Leslie Nease is a speaker and writer with a passion for Jesus Christ.  She is one of the weekend radio voices at His Radio (www.hisradio.com) where she can be heard from 10-2 on Saturdays and 11-4 on Sundays.  Leslie also volunteers in the communication department at SIM International where she produces and hosts their monthly podcast, Serving in Mission Together. 

Leslie's messages are filled with humor, real-life issues, and practical applications from God's Word. She speaks frequently to civic organizations, universities, schools, ministries and youth groups.  Leslie has a way of relating to students and adults alike with her straightforward approach and willingness to be authentic about her struggles and victories.  She has a heart for equipping others to get gutsy for God. 

Leslie and her daughter, Kennedy, running a 5K with Girls on the Run

Leslie also has over 18 years experience teaching fitness classes and helping people stay healthy.  She has been a coach for Girls on the Run and has written for several fitness publications and is author of the book, Body Builders.  In 2001, Leslie won the Mrs. North Carolina pageant and spoke statewide on the platform of fitness and overcoming obesity.  She hoped winning the crown would bring the fulfillment that she craved.  But, when it didn't, Leslie discovered that the secret to real joy is only found in a true relationship with Jesus Christ.

Leslie relishes the adventure of being a wife and mother.  She is married to Rod, and they have four children, ages 20, 18, 11 and 10.  They reside in Tega Cay, South Carolina.

Meet Linda Reppert...our Ministry Coordinator

Twelve years ago, Linda was walking with her pastor’s wife (her best friend) who shared that a girl named Leslie Nease had called. Leslie wanted someone to lead a bible study in her home in which she would invite her friends who wanted to learn more about God.  Linda prayed about this request and felt very led to join the pastor’s wife in leading this study. For the next year Linda watched Leslie grow in more ways than one, both in her knowledge of the Lord and also getting pregnant with her fourth child.         

So many people heard about the bible study and wanted to be involved. Over the next couple of years the ministry expanded to a ministry called Hearts for Home. After another year, God moved both the pastor’s wife and then Linda away from this ministry. At the time, it was extremely painfully as they did not understand why God had taken them both out of this ministry. It was because God was preparing them for a future calling that was beyond what they could imagine.

Linda shifted to more of a mentoring ministry as she meet with many women one on one.  Six years ago, Leslie asked Linda to be her mentor. After praying about it and laying down some challenging conditions, Linda took on this highly energetic woman.  Leslie grew at such a rapid rate, that the Lord gave her first a radio position and then a writing and speaking ministry. Four years ago, the Lord moved Linda away from Leslie’s hometown to Florida.  At the time, it didn't make much sense but now they now see that God was freeing Linda up from many of her responsibilities, because Get Gutsy for God was going to need more of her attention. Linda’s main ministry responsibility is mentoring Leslie; which means being in the Word and praying. Other privileges include, administrative coordination, technical support and making sure Leslie has packed her toothbrush.  Linda’s favorite thing to do is to counsel women that attend our events and talk about what God is doing in their lives. Watching God transform lives in ways that effect eternity gives us no greater joy.

At home Linda is the wife of a wonderful man named Dan. Her son, Justin is at Wheaton College and Brandon is in high school. To stay in shape, Linda can be found on the tennis courts looking for intense competition.

Meet Heidi Valardi...Our Ministry Assistant

Leslie and Heidi met through their daughters by divine intervention. The instant connection between them was their strong love for the Lord. As their friendship has deepened, they’ve realized they both have a common passion to see women released into ministry, in boldness and in beauty! 

Heidi has been involved in various areas of ministry over the years. Her main focus has been with seeing women saved and set free to walk in the fullness of their destiny. She longs to see women experience God's grace and faith to fulfill all that He has for them.

Heidi is the Ministry Assistant for the “Get Gutsy for God” ministry. She is part of Leslie’s Support Team that meets on a regular basis and she travels to assist Leslie with speaking engagements.

Heidi enjoys life in Fort Mill, SC with her husband David.  They have a daughter and a son and are adjusting to becoming empty nesters!

Isaiah 60:1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you."