In Episode 114 of Pastors Unfiltered, Tony Mattar and Brandon Beals host Ivars Uckun, a former Muslim from Turkey who shares his powerful testimony of encountering Jesus after a life marked by cultural alienation, drug use, and disillusionment with religion. İvars describes a supernatural moment of meeting Jesus (“Yeshua”) in a Messianic synagogue that changed his life. Now a leader with the Al-Ma'idah Initiative, he helps Christians build meaningful relationships with Muslims through conversation, education, and community events. The episode mixes humor, cultural commentary, and spiritual depth—covering prophetic misfires, movie debates, and the radical love of Jesus that relentlessly pursues people from all backgrounds.
00:00 – Opening Banter & Staff Humor
05:00 – Movie Talk: Fantastic Four, Superman, Happy Gilmore 2
10:00 – Adam Sandler, Movie Contracts, and Holy Retribution Story
15:00 – Travel Chaos, "Prophetic Word," and the Black Crow Incident
20:00 – Debriefing the 'False Prophecy' and Funny Church Stories
25:00 – Intro to Guest Ivars Uckun + Background
30:00 – Growing Up Muslim in New Jersey
35:00 – Alienation, Rebellion, and Turning to Drugs
40:00 – Jail Cell Moment, Seeking God, Studying Religions
45:00 – Meeting a Christian Woman & First Church Visit
50:00 – Encountering Jesus in a Messianic Synagogue
55:00 – Starting Discipleship, Following Jesus for 15 Years
60:00 – Ivars' Ministry at Al-Ma'idah Initiative + Cultural Reflections
65:00 – Fun Wrap-Up: Music, Marvel Rankings, In-N-Out vs Dick’s Debate
Check out Al-Ma'idah Initiative:
https://www.youtube.com/playlistlist=PL5QksT3IlLDrYUMJoQHR1z0akJvHZkPXR&si=bi2CG4fZ_RY5596G
