Why does Christian faith endure—especially in the face of suffering and injustice?

In honor of Black History Month, this episode of The Clark Report explores how Christian faith has sustained hope across generations, even in the most difficult chapters of American history. We’re joined by Dr. Walter Strickland II—pastor, theologian, and seminary professor—for a rich conversation on faith, resilience, and the gospel.

Drawing from Scripture and history, Dr. Strickland unpacks five enduring anchors of Christian belief among African Americans: trust in a powerful God, the nearness of Jesus in suffering, the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, the authority of the Bible, and the hope of deliverance. These themes have shaped the faith of countless believers and offer wisdom for anyone seeking hope in hard times.

This conversation invites listeners of every background to reflect on:

-How faith survives suffering

-Why Christianity continues to thrive under pressure

-What the gospel offers in times of injustice, grief, and uncertainty

Whether you’re engaging Black History Month intentionally or simply asking big questions about faith and hope, this episode points us to a Christ-centered story that continues to shape lives.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 The Role of Faith in Black America

02:40 Five Anchors of Black Christianity

10:38 The Significance of Jesus in Black Faith

13:38 Conversion and Walking in the Spirit

17:12 The Impact of the Bible on Black Experience

20:01 The Theme of Deliverance in Scripture

22:51 The Future of the Black Church

24:12 The Word in 7

👉 Subscribe to The Clark Report for weekly conversations on faith, culture, and the Christian life.

[The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

Dr. Ming Wang’s life story reads like something out of a novel—but it’s all true.

Born in China during the brutal Cultural Revolution, Dr. Wang faced being sent to a labor camp as a teenager when universities were shut down nationwide. With little more than $50 and a dictionary, he eventually made his way to America, where perseverance and determination led him to earn dual degrees from Harvard Medical School and MIT.

But it wasn’t success that changed everything—it was science.

As an accomplished laser physicist and ophthalmologist, Dr. Wang’s deep study of the human eye led him to question his atheism. The sheer complexity and design of vision sparked a crisis of belief that ultimately opened his heart to faith in Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Dr. Wang also shares:

*How racial discrimination nearly stopped his medical career *The blind orphan whose heartbreaking story tested his faith *Why unanswered prayers don't mean God is absent

*How his invention has helped millions worldwide

*Why he gave away a multi-billion-dollar patent for God’s glory

This is a powerful conversation about faith, suffering, science, purpose, and hope—and a reminder that God often uses our darkest moments to bring light to others.

👉 Watch, listen, and be encouraged!-------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ming Wang's Journey

02:29 Overcoming Adversity: From China to America

07:32 The Awakening: Science Meets Faith

11:47 Challenges in Medicine and Faith

17:53 The Power of Purpose: Helping Others

22:39 Science and Faith: A Harmonious Relationship26:26 The Wang Foundation: A Mission of Hope

27:23 Call to Action

29:43 The Word in 7

THE WANG FOUNDATION: wangfoundation.com

ANGEL STUDIOS: Angel.com

FREE LINK TO SEE "SIGHT": Sight.DrMingWang.com

[The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Subscribe to The Clark Report for more faith-forward content and Christian inspiration!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

After Roe v. Wade was overturned, the abortion conversation changed—but the needs of women didn't.

In this episode, the president of several pregnancy-support free medical clinics tells us how they serve women with compassion, truth, and Gospel-hope in a post-Roe world. Not only during their pregnancy, but well past it.

Plus-- 'The Word in Seven.' And as we continue in the Gospel of Luke we'll meet a man with faith so strong he made Jesus marvel!

HEARTBEAT OF MIAMI WEBSITE: https://heartbeatofmiami.org/

[The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]

Subscribe to The Clark Report for more faith-forward content and Christian inspiration!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

What happens when the Gospel confronts our deepest assumptions about race, identity, and "others?"In this episode, we talk with a woman whose growing faith in Jesus Christ transformed not only her personal life—but also her understanding of race relations. Monique Duson says it was through study of the Scriptures, deep discussions, and the work of the Holy Spirit, that her worldview changed dramatically. Today, she leads a Christ-centered nonprofit dedicated to fostering respectful conversations on race, unity, and justice.This episode offers hope, humility, and a clear reminder that reconciliation begins at the cross.👉 Whether you’re wrestling with these issues personally or seeking a biblical framework for difficult conversations, this discussion points us back to Jesus as our ultimate source of unity.CHAPTERS00:00 Faith and Race: A Transformative Journey10:07 Critical Race Theory: A Biblical Perspective19:46 Unity in Christ: The Key to Racial Reconciliation29:56 Hope for the Future: The Church's Role in Race Relations The Center for Biblical Unity: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/ [The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]Subscribe to The Clark Report for more faith-forward content of Christian inspiration!Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

**Can we trust the Bible? 🤔**With Bible sales soaring, it’s clear people are seeking truth! But since we don't have any of the original documents of the Bible, can we trust what we DO have? And what translation should we use?Join us as Pastor and seminary professor Dr. Abidan Shah sorts things out for us on how and why we can trust the Word of God amidst criticism.CHAPTERS00:00 Can We Trust the Bible?02:53 The Authority of Scripture05:43 Choosing the Right Translation08:37 Starting Your Bible Journey11:43 Living Out Kingdom Principles14:38 Radical Love and Forgiveness17:29 Conclusion DR. ASHAH'S WEBSITE: https://abidanshah.com/ Subscribe to The Clark Report for more faith-forward content of Christian inspiration! [The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.]Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.#BibleSales #TheClarkReport #Podcast #Christian #BibleVerses #Inspiration #godsword

🌟 New Year, New Mindset! 🌟 Are you ready to transform your perspective in 2026? In our latest episode, we share 7 steps -- from God's word -- to a happier new year. Let's go into 2026 with faith, confidence, and assurance!Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.

"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" But not for everyone.

Many senior adults may feel isolated or overlooked during the holidays. In this week's episode of The Clark Report, some practical wisdom and encouraging stories to help seniors not just get through the Christmas season, but truly thrive. Plus, meaningful ways we ALL can reach out, show love, and make sure the seniors in our lives feel seen and valued.

Watch now and get inspired!

#clarkreportpodcast , #christianpodcast , #christmashope , #seniorliving , #faith, #christmas

Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s the celebration of the miraculous! But that message can get drowned out with everything else going on at this time of year.

In this week’s episode, theologian Dr. Andreas Köstenberger joins us to discuss 10 Things You Should Know About Christmas. It’s a great reminder so we don’t forget the most important gift 🎁 of all this season!

In this conversation you’ll hear:

✨ Why Jesus’s birth in Bethlehem wasn’t His beginning – it was the beginning of His earthly mission

✨ How Jesus’s birth marked the culmination of centuries of prophetic expectations

✨ Why it’s so important to differentiate between cultural Christmas and biblical Christmas

✨ Why the Christmas story is just one part of the larger narrative about why Jesus came

More Resources:

▶“10 Things You Should Know About Christmas” Köstenberger Blog Post: https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-christmas/

▶Biblical Foundations:https://biblicalfoundations.org/ ▶“Introducing Jesus” book:https://a.co/d/aM8s0wQ ▶"Christmas is Not Pagan" video by Wes Huff:https://youtu.be/5zcaQlBbk6s?si=frLlbHK78swnRE0d

#MiraculousChristmas #Faith #JesusIsTheReason #Celebrate #ChristmasJoy #HolidaySeason #FaithAndFamily #truemeaningoflife

The opinions expressed on this podcast by John and Val Clark are our own, and not necessarily those of our guests.

Subscribe to The Clark Report for more faith-forward content of hope and transformation!

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.