Is clutter keeping you from experiencing God's best for your life?

Most people think clutter is simply too much stuff. But according to consultant, author, and life coach Barbara Hemphill, clutter can also be emotional, spiritual, and even mental—and it may be quietly preventing you from living out your God-given purpose.

In this episode of The Clark Report, Barbara shares her remarkable personal journey through trauma, healing, and discovering that true organization begins in the heart. She explains why letting go is often so difficult, how entrepreneurship can become a calling rather than just a career, and what it looks like to live with greater peace, productivity, and purpose.

Practical wisdom and biblical encouragement to help you move forward!

In this episode you'll discover:

--Why clutter is much more than physical possessions

--How emotional and spiritual clutter affects everyday life

--Barbara's powerful story of trauma, healing, and hope

--Why organization is about purpose—not perfection

--How entrepreneurship can fulfill God's calling

--Practical steps toward freedom, productivity, and peace

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

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Barbara Hemphill and her mission

02:02 From despair to hope: Barbara's personal journey

05:15 'Taming the Paper Tiger'

08:36 The role of decision-making in managing clutter

10:44 Emotional and spiritual roots of clutter

12:56 Are you called to be an entrepreneur?

17:12 How to connect with Barbara for help and retreats

20:36 The Word in 7 -- Luke 11:27-32

27:54 Prayer and final thoughts

Barbara's websites: BarbaraHemphill.com; LessClutterMoreLife.com

Barbara's books:

"Taming the Paper Tiger": https://a.co/d/0iaISKDE

"Less Clutter More Life": https://a.co/d/0e5IhuVK

Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday featuring inspiring interviews and practical Bible teaching!

Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 23AOJKXGGOKRNSLM, EGWHMT2SNQFUUN82, A3KPWKQMVA7WMWR5

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.

#christianpodcast #theclarkreport #clutterfree #faith

More than 100 million children around the world are growing up vulnerable to poverty, trauma, family separation, and exploitation. What does the Bible call the Church to do about it?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we talk with Miguel Zayas of Lifeline Children’s Services about the global crisis facing vulnerable children—and how Christians and local churches can respond with compassion, wisdom, and action.

Miguel explains Lifeline’s approach to orphan care, foster care, adoption, and family preservation, while sharing powerful stories of children and families impacted by the ministry in Africa, Latin America, and beyond.

The conversation also explores the biblical foundation for caring for vulnerable children, including James 1:27, and why effective ministry requires more than good intentions. Trauma-informed care, mental health support, family preservation, and a sustainable culture of care all play important roles.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

-The staggering global crisis facing vulnerable children

-Why family preservation is so important

-The role of the local church in orphan and foster care

-How trauma affects children and why trauma-informed care matters

-The biblical mandate to care for orphans and vulnerable children

-Stories of children and families helped through Lifeline's ministry

-How individuals and churches can get involved

You don't have to be an adoptive parent or foster parent to make a difference. There are practical ways every church and every Christian can help create a culture of care.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.— James 1:27

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Our "Word in 7" segment focuses on Luke 11:14-26, and why there's no neutral ground when it comes to Jesus.

Lifeline Children's Services: https://lifelinechild.org/

Miguel Zayas: Miguel.Zayas@lifelinechild.org

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

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Lifeline Children's Services

02:29 How Does LIfeline Help Vulnerable Children?

04:34 The Scope of the Global Orphan Crisis

06:26 The Role of Family

07:53 The Gospel Call to Care for Orphans & Vulnerable Children

09:23 Lifeline's Three Pillars

12:17 Global Reach and Impact of Lifeline

13:42 Challenges and Hostilities16:40 Stories of Children Helped by Lifeline

20:38 How Individuals and Churches Can Get Involved

23:07 The Power of Prayer, Support, and Seeing the Work

24:04 The Word in 7: No Neutral Ground

30:22 Invitation to Respond to God's Call

31:07 Closing Prayer and Final Thoughts

If this conversation encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help us bring biblical hope to more people each week

Music licensed through Soundstripe.Code: 23AOJKXGGOKRNSLM, EGWHMT2SNQFUUN82, A3KPWKQMVA7WMWR5

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.

#OrphanCare #FosterCare #Adoption #VulnerableChildren #ChristianMinistry #Christianpodcast #TheClarkReport

What happens when God places a burden on your heart that seems impossible?

As we begin our second season of The Clark Report, we sit down with Dr. Amanda Cooley, founder of Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center in Laurel, Mississippi.

Several years ago, Dr. Cooley came across several students in her community who couldn't read -- some didn't even know the alphabet! Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, she stepped out in faith—even though she had no funding, no guarantee of success, and every reason to think it couldn't be done.

Today, Unlimited Dreams Christian Learning Center serves more than 100 students through a tuition-free Christian education, and several graduates have already gone on to college.

Dr. Cooley shares how God provided every step of the way and why faith, prayer, perseverance, and biblical education continue to transform young lives.

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: Our "Word in 7" segment focuses on Luke 11:5-13, and Jesus' surprising lesson on prayer.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 -- Introduction and preview

01:21 -- America's literacy problem

02:25 -- How 'Unlimited Dreams' began

09:09 -- A Bible-influenced curriculum

10:42 -- The first graduates

11:58 -- "God's will, God's bill!"

