Crossroads with Jenny Bushkell

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." Hebrews 10:23.  Jenny interviews Actress Catherine Lidstone (The Chosen) and Producer Kristen Brancaccio / Exit Twelve Productions about the new inspirational movie FORTY-SEVEN DAYS WITH JESUS.  The interview is at NRB Christian Media Convention with these special & talented ladies! They talk about this movie, how they became part of it and what they are seeing through it!  It airs in theaters March 11, 12, and 14 to get us ready for Easter! And it's for the family!
The plot has a disconnected family that finds hope and unity through a cinematic retelling of Jesus' final 47 days on Earth. And it features unforgettable original music, outstanding Actors and top Production! FORTY-SEVEN DAYS WITH JESUS brings the Easter story to life and reminds us of The Gospel's enduring impact. Thanks to Campbell Dental Care with an assist from Denise King, Realtor - Noble Realty.  Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell can be heard 5pm - 6pm EST Friday, Saturday & Sunday streaming at wrjz.com or download the Joy620 WRJZ App! Will be on Podcast at Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to your Podcasts. And on pray.com.

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners…”Is 61. Jenny's guests share hope, encouragement and so many profound truths in this interview. Karen Ellison, Founder & President of Deeper Still Ministry & Jacquelyn Michelle Murphy, Exec. Director are back to talk more about “Healing The Abortion Wounded Heart” in Part Two. JESUS is still transforming hearts and lives. You don’t need to carry shame, guilt or regret for anything in your past - just trust HIM.  And exciting news; Dr. Ben Carson is the speaker in their upcoming event on March 21, 2024.  Karen Ellison authored the book "Healing the Hurt That Won't Heal - Freedom for the Abortion Wounded Heart and Help For The Church They Fear." She shares her personal story and how Jesus has transformed her life.  She also addresses how important it is for the church to talk about abortion and for healing from its wounds. You can find her book on Amazon or more info at Deeperstill.com. 

Guests Karen Ellison, Founder & President of Deeper Still Ministry & Jacquelyn Michelle Murphy, Executive Director share their stories and the good news of our redeeming Lord - to bring healing to the abortion-wounded heart. After Karen had an abortion, she shares her struggle and her heart.  Karen authored the book "Healing the Hurt That Won't Heal - Freedom for the Abortion Wounded Heart and Help For The Church They Fear." At Deeper Still they are going to be talking about one of the hardest things that so many people face, healing from a past abortion. Deeper Still affirms and encourages your decision to seek a deeper place of healing and restoration from your past choices and is available for both men and women.

Our redeeming Lord starts the healing once we surrender our deepest dark places & hurts to Him! Whether you are post-abortive or struggling with other things in your life, you can find this interview helpful.   "I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22.  For more about Deeper Still Ministry go to www.deeperstill.com or their Podcast, “Freeing The Abortion Wounded Heart." 

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure… Hebrews 6:19. Some of us have had struggles where we wonder if there is anything ahead for us. Former University of Tennessee football defensive back Todd Kelly, Jr returns to share what happened when his life met a challenging crossroad. Hear where God has been leading him since the heartache and anguish of his career-ending knee injury. He recently was honored as a “Legend of the Game” by the University of Tennessee. “TK” is a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, founder and CEO of TKJ Foundation, and is sharing his faith and what he learned through the tough times. He has been able to find hope and purpose in his life despite the setbacks he has faced. His story is a testament to the power of hope and faith in overcoming adversity.  

"Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause." Is 1:17. Jenny is back with friends Author, Nikki Goeser, Exec Dir of the Crime Research Center & the Honorable Rep Michele Carringer to talk about the tragic murder of Nikki's husband Ben, murdered by a man who stalked her - and still stalks her with “love letters” from prison. In compliance with state law, the night Ben was gunned down, Nikki’s legal gun was locked in the car. She was left defenseless and disarmed while restaurant patrons scrambled to stop him as he continued to shoot. Although her life was shattered at the loss of her husband and best friend, Nikki is now a voice for the voiceless and the many people who are victims of stalking.  Hear how God is using Nikki and TN State Rep. Michele Carringer to fight for victims rights. You will be shocked that this can happen in America, but you will be inspired by this story.  Nikki’s book “Stalked and Defenseless: How Gun Control Helped My Stalker Murder My Husband in Front of Me” is available online.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12  Jenny’s guest Paul Bagai, Minister of Discipleship and Young Adults at First Baptist Knoxville is here to help us maneuver through the topic of “spiritual warfare.”  We are daily assaulted by the enemy who seeks to “steal, kill and destroy” our lives, and sometimes we don’t even notice. Other times it is very evident and oppressing.

First Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Satan is trying to pull us away from God and is fighting to bring us back into captivity and strongholds. Ephesians 6:10-20 teaches us how to defend against spiritual warfare through the armor of God and how important it is to put it on daily.  While planning this show for weeks, both Jenny and Paul experienced numerous bouts of spiritual warfare and setbacks. We knew this would be a powerful interview. They discuss spiritual warfare - what it is, how can we recognize it and  - how do we face it!

Jenny’s guests, Derrick Furlow, Jr and Madison Townsend are bringing us insight on how “setbacks may be set ups” for what’s your next step this year!  After transitioning from athlete to Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur and former  Pro and Tennessee Vol football player, Derrick D.LOW Furlow, Jr. is back sharing how adversity and faith shifted his perspective on life, putting him “in alignment with his true assignment!”  Founder of SLB The Agency, Derrick is helping athletes navigate the challenges of NIL and create a safe environment. He is also the CEO of Onrise and Onrise Player Network, which provides mental health support to athletes. Madison Townsend, an athletic intern, joins Derrick to discuss how pressures, injuries, and anxiety are just a few of the things that affect athletes. Tune in to this encouraging interview today!  Derrick’s book, “What’s Next; How To Transition Like A Champion,”  in sports, life or business, is making an huge impact.  He has received many honors, including being recognized as one of “40 Under 40” in 2020, for his achievements. His purpose is to impact, inspire and empower people!

From a traumatic childhood filled with abuse, through addiction and anger, my guest was filled with the Holy Spirit in 1974 during the Jesus Movement! Then wait until you hear what God did through him!  We are talking with Dr. John Polis, President & Founder of Revival Fellowship International, Sr. Pastor at Faith Church International, television and radio host, Author and Podcaster of the Battle Prayer Podcast. And in the studio with us is his brother,  Dr. Pat Polis. Hear this emotional miracle story that is a testament to faith, forgiveness and prayer. What happens when you have an abusive earthly father? Hear how God healed these men and set them on a course only God can do!

Imagine leaving everything behind to follow Jesus. Paul Bagai, Minister of Discipleship and Young Adults at First Baptist Knoxville shares his story of coming to faith in Christ and trusting God when he was called to leave his home and move across the country with nothing in sight. Sometimes God asks us to take risks, trust him and walk by faith. But in all circumstances, we can experience God’s goodness!  Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” John 13:7 

“It is a Land that the Lord your God seeks out; the eyes of the Lord your God, are always upon it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year.” (DEUT 11:12)   Anyone who has ever made a trip to Israel, has felt the impact on their life and spiritual growth. The Bible comes to life. Jenny’s guest Donna Jollay is in from Israel where she’s the Director of Christian Relations at Israel365.  She gives us insight on just what is going on in Israel, her own redemption story, and unlocks something important about the recent interview with Cathy Campbell - “Facing Fear - When Terrorism Disrupted Pilgrimage In Israel.”   

Donna is a hi-tech entrepreneur, the owner of Jerusalem Tours, a philanthropist, and a deeply committed Christian Zionist. Her love for Israel and the children of Israel began when she had a life changing spiritual awakening in 1995 and started reading the Bible. Her recovery story from an abusive childhood and addiction is a story that brings Hope.  She has dedicated her life to building bridges between the Christian and Jewish communities. Donna has lived in Israel since 2014 and was there when the October 7 attack happened and is now in the U.S. to stand and advocate for Israel in these Times like no other - “For Such a Time as This.”

