2nd Annual Strength in Faith Conference

November 7, 2026 | Rising Sun Church | 6390 NE Rising Sun Dr Pleasant Hill, Iowa 50327

SPEAKERS

Andrea Wilson is a retired corrections officer, police corporal, and educator whose career has placed her at the front lines of trauma and identity loss among first responders. Through her own experiences and years of walking beside those who serve, the Lord ignited in her a calling to create a Christ‑centered space where healing and hope could be restored. Her passion is helping first responders understand that their worth is not defined by their badge or their trauma, but by their identity in Jesus. This burden led her to establish the Strength in Faith Conference, a place where first responders can lay down their burdens, reconnect with God, and rediscover who they are in Christ. Andrea’s message resonates because she has lived the life, carried the weight, and found her identity in Jesus through it all.

John Jannenga is a former law enforcement officer, pastor, and chaplain whose life and ministry bridge the worlds of policing and pastoral care. As the founder of HeART Studio, John creates a space where people can encounter God through art, reflection, and honest conversation. With experience both behind the badge and behind the pulpit, he speaks to the brokenness and hope found in the human heart, offering first responders a message of God’s love, healing, and restoration. His passion is helping others discover that there is life after hopelessness, and that Jesus meets us with grace in every season.

Breanna Mink is a first responder spouse whose testimony reflects God’s faithfulness in the midst of fear and uncertainty. When her husband was shot in the line of duty, Breanna faced every spouse’s worst nightmare — yet in that season, Jesus became her anchor, her strength, and her steady place in the storm. In “A Wife’s Perspective,” she shares honestly about trusting God when the outcome is unknown, finding peace in chaos, and standing beside the one who runs toward danger. Her message reminds us that behind every badge is a family who prays, sacrifices, and walks the journey together, held by the hope only Christ can give.

Ian Cruse is a veteran first responder with more than 35 years of service, carrying a testimony shaped by faith, resilience, and the redeeming hope of Jesus. After walking through the devastating loss of his wife, Sheila, Ian experienced a season where his professional world and personal grief collided, deepening his dependence on Christ and transforming how he understands suffering, service, and purpose. Today, he shares his story to remind others that even in the darkest moments, Jesus sustains, restores, and brings a hope no tragedy can overcome.

Daniel and Christina Defenbaugh are a husband‑and‑wife team whose testimony reflects the beauty of a Christ‑centered marriage. Through seasons of challenge, growth, and God‑shaped transformation, they have learned what it means to keep Jesus at the center of their home, their relationship, and their calling. Together, they share a message of unity, grace, and intentional faith—reminding couples that a strong marriage is built not on perfection, but on pursuing Christ side by side. Their story encourages families to anchor themselves in Jesus, love with purpose, and walk in the strength that comes from Him alone.

Whitney Hall is a dispatcher, mother, and follower of Jesus whose life reflects God’s healing power in the midst of deep struggle. After walking through seasons of mental health battles, suicidal thoughts, and infertility, she found hope, restoration, and identity in Christ. Strengthened by her faith, Whitney now uses her voice and her story to remind others that they are not alone, that their pain does not define their future, and that Jesus brings light no darkness can overcome.

ER4cjp is hosting this conference in partnership with the 10-42 project.

If you have questions about this event, please contact andrea at andrea@er4cjp.com or at andrea@10-42project.org