Light Has Dawned

Omar Calvillo
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Christianity
  • Weekly

Born in the heart of Chicago, Light Has Dawned brings you raw, honest stories of transformation from people who have walked through real darkness and encountered the hope of Jesus Christ. Former gang members, ex-inmates, survivors of trauma, police officers, chaplains, ministry leaders, and community voices share their stories of struggle, faith, redemption, and purpose. These conversations carry the grit of Chicago's streets and the grace of a God who still saves, heals, restores, and transforms lives. Every episode is honest, personal, and rooted in the truth that no life is beyond the reach of God's redemption. Our name is inspired by Matthew 4:16 (NKJV):"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." Real people. Real stories. Real redemption.Light Has Dawned.

  1. 21h ago

    From the Vault: Deported by ICE, But God Wasn't Finished | Juan's Testimony

    What happens when you're deported by ICE, separated from your family, and forced to rebuild your life in a country you barely know? For Juan, deportation was only the beginning of a journey through addiction, homelessness, cartel violence, and ultimately, God's grace. In this powerful From the Vault episode of the Light Has Dawned Podcast, host Omar Calvillo revisits an unforgettable conversation with Juan, a former Chicago gang member who shares his journey from the streets of Chicago to deportation in Mexico and his growing faith in Jesus Christ. Growing up surrounded by childhood abuse, violence, and rejection, Juan found the acceptance and belonging he desperately wanted in Chicago's gang culture. By age 12, he was involved in gang life. At just 14 years old, he survived a brutal attack that nearly took his life. Years later, Juan was arrested by ICE and eventually deported to Mexico, leaving behind his children, family, and the only life he had known. But his struggles were far from over. In Mexico, Juan battled crystal meth addiction, homelessness, depression, and dangerous encounters involving drug cartels. At his lowest point, with nowhere else to turn, he cried out to God for help. What followed was a journey of survival, surrender, and unexpected opportunities that eventually led him to a Christian community in Tijuana, Mexico. In this episode, you'll hear about: Growing up in Chicago surrounded by abuse, gangs, and violenceJoining a gang at a young age while searching for acceptanceSurviving a near-death experience at just 14 years oldBeing detained by ICE and deported to MexicoStruggling with meth addiction, homelessness, and depressionSurviving dangerous encounters involving Mexican drug cartelsFinding hope, support, and a new direction through faith in Jesus ChristJuan's story is a powerful reminder that your past does not have to determine your future, and no life is beyond the reach of God's grace. Whether you're facing addiction, separation from family, the consequences of past decisions, or circumstances that seem impossible to overcome, this testimony offers a message of hope. Because even when everything seems lost, God isn't finished. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From the Vault: Deported by ICE, But God Wasn't Finished | Juan's Testimony

  2. Oct 26

    From the Vault: Shot 9 Times, But God Had Other Plans | Lou Rodriguez’s Testimony

    From gang life and prison to faith, purpose, and mentoring the next generation. Growing up in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, Lou Rodriguez was exposed to poverty, violence, and gang life at an early age. With an absent father and a desire to help provide for his family, Lou turned to the streets, where he found acceptance, money, and a false sense of belonging. By age 17, Lou was serving his first prison sentence. His journey would eventually include three prison terms, surviving nine gunshot wounds, losing close friends to gang violence, and struggling with anger, revenge, and the consequences of his decisions. But God wasn't finished with his story. In this powerful From the Vault episode of the Light Has Dawned Podcast, host Omar Calvillo sits down with Lou Rodriguez to discuss his journey from the streets of Chicago to discovering new life and purpose through Jesus Christ. Today, Lou uses his experiences to mentor and encourage young people through Beast Mode 365, helping them develop discipline, accountability, leadership, and a sense of purpose. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in poverty and searching for acceptance in Chicago's gang culture.Entering prison at just 17 years old.Surviving nine gunshot wounds and confronting the reality of death.Breaking away from gang life and destructive patterns.How an invitation to church became part of his journey to Christ.The importance of mentorship, accountability, and renewing your mind.Finding purpose through serving and investing in the next generation.One powerful takeaway: Your past does not have to determine your future. Through Jesus Christ, a life once shaped by darkness can become a testimony of hope, redemption, and purpose. Whether you're struggling with your past, searching for direction, or believing God for transformation in someone's life, this conversation will encourage you. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From the Vault: Shot 9 Times, But God Had Other Plans | Lou Rodriguez’s Testimony

