(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

J.C. Almanza | Founder – Wrong to Strong 

Once entrenched in the world of crime and the cartel, J.C.’s life changed dramatically after encountering the transformative power of Jesus Christ. This encounter propelled him from a path of crime to advocating for freedom and restoration.

Today, J.C. travels across the country sharing his powerful testimony of transformation, proving that no one is beyond God’s reach. Through his non-profit, Wrong to Strong, he ministers in prisons, churches, and recovery environments, encouraging people to leave behind destructive paths and embrace a new identity in Christ.

Based in Arizona, J.C. is also a ministry partner with Victorious Living and regularly joins the Victorious Living team in prisons to share messages of faith, redemption, and hope. His life stands as a powerful reminder that God can take even the darkest past and transform it into a story of purpose and impact.

Lisa Appelo | Author, Speaker, and Grief Advocate

Lisa Appelo’s world changed abruptly when her husband died, leaving her a widow and single mother to seven. In that devastating season, Lisa relied on God’s sustaining grace and learned that even the deepest grief can yield restoration.

A former litigating attorney, Lisa stepped away from her legal career to raise and homeschool her children before stepping into ministry through writing and speaking. She is the author of “Life Can Be Good Again: Putting Your World Back Together After It All Falls Apart,” which offers biblical encouragement to those walking through loss and unexpected life changes.

Lisa has written for and contributed to organizations such as Proverbs 31 Ministries, (in)courage, Risen Motherhood, Christian Parenting, and Victorious Living. Her ministry, Hope in Grief, encourages widows and families navigating grief. She was a featured guest on CBN’s 700 Club.

Today, Lisa travels and speaks about God’s faithfulness in suffering, reminding others that there is hope even after devastating loss; life can be rebuilt with hope, faith, and purpose.

Howard Bell | Co-Founder – Yielded Life

Diagnosed as an infant with Infantile Spinal Muscular Atrophy, doctors told Howard’s parents he would likely not live past age five. Now, more than forty years later, Howard travels globally sharing his compelling testimony of faith, purpose, and full surrender to God.

Despite living as a quadriplegic, Howard graduated with highest honors, earned a doctorate, served on community and government boards, and has been featured on major Christian platforms, including TBN and CBN’s 700 Club.

Through Yielded Life, co-founded with his wife, Tiffany, Howard teaches what it means to live fully surrendered—or “yielded”—to Christ, reminding audiences that God’s purpose is not limited by circumstances

Tiffany Bell | Co-Founder – Yielded Life

Tiffany Bell grew up in adversity, with her father, once a pastor, succumbing to drugs and destructive behaviors. Despite instability, she sensed God’s protection and presence before truly knowing Him.

At the age of 22, Tiffany had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ during a church service. From that moment forward, she committed herself to sharing the message of hope and transformation through faith.

For over twenty years, Tiffany has been a passionate messenger of God’s grace and restoring power. Through Yielded Life, a ministry she co-founded with her husband, Howard, and speaking engagements, she urges audiences to overcome disappointment, rejection, and imposed labels, reminding them that their true identity is in Jesus Christ.

Sheridan Correa | Director of Healing & Restoration Initiatives – Victorious Living | Founder – ReLife Ministries

After battling addiction, severe mental health challenges, the heartbreaking loss of her children, and suicidal despair, Sheridan found herself at her lowest point—sitting in a jail cell with nothing left to hold on to. It was there, beside a stainless steel toilet, that she encountered Jesus and surrendered her life to Him.

In that moment of surrender, everything began to change. What once felt completely broken, God began to restore. Sheridan’s life is now living proof that there is hope beyond even our most destructive choices, healing for the deepest wounds, and restoration available for families in ways we could never imagine.

Today, Sheridan serves as the Director of Healing and Restoration Initiatives for Victorious Living. She is passionate about helping others walk out their own journey of healing, freedom, and purpose—empowering them not only to be restored but also to bring restoration to others.

Kristi Overton Johnson | Founder – Victorious Living | Former World Champion Athlete

Kristi Overton Johnson rose to the pinnacle of competitive water skiing, holding world records in women’s slalom for 18 years. Her name became synonymous with excellence, discipline, and victory on the world stage. Yet even at the height of her success, she discovered a truth many never expect—no amount of achievement, applause, or accolades can satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart.

Behind the trophies and titles, Kristi wrestled with the exhausting weight of people-pleasing, performance, and perfectionism. The pressure to measure up left her searching for something lasting. 

Through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Kristi found the freedom, peace, and identity she had long been chasing. No longer defined by performance, she embraced her true identity as a daughter of God. What once drove her—titles and trophies—was replaced with a calling to help others experience the same hope and transformation she found.

Today, Kristi lives in Greenville, North Carolina, with her husband, Tim. As the founder and leader of Victorious Living, she is passionate about encouraging others to walk in freedom, discover their God-given identity, and live a life of purpose and victory in Christ.

Constance Miller

Constance Miller is a living testimony of God’s restoring power. With years of experience in corrections, she once dedicated her life to bringing hope to others in dark places—but behind the scenes, she was fighting her own battle.

After leaving her career in 2021 due to mental and emotional struggles, Constance entered a season of depression, isolation, and brokenness. She walked away from God, trying to navigate life on her own, but found herself overwhelmed with anger and hopelessness.

But God met her in her brokenness, and like the prodigal son, she made the decision to return home and say “yes” to Jesus.

