EP 196: Can You Hear God’s Voice Feeding the Homeless? Ana Megrelishvili: Part One

I am sharing a profound story that has shaped my life in unimaginable ways. This journey, from despair to hope, is one I hope will inspire you as deeply as it has transformed me. My story begins in Moscow, Russia. When I was seven, my father lost his job and turned to alcohol, leaving my mother, who was financially dependent on him, to fend for us. Hunger became a constant companion. At eight, I collected bottles to buy bread and even stole food from classmates. This trauma of constant hunger haunted me into adulthood, making me stock my pantry excessively. Did you know that in the US, 34 million people, including 9 million children, live in food-insecure households? At nine, I was hospitalized with tuberculosis due to malnutrition. For the first time, I felt safe, away from the chaos at home. Our struggles worsened when we moved outside Moscow. We lived in a cramped apartment with my aunt's family, facing eviction threats due to my father's debts. My grandmother saved us by selling her jewelry for plane tickets, preventing us from becoming homeless. At 20, I came to the US on a scholarship. I climbed the corporate ladder, acquiring wealth but feeling something was missing. Four years ago, I had a profound spiritual experience, leading me to feed the hungry in Atlanta. This encounter sparked my mission to help others. Ana's Bio: Ana Megrelishvili is the visionary founder of the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW) in Atlanta, Georgia, where she skillfully blends her passion for positive change with actionable initiatives. CPNW transcends traditional networking by integrating business relationships with service-oriented values, fostering global community transformation. Grounded in Christian principles, Ana ensures CPNW serves as a collaborative hub, uniting leaders to pursue societal betterment. The foundation’s mission is to combat relational poverty through faith and community. CPNW pairs mentors with shelter residents, encouraging regular church attendance and community integration, providing a consistent support network to help them build positive relationships and professional connections. Over a year, mentors provide support, fostering a community of encouragement and love. Monthly networking events not only facilitate professional connections but also spotlight local non-profits, offering hope and inspiration. Graduates of the program join a networking community, with membership funded by CPNW’s for-profit business, enhancing their career opportunities and ensuring sustained success. Ana's dedication extends to her roles as a board member for Gift-Wrapping Stars for Children and chair of the Saprea gala committee, where she leverages her expertise to uplift vulnerable communities. Her impact is also reflected in her literary contributions, sharing her journey of healing and resilience in her book, "Finding Courage to Change," and in "Powerful Female Immigrants: Volume 3," which narrates her inspiring journey from Georgia to the US. Co-authoring "Success Redefined" with Jack Canfield, Ana has earned recognition as an Amazon Best-Selling Author. Her academic credentials include a BS in Business Management from Berea College and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, completed in just 11 months. Ana's unwavering commitment to fostering faith-based community support and professional growth continues to inspire and transform lives worldwide.  http://cpnworldwide.com Check out the work that Christian Professionals Network Worldwide is doing. Link Tree Website: https://dswministries.org Email: diana@dswministries.org Social media links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DSW-Ministries-230135337033879 Twitter: https://twitter.com/DswMinistries YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgIpWVQCmjqog0PMK4khDw/playlists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dswministries/ https://dswministries.org/subscribe-to-podcast/ Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio,