Filter submissions
59 submissions
# Created User IP address First Name Last Name Email 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 Email Phone Operations
52 Mon, 09/29/2025 - 13:06 Anonymous 64.53.87.98 James Leach jjl9007@gmail.com 9177162848 September 21 1958 To support and be supported by like-minded men of similar life experience. Married to Carol for 43 years...been through a lot. $ grown children, three walking with the Lord, and one still working on their testimony. 12 grandchildren ages 16 to 2. I have attended a Heart of a Warrior weekend, participated in the Rendezvous Project with Carol, and regularly attended East Coast weekly calls for King Me. I am currently involved with Heart of a Warrior, encouraged by Don Brown to apply. I have walked very imperfectly with Jesus most of my 67 years. Since I was a young child, I have wanted to be close to Jesus. Raised in a very devout Roman Catholic family, I discovered the actual presence of the Holy Spirit in my mid-20s in a charismatic fellowship, always praying Jesus would change me when I really needed Him to fill me. I am a surrendered man who knows that God loves me and has chosen me, in the deepest part of my heart. After learning the pivotal role that Shame has played in my life and how that had crippled me for many years, I have surrendered my shame to Jesus. I can speak about my journey with Jesus without being self-conscious, fearing rejection, or ridicule, so I tell my story readily and often. I have been involved with Zoweh and WAH for many years. I am all too familiar with the wounds I have suffered, as well as the vows and agreements I've made. God has been faithful in continuing to show me and help me recover from the wounds, break the vows, and agreements that have held me back. I recently discovered through Christian counsel that I was not wanted when my mother was pregnant with me, and that I could never measure up to her approval. I have learned a great deal about Spiritual warfare over the last 30 to 40 years...fighting for my family, friends, and myself. I am very aware of the reality that only two kingdoms exist. The last 9 months have been a period of pain, loss, and significant spiritual growth for me. Just before this started, God said to me that He loved me, and this was for my good. I have been a member of men's small groups for many years, and in my profession as a Registered Nurse, I have learned to listen carefully. I have helped and been helped by many friends. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, The ​​Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Mere Christianity Another Elder-Sage Depends on the day but late afternoon or early evening are almost always good. Don Brown donrbrown2@gmail.com 860-919-4172
50 Wed, 09/24/2025 - 14:40 Anonymous 136.33.75.150 Joe Greer usma74g2@yahoo.com (913) 681-2014 January 1 1951 God has shown me that this is the next stage in my journey as a man and a Christ follower. I have been married 50 years and have three grown children. Our oldest son is single and lives in Denver; our daughter is married to a career Air Force officer and with two of our grandchildren, a boy 16 and a girl 13 currently live in Spokane, Washington; our youngest son is married living near us in Kansas with our other grand daughter, age 11. I attended Top Gun weekend in Spring 2011. I have read all of Michael's books, listen to podcasts, and participated in the King Me Zoom study earlier this year. I am currently in the Heart of a Warrior Zoom study on Wednesday mornings. I always attended Church and knew about God, but I encountered Jesus in an intimate way in May 1970 at a Cursillo Weekend in Southwest Virginia. Many times - in the last 20 years. Most recently in an e-mail series to my men's prayer group of 200 men - three months ago. Very familiar with these. With Jesus, I have uncovered my own wounds, vows and agreements and invited Jesus to heal my wounds, and join me in breaking my vows and agreements; and I have received freedom. I have taught these things and been blessed to be with hundreds of men as they experienced their freedom. My mother was abandoned by my father before I was born. Her mother had died when she was 16 and she ran away, 1600 miles with a man nine years older who offered her all she thought she needed. Living in rented farm house, she struggled to survive. Earlier that year her husband had gone into town to buy a jacket and he never returned. She was twenty years old had two little boys to care for – one 18 months and the other 8 months old – and she was pregnant with a third. One day she began to hemorrhage and she walked into town for help. She almost lost the baby. That baby was me. Our little family survived, barely – lost our home – later lost everything in a huge flood that devastated thousands of people in the Midwest. Without steady work or a social network to provide help we tried to survive until – when I was 18 months old – I and my brothers 3 and 4 years old – were taken from our mother by the court. Our middle brother was adopted by the town deputy sheriff and my older brother and I were sent across the state to an adoption agency. I don’t remember any of these events because I was so young and my oldest brother blotted it all from his mind. My oldest brother and I were adopted by Christian parents, who could not have children of their own. I found our "missing" middle brother when I was 30 years old and Jesus re-united us. As an elder, I have been invited to pray and anoint with oil. I have encountered evil oppression in men I have prayed over. I have been invited to pray over homes and possessions of individuals. I have received all of these, also. I first heard God speak to me in November 1996 and have had many encounters since. Wild at Heart boot camps, retreats, and weekends have deepened my walk with the Trinity. I have trained in person with Francis and Judith McNutt of Christian Healing Ministry in Jacksonville, Florida, with Collen and Signa Bodishbaugh in Mobile, Alabama, with John Eldredge at Advanced, and several other training events. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Bondage Breaker, To Be Told ​, Victory over the Darkness, The ​​Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity Exploring More Podcast Afternoons. Please call or text me and leave a brief message and I will text and call you back. Ken Lightcap lightcap.ken@sbcglobal.net (913) 568-1822
49 Thu, 09/18/2025 - 12:49 Anonymous 18.220.2.208 Jose Gonzalez jgonz47606@yahoo.com 248-697-6837 December 14 1954 I am drawn to what I see in the Zoweh ministry. I am an older man of 70 years. I seek to connect with men’s ministries that focus on men being transformed by the Holy Spirit and empowered to be who God intends them to be by our heavenly Father. From what I see, Zoweh is this type of ministry. God called me to the ministry ten years ago, after I turned 60. Since then, He has led me on a journey of growth, restoration of my masculine soul, and an ever-deepening relationship with Him as my Father. Taking me on a step-by-step journey these past ten years, with the past three years being the most intensive and intentional.
It started with stepping through a Wild at Heart men’s group study that helped me step into deep wounds for healing and the addressing of sexual strongholds that I had in my life. The journey took me through Wild at Heart boot camp, internships at two different churches, experiences with severe illnesses, ultimately leading me to return to school and complete seminary by the time I turned 70 this past year. Three years ago, the Lord brought a ministry, Marked Men for Christ (MMFC), into my life that has been transformational in healing my deepest spiritual wounds from childhood physical and sexual abuse, and subsequent addictions. Since retirement in 2022, the Lord has brought men’s ministry opportunities into my journey of answering his call to full-time ministry. I lead and co-lead men’s small groups in my church, I participate in staffing events and small group leadership with MMFC, I am involved in ministry support and small group leadership with an area homeless shelter transition center for homeless men getting back on their feet, I also work with a third church in their prison ministry, teaching at two prisons, The Lord has filled my weekly schedule with these areas of serving. My ministry call is to mentor others.
 My sister and I grew up as Army brats. We grew up away from our original home in Puerto Rico in military bases across the US, in Europe, and in Okinawa. Our parents were Evangelical, Christian Missionary Alliance Christians. Wherever we were stationed, our parents took us to gospel preaching churches in the local community. Both of us went to a Christian university before setting out into adulthood. I met a now close brother, Dave Kyser, about a year and a half ago, who was new to one of my church’s men’s groups that I am involved in. We quickly connected because of our shared faith and desire to mentor men. I introduced him to MMFC, and he introduced me to Zoweh and gave me a copy of The Heart of a Warrior, which I am now involved in reading and participating in the Thursday morning Eastern Zoom. During my sophomore year in high school, at the age of 16, I realized that I only had head knowledge of Christ but that I did not know Him as my Lord and Savior. I was attending an after-school student Bible study led by a ministry called HiBA Clubs (High School Born-Againers Club). We were studying the Gospel of John, actually memorizing it along the way. While reading the ninth chapter of John, I read the words of the blind man’s confession that I had read many times before but this time the Holy Spirit used it to profoundly cause me to realize I did not know Jesus as my Savior; verse 25, “He answered and said, ‘Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.’” It was March 16, 1971, when I repented of my sins and gave my heart and life to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To this day, this verse resonates with me, and the memory of the event fills me with joy, the same boundless joy I experienced that awesome day. Last week, in one of my men’s groups, I shared how Jesus literally saved my life at 16. I had attempted to commit suicide because of physical and sexual trauma I had experienced as a child and teen. Although my parents were Christians, we did have some severe dysfunctionality in our family that I carried into my adulthood, and my dad beat me severely as a child. Six months before being saved, at the age of 15, I was hitchhiking into town from home and accepted a ride from some men in a van who drugged me and raped me. Jesus literally, physically, and spiritually saved me.
I pushed down and carried these things into my adult life. It was in a small men’s group setting with men who helped me a few years age, also at Wild At Heart boot camp, and later at a MMFC weekend event that, layer by layer, I received healing, step by step, by taking Jesus into that place and memory and asking Him for healing, forgiveness of my abuser, forgiveness of my anger surrounding the event toward my abusers and anger towards God because I had blamed Him for having allowed it. This childish response of blaming God, I had harbored along with the wound. My Jesus story is about the saving journey that has been the healing journey of my life and the fearless freedom I have in Christ. Especially in the past four years, where I have experienced being a son who is delighted in by my heavenly Father. I am astounded that my journey of recent years is reflected in what I have been reading in The Heart of the Warrior.
 Wounds are events that hurt and damage our hearts and spirit throughout life. They can come from physical acts of abuse, words of anger, degradation, shaming, neglect, oppression, bullying, and the like. Vows, in the context of being wounded, are self-agreements we make in response to wounding events. Like, “I will never say that again,” or “I will always avoid this or that,” or “I am not good enough, or smart enough, or good enough to be loved,” or “I will never be enough, so why try?” These are just a few examples of vows, and I relate to them as vow-agreements. I have had two extremely abusive events in my life before turning 16. I will address my deepest wound of physical and emotional abuse from my father as a child in my formative years. My parents believed in corporal punishment. But what I experienced at the hands of my father was severe beatings, done in anger that sometimes turned into rage. As a child, I rarely wore shorts in the summer because my mom did not want others to see the black and blue bruises on my legs. I was beaten severely for any infraction, or for getting a grade lower than a “B,” or if I either did not move quickly or obediently enough. Being too loud, too late, or interpreted as disrespectful. Mind you, I was disrespectful from time to time, especially as I got older, like any other kid. My dad was frustrated by me, always comparing me to my sister and how I was not as good as her, etc. (BTW, she and I are very close and always have been.) I felt rejected, unloved, hated, orphaned, lost, ashamed, and fearful. I hated my father, distrusted any authority figure, and did not have a concept of God as a loving father. I was alone, on my own, and later determined to be a lone wolf self-made man.
And upon getting married and starting to have children, I realized that I was acting out the same anger and abusiveness I had received from my father and was becoming the man that I hated. With the help of a more mature Christian brother, I confronted my dad about the abuses and told him I forgave him. This was after not acknowledging him for over 10 years; I was then 38 years old. My dad was hurt by this and, in turn, did not acknowledge me for over two years. And then, finally, at the age of forty, my dad sought me out, and we asked and gave each other forgiveness. We spent the next thirty years before his passing as loving father and son. It was rocky at first, and there were layers to undo, but we got there over time. We were able to give my children and grandchildren an example of a loving father-son relationship. I cannot express the overflow of emotions that, when, at 45 years old, for the first time in my entire life, I heard my father say to me, “I love you and I am proud of you.”
 There are many ways to address this; I will take an Ephesians 6 perspective. Recently, some of my MMFC brothers and I led a men’s small group Saturday morning breakfast men from a few area churches through a book on spiritual warfare, The Full Armor of God, by Larry Richards. The study takes you through each of the elements of the armor of God and how individually and collectively they represent God’s armor against spiritual attacks in all the areas of our personal lives, family lives, communities, etc. And that it is in being fully clothed in the armor, armed with the Word of God (sword), that we wield prayer in the offense and defense of the many ways that Satan and his demons attack us and our lives. Especially in intentionally living lives as the warriors we are called to be by the Father. We know that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. And that we need to be aware of our thoughts, agreements made even in thought, that every thought needs to be examined, and its subsequent action or agreement. I hope I am not coming across as too shallow here by trying to be succinct. Knowing how to pray, lead, help, love, and strengthen brothers, family, and fellow Christians as a warrior for the Lord is part of all this. Let me know if I need to go further into this, because this is so core to living as a Christian man. There have been ways that I have heard and continue to hear from God. They are all vivid and real. I cherish them. Like the day of my salvation, they are etched into me. The day of being called to the ministry, in a dream, is vivid and a long story. So I have decided to answer this question with a short example.
I have mentioned previously that the past four years have been the most intensive in my ministry calling, 10 years ago. What happened at my very first MMFC weekend event, I served in over 13 since then, the Lord helped me pour out all of the anger, shame, and unforgiveness over the sexual abuse I still had wounds from since the age of 15. I mean everything. He helped me pour it all out so He could pour in His healing and love in its place. He led me to go to seminary. His voice has been clearer in my heart and with certainty. I went to seminary because He told me I needed more study. Before the MMFC event, I would earnestly ask the Lord to show me the ministry of His calling. His answer was, “You are not ready yet.” Upon entering and pursuing my master's, He told me, “Now you are on the right path.” Upon graduating this past year, He has told me that He will show me what full-time ministry I am to do. I am waiting on Him for this. He has filled my schedule with the various ministries I am involved with. I know with certainty He will settle this for me; I must continue to wait on Him. Meanwhile, I have had an almost inexpressible joy of knowing that I am a delighted-in son. I don’t know how else to explain it. I just feel the Lord picking me up as I have my own children and grandchildren and just loving on them and delighting in them. That’s what He has been doing with me the past four years. And much more…
 My graduating major in college was in Bible, and I received a lot of training in speaking, preaching, sharing, and leading. But it was only by being mentored by other men that I learned to seek training and help in learning how to engage in another man’s story. On how to disciple others, I also learned from books, such as Wild At Heart, and led subsequent studies, using wildatheart.org supportive materials. In seminary, I also participated in ministry preparedness. In my previous internships, I interned in pastoral ministry, learning to engage with others in compassion, patience, and love. MMFC has training that I have also taken, called GUTS with God, and this training teaches how to facilitate men who need to do soul work, help with addressing issues, and facilitate spiritual help by listening and engagement. In short, I am a one-on-one kind of guy and enjoy the blessings of some great friendships. The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, The ​​Sacred Romance, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity Another Elder-Sage Between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. If I don't pick up right away I may be in ministry, please leave a message. Dave Kyser davekyser@yahoo.com 904-631-2926