Jenny and Donna also discuss the lies & disruption during the Knoxville City Council meeting regarding Israelis and Palestinians.  Israel365 is strengthening Israel by building bridges between Jews, Christians & all who share our faith-based values.   israel365.com, joursalemtours.com  Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; those who love you will be serene. PSALMS (122:6) 

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6

Sometimes we get lost in all the excitement and forget the real reason we celebrate the season! Finding the real joy in Christmas is when you make Jesus the center of our celebration. Jenny’s guests today are Meredith Worden, President of the Nativity Pageant of Knoxville Board of Directors and Board Member Jamie Butler, Chair of the Welcome & Care Committee to talk about the 55th Nativity Pageant of Knoxville and how Jesus has worked in their lives to lead them there! Take time this Christmas season to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by glorifying the One who gave it all. Through His life, death and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled God’s plan of redemption that HE planned from the beginning of the world. 

“Answer me, O LORD, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me.” Psalm 69:16 At 5am Feb 24, 2023, Dr. Vitaliy Sorokun and his wife Ana were awakened to sounds of explosions and their home shaking as Russia began war on Ukraine. Jenny’s guest knows first-hand the devastation and horror of what has been going on there, but can see God at work, even under these circumstances. Dr. Vitaliy Sorokun is Vice President of Burnham Ministries International and the Director of Foreign Mission Department with the Baptist Union of Ukraine. He shares how he came to know Christ, how God is making “beauty from ashes” (Isaiah 61:3) and how thousands are finding hope in Jesus! It’s about making disciples, one-on-one,  intentionally & relationally!

Thanks to our Title Sponsor & Ministry Partner Campbell Dental Care with an assist from Denise King, Realtor, - Noble Realty.  Crossroads With Jenny Bushkell 5pm - 6pm EST on AM620, 102.5FM, 99.5FM Sevier County, streaming at wrjz.com or download the Joy620 App.

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I shall rescue you, and you will honor Me.” Psalm 50:15   Most of us struggle to understand why God allows us to go through difficult times. Jenny interviews Pastor Chad and Sadie Roberts, who have faced one of the most challenging situations in life. While on a mission trip, Chad lost his sight in one eye and suddenly went completely blind in 2018. Despite this adversity, he carries a message that life is not random, but is actually orchestrated by God for a purpose. He is now a trusted spiritual voice in many lives. Chad is the founder and lead pastor of Preaching Christ’s Church, and Sadie directs communications and connections there. Their ministry, "Awakened to Grace with Chad Roberts" can be found daily on radio, Podcast, one place.com and pray.com. Together they have a marriage Podcast called "The Marriage Conversation." You can find more at awakenedtograce.com   

What started out as an exciting trip to Israel to study and to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, suddenly changed as Hamas brutally attacked Israel. That Saturday morning two members of their group were on the balcony when the first missiles hit, less than two miles from their hotel. As tensions escalated in Israel, they and their family members and friends in the US, began to feel increasingly anxious. As the situation deteriorated, they started to feel anxious. Fear mounted as they were forced to take detours, all flights were canceled, and they faced distressing circumstances. Join Jenny and her lifelong friend, Cathy Campbell as we hear about the trip, how she faced her fears and what God showed her while she was there!  And there were miracle stories, too! Cathy shares scriptures that calmed and comforted her.  No doubt,  “He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”  Cathy Campbell is a Bible teacher, she’s served as a volunteer with many organizations in East TN. She is married to Dr. David Campbell, has been a best friend and sister in Christ to Jenny! 

