Rekindled Faith

In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie sits down with Pro-Life Advocate Autumn Higashi for an honest conversation about abortion, motherhood, building community, and trusting God through life’s unexpected transitions.
Autumn shares how a calling at just 16 led her into pro-life activism, and how becoming a wife, mom, and adoptive parent reshaped her perspective on purpose, sacrifice, and faith.
Why listen? If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by big decisions, the pressure of culture, or the tension between calling and family life, this episode will encourage you to lean on the Lord, value the season you’re in, and find hope in His faithfulness.
Connect with Autumn:
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/autumnhigashi
Connect with Melanie:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melanie.beerda?utm_source=qr
Wesbite: www.melaniebeerda.ca
Connect with Rekindled Faith:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rekindledfaith
Connect with Students for Life:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studentsforlife

In this episode, Melanie Beerda shares what she has been learning about the importance of being rooted in the Gospel in a time of overwhelming information. She reflects on the core message of the Gospel, Repentance, Conviction and Christian Living that transforms.
Main topics — Key insights:
The challenge of navigating the vast amount of religious information available today
The significance of the gospel message and its foundation in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection
The biblical concept of repentance as a proactive, transformative action
Jesus' declaration in Mark 1:15 about the arrival of God's kingdom, emphasizing a spiritual rather than political kingdom
The importance of cultivating a rooted faith, built on Scripture and the Holy Spirit
The distinction between conforming to the world versus being transformed by renewal of the mind
The role of Scripture as God's living, breathed-out Word, and its power to expose sin and sanctify believers
The significance of believing fully in the gospel for spiritual adoption and assurance of salvation
Encouragement to spend intentional quality time in the Word and in prayer, nurturing a personal relationship with Jesus
The reassurance that God's timing is perfect and that His presence is enough
Resources:
Guzik, David. Study Guide from blueletterbible.org
She Reads Truth Bible, Christian Standard Version
The MacArthur Bible Commentary, John MacArthur
Reading NT as Christian Scripture, Constantine R. Campbell & Jonathan T. Pennington
Verses:
Mark 1:15
Ephesians 6:12
Galatians 4:4
Romans 8:15
Ephesians 1:7
Romans 12:2
2 Timothy 3:16-17
Galatians 3:25-26
Galatians 4:4
Ephesians 1:7
Galatians 5:24
Connect with Melanie Beerda:
Website www.melaniebeerda.ca
Insta: @melanie.beerda
Facebook: @melanie.beerda
Final encouragement: In the chaos of life's distractions and the flood of information, returning to the heart of the gospel — Jesus' love, sacrifice, and the promise of eternal life — is the anchor that sustains us. Dive deep into Scripture, trust in God's perfect timing, and foster a personal relationship with Christ.
#repent #believe #gospel #biblestudy

Meeting Christ in the Wilderness of Suffering: A Conversation on Faith, Hope, and Presence
Explore how suffering is not a sign of God's absence but a profound space for encounter, growth, and dependence on Him. Melanie Beerda hosts Chris Price to discuss biblical perspectives on suffering, endurance, and community support, offering hope and practical insights rooted in Scripture and personal experience.
This episode emphasizes the significance of community, biblical truths, and acknowledging the depth of human experience. It encourages believers to see suffering as a space where God's love and power are revealed and to walk alongside others with patience, presence, and prayer, trusting that hope and resurrection follow even the darkest valleys.
In this episode:
The significance of Christ's shared suffering and how through Him, we are not alone in our pain.
Understanding suffering as an opportunity for deeper dependence on God's power and love.
The importance of community, presence, patience, and perseverance in supporting those through hardship.
Differentiating between healthy compassion and enabling harmful cycles of ongoing suffering.
Lessons from Jesus' wilderness experience and its implications for our own trials. How including scripture, prayer, and community restores perspective during difficult times.
Personal stories of grief, loss, and the joy that can coexist with sorrow.
Practical ways to walk in biblical companionship, offering steadfast presence without imposing solutions.
The significance of embracing valleys as spaces of deepening and spiritual growth.
Resources & Links:
Everyday Apologetics by multiple authors, including Chris Price
 Man's Search for Meaning  Victor Frankel
Lament for a Son - Nicholas Woltersdorf 
 
Connect with Chris:
The Way Church Vancouver 
 
Connect with Melanie
Website: melaniebeerda.ca
Instagram: @melanie.beerda
Facebook: @melanie.beerda

Can God redeem even our darkest seasons?
In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Claire Thornton shares her powerful testimony of addiction, recovery, and discovering the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. From growing up in a Christian home to battling substance abuse, Claire opens up about how God met her in her brokenness and transformed her life through surrender. Whether you're struggling with addiction, walking alongside someone who is, or wondering if healing is possible, this conversation offers hope, encouragement, and a reminder that no one is beyond God's redemption.
In this episode, we discuss:
Claire's journey into addiction and recovery
Meeting Jesus in the midst of brokenness
The power of surrender and God's grace
Finding hope through grief and loss
How to support a loved one battling addiction
Why no one is beyond the reach of God's love
If this conversation encouraged you, subscribe to Rekindled Faith, like this video, and share it with someone who needs hope today.
 