48 Wed, 09/17/2025 - 18:11 Anonymous 2600:100f:a022:b852:c594:d55c:55e9:fd40 Leo Passinetti leopassinetti@outlook.com 5097107719 December 28 1952 I am a former Promise Keeper and retired USAF/DHS-TSA/FEMA.I drifted away before they scaled back. I have been seeking an organization that lines with my core beliefs and values. I purchased Michael Thompson's book "The Heart of a Warrior" about 3 years ago. I am involved with my church's men ministries. I am a Capricorn and like walks on the beach and reading books. Oh sorry! wrong site.
I became a believer during the early 60s. Right at the start of the Jesus movement, I was very active in my church's youth ministries.
I was a member of Campus Crusader for Christ.
I also belong to the Christian Athletes.
When I graduated highschool, I joined the Air Force and lost my support group. I drifted away. When I retired from the military, I got back in touch with a local church that had a dynamic men's group and because a Promise Keeper.
When I started working for DHS/TSA-FEMA right after 9-11. The team I was assigned was on the road alot so going church was limited.
I fully retired in 2015. I joined the Medical Lake Community Church and became involved with the Men's group.
Only exposure was thru the book, "Heart of a Warrior"
I recieved an email with an invite to join the Wednesday Men's group.		 I walked down the aisle at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Altus OK back in 1966 and dedicated my life to follow the Lord. I used to tell people How I became a believer as a teenager.
Recently I have changed it.
I tell people that I wake up every morning disappointed.
When they ask why, I tell them that I expect the Lord to take me while I sleep. But I wake up every morning.
Then God's voice speaks to me and says "I'm not done with you yet." Gives me goose bumps. 		As a retired USAF member I am very familiar with these terms.
Wounds: physical, spiritual, and mental. seen and unseen
Vows,: pledges, Oaths
Agreements, contracts, affirmations,		 I lost my oldest son due to diabetes complications. It is very real.
We need to on vigil constantly. On guard and in God's word. 		When I was in the AF, I started going to college. I started taking course for a particular degree program.
I graduated and when I retired for the Air Force, I moved my family back to where I was raised.
I started looking for a job that matched my degree. I was extremely qualified. I could not get a job that matched my degree.
Then the Lord spoke to me. He asked me why I never consulted him about my degree.
I got my degree without once praying to him, if this was the degree that he had instore for me. Not once did I talk to God and ask if this was what he wanted me to do. I got my degree my way To this day I have never worked a single hour in the career of my degree. 		yes, I have taken numerous classes in listening and counseling.
 The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters Another Elder-Sage any Larry Johnson seaviking48@yahoo.com 509-475-1779
47 Wed, 07/30/2025 - 22:26 Anonymous 2603:6010:202:a6ae:a1b5:19e0:3102:f515 Steven Kitchens stevenakitchens@gmail.com (937)414-7086 July 19 1956 To help other men find who God created them to be. I am the oldest of three children, younger brother and sister. My parents have now passed. I am married and have three beautiful children and two beautiful grandbabies. I am part of the Southbrook men's group. I have attended 3-4 encounters, one Dangerous for Good event at Athletes in Action, Xenia, Ohio and King Me Thursday morning Zoom calls in Group 10 with Michael Thompson. Decision at age 10 and baptized with my brother. After surviving a near fatal auto accident at the age of 24 and a long recovery process lasting over 10 years, I shared this story for the first time while on tour with the singles group in Nashville TN of how Jesus saved me while I was in a coma, healed me while learning to walk again 17 times over a 10 year period. An example of a wounding moment in my life was when my father beat me at the age of 10. I vowed no one wound ever do that to me again. And I made an agreement with myself that I would not pass that on to my children. I have since learned more about those terms going through the King Me book and Dangerous for Good events. My father beating me with a belt at the age of 10 until he was out of breath. I know it exists. The enemy is prowling like a lion looking for whom he might devour. Being told things to defeat me. While in a coma I was cold and my body shutting down, I felt a hand on my forehead and began to feel warmth at my feet which radiated up my body until I woke up. When I woke up I asked who had their hand on my forehead and they said "no one did." As my body was shutting down I started to hallucinate and imagined my body in the palm of God's hand. Yes in Southbrook men's group, worship teams, mission trips, at Zoweh events, etc. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior At Sharp Top (first Medic appointment) 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Kevin Dubas m1516c@yahoo.com (513)804-8223
46 Tue, 07/22/2025 - 12:05 Anonymous 2a09:bac2:6d74:e3c::16b:13c Lance Williams lwindahouse@hotmail.com 4046176949 September 27 1970 Yes Married with two daughters who are also married. Combine I have 5 grands None I always knew of Yahweh and was introduced when I was young. Over the years and through my life journey I have reconnected. Everyday. I share with family and the church that I attended. Malcolm Jamal Warner passed and I reach out to my brothers to express: if you fall I'm here to help left you. Ecclesiastes 4:10 Respected, honored, and valued Watching my daughter be mislead by a person who claims the Lord our God. It's all around us. Day-to-day interactions with people I have to check myself to make sure I walk in faith. I am trying to build a relationship with my daughter's husband. Letting go of my anger for the betterment of a future. Tony Evan’s Kingdom man Bible app Noon Lance Williams lwindahouse@hotmail.com 4046176949
45 Thu, 07/10/2025 - 06:23 Anonymous 2601:147:4a80:6320:d042:f1e4:1bc3:d7b8 Ronald Parsons ron@living4him.email 3016395510 July 11 1953 I have a heart for reaching the next generation and for sharing the love, grace, and wisdom that the Lord has multiplied into my life. I have been Blessed by men who have spoken into my life and circumstances and desire to do the same for others. I was raised as an only child in Michigan. In college I met my wife, got married, began a career, moved to Maryland, and by God's grace met Retta and me in 1979 after the birth of our first child. We have been blessed with eight children, four men and four women, ages 45 down to 28. Number 12 grandchild is on the way. Six of our children are walking with Jesus and two are not. I am friends with Rusty Eckman and just attended Dangerous for God. I was at a business meeting and responded to an altar call. I had "gone forward" before but not surrendered. God continues to amaze me and move me down the path of sanctification. I have been growing in Disciple making, including working with men in recovery. The most recent would likely be with one of the men at the Ranch (a recovery house). My story , in addition to my time of initial acceptance / surrender, usually includes struggles in my own life and how He has met and healed me. I learned about wounds (Father and Mother specifically), the strength and dangers of Vows, and facets of agreements through Waterboyz. I am looking forward to diving deeper in all three areas. In looking back on my past there were times that I experienced abandonment. It was really just coming home to an empty house because of my parents work schedule. A year ago our eldest Son cut us off because of our toxic Christianity. God continues to work through the rest of the family staying in his life, but that is the most significant wound to date. As with my Son above, we are aware of the battle that surrounds us and the importance of our awareness and response. I have, by God's Grace, taken it to a new level through the book Experiencing Jesus. Really. by John Eldridge. In our recent move to Hagerstown, God spoke to us and moved processes along for us on at least 5 occasions over a three month period. Partial list:
> Called us out of our local Church
> Had landlord decide to sell the house
> Provided a perfect landing spot and protected the price
> Called me into assisting a new ministry in Hagerstown
...		 Only through Discovery Bible Studies and other Discipling tools. The Heart of a Warrior, Wild At Heart Another Elder-Sage I have a variable schedule, but mid morning is usually best. Rusty Eckman emmet.eckman@gmail.com 720-427-1992
43 Fri, 05/30/2025 - 17:36 Anonymous 2601:143:4200:68d0:7430:978a:69a7:e180 Bob DuDonis bobdudonis@hotmail.com 4438547463 November 23 1963 I have considered applying for the last 6 months or so. Unfortunately, I started listening to this little voice in my head that said "you have nothing to offer" along with a few other choice words. Recently I have been participating in the King Me zoom meetings while simultaneously working through the book "It's Your Call" by Gary Barkalow. Revelations obtained from these and other experiences have revealed to me yet another "agreement" that I needed to break with the devil and start living out the Glory God bestowed upon me as a image bearer. The final push came when my dear brother Flip Lacy strongly encouraged me to apply. Do I have to?
I was adopted as a child and am only in touch with my younger brother, a pastor in Concord, NC.
I have been single for the last 35 years and have no children.		 I have participated in various men's ministries over the years including the Waterboyz, Authentic Manhood, Measure of a Man and others. Recently I've gone through the 18 week King Me initiative as part of Don Jenkins small group. In August of 1997 I was invited to a non-denominational church by a attractive woman. My previous childhood experience with church (Episcopalian) had left me scarred. My motives for attending church that hot summer morning were far from pure. God didn't care, I was immediately overwhelmed by the power of the Holy Spirit and proceeded to melt down into Christ' loving arms. For the first time in my life, I experienced the love, mercy, forgiveness and grace of Jesus Christ! The rest as they say is history. I have the gift of evangelism, teaching and public speaking. I've shared my testimony numerous times. The most memorable was at a men's 12 step recovery retreat in October 2013. I have vast experience with all of these terms. As someone who came out of my mother' womb traumatized (wounded) I subconsciously made a number of vows/agreements as a method of protecting myself. I was left with a deep mother abandonment wound, which materialized as vows to never let myself get hurt again (vow) and that I'd never trust women weren't trustworthy (agreement). This is just a very condensed version of a lifelong story which God has been helping me to overcome. Although I've come a long way and had significant victories, there' always more work to be done. I was adopted at birth as a child from a very chaotic, scary and violent situation. This abrupt separation from my mother caused significant trauma. My nervous system was stuck in what they call the "fight or flight" mode. From my earliest memories I viewed the world as a scary place. Numerous trials and tribulations were birthed at this very moment. Not the least of which was a long struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. I've been clean and sober for over 20 years now. Satan constantly plants "little seeds" of doubt, insecurity and fear in my mind. He knows when I'm most vulnerable (when I'm tired), he knows exactly how to entice my flesh and how to cause frustration in my life. Spiritual warfare is the constant awareness and every moment vigilance of my thoughts, attitude and feelings. God' truth and encouragement from my brothers are the anti-dote. I also realize that satan uses people to tempt me, aggravate and ridicule me. Remembering what Christ and Paul went through reminds me that the "war" isn't with earthlings. I teach a weekly bible study. As we neared the end of one of our yearlong studies, I prayed and asked God what she we study next? The word Revelation immediately came into my mind, I immediately said "no way", that's way too intimidating. Next I told God that I wasn't even remotely qualified (which was true) and this subject was way over my head. As our last lesson was approaching, I asked the group what they wanted to study next? Sure enough a woman shot her hand up and proclaimed that she wanted to study Revelation and the rest of the group quickly jumped on board. I immediately knew what God was asking of me and agreed with the choice. In the following months resources and personal revelation just started appearing and everyone loved the yearlong study through the book of Revelation. God prefers our faithfulness over our abilities. Having been in recovery for the last 20 years, I have mentored/sponsored a number of men in the past 20 years. Listening to their stories, making sure that they're seen and heard, and most importantly maintaining a loving, merciful, non-judgmental posture. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Hearing God, Bondage Breaker, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God Another Elder-Sage After 3 in the afternoon Flip Lacy philip.lacy@gmail.com 301-524-5383
42 Wed, 05/07/2025 - 11:49 Anonymous 2603:6010:ae01:6137:d1ff:40f3:b2a4:3c4 Thomas Amlin amlintom@gmail.com 9376310122 July 8 1948 I have realized a need for men’ ministry for many years. I considered starting something myself, but being busy in other ministry, knowing it was something bigger than me, but- I also believe God and I can do anything He wants me to do, however, He did not lead me to charge forward yet. I read The Heart of a Warrior and I don’t know of anything I disagreed with, I attended the conference, God confirmed this is where He is leading my focus, and I feel my 58 years of experience can be useful. I feel if we can get men to accept their rightful position of leading the family, instead of leaving the family, progress could be made in bringing the family back together. I believe in God’s design and plan. I want to be part of what He wants me to be. I have been through a lot in my life time, and I know He has brought me through it to be able to make a difference in other people’s life. I have come to this conviction after dealing with a great dislike to vanity. I treated anything close to it as the plague and it took me a long time to get out of that ditch. I feel that evil tried to keep me there so it could minimize my years of making mistakes, and getting victories over them, and it would not be used to help someone who was interested in learning, how to grow in Christ. I believe The Holy Spirit leads us, if we are willing to listen, that being said, I feel this is what I have been looking for. I hope I get to share more of my story to give more insight to how I believe God has prepared me for this time of ministry. I was married to my first wife, June 22, 1968. We sang together, she taught, I preached, we were involved in many aspects of ministry and then about 14 years after we married, our lives faced major challenges. We had two children, she got a disease, MS. There is a lot to this story for later but we continued in ministry because Father God led us to do so and He used her illness to open doors and witness to people. May 2015, Jackie went home to be with the Lord. I didn’t know if God made two women to put up with me but He did, and March 2018 Pam and I were married. She has two children, with kids as well. This has opened up another avenue for ministry as we had to make adjustments and choices we never experienced before. One of the biggest helps to doing that was knowing God had confirmed to me I was to ask her to marry me. I have only started to experience Zoweh but I feel a kindred Spirit and my first encounter, Heart of a warrior, was much like I expected and more. The first session I felt The Holy Spirit assure me this is what He led me too. The last session He confirmed it again. I have been in ministry 58 years in many capacities. I felt the Holy Spirit said to me, after Michael said God had prepared him for 38 years for this particular event, He had been preparing me for 58 years for this ministry. My good friend Rob Blount has helped me to better understand what I know about Zoweh, and then I discovered he knew Wendell Deyo who I met many years ago and so we all had lunch one day and I learned more. That said, I am trying to learn as much as I can. I was born into a Christian family and when I was two, we moved to a farm that was 13 miles from Urbana and about 16 miles to our church which we attended whenever the doors were open. In those days driving that distance was more like an excursion but no matter. I heard about Jesus all my life but, it would be later that I truly surrendered my life to Him.
On April 28 ,1967 I gave my heart to Christ and the next morning, about 12 hours later, I asked the Holy Spirit to completely take charge because I wouldn’t make it if He didn’t. I knew I had been called to be in ministry but I had also been running from God because I wanted to be a basketball coach. I was attending a liberal arts college until I got saved and then transferred to Circleville Bible College, now Ohio Christian University the next year after I gave my life to Christ.
This is one of my favorite stories.
I was pastoring in Tucson Arizona and I had to be in Phoenix for a couple days for some business. I was on my way home, tired and the 100 mile drive seemed like a long way but as I was driving south on route17 I thought of a friend of mine I heard was in phoenix. This was before cell phones so I thought I would stop at a Circle K, or something, and use the phone booth. I missed my exit, I thought at that time, and decided I would go on home and do it another time. The Holy Spirit said for me to stop at the next exit, I still wanted to go home, but the Holy Spirit insisted I stop. I got to the phone booth, no book. I told myself I will go into the store, but the Holy Spirit told me to ask someone in the parking lot. I objected a couple times and finally gave in to Him. There set a young man in his pickup truck. I asked, and received a phone book. We developed a conversation, later developed a relationship, and before too long, I had the privilege to lead he, and his pregnant girlfriend to Jesus. A lot of this story left out, but he is still walking with the Lord, raised his family in church, great business man, and I am thankful to say, one of my spiritual boys! Praise Jesus. Oh, the guy I was trying to find lived in Tucson, not Phoenix. I didn’t get the wrong exit, I got the correct one.

