Contributors

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Host

Riah Jaffrey

Riah is the host of the Grace Raised Podcast and visionary for the Grace Raised Ministry. She is a poet and aspiring author. She spends her free time raising ducks, writing poetry, and caring for her community alongside her husband of 13 years, and four children. 

 

Though she has spent the last 15 years studying scripture and taking classes in biblical history, it was not in academia she came to know the heart of Christ. She discovered her living relationship with Him not in the books and religious studies but through great loss, hardship, and heartbreak.

"I would rather have nothing and have Jesus; for even the greatest joy this world holds is empty compared to Christ. In Him, there is fullness of joy and glory beyond all imagination."

Guests

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Alecia Pineo

From her early years growing up in Chesterville Maine, Alecia Pineo knew that serving others was what she was born to do.  Taking care of her Great Grandmother (who lived to 105) in her Grandparents home was the beginning of a journey that ultimately ended in her bringing Visiting Angels to Bangor, ME. After high school, Alecia proudly served her country in the United States Air Force.  Alecia supported the Airmen in the very critical, but often overlooked, field of Accounting and Finance.  Little did she know how valuable her skills would be when she would eventually decide to open her own business.  After the Air Force, Alecia tapped into her desire to serve others once again.  She pursued her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse.  Through positions at various hospitals, and as a Public Health Nurse with the State of Maine, Alecia mastered her craft and was able to help many, many people—whether through treatment or education.  

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Alex Jaffrey

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Jeff Green

I am Jeff Green and I have been married for 16 years and have 2 boys. I have been following Christ for a little over 2 years and the turn around has been incredible. I have finished year 1 of The Rock School of Ministry and am enrolled in the second year. My favorite scripture verse is Isaiah 40:29-31 it is a passage about God providing strength to those who are weary and who lack it. It emphasizes that God empowers and increases the strength of the weak. Also that those who trust in the Lord will find renewed strength, allowing them to overcome challenges they couldn't before.    



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Joelen Ray

Jolene Ray is the wife to Pastor Jonathan Ray and mother to 7 beautiful children. She serves alongside her husband at the Rock Church in Bangor Maine. 

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Kierstin O'Brien

I’m a wholehearted follower of Jesus, a devoted wife, loving homeschool mom to my four kids, lead worshipper, extreme extrovert, word-nerd, and lover of the Word.  I call myself the Coffee Date Disciple because I think that my calling to encourage, build up, and spur other believers on over coffee is what the Lord has placed on my heart.  I’m down for talking about Jesus, apologetics, theology, scrunchy mom tips, marriage, parenting, homeschooling, and everything in between.  

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Lindsay Whitty

Lindsay Whitty is a follower of Christ, wife to Ian of almost 10 years, and dog mom of 5 living in beautiful Dedham, Maine. She has attended the same church for the past two decades, where she's served everywhere from children's and youth to cafe and women's ministry. Lindsay is a Commercial Portfolio Manager for a local bank and recent graduate of Rock School of Ministry's two-year ministry training program. Her passion lies in discipleship, the local church, and seeing fellow believers grow more in love with God. She is a lover of all things Fall, buffalo plaid, chats with friends at Starbucks, summer bonfires and beachwalks, Trader Joe's, roadtrips to any beach along the East Coast, and sappy Christmas Hallmark movies.

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Rebekah York

I was born in New Brunswick, Canada to two loving, Christian parents. I became a Christian at a young age. We moved around a lot while I was young before finally settling down in Bangor, ME. I went to Berkshire Institute for Christian Studies and then transferred to Lancaster Bible College to complete my degree in both Bible and Music Education. I came back to Maine, worked as a music teacher(2013-2019), got married(June 2016), and started having babies in 2019.  I have been a stay-at-home mom ever since, and I absolutely love it! 

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Rhonda Sperrey

Rhonda Sperrey is a seasoned educational leader with over 25 years of experience in public school administration. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of New Brunswick and a master's degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Maine. For the past 11 years, Rhonda has served as superintendent of schools in her current district, where she leads with vision, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to student success. Known for her wisdom, integrity, and deep-rooted faith, Rhonda brings a thoughtful perspective to conversations about leadership, education, family, and the power of community.

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