Beyond Pain to Purpose: Pastor Mike Walter on Ankylosing Spondylitis and Building PPIKids | Conversations with a Chiropractor
In this episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with local Marquette pastor Mike Walter for a conversation that moves from the most personal kind of struggle to the most practical kind of impact.
Pastor Mike opens up about being diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis early in life, what it’s like to carry an “incurable” label into adulthood, and the daily choices that became non-negotiable as he worked to stay functional, present, and hopeful. He also talks candidly about faith when the pain does not go away, the difference between knowing the right answers and actually living them, and how internal battles can show up even in people who look steady from the outside.
Then the conversation widens. Pastor Mike shares the story behind Prodigal Preacher International, including the moments and Relationships that pulled him toward refugee support, safety for girls, school sponsorship, and hunger prevention work in East Africa. You’ll hear what small donations actually do, why recurring giving matters, and how transparent, consistent support can turn into real protection and Education for kids who need it most.
If you’ve ever wondered how someone keeps going with chronic pain, or how to make generosity feel real instead of abstract, this one lands.
🎧 In This Episode, Discover:
Pastor Mike’s early diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and what helped him cope day to day
The ways pain and faith collide, and what he learned in the hard seasons
His journey to becoming a pastor, including seminary life and the road that shaped him
How his connection to African culture began and why it became personal
The danger and fear along the border, and the harsh realities of trafficking
Real success stories, including refugees who went on to graduate college
How PPI supports safety and education for girls, plus feeding programs that meet basic needs
Why “small” donations can create outsized impact, especially through Giving Tuesday matches
How to help, and what transparency looks like when you give
Stay Connected & Explore:
Support Pastor Mike Walter’s Work (Prodigal Preacher International / PPIKids): PPI Website: https://www.ppikids.org/ Donate (one-time or monthly): https://www.ppikids.org/donate PPI on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ppikids.org/
Connect with Conversations with a Chiropractor: Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: [email protected]
Credits: Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing [email protected].
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor 00:41 Mike’s Early Life and Diagnosis 01:55 Coping with Ankylosing Spondylitis 04:17 Faith and Personal Struggles 05:52 Journey to Becoming a Pastor 07:30 Life in Colorado and Seminary Experiences 13:10 Connection to African Culture 20:03 The Danger and Fear Along the Border 20:27 Success Stories: From Refugee to College Graduate 21:21 The Harsh Realities of Human Trafficking 21:42 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Africa 22:27 Providing Safety and Education for Girls 23:49 The Impact of Small Donations 26:26 The Power of Giving Tuesday 27:44 How to Help: Education and Feeding Programs 30:41 Personal Commitment and Transparency 34:41 The Emotional Burden and Call to Action 36:14 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
