Adoptees in Arms
Are you an adult adoptee who has struggled to find purpose on the other side of pain? Do you long to walk free from the bondage of shame, abandonment, and rejection? Do you desire a closer relationship with God? If so, Adoptees in Arms was created with you in mind. Join Iris Peterson Bryant, an adult adoptee, as she shares stories from her life along with spiritually uplifting interviews to encourage and empower the listeners. This bi-monthly podcast is designed to elevate and amplify the voices of adult adoptees and help them find hope and peace in God's word.
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Episode 5: My Perspective on the Kirk Franklin Documentary - Part 1
11/14/2023
Episode 5: My Perspective on the Kirk Franklin Documentary - Part 1
The adoption reunion experience is complicated and brings with it its own set of challenges. Join me as I unpack key moments from the If you need help understanding the complexities of this journey and finding peace when you’re missing pieces, this episode is for you. Connect with Iris:
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Episode 4: Don't Take it Personally
09/08/2023
Episode 4: Don't Take it Personally
What happens when you get too dependent or too attached to the opinions, the feedback, or expectations of others? I've often spoken of people pleasing, but what about when we take things personally? Welcome to this new season of Adoptees in Arms where we help adult adoptees find hope and peace in God's word. Join me in this episode where I simply encourage you to not take it personally. Scripture Mentioned in This Episode: Jeremiah 17:5 NKJV Other Resources: Our Website: - YouVersion Bible Reading Plan
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Trailer Episode: Fall 2023 Season
08/24/2023
Trailer Episode: Fall 2023 Season
How do we handle setbacks, disappointments, and unexpected losses? Let me tell you, I have had my share of all of the above. This journey is not easy, but I want to walk alongside you as you find the strength you need to trust God for whatever is next. The new season of Adoptees in Arms will provide you with the insight and biblical wisdom that you need to navigate any difficult season you may face. Episode 1 releases on Thursday, September 7th. Make sure to follow so you don't miss a single episode. I am excited about finding hope and healing in God's word.
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Episode 3: Love Restores
02/28/2023
Episode 3: Love Restores
As we conclude the month of February, National Heart Health Month, I desire to encourage you with a message straight from my heart. If you have been hurt or wounded on this journey, don’t expect your healing to come at the hands of those who wounded you. I want to invite you to lay your cares down at the feet of Jesus–all of your cares, those spoken and those tucked away in the crevices of your mind. Allow HIs perfect love to restore you and heal you everywhere you hurt. Trust me, He is well able to do that. Scripture Resources: "O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off." - "The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." "Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.'" Let's Connect: | | Download this free resource:
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Episode 2: Adoptees and the Importance of Community
02/16/2023
Episode 2: Adoptees and the Importance of Community
When I was prompted by Holy Spirit to shift the podcast from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms, one of the first people I talked to was my best friend since 4th grade, Debra Cheek. She made a statement that was also recently shared by a faithful listener, “Iris, we need to hear your story!” I pondered her statement for several weeks before I asked her if she would interview me as a way of kicking off the conversation through the Adoptees in Arms podcast. Without hesitation, she agreed. In this episode with the , we share a candid conversation about my adoption story. Connect with Iris: Free Resource:
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Episode 1: Why We Shifted - The ReLaunch Episode
01/12/2023
Episode 1: Why We Shifted - The ReLaunch Episode
"So, you're called to podcast, huh?" "Who's going to want to hear what you have to say?" "You're gonna talk about what?" These are the internal questions that I have battled for over a year and the answers to these questions have led me to this moment-- Welcome to the first episode of the newly relaunched Adoptees in Arms podcast. I am so excited that you are here! In this episode, I will share why we pivoted and made the change from Hidden Jewels to Adoptees in Arms. Connect with Iris: Finding Hope & Peace: Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode: The power of using our voice The importance of community Why advocacy is so important to me Here are some of the things I talked about in this episode: Quotes: "I was not given up for adoption because I did something wrong, but because there was a greater purpose God desired to fulfill in my life." - Iris P. Bryant "I finally know where my voice belongs, and that has made all the difference." - Iris P. Bryant Links and Resources: Want to listen to my podcast episodes on people-pleasing? Check out and . Be sure to also check out my book
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Reflection 2022 - The Grace to Cross Over
12/28/2022
Reflection 2022 - The Grace to Cross Over
For the past year, , has been going through a preparation for new leadership. 2002 has been considered the year of shifting for us in ministry. I understood that and embraced it. However, it just dawned on me that it is also a time of shifting as it relates to the ministry assignment of Hidden Jewels. This is the final episode of Hidden Jewels, but I will continue podcasting, just with a new name and a new mission. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged as you cross over into the new that God has prepared for you.
