He Speaks with Kate

In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Pastor Brian Sumner, former professional skateboarder and pastor of Calvary Chapel Pacific Coast, for an inspiring conversation about God's calling, redemption, and discovering His purpose for our lives.

Growing up in Liverpool, England, Brian had little understanding of Christianity. But at just 15 years old, a skateboarding accident led to an unexpected experience that would stay with him for years. Though he didn't know God at the time, Brian recalls sensing that he would become a professional skateboarder, move to America, and that God had a plan for his life.

As his skateboarding career took off, Brian found himself living the dream, riding professionally and building a name for himself in the skateboarding world. Yet it wasn't until years later, during a season of personal struggles, that he began searching for truth. Determined to disprove Christianity, Brian started reading the Bible from beginning to end, only to discover the truth of the Gospel and surrender his life to Jesus.

Together, Kate and Brian explore how God can use our unique gifts, experiences, and even our greatest struggles to lead us into His purpose. Brian shares how his passion for skateboarding became an opportunity to reach others with the Gospel, how God restored his marriage, and what he's learned about trusting the Lord while raising a family.

From skateparks to the pulpit, Brian's story is a reminder that God's plans often unfold in ways we could never anticipate. Whether you're just beginning to explore faith or have been walking with Jesus for years, this conversation will encourage you to recognize His leading and remain faithful to His calling.

Main Takeaway: God has a purpose for your life, even before you recognize His hand at work. No matter your background, past mistakes, or circumstances, He can transform your story and use the gifts He's given you for His glory. Keep seeking Him, stay rooted in His Word, and trust Him as He leads you forward.

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In Part 2 of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes back Sonia Trujillo, pastor's wife, Bible teacher, speaker, and author of Casper: A God's Story, for a heartfelt conversation about forgiveness, healing, and trusting God's voice through life's most difficult circumstances.

Continuing her powerful testimony from Part 1, Sonia shares how God challenged her to forgive when she discovered a painful betrayal in her marriage. Having witnessed the effects of infidelity growing up, Sonia had promised herself she would never walk through that experience. But when faced with the very situation she feared most, she sensed God calling her to choose forgiveness.

What followed wasn't an overnight transformation, but a journey of surrender, rebuilding trust, and allowing God to heal what had been broken. Sonia shares how that difficult season ultimately strengthened her faith and helped prepare her and her husband, Pastor David Trujillo, for a life of ministry.

Together, Kate and Sonia explore the importance of recognizing God's voice, testing what we hear against Scripture, and responding in obedience even when His direction challenges our own desires. Sonia also reflects on how God has used their testimony to encourage others facing broken relationships, painful pasts, and seemingly impossible circumstances.

Through her book, Casper: A God's Story, and her ministry at Calvary Chapel South Los Angeles, Sonia reminds listeners that our past doesn't have to determine our future and that God's grace is greater than our brokenness.

Main Takeaway: Forgiveness is not always easy, and healing often takes time. But as we grow in our relationship with God, learn to recognize His voice through His Word, and trust Him enough to obey, we can experience the freedom and restoration that only He can bring.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Sonia Trujillo, pastor's wife, speaker, Bible teacher, and author of Casper: A God's Story, for a powerful conversation about redemption, healing, and discovering God's purpose through life's most difficult seasons.

Growing up in South Central Los Angeles, Sonia experienced neglect, violence, and a life surrounded by gangs and drugs. By age 13, she had joined a gang and was known by the name "Casper." Years of painful experiences taught her how to survive by shutting down her emotions, but God had something greater in store for her life.

Sonia shares how a simple invitation to church changed everything. After witnessing the transformation in her boyfriend, now her husband, David, she attended a service where she sensed God calling her to surrender her life to Him. That moment began a journey of healing, restoration, and learning to recognize God's voice through His Word.

Together, Kate and Sonia discuss how God can use even the most painful parts of our stories for His glory. Sonia reflects on the process of writing her testimony, learning to embrace her past without being defined by it, and how God eventually called her and her husband back to the very community they once wanted to escape. Today, they serve others through Calvary Chapel South Los Angeles, sharing the hope and transformation found in Jesus.

Through her book, Casper: A God's Story, Sonia reminds us that no matter how broken our past may be, God sees us, loves us, and can bring purpose from our pain.