  3. Oct 12

    Four Years of Faith: From Podcast to Prison Ministry | Omar & Ann Calvillo

    What began as one step of faith became a mission to bring the hope of Jesus Christ into some of the darkest places. On October 2, 2022, Omar Calvillo launched the Wrong to Strong Chicago Podcast, inspired by Hebrews 11:8 and a willingness to follow God's calling without knowing where the journey would lead. Four years later, that step of obedience has grown into the Light Has Dawned Podcast, a nonprofit ministry, prison ministry at Cook County Jail, and a media company dedicated to creating transformational Christian content. In this special four-year anniversary episode, Omar sits down with his wife, Ann Calvillo, to reflect on God's faithfulness, the challenges behind the scenes, and the incredible doors that have opened through sharing powerful testimonies of redemption. In this episode, we discuss: Four Years of Podcasting: How Wrong to Strong Chicago became Light Has Dawned and the biblical foundation behind the mission.From Podcasting to Prison Ministry: How sharing Christian testimonies opened doors to minister inside Cook County Jail and other correctional facilities.Loving the Incarcerated: Ann asks a powerful question: "Do you love the prisoner?" A conversation about compassion, discipleship, and seeing people through the eyes of Christ.Reaching Prisoners Through Edovo: How our faith-based devotionals have reached 839 incarcerated learners, generating 283 hours of engagement.From Darkness to Light: The Gospel Journey: The story behind Omar's first book, the spiritual opposition surrounding its release, and the vision to bring the Gospel into prisons in English and Spanish.Faith, Obedience, and Perseverance: Why following God's calling doesn't mean the journey will be easy.What's Next for Light Has Dawned: Expanding prison discipleship resources, publishing Christian content, and preparing for a new season of ministry.Throughout the conversation, Omar and Ann share personal reflections on marriage, ministry, sacrifice, and the importance of remaining faithful to God's calling. This episode is more than a celebration of four years of podcasting. It's a testimony of what God can do when we step out in faith and trust Him with the results. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    Four Years of Faith: From Podcast to Prison Ministry | Omar & Ann Calvillo

  4. Oct 6

    From the Vault: He Shouldn’t Have Survived | Victor Perez’s Testimony

    FROM THE VAULT: In this powerful testimony of redemption, Omar Calvillo sits down with Victor Perez of Baytown, Texas, to hear his journey from the streets to a life transformed by faith. Growing up around drugs, crime, and the street life, Victor began hustling at a young age. His choices eventually led to arrests, jail, broken relationships, and a cycle he struggled to escape. While incarcerated, Victor began reading the Bible, joining prayer circles, and asking deeper questions about God and his purpose. But his journey was far from over. Years later, while back in the streets, Victor was involved in a devastating head-on collision that nearly took his life. He suffered severe internal injuries, including a ruptured spleen, a collapsed lung, fractured ribs and hip, and damage to an artery near his heart. Doctors weren't sure he would survive. Then, while recovering in the hospital, a man entered Victor's room with a message he would never forget: “God told me to come talk to you.” What followed became another turning point in Victor's journey toward faith, purpose, and surrender to God. This episode is a reminder that no matter how far someone has gone, Jesus Christ still changes lives. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From the Vault: He Shouldn’t Have Survived | Victor Perez’s Testimony

  5. Sep 28

    From the Vault | From Homelessness to Hope: Vinny De Leon's Testimony

    From a pastor's kid to a life consumed by drugs, alcohol, and destructive choices. From financial success to losing everything and sleeping in his truck. Vinny De Leon's story is a powerful testimony of redemption, restoration, and the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. In this From the Vault episode of the Light Has Dawned Podcast, host Omar Calvillo revisits an unforgettable conversation with Vinny De Leon, a Texas barber, entrepreneur, and follower of Jesus Christ. Growing up in a Christian home, Vinny knew about God but eventually chose a different path. His pursuit of pleasure, money, and worldly success led him into addiction, broken relationships, and ultimately homelessness. One of the most heartbreaking moments came when Vinny found himself celebrating his young daughter's birthday while secretly living out of his truck. That experience became a turning point in his life. Through the prayers of his parents, the Gospel he had heard growing up, and an encounter with a pastor at a barbershop, Vinny eventually surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. Today, Vinny shares how God restored his life, reunited him with his daughter, blessed him with a new family, and gave him a business that serves as a platform for sharing the Gospel. In this episode, you'll hear about: Growing up in a Christian home and walking away from God.The destructive consequences of drug addiction and alcoholism.Losing his career, marriage, home, and financial security.The heartbreaking reality of homelessness and fatherhood.How a barbershop became part of his journey back to Christ.Building a successful business while remaining committed to serving God.Using entrepreneurship and everyday conversations to share the Gospel.The importance of obedience, stewardship, discipleship, and keeping Jesus Christ first.A message of hope Your past does not have to define your future. Vinny's testimony reminds us that no matter how far someone has wandered, there is hope, forgiveness, and new life in Jesus Christ. Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or revisiting it with us, we pray it encourages your faith and reminds you of the transforming power of the Gospel. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From the Vault | From Homelessness to Hope: Vinny De Leon's Testimony

