Praying for Our State and Nation

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

This week’s episode of Illinois Family Spotlight features highlights from a Springfield prayer gathering that IFI was a part of.

Illinois is in a spiritual battle. Yes, our voices and our votes are important. But, the deeper issue is a lack of repentance and faith in God.

IFI’s Executive Director, David Smith, was able to give an address at this prayer gathering.

“Can we not see that God is beginning to curse our blessings?

How UnSingling Is Changing the Future of Christian Dating

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith and Jenna Smith sit down with Rebecca Leland, founder of the ministry group, “UnSingling.”

UnSingling is a Christ-centered ministry specifically designed for Christians singles to meet, connect, and (hopefully) find their spouse.

In this episode, Rebecca Leland unpacks the current dating landscape and how Christians can still be intentional about finding faith-centered community.

“In the Christian dating realm, it is almost impossible feeling to find any kind of specific location that you can go to and know almost for certain that the majority are actually Christian and that the majority are seeking a spouse…”

This is a fun conversation that you do not want to miss. … Continue Reading

Stephanie Trussell: Fighting the Status Quo to Restore Illinois

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith sits down with Stephanie Trussell to discuss the political climate in Illinois.

Stephanie Trussell is a Christian, wife, mom, grandmother, radio host, and candidate for the 42nd House District who epmphatically says:

“I want to make it easier… for people to achieve the American Dream…

[Illinois is] the greatest state in the nation– we have the worst leaders.

In this conversation, Stephanie talks about the importance of standing on the biblical principles of faith, family, and life in the realm of politics.… Continue Reading

Illinois is Taking Control Away From Parents: What You Need to Know

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith sits down with Thomas Hampson to discuss the pending legislation that is aimed at usurping parental rights.

Thomas Hampson is an Air Force veteran where he served as an intelligence analyst in Western Europe. He served as Chief Investigator for the Illinois Legislation Investigative Commission and served on the Chicago Crime Commission as a Board member.

His investigative work led him to start his organization, Truth Alliance Foundation, which is dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.… Continue Reading

A Preventable Death—and a Call to Fix Illinois Law

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Passed in 2017, the Illinois TRUST Act set heavy boundaries on local law enforcement cooperation with federal law enforcement.

Functionally, the Illinois TRUST Act:

• Prohibits local law enforcement from enforcing federal immigration law,

• Prohibits detaining individuals for purely immigration status reasons,

• Prohibits local law enforcement from assisting in federal immigration operations, and

• Prohibits local law enforcement from transferring detainees into ICE custody without proper authorization.

Because of this, Illinois is broadly known as a “sanctuary state” for illegal immigrants.… Continue Reading

Empowering Women: The Mission of Pregnancy Centers

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith, Jenna Smith, and Alyssa Sonnenburg sit down with two special guests– both of whom are executive directors of pregnancy resource centers in Illinois.

In the first half, you will hear from Elmie Patton. She is the Executive Director of First Step Women’s Center located in Springfield, Illinois.

She will discuss the vital role that ultrasounds have in the pro-life world– specifically when it comes to helping women choose life for their babies.… Continue Reading

The “SAFE-T” Act is Anything But “Safe”

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

Passed in 2021, the SAFE-T Act, which stands for Safety, Accountability, Fairness, and Equity- Today Act, gave Illinois a major overhaul of the state’s criminal-justice protocol.

Most notably, the SAFE-T Act put an end to cash bail. Democrat proponents argued that requiring bail unfairly targeted the poor. They claimed that these individuals were detained in jail not because of how dangerous they were, but on whether or not they were able to pay bail.… Continue Reading

What Illinois’ Latest Mental Health Bill Means For Your Children’s Future

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg and David E. Smith

As the Illinois state legislature continues to push more and more government control over parental rights and education, parents are waking up to this dangerous agenda.

In this episode, IFI’s Dave Smith sits down with Shannon Adcock to discuss the real consequences of SB 3138, a bill designed to bypass parental oversight as it relates to mental health screenings and gender confusion. This legislation would expand LGBTQ+ influence over children’s mental health policy in Illinois—moving from advisory roles to shaping programs, data, and policy.… Continue Reading

The Fight For Your Kids’ Mind: HB 4966

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this important episode, David Smith sits down with David Curtin to discuss House Bill 4966– legislation aimed to expand DCFS services and limit counseling options for gender confused youths.

David Curtin is a veteran pro-life advocate, political consultant, and a lobbyist for the Illinois Family Institute among other organizations.

In the second half of this episode, Illinois Senator Chris Balkema (R-Pontiac) discusses the behind the scenes realities of the political battles in Springfield from the effort to defund abortion to the fight against physician-assisted suicide.… Continue Reading

From Slumber to Revival: The 50-Day Prayer Movement That Could Reshape Illinois

Written by Alyssa Sonnenburg

In this episode of Spotlight, Pastor Caesar LeFlore sits down with Bishop Arthur Geis to discuss a bold prayer movement, Project 2026.

Bishop Arthur Geis is a renowned Bible teacher, pastor, prayer advocate, and the visionary behind Project 2026.

Project 2026 is a bold initiative to mobilize one million intercessors to prayer for one million souls to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior from Passover to Pentecost (April 5- May 24).… Continue Reading