Having survived stage 4 cancer, Jenny thought she had endured the greatest test of her life, until in a single moment, a collision with a drunk driver took the life of her seventeen-year-old son and left her remaining son clinging to life with catastrophic injuries. Jenny’s guest is Jenny Leavitt, Author of “GodPrints: Finding Evidence of God in the Shattered Pieces of Life.” Jenny and her husband, Myron, never intended to walk this road through the valley of the shadow of death, but life often doesn’t work out the way we plan. Jenny shares her pain, her fears, her healing and her hope.  For anyone beaten down by life, feeling adrift among trials, or struggling with day-to-day challenges Jenny offers encouragement in this interview and her book.  

Many people struggle to start a family because they have been unable to become pregnant. In-vitro fertilization has been the answer to many couples’ prayers to have a baby.  But this success has created a surplus of frozen human embryos - human life -  but embryo donation and embryo adoption offer the blessing of life!  Jenny is talking with Dr. Jeffrey Keenan, President & Medical Director of the National Embryo Donation Center  (NEDC) and a fertility specialist at Southeastern Fertility in Knoxville, TN.  They are the largest group in the world providing embryo adoption.  (more babies born than anyone)  They are caring for the tiniest little ones - made in God’s image!  Hear stories of hope as they share some of what families have shared in writing and video about being able to adopt these precious babies. What a blessing NEDC is!   To find out more about embryo adoption and donation, please see their website, embryodonation.org,, on social media and on their Podcast - “The Embryo Adoption Podcast” with Host Mike Mellinger.”

"But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears." Psalm 18:6. Jenny’s guest was wrongfully accused of abusing her children, threatened with the possibility of jail and possibly losing her children to foster care and even adoption!! One fateful evening Rachel Siqueira Bruno's life was changed forever. Her story unravels like a "Dateline" story full of false-allegations & corruption. Yet through it all, God was faithful. Hear her heart-wrenching story, how her strong faith in God brought her through this ordeal and how she is educating & helping other parents! Rachel Bruno - Author & Public Speaker talks about her book "Fractured Hope: A Mother's Fight For Justice."

We all face hard times, and when we do, can we really just God to “sustain me to the end?” (I Cor 1:8) Jenny’s guest is Author, Speaker, Retreat Leader & business owner Kim Jaggers. Her online devotional “Kim Jaggers - Daily Seeking Him” can be found on Facebook and Instagram. She is passionate about spending time with God and leading others to have a real & personal relationship with Jesus. Kim has been through devastating loss, unimaginable circumstances & heartache that moved her closer to God and strengthened her faith. Her new devotional “A Journey Through Corinthians with Kim Jaggers” has just been released and she is sharing some of her story, why a book on Corinthians, and how important it is to know God’s truth now. You can connect with her at kimjaggers.com. where you can find her contact, speaking engagements at women’s events, devotionals, and her book, “Truth To Hold On To,” that shares her story.

When we know what Jesus did for us, it gives us a different perspective of what it means to love ourselves and others.  Foster Care and personal one-on-one evangelism is an opportunity to step into someone’s life and make a difference.  Jenny interviews Bradley Williams, President/CEO of Holston United Methodist Home for Children and staff member Joel Haler and hears how they are bringing Jesus to a hurting world.  Joel leads a community ministry & heads up foster care recruitment in churches in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. They are talking about serving children & families and loving our neighbors. God has a plan and a purpose for every life! 

Jenny has a special guest this week! UT Music Education Professor & the Director of The University of Tennessee Bands - Pride Of The Southland Band - Dr. Michael Stewart (Mike Stewart). He will inspire & encourage you as he shares his walk of faith, about his family, their adoption story and behind the scenes on campus!  He shares the importance of God’s timing and how to live life daily to influence and encourage others. Even on a University Campus, you can touch lives as you walk in faith. 

Hear how God has connected Jenny and Dr. Stewart in a special way through two of his children in two very different ways! God connects us to others at all kinds of crossroads in our life and theirs. We may wonder how that happens, but if you are watching for it, you will see God at work everywhere, even when we don’t say a word!