Friday’s Speaker: Afshin Ziafat – http://www.afshinziafat.com
Afshin was born in Houston, TX. He moved to his native country of Iran with his family when he was two years old. In the midst of the Islamic revolution in Iran, Afshin’s family moved back to Houston when he was six years old. In the second grade, he was given a Bible by a tutor who was teaching him the English language. He read that same Bible 10 years later as a senior in high school and came to faith in Jesus Christ. His conversion to Christianity was only the beginning of his journey to understand what it would look like to follow Christ. Ultimately, his family would disown him because of his faith in Christ. His story illustrates the call of Christ on each of our lives- to follow Him regardless of the cost. Afshin found that the reward was greater than the cost. He found the life Christ had for him. His story is one of hope and inspiration.
Saturday’s Speaker: Derwin Gray - http://www.derwinlgray.com/
Derwin is the Founding Pastor of Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community in Indian Land, South Carolina. He and his wife Vicki have been married for 18 years and have two children, Presley and Jeremiah.
After graduating from Brigham Young University, Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God’s faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. They began One Heart At A Time Ministries in 1999, an itinerant speaking ministry dedicated to seeing people transformed–one heart at a time–through the love, grace, and truth of Jesus.
Worship Band: Addison Road - http://addisonroad.com
The stories sound like happenstance, like coincidence. A band without a name is assembled at the last minute, comprised of college friends and acquaintances, because a gig has suddenly become available. Somehow, the members “click” and the music is noteworthy. Years later, the band has radio success and Dove Award nominations. While writing for a new album, they are contacted by TobyMac, who just happens to offer a song with this lyric:
“Will you walk away when the fire gets hot, or fight another day?”
Weeks after recording the song, the band must live it when the rented RV containing all their possessions burns to the ground. Coincidence? Happenstance? Certainly not. The history of Addison Road is a stirring series of stories that fit together so well, God’s signature is undeniable. Read more
Drama Duo: Bean and Bailey - http://www.beanandbailey.com
Bean and Bailey is made up of Bradley Bean and Jackson Bailey. Bradley and Jackson met in 1992 at Carson-Newman College where they were both freshmen living in the same dorm. Along with mutual friends, they began using their leisure time in the dorm to make humorous videos and comedy sketches. This led to official “shows” where the group of 5 guys (brilliantly named “Give Me 5”) would entertain high school students who were visiting the college. “Give Me 5” soon began performing for faith-based events as well as regular campus events at Carson-Newman College. Read More
