, and was baptized at Don Avenue Baptist Church in Denham Springs, Louisiana. I really did not connect with my Lord until I was in High School, as a member of Hebron Baptist Church. Two of my uncles were Baptist preachers so naturally I listened to the before, and after sermon discussions. My uncle Kenny Bankston was having a revival at his church, which was about an hour and a half drive, my grandparents asked me to drive them to the revival. It was during the service that I really felt the movement of the Holy Spirit in my heart and felt the call to minister, thus began my journey. |
When I was going to Southeastern Louisiana University, there was a guy in my speech class who was majoring in business so he could open up a liquor store. I remember talking with him several times about what the Lord had done for me . One day as we were walking across campus and discussing how to be saved and what that means that he decided to give his life to Christ! |
I was not at all familiar with these terms until last year when we had a freedom weekend at church. The church had a speaker come in who has been in the freedom ministry for forty-five years. Her name was Linda Godsey, she wrote the book "Generational Iniquity". I was amazed finding the wounding that my heart endured in my formative years. Soon after I reread Michael's book, "Heart of a Warrior" and it all started to come together. I found more freedom while attending the Heart of A Warrior Encounter this past April. | I remember my dad taking me hunting when I was about twelve years old. It was very cold and he had me on a deer stand a couple of hundred yards away in the woods. I became so cold that my fingers and toes were numb. I decided to go to him in hopes that he would help me get warm or at least go to the truck and turn on the heater. Instead, he berated me for messing up the hunt, told me to never leave the stand for any reason until he came for me. I was devastated and hurt. |
When I surrendered to the ministry and started college the future was bright, I was happy to be headed for what I perceived to be a rewarding career ministering to people. Satan had other ideas, he used a church member's unkind and caustic words towards me to destroy my identity and install guilt and shame. This led to me doubting my calling and eventually I dropped out of college and joined the military. It was many years later that I realized what happened, Ephesians chapter six became a rallying cry for my soul. | Driving back and forth to Louisiana to take care of my dad, who had been on decline for most of 2015, I was feeling overwhelmed. The pressure of his condition, the driving and taking care of three households, (my mom too), and life group responsibilities left me drained. I was listening to Brandon Lake sing his song, "Hard fought Halleluiah", I cried to Lord for help and He answered me with, " It's ok son, don't be overwhelmed with life, be overwhelmed by by my Goodness!" | Yes, the school of Hard Knocks! For some reason throughout my life people, mainly men, have sought me out for counsel and advice. It was always a pleasure to help another man with his worries and direction. | The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | Call me anytime Bill! | Kenneth | Prine | kprine6@yahoo.com | 9037361134 | |
| 72 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #72 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #72 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #72 | Thu, 05/07/2026 - 17:18 | Anonymous | 174.56.73.151 | Kevin | Kuehn | kkuehn3000@gmail.com | 5054753912 | 8928 Oso Corridor Pl NW Albuquerque, NM 87114 United States |
February | 26 | 1959 | God is telling me I need to get back working with Men I have lead mens groups before but the last few years I have been drawn away in to the desert God has been calling me to step up to my part of his-story, that my story needs to be shared |
Just me and My wife, we are empty nesters, 2 sons, one in the military (navy) one who has pasted away, and 1 daughter | i have read The Heart of a Warrior and King Me. just started The Good Man Series Zoom gathering , with you on Thursday morning. been a Wild at Heart (John Eldredge) fan and had lead it in men's group several times and have gone to a Wild at Heart bootcamp, also have lead study on It's Your Call: What Are You Doing Here?: Gary Barkalow and have done several of his calling intensity also have lead several other Men books in my groups |
This is a hard one to set in stone, I was raised a Lutheran and my dad was in the army, so went to several base chapel Sunday school when I was growing up Jesus has been a part of my whole life. even the time I started to go a Viking I saw Jesus as thor. ( i know this was wrong but i still did it), Then a Lady I starting dating handed me a Book "Wild At Heart" that set me back on the path that I needed to be on. I have married that Lady and together we walk with God |
every time when a new men's group would start I would start with His-Story Finding him in the middle of our own I also do a weekly substack. called His-story, so it is never ending for me right now |
A father wound is the pain left behind when a father relationship was broken, missing, unsafe, distant, or emotionally empty. A vow is an inner promise a person makes during a time of pain, fear, or disappointment. An agreement is when a person accepts a lie, identity, or belief as truth because of repeated pain, words, or experiences. |
There are some men who never say much, yet somehow teach you everything. I grew up in a military family. My mom was the wife of an Army man, and she ruled the roost with a wooden spoon and a firm voice. In our house there was structure, discipline, and expectations. You learned quickly what was acceptable and what was not. Looking back now, I understand much of that came from survival, responsibility, and carrying the weight of family life. My father was different. He was a quiet man. Not weak. Not absent. Just quiet. He was the kind of man whose actions spoke louder than words ever could. He taught me without lectures. He taught me by doing. By fixing things. By showing up. By carrying responsibility without complaint. By working with his hands and figuring things out as he went. He taught me to become a jack of all trades. Learn how to repair things. Learn how to work. Learn how to adapt. Learn how to survive. If something breaks, figure it out. If something needs doing, do it yourself. He did not always know how to speak about feelings, wounds, fears, or disappointments. Many of them carried burdens silently because that was what they were taught a man does., but Inever learned to be a MAN |
The battle is on Have you ever stood somewhere and realized no one else was standing with you? Not physically. But spiritually. You’re trying to do the right thing. You’re trying to live it out. You’re trying to stay grounded in your faith. And it feels like everyone else has stepped away, or stepped back. I have moments like that. Moments where you show up ready to serve, ready to stand, ready to do what you know is right. And then you look around…And it’s quiet. you are there by your self behind enemy lines. |
I had a dream. I was in a shield wall again, fighting alongside others. The line was strong, well-trained. We worked together, moving as one. But then—we lost the man on my right. And just like that, my side was exposed. Training kicked in. Everything sharpened. I could feel the pressure of the men behind me. I could sense the movement around me—the polearm coming over my shoulder from the second line. Time slowed down. It felt like an eternity waiting for someone to step into that gap. But then—he did. The line was restored. And together… we pushed forward. the day was won. I believe this was a nudge from God. A reminder to step back into something I started… but never finished. |
Stephen Minister training | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Victory over the Darkness, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | i work m-f 7am to 4 pm MST any time after that | Dave | Kyser | dont@know.com | 9046312926 | |
| 71 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #71 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #71 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #71 | Sun, 04/26/2026 - 13:05 | Anonymous | 2601:5c7:200:3610:fde4:da4e:5caa:f18b | James | Leichliter | JimLeichliter@gmail.com | 5405697472 | 10173 Timber Oak Dr. McGaheysville, VA 22840 United States |
October | 15 | 1975 | I find myself in a season of life where God has positioned and empowered me to give back. Life experience and healing have come full circle... allowing to speak life and hope to others walking that paths that I've traveled before.. and learning from those who's path is different. I feel uniquely equipped to listen well and respond with love and grace. In short, I have wisdom and strength to offer, and an open heart and mind to receive and learn. | My wife and I live in McGaheysville, VA outside of Massanutten Resort. We have seven children and four grand children between the two of us. We are both divorced and remarried. We have two sons serving in the Marines. One in Okinawa, Japan, and another in camp Geiger. Our grand children range from 2 years old up to six. Our families live very close to each other in the area and it's wonderful to be able to step in and support them as young parents. We attend DUCC (Divine Unity Community Church) which is a multi-cultural, multi-generational church of all ethnicities. my wife Tamara and I lead a small group for couples at the church. | I've been attending the Zoweh Heart of a Warrior conferences since 2014 when it was called Top Gun. I've been to two advanced weekends. Also volunteered for kitchen duty for the women's deepening weekend. This past Heart of a Warrior conference I volunteered as a Medic. All that to say, once I first heard Michael's message in 2014, I knew this journey would change the trajectory of my life... and the lives of my children. I'm grateful for his life and influence through these conferences and experiences. Looking forward to joining arms with my brothers expanding the message and mission! | It started in Youth Group at church when then landed me a job at a Presbyterian Summer Camp. The Camp Operations Director was an incredible man who took me under his wing while I was struggling with my Dad and my parent's divorce. He showed me love, compassion, kindness, grace and it was through Him and the camp ministry that I experienced God's love and grace. He was the reason I dedicated my life to God and haven't looked back. | While attending Messiah University, I traveled the streets of Harrisburg, PA with the streetlights ministry to share God's love with people. I remember speaking with a man who had recently lost his son in a car accident and blamed God for taking his son away. I told him that God understands loss, pain and suffering, but he didn't want to hear any of it. After this heartbreaking encounter, I realized that sharing God's love with people through a street ministry probably wasn't the best avenue. Since then, I've tried to follow the "Preach the gospel... use words if necessary" approach by building relationships and trust. It has deeply shaped the way I "speak" and share my story with people. | I've spend 1/3 of my life in therapy for the wounds I have sustained in childhood through my parent's divorce... and through my own. It wasn't until my late 20's and early 30's that I realized that a fear of abandonment and complex PTSD had ruled most of my life's choices and decisions. The agreements and vows to never end up in