<![CDATA[Once Blind: Layman]]>https://www.onceblind.org/s/laymanhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!NPZe!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2beb0cea-bdde-4a57-9541-2ee064586b54_1280x1280.pngOnce Blind: Laymanhttps://www.onceblind.org/s/laymanSubstackFri, 17 Apr 2026 08:55:22 GMT<![CDATA[Faith, Action Sports & Community: Inside Camp Royal]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/faith-action-sports-and-communityhttps://www.onceblind.org/p/faith-action-sports-and-communitySun, 09 Feb 2025 10:01:25 GMTIn this episode of the Layman podcast, host Michael Tolosa sits down with Ed Bugg, Executive Director of Camp Royal, a unique action sports camp in West Virginia. Camp Royal isn’t just about skateboarding, scootering, and biking—it’s about fostering a passionate community centered on faith and personal growth.

Ed shares the camp’s mission to merge action sports with the message of Jesus Christ, creating an environment where kids can develop their skills while discovering their identity in faith. He talks about the camp’s origins, the impact it has on campers, and how action sports provide a unique platform for ministry.

Tune in to hear about the pros who mentor at the camp, the challenges and rewards of running a faith-based action sports facility, and how you can support their mission. Whether you're an action sports enthusiast, a parent looking for a transformative camp experience for your child, or someone passionate about youth ministry, this episode is for you!

🔗 Learn more and support Camp Royal: weareoyal.com

]]><![CDATA[Reaching College Students for Christ at George Mason University]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/reaching-college-students-for-christhttps://www.onceblind.org/p/reaching-college-students-for-christSun, 02 Feb 2025 10:01:05 GMTIn this episode of the Layman podcast, host Michael Tolosa sits down with Elise Boros, a missionary with Cru serving at George Mason University. Elise shares her personal faith journey, the challenges of evangelizing and discipling students in a multicultural, post-Christian environment, and the impact of COVID-19 on campus ministry. She also discusses her new role in helping staff raise financial support and the ongoing need for more full-time laborers in the field.

Tune in to hear how you can support missionaries like Elise as they spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ on college campuses.

🔗 Support Elise's Ministry: https://give.cru.org/0605490
📌 Learn more about Cru at George Mason University: http://www.masoncru.org/

]]><![CDATA[Exploring Christian Horror with Mike Duran: Faith, Fiction, and Fear]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/exploring-christian-horror-with-mikehttps://www.onceblind.org/p/exploring-christian-horror-with-mikeSun, 26 Jan 2025 10:01:35 GMTIn this episode of the Layman podcast, host Michael Tolosa sits down with author and former pastor Mike Duran to dive deep into the intersection of faith and horror. They explore Mike's radical journey from spiritual darkness to Christianity, his writing process, and his thoughts on the role of horror in Christian storytelling.

From the challenges of portraying evil and spiritual warfare in fiction to the cultural impact of movies like The Exorcist and Nosferatu, this conversation uncovers why horror is uniquely positioned to address some spiritual truths. Mike also shares personal experiences as a pastor facing real-life horrors, and how they shaped his work in fiction and nonfiction, including his book Christian Horror.

If you're intrigued by the balance of light and darkness in faith, or curious about how Christian writers can challenge genre stereotypes, this episode is for you.

💬 Join the conversation in the comments—what are your thoughts on horror in Christian storytelling?

]]><![CDATA[From QVC to ABCs: Kristine Zell’s Journey from Broadcast Journalism to Homeschooling Mom]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/from-qvc-to-abcs-kristine-zells-journeyhttps://www.onceblind.org/p/from-qvc-to-abcs-kristine-zells-journeySun, 19 Jan 2025 10:01:45 GMTJoin host Michael Tolosa on this episode of the Layman podcast as he sits down with broadcast journalist Kristine Zell. With over 20 years of on-camera experience, Kristine takes us through her remarkable career—from interviewing celebrities and anchoring news to her national stint on QVC. She shares candid moments about the challenges of balancing career, faith, and family, including navigating layoffs and transitioning to homeschooling her children in Texas.

Kristine’s story is one of resilience, faith, and trusting God through every season of life. She offers advice for aspiring Christian broadcasters, reflects on lessons learned in the media industry, and shares how she’s using her communication skills for God’s glory in this new chapter.