Wounds, scars, 58 years of ministry, my dad as a first elder for 13 years, as the insurance commercial says he has seen a lot, even though I am blessed, I have seen a lot, and I have many wounds, and scars but I have given them all to Christ. Vows, my first wife and I were married just a few weeks short of 47 years and 33 years of our marriage we fought MS together. If we could back up time, keep the knowledge I have including the disease, I would still want to spend that 47 years married to her. I kept my vows and would do it all over again.
Agreements, one, I do my best to let God do what He is supposed to do and I do what I am supposed to do. That’s one of the agreements I have with Him.
I must admit, I kept this as the last question I answered. I think at my age, the work and ministry I have been a part of, the people I have been with, sometimes made me feel like they thought it was there responsibility to slash scars anywhere they can, and the attitude of people now is so selfish and critical, so I choose not to concentrate on my wounds but trust God to help me. I suppose one that bothers me the most is when someone breaks my confidence. I still have some trust hesitations, but my feeling is, if I can change something, change it but I only control one person so I don’t worry about anything. It’s interesting to me how some leaders do not believe in demonic warfare when God’s word talks about it. I have worked on the American Indian field with primarily 5 tribes in Arizona and New Mexico. I was a full time Missionary for several years and am now a voluntary missionary for a period of about 20 years. One story happened on Navajo nation, place called Red Rock. Short portion of a bigger story. After suggesting a possessed Hogan be prayed over to kick those suckers out of there, there was a battle that I had never experienced before when I and a coworker were driving back, out of the mountains from over 7,000 ft. elevation and a battle was taking place for my spirit. Again, a lot more to this story and the many times of warfare, but this story was explained to me by a Lakota Sue women, and I had not told her my story from the night before. It was a revealing moment. It’s real but God still prevails. I realize on the reservation we are in one of evil’s strong holds, but I feel evil works anywhere it is allowed to and I feel more people deal with it than they realize. The impressions we have come from God or evil so there is more to spiritual warfare than what is located in one spot. The problem, I feel is, the refusal to call it what it is, we have an adversary but we can serve the only living God who has defeated our adversary!