divorce, or for my children to experience a divorce... or be like my dad... or arrange for love because I didn't want to be alone... all of these things had to be undone, unlearned and rebuilt and recalibrated by the Love of God. This is ongoing life-long work that gets easier over time. Through acknowledgement of wounding others, asking for forgiveness, and rebuilding relationships with my children, God has graciously restored most of my relationships... I'm still trying to rebuild my relationship with one of my daughters, Haven. | At age 9, my Dad left my mom and I thought I was to blame. He had snapped at me just before he left and I though I caused him to leave. I thought that I was too much and that he didn't love me anymore. I blamed myself for my parent's divorce and over time, developed an eating disorder. After six years in therapy as a kid, I was able to see what had happened and heal from this disease. I then became bitter and angry towards my Dad which greatly affected my relationship with God. We didn't speak for almost 10 years. I learned many hard lessons along the way... and I'm very proud and glad to say that my Dad and I are very close today! We have worked through all of our differences and we both have grown into better men because of it. | I used to think that if God wanted us to engage in spiritual warfare, he would allow us to see angels and demons... and since we can't, then it's something I shouldn't really concern myself with. When I went to my first Top Gun conference, I remember expressing concern to Tom about how much emphasis was given to Spiritual Warfare and that perhaps, we were giving too much credit to the enemy for things that were just human brokenness.... essentially over spiritualizing things. Then came the beatdown! My first marriage fell apart, lost just about everything... even my job. It was a direct attack on my identity, my life, my family... to the point where I realized that the only way out, was through. It wasn't until I dug deeper into God, and began fighting the enemy's attacks that things began to get better. I began to warfare not only for myself, but for my kids. My naive view of my youth soon matured to the point where I now warfare every single day! | We all have our special way God speaks to us. For me, it's mostly through a beautiful sunrise or sunset. It's also through trains! Messiah University is surrounded by train tracks. One night, while walking the campus and praying to God, I heard him say to get close to the train that was about to come by. As the earth shook and the torrent of wind came rushing by, I heard God say, "You will be like this train, carrying many into my kingdom." For me, this was an acknowledgement of his calling on my life, but also His commitment to guide and lead, love and restore. Now ever time I hear a train whistle, it's an echo of His faithfulness and calling on my life. It's an opportunity to give thanks and let God know that I love Him too! | Yes. Most recently as a medic at Heart of a Warrior encounter this April. I also had a co-worker, Jeremy Cason, who wasn't married, but was living with his girlfriend and was a single dad to a little girl. He was struggling with depression and we became close. We'd talk on our lunch breaks about life and I encouraged him to go to therapy. He was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. I invited him to a Heart of a Warrior conference and he began to experience the community and friendship. After walking with him for a few years, I was let go from my job in a reduction in force. Unfortunately, I learned he committed suicide in a manic depressive state. As extremely tragic as this is, I was grateful to be a part of Jeremy's life and thankful that I could push back the darkness for my brother. As part of the brotherhood, we are called to speak life where we can, and be the presence of Jesus. That's what I hope to do with the Elder-Sage initiative. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, Hearing God, The Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | After 6:30 PM | Dan | Egbertson | 7of.faith@gmail.com | 540.718.7742 | |
| 70 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #70 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #70 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #70 | Mon, 04/20/2026 - 19:23 | Anonymous | 45.37.134.24 | Kevin | Randolph | kivyrandolph@gmail.com | 9199206652 | 207 Dixie Trail Goldsboro, NC 27530 United States |
February | 15 | 1958 | Initiallly I was searching for a place to fit, a place to belong. It was my age bracket that first drew me to Elder/Sage, after I landed on the Zoweh site. That and the reality that I ended up at 68 yrs old pretty beat up. Need some help. After last weekend though, there is a shift in why I would give this a year to come into maturity. I saw, felt, experienced first hand the restorative power of one man standing with another. An ear to listen, a shoulder to lean on, maybe a neck to hug. It's so interesting to me that only days before Rock Bridge I asked God to give me the strength to "finish well." A phrase right out of the notebook. Only I hadn't seen a notebook yet. It might have been on my way home, I'm not sure, the thought struck me, why the need to ask? It is absolutely the Father's will that I do just that. Right now, at my keyboard, I want to do as much damage to the kingdom of darkness as possible. This burning thing rises up. Kinda like getting pissed. Holy anger? Is that even a thing? I wonder how old Peter was when he got it...So, were I to aid in being able to spare or help restore another man, I would count that as worthwhile. A lasting impact. | 2nd marriage in the wind. 1st was wrecked by her affair. I was a long haul trucker. Waited 2 years for her to come back. Nope. I was awarded custody of our children. That should say something. 2 of those 3 children are severely and profoundly handicapped and in care facilities. I'm legal guardian of both. 2nd marriage was taken off the respirator and pronounced dead 6 months ago when the divorce I initiated was finalized. It hurt more than I thought possible. We have one boy, 23, bright, even brilliant. A graduate of NC State with his Masters in Aerospace Engineering. He lives with her for now, applying for positions that he is hopeful won't take him too far from home. I'm on my own. Not even remotely interested in sharing my hard fought, heart felt hallelujah with a female at this point. | In 2011 I came to Top Gun. Then fell away. As the healing process of post divorce recovery dragged on, I pulled my dusty signed copy of Search and Rescue from my library. About a third the way through, I went to the Zoweh site, saw the Heart of a Warrior gathering in Goshen, debated for about 3 days then signed up. So I've been to two. With a loooong span between them. | Which time? I'm not being smart here. When the pain of this divorce just about drove me mad. When I got tired of suicide ideations. I went back to the only church and pastor I trusted. There found grace, not finger pointing. | I'm not a street corner evangelist. I can openly share at Recovery Alive on Friday night. | A wound is more than a nick, or even a blackened finger nail. More than a casual slight. The kind that do not heal are the emotional ones. It is a slice into my soul, with the intent to eventually disable me or worse, turn me into an open enemy of The Kingdom of God. I've been through Elijah House training. Years ago. A vow is a contract, for me way more negative than otherwise, either verbal or with mental ascension that makes a statement that is binding from the point of issuance forward. It stands until struck down. An agreement is simply me going along with a thought. I can agree with a source of good, or I can agree with a source of evil. The danger for Kevin is when agreements work their way into vows. | Yuck. The one, yeah, that one. It's when my father beat me unmercifully as a 6th grader. Couldn't have been more than 11 or 12. Us kids had been put with a family down the street for the evening. They were our babysitters while mom and he went out. We were and I guess it was me as the ringleader apparently very poorly behaved. I got it so bad at some point following that, at school I remember going into the boys room and pulling my pants and underwear down in front of the full length mirror. My butt cheeks looked like a rainbow. Purple, yellow, green, dark red. Can't unsee that. Over 55 years ago. Can't unsee that. That is subcutaneous bleeding. He beat me bloody. So I've processed my own William Young "Shack" moment countless times. No Daddy No. | I don't have medals in this arena. The one time I vividly remember is when my wife's SUV was stolen from our home. She needed it to travel to Philly to see her mom. She was so tore up. It had been about 3 weeks with no word from the local PD. I was on my commute to work when this hot anger boiled up in me and I bellowed, "Satan you will take your filthy hands of Susan's car! I have the authority to command you to let it loose! And you will let it loose! Her car was found within the day. | Somewhere in this timeline of post divorce crap, I was so beat down. Couldn't buy a happy thought. Straight up depressed. I had blurred the lines of no contact and was still trying to be a "nice guy". One morning in a fit of desparation I told God, yes, told Him, I needed a word. Just one word from Him would do. I made the agreement with myself I would tell no one of this. Not my pastor, no one. That way no one could influence the outcome. Within the day I clearly caught this thought. One word. "Boundaries" I bought the book by Cloud and Townsend, read into it and saw myself throughout as a compliant. They helped me get my "no" back. I know that I know He dropped that one word into my spirit. My life has improved markedly since I got my "no" back. On another example, every time I get so fed up with my job, so ready to leave and retire, I hear, "not yet". I train folks to drive tractor trailers at a community college. I'm an instructor there. He will gently remind me I'm there for more than a paycheck. Twice ex-cons have thanked me for helping them start a new path. That's His way of patting me on my head, it goes a long way. | Simply, no. | Search and Rescue, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God | Zoweh Website | After 7 pm | Pete | Norris | pastorpete01@bellsouth.net | 9193445341 | |
| 69 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #69 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #69 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #69 | Mon, 04/20/2026 - 18:30 | Anonymous | 2603:6081:28f0:6220:51d6:1d73:130c:49fd | Gary | Hooks | charlottehooks58@gmail.com | 9198799008 | 819 Scott RD Kenly, NC 27542 United States |
January | 26 | 1966 | I didn't have very many people or Godly men to lean on or go to when i was a young boy ,teenager or young man . i was in my mid 20s when i finaly got saved and by then i was already carrying a lot of baggage . I want to be able to help the younger men to not get so unoriented in their walk with Christ . To be the men God called us to be . | I'm the father of 2 and step father to 2 more and their all my kids.My wife and I also have 9 grandkids and 11 great grand kids .I try to set the example by the way i live my life before them . | i am part of a life group with 5 other men we have been going through the Heart of a Warrior work book for almost a year now and it has been a great thing for me, i didn't realize how far off i was in several areas of my life and its good to have brothers you can count on to stand with you when life gets hard . 2 of the men i'm group with talked me into going to the weekend experiance this weekend which was my first time . | my first encounter with Christ was with the birth of my daughter . i couldn't father kids and my wife couldn't bear children , she started going to church an got saved and started praying for a family . within a year she was pregnant and not long after i could not deny God must have a plan of some sort for me . | I've been blessed after i got saved my pastor and one of the elders did start to disciple me thats where i learned to not only share my testomony. but to teach and preach. I work with a recovery program on friday nights and i have given my testomony there as well |
