“One Free World Internationall”

Mike Dunn’s special guest on “Quest for Character” Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at 6pm CT will be Rev. Majed El Shafie, founder of “One Free World International”.

Rev. Majed El Shafie is a human rights advocate and founder of One Free World International (OFWI). His human rights journey started in his native Egypt that he was later forced to flee. Rev. El Shafie was severely tortured and sentenced to death for his conversion to Christianity and bringing awareness to human rights violations related to religious persecution. Belonging to a very prominent legal and political family in Egypt, Rev. El Shafie had tried to work within the Egyptian system to reform the country’s human rights regime. Between the challenges he faced in these efforts, his firsthand experience as a survivor of religious persecution, the work he has engaged in since advocating for religious freedom, confronting governments that violate this fundamental right, and conducting fact-finding missions and humanitarian/rescue operations, he has obtained significant knowledge and insight into the dynamics of persecution of religious minorities by religious extremists and totalitarian governments alike.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Majed El Shafie’s Website

www.onefreeworldinternational.org

“God Will”

Mike Dunn’s special guests on “Quest for Character” were Marilynn Dunn and her husband Kevin Dunn.

Although Marilynn Dunn was born in Mississippi, she was raised in St. Louis, Mo.  She was gifted from birth to proclaim the power of God through songs.  At the tender age of eight years old, she sang in the children’s choir and left an impression on the church.  Her anointing had been discovered.  By the age of fifteen, she directed and usually led songs for the children’s choir.

Since her experience with the children’s choir, Marilynn has sang in school choirs, church adult choirs, numerous plays, talent shows and gong shows.  She has functioned as praise and worship leader in St. Louis, Mo and served in many other church related functions.

Featured appearances included the Midwestern District Choir, St. Louis, Mo; Special guest soloist with the Gospel Fest at the Airport Hilton, St. Louis, Mo; Opening praise and worship for John P. Kee concert, Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, GA; Guest soloist with Shirley Caesar at her annual telethon.  Marilynn opened for Lemmie Battles as a special guest in St. Louis, Mo in 2001.

Marilynn has recorded with trumpet in Zion Revival Mass Choir as a soloist; and with Greater Mt. Zion Christian Fellowship, St. Louis, Mo. She also received songwriter credits for the songs recorded.

She was a special guest with Vicki Winans and Kim Burrell at Solomon’s Temple Women’s Conference, June, 2002.  In addition, she released a Christmas CD and now her third CD entitled, “God Will” in 2013.

Marilynn puts her all into every song she sings, proclaiming a powerful testimony of salvation, deliverance, healing, and victory through Jesus Christ.  It is no doubt to many that the Lord has prepared and raised Marilynn up for such a time as this to inform a ding world that Jesus Christ lives through her songs.

Along with her husband in ministry, Marilynn is gifted by God to bring Christians to their feet and sinners to the cross through Christ Jesus.  God anointed her for his glory.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

“Media Relations Director for Open Doors USA”

Mike Dunn’s special guest on “Quest for Character” was Jerry Dykstra.

Jerry Dykstra is media relations director for Open Doors USA (www.OpenDoorsUSA.org based in Santa Ana, California), the American arm of Open Doors International, a worldwide ministry supporting persecuted Christians since 1955.

Open Doors works in the world's most oppressive countries, strengthening Christians to stand strong in the face of persecution and equipping them to shine Christ's light in these dark places.

One of the greatest challenges to Christians living under tyranny and oppression is isolation - from God's word and from the body of Christ.

Where other Christian organizations cannot enter or have been forced to flee by oppressive governments or cultures, Open Doors can be found - supplying Bibles, training Christian leaders, developing Christian communities and ensuring prayer, presence and advocacy for these suffering believers.

When the Christians are strengthened in the Lord, they begin to demonstrate God's forgiveness and reach out in love, even to their oppressors.

The witness of the persecuted church has a unique power to reach lives and communities that would otherwise never be open to the gospel - but they cannot do it alone.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Jerry Dykstra Website
www.opendoorsusa.org

“Tales of the Defended Ones”

Mike Dunn and Dr. Debra Peppers' special guest on “Quest for Character” was Beth Guckenberger, author of “Tales of the Defended Ones”.