 This was one of the first lessons in our young married lives. In 1970 we were expecting our first child. As we approached six months before birth I realized there was an issue. Everything seemed fine but my heart was troubled. I prayed and God impressed on me the need to pray for my wife and new baby. I prayed for six months knowing that unless God answered my prayer, I would lose both my wife and new child. I prayed constantly and one night my wife Jackie woke me up and it was not good. She had been hemorrhaging. I called the doctors home and his wife answered. She told me to get her to the hospital. My immediate thoughts, this is it, this is when it happens. I got here there, she was admitted quickly and they began to exam, watch, and care for her. After a few hours I told Jackie I would leave for a few minutes, go home, brush my teeth, get some cash, and be right back. On my way home, I was praying and Father God showed me a place He wanted me to pray. I did, and I remembered something one of my Profs said and when I went to pray, I told God, “Whatever happens I will still serve you”. I went back to the hospital, and the head nurse came in, examined Jackie, and hurried out. I could hear her on the hall phone saying something about the baby’s heartbeat. I thought again, this may be it. In just a few minutes the doctor was walking down the hall, a nurse on each side helping him prepare for surgery, talking to me as he walked saying, “we are going to operate, we are going for a live baby.” I heard God say everything would be alright. I went upstairs and watched a football game. In a few minutes a nurse stopped in and told me I had a beautiful baby girl. I asked about Jackie and she told me she was fine, the doctor would be up in a few minutes. When he came up, he told me if he had not operated, Jackie would have bled to death, the baby would have lost her heart beat, and if he had Jackie on the operating table he could not have saved either one of them. Praise God. But there is more. When my parents come up, I told dad about it because I had not told anyone. He then told me he had been going thru the same thing and neither one of us told each other. I have heard from God many times even when I complain, like this. God I don’t like what’s going on here and He answers, “I know.” Sometimes there has to be suffering to grow.

