This episode contains sensitive themes, including abuse, miscarriage, and addiction. Listener discretion is advised, especially for families with young children listening together.

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode, Pastor Addison Roberts sits down with Evelma Plastino to hear her remarkable testimony of God’s transforming grace. Evelma shares her journey from a childhood marked by abuse, alcoholism, and broken relationships to finding salvation at the age of 48. Her story is one of hope, healing, and the power of Jesus to change even the most difficult circumstances. Listeners will be encouraged to keep praying, keep trusting, and never give up on those who seem far from God.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn

• How Evelma’s early years of abuse and addiction shaped her struggles and decisions.
• The turning point when she cried out to God at 48 and encountered the Holy Spirit.
• Why mentors, community, and discipleship were vital to her new life in Christ.
• How she persevered through reading challenges to learn and love Scripture.
• What serving in prison ministry has taught her about hope and redemption.
• Encouragement for families praying for prodigal loved ones to return to Jesus.
• Practical ways to trust God’s timing and surrender loved ones to His care.

Key Quotes

• “It took 48 years before I became a believer.” – Evelma Plastino
• “I was sitting on my couch crying out, ‘If there’s somebody real…’—and the Holy Spirit moved all around me.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Everybody needs a mentor… even when we think we’re strong, we still need that other person.” – Evelma Plastino
• “Keep praying. Keep trusting. Pray, trust, repeat.” – Evelma Plastino
• “God said, ‘Give me the children and let them be… I will get these children.’” – Evelma Plastino

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Grace Community Church of Willow Street — Plan a visit or get connected: gccws.net
• Jesus Calling — A short daily devotional Evelma uses to encourage prayer and trust in Christ.
• Prison Ministry Opportunities — Explore outreach and volunteer pathways through local ministries and GCC connections.

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this inspiring episode, Pastor Addison Roberts welcomes Josh March—owner of Empower Training Systems and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM). They dive into the heart behind EFM, a free Saturday workout and devotional gathering open to the entire community. Josh shares how faith and fitness intersect, dispelling common myths and encouraging listeners to take small, meaningful steps toward better health. Whether you're just starting out or looking for new motivation, this conversation is packed with wisdom and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How Empowered Fitness Ministry integrates faith and fitness every Saturday
• Why small, consistent habits matter more than major overhauls
• How fitness can be fun, approachable, and customized for all levels and ages
• The power of community and accountability in sustaining health goals
• Common misconceptions about starting a fitness routine—and how to overcome them
• Why proximity matters when choosing a gym or workout location
• How a deeper "why" can transform your motivation for health and fitness

Key Quotes

• “Fitness isn’t about athletics or aesthetics—it’s about being functional for life.” – Josh March
• “We believe fitness is a celebration of our bodies and caring for our temples.” – Josh March
• “Even the people who are super committed—if they try to make a huge, sweeping change, it doesn't last.” – Josh March
• “Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right.” – Josh March
• “You don’t have to overhaul your life. Just start with something as small as a walk or a daily vitamin.” – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

Empowered Fitness Ministry (EFM):

• Free community workout every Saturday at 9:00 AM
• Hosted at Empower Training Systems in Willow Street
• Includes a 15–20 minute devotional and time for prayer
• Open to all ages and fitness levels—modifications and coaching provided
• Next session is Saturday, July 19 at 9:00 AM—come join us!

Contact / Connect:

• Learn more about Empower Training Systems by visiting in person or connecting through Grace Community Church
• Talk to Josh or one of the coaches before or after a Saturday session
• No sign-up required—just show up and sign a waiver

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania. Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am. Learn more at gccws.net.

In this episode, Pastor Addison sits down with Josh March—military service member, chaplain assistant, and leader of Empowered Fitness Ministry—to explore how faith and military service can work hand in hand.

Josh shares his powerful journey from the fitness world to the Air National Guard, how God used basic training to reignite his faith, and what it's like to minister on the front lines.

Whether you're considering military service or simply curious about how God calls people into unexpected spaces, this conversation offers honest insights and practical encouragement.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why Josh felt compelled to serve in the military after 9/11
• How basic training unexpectedly reignited his relationship with God
• What a chaplain assistant does—and why it matters
• The story behind Josh’s call to seminary and pastoral training
• Why military service can be seen as an act of love from a Christian perspective
• Practical advice for those considering military service, including how to explore options wisely
• The unique spiritual needs of servicemembers and how the church can be present for them

Key Quotes

• "Military service is an act of love. You're literally saying, 'I'm willing to take that risk so others don't have to.'" – Josh March
• "Basic training stripped everything away—but I had my Bible and a cross from my grandfather. That grounded me." – Josh March
• "Someone has to be there in those hard moments. As Christians, we can be a presence of hope and peace." – Josh March
• "I told God, 'You have to make it abundantly clear.' A week later, the education benefits changed—and I knew." – Josh March
• "Before you talk to a recruiter, talk to someone who’s served. You’ll get the real story without pressure." – Josh March

Ways to Get Involved / Resources Mentioned

• Empowered Fitness Ministry at Grace Community Church — efm.church
• Liberty University — Seminary education mentioned by Josh - www.liberty.edu/

About the Know and Follow Podcast

The Know and Follow podcast is a production of Grace Community Church of Willow Street, located at 212 Peach Bottom Road in Willow Street, Pennsylvania.

Join us for weekend services on Saturdays at 6pm, Sundays at 8am, 9:15am, and 11am.

Learn more at gccws.net.