Connections with Rich and Bobbi

A lot of people don't hear about the Gospel in church - we have to go to them...- Hans Shapp, 4

In our concluding talk with Hans Shapp, who had come West from behind the wall in Communist East Germany in the ‘70s,  he shares how he feels called to go out onto the highways and by-ways of life to share the Gospel wherever he can - even back to those drugs and alcohol-fueled  discos where he once was a frequent visitor!

Before The Wall fell, they smuggled Bibles and books to believers and churches there! - Hans Shapp, 3

We’ve been visiting with Hans Shapp, who’s been sharing with us how he came out of East Germany in the ‘70's, when barriers of barbed wire and concrete walls blocked off the West, to what he thought was a newfound freedom. But not until he was introduced to Jesus as his Lord and Savior did his life really change!

It was the greatest thing that I ever have felt, and I felt so free inwardly and outwardly - Hans Shapp, 2

On our last podcast, Hans Shapp told of his life growing up behind the wall in East Germany during the 60's and 70's under Communist rule; and then suddenly being deported to the West. It was like a child having free run in a candy shop. Neon lights glowed in the night skies. Music blared out from the discotheques. Drugs and alcohol were widely available. Did any of this bring Hans happiness, peace, or freedom? 

In those days, reality was, "Big Brother" watching us in every part of our lives! - Hans Shapp, 1

During the night of August 13, 1961, the East German government closed off the border from the West. Hans Shapp grew up in East Germany during this time; he tells his story of suddenly being cut off from the West and living behind the wall!

1.4 million Americans will spend time in a shelter this year-Finding true freedom! - Teddy Feldmann, 4

We’re visiting with Teddy Feldmann, the Community Outreach Coordinator, at CityTeam in Oakland, CA. Teddy has been telling us about the services and programs they offer to those in need on the streets, and how they change lives, as he was helped, as well!

Does this place for the homeless and the hungry help to actually change lives?! - Teddy Feldmann, 3

Join us on our podcast and hear how God is using a place called CityTeam to reach so many. We’re at their location in downtown Oakland, CA, meeting with Teddy Feldmann, their Community Outreach Coordinator, who was once on a journey to go through their program!

For thousands in need on the streets, CityTeam is one place of refuge. –Teddy Feldmann, Part 2

We’re at CityTeam’s location in downtown Oakland, California, continuing our visit with Teddy Feldmann. He is their Community Outreach Coordinator, who was a former frequent visitor! A leader now, he talks about the struggle of the journey to get where he is, and the Hand of the Lord guiding him...  

“With winter upon us, where do the rising homeless go for help?” Teddy Feldmann, City Team

One oasis opening its doors to the people on the streets is called CityTeam. It’s located in the heart of the city. And with us to talk about their work and service is Teddy Feldmann, their Community Outreach Coordinator- and former resident and student!

Using Your Gifts: "After you’ve done your artwork, give the glory back to God" - Deborah Samia, 3

We’re continuing our visit with artist Deborah Samia. On our concluding visit with her, she talked about how one's gifts, and her gift of art in particular, can be used for the Lord, as well as the battle between self-glory and giving God the glory!  

Creating art with a foundation of biblical themes, but told in a universal language - Deborah Samia, 2

Join us for our continuing visit with the talented artist and sculpturist Deborah Samia! With a God-given gift for art, she's been creating since she was a child. We’ve been talking with her about her exploring how to combine her art and her faith, "but communicating in a language that is not just for people who know the stories of the Bible!”