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Adopted and Healed with Kristen Yates
12/08/2022
Adopted and Healed with Kristen Yates
We are still elevating the voices of adult adoptees in our series "Adopted and Healed." Today I have the opportunity to speak with Kristen Yates is a Transracial Afrolatina Adoptee. She loves to find ways of being creative, capture a moment in a photo and enjoy making memories with those I love. She has an extensive background with adolescents and a degree in Psychology. She has recently changed direction in her career by working with young adults where she coaches and mentors them through various life situations. She will be releasing a workshop in 2023, which is designed to equip adoptive parents and provide productive tools through a biblical worldview. She is passionate about educating Adoptive parents while seeing Adoptees spiritually healed from Adoption Trauma through the power of Holy Spirit. She is married with four kids and they currently reside in Tennessee. This episode will bring healing and deliverance to those who desire a closer relationship with God or who just desire to have peace in their lives. It's not just for adoptees. It is for anyone who wants to know what real peace feels like. Connect with Kristen on Visit her
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Adopted and Healed with Kristina Wise
11/24/2022
Adopted and Healed with Kristina Wise
Kristina R. Wise is a passionate speaker, educator & CEO & Founder of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Kristina is a fun and energetic Bible teacher who encourages women to flourish in their purpose. Most recent author of “Strength In Him” written from her daily quiet times with The Lord, Kristina wrote this book to encourage women to know where their strength comes from. Her educational background started her love for teaching God's Word and her desire to travel the world speaking His Word. She is the founder and CEO of Spiritual Healing Sisterhood, Inc. Where their mission is to see women healed, restored and become set free. To find their true freedom in Christ. Through mentoring and discipling in a small group setting, the sisterhood has a heart to see women grow, become empowered, and healed from past hurts and trauma. Currently, Kristina is a seminary student at Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX where she plans to use her degree to make an impact on women’s ministry and Christian education. Kristina lives by Psalm 37:23, "The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him," because she knows that God is the only one who can make her steps firm. Purchase her book . Follow Kristina and her journey at and on Instagram
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Adopted and Healed with Sherry Jones
11/08/2022
Adopted and Healed with Sherry Jones
We have entered the month of November, National Adoption Awareness Month, and we are celebrating this month with a special podcast series, Adopted and Healed. Our special guest today is Sherry Jones of Sherry Speaks Life, who will tell us a bit of her adopted and heal journey. Sherry Jones believes in the power of speaking life! She is passionate about helping women transform their negative thoughts and words into positive ones rooted in the Word of God. She believes speaking life is a lifestyle we must embrace. Sherry is a certified Christian Life Coach, author, speaker, and podcast host. Her coaching program, Speak Up, Step Up, & Show Up empowers women to speak life, say yes to God, and show up as their authentic selves so they can walk out their God-given assignments. She has written two books: Trouble Don’t Last Always and Speak Life Moments. In addition, Sherry hosts the Sherry Speaks Life Podcast, which broadcasts live on Facebook and YouTube. You can also listen to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Sherry is the founder of , a Facebook community for Christian women. The mission of GCWN is to uplift, support, and encourage Christian women to glorify God in every aspect of their lives. Connect with Sherry: Connect with Iris: Finding Purpose: Here are some of the things Sherry and I talked about: The freedom of sharing our stories Finding our true identity in Jesus Gaining strength from God's word Being free from shame and fear Quotes: “I’ve come to a place where I can share my adoption story and be comfortable with it because it is a part of my journey.” –Sherry Jones “Being able to see myself through God’s eyes has been so empowering.” –Sherry Jones
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Colorful Connections with Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith
10/11/2022
Colorful Connections with Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith
