Open House Interviews with Dwayne Jeffries

BBC journalist Emily Buchanan has researched the many child sponsorship programs around the world and talks about whether they are beneficial. She questions whether sponsorship is an ethical practice and suggests the money might be better spent on poor communities.

Former Melbourne Storm CEO Ron Gauci reflects on his time in one of Australia's top jobs and talks about what really matters in life. He says he relied on God during the Storm's salary cap scandal and was on a mission to restore pride. He also talks about having a heart for the disadvantaged following the CEO Sleepout last year.

Best and Less CEO Holly Kramer talks about being involved in the Vinnies CEO Sleepout for the first time this year. She has all 5000 of her employees actively raising money for the 150,000 homeless Australians and says it’s important to do what we can for people less fortunate than ourselves.

Award winning feature documentary Absent explores the rising issue of disengaged fathers. Director Justin Hunt talks about the many confronting and provoking stories in the film. He says it tackles the issue of absent fathers head on and explores how this dynamic can change.

It’s claimed more than 1 million Australian children have no contact with their father and the number of single parent families has jumped by 20,000. Author Billy Wilson talks about the fatherless epidemic and says it’s a problem area and affects the way a child is raised.

Annie Crawford was recognised on the 2013 Queens Birthday Honours list for her tireless and passionate work for cancer research. Annie has raised more than 11 million dollars since founding Cantoo just eight years ago and talks about her passion to find a cure. Supporter Jules Mackin also talks about her role with Cantoo and shares her own inspiring story of courage.

The story of Carmelite nun Mother Agnes-Mariam and her escape from a sixth century desert monastery in Syria. She shares remarkable insights into the Syrian conflict and plight of the Christian community there. She also talks about the many threats, bombs, armed gangs and terrorists she has faced.

Human condition guru Lyn Worsley continues her series on empty nesters with a focus on mentoring. She talks about seeing the value of looking at the older people and leaders in our communities and learning life lessons from them.

A moving and uplifting insight into legendary Australian athlete Betty Cuthbert’s life, faith and hope. Carer and best friend Rhonda Gillam talks about Betty's 40 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis and says she continues to rely on God during tough times. She also talks about her remarkable athletic achievements.

An honest discussion full of stories and practical ways to deal with doubt and suffering. Authors Ted Kluck and Ronnie Martin talk about their book, Finding God in Dark Places. They reveal how God is present in difficult times and say doubt one of the biggest issues of Christian faith.

The issue of asylum seekers has escalated this week with claims thousands have been released into the Australian community without detailed security checks. The coalition has also claimed a Jihadist terrorist is being held behind a pool fence in the Adelaide Hills. Rod Benson from the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce talks about the security concerns and says the Christian community should support refugees.

Confronting new statistics show five Australian teenagers will die each week from alcohol induced incidents. Shane Varcoe from Dalgarno Institute is leading a push to change the drinking age in Australia from 18 to 21. He says the change will save lives and reduce the carnage of alcohol abuse among teenagers. Statistics show 50% of 18 year olds admit to regular binge drinking.

Top country music singer Melinda Schneider concludes our Aussie ambassadors series. The six time Golden Guitar winner gives an insight into her hugely successful career and talks about her struggles behind the music. She explains why she is a passionate advocate for The Stillbirth Foundation of Australia.

The Blacktown boy who now heads up the high end Moore Theological College. Mark Thompson talks about becoming Moore’s new principal and reflects on his rise to the position. He also talks about the significance of job and explains how he will put his own stamp on it.

Dr William H. Marty fills the gaps between the Old and New Testaments of the Bible and shares the history of the world before Jesus came. From his book, The World of Jesus, he answers important questions that often leave people wandering.