Main Takeaway: God doesn't just want us to survive—He wants us to experience the fullness of life found in Him. No matter where you've been or what you've experienced, your past does not define your future. God sees you, He speaks to you, and He can redeem your story.

Stay tuned for Part 2, as Kate and Sonia continue their conversation and explore forgiveness, healing, and the freedom found in Christ.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Amanda Fawver, wife, mother, entrepreneur, and Bible teacher, for an inspiring conversation about recognizing God's voice, walking in obedience, and learning to trust Him with every part of our lives.

Amanda shares how the unexpected loss of her younger sister led her down a path of searching for answers in the wrong places. But in April 2023, everything changed when she heard God calling her to leave that life behind and follow Him. What began as a moment of surrender became a journey of transformation, deeper faith, and learning to recognize the Holy Spirit's leading.

After building a successful six-figure business, Amanda sensed God calling her to walk away from it. Though she struggled with the uncertainty of what would come next, that season taught her to depend on God rather than her own plans. Through prayer, studying Scripture, and spending time in His presence, she discovered a new purpose: using her social media platform to encourage others to trust God and grow in His Word.

Together, Kate and Amanda explore what keeps us from hearing God's voice, the importance of knowing His character through Scripture, and how everyday promptings from the Holy Spirit can become opportunities for obedience. Amanda also shares a personal story about sensing God urging her to check on a neighbor, reminding listeners that recognizing His voice is only part of the journey. We must also be willing to respond.

Main Takeaway: Hearing God's voice begins with knowing Him. As we spend time in His Word, quiet the distractions, and surrender our own plans, we become more sensitive to His leading. Trust Him, listen closely, and be willing to obey, even when you don't know what comes next.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes David Holland—author, speaker, pastor, and encourager—for a powerful conversation about grace, freedom, and learning to hear the voice of our Heavenly Father.

David shares how he came to Christ at seven years old, yet spent much of his early Christian life struggling with guilt, shame, and the feeling that he had to earn God’s approval. Everything began to change when he discovered a deeper understanding of grace and realized that because of Jesus, he could freely approach his Heavenly Father and find love rather than disappointment.

Together, Kate and David explore how that understanding can transform the way we hear God. David discusses some of the things that can make His voice difficult to recognize—including shame, distractions, a noisy soul, and simply being uncomfortable with silence. He encourages listeners to make room for stillness and immerse themselves in Scripture, which gives the Holy Spirit a vocabulary through which to speak.

David also shares a memorable story from his own life when he sensed God telling him to call a Christian radio station and ask for a job—even though he had no experience or credentials. After initially resisting, a Scripture he had memorized came to mind and gave him the courage to make the call. The station happened to need someone at that exact moment, opening a door that would change the trajectory of his life.

Main Takeaway: You don’t have to earn your way into God’s presence. You are loved, welcomed, and accepted because of Jesus. Quiet the noise, know His Word, and draw close to your Heavenly Father—He desires a personal, life-giving relationship with you and wants you to hear His voice.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Barbara Frone for a practical and encouraging conversation about learning to hear God’s voice in everyday life.

Barbara shares her journey of discovering that hearing from God doesn’t have to be complicated. Through studying Scripture, spending quiet time with Jesus, and learning to recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit, she began to understand just how personally God desires to communicate with His children.

Together, Kate and Barbara talk about the importance of slowing down, listening, and allowing God’s Word to guide what we hear. Barbara also shares how learning to rest in Jesus transformed her understanding of the Christian life—from striving to be “good enough” to trusting in what Christ has already done.

From everyday decisions to unexpected promptings, Barbara encourages listeners to stay close to God and trust His direction, even when they don’t have every answer.

Main Takeaway: Hearing God’s voice begins with relationship. Spend time with Him, know His Word, quiet the distractions, and listen. As you learn to recognize His voice and rest in Jesus, you can trust Him to faithfully guide you through everyday life.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Frank Avila for a heartfelt conversation about a lifetime of hearing God’s voice and experiencing His faithfulness.

Frank shares how growing up with an alcoholic father shaped his early years and how a simple invitation from a friend changed the direction of his life. After attending church and receiving Christ, Frank began a lifelong journey of learning to hear God, trust His leading, and follow Him through every season.