In their new book Colorful Connections: 12 Questions About Race That Open Healthy Conversations, two women of different races, authors Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith and Lori Stanley Roeleveld work together to open healthy conversations about race. Colorful Connections came about because of a question from one of Roeleveld’ s blog readers, asking her to write about how to have a hard conversation about race. Even though they had only met in professional settings, and weren’t friends, Dalton-Smith agreed to join Roeleveld on this journey. Readers will see a real-time process as Dalton-Smith and Roeleveld walk this journey of healing, knowledge, and faith. Written in a conversational style between the authors, they have also widened the circle to include influencers like Jo Saxton, Jamie Ivey, Dr. Derwin Gray and others. Readers will appreciate Dalton-Smith and Roeleveld’ s authentic approach to the vital issue of skin color and race conversations in today’s world. Connect with Dr. Dalton-Smith: Connect with Lori Stanley Roeleveld:
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God Sees You
09/13/2022
God Sees You
In this life, there will be troubles, trials, disappointments, and setbacks. There will be adversity, but how do you handle it all? Do you shrink back? Do you play small? Do you run? Or do you stand still and see the salvation of the Lord? In today's episode, we're going to take a look into the life of Hagar and how she handled adversity. We will also examine how God responded to her in the midst of that adverse situation. Join me today as we are reminded that God sees us. Yes, even in our times of adversity. Connect with Iris: ~~~~ ~~
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Embracing the Love of God the Father
06/17/2022
Embracing the Love of God the Father
Today we have Kia Stephens on the show and she is here with a timely and sincere message for our listeners. Kia is a wife, and mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood. She created to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the Father. She is a contributor for iBelieve, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Beloved Women, and her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, and Incourage. After seeing the need for a community for Christian women communicators of color, she founded . She faithfully serves in Bible Study Fellowship as a substitute teaching leader and in my local church as a Re:New mentor. She is an amazing woman with a passion for discovering the beauty, risk, and challenge of abundant living and about helping other women do the same. Her first book Overcoming Father Wounds (Revel Books) will release March 7, 2023. Grab a free mp3 download of Kia’s teaching on Knowing God as Father . Connect with Kia: ~~~~~~~~ Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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Ways to Correct Spiritual Astigmatism
05/26/2022
Ways to Correct Spiritual Astigmatism
Are you that person who always sees the glass as always half empty? Are we quick to offer negative comments to situations because things "have never worked out" for you? If so, it may be time for a spiritual eye examination. Reach out! Iris P. Bryant, Hidden Jewels Podcast Host Email: [email protected] / Instagram: / Facebook:
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The Power of a Testimony
04/28/2022
The Power of a Testimony
Do you believe there is a greater purpose on the other side of a test or a challenging situation? In this episode I share a personal experience from a recent worship service. Will you share your testimony? Will you tell others what God has done for you? Are you ready to share what God has done in your life? The world is waiting to hear your testimony.
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Lessons We Can Learn in Our Dark Times
04/13/2022
Lessons We Can Learn in Our Dark Times
Today we have Nylse Eshac as our special guest. Nysle is the author of “The Comfort of Night: How Jesus Makes Your Dark Times All Right, In this episode we take a look at one of the more poignant phrases in the Bible, at the end of John 13:30 – and it was night, Jesus begins to speak, illuminating His presence. Hereafter, as Jesus spoke, He removed the fear and foreboding surrounding His disciples. There was an urgency and a gentleness as He comforted His disciples. By His words, Jesus brought comfort to the darkness. Get to know Him, for He provides The Comfort of Night. She’s sharing nuggets from her book, The Comfort of Night: How Jesus Makes Your Day TImes All Right. If you’re trying to find purpose during your night season, this episode is for you. Connect with Nylse on her Purchase her Connect with Iris: ~~~~
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Having Confidence in the Face of Adversity
03/11/2022
Having Confidence in the Face of Adversity
What do you do when you encounter a situation or a person that challenges what you know, to be true? Have you ever been in a situation or have you ever had to face someone who was challenging your truth? It could be something major where you are in a setting with other people, or maybe a very small situation that no one witnesses, but you. It may seem insignificant, but you have to rely on what God has told you or what he has invested in you. In this episode, Iris shares a personal experience that reminded her of the power of allowing the evidence to speak for itself. If you are tired of being combative or striving to prove your worth to others, this episode is for you.
