MVNU to host Tragedy Into Triumph speaker series

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio— Life’s most difficult seasons can leave lasting questions: Where is hope found? How can tragedy become a turning point? And what does faith look like when circumstances are at their hardest?

Those questions will be explored during Tragedy Into Triumph, a three-night speaker series to be held Nov. 2-4 at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The event will begin at 7 p.m. each evening in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium and is free and open to the public.

The series will feature three nationally recognized speakers who will share personal stories of adversity, faith and transformation, offering perspectives on how difficult experiences can shape a person’s faith, identity and sense of purpose.

Kylie Bisutti will open the series Monday, Nov. 2. A former Victoria’s Secret model, Bisutti left the modeling industry at the height of her career after determining that it conflicted with her Christian values. She will share her journey of finding her identity in Christ beyond the spotlight.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, leadership author and speaker Carey Nieuwhof will discuss his experience with burnout and depression. His story examines the tension between outward success and internal struggles and the role his faith played during one of the most difficult seasons of his life.

The series will conclude Wednesday, Nov. 4, with Sonny Sandoval, frontman of the Grammy-nominated rock band P.O.D. Sandoval will share how his faith transformed his life and gave him a greater sense of purpose beyond his career in music.

At the center of the series is a message of hope — that difficult seasons do not have to define the rest of a person’s story.

“Each person will struggle in life. Each person will face adversity. Yet something miraculous happens when in the middle of the struggle when we look to Jesus,” said Tragedy Into Triumph founder Wendell Brown. “We experience a triumph we didn’t know could exist, and that is Tragedy Into Triumph. Each story is just another example of the way God works in a life. … A God who can work in your life too!”

Doors will open at 6:15 p.m. each evening. Those unable to attend in person can participate through a simulcast. Churches, organizations and community groups are encouraged to register if they would like to host a gathering and view the event remotely. For more information and registration details, visit tragedyintotriumph.com.