After a 30-year career with the IRS, 52 years of marriage, and 40 years of serving at Harvest Church, Frank looks back on the ways God has remained faithful through trials, family, relationships, and unexpected chapters of life.

Frank also shares the story behind his book, Jesus, the IRS and the Cota Boy, originally written for his grandchildren as a way to preserve the story of God’s work in his life. His testimony is an encouragement that the faithfulness of God isn't limited to one moment—it can be seen throughout an entire lifetime.

Main Takeaway: God speaks, God leads, and God is faithful. Through every trial, relationship, and season of life, we can trust Him to guide us one step at a time.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Sue Fries—business owner, radio host of The Sue Fries Show, author, and speaker—for an honest conversation about hearing God’s voice, finding freedom from the past, and trusting His plan for your life.

Sue shares how God dramatically redirected her career while she was working in fashion with a simple message: “Get into the bug business.” She listened, and that unexpected step of obedience eventually grew into Ecola, a business with 80 employees.

But Sue’s story goes much deeper than business success. She vulnerably opens up about hurts and trauma from her past and how, during a critical season, God literally used the radio to lead her toward the help she needed. Through healing, learning to forgive herself, and surrendering her past to God, Sue discovered a freedom that she now uses to bring hope to others.

Today, Sue continues to encourage people through radio, speaking, writing, and her latest book, Why Am I Here? Her story is a reminder that our past does not have to determine our future—and God can use every part of our journey for a greater purpose.

Main Takeaway: Listen when God speaks. His plans may take you somewhere you never expected, but as you trust and follow Him, He can bring freedom from your past and use your life to bless others.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Steve Husting—husband, father, artist, author, evangelist, and joyful servant—for an encouraging conversation about hearing God’s voice, walking in obedience, and trusting Him with the outcome.

Steve shares his journey of following God while living with severe hearing loss, including seasons of isolation before receiving a cochlear implant that changed his world. Along the way, God taught him what surrender looks like in both the big and small areas of life. From prompting Steve to let go of things he was holding onto—including his comic book collection—to clearly pointing out the woman who would become his wife, Steve has learned that listening to God often requires a willingness to obey.

During one of his most difficult seasons, Steve asked God a question he had carried for years: “Why aren’t I healed?” The answer he sensed from God—“I take full responsibility”—allowed Steve to finally release the outcome and rest in God’s care.

Today, Steve continues to serve wherever God places him, whether teaching Sunday school, helping behind the scenes, sharing his creativity, or simply being available to others.

Main Takeaway: God is faithful, even when His answer looks different from what we hoped for. We can trust Him with the outcome, walk in obedience, and believe that He will provide everything we truly need.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Alli Joy Vazquez, wife, mother, and full-time evangelist serving in global ministry, for an encouraging conversation about what it means to truly pursue the presence of God.

Alli Joy shares how her journey of hearing God’s voice began at a young age and how a life filled with the Holy Spirit has shaped her faith and ministry. Together, Kate and Alli discuss why our private devotional life matters more to God than our public ministry—and why time alone with Jesus is one of the most valuable things we can prioritize.

Alli also offers encouragement to women who feel called to serve, reminding them, “Don’t fight to be a woman in ministry, just be a woman and do ministry.” For anyone struggling to hear God’s voice, she encourages making space to get away from the distractions, seek Him in the secret place, and simply spend time in His presence.

Kate and Alli close the episode by praying for listeners and pointing back to what our hearts are ultimately searching for: His presence.

Main Takeaway: Pursuing God begins in the secret place. Before our ministry, responsibilities, or accomplishments, He desires our hearts. Make time to be alone with Jesus, listen for His voice, and seek His presence above everything else.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate sits down with her husband, Jim Dearborn, to share an incredible story of God's faithfulness and the importance of listening for His voice.

Jim recounts how his journey of faith began by listening to KWVE Radio, never imagining that 26 years later he would marry one of the station's on-air hosts. Throughout the conversation, Jim shares several moments when God spoke clearly into his life. During a season of discouragement, God gently reminded him, "There are more people with less, doing more for Me." That simple nudge led Jim to step out of self-pity and begin serving in homeless ministry, where his perspective—and his heart—were transformed.