Beth and her husband, Todd, live with their family in Monterrey, Mexico where they serve with Back2Back Ministries, an international orphan care ministry headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. They both graduated from Indiana University with degrees in education and between biological, foster, and adopted, are raising nine children. Currently the ministry has operations on three different continents (Mexico, India, and Nigeria). The Guckenberger’s have lived in Monterrey since 1997 and in that time have hosted thousands of guests on the ministry campus.

Beth is the author of Reckless Faith (Zondervan, 2008), Relentless Hope (Standard Publishing, 2010), Tales of the Not Forgotten (Standard Publishing, 2012), and Tales of the Defended Ones (Standard Publishing, 2013). Beth is the recipient of the 2013 International Network of Children’s Ministry Legacy Award and the Cincinnati Christian University’s 2012 Salute to Leaders Award for her and Back2Back’s impact on children internationally. She travels and speaks regularly at conferences, youth gatherings and church services. Beth is also a co-host on Real Life, Real Talk on Saturdays at 8am on Sirius-XM 131. Her topics include, but are not limited to, orphan care, missions, ministry, parenting, marriage/intimacy, and general faith. Her style is story-telling and she draws from her field experience as a missionary and parent of nine children for illustrations to biblical concepts.

In Beth’s book, “Tales of the Defended Ones”, Ben and Joseph lose their mothers, but find a family looking just for them. Antonio is rescued from what seems like a hopeless situation. Caitlyn dares to trust that truth will set her free. Jorani is delivered from slavery into the arms of grace.

Follow these real-life stories as they take you on a journey to foreign places and extreme struggles. Travel through their challenges and see the hand of the great Storyweaver – our Defender God shielding and defending the defenseless in the amazing ways only he can. These are the tales of the ones left wounded and weak-ones made whole and strong.

Beth’s passion is working with orphans through Back2Back Ministries. Her desire is to see lasting change in the lives of the orphans she serves. Beth serves alongside her husband, Todd, as Executive Directors of Back2Back Ministries – a leader in the field of orphan care and child development.

Back2Back serves children’s homes and impoverished communities, by partnering with individuals, schools, churches, civic groups, and businesses to create a bridge between people in need and people with resources. This is accomplished through partnerships and short-term mission trips, in which individuals and groups work alongside Back2Back staff members who are stationed at each of our ministry locations. Back2Back invests in the future of each child by equipping them with the tools and resources they need to pursue their dreams, so that they can become self-sustaining individuals who give back to their community. The goal is that each child would experience restoration to a life of purpose in which they can become fulfilled and mature Christian adults.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Beth Guckenberger Website

www.bethguckenberger.com

“The Before I Formed You Foundation”

Mike Dunn’s special guests on “Quest for Character” was Ron DiCianni and his son Grant, co-founders of “The Before I Formed You Foundation”.

The Before I Formed You Foundation, a not-for profit organization, has a mission . . . to reach out to every Crisis Pregnancy Center, Abortion Clinic, Planned Parenthood center, Legislator and OB/GYN in the nation.

Renowned Christian artist, Ron DiCianni and his son Grant developed the foundation around Ron’s painting titled “Before I Formed You In The Womb . . .” (Jeremiah 1:5).

This beautiful painting is a celebration of life and shows God's design behind each unborn child. The painting was crafted by the hands of an abortion survivor to visually showcase that each life is precious to the Creator.

Ron DiCianni is regarded as one of the leading Christian fine artists of our time. But his life nearly ended before it began. Ron represents the face of abortion survival.

Ron tells us that in 1951, "My mother, pregnant with me, had decided to have an abortion. She never did tell me what brought her to consider killing me in the womb... Years later my mom would tell me that the needle came within an inch of her arm when she distinctly heard the voice of God saying, “Don’t do this... I have a plan for this baby!” With a quick reaction she pushed the needle away and got up and walked out, giving me a chance to live."

