As an actress, Gwendolyn Briley-Strand was used to playing strong female roles—women of faith and perseverance. But playing a resilient character is far easier than being one in real life. Two rounds of cancer, including exhausting chemotherapy and radiation treatments, reinforced Gwen’s belief that she needed to turn to the healing words of the Bible for her strength.

In the Maasai community, young girls typically marry men chosen by their fathers. But Alice had a different calling. Through a sponsorship and an unexpected opportunity her brother’s school provided, she was able to get an education and learn about Jesus. It changed her life. He gave her a spirit of courage to follow His calling on her life. Alice said, “I have a task to do….

“When we’re challenged; when we’re in a difficult situation, what do we do? We turn to God.”

Angel believed the lies the world told her. She felt worthless and ugly. Her life became a swirling mess of men, booze, and drugs until one day she cried out to God, “Kill me or save me. But don’t let me live like this anymore.”

A rough childhood which included repeated abuse at the hands of religious leaders made Vic Mitchell a very confused and angry person. When he went into the service after high school and they asked him what he wanted to be, he replied, “I want to become the meanest man possible.” He hung out with the wrong crowd and took pleasure in beating people up. But one Sunday…

Luke Michaels is a teenager who is serious about his faith. He knew the love of Jesus at a young age, and he wanted to share that love with others—especially youth.