Jim also shares a pivotal moment during a breakup with Kate. As he prepared to move to Dearborn, Michigan, for a radio opportunity, he questioned whether he had misunderstood God's promise that he would one day be married. What happened next became a powerful reminder that God's plans are always better than our own.

Join Kate and Jim for an honest conversation about trusting God's timing, recognizing His voice, and remaining faithful through every season of life.

Main Takeaway: Stay close to God whether you're single or married. Even when life doesn't unfold the way you hoped, trust His timing, follow His leading, and remember that He is always faithful. His plans are greater than our own.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Pastor Christopher Perrin of Life After Death Tattoo Studio in Costa Mesa, California, for an honest conversation about the power of our thoughts and the freedom found in God's truth.

Christopher shares his testimony of God's faithfulness and how the Lord delivered him from anxiety and suicidal thoughts, transforming his life through the renewing power of Scripture. Kate also vulnerably opens up about her own journey of healing from an eating disorder, sharing how God's grace restored her identity and brought lasting hope.

Together, they explore God's goodness, His unfailing faithfulness, and practical, biblical ways to renew our minds each day. Christopher shares a life-changing truth the Lord impressed on his heart:

"You are a product of the thoughts that you entertain."

This episode is a powerful reminder that lasting transformation begins by replacing lies with God's truth and allowing Him to shape the way we think.

Main Takeaway: Your thoughts shape your life. When you fill your mind with God's Word and choose to believe His truth over the lies of fear, shame, and anxiety, you'll experience the freedom, peace, and hope that only Christ can give.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Justin Bright—Assistant Pastor, church planter, safety specialist, and evangelist at First Love Church in Costa Mesa—for a powerful conversation about surrender, redemption, and trusting God's direction.

Justin shares his journey from years of wandering through drug and alcohol abuse to finding lasting freedom in Christ. As God transformed his life through sobriety, He also gave Justin a new purpose: serving others and proclaiming the hope of the Gospel. Justin reflects on the incredible ways God has faithfully provided, clearly spoken, and guided him through seasons of uncertainty—even when he had no clear plan for what came next.

Together, Kate and Justin discuss what it means to trust God completely, surrender your own agenda, and discover that His plans are always better than our own. They also highlight the life-changing power of prayer and the peace that comes from placing every step into God's hands.

Main Takeaway: Surrender is the key to walking with God. When we lay down our own plans, seek Him in prayer, and trust His leading, He faithfully provides, guides, and accomplishes far more than we could ever imagine.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Dawn Carter Cropsey of First Love Church in Costa Mesa for an uplifting conversation about following God's leading and faithfully serving wherever He calls.

Dawn reflects on the lasting impact of both her earthly father's love and her Heavenly Father's faithfulness, sharing how those early experiences shaped her heart for ministry and helping others. She talks about God's guidance throughout her college years, the blessing of serving alongside her husband in ministry, and her passion for encouraging women to discover and use the gifts God has given them.

With a Master's degree in Counseling and a bachelor's degree in Child Development, Dawn brings wisdom, compassion, and biblical truth to everything she does. Whether mentoring women, supporting her church, or sharing encouragement online through her Faith & Fashion ministry (@DawnDawnCarter), her desire is to point others toward a deeper relationship with Christ.

Through her gifts of encouragement, teaching, and discernment, Dawn reminds us that God faithfully directs those who are willing to follow Him.

Main Takeaway: Let God lead your life. As you trust His direction and faithfully serve others with the gifts He's given you, He will use your life to encourage, strengthen, and point people to Him.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Pastor Ben Isaac and Eleyn Isaac for a warm, encouraging conversation about the many ways God speaks to His children.

Ben shares a memorable experience while visiting Israel, where an unexpected encounter with a school of fish became a beautiful reminder of God's creativity and personal care. Eleyn reflects on a special season in their relationship, sharing how God gave her a clear dream while they were dating that brought peace to her heart and confirmed that Ben was the man she would marry.

For the past 25 years, Ben and Eleyn have faithfully served young people, witnessing countless lives transformed through the truth of God's Word and the love of Christ. Today, they believe God is calling them to continue sharing the Gospel with their local community through a weekly Bible study every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at Smith Park in San Gabriel, California.

Together, they share how God captured their hearts, called them into ministry, and continues to faithfully lead them one step at a time.

