The Unfolding: Recent Episodes
Meridith Foster
God is writing a great big story and you have a standing invitation to be a part of it. Every week, host Meridith Foster sits down with a guest to share their chapter in God’s Unfolding story.
Doctors kept giving Sierra Emison more reasons to worry about her unborn daughter, but she kept feeling like God was telling her to trust Him. Through prayer, people around her, and even the words "miracle child," Sierra felt encouraged again and again. Today, McKenna is 21 months old, growing, thriving, and still surprising doctors.
Justin and Trisha Davis appeared to be living the dream- a beautiful family, successful ministry, and a future filled with promise. After planting their first church, Justin had an affair with a staff member who was also Trisha's best friend. Their marriage, family and careers were simultaneously blown apart, and they were forced to come to terms with their brokenness. It seemed their story would be one of failure and loss, but Justin and Trisha found grace, healing and redemption for even the most shattered parts of their lives. Justin and Trisha are the founders of RefineUs.org and the authors of One Choice Away from Change: Break the Cycles That Hurt Your Relationships and Hold You Back.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.refineus.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/refineus/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/best-sellers-books-Amazon/zgbs/books/7259415011/ref=zg_bs_pg_2_books?_encoding=UTF8&pg=2
Jessica Ronne was caring for her son Lucas, who has profound disabilities, while trying to meet a book deadline and lead a nonprofit. She felt frustrated that caregiving kept interrupting what she believed was her important work. Then God showed her that caring for Lucas was holy work. Years later, that quiet faithfulness grew into a home where Lucas and three other adults with disabilities can thrive.
Learn more about Jessica Ronne and find encouragement and resources for caregivers at jessronne.com
Scott Spiezio knew God. During some of the best years of his Major League Baseball career, he was surrounded by believers and openly sharing his faith. But after reaching the height of success, Scott moved away from what had kept him grounded. As addiction took hold, shame told him he was too far gone, while the mindset that made him a champion convinced him he could save himself. He couldn't. What changed everything was surrender.
Now Scott is sharing his story through his new book, The Hardest Comeback, and Spiezio, a documentary about his life. He hopes they will reach people who need to know that addiction does not have to be the end of their story.
Scott played 12 seasons in the major leagues, winning World Series championships with the Anaheim Angels and St. Louis Cardinals. Cardinals fans may remember the soul patch he dyed bright red during the 2006 championship run. But behind the success, addiction was taking hold. After 11 trips to rehab, Scott entered the hospital with a failing liver and only a 20-percent chance of survival.
Scott first shared his story with The Unfolding in 2023. Now, eight years sober, he returns with an update about restored relationships, people finding hope through his story, and how God is using the most painful parts of his past.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.scottspiezio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spiezios/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scott.spiezio.96
Movie Website: https://spiezio.info/
Jaron Lockridge spent years quietly struggling with pornography while wrestling with doubts about God. Then an unexpected sermon from Pastor Philip Anthony Mitchell led to the most sincere prayer Jaron had ever prayed, and by the next morning, everything had changed. Now free from that addiction, Jaron is using his gifts as a filmmaker to tell honest stories about faith, struggle, and community. His new series, House for the Broken, is available on Amazon.
What happens when you finally get the success you wanted and realize it still is not enough?
For Donovan Donnell, the stage had always been a place where he felt seen. But after years of disappointment and rejection, his desire for attention and approval led him into the world of exotic dancing. He found money, recognition, and success, but none of it could give him the life he really wanted.
Donovan never completely walked away from faith. He still went to church and Bible study. But eventually, God asked him to walk away from the life he had built and trust Him with what came next.
This is Donovan's story of losing himself, surrendering to God, and discovering who he had been created to be. He also shares the message behind Designed to Succeed, his new book with Kevin Olusola of Pentatonix, about pursuing success without losing your faith, your purpose, or your identity.
