Embracing the Journey: A Conversation with Jeff Bertus on Faith and Rodeo

 In the latest episode of the Fearlessly Unshackled Podcast, hosted by Sarah Rose, we dive deep into personal stories of faith, resilience, and the profound impact Jesus has on our lives. Joining Sarah is Jeff Bertus, a Pro Rodeo Bull Rider with a powerful testimony that reflects his journey through life and faith.  

The Power of Stories 

"I don't know about you, but I love to hear people's stories," Sarah opens the conversation, inviting listeners to lean in. The essence of this podcast is about sharing experiences and highlighting how faith can transform lives. For Jeff, his story begins on a farm in Avon, South Dakota, surrounded by family, community, and a deep-rooted Christian upbringing. From early childhood, Jeff was captivated by rodeo culture after watching the movie *8 Seconds*. His love for rodeo was nurtured by his family, who encouraged him to ride calves and participate in various rodeo events. However, as he shared his journey, it became clear that rodeo was just one facet of a much larger picture—his relationship with God was the cornerstone of his life.  

Finding Faith in the Arena 

As Jeff recounted his high school years filled with sports and rodeos, he acknowledged moments where he drifted away from his faith. Being surrounded by friends and the desire to fit in often clouded his commitment to living a Christ-centered life. However, college brought a turning point. The friendships and mentorship he found at Panhandle State University reignited his passion for faith, allowing his relationship with God to flourish. "Getting around the right people definitely helped me," Jeff shares. It’s a theme echoed throughout the podcast—our connections to others can either lift us up or lead us astray. Jeff emphasizes the importance of surrounding ourselves with believers who encourage growth and accountability.  

The Seeds of Faith 

One of the most profound moments of the conversation stems from discussing how small acts can plant seeds of faith in others. Jeff reflects on how even a simple prayer or a kind word can profoundly impact someone’s life, often in ways we might never realize. "It's our job to plant and water, but ultimately it's God who grows," he says, highlighting the beauty of faith as a journey marked by shared experiences.  

Trusting God's Plan 

As the conversation progresses, the topic of trust surfaces. Jeff brings up Proverbs 3:5-6, a guiding verse in his life, urging listeners to lean not on their own understanding. "There have been so many times in my life where I’ve tried to do things my way, and it never goes as planned," he admits. Trusting God’s timing and plan is essential, especially when faced with challenges. This lesson hits home for Jeff after suffering a serious injury during a rodeo event. Despite the fear and uncertainty that followed, he recognized the power of prayer and community support. "In that moment, I was reminded how close I was to losing my life, but I found peace in knowing God was in control," he shares. His recovery process, coupled with newfound time to reflect on his faith, has been both a challenge and a blessing.  

Community and Support 

As the episode wraps up, Sarah and Jeff discuss the importance of community, especially in the challenging world of rodeo. Traveling and competing can be isolating, but having a trusted friend like Mason—who shares similar faith values—has made a tremendous difference in Jeff’s life. Their commitment to pray together before and after events serves as a reminder of the grace and protection they seek from God. Final Thoughts Jeff leaves listeners with an encouraging reminder: the journey of faith is often marked by ups and downs, but the key to staying grounded is consistent communication with God through His word. 

Spending time in Scripture, even in small doses, can lead to significant growth and transformation. As Sarah closes the podcast with a final prayer, listeners are reminded of the beauty of sharing our stories and the importance of supporting one another in our faith journeys.