Today, Constance shares her story to remind others that no matter how far you’ve fallen, God’s grace can restore, heal, and bring you back to Himself.

Julie Seals | Founder – Julie Seals Ministries | Content Creator – Victorious Living

Born with spina bifida, Julie Seals confronted major health challenges from childhood, including amputation of her left leg. As a young adult, she endured a 17-year crystal meth addiction that led to her arrest while smuggling drugs across the border.

While incarcerated, Julie had a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ that completely transformed her life. After serving 22 months in federal prison, she was released with a renewed purpose.

Today, Julie speaks nationwide in churches, conferences, recovery programs, and prisons, boldly declaring that no life is beyond God’s reach through His grace.

Through her ministry, Julie Seals Ministries, and her role as a content creator for Victorious Living, Julie reminds audiences everywhere that no matter how broken the past may seem, God can restore, redeem, and give new purpose to every life.

Ashley Smith | Partner Relations Director – Victorious Living

In her various roles, Ashley Smith daily navigates the complexities of marriage, parenting, ministry, and career.

Her journey has been marked by both joy and deep trials, including the loss of loved ones and recent medical trials as her husband suffered a heart attack and multiple surgeries. These experiences taught Ashley what it means to rely on God’s strength and the help of others when life feels overwhelming.

Her life is proof that even in the midst of busy, demanding seasons and unexpected hardships, God is present and faithful.

Ashley serves as the Partner Relations Director for Victorious Living, where she builds and nurtures relationships that support the organization’s mission of bringing hope and transformation to others. Her heart for people and passion for connection are evident in both her professional work and personal life.

Danielle Tabron | Co-Pastor The Rock – Kinston, North Carolina

After walking through the deeply personal struggle of trusting the Lord’s divine timing in childbearing, Danielle Tabron has learned to anchor her faith in God’s goodness even in seasons of waiting and unanswered prayers. Her journey has become a source of encouragement for many who are navigating disappointment, loss, or uncertain circumstances.

Through her ministry and personal story, Danielle shares that God’s plans are greater than our own and that His faithfulness remains constant even in life’s most difficult moments. Her message reminds others that there is hope after heartbreak and hope even in seasons of waiting.

Danielle carries a powerful testimony of trusting God through seasons that do not unfold as expected.

Danielle Tabron serves alongside her husband, Mike Tabron, at The Rock Church in Kinston, North Carolina, where they are passionate about leading people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and building a strong, faith-filled community. 

Through their ministry, they focus on discipleship, outreach, and helping individuals discover their God-given purpose.

C.J. Wilson | Former NFL Super Bowl Champion | Speaker – Victorious Living Prison Ministry | Varsity Coach – North Pitt High School

After being drafted by the Green Bay Packers, C.J. Wilson faced fear and insecurity, nearly resigning himself to the sidelines. Through faith, resilience, and courage, he entered the game—becoming a Super Bowl XLV champion.

His journey powerfully illustrates that even high achievers can struggle internally, and a breakthrough only comes by rejecting fear.

Originally from eastern North Carolina, C.J. built a standout football career at East Carolina University, earning recognition as one of the top defensive players in Conference USA before playing multiple seasons in the NFL. Yet his greatest impact today goes far beyond football.

Now a varsity coach at North Pitt High School and a Victorious Living prison ministry speaker, C.J. helps others find courage to pursue their purpose. His testimony of faith and perseverance challenges audiences to overcome fear, embrace identity, and get in the game of life.

MUSICIANS AND WORSHIP LEADERS

Kellie Brown | Musician

Kellie Brown resides in her hometown of Greenville, NC, with her husband, Clay, and their three teenage daughters. She graduated from the ECU School of Music and has pursued a diverse career in music and healthcare.

Initially, practicing Neurologic Music Therapy at various Eastern North Carolina clinics, Kellie taught Suzuki violin and led fiddle and vocal sessions with local bands, including Jupiter Jones. She continues to facilitate worship at Covenant Church while serving as the founder and CEO of Advantage Therapy Solutions, a holistic healthcare clinic specializing in Laser Therapy and Functional Medicine.

Vernon Byrd | Worship Leader | Gospel Singer

With a heart for ministry, Vernon Byrd has spent years using his voice and musical gifts to encourage others and create environments where people can experience the power, peace, and hope found in Jesus Christ.

Through worship gatherings, church events, and community outreach, Vernon’s music carries a message of faith, healing, and restoration. His desire is not simply to perform but to help people connect with God in a personal and meaningful way. Whether leading worship or sharing through song, Vernon’s ministry reminds listeners that God meets us in every season of life. He resides in Nashville, TN. 

Mary Beth Dunn | Worship Leader

Mary Beth Dunn is a worship leader and published singer-songwriter, born and raised in eastern North Carolina. After spending over eight years in full-time church ministry, she is now dedicated to helping people find freedom from addiction through the nonprofit Hope Is Alive. Her greatest passion is helping others encounter the transforming power of Christ in a tangible and authentic way.

Sound and Streaming Services

A special thank you to Stephen Gardner for providing sound and streaming services for our Revival of Hope. Stephen owns Security Automation Sound Services (SASS LLC), an integrated electronics company with over 30 years of experience in security, fire, sound, automation, and media solutions for residential and commercial properties. Stephen is a mighty man of God who serves the Lord.