Show Notes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ1f7NOZ-Qk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donovandeedonnell/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donovandee.donnell.50
Website: https://www.donovandeedonnell.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124?lv=shuf&channelId=520&plpRedirect=mhFallback#
"This makes you way more real to us." That's what Amber Albee Swenson's kids told her after she finally opened up about her past. She had spent years teaching the Bible and leading her family in faith, but still carried silent shame that was creating distance. One conversation changed everything. Vulnerability became the key to deeper trust, healing, and faith.
Amber's latest book is called "The Key to Confidence".
Have you ever wondered if your past has already determined your future?
The circumstances of your childhood, painful family relationships, mistakes you've made, or words someone spoke over you can leave you wondering whether your future has already been decided. Jonathan Almonte knows that feeling.
Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Jonathan experienced extreme poverty, family brokenness, and rejection from his father. As a little boy, he dreamed of becoming a gang member because it was the only future he could imagine. Then everything began to change.
Jonathan shares how a local church, a Compassion sponsor who faithfully wrote letters year after year, and the love of Jesus transformed his life. He found hope where there had been despair and the ability to forgive the father who once told him he was "a mistake."
This episode is a reminder that your past does not have the final word. God is still writing stories of redemption.
Show Notes:
Website: https://compassion.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/compassion/
X: https://x.com/compassion
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionintl/
After a chaotic childhood, Doug Hannah came to Christ at 15 and finally understood that he was deeply loved, but years later, he realized he had turned faith into something he had to perform. This is the story of discovering grace... twice... and learning to rest in a love he never had to earn.
Most people know Stephen Bargatze as the father of comedian Nate Bargatze. But long before audiences knew Nate's name, Stephen was living a story marked by childhood abuse, rejection, depression, and pain.
Growing up, Stephen believed he was unwanted. His mother told him he was a mistake. He struggled with thoughts of suicide and spent years carrying the wounds of his childhood. But God wasn't finished writing his story.
In this moving conversation, Stephen shares how one family's extraordinary kindness introduced him to the love of Jesus, how God's grace transformed his life, and why, decades later, he found himself standing beside his dying mother with a choice that would define the rest of his life.
It's a remarkable story of forgiveness, mercy, redemption, and the God who can bring beauty from even our deepest wounds.
If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem a painful past, or whether forgiveness is really possible, Stephen's story will encourage you.
⚠️ This episode includes discussion of child abuse, suicide, and family trauma. Listener discretion is advised for younger audiences.
Show Notes:
Out In a Minute Comedy Special - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV-aKVmH98s
Nate Bargatze's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@Nateland
Stephen's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenbargatze
Stephen's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sbargatze
Have you ever struggled to trust God after bad news? Shinia Dittman had prayed for a baby, but during pregnancy, doctors discovered that her son had a serious birth defect that could threaten his life. Afraid, angry, and overwhelmed, Shinia got alone with God and prayed honestly, and God met her with peace. After surgery, healing, and so many unexpected details, the sound of her son's first cry became a beautiful reminder that God was in the details.
Jinger Duggar Vuolo grew up on television. From the age of 10 until she was 27, her family appeared on TLC's reality shows 19 Kids and Counting and Counting On. As the sixth child of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, she grew up in a strict religious system led by a teacher who claimed to speak for God. That belief system contributed to a view of God as an angry judge waiting for her next mistake. Motivated by a fear of rejection, she was driven to be a people pleaser, trying to keep everyone happy all of the time. But as she grew to know and understand God's love, she realized the loving thing to do was speak the truth. Jinger Duggar Vuolo is the author of Becoming Free Indeed, and People Pleaser: Breaking Free from the Burden of Imaginary Expectations.
Website: https://www.jingerandjeremy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jingervuolo/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/People-Pleaser-Breaking-Imaginary-Expectations/dp/140034171X
"I see God very clearly through the rearview mirror."
Tim Mulgrew was trying to move closer to God, but the more intentional he became about faith, the more tension grew at home. His wife resented it, and that conflict eventually boiled over into a painful public moment at church. Tim's story is about coming to real faith, even when choosing God made life harder before it got better.
Link to Google form for guest submissions: https://forms.gle/bJqjKjBUBCAYwNg68
A grizzly bear attack in the Canadian wilderness nearly took Jim VanSteenhouse's life.
