Peter Richardson, a 19-year veteran career officer in the Canadian Armed Forces, shares his faith journey on the DP1 Podcast. Raised in a Christian home and having prayed the sinner's prayer as a young child after watching a Jesus film, he later drifted into skepticism and materialism during his teens and early adulthood, influenced by secular education, unanswered questions about science and faith, and a lack of satisfying answers from churches. Over time, especially amid the social divisions, institutional distrust, and moral upheavals of the early 2020s—including Canada's pandemic response and the trucker convoy—he lost faith in people, systems, and traditional anchors like family and country. Reaching a personal low point of isolation and despair, he began noticing what appeared to be a pervasive spiritual conflict in the world, marked by seemingly gratuitous evil and an inversion of biblical values in culture and media. Exposure to C.S. Lewis's *The Screwtape Letters* via YouTube proved pivotal, as its depiction of unseen malevolent forces aligned strikingly with his observations, ultimately dismantling his materialist worldview. Late one night, he knelt, confessed his sins, surrendered to Christ, and sought forgiveness as the prodigal son. He later reconnected with a longtime Christian friend who had prayed for his salvation daily for over a decade, confirming his return to faith amid subsequent trials.

In a heartfelt interview titled "Anthony Lessard Part 3: Did He Really Change?", Canadian Armed Forces member Anthony Lessard shares how his dramatic transformation after encountering God on January 4th has freed him from past burdens, making him fearless in sharing his faith. He recounts seeking divine alignment during a challenging March break family trip to Quebec City, and how his wife Sandra's affirmation of his genuine change to a recently suicidal friend opened doors for deep conversations, planting seeds without pressure. Embracing Jesus' commands to love God fully, love others, and make disciples, Anthony finds seamless support in the military through prayer and song-sharing with his sergeant, and advises fellow Christian soldiers to prioritize impactful actions over words—standing for justice, practicing small daily kindnesses, and always asking "What Would Jesus Do?"—while seeing God everywhere, from Afghanistan's star-filled skies and loyal pets to family interactions. To remain close to God on deployments or exercises, he stresses consistent prayer, Bible reading, and wise use of time by avoiding distractions like video games, and as a newcomer at Brunswick Street Baptist Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick mentored by Charles Millet, he plans to build Christian networks and boldly shine his light outward to reach others rather than hiding it within the church.

In Part 2 of his testimony titled "Planting Seeds," Anthony Lessard shares his renewed Christian faith as an active member of Brunswick Baptist Church in Fredericton, where pastors Keith and Ross serve; after feeling judged and alienated during his parents' divorce years earlier, he returned with fervor following a pivotal encounter on January 4th. Now baptized by the Holy Spirit and planning water baptism and marriage to his wife Sandra despite her health issues, Anthony stays close to Christ by modeling his life after Jesus, the apostles, and biblical principles—especially Philippians 2's call to consider others better than oneself, prioritize their needs, and break free from selfishness—letting transformed actions speak far louder than words. His family has noticed profound positive changes, with his children enjoying church and his wife remaining open (though not yet fully committed) while he gently encourages prayer without pressure; he plants seeds of faith through authentic conversations about forgiveness with his sister and her boyfriend, deep talks with military friends during a weekend getaway, and even with his Muslim barber who is astonished by his character, all while trusting the Holy Spirit to nurture growth and viewing everyday kind acts as divine openings to share the Gospel.