Life Matters

As part of our Sanctity of Human Life Month series, Life Matters features a conversation with Pastor Kurt Barman of Harvest Alliance Church in Minden, Iowa. Pastor Kurt shares the biblical foundation for the sanctity of life and how the local church can compassionately come alongside women and families facing unsupported pregnancies.

Pastor Mark Ashton of Christ Community Church joins Life Matters during Sanctity of Human Life Month to talk about the value of human life and the responsibility of the church to protect it. Pastor Mark shares insight on how churches can faithfully stand for life with grace and truth.

In Part 2 of this Life Matters conversation with Assure’s Directors, the focus turns toward the future as they share how God is shaping the next chapter of the ministry. From research and innovation to leadership, culture, and prayer, this episode invites listeners to join Assure in praying for the women and families who will be served in the year ahead.

In Part 1 of this special Life Matters series, Toni Clarke is joined by the Directors of Assure to reflect on the past year of ministry and the lives God has changed. You’ll hear from the about frontline patient care, faithful partners, and powerful moments that reveal God’s provision and grace.

In this special year-end episode of Life Matters, Toni Clarke sits down with Board Chair Chris Cannon to reflect on a year of growth, answered prayers, and lives changed through Assure. Chris shares her personal connection to the mission, the heart behind her leadership, and her hopes for the ministry's future.

In Part Two, Dr. Edward DeSimone examines the rising risks of chemical abortion — including mail-order access, patient safety concerns, and even potential environmental impacts. He also discusses conscience rights for pharmacists and the challenges facing pro-life healthcare workers. Dr. DeSimone closes with practical encouragement for anyone seeking to stand for life with conviction.

On this week’s Life Matters, Toni Clarke talks with Michelle Scollard, Partnerships and Outreach Coordinator at Assure, about three exciting upcoming initiatives — the new Church Ambassador Program, 40 Days of Prayer, and Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Tune in to hear how you and your church can take simple, meaningful steps to support life and serve women facing unsupported or unplanned pregnancies.

Join Toni Clarke and Amanda Temoshek, Assure’s Advancement Director, as they unpack the Nebraska Pregnancy Help Act Tax Credit—a unique opportunity for Nebraskans to support life-affirming work and receive a state income tax credit. Learn how your tax-credit eligible gift to Assure can fund 100% free services for women facing unplanned and unsupported pregnancies.

In this episode of Life Matters, Assure Follow-Up Specialist Joy Graves shares her powerful testimony and the heart behind her work connecting with women after their appointment at Assure. Through stories of faith, perseverance, and life-changing conversations, Joy reveals how God uses the follow-up ministry at Assure – a vital part of the 15-step patient process -  to bring hope, healing, and the courage to choose life.

In Part Two of Life Matters with David Sundman, we explore the church’s vital role in meeting both the material and spiritual needs of women and families facing unsupported pregnancies. David shares how his own redemption story shapes his view of the sanctity of life and why the gospel calls believers to both compassion and conviction.

At 24 years old, David Sundman was homeless, addicted, and convinced God didn’t exist. In this episode of Life Matters, David—now a husband, father, rapper, and pastoral resident at Coram Deo Church—shares how God transformed his life and gave him a new purpose. Hear how he uses gospel hip hop to reach others and why he believes the church must live out the gospel in both word and deed.

In Part Two of this Life Matters conversation, Toni Clarke continues her interview with Renee Eames and Mary Crosby—The Lenz Sisters. They share the deeper meaning of the bluebird, the mission of Bluebird Refuge, and their book 9 Days of Refuge, written to encourage women in difficult seasons. You’ll also hear how tea, community, and generosity are fueling their vision for the future—and how you can be part of it.