Hey D2B Family,

You will be inspired by Julie's story of her struggle with self-worth, dyslexia, and infertility. 

Julie David is the Director of Business Development at The UPS Store in Wexford where she focuses on print and design and loves to serve the community, especially the schools, through making their print journey easier and affordable. Julie is active at her church, North Way Christian Community along-side her husband of 23 years, Philip, and their three children: Ethan and Grace both 20 years old and Callie soon to be 17 years old.  Prior to working at The UPS Store, Julie had a very successful direct sales business for 15 years where she trained women across the country in person and through her YouTube channel to have a successful and thriving business. She loved being able to use her background and skills in education, public speaking, and professional training to help women find ways to grow in confidence and find success in their personal businesses.

Julie shares how God has repeatedly redeemed the obstacles and disappointing moments of her life to bring about unexpected blessings and hope for the future.  Her story reminds all of us that God is with us in the hard moments of life, and He sees our whole journey even when we can only focus on the roadblock in our immediate path. Through her struggle with self-worth, dyslexia, and infertility, Julie discusses how God used these challenges to teach her the truth of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Melodie Leake has served in ministry alongside her husband, Jeff, at Allison Park Church for more than two decades. She has been actively involved in many roles at Allison Park Church, including serving as an Interim Campus Pastor, director of Sisterhood and as the Campus Liaison Pastor.  Her passion is to see women set free from past pain and released to be all that God has called them to be. She and Jeff have five children (four who are married to amazing spouses)  and five grandchildren. They reside in Allison Park, PA.

Cece Manning is one half of the lead pastoral team at Kinport Assembly of God in Cherry Tree, Pennsylvania. Additionally, she is the lead team member of the women’s and missions ministries at Kinport. 

Cece’s heart is on the mission field, serving as a difference maker in India and Nepal, and always seeking opportunities in other areas around the world. She has a Master’s Degree in Education with a specialization in visual impairment and technology for the blind. Together with her husband of 12 years, Thomas, they have four children from ages 12 to 2 - Jameson, Parker, Miles, and Madeline.

Joni Cranston lives in Robinson Township and describes herself as a wife, mom, teacher, and musician.  She is married to David and has two sons; David, who is 24, and Jonathan, 16. She is an accomplished pianist and sings on the worship team at Allegheny Center Alliance Church where she and her family are active members.  Joni holds a degree in Education with a Bible minor, from Tennessee Temple University.  

Formerly a middle-school teacher, Joni has been involved in leading women’s ministries for over 22 years.  For the last 16 years, Joni has been the full-time Teaching Director of Community Bible Study, a vibrant group of over 320 women and 100 children meeting weekly, primarily in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, but more recently, virtual online groups have formed, as well.  

Joni has a passion to teach God’s word and takes seriously the Lord’s commission in Matthew 28:19-20 which says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…. teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  Joni finds great joy in seeing lives transformed by the study of the Word of God.

Don't forget to register for the upcoming studies on Revelation and Daniel on www.pittsburghnorth.cbsclass.org

Kim Masengale is the founder of the She Is Conference and serves as the pastor of Summit Women at Summit Church. She is passionate about life and serving God will all of her heart, soul, & mind. She loves leading & pastoring alongside her husband, Mel. Kim’s heart is to help women of all ages discover their worth in Christ & the freedom that only He can give. Born and raised in Texas, Kim loves Tex-Mex, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with her family & friends. She has her Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, Specializing in Marriage + Family Therapy. Kim is married to Mel, her college sweetheart and the lead pastor of Summit Church. They’ve been married for 21 years and have two daughters.

Pain is something we all experience whether through a death of a loved one, dire medical diagnosis, unfortunate circumstances, or words/actions of another human being. 

Anna Aiken, the founder of Daring 2 Believe, gets real and shares how she has walked through the valley of pain. Every valley is different but the one thing that stays constant and true is her complete dependence on God to guide her through it. 

Lean in as she shares some painful experiences and what she has learned in the process. 

This Daring 2 Believe episode features a mother/daughter conversation & kicks off our SECOND SEASON. Perfect timing for Mother's Day Weekend!  

It is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite episodes because it was an amazing opportunity to share the mic with my beautiful daughter Sarah Leake. It was such a treat to laugh, share thoughts, and experiences from a mother and daughter perspective. We answered questions from our listeners that ranged from parenthood, marriage, beauty secrets (LOL), and growth development.  

Daring 2 Believe was founded and anchored on Luke 1:45 "Blessed is she who BELIEVES that God will fulfill ALL that He has promised." 

It all started as a small dream that was birthed while riding on school bus for a field trip. I am completely blown away that D2B has reached OVER 26 countries- Ethiopia, Sweden, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Rwanda to name a few and has amassed close to 4000 listens!!

Daring 2 Believe's second season is based on the theme "ARISE" founded on Isaiah 60:1 "ARISE, SHINE, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."  

You will hear stories from every day women who are making a difference by using their voices to bring God's truth to those in their sphere of influence. Every woman regardless of age, color, ethnicity, position, title, shape, and season in life matters to God. You are valuable. You are worthy. My heart is that these stories will INSPIRE, ACTIVATE, & ILLUMINATE. May you "dare to believe that God will fulfill all that He has promised." 

Corrin Pontzloff is the Communications Coordinator at Light of Life Rescue Mission on the North Side and a ministry student at Allison Park Leadership Academy. She has a passion for sharing the hope and love of Jesus with others, especially women and those grieving.

Corrin loves writing to encourage others, deep friendships, a good dark roast coffee, and traveling and hiking with her husband Mike and dog Dottie. Corrin has two babies in Heaven and one on the way, and is expectant of the ways that the Lord is going to use her story to minister to others.