Jacqueline hosts Neal as he shares about speaking in Rome at the Course on the Ministry of Exorcism and Deliverance sponsored by the Sacerdos Institute. Neal presented a non-confrontational approach to deliverance, which is Unbound ministry, to 195 people from 46 countries worldwide. His talks were translated into four languages.

“It was a very different atmosphere for me. They were all professors and they gave me the title professor.” Asking about this, Neal was told, “You’re a professor this week!”

Encouraging listeners to be open to a new way, Neal offered questions to consider: Is it possible that many people are receiving a confrontational style of deliverance or exorcism who do not need one? Is there another approach to help people?

The Unbound approach addresses the person needing help, not the evil one. “We need to understand a person’s heart,” said Neal, adding the necessity to uncover past traumas, responses to traumas, the enemy’s lies, and unforgiveness. “If we give too much attention to the demonic element, we’re going to miss the person. We see Unbound more as a model for evangelization than just deliverance.”

From there, Neal offered numerous testimonials of individuals set free through Unbound ministry, one being himself!

Overall, “It was well-received and I made a connection,” concluded Neal.

Trivia Quiz
1. What surprised Neal the most during his trip to Rome?
2. How long have Jacqueline and Neal known each other?
Find out these things and far more in this fascinating episode!

Sjoquist, B.S. (2021) “The virtuous use of private exorcism by laypersons,” Antiphon: A Journal for Liturgical Renewal, 25(1), pp. 63–90.

It is not intrinsically immoral for laypersons to issue such commands, and, if done rightly, it is virtuous for them to do so. Moral theologians and canonists writing after the Council of Trent up until the Second Vatican Council referred to this practice as “private exorcism.” A close look at the writings of these authors reveals a nearly universal understanding that no ecclesiastical positive law prohibited such actions. When current laws and instructions related to exorcism are read within the context of this tradition, I believe it is also the case that no ecclesiastical positive law categorically prohibits such actions today.

Bradley S. Sjoquist, Doctor of Moral Theology

Dr. Mary Healy on the authority of lay people to command or cast out

Neal and Janet connect with ministry friend Bohus Zivcak who prays Unbound in post-communist countries. Half his life was spent under communism and now he ministers among a people still struggling to live in freedom.

Janet and Neal speak of Slovakia, hiking in the mountains with Bohus, and people’s openness while receiving personal freedom and then taking message to others.

Bohus speaks fondly of breakfasts at Neal and Janet’s kitchen table, and once dubbed himself “Bohus Lozano.” He tells of his youth, the underground church, retreats with Fr. Michael – a secretly-ordained priest – and starting a mission community in Slovakia’s mountains.

After meeting the Lozanos in the 1990s, Bohus felt compelled to invite them to Slovakia. “When Neal and Janet came with the Unbound it was a shock…like the whole universe opened in front of us.”

Now Bohus works to address the unique fears, connections, beliefs, and lies common to those living in post-communist countries. He sees relief in people’s faces when realizing they are not at fault, they do count, and have a voice, and can make their own decisions.
“Taking responsibility for their lives is a great discovery in Unbound,” he says. “It provides great hope for people to be healed by the Lord.”

How would you pronounce “Zivcak?” Give it a try and then learn from Bohus in this absorbing episode.

Find out more about Bohus here and about his community here.

See our upcoming events

Release: May 2024
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm
Production by Henry Aquino

Got cabin fever? Meet Aaron Richards of Damascus Camps, whose serious case of cabin fervor ignites his mission to train and disciple year-round missionaries.

Aaron and his wife, Monica, met as teens during their first summer of camp ministry and their five children have grown up spending every summer at camp. “A true encounter with Jesus leads us to a life of mission and a life of mission leads us back to a true encounter with Jesus,” states Aaron, who says his kids have a 470-acre back yard. He describes his family once sleeping in a cabin basement, with dripping water and crawling bugs. Hear how his young son reacted, and better yet - his wife!!

Having grown up in Ohio, Aaron talks of his faithful parents, church involvement, and the power of an invitation. As a teen, he was invited to be a camp counselor, “Stepping into that awkward place, I had an encounter with Jesus.” That experience spurred Aaron towards a life of youth ministry.

We hear how Damascus Camps grew to include quality worship now found on all major music platforms, and about their two-year formation program, which includes Unbound concepts, for young adults. “From the walls of our dining hall we want to show our kids that life with Christ is a wonderful adventure,” says Aaron.

Listen now for s’more of Aaron’s stories!

Learn more about Damascus Camps, Missions, the podcast, and more!

See our upcoming events

Release: May 2024
Music by Christian Harper
Artwork by Rosemary Strohm
Production by Henry Aquino