Connect with Rekindled Faith:
YouTube: @RekindledFaith
Instagram: @RekindledFaith 
Connect with Melanie:
Website: www.melaniebeerda.ca
Instagram: @Melanie.Beerda
Facebook: @Melanie.Beerda 
 

The Bible: History & Authenticity
In this episode, Melanie welcomes Wes Huff, the Vice President of Apologetics Canada who shares his journey of faith, studies, and apologetics. Wes provides insightful answers to common questions about the reliability of the Bible and how Christians can navigate a skeptical world with love and truth. Whether you’re doubting, curious, or wanting to deepen your understanding of scripture, this conversation offers encouragement and practical guidance rooted in biblical conviction.
*This interview is from 2024 on Rekindled Faith -- previously only available in audio but it is now with video on YouTube!!
Main Topics:
- Wes’s personal journey from sociology and detective aspirations to biblical apologetics
- The historical reliability of the Bible and translation accuracy
- Handling objections around the morality of Old Testament events
- The importance of biblical translations and how verses were added historically
- Navigating hostility and persecution with humility and love
- How faith, even in imperfect humans, reflects Christ’s example of servant leadership
 
Connect with Apologetics Canada
Apologetics Canada Website
Instagram: @ApologeticsCanada
YouTube: @ApologeticsCanada
 
Connect with Wesley Huff
Website: wesleyhuff.com
Instagram: @Wesley_Huff
Youtube: Wes Huff
Can I trust the Bible Series 
 
Connect with Rekindled Faith
Instagram: @RekindledFaith
YouTube: @RekindledFaith
 
Connect with Melanie
Website melaniebeerda.ca  
Instagram: @MelanieBeerda
 

Embracing Disability in the Church | Presuming Competence, Belonging & the Body of Christ with Pastor Greg Harris 
 
How can the Church become a place where people with disabilities are not just welcomed, but fully included, valued, and equipped to participate in the life of the body of Christ? 
 
In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie Beerda sits down with Pastor Greg Harris to discuss disability, discipleship, and what biblical inclusion looks like in the local church. Drawing from his experience as a father, pastor, and doctoral researcher, Greg shares how his understanding of disability has been shaped through raising a son with disabilities and studying the intersection of disability and discipleship. 
 
Together, they explore the assumptions many of us make about cognitive ability, why we should presume competence when interacting with people with disabilities, and how churches can create spaces where every person is treated with dignity as an image-bearer of God. This conversation challenges listeners to rethink what it means to be the body of Christ and offers practical encouragement for building communities that reflect the heart of Jesus. 
 
In This Episode:
Greg's journey as a father of a child with disabilities 
Presuming competence and respecting a person's internal life 
How to engage meaningfully with people with disabilities 
Why age-appropriate communication matters 
Common misconceptions surrounding disability 
What Scripture teaches about serving vulnerable people 
The significance of 1 Corinthians 12 and the body of Christ 
Creating churches where everyone can participate and belong 
Embracing interruptions and diversity within worship gatherings 
The work of the Lazarus Center and disability theology in Canada 
 
About Greg Harris: 
Greg joined the team at SouthRidge Fellowship Baptist Church in 2022 and became Lead Pastor in 2025. He has been married to Sarah since 2011, and together they have three children: Benjamin, Emily, and Oliver. Greg holds a Diploma in Biblical Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Worship Arts from Columbia Bible College, a Master of Divinity from Northwest Baptist College and Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Practical Theology at McMaster Divinity College. His research focuses on the intersection of disability and discipleship in the local church. 
 
Resource mentioned: The Lazarus Centre 
Website: https://www.thelazaruscentre.org
Instagram: @thelazaruscentre 
 
Connect with Greg: 
Instagram @gregharris7 
 
Connect with Rekindled Faith: 
Instagram: @rekindledfaith 
 
Connect with Melanie: 
Website: melaniebeerda.ca
Instagram @melanie.beerda 
 

Welcome to Season 5 of Rekindled Faith: The Wilderness.
Have you ever felt distant from God, stuck in a season of waiting, or unsure of where He is leading you? Throughout Scripture, the wilderness is not a place of abandonment—it is a place of preparation, dependence, and transformation.
This season, we'll explore how God meets us in seasons of uncertainty, isolation, and spiritual dryness, teaching us to trust Him more deeply and become firmly rooted in His Word. Through biblical teaching, honest conversations, and practical encouragement, you'll discover how the wilderness can become the very place where your faith grows strongest.
Join us as we learn what it means to follow Christ faithfully and emerge from the wilderness with deeper roots, renewed hope, and a stronger foundation in Him.