wounds things that you have experianced that hurt or did damage that you still carry around years later, they left scars vows things that you have declared over yourself , or stated (i'll never do that or be that way) agreements when you have agreed with something about yourself good or bad . giving the enemy a foot hold into your life if its not true |
My dad was quite the perfectionist nothing was good enough and i was always less than . Never making him proud or hearing good job son | spiritual warfare is prayer against powers and principalities , fasting praying for others , I have been part of a deliverance ministy with my church for a few years . | i have heard God through his word , he has answered prayer IE my kids . I was on a mission trip a few years ago and he lead and guided me when praying for a crowd people it was like i could almost hear what they needed or needed to hear . | I am involved with a group of men now and we are engaged in each others stories . Sometime, most of the time we just need somebody to listen ,and to know we are not alone in our struggles . To know that we can can count on our brother to help hold us up when we're beet down . | The Heart of a Warrior | Another Elder-Sage | after 5pm monday - thursday weekends about anytime | Gary | Hooks | bigcountrysbbq@aol.com | 9196251110 | |
| 68 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #68 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #68 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #68 | Mon, 04/20/2026 - 12:01 | Anonymous | 2600:1003:b854:cc9f:58a8:f911:46a8:30ae | Mark | Teachey | Redcap511@aol.com | 9196259766 | 405 Timber Court Selma, NC 27576 United States |
December | 31 | 1959 | I’m ready to pour into the lives of younger men that need to know the compass of their heart and impact of being oriented | Deb and I have two wonderful sons that bless us daily! They reaped the joy of coming up in a home that I (vowed) they would never experience the trauma I experienced. While driving home from the Heart of the Warrior with my Son, He opened up and stated he never was wounded by Deb or I and he cried for those that did (Especially the fresh Prince of Bel Air). | Attended multiple times for HOW weekends, was on the team that previewed King Me. Currently conducting Art of Marriage training at our Church for 6 couples and mentoring 2 young Law Enforcement Officers at the Wilson’s Mills Police Department. | I gave my life to Christ at the young age of 8. | I have shared my story often and as recent as driving home with my Son Kevin! | Yes, I am the definition of receiving wounds, and drawing a line in the sand and making a declaration that I will never….. One was I am taking this one story to my grave because it hurt so much to my young fragile heart! | In reference to the above, About 4 months after I had given my life to Christ, two older teens introduced me to Playboy and Penthouse then proceeded to sexually assault me. I was ashamed, wounded, suddenly disoriented, and filled with fear that I disappointed God. I hid this story by developing a poser mentality. This sudden change in spiritual trajectory certainly confused and caused my True Self to fade as the days and events occurred. The mini tachycardia Wounds between the Major wounds kept me mentally and spiritually prone to stay ashamed. I remember my pulse quickened at the smallest of things! How long can this go on? I was crying out but feared my parents would just hate me even more for embarrassing them. Then Valentine’s Day at school was quickly approaching and I suddenly dreaded the valentines card exercise because I wasn’t worthy of praise or acceptance. My mom called me into the kitchen and handed me about 2 dozen Valentines cards to fill out. Oh no! I won’t . I am not going to fill out these! (I wanted so much to tell her why I was feeling the way I felt, but just didn’t get the opportunity!) Mom said, Oh yes you will because I went and bought these for you. This was followed by her quick back hand that landed on my upper thigh which caused me to shift in the tall barstool and lose my balance and fall. On the way to the floor my lip caught the black vertical steel support that was holding up the back of the chair and ripped my mouth open. I felt and tasted the sudden warm gush of blood quickly covering my t-shirt and all the valentines cards which I had carried to the floor with me. My dad quickly intervened and after stabilizing the scene, carried me to the emergency room for 20 plus stitches and absence from elementary school which was a little win! I vowed I would take this story to my grave! | It is so real | The first time I have heard from God and knew it was the first night back on patrol with the New Hanover County Sheriffs Department after bringing home our 1st Son. It was around 2:30 AM and on Hunters Trail Zip Mart when I heard God and/or my Guardian Angel verbally yell out” Turn around” which prevented me from being ambushed and killed that early morning behind a convenience store! | I have | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, The Sacred Romance, Wild At Heart | During an invitation to a meeting Sunday morning at 7 at HOW weekend | Evenings | Mark | Teachey | Redcap511@aol.com | 9196259766 | |
| 67 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #67 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #67 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #67 | Mon, 04/20/2026 - 10:36 | Anonymous | 65.60.161.110 | Doug | Bierl | doug.bierl@gmail.com | 7409723915 | 94 E Broadway Ave Westerville, OH 43081 United States |
September | 23 | 1960 | I have been on the journey of healing and freedom since 2012 after attending my first event, a Wild at Heart Bootcamp. I connected with Zoweh through my first Encounter weekend in 2018. I completely align with the mission of Zoweh and I have a passion for helping men to grow in faith and walk in freedom. Through the Elder-Sage initiative, I can connect with men who have a desire to do just that, so I would like to serve in this part of what Zoweh is doing. | I am married to Julaine and have been since December 1997. We were both previously married and divorce, and blended a family of six children, who ranged from 5 to 16 years old at that time. The oldest died of brain cancer in 2012 and the five remaining children are all married. We have eight grandchildren, two of which live nearby and the others that live in different states. | I have experienced breakthrough in healing and freedom through the Heart of A Warrior Encounter weekends, as well as one Advanced weekend. I have also brought other men to the weekend, who have also experienced healing and freedom. I have read all three books by Michael, and used them (along with available videos) in men's small groups. My wife and I have lead couples through The Rendezvous Project, both in a group setting across 13 weeks and working with couples two-on-two. I also participated in the recent Father Matters Zoom meetings, and will be taking a group of men through that starting this week. All of the resources have been helpful. | I was raised Catholic, went to Catholic schools through high school, and attended Mass regularly until I divorced in my mid-thirties, after which I attended and was involved in the Methodist church after marrying Julaine. Although I attended church and served in the church and community, I did not have a relationship with Jesus until I turned my life over to him in 2001, which began my journey and relationship with him. A former co-worker and friend was the one who was instrumental in helping me to see that I didn't know Jesus prior to that time. Since then, I've grown closer to Jesus through the Bible, books, retreats, and communion with him. | I can't pick out a specific time, but I have shared my story in various settings. Sometimes, I will share it with a man I meet, if I am prompted to do so. I have shared it within men's groups that I have been a part of and that I lead. I have also shared it with married couples that my wife and I have coached or mentored. | Wounds occur when something happens to us, when someone causes emotional, physical, or spiritual pain, either intentionally or unintentionally. That wound carries with it a message, a lie, about us, that we interpret that something is wrong with us in some way. Once we believe the lie, we make an agreement with it that connects our identity with the lie. We may also make a vow that we will never do something or that we will always do something, as a result of the wound. We think that vow disconnects us from the wounding moment, but it actually keeps us connected. | One from when I was 5 years old. I was at our house that was being built by my dad (and others). I had to poop and I had seen men do it on the job site before, so I leaned against the wall and the poop fell into my pants. My dad had to take me to where we were living while the house was being built. Needless to say, he was not happy. He got angry and belittled me all the way home. I recall him saying something that associated me with shit and it was maybe the first time that I felt like something was wrong with me. The lie that came was that I couldn't do anything right, which I accepted as true. I know now that I made a vow that I would never be wrong and I would prove that I am right. This (along with other wounding moments with the same or similar message) set me up for a life of performance, perfection, and the need to be right. | I am very familiar with spiritual warfare. I bring it into many conversations and groups that I lead, but also live out what we discuss. It is real and we need to fight against the enemy by enforcing the authority Jesus gave us to defeat every attempt of the enemy to harm us. I put on the full Armor of God daily, speak daily prayers to make declarations against the enemy and to align myself with Jesus and his kingdom, as well as the cross, resurrection, and ascension. I also take authority over foul spirits and anything I am aware of coming against me. I pay attention to when I am making vows and agreements, and break them when I become aware. | One example when I clearly heard from him happened many years ago as I was driving from Columbus to Pittsburgh. I was listening to a show on the radio (which was not common for me to do) and Jimmy Carter was being interviewed about a book that was recently published. I don't remember what the book was about, but during that time, I heard God say that I should write a book. It came out of nowhere and writing a book was never on my radar. I then asked what I should write it about and heard that it would be about divorce. I remember questioning whether what I heard was real, but I noted it and sometime afterwards began to follow the path of writing a book. I eventually wrote and self-published it - The Divorce Pill - and it was very different from what I initially thought it would be. I have had many other times that I have heard from God through journaling and prayer, but that's one time that stands out, probably because it was the first time that I heard directly from God. | Yes. I have gone through the Medic training twice. I also have gone through courses on listening in the past, as well as training as a certified coach, much of which has to do with listening. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Defeating Dark Angels, Bondage Breaker, Victory over the Darkness, The Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God | I was at the Encounter weekend 4 years ago when the Elder-Sage initiative was introduced. | I recently retired, so have flexibility, but it would be best to connect during the daytime as evenings are often taken up by groups or other activities. | Dave | Noel | pastordave55@gmail.com | (614) 620-4072 | |
