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"Have you ever experienced what sitting under consistent bible teaching can do? Today, Pastor Ackson Kaonga shares his inspiring journey of faith, ministry growth in Zambia, and commitment to biblical truth on Plays on Word Radio."

The faithfulness of God shines brightly across continents as Pastor Fred Kenney, Jr., a.k.a Pastor Teddy, welcomes Pastor Ackson Kaonga from Zambia to Plays on Word Radio. Fresh from the East Coast Pastors Conference in Philadelphia, where their friendship began years earlier, this conversation reveals how God is working powerfully in Southern Africa.

Pastor Ackson shares the remarkable story of Calvary Chapel Ndola, which he's led since 2007. What began with a church full of "noisemakers" - young children who seemed disruptive - has transformed into a congregation where those same youth have grown into devoted followers of Christ, now serving in ministry. "As I look at them, I see future leaders in the church," Ackson reflects, recognizing God's patient work across generations.

Amid a landscape filled with false prophets misleading many Zambians, Pastor Ackson's commitment to consistent, straightforward biblical teaching has become a beacon for truth-seekers. "When you teach God's Word consistently, at some point people begin to follow, because out there, force cannot be sustained," he explains. Without gimmicks or spectacle, the simple power of Scripture attracts those hungering for authentic faith.

The most moving moment comes when Pastor Ackson shares his personal journey to faith. Born Catholic, he attended a Pentecostal service at age 16 out of curiosity, misunderstanding an altar call as an invitation to receive the Eucharist. Weeks later, on January 31, 1979, he finally understood the Caribbean missionary's message clearly, recognized himself as "a sinner, a candidate of hell," and experienced genuine conversion that filled him with God's peace and joy. Yet his path to pastoral ministry took decades, requiring divine persistence to overcome his resistance until he surrendered fully, realizing "I will never be happy in life until I obey God."

Join the worldwide prayer effort for this faithful ministry. Reach out through Plays on Word Radio to connect with Pastor Ackson and discover how you might participate in what God is doing in Zambia through consistent prayer and potential partnership.

Calvary Chapel Ndola Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Calvary-Chapel-of-Ndola/100068029895805/

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"James Serpico continues to share his journey from addiction to redemption, revealing how God transformed his heart, after completing their recovery program, and gave him purpose as the Director of Programming at America's Keswick."

• Started experimenting with alcohol at age 15 to alleviate social anxiety and fear
• Found painkillers in college which "killed" both physical and emotional pain
• Maintained weekend use for 10 years before progressing to daily dependence
• Eventually needed substances just to feel normal, not to get high
• Had a life-changing car accident on the NJ Turnpike after using contaminated drugs
• Called 911 and admitted his addiction, marking the beginning of his recovery
• Entered America's Keswick recovery program two weeks after the accident
• Transitioned from colony member to staff to Director of Programming
• Experienced significant loss including his father and mentor Robert Hayes
• Discovered that vulnerability and dependence on God are his true strengths
• Now uses his experience to help others find recovery through Christ

If you're struggling with addiction or know someone who is, James's story demonstrates that recovery is possible. Reach out to America's Keswick or another Christian recovery program to find the help you need.

Addiction Recovery at Keswick - https://addictionrecovery.org/
Barbara's Place - https://addictionrecovery.org/barbarasplace/relaunch/
America's Keswick - https://americaskeswick.org/

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"How might acknowledging our weakness open the door to strength through faith-centered transformation? Today James Serpico will tell us how God transformed him from broken addict into THE America’s Keswick’s “Director of Fun”!"

James Serpico never expected to become the "Director of Fun" at America's Keswick. Six years ago, he was just another broken man entering their addiction recovery program, assigned to Room 18, top bunk. Today, he leads programming at the very place that transformed his life.

With raw honesty, James shares how childhood instability and his father's death when he was 13 left him desperately insecure. By 15, he discovered alcohol could temporarily erase his social anxiety. "I don't have those fears anymore," he thought, setting him on a dangerous path of substance exploration. In college, he found prescription painkillers particularly effective: "I didn't have a broken bone," James explains, "I had a broken heart, and it felt like it healed."

The facade crumbled after a car crash on the New Jersey Turnpike became his wake-up call. At America's Keswick — a 127-year-old faith-based recovery program in the Pine Barrens — James encountered a radically different approach to healing. "We are 100% believers that the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is what changes a person, period," he explains. With no phones, TV, or outside distractions for four months, residents immerse themselves in Scripture and community.

Through trauma counseling, James began replacing destructive lies with God's truth that he is "accepted, approved, loved" regardless of circumstances. This ongoing transformation exemplifies a profound spiritual paradox: "The weaker that we understand ourselves to be, the stronger and more confident we actually become," because our strength comes not from ourselves but from Christ within.

