JOSHUA GOODLING

“In my 15 years of FCA ministry and nearly 30 years of youth ministry, I've never seen a greater impact on students' hearts than Joshua Goodling's testimony! Every audience: whether middle school, high school, college or adult, listens intently, each person seems to identify in some way with Joshua's struggles. People come away spiritually refreshed with a positive attitude like: "if Joshua can trust God then I can too!" Joshua has shared his testimony in more than a dozen FCA huddles throughout our area, and he has spoken at several churches, including mine, All very well received! Joshua's greatest desire is to share God's love and grace through his unique story. Book Joshua Goodling to speak to your group of any size or age. You will be blessed!

Steve McAuley – FCA Director/Chaplain Upper East Tennessee – Fellowship of Christian Athletes

“Our January chapel speaker at Rivers Edge Christian Academy was Mr. Joshua Goodling. I had never met Joshua before, but he was highly recommended by another parent at our school that had heard him speak. I was told his testimony was fantastic and to not allow his speech impediment to dissuade me from asking him to talk to my very young students. This small, kind, and humble man showed up at our school early on chapel morning. I really wondered if he would be able to hold the attention of my 120 students that were kindergarten through 5th grade, but you could have heard a pin drop when he began to tell the students the incredible medical journey that he had been on and how God had rescued him time and again from death's door. He gave Jesus Christ all the glory in not only his medical miracles, but for the opportunities he had been given because of his disease. My students left chapel that morning, but the discussion of this man and his impact carried into classroom conversations the rest of the day. Parents asked me about the man that had been at chapel the day before, because their student had come home telling them about his testimony. Our chapel theme this year has been, "When God Seems Unjust." Joshua did a wonderful job of showing our students that God can overcome any circumstances in a person's life to be used for His good and His glory. "

Lori Major – West Elementary Campus Administrator – River's Edge Christian Academy

“Every year when I hear Mr. Goodling speak, I am encouraged and inspired. It is exciting to see students who wait around to talk to him about the impact his talk had on them that day. This year, we had students go back to their homerooms after his talk and write about what they can do to be kind. Their writings were a testament to the impact his speech had on them. I highly recommend Mr. Goodling for any school. His message about kindness and also about focusing on the positives in each day is a message that resonates with students. "

Alicia Davis – Counselor – Mill Creek Middle School

“I wanted to extend my sincerest gratitude for the work you do with our students. I work at Villa Rica High School, and several of my students work with the 12 for Life program at Southwire. You recently spoke to students at 12 for Life, and I am so glad you were able to come out. Since I am with the high school, I was unable to attend your seminar and in fact did not know you visited until one of my students came by today to talk to me. He said you have really changed his outlook on both school and life. I have noticed a positive change in his performance, and he credited much of that to your influence. He has been struggling this year and even considering dropping out, so it's great to see such a change in him. I cannot thank you enough!"

Emily Tucker – Teacher – Villa Rica High School

“Joshua came to Apalachee and did an amazing job. The feedback from the students has been great. God spoke through him and he made a positive impression on our students and staff who were there to hear him speak. I would recommend him to any FCA huddle or group who needs some Godly inspiration."

Alex Holmes – Teacher – Apalachee High School

“We have had many speakers here at MCMS, but none have been as impactful as Joshua Goodling. He has a compelling story to share that will resonate with all who hear it. Middle school and high school are difficult years, and many students struggle during this time in their lives. Joshua gives students a different perspective to living through difficult circumstances. Every time he speaks here we get positive feedback from several students whose lives are forever changed because of his message."

Dana Townsend – Teacher – Mill Creek Middle School

“Joshua, I just wanted to thank you for your presentation during our Character Month Celebration Day we hosted at Durham Middle School in September of this year. We had over three hundred and fifty eighth graders and two hundred plus third graders from a local elementary school in attendance. When you spoke I was amazed at how quite the students became. The teachers who were attendance were amazed as well because it was evident that we were not needed for discipline reasons. That is a rarity especially in middle school. Your message not only resonated with our students but the teachers in attendance as well. Even the next day students and teachers were talking about how your message inspired them in their own special way. I can't wait to have you come back and speak again to our whole student body. Thank you for your passion for life and quest to build a better world through our children."

David Cunningham – Teacher – Durham Middle School

“In a world where so many people are trying to find their identity or be like someone else it was so refreshing, uplifting and encouraging to meet the grounded and authentic Joshua Goodling and learn how he has not conformed to the patterns of this world! He redefined individuality and demonstrated life's purpose front and center to Simpson Middle school's FCA Friday morning gathering in Marietta, GA. We had the privilege of learning all about Joshua's journey from the valleys to the peaks and it left an indelible impression on everyone in attendance. To hear his story and how he has chosen to make a difference in spite of the challenges which were declared impossible to overcome is a testament to his faith and purpose in Jesus Christ. He will remove any empathy, pity, negativity, self-doubt or apprehension you have about tackling life's challenges against what sometimes feels like insurmountable odds! Joshua Goodling is a gift to life and inspiration for any audience or individual whose life he intersects. We are so very grateful he pursued us to come speak and in turn it is without hesitation that I'd encourage you to consider him if you are looking for a unique, passionate, inspirational addition to any event you are planning. Joshua might be diminutive in stature but he towers over Sequoia trees with the courage he attacks life. You will never forget Joshua Goodling! I Promise! Thank you Joshua and press on!"

