Light Has Dawned

Omar Calvillo
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Christianity
  • Updated 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. 1d ago

    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 https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  2. Aug 17

    From the Vault | Hector Gomez | From Rejection to Redemption

    🎙️ FROM THE VAULT Throughout the month of August, we're revisiting conversations from our podcast archive. Whether you're hearing them for the first time or listening again, we pray these stories continue to point people to Jesus Christ. In this episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Hector Gomez to hear his powerful story of growing up in Chicago, entering the foster care system, becoming involved in gang life, and living with the deep wounds of rejection and abandonment.  After being removed from his home as a young boy, Hector spent years moving between foster homes, searching for acceptance and belonging. As he grew older, that search led him into the streets, where gangs offered the family he longed to have. But beneath the tough exterior was a heart still longing for a mother's love.  Everything began to change when someone showed him a kind of unconditional love he had never experienced before—a love that opened the door to understanding the love of God.  In this conversation, Hector shares:  Growing up in Chicago.  Entering the foster care system.  The search for acceptance and belonging.  Gang life and the choices that followed.  The lasting effects of childhood trauma.  Learning to receive unconditional love.  Finding hope through God's grace. No matter what you've experienced or where your journey has taken you, your past does not have to define your future. There is hope in Jesus Christ. Thank you for listening. If this episode encourages you, consider following the podcast, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who needs hope today. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  3. Aug 11

    From the Vault | Roger Cadena: From Gang Life to New Life in Christ

    🎙️ FROM THE VAULT Throughout the month of August, we're revisiting conversations from our podcast archive. Whether you're hearing them for the first time or listening again, we pray these stories continue to point people to Jesus Christ. In this episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar sits down with Roger Cadena to hear his incredible testimony of redemption. Growing up on Chicago's Southwest Side, in the Back of the Yards neighborhood, Roger was drawn into gang life at a young age. Violence, drugs, prison, and brokenness seemed to define his future. But through the faithful prayers of his mother, the loving example of his brother, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ, God completely transformed his life.  In this conversation, Roger shares:  His childhood growing up in Chicago.  How he became involved in gang life.  Violence, addiction, and prison.  The prayers that never stopped.  The people God used to lead him to Christ.  How Jesus restored his marriage, family, and purpose.  What it truly means to experience new life in Christ. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace. If God could transform Roger's life, He can transform yours. Thank you for listening. If this episode encourages you, consider sharing it with someone who needs hope today. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  4. Jul 15

    The Danger of People-Pleasing | Galatians 1:10 | Devotional

    Are you living for God's approval or the approval of people? In this devotional, Cisco Terrazas walks through Galatians 1:10, reminding believers that following Jesus often requires standing for biblical truth even when it costs us acceptance, comfort, or popularity. Discover why the fear of man can become a spiritual trap, how Jesus modeled unwavering obedience to the Father, and why our ultimate goal should be to please God above everyone else. This devotional explores:  Galatians 1:10 and what it means to be a servant of Christ  How people-pleasing weakens our spiritual convictions  Why biblical courage matters in today's culture  Jesus' example of obedience to the Father's will  How to overcome the fear of rejection  Living for God's approval instead of public opinion As followers of Christ, we are called to love people without compromising the truth of God's Word. Key Scriptures:  Galatians 1:10  Proverbs 29:25  John 15:18  John 6:38  Acts 5:29 From Wrong to Strong Ministries exists to share stories of redemption and biblical encouragement that point people to Jesus Christ. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  5. Jul 6

    Native American Testimony: From Meth Addiction & Prison to Pastor | Mark Little Elk

    In this powerful episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Pastor Mark Little Elk to share an extraordinary testimony of redemption, hope, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, Mark was surrounded by poverty, alcoholism, addiction, violence, and hopelessness. Searching for acceptance, he became involved in gang life, meth addiction, and repeated incarceration. But after experiencing unimaginable tragedy, including the suicide of his 14-year-old daughter, Mark reached the lowest point of his life. Then God met him. From a jail cell to Bible college, from addiction to pastoral ministry, Mark's story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace. His testimony also offers a unique look into Native American communities, the challenges many reservations face, and the hope found only in Jesus Christ. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Growing up on the Rosebud Reservation • Gang life, addiction, and prison • Overcoming grief after losing loved ones • The heartbreaking loss of his daughter • The unforgettable moment he heard his daughter's heartbeat in another person through organ donation • Finding faith in Jesus Christ • Becoming a pastor and serving Native American communities • Why there is hope for anyone who feels beyond redemption Whether you're struggling with addiction, grief, incarceration, or simply searching for hope, this conversation reminds us that Jesus specializes in transforming broken lives. Matthew 4:16 "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light." Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  6. Jun 26

