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Join Matthew Mauldin and MikaRae Mendez from 505 Church as they share about the upcoming Ask the Pastor outreach event at UNM. This unique gathering creates a welcoming space for honest conversations about faith, Jesus, and life’s biggest questions. Join Matthew on August 27 at 9:00 a.m. for donuts, prayer, and opportunities to connect with students, followed by an amplified Q&A session from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., where attendees can ask thoughtful and challenging questions about Christianity. Whether you come to ask, listen, pray, or encourage others, your presence can help create an environment where meaningful conversations about faith can take place. To submit a question or get on the microphone list, text 505-796-2841 or email 505.church.ea@gmail.com.

Today on ABQ Connect, Brad Soucie, founder of Sports Parent Solutions, joins Jim Williams and Calvary Athletics Ministry Coordinator for an important conversation about youth sports and healthy family expectations. Drawing from nearly three decades of college coaching experience, Brad shares practical wisdom on helping young athletes thrive without letting scholarships, recruiting, specialization, or parental pressure overshadow the joy of the game. Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or grandparent, this discussion offers valuable insight into developing character, faith, resilience, and a healthy perspective on competition both on and off the field.

Marcy Patten, Administrative Specialist with Joni & Friends New Mexico, joins us on ABQ Connect to share about the upcoming Marriage Getaway for couples impacted by disability. Taking place Saturday, September 12 at Grace Church, this special event is designed to strengthen marriages, provide practical encouragement, and connect couples with others facing similar challenges. Through fellowship, biblical teaching, and community support, participants will be reminded of God’s design for marriage and equipped to navigate life together with hope and perseverance.

Marcy will also provide updates on upcoming Respite Events, including the August 22 gathering at Paragon Church, and share how Joni & Friends continues to support families affected by disability throughout New Mexico.

Today on ABQ Connect, we’re joined by Tracy Rodden, Executive Director of Feed New Mexico Kids, and Courtney Aragon, the 2026 New Mexico Mother of the Year. Together, they share how Feed New Mexico Kids is helping bridge the weekend hunger gap for children across our state by providing nutritious snack packs when school meals aren’t available. It’s an inspiring conversation about compassion, community, and the difference ordinary people can make in the lives of New Mexico’s most vulnerable children. Learn how you can help through volunteering, donations, prayer, and community involvement at feednmkids.org.

Rob Jackson, licensed professional counselor from Focus on the Family, joins us on ABQ Connect to discuss “Give Your Spouse the Gift of Self-Care.” In the midst of busy schedules, family responsibilities, and daily stress, self-care is often overlooked, yet it can be a vital part of building a healthier marriage. Rob shares how caring for your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being can make you a stronger spouse, explores ways couples can practice self-care together, and offers practical encouragement for supporting one another during overwhelming seasons. Most importantly, he explains how self-care can be viewed as an act of faithful stewardship and why keeping our relationship with God at the center is the foundation for lasting health and strength in marriage.

Zach Mettler, writer and issues analyst with Focus on the Family‘s Daily Citizen, joins us to discuss the article “Enes Kanter Freedom Declares for WNBA Draft Amid ‘Trans’ Controversy.” Zach explores why the former NBA player and outspoken advocate for free speech entered the national conversation surrounding women’s sports, fairness in athletic competition, and policies affecting female athletes. It’s a timely discussion on culture, sports, and the ongoing debate over athletic participation and competitive equity.

Emma Waters of the Heritage Foundation joins us to discuss a recent Daily Signal article examining the impact of declining student enrollment in California. As birth rates fall and families continue to relocate, schools across the state are facing shrinking enrollment, budget challenges, and difficult decisions about the future of public education. Emma explores what these trends reveal about demographics, family formation, and education policy, and why the issues unfolding in California could have implications for other states as well. It’s a timely conversation about the future of education and the changing American family landscape.

Brian Cochran, President of John Moore Associates, joins us on ABQ Connect to discuss Biblically Responsible Investing and how Christians can align their financial decisions with their faith and values. Brian explains what it means to be a faithful steward of God’s resources, how investors can evaluate companies and investments through a biblical lens, and why thoughtful investing can be both financially wise and spiritually intentional. It’s a practical conversation about honoring God with your finances while planning for the future with purpose and conviction.

Paul Asay, Director of Plugged In at Focus on the Family, joins us to discuss how families can help kids transition from a summer full of screens back to healthier routines as the school year approaches. With studies showing screen time often increases significantly during the summer months, Paul shares practical strategies for setting healthy boundaries, creating no-screen zones, and helping children discover engaging alternatives to digital entertainment. It’s a timely and practical conversation filled with ideas to help parents establish balance, reduce screen dependence, and prepare their families for a successful new school year.

Brian Cochran, President of John Moore Associates, joins us on ABQ Connect to discuss how investors can navigate today’s unpredictable and often volatile markets with wisdom and confidence. Brian shares practical guidance on staying focused during periods of economic uncertainty, avoiding emotionally driven decisions, and maintaining a long-term perspective. Drawing from a faith-based approach to financial stewardship, he explains how biblical principles can help investors respond to market swings, protect against fear and anxiety, and make decisions that align with both their financial goals and their values. It’s an encouraging conversation about finding stability, perspective, and peace in uncertain times.