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FEATURED GUESTS
Vanessa Horabuena
A JOURNEY OF FAITH
BEHIND THE BRUSH - Vanessa Horabuena is a self-taught artist whose creative talent was discovered in the very midst of her deepest pain. As a teenager, she would sketch, but by her early 20's, Vanessa had both shut down in her personal life as well as in her creativity. At the age of 27, Vanessa sought help from a gifted counselor who gently guided her through her past wounds. As the shackles and chains of her past were released and she began to live in this freedom, the desire to create and express returned. Within a month and a half of counseling, she sat down to paint for the first time. In only 2 1/2 hours, she had finished a portrait painting of Bob Marley. Overnight, Vanessa Horabuena became a full-time artist. She now seeks to help others live vibrantly from a place of freedom, embracing all that God has put inside of them. Her art speaks powerfully to the hearts of men and women, encouraging them to live abundantly in all that God has called them to. Since 2014, Vanessa has held the distinction of the Official HOPE FEST Arizona artist.
We’ve watched her grow and be used as God’s vessel to speak into the lives of thousands. At 8pm she will guide us into His presence through her art. A very special time for all who attend.
For more of Vanessa's story click here.
VANESSA HORABUENA Social Media:
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DESMOND DOSS FOUNDATION
The US Army Corporal medic Desmond T. Doss was the first conscientious objector awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman for single-handedly saving the lives of more than 75 of his comrades while under heavy enemy fire during the brutal battle for a 400-foot-high ridge, the Maeda Escarpment (Hacksaw Ridge), on Okinawa in War World II. Guided by his faith, particularly the commandment ‘thou shalt not kill’, he never fired a gun. He was scorned by his peers. The Army repeatedly tried to kick him out, but he endured ridicule because he wanted to serve his country. Fellow soldiers who previously scoffed at Desmond’s simple faith and refusal to bear arms – now owed their lives to him.
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Desmond Doss, a Medal of Honor recipient whose life values and legacy are the focus of Mel Gibson's Oscar-winning movie Hacksaw Ridge and the documentary The Conscientious Objector (which includes interviews with Desmond, his family, and those who served with him).
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2025 will mark the 6th year for the Desmond Doss Foundation to participate in Hope Fest Arizona. During last year’s Hope Fest, the DDF Board members Gabe Videla and Jeffrey Cordone launched the World Premier of the EDUSODES Trailer to thousands of guests from the main stage. The introduction announced that the 1st Edusodes COURAGE was set for release on Veterans Day or November 11, 2023.
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​It is the connections and interaction with the youth, educators and veterans through this event that are so fruitful for the Foundation. Desmond’s life values continue to be shared with the younger generation, making sure Desmond’s dream of inspiring young people to live a positive, character-driven life continues to be fulfilled.
The EDUSODES (Educational Episodes) video series is FREE, online; the list of Jr High, High Schools, and Universities using the educational program grows daily. The series is also being used by people in Recovery and by Veterans seeking healing from PTSD and suicide.
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Now, the Character Development Series is recognized by the Film Industry.
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WorldFest Houston has been a beacon of independent cinema since its inception in 1961, making it the 3rd-oldest film festival in the United States.
The Desmond Doss Foundation will be speaking at 7:45pm
All times are estimated and subject to change,
Craig “Sawman” Sawyer
Veterans For Child Rescue
V4CR founder, Craig “Sawman” Sawyer is a Veteran Navy SEAL & U.S. Marine. His extensive experience at the Tier-1 level of military special operations and his training & experience as a federal criminal investigator, combined with his fearless passion for advocating for children makes Craig uniquely suited for this mission.
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Veterans For Child Rescue (V4CR) is a nonprofit dedicated to exposing & eradicating child sex trafficking in the USA.
We produced a free documentary: Contraland to alert the populace to the gruesome reality of child trafficking and predators in the USA. The footage provides a glimpse of our counter-trafficking operations and arrests, includes interviews with survivor and world experts, and exposes the history and methods predators use to groom and abuse children.
Craig will be speaking at 7pm. Times are estimated and subject to change.
CARLOS DURAN
The Durans are a big family. We have 4 generations of ranchers in my family in the surrounding areas of Prescott and all over Arizona. I moved away from Arizona in 1996 to raise my family in Minnesota. I moved back to Arizona in 2009 and opened the Angelica Gallery in Scottsdale. In 2017 I moved my operation to Prescott and re-branded as Duran Studio. I've been operating in Prescott for the last 7 years in downtown Prescott at the Bashford Courts.
My spiritual testimony is woven into this story and what brought me back home. I'm Now 49 years old, an Arizona artist who has devoted my work to ministry. My wife Salynda and I are both born-again Christians. Watch for Carlos will be painting near the main stage throughout the day.
JEFFREY HANSEN PHD
The Intersection of Science and Faith in the Healing of Trauma and Addictions
As a former Army officer and clinical psychologist, I understand the wounds of trauma. With a postdoctoral fellowship, faculty roles at teaching hospitals, and decades leading programs, supervising clinicians, and serving in hospitals, private practice, and addiction centers, I offer expert, faith-based care for lasting healing.
Much of my work today is centered around integrating neuroscience and spiritual understanding to treat trauma and addiction. I’ve been blessed to co-author several books, the most recent being NeuroFaith™: The Intersection of Faith and Science in the Healing of Trauma and Addiction, written alongside my friends Tim Hayden and Pastor Earl Heverly. This book weaves together the heart and brain connection, the polyvagal system, and Internal Family Systems therapy. These are approaches I’ve found to be deeply transformative for the people I serve.
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In 2024, I founded NeuroFaith™, a model born out of the conviction that healing requires more than just science; it requires connection, truth, and in many cases, faith.
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I’m not interested in culture wars. I’m interested in what is true, what is healing, and what helps people grow into who they were made to be.
Craig will be speaking at 7pm. Times are estimated and subject to change.