| 66 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #66 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #66 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #66 | Fri, 04/10/2026 - 14:27 | Anonymous | 204.111.195.214 | Roger | Franks | roger@welcomehomefrederick.com | (301) 938-0738 | 2254 Wetherburne Way Frederick, MD 21702 United States |
June | 4 | 1950 | I believe God brought this opportunity to me at this time to formalize the reality of this important stage in my life journey. He has already put me in this mentoring role with several younger men. My wife would surely affirm its value in my life. I know personally a few men who have been recognized as elder-sages in our area. And the LORD has provided a level of life experience, through failures and successes, to entrust this important assignment to me, to connect with other peers in the important task of mentoring the younger men among us. |
I am celebrating 50 years of marriage to my wonderful wife on June 19, 2026. We have 7 adult children who, by God's mercy and grace, are all following King Jesus. And we have 12 grandchildren, and are actively engaged with the ones who live locally. |
I recently attended the Waterboyz Advance Expedition 11 in eastern MD, in which the Zoweh content was used for the first time. I have read Heart of A Warrior and am reading King Me. |
As a freshman at Ohio U. in 1967, I was so troubled by the atheism of my professors, that I started reading the Gospel of John in bed for 5 minutes each night, prefacing it with a verbal plea for Jesus to reveal Himself to me through His book, if He was real. Sometime in January 1968 I crossed an invisible line from doubt to faith, and started following Jesus as Rescuer and King. | Last Monday, while waiting for my car to be maintenanced, I was given a Spirit-prompted opening to share my Jesus story with a retired man who was raising day lilies all over his garden. He mentioned that he found a Bible recently in his mother's personal effects; I encouraged Him to read about the life and claims of Jesus, as I had first done over a half-century earlier. | Wounds - those inner scars caused primarily by words that cut into my soul by others, whether intentionally spoken or not. Vows - Promises I have made to myself to protect me from further wounding. One example is, "I will listen well, but never share with others at an emotional level." Agreements - Lies I have believed about myself, often planted and watered by the voice of my unseen but real enemy. For example, "I'm a failure", "I'm not good enough for God to fully love me". |
My father angrily scolding me for tossing an item I saw as worthless. | I have learned over time that I needed to be very aggressive with sinful thoughts, to immediately confront, and not entertain them, whether thoughts of lust, fear, worry, resentment, pride or selfishness, to name a few. Memorizing and stating relevant scriptures has been the key to experiencing victory. E.g. "Father, I ask You to destroy the fortress of (pride) in my mind, and help me capture every thought to obey You." (2 Cor. 10:3-5). |
After nearly 10 years as a pastor in Orlando, I came home and told my wife that I had nothing more to say to these dear parishioners, that I myself needed to be in a more challenging environment so that I might grow in faith. It was an Abraham and Sarah experience with God that has marked my life, and helped shape me into the man I am today. | Perhaps not formal training, but I would say my life is now characterized by this intention. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Bondage Breaker, The Sacred Romance, The Road Back to You, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | Any time between 8 am and 8 pm. If I don't answer, please leave a brief voicemail. | Flip | Lacey | philip.lacey@gmail.com | 3015245383 | |
| 65 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #65 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #65 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #65 | Mon, 03/02/2026 - 05:29 | Anonymous | 2003:f7:b72f:9c00:e922:ae0e:31e5:f0b9 | Roberto | Weber | roberto@waterboyz.de | +491719234392 | Auf der Huhfuhr 7 42929 Wermelskirchen Germany |
September | 4 | 1959 | I think it's important for older men to support younger men in recognizing and becoming who they truly are. I think it's important to pass on the values that God has given me. |
I have been happily married for 37 years. My wife is also a devout christian. We have a 34-year-old son who is not yet married. My father passed away a long time ago, my mother is still alive at 96, and I have a 70-year-old sister (non christian). | To date, the only contact has been through Rusty Eckmann. | At the age of 25, I was ill, and up until that point, I wanted nothing to do with Jesus. Since I was bedridden and no doctor could help me (something with my heart), I listened to the radio a lot in Argentina at that time. And then… someone talked about Jesus and said: If you are in a situation where no one can help you... Jesus will stand by you... I felt that this was meant for me... The speaker then said a short, simple prayer, which I repeated. A few days later, I regained my strength... and realized that life was returning. The doctors examined me again to be on the safe side... but they couldn't find anything wrong... I then knew... Jesus is real. I began to inquire more and more about Jesus and to learn about him. |
I have often told my Jesus story in my sermons, but also on expeditions. |
I first became properly aware of these concepts during my first expedition with the Waterboyz. And I rediscovered things within myself. |
One situation was when I had a misunderstanding with my son, and he didn't talk to me for weeks... a very painful time... | Throughout my missionary career, I have often felt how the devil attacks at critical moments, and I then find myself in spiritual warfare. But Jesus has always triumphed. |
God spoke to me in 2012 and said, “Roberto, the battle has begun. Equip the men.” After that, I started the Waterboyz for Jesus in Germany, Switzerland, Brazil, and Argentina. | I took a short course with the Waterboyz expedition last year (with Rusty Eckmann) and have already put what I learned into practice here in Germany. | Wild At Heart | Another Elder-Sage | I think it's better to make initial contact by email and then coordinate an appointment for a meeting, due to the time difference. | Rusty | Eckmann | emmet.eckman@gmail.com | +1 (720) 427-1992 | |
| 62 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #62 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #62 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #62 | Tue, 02/03/2026 - 11:11 | Anonymous | 2600:2b00:ad21:a700:ec6f:7772:2eb7:853d | Stephen Russell (Russell preferred) | Jones | rjones@gemcitytire.com | 937-272-4611 | November | 13 | 1963 | I want to help others by listening, offering understanding and support and sharing what has worked for me and others if asked. I have been encouraged to participate in this program by other individuals who know me, my skill set, and my personality. | My wife of 32 years is Shannon Jones. She is a community leader serving in both the Ohio Legislature and Warren County Commissioner. She also ran a large Non-profit organization specializing in advocating for early childhood development resources and programs. My son is 26 and lives in Chicago where he works in Sales, directs, acts and does improv comedy at Second City and other venues. My daughter is a student at Ohio University and is currently student teaching. She graduates this spring. I am the oldest child and have 3 siblings Amy Webb, Rob Jones and Sarah Henderson. My mother is living and currently in a Memory care facility near me. |
I have attended numerous events In Colorado, Virginia and Dayton Ohio area. I have read Michael Thompsons Books Heart of a Warrior and King Me and led Mens groups that studied the books. Through my brother Rob Jones, John Stachler and Sean Harmon I have worked with Zoweh leadership and participated in group discussions and planning sessions. | I gave my life to Christ as a young Boy and was Baptized. I attended a Southern Baptist church as a Boy and young man. When I married I attended the Catholic Church and we raised our children in the Catholic Church. I lost my personal connection to God for a period and attended church services out of an obligation but not really participating from the time I started College until my mid 40's. I was invited to a Mens Group at Southbrook Church in Miamisburg and reconnected to God in a very personal way and now the holy spirit helps direct me. | I have shared my story numerous times with my Mens group, and I have shared with larger groups of Men as part of discussion groups. | Wounds are scars and hurts that are often hidden or suppressed but which reveal themselves when put in an awkward or defensive position. Vows are promises made such as a wedding vow but can also be vows we make to ourselves because of the previously mentioned wounds. An example is refusing to get close to someone or reveal our true self to others for fear of being hurt emotionally. An agreement requires two people or a person and God, Jesus, Holy spirit-- Whatever you choose to call "God." An example of an agreement when talking to other men is "We agree that what is said or discussed between us doesn't leave our group." That is an agreement I have with the Mens Group Table I lead. |
I Flunked out of Law School the first time I attended. That experience made me doubt myself and I vowed I would go back and get my degree which I did several years later. That said, I felt like a failure and it still bothered me along with the numberous other failures and set backs along the way. As I have matured I realize that those failures and transgressions are all part of who I am today and I think of them as Gods way of keeping me humble and more accepting and forgiving of other people. God loves us all the same and I am no better or worse than any one of his children. I had a loving Mother and Father and do not have the issues some men have with authority figures. That said I can certainly understand why they feel the way they sometimes do and feel blessed I was raised by loving parents. | I have been tempted and committed all the "sins" most young men commit. For me personally, I no longer give much thought to the sins that were emphasized in my Southern Baptist church and worry more about the sins of Pride and Judgement and Tribalism. I attended a church service in Destin Florida a couple of years ago and the minister preached against homosexuality, said the USA is Gods chosen country and disparaged immigrants. It was the exact opposite of what Jesus taught. That was an instance where I saw Evil and hatred spewing from a person who claimed to be sharing Gods word. I saw an evil presence using that man to spread hate. |