If you’re looking for inspiration to live out your calling and trust God’s plan for your life, this episode is a must-watch!

]]><![CDATA[Faith, Film & Integrity: Actress Melissa Temme’s Journey in Hollywood & Beyond]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/faith-film-and-integrity-actresshttps://www.onceblind.org/p/faith-film-and-integrity-actressSun, 12 Jan 2025 20:55:33 GMTJoin host Michael Tolosa in this engaging episode of the Layman podcast as he sits down with actress Melissa Temme, known for her work in independent films, commercials and voiceover. Melissa shares her journey from corporate PR to acting, balancing faith with the entertainment industry, and making tough decisions about roles and content.

She opens up about the challenges of being a Christian in Hollywood, how networking and relationships have shaped her career, and the importance of integrity in the arts. From The Rise of the Fellowship to her work with Audi and indie projects, Melissa offers insights into the world of filmmaking, faith-based decision-making, and how God has directed her career path.

Topics Covered:

  • How Melissa got her start in acting

  • The challenges of being a Christian in the entertainment industry

  • Balancing career, family, and faith

  • The importance of networking and training as an actor

  • Her experience on House of Cards & other productions

  • Why integrity matters in the film industry

Follow Melissa Temme & Support Her Work:
🌎 MelissaTemme.com

Join the Conversation!
What are your thoughts on Christians working in secular media? Should faith-based artists only create Christian content? Drop a comment below!

Subscribe for More!
If you enjoyed this episode, hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBE for more discussions on faith, entertainment and creativity.

]]><![CDATA[Unveiling Christ in the Old Testament: A Conversation with Donna Amidon]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/unveiling-christ-in-the-old-testamenthttps://www.onceblind.org/p/unveiling-christ-in-the-old-testamentSun, 05 Jan 2025 10:01:14 GMTIn this episode of the Layman Podcast, host Michael Tolosa reconnects with his high school classmate, Donna Amidon, to discuss her journey in ministry and her newly released book, Tracing His Promise. Donna shares how a simple Bible study with women in her church evolved into a powerful book that uncovers Christ’s presence throughout the Old Testament.

She also dives into the Jesse Tree tradition, the fascinating biblical connections she discovered, and the challenges and triumphs of getting published. Whether you're looking for a new devotional, a Bible study resource, or inspiration for your own writing journey, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.

📖 Get Donna’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Tracing-His-Promise-Understanding-Bigger/dp/0825448166/

🔗 Follow Donna on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ignitetheheart/

🔗 Follow Donna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnaamidon_/

🙏 Support & Pray: Share this conversation and consider using Tracing His Promise in your Bible study group!

]]><![CDATA[Conquering Fear: A Conversation with Evangelist Ray Comfort]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/conquering-fear-a-conversation-withhttps://www.onceblind.org/p/conquering-fear-a-conversation-withSun, 29 Dec 2024 10:01:47 GMTIn this special episode of the Layman Podcast, host Michael Tolosa shares an exclusive, insightful interview with Ray Comfort, the renowned evangelist from Living Waters and The Way of the Master TV show. Recorded two years ago but packed with timeless wisdom, this conversation dives deep into evangelism, fear, and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Michael reflects on how Ray's ministry helped him overcome his fear of sharing the Gospel, inspiring him to evangelize boldly on the streets of Washington, D.C. Ray Comfort shares personal anecdotes about fear, the role of the law in evangelism, and why Halloween is an unparalleled opportunity for outreach. He also offers practical tips for engaging with others, using gospel tracts effectively, and living out your faith courageously.

Whether you're a seasoned evangelist or someone just starting to explore the idea of sharing your faith, this interview will encourage and equip you to make evangelism a natural and impactful part of your life.

Stay tuned until the end for Ray's final words of encouragement and insights into the joy of serving the Lord. Don't miss this inspiring episode, and may it ignite your passion for spreading the Gospel!