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Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
01/22/2022
Change Your Mind, Change Your Life
In this episode, I have the privilege of speaking with The Believing Wife, Debra Cheek, as she shares the importance of our mindsets. She challenges us to forsake limited mindsets and embrace community as we walk into a changed life. Connect with Debra Cheek: IG: FB: Website:
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Reflection 2021
12/30/2021
Reflection 2021
In this episode, I share the importance of a year end reflection activity and highlighting the top 5 episodes of Hidden Jewels in 2021. I will share nuggets from these episodes and encouragement as we move into 2022. If you need to catch up on previous episodes or want to test or projections for the top 5, this episode is just for you! Show Links: Check out End me an email: Join the
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This is My Adoption Story with Denise Defoe Part 2
12/13/2021
This is My Adoption Story with Denise Defoe Part 2
Today we have Denise Defoe in the last episode of the "This is My Adoption Story" series. In the second part of her interview, Denise dives deep into the topic of forgiveness and what she learned as she connected with members of her biological family. Reach out Denise Defoe ~~~~ Purchase Hidden Jewels ~~~~
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This is My Adoption Story: They Chose Me with Denise Defoe Part 1
11/30/2021
This is My Adoption Story: They Chose Me with Denise Defoe Part 1
Born in San Diego, Denise Defoe has lived in Maryland for most of her life. She is a licensed social worker who is currently working as a psychotherapist. Denise obtained her Bachelors of Social Work degree from Oakwood University in 2003. After college, Denise matriculated at the University of Alabama under the prestigious, full ride, Daniel Scholarship and earned her Masters Degree in Social Work in 2004. Her crowning achievement to date has been the completion and release of her memoir, They Chose Me: An Adoption Story released in June 2019. This book chronicles her journey as an adoptee. The readers are taken on a decades-long odyssey filled with a variety of emotions stemming from her sense of abandonment. From grief, anger, and resentment, Denise was able to come to a place of acceptance, forgiveness, and peace. She is now able to speak about this journey and serve as a consultant and advocate for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. Sharing her story has empowered others to stand strong within their own story. Her greatest personal joy and fulfillment come from her life as a wife and mother. She is married to Dr. David I. Defoe and together they are the proud parents of their daughter Dayna Imara. Connect with Her Online: // // // Purchase
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This Is My Adoption Story: Everyone Will Know it Was God
11/20/2021
This Is My Adoption Story: Everyone Will Know it Was God
Today we have Sana Cotten as our guest on the special series, “This is My Adoption Story.” Sana Latrease Cotten is the Founder of Unashamed, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that fosters emotional health in disadvantaged families that have experienced incarceration, foster care, and teen pregnancy. Through various initiatives, Unashamed, Inc. is equipping families with the tools they need to dismantle unhealthy generational patterns and transition from surviving to thriving.At the tender age of 4, Sana and her twin brother were removed from the care of their drug-addicted mother and grandmother and put into the foster care system. Despite these early setbacks and emotional traumas in her life, Sana has emerged as a whole woman, unashamed of her past and boldly sharing her story. By the grace of God, Sana has impacted hundreds of women all over the United States by sharing her personal journey of denouncing shame and becoming healed and whole in Christ. In 2020, Sana published her debut book entitled, “Everyone Will Know It Was God,” a memoir which chronicles her life story of early childhood molestation and sexual abuse, and growing up in the foster care system, to who she is today—a powerful, anointed, healed and whole woman of God. Sana is the wife of Reverend Joshua E. Cotten and the mother of her two greatest gifts, Jamir and Janai. She currently resides in Middletown Connecticut. To book Sana as a guest speaker for your next event, conference or podcast, or for information on one-on-one coaching sessions with Sana, visit or reach out via email at or connect with her on .
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This is My Adoption Story: Black Girl White Family
11/11/2021
This is My Adoption Story: Black Girl White Family
Today we have Amanda McKinstry on the show! Amanda, a transracial adult adoptee is here to talk about how using her voice led her to find her purpose. As an adult Transracial adoptee, she indicates that sharing my story made a huge impact on her healing. She has used her voice to inspire other adoptees and also use to let white adoptive parents know the challenges they will face when adopting a black child. Connect with Amanda: ~~ Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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This is My Adoption Story: Participating in Grace with Patrice Martin
11/02/2021
This is My Adoption Story: Participating in Grace with Patrice Martin
Welcome to the first episode of My Adoption Story with my special guest, Patrice Martin. Patrice, an adult adoptee, was featured on TLC's Long Lost Family and joins us today to share an amazing testimony of God's grace and forgiveness. Here's what we talk about. Everyone is given a mother at birth, but some children are given another mother to help them with the rest of their lives. Forgiveness is perpetual. Tupac Shakur's song, Brenda's Got a Baby sheds light on problems faced by young women in poverty-stricken communities. Patrice's appearance on Connect with Patrice Martin: | Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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Introduction to This Is My Adoption Story Series
10/30/2021
Introduction to This Is My Adoption Story Series
Did you know adoptees are four times more likely to commit suicide than non-adoptees? Neither did I until October 30, 2020 when I learned about Adoption Remembrance Day. Join me as I introduce this special series where I speak with four other adult adoptees and hear how they were able to find purpose in the midst of their pain. The first episode releases Tueday, November 2nd!