Soon after I started attending Mens group 20 or so years ago, I dropped my children off at Sunday School and instead of attending the Church Service, I felt called to take a walk along a bike path that followed the Miami River located behind the church. It was early spring day, the sun was shining and there were occasional patches of snow on the paved path. As I walked, I cleared my mind and went into a meditative transe like state, I was no longer leading or making the decisions of where I walked or where I Looked and vividly sensed --- heard ---- "Everything Matters." Every time we speak to someone everything we think, every time we smile or say thank you or criticize or judge someone matters. Every decision we make impacts someone or something else. The "Butterfly effect is real" It impacted me beyond my ability to share and to this day I am a different man. I am much more tolerant, forgiving, accepting and thankful. I can't express adequately just how much it impacted me. | Soon after I Started Mens Group another man asked me to start joining him for coffee once a week. He was not raised in the church, His father was an alcoholic and he himself was a recovering alcoholic. He felt comfortable talking to me and he asked me how to pray. He said he literally did not know how to pray and I shared that Prayer is nothing more than talking to God just like we were talking. Now he leads men and I learn from him. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Wild At Heart, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | Mornings before work, Evenings after 5 PM, 12 PM lunch hour. I can also schedule a call any time with notice. | Sean | Harmon | sean@stachlerharmon.com | 937-572-9671 | ||
| 61 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #61 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #61 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #61 | Sat, 01/31/2026 - 01:08 | Anonymous | 180.150.80.127 | GIULIO | DI SOMMA | DISOMMA15@GMAIL.COM | +61414344632 | November | 22 | 1949 | I HAVE THE DESIRE TO REACH OUT TO MEN IN MY COMMNITY. I INITIATED THE MEN'S MINISTRY AT THE OPEN CHURCH IN MERRIWA, PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA AND NOW WANT TO GO DEEPER AND REACH FURTHER. WHO KNOWS WHAT GOD HAS IN MIND ;) | I AM 76 YEARS OLD AND HAVE BEEN MARRIED TO DOLORES FOR 30 YEARS, HAVE 1 SON AND 2 STEPDAUGHTERS AND 2 STEPSONS, ALL ARE MARRIED. WE HAVE 12 GRANDCHILDREN BETWEEN US. I HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH MY SON AND HIS FAMILY, WITH MY 2 STEPDAUGHTERS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND CORDIAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH MY 2 STEPSONS WHICH I AM PRAYING FOR GOD TO REDEEM. I HAD WOUNDS WHICH HAVE BEEN HEALED BUT I DAMAGED MY STEPSONS AND NOW NEED TO REACH THEM. | I READ THE BOOK HEART OF A WARRIOR ABOUT 4 YEARS AGO, HAVE DONE MANY OF THE ZOWEH DEVOTIONALS ON YOUVERSION, HAVE DOWNLOADED SOME OF THE FREE STUFF. LAST YEAR ATTENDED THE HEART OF A WARRIOR EASTERN CIRCLE AND HAVE SIGNED UP TO DO FATHER MATTERS IN THE EASTERN CIRCLE FROM JANUARY TO APRIL 2026. | THE MAN ON THE MIDDLE CROSS INVITED ME AND I GOT BORN AGAIN AT RHEMA JOHANNESBURG IN 1992, WENT TO RHEMA BIBLE TRAINING CENTER IN 1993, 1994 AMD GRADUATED. GOT WATER BAPTISED AND HOLY SPIRIT FIRE BAPTISED THAT YEAR. WROTE A COURSE - TOTALLY WHOLE IN CHRIST IN 1995 AND PRESENTED IT AT WEEKEND RETREATS FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS. EMIGRATED TO AUSTRALIA IN 2007 AND HAVE ATTENDED 10 CHURCHES IN THE LAST 20 YEARS. I AM NOW AT THE OPEN CHURCH AND INTEND TO STAY THERE. | SINCE SEPTEMBER 2024 I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH MEN'S MINISTRY AT THE OPEN CHURCH AND HAVE FOCUSSED ON BEING VULNERABLE SO THAT OTHERS CAN FEEL SAFE. I WALK ALONGSIDE MEN ON A ONE ON ONE BASIS AND AM CURRENTLY ENCOURAGING A YOUNG MAN WHO I LED TO CHRIST BEFORE HE WENT TO PRISON. I SEND HIM MY EXCERPTS FROM THE HEART OF A WARRIOR NOW THAT HE IS IN PRISON ;) | OKAY, WOUNDS ARE THE TIMES WHEN I HAVE BEEN WOUNDED BY AUTHORTY FIGURES WHO SHOULD HAVE NURTURED ME. THOSE WOUNDS IF UNTREATED DO SUBMERSIVE WORK IN MY LIFE UNTIL THEY ARE HEALED BY JESUS. VOWS ARE THINGS I SPOKE OVER MYSELF SUCH AS, I WILL NEVER TREAT MY CHILDREN LIKE MY FATHER TREATED ME (AND THEN ID DID THE SAME THING). AGREEMENTS ARE THOSE TIMES I HAVE AGREED WITH THE WHISPERS THAT TELL ME I AM NOT GOOD ENOUGH. THE LYING VOICE OF THE ENEMY AND OF MY FALSE-SELF. | I WAS ABOUT 16 YEARS OLD WHEN I BROUGHT A YOUNG GIRL HOME FOR DINNER WITH MY FAMILY; FATHER, MOTHER AND 2 YOUNGER BROTHERS. DURING THE COURSE OF THE MEAL I SAID WHATEVER OFFENDED MY FATHER AND HE THREW HIS KNIFE AT ME. I TOOK THE YOUNG LADY HOME AND NEVER SAW HER AGAIN. | PRAYING FOR THE SALVATION OF MY FAMILY, PRAYING FOR THE BLESSING OF THE CHURCH I ATTEND, PRAYING FOR REVIVAL IN OUR CITY, PRAYING FOR THE SCHOOLS MY GRANDCHILDREN ATTEND, PRAYING FOR OUR GOVERNMENT, PRAYING FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS TO PREVAIL IN MY COUNTRY - ON A DAILY BASIS. | SIMILAR TO THE SWORD OF ARAGON STORY - I ASKED TO SHOW ME THAT HE LOVED ME. i ASKED HIM FOR A PAIR OF TYPICAL SOUTH AFRICAN SHOES - VELDSKOENS - WHICH IN AUSTRALIA IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. A SHORT WHILE LATER I WAS SHOPPING WITH MY WIFE IN K-MART WHEN AT THE END OF THE RACK THERE WAS ABOUT 30 PAIRS OF BLACK SHOES AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RACK, ABOUT WAIST HIGH, WAS A PAIR OF WHAT LOOKED ALMOST LIKE VELDSHOENS. BEIGE, WHEN I LOOKED, MY SIZE, AND THEY HAD BEEN MARKED DOWN TO A FEW DOLLARS. I BOUGHT THEM AND WEAR THEM AS MY CONFIRMATION THAT GOD CARES ABOUT THE DETAILS OF MY LIFE. | SO MANY TIMES OVER THE YEARS I HAVE COUNSELLED MEN TO ENCOURAGE FREEDOM FROM PORNOGRAPHY, ADDICTIONS, BEING SPIRITUALLY LOST, TAKING THEM THROUGH THE RECOVERY FROM EMOTIONAL TRAUMA. MY WIFE AND I ALSO DO COUPLES COUNSELLING FOR BLENDED FAMILIES, SINGLE MOTHER FAMILIES. | The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Victory over the Darkness, The Sacred Romance, Wild At Heart, Captivating, Mere Christianity | EMAILS, ZOWEH WEBSITE, PODCASTS, ZOOM SESSIONS | MOST EVENING BETWEEN 6:00PM AND 8:00PM PERTH LOCAL TIME (+8 UTC) EXCEPT WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAY. | MICHAEL | HUMBERSTONE | michael.j.humberstone@gmail.com | +61476284638 | ||
| 60 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #60 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #60 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #60 | Mon, 01/19/2026 - 12:42 | Anonymous | 2603:6081:6cf0:9100:e490:a291:1b9:bcd4 | Chris | Cornell | rgrcmc70@gmail.com | 9194177281 | April | 10 | 1970 | At this stage of my life, I’m interested in observing, accompanying, learning and guiding through a lifetime of experiences formed through faith. The ES Apprenticeship offers an opportunity to sit with men, listen carefully, and better understand how awakening-oriented work helps people name wounds, responsibility, and next right action. |
I’ve been married to my wife, Denese, since 1998. She’s a registered nurse with a long career in cardiac care, and her steadiness, discipline, and service have shaped our family life in quiet but powerful ways. We have two adult children. Our son, Ryan, works in logistics and supply chain management, and our daughter, Kathryn, is beginning her professional life in public service as a congressional syaffers. Watching both of them step into responsibility has been one of the most grounding experiences of my life. Family, for me, is where faithfulness is tested daily—not through big moments, but through consistency, presence, and responsibility. |
I attended Dangerous for Good last year, have listened to several Zoweh podcasts, and participated in book studies like Heart of a Warrior and King Me. | I encountered Jesus early life through the Church, combat experiences and formation. Over time, that relationship has deepened through lived faithfulness, grounded in Military discipline, situational awareness, and discernment. | When asked about how I stayed steady when my wife nearly died in early 2000’s. Many thought it was my Military training, yet they were surprised to know that My“Jesus story” means offering a truthful account of lived faith—how following Christ has guided how I show up, take responsibility, and remain faithful and reverent, maintaining calm in chaos. | I understand wounds, vows, and agreements as natural human responses to pain and threat. Wounds are experiences that disrupt trust or safety. Vows and agreements are often the internal decisions people make—sometimes unconsciously—to protect themselves or regain control in the aftermath. | I experienced a level of childhood uncertainty that carried a quiet sense of shame and self-reliance. It shaped some early schemas around control and responsibility, which I’ve had to become aware of and intentionally reorder over time. | My familiarity with spiritual warfare is grounded lived experience—recognizing how fear, shame, resentment, isolation, and false narratives can degrade judgment, agency, and faithfulness over time. I understand spiritual warfare primarily as a battle for the heart and mind—where pressure, deception, and disordered attachments can quietly shape choices and identity. | I hear from God most clearly in stillness—when I’ve stopped the conflict and sat quietly. What comes isn’t detailed guidance, but a clearer sense of how I need to act faithfully and responsibly. | Much of my training came through leadership roles where listening accurately mattered—high-stakes environments where misunderstanding carried consequences. Over time, I’ve learned to ask fewer questions, reflect what I hear, and resist the urge to solve or interpret another man’s experience. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Wild At Heart | Another Elder-Sage | AM | Michael | Glass | jmglass@costran.com | (919) 291-7531 | ||
| 59 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #59 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #59 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #59 | Mon, 01/12/2026 - 15:28 | Anonymous | 67.146.94.248 | Scott | Anderson | seanderson512@gmail.com | 9199969200 | October | 24 | 1967 | I have been splitting my time between my initial call to spirituality and service (which was and is my involvement in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the eastern Circle Zoom calls / DFG workshops, etc... and basically been familiar with Zoweh for a number of years but not jumping in with both feet. When my friend Michael Glass embarked on his Elder Sage journey, I was intrigued and excited but wasn't sure I was of a certain caliber. When he told me about this 12 month Apprenticeship, I knew I could immerse into this and not only improve and deepen my relationship with God, but hone and strengthen my abilities to help other men to find the same restoration I have been experiencing by uncovering and healing and then helping others do the same. | Not sure if this means MY family or my family of origin. I am married with no children. My wife, Patricia, is also in long-term recovery. We help to look after her mother, now 82. We helped to walk her mother's late husband of 29 years through hospice and home about 2 years ago and shortly after that we were caretakers while her father spent his last few months alive as well. My family of origin is fairly typical, I suppose. My father and mother divorced when I was two and I lived with my mom... so I barely knew my father. I have two older brothers and a younger half sister (she was raised as my sister) - we are all 3 years apart. I imagine more details may become relevant as we move forward. |
