A Season of Transition: Embracing the Call

For the first time in four years, the Lord led me to take a break from the podcast. As we celebrated the four-year anniversary of this ministry, the word “graduation” resonated deeply within me during our live audience event. This significant moment also coincided with a time of repentance for me. I had pressed so hard on the gas, trying to make this podcast my primary provider, that I let my family struggle financially for months, convinced that the podcast would eventually pop, and we’d be okay.

We hit important milestones — over a million views on one clip, half a million on several others, and we hosted incredible guests like Dr. John Delony, Ben Fuller, Bishop Alan Didio, and my spiritual mentor, Pastor Troy Brewer. But despite these achievements, the numbers didn’t translate into the provision I had hoped for.

As my credit card balance swelled, reality hit me hard. I knew I had to shift strategies. So, in faith, I got a part-time job at Outback and dedicated my summer to focusing on my family and business. I launched my website, RippeyWrites.com, and focused on launching and stewarding my business.

Then came the Armed Media Conference, which reignited my passion for this podcast. The Lord made it clear that I could return in August, and thankfully, I was able to attend the conference from August 1st to 3rd. I truly needed that refreshing experience.

Listening to the Whisper

During the summer, my focus shifted away from output for this ministry, which proved pivotal for my faith journey. In this quiet season, I learned the importance of listening to the Lord’s voice.

It’s fascinating how, in the whirlwind of chasing a vision, we can miss out on what God is saying in the stillness. Back in May, the Lord began to whisper something profound to me: “I needed to be fully under Pastor Troy’s ministry.”

Initially taken aback, I thought I was already on the right path and at the right church. My flesh wrestled with the idea of switching churches, but my spirit felt joy. I shared these whispers with Katherine, who hadn’t heard the whispers. (yet)

The Journey of Discernment

So, what did I do? I patiently waited for God to provide clarity, opening doors He desired and closing those He did not. June became a month dedicated to prayer and seeking godly counsel.

Then, unexpectedly, Katherine came home one night, sharing that she felt something stirring in her spirit as well. The pieces started to align. This became a frequent and weighty conversation between us, considering how significant the decision was for our family and future in ministry.

Ultimately, the ministry was a big one for us. My calling in ministry aligns with Pastor Troy’s in multiple ways. We both share a passion for missions, particularly in Uganda, and we embody the anointing of joy, humor, and authenticity — gifts that break barriers in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Last September, during my book-writing trip to the Tennessee cabin where Armani stayed before his passing, the Lord gave me a powerful word: BREAKTHROUGH was on the horizon for my ministry. A month later, my buddy Turner Schwarz shared a word: “We were just one handshake away from everything changing.”

And it did. After going viral on TikTok, Pastor Troy Brewer stepped into our studio and offered me an open door to him. He welcomed me into his tribe, blessed our ministry, and invited me into mission work.

A month later, the Lord spoke to me in the middle of the night, revealing that Pastor Troy was who He wanted to be our spiritual covering. When I reached out to him about it, Troy graciously accepted. A few weeks later, we did a live show together, leading to an invitation for me to travel to Africa with him.

Katherine and I recognized the reality — it was clear how much Pastor Troy was pouring into me. He was spiritually mentoring me in a way that was super significant and his impact on me in a short time was life-changing.

Father’s Day Confirmation

Father’s Day marked a significant turning point for my family. Pastor Troy promoted a new sermon series that encapsulated everything I felt in my spirit. We decided to attend service as a family, confirming what the Lord had whispered to me.

Witnessing my children connect with Pastor Troy was heartwarming. My in-laws and family went to Outback for lunch, the same place I had celebrated Father’s Day a year before when Noah lived here in Texas. He’s now in Florida and this was our first year separated for Father’s Day in years. To add a divine touch to the day, our server's name was NOAH! It felt like a tangible sign of God’s presence in our lives.

While we ate Bloomin Onions, Pastor Troy texted me, introducing me to his friend Nick, and the next thing you know Nick and I jumped on a call, and he booked me to perform comedy in Arizona at a church benefit show in front of hundreds of people. #FAVOR

Embracing the Transition

July arrived, and with Noah back with us, excitement grew. We shared our enthusiasm about Pastor Troy with him, and before you know it my whole family (including my in-laws) got connected with Troy after service one sunday on a personal level, solidifying our decision as a household.

This transition journey has been an act of trusting God wholeheartedly. A word from Pastor Lucas at House of Joy Church in Ada, Oklahoma, encouraged us to embrace this transition with joy and to move swiftly when God calls. My brother in Christ, Olivier, reminded me that we cannot move from Glory to Glory without venturing into new territories. The blessings of my faith community further confirmed that this decision was indeed a divine setup.

A Forward Leap

This transition under Pastor Troy’s leadership is not merely about what we’re leaving behind but about where God is leading us. It demanded radical obedience, overcoming my flesh's hesitations, and embracing what my spirit sensed was in alignment.

As I share this with all of you in the Birdhouse, I feel a profound anticipation for what’s to come. God is encouraging me to look higher; significant breakthroughs lie ahead for His glory!

AMEN! Check out the episode below to hear more about the move!

Why we are transitioning to Pastor Troy’s Opendoor Chruch 

Sow a Seed into I Like Birds and help us reach more souls for Christ