Mike and Linda Gilliam – FCA Sponsors – Simpson Middle School

“On behalf of Forsyth/Dawson FCA, I want to send you a heartfelt thank you for speaking at Piney Grove Middle School yesterday. I was absolutely mesmerized by your story. It was by far one of the most powerful messages I have ever heard, and I'm not the only one who thinks so. Many parents have emailed me to say that their kids can't stop talking about you and your message. More than a few have said that their kids were so moved by you that when they talk about what they learned it brings them to tears. One mom wrote to tell me that her son said that you were the most inspirational speaker he has ever heard, and that he got more out of your message than he ever has at church or any other spiritual gathering. In my own son's words, "That was the most awesome testimony ever!" You certainly had a huge impact on these kids. Your message of how God created each of us with a specific purpose is so timely for our middle school youth. I believe that no one can deliver it more effectively than you. God is using you in mighty ways. You obviously know the purpose for which God made you. All who have the honor of meeting you and hearing you speak are truly blessed. Bless you as continue to inspire and glorify God through your testimony."

Jodi Garner – Board Member – Forsyth/Dawson FCA

“Joshua Goodling tells an amazing story of how God can use anyone to serve others. His message explained how God has a unique plan for everyone. Joshua encouraged our students to strive to help others no matter what your talents may be. I am sure that the impact Joshua had during his meeting with us will be everlasting."

Aaron Daniels – Coach – South Forsyth Middle School

“Thank you so much for speaking at our FCA meeting on Friday. Your message was inspiring and uplifting to all of us. It was the first time that our students have ask to take pictures with our guest speaker. That is a great compliment to you. Many of my students told me later in the day how your story touched their hearts. It is such a wonderful testament of the positive influence you have on others."

Penny Vickery – Teacher – Otwell Middle School

“That was one of the best chapel services we've had in a long time, I genuinely have never seen the students so attentive and engaged with a speaker. Thank you SO much for sharing your testimony! It was so powerful and very timely for many of our students and teachers...My speech class talked about your presentation after chapel and I have never heard my students speak so highly of a speaker...your message really hit home. Thanks for sharing your story with us and just shining the light of the Lord so well."

Kayla Marsh – Drama/Communication Teacher – Whitefield Academy

“We had the privilege of having Joshua Goodling speak to our entire 7th grade student body about making good choices. As he spoke, approximately 340 students sat listening, and hanging on every word as he talked about the importance of choices we make. I feel that his presentation will prove to be a pivotal moment for some of our students."

Tim Boyd – Head Coach – Chestatee Academy Middle School

“Recently I invited Joshua Goodling to come to Indianapolis, IN to spend a day speaking to troubled youth in the inner city. I serve as a volunteer chaplain at the Marion County Juvenile Detention Center in Indianapolis. The young men I minister to have great struggles to overcome. It's the common ground of struggle that connected Joshua to the hearts of these youth. Throughout the day, as Joshua shared his life story, you could see the eyes of these youth begin to open. Their eyes opened to the story of a man who faced impossible adversity and never gave up. They heard his voice and saw his physical frame which although affected by a deadly disease, stood tall before them as an overcomer. It's that story of being an overcomer that these youth needed to hear. Even though some of the guys would snicker when they first saw Joshua, once they began to hear his story unfold they were literally on the edge of their seats to learn from a man who has, with God's help and strength, overcome. I've heard Joshua speak many times and have used him in my ministry. He has a unique ability to inspire others to overcome trials, never give up and have great faith in God. I've never met anyone else who was given a zero chance of survival, has overcome great obstacles, and has been used in such a great way. I highly recommend Joshua for your next speaking event.

Ken Turner – President/Founder –High Impact Teens

“According to the medical experts, Joshua should have died 46 years ago. Instead, God's perfect plan for Joshua includes being a cancer survivor. Joshua recognizes that the Lord is directly involved with his survival and has trusted Jesus Christ as His Savior. He has a passion to communicate this message of hope, a message that is greater than simply being inspiring. He is pointing people to his Savior from an angle that many people do not have. You recognize his uniqueness at the very beginning when he walks to the platform and begins speaking. God's power is evident in Joshua's life and he wants to be used for God's glory. I would ask that you consider having Joshua Goodling at your church to share his special testimony of God's grace."

Bobby McCoy – Pastor – Oak Ridge Baptist Church