I have been to Michael's tower meeting about 15 years ago then, more recently, Dangerous For Good workshop and many Thursday morning Zoom calls with the Easter Circle for both Heart of a Warrior and King Me. | In a 4th and 5th step experience with my AA sponsor we went through my inventory of "Grosser Handicaps" - I now know this is manifestation of the wounds from my younger years - Following that experience, on my drive home, I felt the presence of Jesus in a way I thought not available to me before. I began to understand this was not a clockmaker God and that it was possible to have an active relationship with God - dynamic and evolving. | As I work with men in the AA program, it is often helpful to the "newer" man to hear about my awakening to a relationship with God as it is often something that is still missing for him and his ability to see my evolution in that regard is often helpful for him to open to that shift as well. | I understand wounds as the traumas we may have experienced that have caused us to adapt our behavior to seemingly avoid that traumatic experience again. Tough to delineate between Vow and Agreement but I would say the vow is saying to oneself, "Well, I'll never do that again", or, "'This' will be my response if 'that' happens again". I would define agreement as the unwritten SOP ... "this" IS my response when "that" happens. |
When I was about 6 or 7, I went outside our house door and then out the storm door from the vestibule. I had not realized that our little puppy had followed me out. When the storm door automatically pulled shut, the puppy's leg was in the frame and it broke the dog's leg. We were very poor and the inability to pay for the medical treatment of the injury left the only other option - to euthanize the dog. In my head, I was responsible for killing that dog. It has affected relationships with everything and everyone I am involved with for decades. | I feel I understand that there is a battle for the hearts of men - a battle between good and evil, and I need to fit myself up for the action. I used to think I could just stay out of it and if I just try to do the right thing, I can slip by and not get into too much trouble. The more I lean, I believe there are no spectators and if I'm not fighting, I am still helping the enemy - in the words of a Rush song, "If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice". | After my last drink, I was suffering horribly from Delerium Tremens. I knew that all I had to do was walk up to the corner and get a small bottle of alcohol and take a few swallows and the psychosis and physical symptoms I was experiencing would go away. As I considered the trajectory of my thoughts and actions and negotiated with myself about getting to the liquor store, I heard and felt, as clearly as someone speaking, "Then what?!?" I know now (and I think I knew even then) that that was Jesus Christ saying to me, "That is the path back to where you were... there is another way". | In the process of the AA program, once I had been through the steps and discovered some of the trauma I had experienced and how it was affecting my everyday life, there were and are as many opportunities as I care to embrace to work with other men new to the program and sit with them as they discover their own path to uncover their own past and how it is affecting them. I have witnessed and encouraged this journey for dozens of men. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Wild At Heart | Another Elder-Sage | After 5 pm weekdays - between 9 and noon weekends | Michael | Glass | jmglass@costrancom | 9198369021 | ||
| 58 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #58 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #58 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #58 | Sun, 01/11/2026 - 15:57 | Anonymous | 107.15.24.57 | Stephen | McLaughlin | mclau016@gmail.com | 9193580194 | April | 18 | 1954 | Continuation of my involvement with other men where the focus is on recognizing and growing in my relationship with Jesus, the Father and the Holy Spirit, while being guided, supported and supportinmg others. | Married with two adult childeren Wife is also retired, we have been happily and excitedly married 34 years. My daugther is 31 and currently lives here in Hillsborough NC. My son, Matthew passed away in January 2022. |
I met Michael Thompson when he was an associate pastor at our Church (New Hope) in Durham roughly around 2010. I have attended over 10 Top Gun, Heart of a Warrior and Advance conferences, having both led and served on the I team for many years and served in he role of Medic on at least 3-4 occasions . I attended conferences in Virginia, Colorado and New York as a team member. I have read the books and was part of a small group led by Michael Thompson for many years. I am now part of a small group with John Lane, Jeff Lawton and others. | I grew up going to church and learning religion from my parents, and then the nuns in my school and priests in the community. My first connection with Jesus was as an alter boy, attending Mass every day in Lent and feeling a pull to the love of God. Later this grew through retreat programs in college, through a higher power in 12 step, and then through being involved with the Zoweh message. | I have done this from the pulpit in a church in South Dakota, at Advance as a member of a small group, and most recently to my home church members, | Having participated in much therapy early on as a young man, then having attended many Zoweh events, as well as being in a Zoweh small group for at least 10 years, I sm very familiar with the tems. I have done the workbooks and recorded my wounds, and broken my vows and agreements. | I grew up in a family of six kids and a dad who worked 3 jobs. My mom bore the brunt of raising us. And she used alcohol to medicate her lonliness, and frustration. She would use phrases like "we got the wrong child at the hospita or you should be seen and not heard. At times she slapped my face. Then when my dad got home I got hit with the belt, sometimes using the buckle end. I felt defeated, hopeless and helpless. Like i did not matter | I am familiar through many situations. The message of living in two kingdoms, reading Defeating Dark Angels, participating in a few spititual interventions with Dave Applebee (in Virginia). I experience my own spiritual warfare having struggled in my life with multiple addictions, and with living in the midst of the spiritual battle. | While serving as a prayer member, like I team for a college retreat, I was in the midst of praying and asking God for a sign and he made it snow, It was mid October, an otherwise sunny day. I cried and felt so uplifted, so loved, so special. When I pray now, I receive messges through the daily scripture words, or through the happenings in nature around me. | I have a masters degree in social work, had couseling training and was in therapy for many years as a young man. I am a member of a 12 step organization and have sponsored men in that role. I have been a small group leader on the Advance workshop and listened to men's stories in that role as well as served as a medic at Heart of a Warrior on multiple occassions | The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Defeating Dark Angels, The Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | retired - most times are fine | John | Lane | johnhlane3@gmail.com | 919 627-2909 | ||
| 57 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #57 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #57 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #57 | Sat, 01/10/2026 - 12:16 | Anonymous | 70.162.111.183 | Myron | Borntrager | myprop.mb@gmail.com | 5745388299 | June | 5 | 1962 | As I've gotten healing and freedom from a great deal of verbal, emotional and mental trauma growing up, I've become very interested in helping others, particularly men, find healing, freedom and peace from their own wounds and trauma. It's a very long story, but short version, more than a decade of "normal" counseling with multiple Christian counselors back in the 90s did almost no good and didn't help me deal with my very deep heart wounds. It was only when God started working in my life and particularly when I learned my true identity as a son of God, adopted into His family, that things really started to change for me. | I've been married to Judy for over 37 years, but we don't have any kids. We are Indiana residents, but for the last 13 years we've lived in AZ during the winter months, which was very much ordained by God. It was only because of church and connections here in AZ that we were connected to and learned to know various other people and organizations that have been instrumental to our healing and Spiritual growth and maturation. | I started with a one of Zoweh's YouVersion Bible plans last spring and have since pretty much done all of them. Through these plans I visited the Zoweh website and then signed up for the Heart of a Warrior online class this past fall, which has been really good, and through which I've met several really great men. | I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was 11, through the Word of Life mail order Bible study program, which was designed specifically for Jesus. However, growing up as an Amish kid in IA, there was no teaching whatsoever about having a personal relationship with Jesus. That really started in 2004 when God showed up and spoke to me audibly, healing and renouncing two key lies that I grew up believing, #1, God doesn't have time for or care about me nearly as much as He does for others, and #2, I'm no good at relationships (either with God or others). This started me on a long and slow path of healing and growth, which has accelerated exponentially in the past 7 years. | I've shared my story multiple times, the first being while on a missions trip to Juarez MX. It was difficult to get through, but God used it in a very powerful way. It greatly impacted the local pastors as while they'd hosted many other missions teams, nobody had ever shared a story like mine. I was also touched by one of the local men who heard my story, and while he didn't speak any English at all, he grabbed me and gave me a giant hug with tears in his eyes. I don't know what his name was and I have no idea what happened to him, I've never forgotten him. Something tells me that he knew exactly what I went through and my story touched me. | I'm very familiar with these terms. Dan Allendar / Adam Young use the terms, Curses, Agreements, Vow and Soul Ties, while Marcus Warner President of Deeper Walk International uses the accrostic WLVS, for Wounds, Lies, Vows and Strongholds. These concepts and principals have brought tremendous healing and freedom into my life. I'm also currently in Deeper Walks School of Ministry, which is a 9 month intensive training and certification program specifically on training men and women how to use these Truths, principals and concepts of using the Authority Jesus has given us to heal the broken hearted and set the captives frees. See this link for more info. https://deeperwalk.com/school-of-ministry/prayer-ministry-certification/?utm_term=&utm_campaign=Performance+Max-Deeper+Walk&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=3564414746&hsa_cam=22467200096&hsa_grp=&hsa_ad=&hsa_src=x&hsa_tgt=&hsa_kw=&hsa_mt=&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22470623251&gbraid=0AAAAACRUX-rQqHp1Lviwjn2uYj3ZsaxpU&gclid=CjwKCAiAjojLBhAlEiwAcjhrDrp_qd4IhfcFh1PIXb1ysnkBjF1RKEvTV8ByM6qvZVDH0Kq2aRJiDRoCdyQQAvD_BwE |