  6. Sep 21

    From the Vault | Javier Garcia | From 10-to-Life to Eternal Life

    🎙️ FROM THE VAULT We're revisiting conversations from our podcast archive, bringing you powerful stories of redemption. Whether you're hearing them for the first time or listening again, we pray these testimonies remind you that through Jesus Christ, a new life is possible. In this episode of the Light Has Dawned Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Javier Garcia to hear his remarkable testimony of growing up on the streets of Chicago, becoming involved in gang life, surviving violence, facing federal prison, and ultimately discovering the life-changing grace of Jesus Christ. After years of chasing money, respect, and acceptance, Javier found himself facing the consequences of the life he had chosen. Looking at the possibility of spending 10 years to life in federal prison, everything changed when he encountered the Gospel and realized that no one is beyond God's mercy. In this conversation, Javier shares: Growing up in ChicagoLife in gangs and street violenceBeing shot and living a dangerous lifestyleFacing federal prison and a possible life sentenceHearing the Gospel in prisonSurrendering his life to Jesus ChristFinding purpose, freedom, and hope through God's graceNo matter what your past looks like, God's grace is greater. Your story is not over, and Jesus Christ is still transforming lives today. Thank you for listening to the Light Has Dawned Podcast. If this testimony encourages you, follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear that a new life is possible through Jesus Christ. Stories of redemption. Lives transformed by Jesus Christ. All glory to God. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From the Vault | Javier Garcia | From 10-to-Life to Eternal Life

  7. Sep 8

    From Darkness to Light: The Gospel Journey | Why I Wrote This Book

    In this short episode, I share the heart behind my new book, From Darkness to Light: The Gospel Journey, and the biblical theme that inspired it. From the opening pages of Genesis to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, the theme of darkness and light runs throughout Scripture. It is also a theme that became deeply personal in my own journey of coming to faith in Christ. From Darkness to Light is an eight-lesson journey through the Gospel, from creation, darkness, and sin to Christ, the cross, the resurrection, and new life in Him. Throughout the book, I also share portions of my personal testimony, showing how these biblical truths became real in my own life. The book is also available in Spanish as De la Oscuridad a la Luz: El Camino del Evangelio. 📖 Available now on Amazon in English and Spanish. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

    From Darkness to Light: The Gospel Journey | Why I Wrote This Book

  8. Aug 25

    Introducing The Light Has Dawned Podcast | The Name Has Changed, The Mission Remains

    Welcome to a new chapter. After nearly four years of sharing powerful stories of transformation, redemption, faith, and hope, the podcast is moving forward with a new name: The Light Has Dawned Podcast. The name has changed, but the mission remains the same. In this special announcement, host Omar Calvillo shares the heart behind the new name, the biblical foundation found in Matthew 4:16, and the vision for what comes next. “The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, And upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned.” — Matthew 4:16 (NKJV) Over the years, we’ve sat across the table from former gang members, men and women who have been incarcerated, pastors, chaplains, community leaders, and everyday people whose lives have been transformed by Jesus Christ. That mission continues. The Light Has Dawned Podcast will continue bringing you raw, honest conversations and powerful testimonies that show there is hope in the darkest places, redemption is possible, and Jesus Christ still transforms lives. This isn't the end of something. It's the beginning of the next chapter. Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, shared an episode, prayed, or supported this journey. The name has changed. The mission remains the same. Light Has Dawned Podcast Bringing light into dark places. We're on a mission from God. Send us Fan Mail Support the show 📖 FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT: THE GOSPEL JOURNEY book Eight lessons. One Gospel. A journey from darkness to Jesus Christ, the Light of the World. Available on Amazon in English & Spanish versions. ENGLISH: https://a.co/d/091DmTxC SPANISH: https://a.co/d/0a70Efda YouTube: https://youtube.com/@lighthasdawned

See All (209)

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Born in the heart of Chicago, Light Has Dawned brings you raw, honest stories of transformation from people who have walked through real darkness and encountered the hope of Jesus Christ. Former gang members, ex-inmates, survivors of trauma, police officers, chaplains, ministry leaders, and community voices share their stories of struggle, faith, redemption, and purpose. These conversations carry the grit of Chicago's streets and the grace of a God who still saves, heals, restores, and transforms lives. Every episode is honest, personal, and rooted in the truth that no life is beyond the reach of God's redemption. Our name is inspired by Matthew 4:16 (NKJV):"The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and upon those who sat in the region and shadow of death Light has dawned." Real people. Real stories. Real redemption.Light Has Dawned.

Information

  • Creator
    Omar Calvillo
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    209
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Light Has Dawned
  • Show Website
    Light Has Dawned