Episode 4: April McMennamy’s Story | Part 1 — From Addiction to Redemption | For Our Good & His Glory Podcast
Episode Introduction
In this episode, we welcome our first guest, April McMennamy, who shares her powerful journey from addiction, chaos, and loss to surrender, transformation, and redemption.
April’s story begins in a season marked by choices that led to devastating consequences, including time in jail and losing custody of her children. Through it all, she and her husband, Curtis, encountered Jesus and surrendered their lives to Him.
Today, April is rebuilding her life, serving her community, raising her children, and walking in faith despite ongoing challenges. Her story reminds listeners that no life is beyond God’s reach, and that He can take what seems impossible and turn it for our good and His glory.
Whether you are navigating trials, seeking hope, or longing for encouragement, April’s testimony will inspire you to trust God’s timing, His provision, and His redemption.
Key Topics Covered
• Life before Christ and struggles with addiction
• Consequences of past decisions, including jail and loss of custody
• Encountering Jesus and the start of true transformation
• Surrendering fully to God and allowing Him to write the rest of the story
• Rebuilding family, serving in church, and impacting the community
• Trusting God through ongoing challenges, including Curtis’s federal prison sentence
• Living a life rooted in faith, hope, and accountability
• Encouragement for anyone facing a season of trial
Scriptures Discussed
Romans 8:28 — God works all things together for good for those who love Him.
Ephesians 3:20 — God is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine.
Psalm 34:8 — Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Esther 4:14 — God places us in seasons for a purpose and calls us to act faithfully.
What You’ll Learn
• How God can bring redemption and restoration even from the darkest seasons of life
• The power of surrendering fully to Christ and letting Him write the rest of your story
• Practical insights on walking in faith during trials and uncertainty
• How to remain steadfast when facing consequences for past mistakes
• Encouragement for rebuilding family, serving your community, and living in accountability
• Ways to trust God’s timing, provision, and purpose even when circumstances feel impossible
• How personal testimonies can inspire, teach, and strengthen the faith of others
• The reality of spiritual growth through trial, testing, and perseverance
Episode Overview & Show Notes
April McMennamy’s testimony is a story of transformation, faith, and God’s redemption.
Years ago, April and her husband, Curtis were living in addiction and making choices that led to chaos, legal consequences, and separation from their children. Curtis faced federal charges, while April’s state-level charges resulted in significant personal and family challenges.
April and Curtis encountered Jesus in a profound way. They surrendered their lives to Him, and through that surrender, God began rewriting their story. They experienced healing, restoration, and a renewed purpose that extended beyond themselves to their family and community.
Today, April works in the public school system as a paraprofessional while finishing her certification to become a teacher. Curtis, while serving his sentence in federal prison, continues to be a light for Christ inside the prison system. Together, they remain committed to walking in faith, teaching their children the importance of God’s Word, and pointing others to Jesus through their testimony.
This episode demonstrates the T.A.S.T.E. process of walking through trials, surrendering to God, being tested, and eventually encouraging others through the journey:
T – Trial: Life’s struggles and consequences.
A – Acknowledgement & Acceptance: Realizing only God can restore and redeem.
S – Surrender: Allowing God to take over and write the rest of the story.
T – Testing: Spiritual challenges as faith grows.
E – Encouragement: Using the story to inspire and point others to Christ.
April’s story is a powerful reminder that God can turn even the darkest seasons into a testament of His goodness, grace, and glory.
Weekly Sponsor Highlight
As always, we also highlight Freedom Caregivers and Companions, a compassionate caregiving company owned by Hillary Bailey.
Her generosity has supported our podcast launch, and her work reminds us of the importance of caring for others in practical ways.
Freedom Caregivers and Companions provides compassionate caregiving and companionship services, helping individuals and families receive the support they need with dignity and care.
We are especially grateful for Hillary’s encouragement and generosity in the early stages of this podcast, including the incredible gift of equipment that helped make this project possible.
Learn more here:
https://freedomcaregivers.net
Also Listen On:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Amazon Music
Next Step
If April’s story inspired you, subscribe to receive new episodes and Holy Spirit-inspired messages from For Our Good & His Glory.
May her story remind you that God is always at work and that He can redeem any season of life for your good and His glory.
Next episode: Episode 5 will continue April’s story, diving deeper into faith, perseverance, and the ongoing journey of transformation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is April’s testimony about?
April shares how God transformed her life from addiction and brokenness to surrender, faith, and redemption, ultimately restoring her family.
What happened after they gave their lives to Christ?
They became active in church, served their community, and rebuilt their family while trusting God in ongoing challenges.
How does this story demonstrate Romans 8:28?
April’s story shows that God can work all things together for good, even in the darkest seasons and after the most difficult mistakes.
Can God really redeem any past mistakes or broken circumstances?
Absolutely. April’s testimony is proof that God’s grace and redemption are greater than our failures.
