Family and Prayer with Pastor Andy Alber | Episode 4

In this faith-centered episode of Harvesting Hope, Shadia welcomes Associate Pastor Andy Alber from People’s Church for a heartfelt conversation about Lent, healing, and what it truly means to draw near to God. As Lent begins, Pastor Andy explains that spiritual growth is not about adding more to an already busy life, but about creating space, slowing down, and inviting God in with intention.

Together, they explore some of life’s hardest questions: Why does suffering happen? What does healing really look like? And how do we keep praying when answers feel delayed? Pastor Andy shares a powerful perspective that healing is always promised, even if not always on our timeline, and distinguishes between fleeting happiness and lasting joy rooted in faith. The conversation gently reminds listeners that community matters, boundaries are healthy, and even small daily steps toward God can transform a life. As always, the invitation is simple: slow down, surrender, and keep harvesting hope.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction
01:17 Understanding Lent and Spiritual Space
03:49 Finding God Amidst Trauma
07:50 God’s Grace and Healing
11:59 Lessons from Special Needs
16:38 Being Present and Serving Others
22:07 Healthy Boundaries and Love
27:29 Starting Your Spiritual Journey
33:51 Happiness vs. Joy, and Community
38:08 People’s Church and Final Thoughts

ABOUT HARVESTING HOPE
Harvesting Hope is a faith-filled podcast hosted by Shadia Zamlut, owner of Bliss and Fish Mediterranean & Seafood Restaurant in Pinckney, Michigan, and founder of Mediterranean Gold olive oil. Each episode shares Shadia’s personal journey as a mother, and the hope she found through tradition, prayer, and a commitment to purity and wellness.
This is a space for listeners who care about healthy living, the Mediterranean way of eating, and the deeper stories behind food. You will hear conversations rooted in culture, family, gratitude, and trust in God, with practical inspiration you can carry into your home and your table.

CONNECT WITH US
Bliss and Fish Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/BlissAndFishRestaurant/ 
Bliss and Fish Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bliss_n_fish/ 

Mediterranean Gold Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Mediterranean-Gold-LLC-61556480242253/ 
Mediterranean Gold Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medgoldllc/ 
MORE RESOURCES
Bliss and Fish: https://www.blissandfish.com 
Shop Mediterranean Gold: https://medgoldllc.com/products/organic-cold-pressed-olive-oil
About Mediterranean Gold: https://medgoldllc.com/pages/about-us

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