]]><![CDATA[From Piano Teacher to Filmmaker: Brittany Smith’s Journey of Faith, Art, and Filmmaking]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/from-piano-teacher-to-filmmaker-brittanyhttps://www.onceblind.org/p/from-piano-teacher-to-filmmaker-brittanySun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:45 GMTJoin Michael Tolosa, host of the Layman Podcast, as he welcomes filmmaker Brittany Smith from Waxhaw, North Carolina. Brittany shares her incredible journey from teaching piano to following her calling in filmmaking. Discover how her Christian faith and passion for art have shaped her worldview and inspired her projects, including short films like 100 Steps to Becoming a Better Christian and Regrets.

In this episode, Brittany discusses:

  • The intersection of faith, beauty, and storytelling in her work.

  • Building a community of Christian filmmakers and actors in Charlotte.

  • The challenges of producing independent films and her vision for creating a sustainable Christian media company.

Learn how Brittany’s journey reflects the power of calling, creativity, and perseverance. Subscribe to the Layman Podcast for more engaging stories and thoughtful discussions!

]]><![CDATA[From Weightlifting to the Pulpit: A Pastor's Journey of Faith and Ministry]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/from-weightlifting-to-the-pulpithttps://www.onceblind.org/p/from-weightlifting-to-the-pulpitMon, 16 Dec 2024 10:20:31 GMTIn this episode of the Layman Podcast, host Michael Tolosa sits down with Matt Harvey, pastor of LifeSpring Church in Cool Ridge, West Virginia. Matt shares his incredible journey from managing a fitness center and competing as a weightlifter to becoming a bi-vocational pastor and now serving full-time in ministry. Learn how Matt’s battles with depression, a passion for theology, and a commitment to community led him to embrace God’s calling. This candid conversation touches on topics like church revitalization, reformed theology, and the challenges of shepherding a congregation in rural Appalachia.

Whether you’re exploring your faith, intrigued by ministry stories, or curious about how God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, this episode will inspire and encourage you.

Listen in and discover how God orchestrates even the smallest details to fulfill His purpose!

]]><![CDATA[Fighting Sex Trafficking in the Carolinas: Mark Blackwell’s Journey with Justice Ministries]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/fighting-sex-trafficking-in-the-carolinashttps://www.onceblind.org/p/fighting-sex-trafficking-in-the-carolinasSun, 01 Dec 2024 10:03:33 GMTIn this compelling episode of the Layman podcast, host Michael Tolosa sits down with Mark Blackwell, founder of Justice Ministries, a faith-driven organization combatting sex trafficking in North and South Carolina. Mark shares his powerful journey from a college student inspired at a conference to leading a ministry that provides rescue, restoration, and hope to survivors of trafficking.

Dive deep into the challenges, victories, and spiritual battles of this vital work, as Mark discusses the systemic issues behind trafficking, the importance of local church involvement, and how anyone can make a difference in preventing exploitation.

Topics covered include:

  • The origins of Justice Ministries and Mark’s calling.

  • The role of faith in confronting trafficking.

  • Real-life stories of rescue and recovery.

  • Practical ways to support the fight against trafficking.

For more information or to support Justice Ministries, visit JusticeMinistries.org.

]]><![CDATA[Exploring Ministry in the Metaverse: Evangelism in Virtual Reality]]>https://www.onceblind.org/p/exploring-ministry-in-the-metaversehttps://www.onceblind.org/p/exploring-ministry-in-the-metaverseSun, 24 Nov 2024 03:21:34 GMTJoin host Michael Tolosa on the Layman podcast as he dives into the fascinating world of virtual reality ministry with guests Ethan and Frank from Cru. Discover how these pioneers are leveraging platforms like VRChat and Roblox to engage with people across the globe, share the Gospel, and build authentic relationships—all within the metaverse. From weekly lunch-break evangelism to connecting individuals to local faith communities, learn how technology is transforming outreach. Whether you're curious about the metaverse, interested in ministry, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with insights and stories of impact.

Episode Highlights:

  • What is ministry in the metaverse?

  • Success stories of lives changed through virtual evangelism.

  • Tools and platforms you need to get started in VR outreach.

  • How digital anonymity creates a safe space for authentic conversations.

  • The intersection of faith, technology, and community.

Want to connect with Frank and Ethan? Email laymanpodcast@yahoo.com for more details or to receive their VR ministry guide.

Support Frank's ministry: Partner with Frank and become part of this mission by visiting his Cru partner page: https://give.cru.org/0486716

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