ep.12 Following the Call of the Shepherd and the Self Defense Teacher with John Correia
In the years that we live our lives, we take on different missions and touch the lives of many. We meet people who encourage us to keep going and help us succeed. But we also face difficulties and meet people who can cross our boundaries. That is what John Correia also experienced in his journey to becoming who he is now—a nationally known expert on self-defense and founder of Active Self Protection. In this episode, John shares his story of how he went from being a naval officer to a pastor. From there, he grew in his faith and wisdom with God before realizing his calling to teach self-defense. John talks about the challenges he encountered in his journey: from controversy, mental health challenges, and staying humble. We also learn about John’s impact on the world and how he intends to serve his audience moving forward. Listen to this episode to learn more about John’s stories in life. Discover what helped him make his decisions and be happy where he is now, teaching self-defense. 3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:Get inspiration from John’s insights on faith, self-defense, and finding your calling. Find out how being a Christ-follower can transform you. Learn to accept your past and celebrate who you are now. Resources Connect with John: https://www.instagram.com/ministermalice/?hl=en (Instagram) Visit Active Self Protection’s YouTube channels:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsE_m2z1NrvF2ImeNWh84mw ( Active Self Protection) and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-i64EAeVzk7gxlLDvWQb3w (Active Self Protection Extra) ASP: https://activeselfprotection.com/ (website) | https://twitter.com/get_asp (Twitter)| https://www.facebook.com/activeselfprotection (Facebook) Episode Highlights[03:13] Cover Your ASP● ASP stands for the name of John Correia’s company, Active Self Protection. ● It also represents their approach to self-defense. This involves having the right attitude, developing skills, and making plans for protection from criminal violence. ● ASP started in 2011 as John’s side hustle. It now has two channels with over 1.94 million subscribers in its main channel. ● Viewers can send real-life surveillance videos of defensive encounters and criminal activities. ● John’s content ranges from after-action reports of real-life defensive encounters, teaching handgun skills, moral and legal self-defense, and much more. [06:14] John’s Journey to Becoming a Pastor● John grew up away from faith and was on track to becoming a naval officer. After moving to Oregon for a commissioning program, he realized he had to become a better person. ● He formed relationships and developed an interest in reading the Bible when his wife started bringing him with her to Church. ● In a worship session, John realized that God loves him unconditionally. Whether or not John could be better, God will love him. ● His life started changing from then on. After an accident, John chose to resign his commission and follow Jesus. ●John quit getting a paycheck from the Church on February 1, 2018, to focus on his self-defense business. John: “Okay, Lord. This isn't like a ‘make John better program’ where if I'm good enough, You'll love me. This isn’t a moral crusade. But this is a ‘You love me in the big pile of crap I am.’” [14:01] Facing Controversy● Carrying firearms and teaching self-defense can be controversial depending on the background of the Church. ● Some families in John’s church left because they didn’t think a pastor should carry a gun. ● Most understood that the Church was only about the worship of Christ. In the event of danger, they knew that John would protect them with his expertise in self-defense. ● As John’s social media presence grew, people disrupted the place of worship. ● John’s resignation as a senior pastor sparked a controversy that John chose worldly possessions. However, to John, he was simply following Jesus’ instructions. [18:20] John on...