In my 58 years in different capacities, I have had many opportunities to talk with, and listen to men, women, of all ages, and teenagers, about many different subjects. I have officiated weddings, funerals, spent time with families and whatever was needed to help at that time, which requires listening.

I also have a dual degree from Circleville Bible College, Now OCU, in Ministry and Counseling. I will admit the first part of my college years I was studying too much with a round ball, basketball, but after I left, went into ministry where I learned by, on the job training, I got my head on straight, went back to school and was on the Dean’s list every grading period but one, where I missed it by a percentage of a point. It wasn’t that I couldn’t do it earlier, I just didn’t. I used to train sales people how to watch, listen, and recognize when they had lost their potential client, or sale. It took a while before I realized I couldn’t talk someone into changing their heart, they had to want to. Sometimes it’s painful when you’re trying to help someone see something that can make a difference in their life but, they still have to make the choice.

The Heart of a Warrior Another Elder-Sage Most anytime. I am up early most of the time, but I would appreciate it if you could text me first because I don't always answer calls from unknown numbers. Rob Blount rblount1229@gmail.com 740-408-3197
41 Mon, 04/14/2025 - 10:56 Anonymous 2607:fb90:ee02:804c:b595:7e4b:9263:bf24 Arthur Smith Agsmithapr04@gmail.coma 8432319521 March 9 1951 I have attended Heart of the warrior encounter twice.I have known Mike Glynn for going on 30 years he has asked me to pray on it and consider it.I have been involved in celebrate recovery for four years serving in newcomers central and have been accountability partner for many men. I'm on the hospitality team at Midtown Vineyard church and have been involved in the activities of the church. I am the oldest of three children I have two sisters one of which passed from ALS. My wife and I have a blended family with three daughters and four grandchildren. We live in Myrtle Beach and the rest of family lives in Massachusetts. This is the second marriage for both of us. I was asked by Mike Glynn to attend the encounter last year.I attended the Elder Sage meetings at the encounter and was interested in joining since then I've had some health challenges and didn't follow up last year.This year I returned and experienced the encounter again after experiencing what happened with Mike Daniel's and witnessing the power of prayer it strengthened my commitment. Since then I've watched the videos and reaffirmed through prayer I'm looking forward to moving ahead with the help of God and the men I come into contact. I grew up in an Irish catholic neighborhood I followed friends to CCD Classes and brought my family to Church.My involvement in the catholic church grew over the years and I became involved in the Charismatic Church.aive seen many answers to prayer the survival of my oldest daughter being one .My wife at the time had severe health problems with blood pressure and toxemia they delivered my daughter at 24 weeks she was less than 2 lbs.any chance I had I went to the hospital and prayed over her also we had many others lifting her in prayer so I know prayers can be answered. I joined a Christian motorcycle club one of the requirements was to share your testimony. I shared the struggles of my life and the saving grace of Jesus. I've also shared Jesus leading my life at celebrate recovery and with people I've worked with. Wounds have rerouted my life at times my path in life has been changed more than once. I have struggled at times but have learned to lift them up to Jesus.living up to vows and agreements open you up to challenges in this world as too worldly ways against spiritual ways. Growing up my mother never told me the truth of my birth I rembered going to court for an a name change and was adopted by her new husband .I found out later in life my mother's story of her first marriage being beaten getting a divorce and then being rated by her first husband I found these things out after her death I was 20 years old.She always denied I was adopted . My wife struggled for a period of time with depression and anxiety itput a challenge on our life .we remained strong and believed God would lead us.we were within days of losing our house and becoming homeless. We received news that she qualified fordissability but was told it would take upto 6 months to receive any monies.wewere to be evicted on a Monday and our check came in on the Friday before with all money retroactive. My sister-in-law was infertile and tried many treatments to have a child one day in prayer I heard scarring was being healed I claimed that and 9 month later my nephew was born. They had given up on treatments and were trying to adopt. In celebrate recover I've had to tell my story and am a accountability partner for other men.one man I've worked with in a court mandated program which he has completed. The Heart of a Warrior Another Elder-Sage Morning Riney Winterhalter riney@netzero.com 8434571785
38 Thu, 04/03/2025 - 20:59 Anonymous 198.177.53.146 Bradley Cook bradleycook@bradleycook.net 7069686515 January 29 1965 Im currently mentoring men younger than myself. I feel this initiative will help me to be more effective in the path God is directing me. My wife and I will be married 44 years June of this year. We have 2 boys 37 and 40. We have 2 grandchildren boy and a girl 16years old one from each son. I feel the events help me identify with my true self that God intended for me to live out. I was 15 years old and felt lost and fearful. I was at my now wife's parents house when I received Jesus as my Lord. I'm in the car wash business. One day when I was at the wash I had been seeing a young man that appeared to be having issues. I approached him and he said Mr. Bradley I don't why I'm telling you this but I have a pill problem and Im loosing everything I have including my family and living in my car. I said to him I don't mean to be pressuring anything on you but, I find my strength in Jesus Christ. He said I've been saved I said okay great. How would you feel about a recommitment to Jesus and let's get you some help? We prayed there in the car wash bay and got him help and he is doing great now. I compare these with schizophrenia. I have a favor movie called A Beautiful Mind. It's based on a true story a man called John Nash. It takes a lot of effort but he continually was telling himself and realizing no matter what he was hearing and seeing the people in his mind where not real it was all a lie that seemed real. My wife calling me a failure. It drove me to succeed and be a performer. I find my source of clarity on this on the spiritual warfare from the Bible. I see spiritual warfare as just that warfare. That last three years I have bought a business each year. God opened doors and worked ! I didn't push any just stood still and let God speak and lead. To me the flow of God is when we are in his will there is where darkness has to fall in the light of his presence. Yes I have been mentoring for around 20 years. And I have had training and starting Saturday I start a 6 week course on listening for Gods voice. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Road Back to You The Zoweh event at Young Life Camp last week 10 - 5 Monday thru Friday Philip Smith psmith@cpestman.com 706-499-1969
37 Sun, 03/02/2025 - 16:52 Anonymous 69.143.208.203 Gary Chavez garcarcha@gmail.com 3107394829 August 4 1955 First and foremost, to further the kingdom of God. I'm currently mentoring two men on a regular basis, and many more have come to me for advice and prayer. It's my hope this program equips me with what I need for maximum effect. As I'm turning 70 this year, I feel I have a lot of experience in life and in my walk with Jesus. Before I leave this earth, it would be an honor to share what I've learned with younger men. My bride and I are celebrating our 42nd wedding anniversary this week. We have two children in their late 30's. We moved from California to Maryland 4 years ago as our daughter, who is quite ill, was a new mother with an infant and was unable to appropriately care for him. Our 36-year-old son still lives in California. Both of our children gave their hearts to Jesus in their teen years. Today, neither are attending church. Of course, we're praying like mad men for them, and our daughter is so close. She and her husband occasionally attend church with us and our 4-year-old grandson loves Sunday school. I've prayed with her husband Andrew. Together we have cried about the goodness of God, and I'm praying someday I get him to a Waterboyz Expedition.