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Finding Purpose in the Tough and Tender Issues of Our Lives
10/20/2021
Finding Purpose in the Tough and Tender Issues of Our Lives
Have you ever felt hindered because of shame, guilt, or condemnation? If so, you are not alone and freedom is available to you! Today we have Doris Cush as our guest. She is Equipped with a godly passion to reach the silent sufferers, Doris Cush shares her tough and tender messages weaved out of her true life musings. Her transparent and authentic approach remains constant: God is faithful in our frailty; God is a comfort in our chaos; God is trustworthy in our trials, and God is an anchor in our storms. Along with serving alongside her husband, Dan as a worship leader and church planter in Southwest Pennsylvania, Doris self-published three books: “Pieces: Choosing Peace in the Rebuilding of Our Lives,” its companion book, “Pieces: Journey Journal” and “Word Twist: Imagining God’s Word in New Ways.” Connect with Doris Cush: | | | Connect with Iris:~~~~~~
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Finding Purpose in a Dark Season
10/01/2021
Finding Purpose in a Dark Season
Today we have Nylse Eshac as our special guest. She is a Christian wife and a mother of four who currently resides in Los Angeles, CA. Originally from the Bahamas, Nylse lived in New York for many years before relocating to the West Coast. The stories of her life provide a Godly landscape for writing to encourage others. When she’s not busy with her family, writing, or speaking she is actively involved in the Women’s Ministry at her church while also being a Technology Consultant. She’s sharing nuggets from her testimony, “In the Middle of a Storm.” If you’re trying to find purpose during your night season, this episode is for you. Connect with Nylse on her Purchase her Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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Finding Purpose in the Middle of the Storm
09/09/2021
Finding Purpose in the Middle of the Storm
Today we have an inspirational work and life coach on the show! Marva Smith is a Caribbean-based management & leadership consultant, work and life strategist, and co-author of She Writes for Him: Black Voices of Wisdom. She joins us here to talk about lessons she learned while she and her family lived through the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017. She’s sharing nuggets from her testimony, “In the Middle of a Storm.” If you’re trying to gain footing after a physical or spiritual storm, this episode is for you. Take the Connect with Marva on her . Subscribe to her where she hosts How She Does It – an interview series showcasing real women sharing real hope about how to thrive in work, life and faith. Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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Maximizing the Moment with Monique Johnson & Daryl Jones
07/01/2021
Maximizing the Moment with Monique Johnson & Daryl Jones
Join me as I talk with Monique Johnson and Daryl Jones during last year’s Hidden Jewels Virtual Retreat. During this conversation, we focus on how we react when God gives an assignment to us that seems overwhelming. Monique and Daryl both experienced major pivotal moments during 2020 and they share nuggets with attendees on ways to respond in faith as opposed to fear. Connect with Monique here: ~~~~~~ Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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Exchanging Father Wounds for the Love of God the Father with Kia Stephens
06/18/2021
Exchanging Father Wounds for the Love of God the Father with Kia Stephens
Today we have Kia Stephens on the show and she is here with a timely and sincere message for our listeners. Kia is a wife, and homeschooling mom of two who is literally in the trenches of motherhood. She created to help women exchange their father wounds for the love of God the Father. She is a contributor for iBelieve, Proverbs 31 Ministries, and Beloved Women, and her writing has been featured on Ann Voskamp’s Blog, Christianity Today, Crosswalk, and Incourage. After seeing the need for a community for Christian women communicators of color, she founded . She faithfully serves in Bible Study Fellowship as a substitute teaching leader and in my local church as a Re:New mentor. She is an amazing woman with a passion for discovering the beauty, risk, and challenge of abundant living and about helping other women do the same. Grab a free mp3 download of Kia’s teaching on Knowing God as Father . Connect with KIa: ~~~~~~~~ Connect with Iris: ~~~~~~
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