<p>Welcome to the first episode of the <em>Living Proof Podcast</em>! In our very first episode, <strong>Mak</strong>, <strong>Jadon</strong>, and <strong>Liam</strong> introduce the heart and purpose behind the show, a space for real conversations about faith, life, and walking with Jesus as a high schooler in today’s world.</p><p>From the start, the Living Proof Podcast was created to encourage young believers to live boldly for Christ and to remind listeners that they are not alone in their struggles. Every episode focuses on how we can grow closer to God, overcome challenges, and live out our faith with confidence.</p><p>In this first episode, the hosts share their personal testimonies and how each of them came to truly know Jesus. They talk about growing up in Christian homes, facing challenges at school, dealing with distractions from the world, and what it really means to have a personal relationship with God rather than just “going through the motions.”</p><p><strong>Mak</strong> shares how his life changed after a church camp experience helped him understand that following Jesus is more than attending church. It is about knowing Him personally and glorifying God in every part of life. <strong>Liam</strong> talks about moving from Iowa to California, facing spiritual drift, and how God used friendships and Scripture to bring him back. He reflects on the importance of surrounding yourself with strong Christian friends and shares how a simple text message led to starting this very podcast.</p><p><strong>Jadon’s</strong> story takes listeners through a powerful testimony of faith and perseverance. After being diagnosed with a serious illness that led to fifty days in the hospital, Jadon saw firsthand how God used that difficult season to strengthen his faith. Through it all, he came to understand that even when we do not see it, God is always working for our good. His story reminds us that God can use pain, waiting, and uncertainty to bring about deeper trust and transformation.</p><p>The hosts also discuss the <strong>theme verse of the podcast, Ephesians 2:8-9</strong>, which says, <em>“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.”</em> This scripture sets the foundation for Living Proof, a reminder that salvation is a gift from God, not something we earn. Because we are saved by grace through faith, we live and serve out of gratitude and love, not pride or performance.</p><p>Throughout this episode, the hosts talk about what it means to walk by faith and not by sight. They reflect on stories from the Bible like Peter walking on water and how keeping our eyes on Jesus, rather than the storms around us, is key to staying strong in faith. They remind listeners that no matter how lost we feel, God is always there with an outstretched hand ready to lift us up.</p><p>Listeners will hear real and unscripted moments as the hosts laugh together, share personal challenges, and encourage one another. They emphasize the importance of fellowship and having godly friends who keep you accountable and help you grow. Together, they point to the truth that walking with Jesus is not something we do alone.</p><p>As the episode wraps up, the hosts invite you to join them on this journey of faith. Each future episode will include testimonies, Bible discussions, special guests, and opportunities for listeners to send in questions that the team will answer on air.</p><p>If you have ever struggled with faith, felt distant from God, or wondered how to live boldly as a young believer, this first episode is for you. <em>Living Proof</em> exists to inspire you to draw closer to God, stay grounded in Scripture, and