What do you do when your mother’s voice is silenced—but her words refuse to be forgotten?

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, we sit down with sisters Jessie Lake and Molly Johnson, whose mother was tragically killed as a result of domestic violence.

Years later, while unpacking old boxes, they uncovered something extraordinary—eight beautifully written children’s stories she had finished before she died. What began as heartbreak has now become a mission to publish her work, share her light, and help other families heal.

Their story isn’t just about loss—it’s about courage, faith, and finding purpose in the unthinkable. You’ll hear how these two women turned silence into strength, grief into growth, and pain into a platform for awareness and hope.

It’s one of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had—and by the end, you’ll see that sometimes, the light we lose is the same light that guides us home.

*** Please SHARE Jessie and Molly's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/iCNQaDwaIxU

To follow Jessie and Molly's story about their mom and her books, visit: https://www.instagram.com/bartybooks

If you know anyone who needs help with domestic violence, visit: https://www.thehotline.org

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To READ or LISTEN to Scott's book, "Faith To Stay," visit: https://www.faithtostay.com

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

#LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #LatterDayLights

When life seems to unravel all at once, will you trust that God is still knocking on your heart?

In this deeply moving episode of Latter-Day Lights, Scott and Alisha sit down with lifelong Latter-Day Saint—Tiffaney Castañeda—as she shares her remarkable journey of faith through unimaginable trials and unmistakable miracles.

From her daughter’s near-fatal battle with autoimmune hepatitis, down to the sudden and unexpected passing of her youngest daughter, every step of Tiffaney’s story reveals the Lord’s hand at work in the details. Through moments of heartbreak, healing, and grief, Tiffaney’s experiences testify that miracles are not reserved for scripture—they unfold quietly in hospital rooms, on long drives, and in the smallest tender mercies that remind us we are never alone.

Through it all, Tiffaney testifies that God not only hears our prayers, but speaks to us in the quiet moments when we need Him most. Her story is one of courage, surrender, and the kind of faith that endures through both the good and bad—a reminder that even in our darkest hours, the Lord keeps His promises.

*** Please SHARE Tiffaney's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/HPa6f-m7aww

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To READ Scott's book, "Faith To Stay," visit: https://www.faithtostay.com

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

Is it ever too late to come home to Heavenly Father?

When life’s pressures nearly consumed her, Aisha Jermy reached a breaking point that affected her emotionally, physically, financially, and, most importantly, spiritually. But through one unexpected encounter on an airplane, she discovered the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. And from that moment on, everything changed. In this week's episode of Latter-Day Lights, Aisha shares how joining the Church in her 50s helped her find peace, healing, and a renewed purpose.

Now an author and coach, her story teaches us that it is never too late to find Christ, and that we are welcome into His arms at any stage of life. Because of this belief, Aisha was baptized well into mid-life, and would then go on to use her books and testimony to help others on the path of faith. Aisha also opens up about her darkest seasons of loneliness, relational struggles, grief, and the tender mercies God sent to reshape both her heart and mind.

Tune in for a story of vulnerability, endurance, and divine grace. Whether you’re walking through trials or simply seeking a deeper spiritual connection, Aisha’s testimony will uplift you and remind you that it’s never too late to start over.

*** Please SHARE Aisha's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/-oOfv1EytlY

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To READ Aisha's trilogy, "Tutankhamun," visit: https://amzn.eu/d/imOnsCc, https://amzn.eu/d/8uWhM6d, and https://amzn.eu/d/j8aPnU1

To READ Aisha's book, "Tales for Twilight," visit: https://amzn.eu/d/81wmMCV

To READ more of Aisha's books, visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/A.D.P-Sorisi/author/B078NWNBTW?ref=ap_rdr&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

To READ Scott's book, "Faith To Stay," visit: faithtostay.com

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What if the struggle that nearly broke you was the path God used to bring you back to His light?

Aussie mom and former maximum-security corrections officer, Jac Woodhouse, hit rock bottom in a myriad of ways—dehumanizing workplace misogyny, parting from a 15-year career, navigating her son’s serious health challenges, and fighting her own battle with suicidal ideation. It felt as though one more misstep would’ve broken the camel’s back, until one tender mercy flipped everything around for the better.

In this week’s episode of Latter-Day Lights, Jac walks Scott and Alisha through the quiet signs the Lord placed in her life that eventually set her on the covenant path. What started out as an encounter with a Plan of Salvation pamphlet on her son’s nightstand turned into a beautiful chain reaction—Church with neighbors turned into missionary lessons, which turned into a family baptism. Now, she and her husband serve weekly at the Sydney Australia Temple and in their ward, choosing faith over fear each day.

If Jac’s journey resonates with you, let it be a reminder that God is in the details and the mundane. So the next time life feels heavy, look for a small sign and move toward it. Often, that’s enough.

*** Please SHARE Jac's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/Z7eowq3MK68

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To READ Jac's media interview on News AU, visit: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/former-prison-guard-lifts-lid-on-life-inside-goulburns-notorious-supermax/news-story/3357e33af12015fa58f40391490fccdd

To READ Jac's media interview on ABC AU, visit: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-02-06/nsw-corrective-services-toxic-boys-club-culture/11934444?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=link

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What if your child's youth nights became adventures modeled after Book of Mormon heroes?

On today’s episode of Latter-day Lights, we’re joined by Josh Chapman, a creative father of six from Ogden, Utah, who retired from his day job to create 'Nephi’s Apprentice'.

Nephi’s Apprentice is a gospel-centered program that takes life skills like compass work, tool-making, and conflict resolution, and ties them directly to the stories and examples of Nephi and other Book of Mormon heroes.