Main Takeaway: Be strong and courageous. God is always with you, faithfully leading and guiding those who trust Him. As Joshua 1:9 reminds us, "Be strong and of good courage... for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Linda Radich, Spiritual Development Coordinator for Army of Love Discipleship Ministry, to share a remarkable story of God's redeeming power.

Linda courageously opens up about experiencing abuse at a young age, years of painful choices, and the deep hopelessness that followed. She also shares her journey through abortion and the overwhelming grace she found in Christ. Through it all, God delivered her from a spirit of death that had plagued her family and lifted her from the pit of despair, replacing brokenness with hope and purpose.

Today, Linda serves as a bold evangelist, counselor, mentor, and teacher, helping others experience the same freedom she found in Jesus. Through Army of Love, she equips churches with discipleship training and support materials, ministering to people throughout the United States and East Africa.

This honest conversation is a powerful reminder that no past is beyond God's redemption and no life is too broken for His healing touch.

Main Takeaway: God never gives up on us. No matter where we've been or what we've done, His grace is greater, His love never fails, and He delights in bringing healing, hope, and new purpose to every life.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate Manor is joined by KWAVE producer Johnnie Gordon for an honest conversation about hearing God's voice and learning to follow His leading.

Kate shares how God clearly called her into recovery after two failed marriages, breaking the cycle of unhealthy patterns and leading her toward healing and freedom. Johnnie reflects on the personal ways God has spoken to him throughout his life, often reminding him with a simple but powerful truth: "I'm with you."

Together, they explore why listening for God's voice is essential, how He faithfully guides His children, and what it looks like to respond in faith when He speaks.

Main Takeaway: Trust God. Bring everything to Him in prayer, then take time to listen. He longs to speak to His children, offering guidance, peace, and the assurance that He is always with us.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Christopher Perrin—pastor, mentor, tattoo artist, podcast host, and founder of Life After Death Tattoo Studio in Costa Mesa, California—for an inspiring conversation about hearing God's voice and resting in His love.

Christopher shares his powerful testimony of how God delivered him from depression and suicidal thoughts, leading him into a deeper understanding of His grace, faithfulness, and unconditional love. Together, Kate and Christopher explore how God longs to have a personal relationship with His children, yet the noise and busyness of everyday life often keep us from recognizing His voice.

They also discuss what it means to truly rest in God—not striving to earn His acceptance, but simply believing and receiving the love He freely offers. Even in life's most difficult seasons, we can find lasting hope because our confidence is rooted in Christ, not in our circumstances or emotions. Drawing from Hebrews 11, they remind listeners that God delights in those who trust Him.

Main Takeaway: God is always speaking to His children. As we quiet our hearts, trust His promises, and rest in His unfailing love, we discover the peace, hope, and assurance that only He can give.

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In this episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate welcomes Shannon Quintana for an honest conversation about growing through life's most difficult seasons.

Shannon shares how God met her in the middle of crisis, bringing healing, restoration, and a renewed understanding of her identity in Christ. Together, they discuss the life-changing value of biblical counseling, the journey toward a restored marriage, and what it means to truly love others as Christ does.

Now serving as a biblical counselor and mental health coach, Shannon shares how God has redeemed her story and is using it to encourage and equip women who are facing struggles of their own.

Main Takeaway: Life is messy, but God is faithful. As we trust Him and rest in His arms, He brings healing, growth, and purpose—even through our hardest seasons.

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In this heartfelt episode of He Speaks with Kate, Kate sits down with her adult son, Jordan, to talk about God's faithfulness through life's most difficult and unexpected seasons.

Jordan shares the impact of losing his father suddenly at just seven years old and how he experienced God's provision and care throughout the years that followed. He also opens up about walking away from church during high school and college, spending seven years away from the faith before God lovingly drew him back.

Along the way, Jordan recounts a powerful moment when he sensed God clearly prompting him to buy food for a homeless man named Micah. What happened next became a reminder that obedience often blesses the giver just as much as the receiver.

This conversation is a testimony of God's pursuit, provision, and faithfulness—and an encouragement to listen when He speaks.

Main Takeaway: No matter how far you've wandered or what you've walked through, God is faithful to pursue you, provide for you, and guide you back to Himself. Sometimes His voice is heard most clearly through simple acts of obedience.

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