Cowrie Shells

Meet Sarah Watkins – a girl who dreamed of becoming a nurse but was literally ill from birth, Sarah’s life was defined by disappointment and desperation … until one day, she cried out to the God she’d never known, challenging Him to prove His existence.Listen to Sarah’s amazing story embarking on a journey of healing which today continues to take her worldwide to share God’s hope with those who need it most. Be inspired by her insights into the whole question of healing and challenged alongside her to consistently pursue the Healer not just the healing, trusting His Word above any circumstances.During the episode Sarah refers to her involvement with both Healing2theNations and Mission 24. You can find out more at:www.healing2thenations.co.ukwww.mission24.co.ukShe also recommends these books on the subject of healing:Colin Urquart, In Christ Jesus (1981, revised edition 2024, Kingdom Faith Church)F.F. Bosworth, Christ the Healer (2008, Chosen Books)T.L. Osborn, Healing the Sick, (2022, Harrison House Publishers)

What do you do when your dad tells you he’s having an affair, you later discover that he’s become a cocaine addict – and you feel like you can’t depend on him?Meet Emma Fowle – daughter to a world champion power lifter, Emma’s family life revolved around her dad as her hero and constant. But when, on the cusp of her teens, he left the house leaving no knowledge of his whereabouts, life as she had known it threatened to unravel.Listen to her heartwarming account of how God intervened, drawing both Emma and her family towards a long story of grace. Get inspired with Emma to trust in God as your dependable constant, and celebrate the gift of community with others who will pray you through every storm.Want to know more? Why not get your hands on Emma’s beautiful book: All The Times You Were Not There – A memoir of family, failure and faith from London's East End (SPCK, 2026).

Meet Leanne Bolton - Encounter the heart of a pastor who wants women everywhere to know whose they are and who they are, and from that foundation to share Jesus. Appointed to co-leading a church family with her husband, while caring for three children under five, listen to the insights Leanne has gleaned along the way. Talking leadership dynamics, the reward of retreating, parenthood affirmations, experiments with the prophetic and more, Leanne’s words cannot fail to warm you.So what are you waiting for! Alongside Leanne, recognise that you carry a story and be prepared to cultivate that soft heart, don those hard boots and embrace just a few seconds of courage…

Meet Lauren Windle – journalist, public speaker and lately author too, Lauren’s proudest accomplishment remains being clean from a cocaine and alcohol addiction which, in her words, ‘almost stole every good thing’ from her life.Laugh, cry and identify with the honest account of a woman who has been there – unwrapping her stories of addiction and recovery, her passion to invest in others, and her heart-warming faith in a God who really does have good ideas when it comes to matters of the heart – even dating.Why not continue the conversation and get your hands on Lauren's fantastic books:Notes on Love: Being Single and Dating in a Marriage Obsessed Church (SPCK, 2021); Notes on Feminism: Being a Woman in a Church Led By Men (SPCK, 2024); Drawing As Prayer: Connect with God through the Bible and sketching (SPCK, 2025)In the episode Lauren remarks that addiction can take many different forms. If you want to find out more about several fantastic recovery programmes that have been designed to meet you exactly where you’re at, check out her website:www.laurenwindle.com/lauren-windle-addiction-recovery

Meet Rachael Heffer – What happens when we willingly invite God to change the shape of our dreams?A city girl at heart with a love for language, culture and a dream to live overseas, listen to Rachael’s inspiring account of how God took her at her word and showed her His trajectory, establishing her with multiple opportunities to cheer on His UK-based church. Be encouraged by the exciting stories and stats behind the changing missional landscape in the UK at this time and the spirit of evangelism which Rachael believes beats in the heart of every believer, no matter their geography. Never considered yourself as an evangelist? You might be surprised at the missional shape of your own heart.

Meet Lydia Bennett – Usually the one asking the questions as a presenter with Premier Christian radio, listen to Lydia’s stories giving us a unique peek into life on the other side of the Premier mic. Talking identity, body image, theology, saying ‘no’ to the pursuit of fame, and more, Lydia has much to share.With audio from our very first live-streamed episode aired on Saturday 25 April, be part of the live audience and get inspired to choose integrity over worldly influence, growing your love for God before desire for fame – whatever the sphere He has placed you in.You can hear more of Lydia on Premier’s ‘Daytime with Lydia’ Tues-Wed 10am or kick off your weekend with ‘Big Breakfast’ on Saturday mornings. You can even catch her on Premier Praise, Sundays from 10am.

Meet Sarah Barton – When untreated emotional wounds led Sarah and husband Mike to attend a course called Restoring the Foundations, a thought dropped into their spirit that they were not anticipating. What would it look like if they were to pay it forward?On the cusp of their retirement, listen to their remarkable story of how they swapped deckchairs for a journey of obedience towards a God-given vision.Don’t miss out on this episode, and be inspired and challenged along with Sarah to respond to God’s invitation with an unflinching: ‘Yes, Lord, I’m willing. I don’t want to miss out!’To find out more about the amazing work of Restoring the Foundations (RTF) in both the UK and internationally visit:www.restoringthefoundations.ukwww.restoringthefoundations.orgFor information on Sarah and Mike’s specific RTF project in the heart of Wales, UK visit:www.bethesdabarns.co.uk   

How can a grown woman understand the loving father heart of God when her younger self has no frame of reference for it?Meet Sarah Barton – Born into a family set up coloured by poverty, addiction, mental health issues and more, it is unsurprising that she grew up with an incomplete picture of love. In the face of her brokenness, what did surprise Sarah was encountering a God who repeatedly pursued her, even when she turned away.Listen to Sarah’s beautiful story and embrace the truth that we do not have to be products of our upbringing. God’s father heart is available and capable of filling every aching heart where love has felt incomplete, including yours.