I have lots of these stories, unfortunately, but a major one was when I was about 5 years old. Dad scolded and yelled at me a lot, but this one time he didn't just stop after scolding me for whatever it was I had done that upset him. Instead, he kept going, yelling at and berating and belittling me for what seemed like 10 minutes though it may only have been 3 - 5 minutes. He didn't stop until I started crying due to his verbal beating, at which point, mom, feeling sorry for me told dad that he should apologize as that was uncalled for. So he said that he was sorry, but I knew that he didn't want to apologize, and doing so made him feel ashamed. It was at this point I vowed that "I would never cry again" when he was yelling at me. I very clearly remember making this vow, but It wasn't until about a year ago, after a lot of prayer, that God revealed to me what the lies were and what the agreements that I made with those lies were about. God told me that the lies that I believed as a 5 year old boy, were that I was responsible for the shame that dad was feeling when he apologized, and that I was also responsible for his anger that caused him to yell at me in the first place. In other words, if I wouldn't have done whatever it was that made him angry in the first place, then he wouldn't have yelled at me, and then subsequently having felt the shame of needing to apologize to me because I cried from what he was yelling at and doing to me. This experience and vow became a foundational cornerstone for many of the extremely negative things that I endured for the next 15+ years. | I'm pretty well versed in spiritual warfare concepts as it's a key component of the School of Ministry program, particularly in Course 2, which I'm right in the middle of. A great introductory book on this topic is Marcus Warner's book, "What Every Believer Should Know About Spiritual Warfare" https://deeperwalk.com/product/what-every-believer-should-know-about-spiritual-warfare-2nd-edition-book/ Neil Anderson's Book, "Steps to Freedom in Christ" is also a great resource and very helpful in understanding different areas in which believers have unwittingly given demons legal permission to be in their lives |
The first time was in 2004, when I was having devotions, it suddenly dawned on me that I grew up believing that I was far less important to God than other people and that I was no good at relationships. I realized these were both true, but I had no idea what to do with these Truths. I didn't know it then, but I now realized that this was God speaking to me. But what happened next was totally unexpected. A couple of minutes later, when I was thinking something completely different, I suddenly heard an audible voice say, "Those are both lies". I instantly knew that it was referring to the Truths that had been revealed to me a couple of minutes earlier. This was the start of a more than 2 decade healing process. | I'm currently going through that in the School of Ministry, from which I'll be graduating in early July. | The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, The Sacred Romance, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God | Another Elder-Sage | I'm in AZ in the winter, so pretty much anytime from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, MST except Wed mornings. | Emmet (Rusty) | Eckman | emmet.eckman@gmail.com | (720) 427-1992 | ||
| 56 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #56 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #56 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #56 | Fri, 01/09/2026 - 12:56 | Anonymous | 75.168.128.202 | Steve | Hartwig | shartwigmpls@gmail.com | 6125011403 | November | 25 | 1965 | I've been in men's ministry and church leadership for a couple of decades. I believe God has anointed me with discipleship as a core quality. I have a passion for seeing others grow - always have. I've acted as a mentor for a number of men over the years - of all age groups. Being a spiritual mentor or shepherd seems to be a natural fit for me - something I enjoy and something I've invested in for 20 years or more. I was a part of the recent Allies group that started last fall. I was quickly impressed by the authenticity and transparency of the men involved. These were guys dedicated to their own growth and the growth of others. They were wise, yet humble. They were bold in their speech, but sensitive and thoughtful. The chemistry seems right. Being around guys who truly want to grow in their relationship with Jesus is very appealing to me. |
My parents were married for almost 60 years. Their marriage served as a model for me. There were 5 children in our family and I'm the only believer. My wife, Karen, and I have been married for 34 years. We have 3 adult children. We are dedicated to living for Jesus and with Jesus on a daily basis. We do many things as a married couple that encourage our spiritual growth. Karen and I tend to operate more often as a team rather than two individuals creating their own tracks. We lead a neighborhood Bible study together in the summer. We have the gift of hospitality and enjoy cooking for friends and family. | Part of the inaugural Allies group in the fall/winter of 2025. Quickly admired many of the men engaged in this program for their wisdom, maturity in Christ, and authenticity. Had a great experience with my small group. Became very close with our leader, Rusty. Have plans to stay connected with him. Enjoyed the book and workbook. Found it challenging and convicting - forced me to think about some important spiritual truths I had been avoiding. | July 17, 1979. Backpacking trip in Montanta. 13 years old. I had been contemplating ending my life. I told myself, "Go on this trip and then you can end things when you get back." Jesus rescued me from all of that. I came back a different person. Love began to occupy my heart for the first time. Initially, it felt strange. I didn't know what to make of it. I became passionate for studying and knowing God's Truth. God did something else phenomenal: He surrounded me with several elder sages who discipled me. Only one was younger than me, but much wiser. I had several people positioned almost on all corners of my life, helping me in the early stages of my faith, clarifying truth and answering questions. There was nothing I did that drew these people to me. It was all God. The beginning of my faith seemed to set the stage for most of my journey since. I've always been hungry to know more, to see faith as a marathon and not a destination. I've learned to see and measure progress in my spiritual maturity. I've been able to help others with this as well. Not knowing how we're doing in our faith is a bit like going on a roadtrip and having no idea where you are or where you're going. An important aspect of discipleship is gaining some bearings and understanding about the quality of your journey: what's working, what's not working, what issues need to be tackled? God put me on this type of track almost right away in my journey. It's what I've known. It's something I enjoy helping others with. |
Prison ministries. An inmate shouted from the audience, "Tell us your story." I wasn't ready for that request, but I jumped in. I told the Montana story and the one Christian in the group who God put there for a specific reason. His name was Frank. A friend of mine, but I didn't really know about his faith until that trip. I had tried to read the Bible many times before, but none of it made any sense to me. It literally sounded like gibberish. After coming to Christ, I could then read the Bible and understand it. I became glued to God's Word. For some unexplainable reason, I packed a pocket Bible to take on that trip. Everything was weighed and measured. Our pack weight couldn't exceed more than 45 lbs. I remember socks and underwear being left behind at the camp. Why that Bible remained can only be explained by divine providence. | Been through this process over the past year or two. Dove into deeply with a couple of friends - one who is very educated in brain science and many of the leaders teaching on healing that can be gained from the understanding and confronting our wounds, vows and agreements. Rarely do you find a person who wasn't wounded in some fashion during their childhood. Wounds often come from one of our parents, but they can come from other sources as well. A couple of coping mechanisms we have hard-wired into us is creating vows (unrighteous, unfortunate vows) tied to our wounds. When a vow is made, an agreement often follows. For instance, my wound was that I was unwanted. I vowed that I would no longer have a need to be wanted. Through that, I made an agreement with myself that I was indeed unwanted. Wounds derive from unfortunate trauma events (either A-type or B-type trauma). Vows and agreements in this context are based on lies that we've accepted about ourselves. These often lead to strongholds. Marcus Warner, Jim Wilder, Adam Young, Dan Allender and others have processes in place to help individuals to reverse/cancel the vows, agreements and strongholds. Like many processes, there are good ways to execute and bad ways. Knowing the right way is important. |
I was abused by one of my brothers - the one closest in age to me. It wasn't sexual abuse, but physical and emotional abuse, augmented by persistent manipulation. The manipulation continued until about 10 years ago. This scenario is a bit tricky to describe. My brother desired to have physical, mental and emotional control over me. He is a gifted liar; always has been. When I would report an incident of abuse to my dad, my dad didn't seem to care too much that I was being hurt. He may have thought I was exaggerating. My brother was good at fabricating stories and making them believable. I've sure my dad believed both of us to some extent and likely thought I just needed to toughen up. However, I took his indifference as a lack of interest and care for me. This became a stronger belief in my mind when my brother tied me to a tree in the middle of the woods with a dog chain. I was about 8 years old. It was late, well past our bedtime. I remember fearing for my life. Then, surprisingly, I heard footsteps. At first, i thought it was my brother coming to make sure I hadn't gotten free. Those footsteps belonged to my dad. He untied me and we quietly walked back home. I asked him, "What are you going to do to Paul?" Whatever he said didn't instill much confidence that Paul would be punished. I never knew what was said or if my dad said anything. I do know that my brother's narcissistic tendencies have only increased over time. This incident left me feeling unwanted and unvalued. I remember no follow-up and no reassurance that my brother would not treat me that way again. The abuse continued. |