It was God's divine intervention that gave Ron his life, a life he has used to minister to millions of people across the globe with his art. After having painted some of the most incredible paintings ever seen, Ron turns his brush toward a message of hope. A message that each life is created by God for a purpose. In Before I Formed You in the Womb, Ron shows clearly that was true in his experience is true for each life, that before we were even formed in the womb, God knew us. The goal behind the painting? A Celebration of Life! A message that each life is precious to its Creator and we destroy that life in direct conflict with God's intent for life.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Ron DiCianni Website
www.formedyou.org

“President & CEO of Hopegivers International”

Mike Dunn’s special guest on “Quest for Character” was Dr. Samuel Thomas, the president and CEO of “Hopegivers International”.

The Martyr's Oath is a pledge that our Pioneer Missionaries take before launching out into the mission field, to not only live for the Lord, but to die for Him.

I stand with the Apostle Paul in stating that “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

➵ I take a stand to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with my hands to serve all mankind.

➵ I take a stand to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with my feet to spread the to all the ends of the earth no

matter what the cost.

➵ I take a stand to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with my lips by proclaiming the Good News to all who hear and by

edifying the body of Christ.

➵ I take a stand to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with my mind as I meditate upon His Word and His promises

to me.

➵ I give my earthly treasures and all that I possess to follow the way of the cross.

➵ I commit to love my family, orphans, widows, lepers, the wealthy and the poor the way that Christ loved the

Church.

➵ I surrender my will and life to His will and life.

➵ I commit to the service of the Lord by being a good steward of my time.

➵ I surrender this body on earth to the perfect will of Jesus and should my blood be spilled may

it bring forth a mighty harvest of souls.

➵ I pledge allegiance to the Lamb. I will seek to honor His command. I am not ashamed of the ospel of Christ

for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.

➵ Lord Jesus, Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

➵ I love my nation and my fellow citizens and I claim my nation for Christ.

I have read this pledge and understood it completely. Being of sound mind and body, I do solemnly declare this martyr’s pledge without any persuasion of enticement.

Dr. Samuel A. Thomas, born in 1967, is known throughout India as a leading humanitarian. Following in the footsteps of his father Dr. M. A. Thomas - Founder of Hopegivers International - Dr. Samuel is a second generation visionary for the organization.

Dr. Samuel, a dynamic leader and speaker, united with his father in the vision for "One Million Arrows" for God that continues to fuel the explosive growth of Hopegivers International throughout India and other developing nations. Their vision is to see one million needy children rescued from brothels, slums and the streets of India by the year 2020.

Dr. Samuel is not only the spokesperson for the ministry; he also oversees the day-to-day operations of the ministry. With strong communication skills and a management style that encourages personal excellence, it is no surprise that his ministry team - in India and in the United States - work diligently to reach their full potential in order to further the Gospel and rescue orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children.

Dr. Samuel says: "I was drafted into my role in the ministry by the Holy Spirit. I was trying to reconcile God's call on my life in ministry with my aspirations to become a pediatric surgeon after college. When I told my parents of my dilemma, my parents told me that God didn't need my money. He wanted me! That's how it all got started."

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Dr. Samuel Thomas Website
www.hopegivers.org

Ray Comfort

Mike Dunn’s guest on “Quest for Character” was Ray Comfort, author of “The Beatles, God and the Bible”.

Ray Comfort is the founder, president and CEO of Living Waters Publications. After relocating from New Zealand to Southern California in the late 1980s, Ray introduced a long line of pastors and churches to a biblical teaching which he called Hell's Best Kept Secret. The positive and enthusiastic response that followed took Ray’s Living Waters Publications ministry to a whole new level. From humble beginnings, LWP has become an internationally recognized ministry, reaching the lost and equipping Christians with every necessary resource to fulfill the great commission.

Ray Comfort is the co-host (with Kirk Cameron) of the award-winning television program "The Way of the Master," which airs in 70 countries around the world. Ray is a best-selling author of more than 60 books. He and his wife, Sue, live in Southern California, where they have three grown children.

Ray has spoken on the subject of atheism at Yale and other prestigious universities, debated on ABC's Nightline, written, God Doesn't Believe in Atheists, The Atheist Test (booklet--over one million copies sold), You can Lead an Atheist to Evidence But You can't Make Him Think, and, Evolution: A Fair Tale For Grownups (Bridge Logos). He was a platform speaker for American Atheists, Inc., at their 2001 National Convention.

