Moments of Encouragement

Stay connected with these Faith Leaders and Motivational Speakers that you hear on Praise Hits
and learn more about how you can deepen your spiritual connection and grow in your faith.

Rick Warren

A Time magazine cover article named Rick Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Tens of millions of copies of Pastor Rick’s books have been published in 200 languages. His best-known books, The Purpose Driven Life and The Purpose Driven Church, were named three times in national surveys of pastors as the two most helpful books in print.

Rick and his wife Kay founded Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He is the co-founder of Celebrate Recovery with John Baker.

Pastor Rick has spoken in 165 nations, as well as at the United Nations, US Congress, numerous parliaments, the World Economic Forum, TED, and the Aspen Institute, and lectured at universities including Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard.

Connect with Rick Warren

God Wants His Lost Children Found

We are within reach of helping millions of lost people know the eternal hope of Jesus Christ! Imagine arriving in heaven and seeing people come to thank you for helping to bring the Good News to them. You can help make that happen. Learn more and get started at FinishingtheTask.com

Kris Gunewardena

Kris is the host of Cross Culture, a podcast that uses the power of the Cross to impact the Culture. He is also the VP of Engineering and Co-Owner of Mil- Spec Magnetics, Inc., a top Manufacturer of Electronic Components in the Defense/ Aerospace Industry. Kris is a Kingdom Entrepreneur who understands that our purpose is to build God’s Kingdom first by diligently utilizing the gifts, talents, and abilities God has placed inside of us. His passion is to achieve Godly success that advances the Kingdom and glorifies God by operating in excellence in the marketplace.

Kris is a devoted husband and father to his wife Diannette and his two sons Kristian and Dillon. He is a dedicated family man and understands that his first ministry is family first.

Connect with Kris Gunewardena

Pastor Joe Ascalon

Pastor Joe is the Senior Pastor of Ikthus-Bacolod, Philippines (formerly called Baptist Conference Church of Bacolod) for the last 25 years.

Fondly called Pastor Joe, he pastors a congregation of around 2,500 and mentors pastors of affiliated Ikthus-Churches from Visayas and Mindanao in the Philippines.

He is married to Marilou for the last 44 years and has 3 lovely daughters who are all married already. Pastor Joe and Marilou are now enjoying and reaping the Lord’s reward for their faithful service and commitment to the Lord and his work in Ikthus.

After the pandemic, the Lord has afforded Pastor Joe to revisit discipleship principles and redirect Ikthus in God’s Mission – The Missio Dei, by pursuing and making disciples in the context of the communities, culture and organically nurturing souls towards mature and responsible followers of Christ.

He is currently working with a team of same-hearted ministers in and outside of the island.

Connect with Pastor Joe Ascalon

Samuel Picou

Samuel Picou was first discovered on season 5 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Sammy is a husband, worship leader, pastor, rapper, singer, songwriter, and Buisness owner from Southern California.

Samuel focuses on inspiring others using a positive message He is a voice for anti-bullying as well as through his book “Beyond The Cover” Alopecia which is a condition with which he was diagnosed at a very young age.

Make sure to follow Samuel on Instagram, and keep an eye out for his future podcast features, and music releases on all streaming platforms

Connect with Samuel Picou

Ryan Ganaban

Ryan is a worship leader and ministry coordinator serving First UMC Sanford and Lakeside UMC in Central Florida. He has been active in worship ministry since the age of 8 at his home church, Good Shepherd UMC, in Kansas City, MO. Since then, he has led worship in churches in Tulsa, OK, served as Program Coordinator for Youthfront Camp West in Edgerton, KS, and is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity through Phillips Theological Seminary. A first-generation Filipino immigrant, Ryan was raised by an incredible family, and his faith has been shaped by their constant love and support throughout his life.

Ryan’s approach to ministry is one of humility, empathy, authenticity. Ryan’s desire in ministry is to share the stories, experiences, and teachings of people who have expressed the love and vision of God’s “kin”-dom throughout history and all over the world. Ryan believes in the power of music to bring people together and experience the divine in an embodied and profound way.

Connect with Ryan Ganaban

Vanessa Rae

Vanessa is a singer-songwriter from Central California. She is a devoted wife and mom who is dedicated to serving God in all aspects of her life. Through visions and God’s confirmation a few years ago, Vanessa knew that her calling was to speak, sing, song-write and help others through her authentic words and ways. Vanessa has always had a deep passion for music, but it wasn’t until she surrendered her life to Christ in 2018 that music had a divine purpose attached to it.

Vanessa has a heart for people. Having gone through many trials in her life, she is committed to using every painful and messy experience for God’s glory. She wants others to find freedom through Christ, as she has. Vanessa hopes that sharing her love for Christ through authenticity and vulnerability will inspire others to step out in boldness and faith and do the same.

From hosting and speaking at ministry events, to leading worship and serving in different aspects, Vanessa believes that with God all things are possible. She boldly waits for God’s guidance as the rest of her ministry journey unfolds.

Connect with Vanessa Rae