First off, the physical realm is not the entirety of God's creation. God and His angels do exist, but they exist in the spiritual realm. Lucifer fell from heaven and took a third of the angels with him - the angels that were assigned to him. Lucifer has been renamed Satan or the devil and he has many demons serving as his helpers. Lucifer's complaint with God was not that Lucifer wanted to be God. That is a common misconception. Lucifer became green with envy when he heard of God's plan to make a new being: man and someone in God's image. This would move the angels down the ranks by one notch. The hierarchy would now be God, man, angels, animals and the earth. Lucifer has never gotten over his rage. He specifically seeks to take things away from man, kill man, and even destroy mankind. The horrible, tragic things that have happened to man throughout history have those fingerprints on them every time. Satan's work is not random. it is specifically targeted against man. Satan works harder to defeat the faithful followers of Jesus. If you're a bench-dweller and don't do much for Christ, Satan isn't going to spend much energy on you. But, if you're active and effective in your kingdom-building work, he's likely going to come at you hard. Active followers of Christ need to be hyper-aware (head on a swivel) of Satan's schemes. They are often subtle. He often attacks your spiritual strengths that can put you in a tailspin of discouragement and self-doubt if you're not careful and tuned into an attack from the enemy. As Christ-followers, we need to be able to discern between good spirits and evil spirits. Persistent studying of Scripture, prayer, fellowship and attunement to what's happening in the spiritual realm is enormously important. Not having these things engaged is like an aircraft carrier going into a warzone with their radar off. Speaking truth (knowing God's Word and speaking it out loud) is one of our greatest weapons. Ephesians 6 gives a good description of our armor. Shoes of peace, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, etc. are all important. We should never assume Satan is resting or giving up. We should always be prepared for battle. |
I often hear from God. It's mostly non-audible communication, but it's clear words of instruction that usually catch my attention because they carry an unexpected quality. I recently had plantar fasciitus. I was listening to someone praying on a podcast when they mentioned this: "Someone is suffering from plantar fasciitus. It's being caused by a deficiency in your diet." A couple days later, I asked the Lord, "Was that word for me?" He said, "Yes." I then asked, "What's missing from my diet?" He said, "Lemon." I said, "Lemon?" He said, "Lemon." I went to the fridge in search of lemon juice. All I could find was lime. I pulled it out and made some lime water. I heard God say, "You know that's lime." I said, "I know." End of conversation. A couple of days later, I was still suffering from the pain in my feet - not able to do the things I wanted to do. I heard the Lord say, "Go to the store and get some lemon juice." I did. 12 hours later, my pain was gone. It returned the next day. I knew what I had to do. For several months, I was reminded of God's mercy and kindness every time I mixed a glass of lemon water. Each day, I may have felt the onset of the pain as I was prompted to drink some lemon water. Almost immediately, my pain was gone. There was something missing from my diet. |
Yes. This is probably an area, however, where some specific coaching would be helpful. I've heard a number of stories from men that I've mentored, befriended or led in Bible studies. In general, I think I'm a good listener. I think I'm capable of pulling out Scripture references to provide context. Encouragement is something that comes easily to me. However, having some formal training in this area would be good for me. | The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Bondage Breaker, Victory over the Darkness, Wild At Heart, Mere Christianity | Another Elder-Sage | 10:00 and 2:00, M-F | Rusty | Eckman | emmet.eckman@gmail.com | (720) 427-1992 | ||
| 54 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #54 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #54 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #54 | Wed, 12/10/2025 - 19:18 | Anonymous | 2607:fb90:5023:4a67:5e:c8c8:a7d5:23c1 | Tony | Dale | tony@csrp.info | 864-415-4918 | September | 10 | 1947 | We are living in an era of fatherlessness unlike any in history. The combination of broken relationships with men who ha e fathers and the millions who were raised in single family homes is an unprecedented crisis. I have observed this taken shape over decades and believe I can use the blessings the Lord has showered on me through the Holy Spirit to help. | I'm the eldest of three boys. My father was my hero, mentor and guide. I am married and have a 33 year old daughter. | I have been made aware of Zoeweh through a highly regarded friend and had the opportunity to meet with a like minded group of men. | I came to Christ at eight and managed to run into the ditch a few times along the way to discovering a deep, intimate relationship through spending time with God daily in the word, speaking with Him and listening for him through the Holy Spirit. |
Wow, at 78 there have been a fair few. Most recently I was asked to speak into the life of the son of dear friend. he was sixteen at the time and struggling with who he was. I had known him since he was eight and among other things taught him how to box. through this he came to respect me and share his thoughts. This led to n opportunity to share with him the Christianity was just a religion. It is a relationship with a Heavenly Father through the gift of Grace. I have watched him burgeon and grow in his faith into a Godly man. | Wounds are the inevitable consequence of living in a fallen world. The most difficult ones to heal from are relational. It is estimated that fewer than 25% of men have healthy relationship with their father. I am one of the fortunate ones. Vows are considered to be sacred. Having been divorced I am painfully aware that we don't always adhere to them. As one matures in with and understands the nature of Grace, the keeping of vows becomes sacrosanct. Agreements are Vows little brother. We agree on concepts, shared values, business arrangements. Sadly we live in a time where many think nothing of breaking them. Having grown up in Texas I was taught that a handshake sealed an agreement. Those days have sadly passed for this current culture. |
Many years ago I had a high school friend who was kicked out of his home by his father. it was his senior year and he was going to drop out. My dad invited him olive with us so he could finish school. He did and went on to graduate college. Twenty or so years later we rn into one another became reacquainted. At a certsinpoint he asked me to front him a large sum of money for a business venture. We had an agreement which he broke, cut off contact, and ran out me. I had friends who offered to find him and take brutal retribution. When I prayed about this the Holy Spirit reminded me of all I had been forgiven. I was Abe to find peace and overcome the desire for retribution. |
As all followers of Christ, I have battled the attacks of the prince of the earth. I have lost a few rounds but I am way ahead on points in the latter rounds. The enemy never sleeps and the only hope is to never stop swinging and get up off the canvas when you're knocked down. I have confronted demonic influences with those under attack and because I am one of His warriors I am fearless in the face of whatever the father of lies throws at me. | I hear from him every day. he wakes me around 4:30 every morning. I spend an hour or two reading His word, talking with him and quieting my innner dialogue and listening. He has guided me, given me countless songs, two books, and the words I speak on my radio program. All creativity comes from THE CREATOR OF EVERYTING. When I make myself available, he pours his gifts through men. I take credit for the result like a hose ties credit for water. | I have been a radio and TV talk show Host for many. years and interviewed numerous people from all walks of life. This has taught me to ask probing questions and to shut up and listen. The answers lead to deeper questions which lead to revelations. | The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Wild At Heart, Mere Christianity | Small Group | Most days before 6:00 pm except Fridays after 11:00am. I am recording the radio show that afternoon. | Dan | McFerrin | Dan.mcferrinmcg@gmail.com | 7206352237 | ||
| 53 | Star/flag Elder Sage Application: Submission #53 | Lock Elder Sage Application: Submission #53 | Add notes to Elder Sage Application: Submission #53 | Fri, 11/14/2025 - 11:11 | Anonymous | 45.27.88.165 | John | Warren | john.warren3@gmail.com | 9195237481 | November | 10 | 1962 | I've been on the Legacy Council as well as the King's Council and I'm ready to "graduate" to the Elder Sage! | Married to Jeanmarie 26+ years, 2 adult kids - Savie, 24yo, electrical engineer; Ryan, 22yo, finance and psychology major, graduating from NCSU in Dec 2025. Wife is 5 of 7 kids, from Greensboro, and amazingly smart, funny, giving, and loving. She's an awesome friend and lover of others. Both kids are learning, and have learned, these traits from her (and us!). We raised them with the nighttime statement - "I love you, always and forever, no matter what" - to educate them in the unconditional love of their heavenly father, as expressed and demonstrated thru their earthly parents. | Attended 3 or 4 (5?) Encounter weekends, 2 Rendezvous weekends, 2 or 3 Advanced Weekends | Wow - which time? First was at 12 in the ecumenical charismatic movement when I attended an Epsicopal church with my mom and sister; again while at college at Purdue; then again before we began having kids in 2001 and especially became person when I went through 7 years with trigeminal neuralgia. | One particular time stands out when I shared my story - real-life screaming, yelling, and cussing at God type of story, with the college ministry at Vintage Church, downtown Raleigh. They were moved as I shared how, in the midst of extreme chronic pain, Jesus whispered to me that he's always been with me, never left me, and will always be with me, no matter what. THIS is what I shared. | I've done lots of discovering my wounds from my parents, co-workers, friends, family. The body keeps the score, and as I've been in therapy for 10+ years, I've not only discovered my triggers, I've also discovered my passions and why. Ive discovered the vows/agreements that had kept me bound up with addiction and attitudes and default behaviors which, I've now broken and am progressing through | Parents divorce; mother's drug addiction and ultimately completing suicide; sister's attempted suicide; dad's 4 marriages; | Very familiar - mostly personal, however, being a Medic Guide at several Encounter events, I've had to engage in warfare. | Ah - yes - in the throes of my pain journey with trigeminal neuralgia, I yelled and cried out to God asking "why is this happening and not getting better or relief or healed???" and he spoke to me, whispered in my ear, that he's aware my experience is terrible, he's sorry it's happening, he's always been right beside me, he loves me, he'll always be with me, no matter what happens. I KNOW this was God speaking to me because - none of this language was in my brain nor in my vacubulary at the time. The verbiage was so different from what was going on in my head that it could only be from the father. | Yes, pretty extensive. Both in the Medic Guide training but in my professional role as sales manager. You have to listen to customers and people. I'm also a mentor to the Teen Board of Note in the Pocket in Raleigh, addressing clothing insecurity. I also host a men's group each Wednesday morning in north Raleigh; I've applied and been approved to begin volunteering at Refugee Hope Partners in Raleigh, serving the refugee community. I've also taken certification classes on Forward Facing Freedom methodology of therapy. | King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Defeating Dark Angels, Bondage Breaker, Victory over the Darkness, The Sacred Romance, The Road Back to You, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity | Zoweh Website | 8am-6pm EST | John | Parham | jeparham@icloud.com | 9198804390 |