14:36 -- The Word in 7: Luke 11:5-13

21:48 -- Prayer and closing comments

Unlimited Dreams Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/dd539c7a1

"Home Town, Unlimited Dreams" episode: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/home-town/s9/68f50d68-b1fa-4617-a564-3a86b7a36709/e2-unlimited-dreams/12be8dfe-ec9d-4124-9531-15b80f1e5e11

If this conversation encourages you, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help us bring biblical hope to more people each week.

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

Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: 23AOJKXGGOKRNSLM, EGWHMT2SNQFUUN82, A3KPWKQMVA7WMWR5

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 does it take to build a marriage that lasts?

In this bonus mini-episode of The Clark Report, the tables are turned as our adult son and daughter become the interviewers!

#theclarkreport, #christianpodcast, #christianmarriage

Not your usual Clark Report podcast episode!

We’re taking time out for a 3-part celebration: Our 40th wedding anniversary, our podcast’s first anniversary, and the USA’s 250th birthday.

A lot going on in July! Watch and celebrate with us!

#theclarkreport #christianpodcast #christianmarriage #faith

What happens when someone chooses Jesus in a country where doing so can lead to imprisonment—or even death?

In this powerful episode of The Clark Report, we talk with Marziyeh Amirizadeh, an Iranian-born Christian who was imprisoned in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison because of her faith in Christ. After a remarkable faith journey to Christianity, Marziyeh endured persecution, interrogation, and threats to her life before eventually finding freedom and beginning a new life in America.

Marziyeh shares how dreams, Scripture, and God's providence led her to faith in Jesus, the realities facing Christians in Iran today, and why she believes there is hope for spiritual revival and transformation in the Middle East.

She also discusses her work through New Persia, her organization advocating for persecuted believers and promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the region.

[Please note: This episode deals with mature subject matter not suitable for children.]CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Introduction and overview of Marziyeh’s story

02:38 – Marziyeh's thoughts on the current war, peace talks

09:20 – Marziyeh’s personal faith journey to Christianity

13:06 – Her arrest, prison experience, and miraculous release

16:31 – Her move to America and founding of New Persia

18:36 – Projects supporting Israel and Jewish communities in prayer and action

22:52 – The spiritual revival in Iran and hope for the future

25:43 – "The Word in 7" | Luke 10:38-11:4, Mary & Martha's story

34:26 – Final prayer and encouragement for listeners

Resources & Links:

NewPersia.org - Marziyeh's ministry

Marzisjourney.com - Marziyeh’s website with her books and other info

RootandBranchIsrael.com - Project supporting Israel through Christian cooperation

👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses.

[Note: 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.

Many fathers today feel overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to lead their families—especially when it comes to matter of faith.

In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Kent Evans, founder of Manhood Journey, to talk about the real challenges Christian dads face today and why spiritual accountability and biblical community matter more than ever.

Kent shares lessons from his transition from the business world into ministry and offers practical encouragement for dads who want to grow in faith, lead their families well, and leave a lasting spiritual legacy.

His message: Hang in there– it’s never too late to be a better dad! Tune in for great encouragement and advice.

"Manhood Journey" website: https://manhoodjourney.org/

Also in this episode: The Word in 7, as we look at Jesus’ great parable on The Good Samaritan.

👍 Like and Subscribe for more conversations that explore faith, culture, and everyday life through biblical lenses.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Help for struggling dads

01:22 Some troubling statistics

02:35 The mission of Manhood Journey

03:35 The challenges of fatherhood

04:36 Lessons from the business world

06:25 Knowing God as a Father

07:29 Advice that his home

10:10 It's never too late!

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

#ChristianFatherhood #ChristianParenting #FaithAndFamily #FathersDay #ChristianPodcast #TheClarkReport

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 do you do when life feels unfair… and God seems silent?

In this episode of The Clark Report, we sit down with Anne Graham Lotz and Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright to talk about their new book, "God Won't Leave You There: Joseph's Story." We look at the remarkable biblical account of Joseph—a man who experienced betrayal, suffering, injustice... and ultimately redemption.

Through both Scripture and personal testimony, Anne and Rachel-Ruth share how Joseph’s story still speaks to us today. If you’re going through a season of grief, disappointment, and unanswered questions -- or just simply need some encouragement -- this episode is a reminder that God is still writing your story.

Also in this episode, The Word in 7, as we look at the only time in the gospels where we're told Jesus rejoiced!

📖 Featured topic: Joseph’s life in Genesis🎙️ Guests: Anne Graham Lotz & Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright

AnGeL Ministries: https://www.annegrahamlotz.org/

CHAPTERS

00:00 Finding hope in tough times

05:00 Why Joseph's story still matters

06:03 The power of forgiveness

11:15 Anne's personal challenges

15:37 Rachel-Ruth's health scare

18:26 Why read the Old Testament?

24:01 Working together as mother & daughter

26:37 God's faithfulness in our suffering

33:06 The Word in 7 | Luke 10:17-24

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-based conversations, biblical encouragement, and Christian cultural commentary.

[Note: 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.