For those struggling with addiction or supporting loved ones on their journey, James's testimony offers tangible hope that lasting change is possible not through willpower alone, but through heart transformation. Learn more about America's Keswick's men's and women's programs, or support their work by joining the Family Freedom Walk fundraiser on May 10th (11am-2pm).

Addiction Recovery at Keswick - https://addictionrecovery.org/
Barbara's Place - https://addictionrecovery.org/barbarasplace/relaunch/
America's Keswick - https://americaskeswick.org/

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"Did you know that you can find God’s purpose in the challenges of life? Today we continue with former NFL quarterback Dr. Gary Cuozzo’s story—how God transformed his personal tragedy into a powerful ministry of faith, hope, and purpose, as he shared Christ and anti-drug messages in schools."

Former NFL quarterback Dr. Gary Cuozzo shares his transformative journey from tragedy to ministry, revealing how God used his son's death in 1990 to launch years of speaking in high schools about both substance abuse dangers and the gospel message. His powerful testimony illustrates how tribulation produces perseverance, character, and ultimately joy—not fleeting happiness but the deep assurance of eternal life in Christ.

• Finding ministry purpose through personal tragedy
• Speaking in New Jersey high schools for 7-8 years despite resistance to gospel message
• Experiencing Romans 5 transformation: tribulation → perseverance → character → joy
• Leading multiple Bible studies in his Florida retirement community
• Growing in scripture knowledge through "Shepherd School" and Chuck Smith's teachings
• Understanding that earthly life is "a speck in time" compared to eternity
• Celebrating 60 years of marriage with his wife Peggy
• Continuing faithful service in his 80s

While you're still breathing, please come to the Lord. Just ask Him if what we're saying is true, ask Him to come into your life, forgive you of your sin, and live through you. How hard is that? Stop being so stubborn. Give Him a chance.

Fellowship Of Christian Athletes - FCA:
https://www.fca.org/

Gary Cuozzo Truth In Sports:
https://truthinsports.org/gary_cuozzo/

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"Have you ever seen challenges in someone’s life become a turning point for discovering deeper purpose? Today, former NFL quarterback Dr. Gary Cuozzo shares how faith, loss, and relationships led him from football glory to Spirit filled and impactful ministry beyond the game."

What does it take for an NFL quarterback to find deeper meaning beyond the game? In this captivating conversation with Dr. Gary Cuozzo, we discover how a professional football career intersected with a profound spiritual awakening. Gary takes us through his journey from backing up Johnny Unitas on the Baltimore Colts to playing alongside the legendary Purple People Eaters with the Minnesota Vikings during football's golden era. But beyond the highlight reels and stadium roars, Gary's story reveals something more valuable—how meaningful relationships with Christ-following teammates sparked questions about faith that would transform his life.

The contrast between yesterday's NFL and today's game becomes strikingly clear as Gary shares memories from an era when professional athletes often worked off-season jobs to make ends meet. His signed contract with the Vikings for $65,000 (after being traded for two first-round draft picks) highlights how dramatically the professional sports landscape has shifted in terms of compensation, player loyalty, and personal conduct on the field.

Most compelling is Gary's vulnerability in sharing his evolution from legalistic religion to grace-filled faith, and how personal tragedy became the catalyst for his most impactful ministry years. After losing his son in 1990, Gary found himself speaking in schools throughout New Jersey, using his platform to reach young people with both anti-drug messages and spiritual truth. His instrumental role in establishing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in New Jersey from humble beginnings in his orthodontic office has led to a ministry now spanning approximately 150 high school chapters.

Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a person of faith, or someone seeking meaning beyond professional success, this conversation offers wisdom from a life well-lived at the intersection of athletic achievement and spiritual purpose. Join us for this powerful exploration of finding true victory beyond the scoreboard.
Fellowship Of Christian Athletes - FCA: https://www.fca.org/
Gary Cuozzo Truth In Sports: https://truthinsports.org/gary_cuozzo/

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"Ever wondered how the fulfilled prophecies of Christ’s passion deepen our understanding of God’s plan and personal love for humanity? Christ’s passion week reveals divine authorship through fulfilled prophecy, legal kingship, and sacrificial love—making Good Friday truly good and resurrection Sunday a celebration of transformation."

From a colt that had "never been ridden" to prophecies written centuries before crucifixion was invented, the story of Christ's final week reveals divine authorship on every page. Pastor Teddy Kenney, a.k.a. Fred David Kenney, Jr., takes us on a fascinating journey through Scripture, connecting ancient prophecies with their New Testament fulfillment.

