Her Past Became Her Purpose With Kelly Kunz

Kelly Kunz is the Founder of Street Justice Ministry, a Minnesota-based mobile outreach serving people affected by addiction, homelessness, and human trafficking across the Twin Cities. Through its outreach bus, the ministry provides practical supplies, resources, encouragement, prayer, and spiritual support directly to people on the streets. Drawing from her experience with trauma, addiction, exploitation, and homelessness, Kelly helps others find hope, healing, and restoration through faith in Jesus.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

[2:30] Kelly Kunz shares her story and who she was before Christ
[7:00] The devastating truth about soul ties and spiritual consequences
[10:13] Why healing after trauma is a lifelong, daily commitment
[11:24] Warning signs parents can spot in runaway children
[14:58] How isolation intensifies hidden pain and why prayerful support matters
[26:41] Kelly talks about the radical jail cell encounter that changed everything
[34:14] The power of speaking out to break shame and secrecy
[39:27] Kelly’s experience with prescription medication and spiritual freedom

In this episode…

Some stories of redemption begin not with a clean break from the past, but with one desperate decision to keep reaching for God. What does it take to turn years of trauma, addiction, and shame into a life that brings hope to others?

Kelly Kunz believes that the way forward is to keep seeking God, tell the truth about what happened, and let healing unfold layer by layer. She describes encountering Jesus in a jail cell through Psalm 91, then spending years in prayer, Scripture, therapy, service, and forgiveness until the pain that once controlled her became part of her testimony. Her story shows that redemption is not a single emotional moment, but a daily surrender that can break cycles and make room for others to heal.

In this episode of the Align & Abide podcast, Dr. Kim Tran is joined by Kelly Kunz, Founder of Street Justice Ministry, to discuss how faith can transform trauma into testimony. They explore her escape from trafficking and addiction, the role of prayer and Scripture in deliverance, and why forgiveness is essential to breaking generational cycles. Kelly also shares advice on replacing destructive habits with a healthy, faith-filled community.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Quotable Moments

“God is not in a box. He’s not just in a building. He’s here in this room.”
“This is day in, day out. This is not something that just happens in one day.”
“We need prayerful people. We need mindful people. We need guarded mouth before we speak.”
“So no matter what, you’re going to see the fruit. If you allow him to do it.”
“The Word of God is the only thing that the enemy has no power over.”

Action Steps

Saturate yourself in the Word of God daily: Consistent Scripture reading strengthens faith, renews the mind, and provides truth during difficult moments.
Keep praying even when change feels slow: Persistent prayer helps you remain grounded as you trust God with outcomes you may not see immediately.
Practice forgiveness and leave the past behind: Releasing old pain removes emotional burdens and creates space for deeper healing and freedom.
Replace destructive habits with healthy, faith-filled relationships: Supportive mentors and communities provide better examples, accountability, and encouragement for lasting change.
Use your testimony to help others heal: Speaking honestly about your journey can break shame, inspire hope, and point others toward redemption.

Sponsor for this episode:

This episode is brought to you by Minnesota Family Chiropractic, a wellness clinic founded and led by Dr. Kim Tran.

Dedicated to helping patients find lasting relief and vibrant health through chiropractic care, nutrition, and functional medicine, Minnesota Family Chiropractic is on a mission to transform lives — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Its Signature Wellness System focuses on whole-person care to address the root causes — not just the symptoms — so you can get back to living fully.

Ready to start your path toward better health? Visit MinnesotaFamilyChiropractic.com or call (612) 545-5672 to schedule your consultation and experience integrative, patient-centered care.