Other family is scatter across these United States. Some are believers, some are not.		 I've never attended a Zoweh event, however I've read John Eldredge's books as well as Michael Thompson's. A couple of years ago a gentleman from Zoweh attended a Waterboyz Advanced Expedition and suggested I become an Elder-Sage. And then one of my best friends, Rusty Eckman, has been instrumental in my pursuing this ministry. As a small child through my mother. We used to call her the "Jesus Freak" as a way of teasing her. Not realizing of course she wore the name like a badge of honor. My family was VERY involved in the Catholic church.As a child I was an altarboy. As a teen the church asked me to be on the board as a teen representative. I even went to a seminary for several years. But I didn't REALLY come to know Jesus until I was in my 20's. I left the Catholic church, was baptized, and actually started reading the bible. I "yoked up" with Jesus and have loved Him ever since. I'm the Prayer Team leader at my church. Between Altar Ministers, Prayer Ministers, and Chaplains, there are approximately 50 people on my team. I have occasional meetings and often times share my Jesus story with them.
After 2 years, I recently ceased teaching a bible study at the Frederick Rescue Mission to the 35+ men in recovery. You can't do that without sharing your Jesus story!
Doing sessions at Waterboyz Expeditions.
And most importantly, to anyone who is willing and open to listen!		 Wounds: Those events that happen in life that leave scars that need to be dealt with. Such as father and mother wounds.
Vows: A formal and serious promise to do something. Especially for God.
Agreements: This is a hard one to explain. We often times agree, in our mind, to something that does not align with what God wants from us. Something along the lines of "I'm not good enough," "I can't do that."		 There's not enough room here. But here's something I can say. Suffering is not necessarily a bad thing. It's how I've learned most things in my life. Either through avoidable or unavoidable suffering. In my humble opinion, we don't discuss it nearly enough. There's spiritual warfare that goes on every second of every day! We live in a tragic and broken world that will eat you alive if you let it. The enemy is out to destroy each one of us and will do so if given a chance. We all must recognize that. Then once we do, we need to put on the Armor of God and get to it! A couple of years ago I decided to ask God to help me with my pain. You see, I’ve been a chronic pain sufferer since my early 30’s. I’ve got scars from six spine surgeries to prove it. You name the drug, and I’ve taken it. The most relief I’ve ever realized without taking opiates is maybe 10% to 15%. And in every case, it’s just not worth the side effects. So today, I rarely take any pain medication at all. And I never ask God for relief. And I can’t tell you why. I just don’t. Well last year I decided to ask Him. I got on my knees and prayed; “Dear God, please give me just one evening with my wife where I’m pain free. Just one……. please?” As sure as I’m standing here, I heard His reply loud and clear. “Pray for those in pain.”
I immediately responded, “You’re not listening to me!” So, I got up, got in the shower and went about my day. I tried again the following day. And I really became annoyed when I got the same response. “Pray for those in pain.” Clearly, at this point you’ve realized I’m a slow learner. On the third day I decided to try one more time. You’ll never guess what God’s response was. “Pray for those in pain.” It was at that very moment I realized; “You idiot. Isn’t this how God works?” That day I sent an email to a couple of friends asking for names of people that were in pain. Within a couple of weeks, I had a list of about 35 people, and I started praying for them. Today my pain has diminished by as much as 90%, and most evenings I don’t have any pain at all. I can’t begin to tell you how wonderful that been for me. Praise God!
 Formal training? No. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God Another Elder-Sage Any weekday evening after 4:30. Or anytime on the weekend. I'm quit involved in various forms of ministry, so if you miss me, please leave a message and I'll get right back to you. Gary Chavez garcarcha@gmail.com 3107394829
36 Fri, 02/14/2025 - 15:28 Anonymous 217.114.38.199 Christopher Matthews christopher@zoweh.org 9199078175 December 18 1982 Test Test Test Test Test Test Test Test Test Test King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Defeating Dark Angels, Bondage Breaker, To Be Told ​, Victory over the Darkness, Repenting of Religion, The ​​Sacred Romance, The Road Back to You, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity Zoweh Website Afternoon Cole Phillips cole@zoweh.org 2406829912
35 Tue, 02/04/2025 - 12:54 Anonymous 24.170.224.185 john doe bill@zoweh.org 301-730-7247 August 16 1956 Being Fathered by God Spouse, three children, 6 grand-children Several HWE Attended a revival service at nine years old friends at school self imposed betrayed by school friends Two Realms / Two Kingdoms Meeting my wife Yes King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, The ​​Sacred Romance, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity Zoweh Website anytime Frank Doe wmweaver@myactv.net 301-739-2623
34 Tue, 01/07/2025 - 11:38 Anonymous 2600:4040:b039:b400:9588:b6f1:73cd:4205 Skip Magness Skipmagness@hotmail.com 4436943177 April 2 1962 Have been on a spiritual journey for several years as well as re-awakening my masculine journey. I naturally have enjoyed mentoring younger people both professionally and friends and family. A friend has introduced and modeled such a role and I really think it resonates with my current interest to mentor and build with other men. Well I had a rather traditional family with three amazing children until my partner submitted to the dark enemy, and suffering from some mental issues, tore the family apart through divorce 5 years ago, and worse severely alienated my now 18year old twins from their father. They are also alienated from their older brother, whom suffered a tragic car accident 5 years ago and is under my sole care. I pray everyday for the twins safety in navigating this world without the guidance of their father and for their return to ourr family in God’s time and the benefit of their father’s love and tutelage. I’ve read several related books, participate casually with a prayer group that has several men in the Zoweh spirit, and am eager to attend events every soon. Growing up a catholic, I was always attending weekly mass, getting all the sacraments along the way, and attending religious classes growing up. During this time, the organized framework and teaching of the organized church gave me the impression that I had to be perfect in order “earn” God’s love, hence the feeling of incredible guilt since no one can attain such perfection. However, it wasn’t until recently through various readings and reflection, that I came to realize that God has always loved me unconditionally. While I certainly prayed, I wasn’t really listening to God for answers, nor focusing on my relationship with Him. I feel much more comfortable with my growing relationship with God and sharing that with others. I have become much comfortable with sharing my story, once I realized I have one, although not always in a Jesus framework. In this process I have embraced a very spiritual mindset, acceptance of the things not in my control, and focused on letting God handle things, and myself remaining in peace (Exodus 14:14). I have shared my story with various caretakers in similar situation as myself with my son’s disability, as well as with other fathers who are dealing with difficult relationships with their children through alienation by their moms. I have a desire to help people one on one to hopefully learn from my experience. I’m quite familiar with wounds, having long discussions with my Zoweh mentor. While it has taken me some time to realize my wounds, I have realized a few from my teen years in particular, as well as as related to my father being a very good man, but not exactly a close relationship. He was a very judicious provider to the family, but I also realize he modeled a submissive mindset to my mother. It has followed me into accepting behavior in my relationships in order to keep peace, rather than being in my true masculine self, or even the beloved son of God. I am less familiar with the terms vows and agreements in this context. I have a few moments that I have reflected on. A few while in high school but more recently I have realized that probably the harshest wound was my first girlfriend, whom like most first girlfriends I thought I was deeply in love. I went off to college and we tried to remain together, but after two years, she completely betrayed me and got engaged to another man without me even knowing it at the time. I had to find out through my brother. Having been a painfully shy boy growing up, and believing so strongly in commitment to your partner, this was an extremely painful experience. I feel this wound has resulted in me decoding an anxious partner, and with other serious relationships, especially my marriage, has resulted in very similar betrayal on their part. It haunts me to this day and I struggle with trusting my romantic partners. However, I have focused on the love of my God and Jesus, and knowing that if someone does that, it’s a reflection of them, and not me. I have to trust entirely and let them show me who they are. By spiritual warfare I assume you mean the dark versus the light. I have over the last couple of years, and through reading of King Me and Heart of a Warrior, really recognized the war between the dark forces that are so prevalent in our world. I firmly believe that the acts that I have experienced, such as the alienation of my children by their mom, is really her being guided by such dark and evil forces. It has helped me not only accept the situation, but also show empathy for the people who are acting in that manner. The other thing I’ve come to realize, is that since I have embraced a much more spiritual path with God, I see where the evil enemy shows up even stronger now, almost doubling down on me to try to provoke me and divert me from my destiny as His beloved son. While I am sure there are many examples, I would recognize more recently as I have been re-entering the dating world, I have had a couple of relationships that I didn’t quite understand why it didn’t work out, especially one. But as I have reflected and prayed with God, and listened to Him, I realize that it was God extracting me from those situations because He knew they weren’t right for me, and He knew I wasn’t going to make that decision myself, so I truly feel God did it for me. And I heard Him clearly and I trust Him. It has helped me practice listening to God for answers. One of the greatest lessons I have learned is to understand that God hears my prayers, and will answer them in His way and on His timeframe, not mine. And it will be better than I ever imagined. Not in this context. I was an executive for a large Defense Company before I retired and took substantial training in consultative skills, mentoring, etc, but not with this context or framework King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Wild At Heart Another Elder-Sage I’m pretty flexible. Emmet (Rusty) Eckman emmet.eckman@gmail.com 410-549-3968
33 Sat, 01/04/2025 - 12:16 Anonymous 71.179.227.111 Brendan Mckay bmckay017@gmail.com 4433750177 June 24 1966 The mission to help men take back their hearts, to lead with strength, passion and intention is critical. I want to be used to mentor and come along side men to be dangerous for good. I am the middle son of 3 boys, I have 3 children also Jessica, Jonny and Jackson. My mom passed in 2023. I was remarried in 2021 to a wonderful woman of God. We serve in ministry together, I am blessed with a wonderful father that models Christ. I have been blessed to attend two Heart of a Warrior conferences and one advanced training which was life changing for me. I met Skip at the advanced encounter and he is mentoring me as an apprentice for elder sage. I have gained wisdom from the videos and podcasts in exploring more and elder sage initiative. I have read and taught the HOW video series from right now media for my men`s group. I was saved at age 5 after a sermon in my home church in Maine. I was blessed to attend a Christian high school and college. I rededicated my life and heart to the Lord in college. I am growing in my faith through serving in men`s ministry and worship team. I am sharing my Jesus story with a friend currently who is struggling with fear. The last 4 years I have experienced job loss, a car accident, the loss of my mother, and two surgeries. I am blessed to grow in my journey through adversity and struggle. I have learned to trust and lean into the dependency of the Lord. I am praying that this testimony will help my friend to let go of hid fear and anxiety. Wounds are places of deep hurt caused from trauma from self or others.
Vows are false statement we hold about ourselves , our belief system or others.
Agreements are strongholds that can cause confusion or a false self.		 The separation and divorce in 2014-2016 was significant wounding. The rough marriage from 2002 to 2016 caused depression and medicating through porn and gluttony.
God has redeemed my heart and life through Zoweh , my church and strong relationships with many wonderful Christian men.		 I am learning about spiritual warfare through my daily battle to keep the Lord , thoughts and behavior that honors Him in focus. The importance to deny self and follow, to be disciplined and know that my flesh and Satan are coming for me to attack each moment. God has spoken to me through His word, music ,daily conversations with friends. The Spirit is telling me to let go of my past, present and future, to live each day in trust ,peace and confidence in His plan. I have 4 men that I am currently engaged in their stories. I am learning to listen first and be directed by the spirit to engage with wisdom from the Lord. King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, Mere Christianity Another Elder-Sage Any afternoon time is best. Skip Schneider sschneider@md.metrocast.net 240-405-4338
32 Wed, 12/18/2024 - 15:25 Anonymous 2603:6081:a00:212:707b:6019:3067:13cc Disel Hinkle disel.hinkle60@gmail.com 910-290-0973 June 17 1960 I was a Scoutmaster for 20+ years and a Sunday School teacher for almost as long. I coached both of my sons in baseball and my youngest as his pitching instructor from Little League through the American Legion organization. My heart broke, but when Scouting took a turn away from what the training I received as a young man earning my Eagle Scout, I had to leave the Scouting Organization. In my mind, they had lost the visions of its founding fathers. A couple of years ago, we started a Trail Life USA Troop at our church, to serve the community. Unfortunately, I had prostrate cancer and had to step down from my role as Committee Chairman. I have been praying for God to show me "what is next" for my life and I believe God is calling me to this type of initiative. Here I am God, use me! I was raised in a Christian home where God was honored and served. God honored me with the gift of my beautiful wife in 1980. He has blessed us continually since that date. He gave us two sons, Jonathan (1984) and Matthew (1987). Jonathan is married and God blessed him and us by giving us our first Grandchild, Oliver (2015). We have been praying for Matt's wife for sometime. God has answered our prayers as Matt and Michaela are slated to be married next summer. Jonathan is a master's prepared engineer and leads a ever expanding division of his company. His wife, Lindsay, also a master's prepared accounting major, teaches college nearby. Matthew graduated from college after a very successful baseball career with two World Series Rings and is now teaching Highschool English and coaching baseball. He also conducts private pitching lessons for various students across several counties. He recently found his calling and leads devotions for their local Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Matt's future wife is also a teacher leading and mentoring young kids at the kindergarten level. Praise be to God our heavenly Father for my family! Amen I'm very new to your organization and have only read a couple of your books and watched a few videos. However, I am looking forward to growing in my knowledge and skills via your organization. I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior at a very young age. He has led me along life's journey with its many ebbs and flows. This last year dealing with cancer and all its aspects has even brought me closer to Him as He has carried me along this uncomfortable journey. But, He is in charge and He has got this! Amen I have had numerous opportunities to proclaim Jesus in the Scouting program as well as coaching and mentoring young athletes along their journey. As a forty year veteran of Civil Service, I was able to speak to many young Marines as they encounter the difficulties of life and being a active duty Marine. I remember one young Marine that was wounded in Iraq and as we discussed his recovery I tried to point out the power of our heavenly Father. God has a plan for this young man as he learns to walk again. But my most recent, rememberable sharing was at our Men's Retreat in the mountains two years ago. I got to explain to the group men, ages 14 and up, how God had walked with me, even when I walked away from Him. God is so good. I would say wounds have been real to me over the past year in my walk recovering from prostate cancer. Being humbled to the level of wearing diapers again as a sixty year old man, well it effects your mentality. Also, dealing with the manhood issues associated with this disease can really depress one's outlook on life itself. Thank God for His amazing Grace and a wife that loves me for me.
Vows to me are the solemn promises you make in life. Like my vow to God concerning my marriage, my commitment to my wonderful wife and love of my life. Praise His holy name.
Agreements to me are similar to vows, but are harmonious. Everyone is committed to the same position or outcome. Say when my baseball team was in agreement that everyone would do their best. Not for themselves, but for the good of the team. 		As previously stated, this past year and half of dealing with prostate cancer was truly a punch in the gut. Thank God I know Him personally and He is my Lord and Savior. Without Him, I am not sure I would have made it successfully through this battle. It is great to be on the mountain tops, but I think you grow and walk closer with God in the valleys of life. Your walk and your prayers totally change when this type of battle occurs. I had people praying for me from all over this great country. Many I didn't even now until a phone call. I got a call one night from a lady working in Israel. Out of the blue she asked me was there anything she good pray about with me. It was the first time I got to hear someone pray using Hebrew terms. It meant so much to me and came at a time I truly needed it. Ain't God good! I had a very hard time in my early teens about the time the Exorcist movie came out. My aunt lost her mind and appeared to be possessed. It was a scary, terrifying time in my life. But thank God for His amazing Grace and Forgiveness. God has spoke to me and guided me about opportunities in my life. He guides me in the giving of my tithes and offerings. He repeatedly led me in preparing to teach our Sunday School class. This was confirmed by students telling me that was exactly what they needed to hear. I have received no formal training, but have had mentors in my life that I have tried to learn from. I am hoping I can glean that from this program. I am in prayer over this most important mission. Me and a friend lead a small group session a few years ago, but I always felt we missed the mark. We lead it more like a Sunday School class than a listening group. I hoping I can pass on to a group of men what I learned from that experience. The Heart of a Warrior Zoweh Website after 6pm most days David Smith fourskennels@yahoo.com 910-271-0045
31 Sun, 09/22/2024 - 17:38 Anonymous 2600:6c58:6700:6033:35f3:ea4e:8000:fa54 Howard Hendrix howard.land.hendrix@gmail.com 2053823088 January 23 1962 On February 1, 2022 my father passed away and I became the “old man” in my family (and also my wife’s family). Different younger men in the family began contacting me to discuss problems they were facing. This kind of surprised me, so I made a list of every male in our family over 18, including the men my daughters married and/or were dating and I realized that almost every man was fatherless - due to death, divorce, or "functionally" fatherless due to the lack of involvement of their father in their lives. I’ve read Wild At Heart (Bootcamp in 2006), Becoming a King, Heart of A Warrior and many other books, so I was aware the impact that fatherlessness was having on the men in my family. In Aug 2022, I began planning trips for different groups of these men – to Rocky Mountain NP, Tetons, Boston (Fenway) to give us an opportunity to get together as men and talk about the challenges we all face.