The triumphal entry marks more than just Jesus riding into Jerusalem – it's the rightful King claiming His territory. This episode unpacks the remarkable legal qualifications Jesus possessed through both Joseph (legal heir to David's throne) and Mary (blood descendant through Nathan). We laugh at what Pastor Teddy playfully calls "biblical grand theft auto" when the disciples take the colt, then marvel at how God's favor makes the impossible happen with just a few words: "The Lord has need of it."

What makes Psalm 22 so extraordinary is its detailed description of crucifixion written a millennium before the Romans invented this brutal execution method. "They have pierced my hands and feet" and "they divide my garments among them, for my clothing they cast lots" aren't vague predictions but precise details that found perfect fulfillment on Good Friday. These prophetic connections form an unbroken thread throughout Scripture that only a divine Author could orchestrate.

The most profound revelation comes in understanding that God didn't simply dismiss our sins – Christ literally bore them. Unlike human forgiveness that might sweep offenses under the rug, divine forgiveness operates through substitution. Jesus carried our guilt and suffered our punishment, making Good Friday truly good for humanity. As we approach Resurrection Sunday, remember this ultimate expression of love that transforms us from condemned to "seated in heavenly places" with Christ.

Ready to experience this transformation yourself? Simply acknowledge Christ's sacrifice, receive His forgiveness, and invite Him to live through you. This Easter weekend, celebrate not just a historical event, but the living presence of Emmanuel – God with us – who promises to remain "all the days until the completion of the age."

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"Does Christ’s resurrection personally impact the way you view life, death, and your purpose today? Resurrection Sunday proves Jesus’ divine authority, fulfills ancient prophecies, and offers eternal hope—transforming death into victory and faith into a living, personal relationship with Christ."

Resurrection Sunday stands as the pivotal moment in human history, transforming everything we understand about faith, salvation, and eternity. Pastor Teddy (Fred David Kenney Jr.) takes listeners on a profound journey through the Easter narrative, explaining why Christ's resurrection serves as divine verification for every claim Jesus ever made.

Starting with the Mount of Transfiguration, we follow Jesus's deliberate path toward Jerusalem as he demonstrates his divine authority. The raising of Lazarus after four days in the tomb serves as both miracle and turning point—the moment religious leaders decided Jesus must die. When Martha approaches Jesus in grief, his response echoes through centuries: "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." This declaration, followed by actually raising Lazarus, foreshadows what would happen on that first Easter morning.

Pastor Teddy illuminates how all Old Testament sacrifices pointed toward Christ as the ultimate Lamb of God. From the lambs born in Bethlehem (wrapped in swaddling cloths like Jesus himself) to the scapegoat bearing the sins of Israel into the wilderness, each sacrifice foreshadowed the cross. When Jesus declared "It is finished" on Good Friday, the payment for humanity's sin was complete. But the story doesn't end with death—it crescendos with empty grave clothes and the greatest comeback in history.

Have you truly grasped the significance of resurrection power in your life? This Easter season, don't just commemorate an ancient event—celebrate the living reality that Christ's victory over death changes everything. Subscribe to Plays on Word Radio for more powerful insights into Scripture that will transform your understanding of faith.

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"Have you ever heard the phrase, “You are what you eat?” Well, that also applies mentally & spiritually. Today’s episode is a challenge to check our media consumption and guard our speech."

We are back again to continue our conversation as Pastor Teddy, a.k.a. Fred Kenney, Jr., offers a powerful examination of how our spiritual consumption shapes our outlook and speech. He challenges believers to consider whether they're getting more news than Scripture while reminding us that we operate from a position of victory in Christ.

• What we consume spiritually impacts our overall outlook just as what we eat affects physical health
• Christians have victory in Christ and should operate from that position of strength
• Being "in the world but not of it" means engaging without being conformed
• Corrupting talk grieves the Holy Spirit by Whom believers are sealed
• The Holy Spirit gently convicts before, during and after we speak unwisely
• Conviction draws us to the cross while condemnation drives us away
• Christ didn't shed His blood so we could reflect the world but reflect Him
• Sanctification is God's ongoing restoration process—declaring us perfect then working on us
• Rejoicing, prayer, and thanksgiving lead to the peace that surpasses understanding
• When we focus on who God is, our problems shrink in comparison

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace! ~ Numbers 6:24-26

Listen to Part 1 of this interview here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2110391/episodes/16870855

Does any of today's podcast resonate with you? Let us know here:
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To Support Plays On Word Radio and Plays On Word Theater, please visit:
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The Plays On Word Theater team is setting up new performance dates! Reach out with inquiries: https://playsonword.dm.networkforgood.com/forms/event-submission-form

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