Designed to complement and work within the guidelines of the Church’s new youth programs, it’s a Scouting-style adventure reimagined to build both confidence and testimony for both young men and young women.

If you’re a parent or leader looking for ready-to-run activities that are fun, meaningful, and spiritually powerful, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

*** Please SHARE Josh's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/iuk_U8--OYU

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To LEARN MORE about the Nephi's Apprentice program visit: https://youthforgedinfaith.com/

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

#LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #LatterDayLights

What happens when years of faith-formed grit turn minutes of daily discipline into record-breaking triumphs?

This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott and Alisha welcome Guinness World Record holder, book worm, and Gospel-loving Latter-Day Saint—DonnaJean Wilde—to the show, whose once broken wrist and five-minute planking challenge sparked a decade-long journey of fitness fueled by scripture study and mindset training.

More than just a story, she unpacks the habits and “living toolboxes” that moved her from classroom to the world stage: Memorizing the Success Scrolls and inspirational quotes from The Book of Mormon, cultivating an unwavering work ethic of keeping promises, training to uplifting spiritual music, and many more valuable practices that turned seconds into minutes—and minutes into history.

Along the way, she shares the tender mercies that steadied her, the thought-transforming books that turned doubt into devotion, and the hard-won lessons that readied her for the Guinness World Records.

Stay tuned and be prepared to live like DonnaJean, inspired to build on one Christ-centered promise today until forever.

*** Please SHARE DonnaJean's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/y4Qo8jf8oak

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To READ DonnaJean's Book, "From Minutes to Hours: I Wrote This Book While Planking," visit: https://a.co/d/2WFADXQ

To WATCH DonnaJean's planking attempt, visit: https://youtu.be/BcnAZb7z0DE?si=boBvVl-4uR1Ensqp

To WATCH DonnaJean's pushup attempt, visit: https://youtube.com/shorts/NkIt77-8oWM?si=NLIKNXkRm-jWP-Gc

To READ the 10 Success Scrolls, visit: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:71ba5e80-176b-4406-b71b-ffd1bd632bd4

To GET the Gospel Living App on Google Play, visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.lds.liv&pcampaignid=web_share

To GET the Gospel Living App on the App Store, visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gospel-living/id1245330433

To READ "I Dare You" by William Danforth, visit: https://a.co/d/jc9djRj

To READ “Train (Your Brain) Like an Olympian” by Jean François Ménard & Marie Malchelosse, visit: https://a.co/d/bi607iy

To READ “Why Not You?” by Ciara and Russell Wilson, visit: https://a.co/d/ahsQFdM

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

How far can mercy reach when a decades-long double life finally unravels, shaking a ward’s trust and a family’s heart?

This week on Latter-day Lights, Scott and Alisha welcome back Martin Onken for Part Two of his story—the hope-filled conclusion to his twelve-year journey of repentance.

In part one, Martin opened up about a lonely, complicated childhood that left him hungry for love and belonging. Leaning on his relationship with God to seek out the acceptance he was lacking, he found purpose in the Church and eventually served as a bishop. In time, however, he began living a double life, entering a 30-year extramarital affair that ultimately came to light, and led to a heartbreaking disciplinary council and excommunication.

In part two, Martin shares hard-won practices that rebuilt his soul: Consistently showing up to support groups and recovery programs, listening to those who saw him past his wrongdoings, retaking missionary lessons, and reflecting on temple grounds. He shares what it was like to tell his children the truth, navigate the difficult decision to separate from his wife, find love again after heartbreak, and rebuild his trust with family, all the while patiently seeking permission to officially return to the Church.

Each of these steps nudged Martin closer to approval for rebaptism, and revealed that Heavenly Father was guiding the process all along.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel steadier about walking your own path back to God no matter how far off you’ve strayed. Expect practical tools, compassionate perspectives, and a renewed witness that no one is too far gone for the Savior’s relentless mercy.

*** Please SHARE Martin's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/7K4-ZboOnZQ

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To WATCH part one of Martin's story, visit: https://youtu.be/8IvvCcAoGWc

To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

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Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What happens when bad choices and "small sins" spiral into life-altering consequences?

Martin Onken's raw testimony reveals how a single decision at age 16 to "sin a little" led to decades of deception and a double life that impacted countless people.

Born to Dutch-Indonesian parents who survived Japanese prisoner-of-war camps, Martin's childhood was marked by emotional disconnection and a desperate search for love.

Finding temporary solace in Catholicism, he developed a relationship with God that provided the affection his family life lacked. But everything changed when teenage Martin convinced himself that balancing sins with good deeds would keep him spiritually "in the black."

This distorted thinking created the perfect foundation for addiction and self-deception.

From a toxic first relationship to eventually becoming an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints while secretly maintaining a 30-year extramarital relationship, Martin shares the painful progression of his choices with unflinching honesty.

The most powerful revelation from this first half of Martin's story isn't the depth of his deception, but the persistence of God's love.

Despite deliberately turning away from divine guidance and ignoring multiple opportunities to change course, Martin testifies that "Heavenly Father will not give up on you, no matter what you have done."

For anyone who feels beyond redemption or trapped by their own choices, Martin's journey offers a glimpse of hope.

His testimony stands as both warning about the danger of small compromises and promise that divine love remains constant, even in our darkest moments.

Join us next week for the conclusion of Martin's remarkable story of repentance, healing, and finding his way back.

*** Please SHARE Martin's story and help us spread hope and light to others. ***

To WATCH this episode on YouTube, visit: https://youtu.be/8IvvCcAoGWc

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To READ Scott’s new book “Faith to Stay” for free, visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/

Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylights

Also, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

#LDSPodcast #ChristianStories #LatterDayLights