Join Melanie and Andi for the Season 4 finale of Rekindled Faith as they reflect on the conversations, lessons, and guests that shaped this season. From spiritual growth and prayer to evangelism, community, and trusting God through uncertainty, they share how these discussions impacted their own faith and the lives of listeners.
In this special episode, Andi shares an exciting personal announcement, and together they celebrate God's faithfulness throughout their time hosting the podcast.
Melanie also offers a preview of Season 5: The Wilderness—a season focused on finding God's presence and purpose in seasons of waiting, isolation, and uncertainty.
In This Episode:• Highlights and lessons from Season 4• How the podcast has impacted Melanie and Andi's faith• Encouraging listener stories and feedback• Andi's exciting life update• A look ahead to Season 5: The Wilderness
Thank you for joining us this season. We pray these conversations have encouraged you to follow Christ more deeply and remain faithful in every season.
Resources: 
Book Melanie mentioned: "Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters" by Carmen Imes
Connect with Rekindled Faith:
Instagram: @RekindledFaith
Connect with Andi:
Instagram: @AndreaWallins
Substack: @SacredlySourced
Connect with Melanie:
Instagram: @MelanieBeerda
Facebook: @MelanieBeerda
Website: MelanieBeerda.ca
Substack: @MelanieBeerda

In this episode of Rekindled Faith, Melanie sits down with Zlata Zolotarova to explore a powerful family legacy shaped by faith, sacrifice, and resilience in Ukraine. Zlata shares remarkable stories passed down through generations—stories of believers who remained faithful through hardship, persecution, and uncertainty. Their unwavering trust in God's provision and commitment to serving others became a lasting spiritual inheritance that continues to influence her life today.
Together, Melanie and Zlata discuss the importance of preserving a spiritual legacy, living out faith with courage, and trusting God even when circumstances seem impossible. This conversation serves as a reminder that our faithfulness today can impact generations to come.
Whether you're navigating a difficult season, seeking to deepen your faith, or wondering what kind of legacy you're leaving behind, this episode offers encouragement and practical wisdom for living boldly for Christ.
In This Episode
The rich spiritual heritage of faith in Ukraine
Stories of perseverance through persecution and hardship
How family legacies shape future generations
Lessons on generosity and serving others
Trusting God's provision in uncertain circumstances
What it means to live out faith courageously
The lasting impact of everyday acts of obedience
Building a legacy that points others to Christ
Key Takeaways
Faithfulness often leaves a greater legacy than success.
God's provision is not limited by our circumstances.
The sacrifices of one generation can strengthen the faith of the next.
Serving others is a powerful expression of God's love.
Courageous faith inspires hope in times of uncertainty.
Connect With Rekindled Faith
Instagram: @RekindledFaith
Connect with Zlata
Instagram: @zlata_zolotarova
Website: Trinity Church - Kelowna 
If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Your support helps spread stories of hope, redemption, and renewed faith.
Follow Rekindled Faith for more conversations that inspire listeners to draw closer to Christ and live out their faith with confidence.
#RekindledFaith #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #SpiritualLegacy #Ukraine #GodsProvision #ChristianTestimony #FaithJourney #HopeInChrist #GenerationalFaith

In this powerful episode of Rekindled Faith, host Andi Wallins sits down with Ghebrezghi Berhane, whose story will challenge and deepen your perspective on faith and freedom.
Growing up in Eritrea—one of the most restrictive countries in the world for Christians—Ghebrezghi shares his firsthand experience with persecution, imprisonment, and the constant threat faced by those who actively live out their faith. With family members still imprisoned for their beliefs, his story reveals the real cost of following Jesus in a place where faith must often be practiced in secret.
From a dangerous escape to Ethiopia to ultimately finding refuge in Canada, Ghebrezghi’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and unwavering trust in God. He highlights his encounter with Jesus that transformed his life—and why that transformation made him a target.
This conversation is a sobering reminder not to take religious freedom for granted, while also pointing to the hope, boldness, and deep conviction that can only come from a life rooted in Christ.
Takeaways:
Freedom of faith is not guaranteed and comes at a cost for many
Christians in Eritrea face intense persecution and surveillance
Living out your faith boldly can come with real consequences
God’s protection and presence remain even in dangerous circumstances
True transformation in Christ changes every part of your life
Religious freedom in countries like Canada is a gift not to be taken lightly
Faith can grow stronger through trials, not weaker
Sharing the gospel can require courage and sacrifice
The global Church is more connected than we often realize
Hope in Christ remains, even in the darkest situations
Additional Resources:
Subscribe to the Rekindled Faith Podcast  
Mentioned in this Episode:
Grace Literature and Media Ministry
Voice of the Martyrs
Connect with Rekindled Faith
Instagram: @rekindledfaith
YouTube: @rekindledfaith
Connect with Andi Wallins
Instagram: @andreawallins
Substack: @sacredlysourced
 
Rekindled Faith is all about helping you get back to the foundation of your faith in Jesus. Follow the podcast for more conversations that will strengthen and encourage your walk with God.