To better equip myself to support them, the Father led me to the Becoming A King (BAK) retreat in Black Mtn, NC in April 2023. It was great experience for me. I developed a strong relationship with Matthew Daughtry-Grubbs and he asked me to come back in April 2024 and last weekend (9/12-15/2024) to help facilitate and listen to the stories of the men in attendance.

My wife and I have four daughters, one of who has is profoundly disabled. She is now 33 years old, so we have been on this journey a long time. Supporting, encouraging, and mentoring younger men who are just starting this challenging life is something also feel called to do, but I’m just getting started.

The short answer to your question is that the Father keeps opening door after door. This really wasn't my plan for this phase of my life, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. I will do this for the rest of my life. 		I was previously married and divorced in 1988. We have one daughter, Nicole. She is married and lives in Seattle. They adopted a son, now 5, and he is our only grandchild.

My wife and I married in 1990, so we've been together for 34 years. We have three children, Shelby, Whitney and Skyler. Shelby and Whitney are twins. Shelby is our special needs daughter. Whitney lives in Atlanta. Skyler is our youngest and lives in Illinois.

My wife was a stay at home mom when raising the girls. In 2010 she became very interested in outdoor photography. She travels around the country taking pictures. I think she is fantastic! (vickihendrix.com)

I am self-employed, doing engineering for the power industry. I've worked from home for the past 14 years, which has been fantastic because it has allowed me to help my wife with our daughter.
I heard about you the first time during the April 2024 BAK retreat. A couple of the facilitators live in the Raleigh/Durham area, so they were very familiar with Zoweh. They recommended the book "The Heart of a Warrior" and I read it a couple of months ago. I thought it was excellent. I came to faith when I was 31 years old. Our twins had been born and we began attending a Baptist Church in Katy, Tx probably because we wanted the kids to grow up as believers. My wife and I came to faith together and were baptized together in 1993.

We live in a rural part of Alabama, so church with a special needs child has not been easy. Much of our faith has come outside of a church building. (We’ve been asked not to come back a few times….).

I was probably like most American Christians – work and faith were separate. That all began changing about five years ago. It is my desire to live a “whole hearted” life – I want to be the same person with the same beliefs and behaviors every work day that I am on Sunday morning. Just live one life, living in the will of the Father. I’m not fully there yet, but it has been a life changing transformation. 		The last time was last weekend at the BAK retreat. One of the men in my story group has had difficulty coming to faith because of the logical way he thinks – if you can’t feel it, touch it, etc. how can it be real? He was an unbeliever.

I am an engineer and a scientist. Coming to faith was a real challenge for me exactly for this reason. I told him time after time where God had absolutely “come through” in my life once I accepted Christ. That I would have to be lying to myself to NOT believe that God was real because there had been so much real, tangible evidence and I gave him some examples.

He was friends with several people who were at the retreat who were all talking to him and praying for him that weekend. Very happy to say that he accepted Christ on 9/15. We were all very excited for what God has done!
Wounds – emotional (or physical) injuries that we receive throughout our life that impact our development and behavior.

Vows – are “promises” we make to ourselves, usually due to the wounds we have received.

Agreement – our reaction to a wound and what we say we will do in response to the wound.

As Morgan Snyder says in "Becoming a King" - With every wound comes a lie; with every lie, an agreement; and with every agreement, a vow."		 In 1986 I moved to San Diego with my ex wife. We had no job, just moved, right around Thanksgiving. Our intent was to live with her parents until we found work. We didn’t know it yet, but she was pregnant with our daughter. I’m a Chemical Engineer by degree and there weren’t a lot of Chemical Engineering jobs in San Diego. It’s also difficult to get a permanent job at the end of the year and it took about six months to find full time employment. (I was working part-time the entire time.) She finally separated from me in April 1988.