    From Federal Prison to Feature Filmmaker | Dre Rodriguez

    Can a person's greatest setback become the foundation for their greatest purpose? In this episode of the From Wrong to Strong Podcast, Omar Calvillo sits down with Dre Rodriguez, founder of Luv City, to discuss his remarkable journey from serving 10 years in federal prison to becoming a feature filmmaker, youth mentor, nonprofit leader, and community advocate. Dre shares the lessons he learned during incarceration, the challenges of rebuilding his life after prison, and the vision that led him to create Luv City. He also talks about teaching himself filmmaking, directing his first feature film, Luv From the Trenches, and using storytelling to inspire hope and create opportunities for the next generation. This conversation is filled with practical wisdom on perseverance, leadership, faith, redemption, purpose, and the power of choosing a different path. In this episode you'll hear about: • Growing up on the streets of Chicago • Serving 10 years in federal prison • Rebuilding life after incarceration • Discovering purpose through serving others • Founding Luv City • Learning filmmaking from the ground up • Directing the feature film Luv From the Trenches • Leadership, faith, perseverance, and second chances If this episode encouraged you, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. About From Wrong to Strong Ministries From Wrong to Strong Ministries exists to share stories of redemption that inspire hope, strengthen faith, and point people to Jesus Christ. "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light." — Matthew 4:16 Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  7. Jun 25

    When You Are Weak, God Is Strong | God's Grace Is Sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)

    What if your greatest weakness became the place where God's greatest power is revealed? In this From Wrong to Strong Ministries devotional, Cisco Terrazas explores the powerful truth found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where the Apostle Paul reminds us that God's grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in our weakness. In a world that celebrates self-sufficiency and personal strength, Scripture calls believers to a different path—complete dependence on Christ. Through Paul's "thorn in the flesh," the promises of Psalm 46:1 and Isaiah 40:29, and the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and at the cross, this devotional encourages us to stop hiding our weaknesses and instead allow God's strength to shine through them. If you're facing discouragement, suffering, uncertainty, or feel overwhelmed by life's burdens, this message will remind you that God's grace is enough and His strength will sustain you. Key Scriptures: • 2 Corinthians 12:9 • Psalm 46:1 • Isaiah 40:29 From Wrong to Strong Ministries exists to share stories and biblical encouragement that point people to Jesus Christ - the One who transforms lives from darkness to light and from wrong to strong. Thank you for listening. Be sure to follow the podcast and share this devotional with someone who needs encouragement today. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

  8. Jun 15

    You Were Made by a Creator | Discover God's Purpose for Your Gifts and Calling

    What if one of the greatest obstacles to your God-given purpose isn't failure, but distraction? We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to consume more: social media, entertainment, news, sports, and endless content. But what if all that consumption is keeping us from the very purpose God created us for? This message was originally shared during a Men's Breakfast gathering at New Life Community Church Cicero, where men came together to encourage one another and grow through God's Word. It is now being made available to encourage anyone seeking to live faithfully for the glory of God. In this message, Omar Calvillo explores a powerful truth found in the opening pages of Genesis: the very first thing God reveals about Himself is that He is Creator. Because we are made in His image, He has entrusted each of us with gifts, talents, abilities, opportunities, and callings that are meant to reflect His character to the world. Too often, we spend our lives consuming what others have built while neglecting what God has called us to create. In this episode, you'll discover: Why being made in God's image gives your life purposeThe difference between consuming and creatingHow Adam and Eve's first sin involved wrongful consumptionWhy God has entrusted every believer with unique gifts and abilitiesThe importance of cultivating your marriage, family, faith, and relationshipsHow faithful obedience builds God's Kingdom one step at a timeWhy God is calling ordinary believers to become builders instead of spectatorsWhether God has called you to lead your family, mentor others, start a ministry, build a business, disciple believers, or simply become more faithful where He has placed you, this message will challenge and encourage you to take the next faithful step. Key Scriptures Genesis 1:1Genesis 1:26-27Genesis 2:15Deuteronomy 8:17-18Proverbs 27:17Hebrews 10:24-25Proverbs 24:30-34Exodus 31:3-5Nehemiah 2:18Mark 6:3Matthew 25:21Philippians 1:6Our mission is simple: Sharing stories of redemption that point people to Jesus Christ. Through Jesus Christ, we can all go from darkness to light and from wrong to strong. Send us Fan Mail Support the show https://youtube.com/@matthew416

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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
    203
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Light Has Dawned
  • Show Website
    Light Has Dawned