Using modern pop culture as the backdrop, Ray’s book, The Beatles, God & The Bible follows the thread of John Lennon's declaration that the Beatles were more

popular than Jesus and weaves the premise forward into current 21st century culture. The book is a fascinating look at the move of America and American youth in particular over the past forty years from a biblical based moral compass to the increasingly "no holds barred" culture of today. From the declaring of prayer being removed from schools in the 60's to the recent Sandy Hook tragedy, America's classrooms and culture are not the seemingly safe "Father Knows Best" world of the Baby Boomer past.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Ray Comfort Websites

www.wayofthemaster.com/

www.livingwaters.com

“Wife of Slain First Baptist Church Pastor, Fred Winters”

Author of “Reflections from the Pit”

Mike Dunn and Dr. Debra Peppers’ guest on “Quest for Character” 6pm central time was Cindy Winters, the wife of slain First Baptist Church Pastor in Maryville, Illinois and author of her new book, “Reflections from the Pit”.

Cindy Winters of Grace and Hope Ministries is the wife of pastor Fred Winters, he was the pastor shot to death Mar 8, 2009 during Sunday services at the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois. Cindy said she forgives the accused gunman, who killed her husband and wishes that he will find peace with God. Cindy conveys the mission at Grace and Hope Ministries is to help others discover God's grace through a personal relationship with Jesus and find lasting hope regardless of whatever tragedy or circumstances experienced in life.

Cindy’s new book, Reflections from the Pit is Cindy's riveting, inspiring, and astonishingly transparent account of her life after horrifying tragedy and heartbreak. Her book is poignant, powerful and even profound.  Yes, there is comfort and hope when there are no easy answers.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

Cindy Winters Website

www.graceandhopeministries.org

Tiffany Arbuckle Lee AKA "Plumb"

Hit Song - "Need You Now"

Mike Dunn’s guest on “Quest for Character” was Contemporary Christian singer and songwriter, Tiffany Arbuckle Lee.

Tiffany Arbuckle Lee is a Contemporary Christian singer-songwriter who uses the stage name Plumb. She has performed several different genres of music, including alternative rock and Christian alternative.

Every Plumb record is an immersion into one of music's headiest streams. Each is unique, tied to the emotions and circumstances that inspired it, and yet each is timeless, identifiable as the outpouring of a singular artistic vision.

With chart topping hits across multiple genres over the course of her career, Plumb presents yet again another brilliant studio collection. Titled after the six week number one hit, "Need You Now," the album delivers Plumb’s signature sound in top hits, "One Drop," "I Don t Deserve You" and "Beautiful." Plumb’s infectious artistry has been featured in major motion pictures and TV shows including, Dawson’s Creek, Pretty Little Liars and more.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

"U.S. Paralympic Track and Field"

Mike Dunn’s guest on “Quest for Character” was U.S. Paralympic medalist, David Brown.

When David was 15 months old Brown began losing his sight to glaucoma stemming from Kawasaki disease.  Through numerous eye surgeries and high eye pressures his vision eventually began to get more blurred than ever before until the fluid in his left eye drained completely out leaving his left eye partially closed and limited blurred vision in his right eye.  Brown, his sister Breana and his mom Francine moved from Kansas City, Mo. to St. Louis in August 2004.  He attended Missouri School for the Blind.

David was introduced to track and field in 2005 when the athletic coach noticed his athletic ability and quickness in the various sports events including track and field, goalball and wrestling.  His journey began in competing in various High School track and field events, winning first place in the 60m dash, breaking school records in the 60m dash and in long jump.  His high school team was won the goalball championship in their division league.  He received Best Athlete of the year award and top wrestler. Brown is a servant of God, a believer, an achiever and a dreamer.  His motto is, “Running4HISGlory+.

Brown, along with his guide runner, Roland Slade was 2012 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Trials gold medalist in 100m, 200m.

Be sure to listen to “Quest for Character with Mike Dunn” on TruthTalk AM 630 KJSL Radio.

www.usaba.org

downtowndavidbrown1992@gmail.com