Beyond Pain to Purpose: Pastor Mike Walter on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Building PPIKids | Conversations with a Chiropractor

Beyond Pain to Purpose: Pastor Mike Walter on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Building PPIKids | Conversations with a Chiropractor

In this episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with local Marquette pastor Mike Walter for a conversation that moves from the most personal kind of struggle to the most practical kind of impact.

Pastor Mike opens up about being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis early in life, what it’s like to carry an “incurable” label into adulthood, and the daily choices that became non-negotiable as he worked to stay functional, present, and hopeful. He also talks candidly about faith when the pain does not go away, the difference between knowing the right answers and actually living them, and how internal battles can show up even in people who look steady from the outside.

Then the conversation widens. Pastor Mike shares the story behind Prodigal Preacher International, including the moments and relationships that pulled him toward refugee support, safety for girls, school sponsorship, and hunger prevention work in East Africa. You’ll hear what small donations actually do, why recurring giving matters, and how transparent, consistent support can turn into real protection and education for kids who need it most.

If you’ve ever wondered how someone keeps going with chronic pain, or how to make generosity feel real instead of abstract, this one lands.

🎧 In This Episode, Discover:

• Pastor Mike’s early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and what helped him cope day to day

• The ways pain and faith collide, and what he learned in the hard seasons

• His journey to becoming a pastor, including seminary life and the road that shaped him

• How his connection to African culture began and why it became personal

• The danger and fear along the border, and the harsh realities of trafficking

• Real success stories, including refugees who went on to graduate college

• How PPI supports safety and education for girls, plus feeding programs that meet basic needs

• Why “small” donations can create outsized impact, especially through Giving Tuesday matches

• How to help, and what transparency looks like when you give

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Stay Connected & Explore:

Support Pastor Mike Walter’s Work (Prodigal Preacher International / PPIKids):
PPI Website: https://www.ppikids.org/
Donate (one-time or monthly): https://www.ppikids.org/donate
PPI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppikids.org/

Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor:
Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro
Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness
Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [e-mail]

Credits:
Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [e-mail].

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor
00:41 Mike's Early Life and Diagnosis
01:55 Coping with Ankylosing Spondylitis
04:17 Faith and Personal Struggles
05:52 Journey to Becoming a Pastor
07:30 Life in Colorado and Seminary Experiences
13:10 Connection to African Culture
20:03 The Danger and Fear Along the Border
20:27 Success Stories: From Refugee to College Graduate
21:21 The Harsh Realities of Human Trafficking
21:42 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Africa
22:27 Providing Safety and Education for Girls
23:49 The Impact of Small Donations
26:26 The Power of Giving Tuesday
27:44 How to Help: Education and Feeding Programs
30:41 Personal Commitment and Transparency
34:41 The Emotional Burden and Call to Action
36:14 Final Thoughts and Contact Information