Episode Description

In this episode, host Evangelist Barnett of War Cry Ministries sits down with former sixth-grade student, military veteran, and author, Elder Mark Bradford. They discuss his book, In My Distress: Finding the True God Through Repentance and Revival.

Elder Bradford shares his personal journey through military service, battling PTSD, walking away from the faith, and ultimately experiencing spiritual renewal and restoration. The conversation explores how our most difficult trials can lead to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, highlighting key themes of persistent prayer, overcoming spiritual apathy, and finding hope in times of distress.

Key Takeaways


Finding God in Suffering: True growth often happens during our most difficult times—faith is tested and refined through struggle and persistent, "wrestling" prayer.


Relationship Over Religion: Moving past surface-level church routine and spiritual apathy requires actively seeking a deep, personal connection with God.


The Journey of Restoration: Like the story of the prodigal son, even after seasons of drifting or walking away, God offers an open path back to a renewed relationship.


Taking Action: Real spiritual revival involves active steps—engaging deeply with Scripture, getting connected to a Bible-teaching ministry, and staying in the Word until it transforms your heart.

Featured Bible Passages


Genesis 32:24–30 – Jacob wrestling with God and receiving a new name and identity.


2 Chronicles 15 – The call to seek the Lord and experience genuine spiritual revival.


Luke 15:11–32 – The parable of the prodigal son and the Father's welcoming love.


Matthew 21:28–31 – The parable of the two sons and obedience.

Episode Description
In this episode, host Evangelist Barnett of War Cry Ministries sits down with former sixth-grade student, military veteran, and author, Elder Mark Bradford. They discuss his book, In My Distress: Finding the True God Through Repentance and Revival.
Elder Bradford shares his personal journey through military service, battling PTSD, walking away from the faith, and ultimately experiencing spiritual renewal and restoration. The conversation explores how our most difficult trials can lead to a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, highlighting key themes of persistent prayer, overcoming spiritual apathy, and finding hope in times of distress.
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Key Takeaways
<ul data-path-to-node="6">
<li>
Finding God in Suffering: True growth often happens during our most difficult times&mdash;faith is tested and refined through struggle and persistent, "wrestling" prayer.
</li>
<li>
Relationship Over Religion: Moving past surface-level church routine and spiritual apathy requires actively seeking a deep, personal connection with God.
</li>
<li>
The Journey of Restoration: Like the story of the prodigal son, even after seasons of drifting or walking away, God offers an open path back to a renewed relationship.
</li>
<li>
Taking Action: Real spiritual revival involves active steps&mdash;engaging deeply with Scripture, getting connected to a Bible-teaching ministry, and staying in the Word until it transforms your heart.
</li>
</ul>
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Featured Bible Passages
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<li>
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3Fsearch%3DGenesis%2B32%253A24-30%26version%3DKJV" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwid3vngnfiVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQYw">Genesis 32:24&ndash;30</a> &ndash; Jacob wrestling with God and receiving a new name and identity.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Chronicles+15&amp;version=KJV" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwid3vngnfiVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQZA">2 Chronicles 15</a> &ndash; The call to seek the Lord and experience genuine spiritual revival.
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3Fsearch%3DLuke%2B15%253A11-32%26version%3DKJV" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwid3vngnfiVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQZQ">Luke 15:11&ndash;32</a> &ndash; The parable of the prodigal son and the Father's welcoming love.
</li>
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<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3Fsearch%3DMatthew%2B21%253A28-31%26version%3DKJV" data-hveid="0" data-ved="0CAAQ_4QMahcKEwid3vngnfiVAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQZg">Matthew 21:28&ndash;31</a> &ndash; The parable of the two sons and obedience.
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</ul>

War Cry Ministry seeks to be a biblical ministry of excellence designed to encourage life transformation through our threefold purpose: to evangelize, edify and equip the whole person to serve the community and reach the world for Jesus Christ. We strive to be compassionate in our love, excellent in our service, holy in our living and passionate and reverent in our worship.