The largest wound of my life came in 1Q 1987 when she said – “I want a divorce because you are unable to provide for me and my child.” That was the wound and even at that time it was a lie (I was providing). The agreement I made was “I have to work hard to provide for my family or they will leave me.” The vow is “I will work. Constantly. No rest. No recreation. No relaxation.” It has driven me most of my adult life.		 The answer to this question will go with the following one on hearing from God. I was asked to help facilitate a BAK retreat in April 2024. I knew what was involved with the story groups, since I had been a participant in April 2023. I’m an introverted engineer without a lot of empathy (my excuse), so I really didn’t want to go. I decided to go (see question below) and arrived at the site in NC without a lot of difficulty. The retreat started on Thursday night and all was going well until the facilitators went to lunch that day. I was listening to the stories of the other men – men’s ministry, street ministry, foreign missions, small groups led, etc. I’m just a power generation engineer. Diminishment and disqualification quickly attacked. “I don’t belong here. It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have come.” I was very, very close to putting my suitcase in the car and escaping. Complete terror and panic. Cragmont has a large front porch with rocking chairs and I went out and prayed for about two hours. I felt the peace and love of the Father push all of that out and refill me. It was one of the best weekends of my life. Many examples, but March 2024 before the BAK retreat was a very memorable one. Matthew emailed and asked if I could help facilitate. I basically said “no, I’m too introverted and I have no empathy.” He replied, “I really think the Holy Spirit wants you to do this.” Well, that wasn’t what I wanted to hear, so I said, “I will pray about it.”

The next morning, I set aside a couple of hours to pray. The Father took me back through the past 20 years and showed me the impact Wild At Heart, Bootcamp, and other men’s retreats and books over the years had literally saved my marriage and changed my life. He wanted me to give the hope of this message to a new generation of men who are hurting like I was 20 years ago. Then He said, almost audibly, “Get the dog and let’s go walk in the woods.” (One of my favorite things to do.)

The problem was it was starting to rain and it was supposed to rain all day. I absolutely hate walking in the rain. I replied, “It’s raining.” He replied, “No, you’ve got time.” I get ready. My wife asks, “Where are you going?” “On a walk in the woods.” She replied, “But it’s raining.” “Yes, I know. But God has told me to go.”

It had stopped raining right before we pulled into the parking lot at the trailhead.

I have a 2.5 mile loop I make with my dog and for the first half of the loop I heard nothing. But it was peaceful, and it wasn’t raining. At about the halfway point I hear, “You know, you use that excuse about being introverted and not having empathy a lot.” “I’m sorry, but I believe it is true.” “If I ask you to do something, I will equip you to be able to do it.” “OK, I believe You. I will go.”

The sun came out.

Where we walk is heavily wooded, roads included. I could see that the sun was out but not much of the sky. When I got back on the interstate to go home, the sky was almost completely clear – blue skies everywhere. About an hour later it was storming. 		Prior to facilitating the BAK retreats, I was provided with some training videos from WAH. WAH also did a 4 part podcast series on telling your story and listening to another person’s story. These were excellent.

But nothing substitutes for doing it. Some of the stories have been very difficult. But the most amazing thing is having the Holy Spirit guide you as a facilitator through the man’s story and telling you the questions to ask and the affirmation to give.
 The Heart of a Warrior, Waking the Dead, Hearing God, Bondage Breaker, Victory over the Darkness, The ​​Sacred Romance, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God, Captivating, Mere Christianity Zoweh Website I continue to work, but I'm available most of the day. Matthew Daughtry-Grubbs matthew@cragmontassembly.org 828-669-7677
30 Mon, 07/01/2024 - 16:23 Anonymous 2601:14e:4100:cc0:4412:3b84:f69a:6b81 Hans Spruijt Hspruijt@live.com 3014018026 September 18 1951 Read Michael Thompson's books. I love Jesus, my Lord, and want to serve Him as Elder Sage. My wife of 44 years and our son and two daughters all love the Lord and serve Him in various ministries. Haven't attended a weekend. Met Michael Thompson on a book tour in Maryland in Nov.'24. I have read his two books and they give me a wonderful, amplified perspective of how I can row more and deeper in Him. Through a friend with the Navigators at university at age 22. In the Waterboyz Expedition in Germany Oct. '23 I gave my testimony in two talks sharing my life's Jesus story. Very familiar, as I joined/served in support team of a dozen Waterboyz for Jesus Expeditions in Maryland, all based on John Eldredge's book Wild at Heart. A professor who told me at age 21 I was not good enough Have countered the enemy with the armor of God in street evangelism in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, same as a missionary in Haiti, and serving in the prayer support ministry in Waterboyz fir Jesus Expeditions, in my church's prayer ministry and in the KAIROS prayer ministry Meeting my wife on the mission field in Haiti was clearly God in answer to my prayers and those of my sending church. KAIROS Prison Ministry; Waterboyz for Jesus King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, The Screwtape Letters, Wild At Heart Another Elder-Sage Late mornings Emmet Eckman emmet.eckman@gmail.com 4103007644
29 Sun, 05/26/2024 - 14:34 Anonymous 2603:6080:6804:99ef:8968:3b36:5032:ed2f Jeffrey Lawton jlawton2@nc.rr.com 9192014125 August 3 1962 I like the cool ring that you get. LOL
Seriously I feel and hear God asking me to help others that need to feel and hear God’s presents like I have and how to fight against the dark spirits. So often God has put me in situations that I feel that I’m not qualified to help, but yet God gives the right words to say and shows me that I do have what it takes, and so i feel God is telling me that I should be part of this group. 		Well I’ve been divorced since 2001 but I still try to be a loving friend to my ex wife. I have raised 3 girls that I call my own and they call me their dad. They are grown adults and I try to stay in touch with them but can be difficult at times. I have 9 grandkids, 5 of them are young adults now. My older granddaughter who is 29 is expecting in September, so I will be a great grandfather. I feel close to most of my grandkids.
My mom and dad are still alive and I have a very close relationship with them. My younger brother who passed last year in October, I know with no doubt in my mind is with Jesus now. 		I’ve been with Zoweh since 2011. I’ve lost count of how many events I’ve been to but have been mostly part of the prayer team, which I enjoy the most. When my father was in the hospital and they said he had a brain tumor. I prayed and prayed and Jesus showed me that he does listen to our prayers and my dad came out with just a scar on his head and there was no cancer. It was like the feeling when your in love and you feel the warm of it going through your body or as my dad wold say, double arm goose bumps. Wounds are things that have happened to you, usually at a young stage of your life but can happen anytime during your life. Something significant that happened in your life that causes sadness, hurtfulness, embarrassment, and you make the vow and agreement that I will never do that again or I will only do this.
Satan has a big roll in all of this and when God helps you figure out why, then the healing begins to take place. 		My wounds I received from my peers as I was growing up. I would say something and they would make fun of me and I would feel embarrassed and stupid. So I made the vow and agreement that rather say something stupid, I would not say anything, not even to stand up for myself and so I was very shy and quiet. Just the way Satan would want me to be so that I wouldn’t share the word.
As I got to know Jesus more on a personal basis, he helped me break those vows and agreements. I still struggle with it but I feel I have come a long ways. 		When things are not going right, when everything is going wrong, or when I react to something and say and do the wrong thing. No matter what you do, it seems to be going wrong.
Like I remember when I was young and there was this cartoon with Satan on one shoulder and God on the other. Satan telling you to do evil and then the Holly spirit telling you to do good. Well Satan is real, not a cartoon, and he can make you hear the lies and lead you to do evil. Not only you but others too.
But God is real to and with his help and the authority given to us we can bind and cast out evil. 		Don’t remember what year it was but it was at Rockbridge when it used to be TopGun and I was really wanting to hear God’s voice. Up behind the gym where the road goes up and around to the other side of the campus, there is a wooded peak or ridge in the middle. So I was sitting up there during my time alone and asking God to speak to me. Well as we know God speaks to us in many ways, and God showed me a cross that was naturally made by a dead branch that fell into another tree. The branch was as big as the tree and so it really looked like a cross but only if you were looking for it. Every year I’ve gone back and it’s still there, God saying I’m still here. It’s been at least 9 yrs now. I used to almost run to get to that spot before someone else would get there but God has told me in the last few years that it’s time to let someone else find it. I was on the medic team 1 yr but being on the prayer team, I have helped out when the medic team get over whelmed.
Plus there has been other situations where I’ve just listened and prayed. I guess some times my wounding can be a blessing as I just sit and listen and not talk other than giving encouragement. 		King Me, The Heart of a Warrior, Search and Rescue, Waking the Dead, The Screwtape Letters, Hearing God, Defeating Dark Angels, It’s Your Call, Wild At Heart, ​​Fathered By God Through being part of Zoweh over the years. Evening 7:00-8:00 Dave Brown dave@zoweh.org (919) 973-0715