As he was being flown to safety, Jim found himself confronting a question he could no longer avoid: If he died that day, where would he spend eternity?
But this story begins long before the bear attack. When Jim and Liz met, their relationship was, in their words, "a high-speed train wreck." There was addiction, heartbreak, years of unanswered prayers, and a marriage that seemed unlikely to survive. After Liz gave her life to Christ, she spent years praying for her husband while God transformed her own life in ways she never expected. Then came the phone call that changed everything.
In this episode of The Unfolding, Jim and Liz share their remarkable story of addiction, redemption, healing, a grizzly bear attack, and a God who never stopped pursuing them.
If you've ever prayed for someone you love, wondered whether God was listening, or needed a reminder that no one is beyond His reach, this conversation is for you.
Show Notes:
Website: https://thebearman.com/
Emily Wierenga grew up sensing that God was close, but one careless comment about her body helped lead her into a long battle with anorexia. At five foot eight, Emily dropped to 60 pounds, and yet God kept reaching into her life with reminders that she was loved, chosen, and not forgotten. Today, Emily is using her words and her story through her book God Who Became Bread and through The Lulu Tree, where she helps feed mothers and children in Africa while pointing them to the hope of God's Word.
In 1 John 3:1 it says, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!" God is our Father. Sometimes that can be challenging to comprehend. It's easier to grasp when you've had a good relationship with your earthly dad. It can be more complicated if your relationship is unhealthy or strained. This week on The Unfolding we are sharing three stories of fathers, from Mark Schulz, Gina Copeland and Jeremy Rosado. Each story gives a perspective of how God works healing in and through fathers, whether they are biological, adoptive, or those who simply choose to step into the role of dad.
Show Notes:
Mark Schultz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markschultzofficial/
Mark Schultz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markschultzofficial/
Gina Copeland Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gina.d.copeland
Jeremy Rosado Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjeremyrosado/
Jeremy Rosado Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IAMJEREMYROSADO/
Link to Google form for guest submissions: https://forms.gle/bJqjKjBUBCAYwNg68
For most of her life, Rebecca Corwin called herself an agnostic, and sometimes even an atheist. But looking back, she could see moments of protection, peace, and unmistakable prompting that kept pointing her toward God. At 56 years old, after a lifetime of being pursued, Rebecca finally gave herself completely to Jesus.
How do you learn to recognize God's voice?
Michael Boggs has spent much of his life asking that question. Long before he became a member of the Christian music group FFH or wrote the beloved Christmas song "Come You Unfaithful," Michael watched God transform his family through his father's dramatic conversion and began discovering for himself what it means to follow Jesus.
In this episode of The Unfolding, Michael shares the pivotal moments that shaped his faith, from walking away from athletic scholarships to joining FFH, touring the world, serving in ministry, and eventually becoming a worship pastor in Oklahoma. Along the way, Michael learned powerful lessons about God's leading, identity, and unconditional love. He talks about comparison, loneliness, calling, and the freedom that comes from understanding that our worth isn't found in what we accomplish, but in being loved by God.
Show Notes:
Website: https://michaelboggs.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelboggs_music/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boggsmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MichaelBoggsMusic
Book: https://www.amazon.com/What-Would-Jesus-Michael-Boggs/dp/0891126244
"We began to… say the Nicene Creed."
That decision changed everything for pastor and researcher Glenn Packiam, when a 2006 scandal rocked his Colorado Springs church. In this Unfolding Short Story, the Barna Group scholar and host of The Resilient Pastor podcast recounts how repeating the Creed each week knit a fractured congregation back together, and how its ancient words still steady believers facing today's confusion and corruption.
Want to dig deeper? Check out Glenn's book What's a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption.
When Brandon Heath heard the Gospel as a teenager, he was hungry for truth, love, and healing. His parents' broken relationship had left him hurting and carrying a heavy load of resentment. When he heard God is love, and more specifically, God loves him, it was life changing. But transformation and healing take time. God was putting people in Brandon's life, including a guy named Bob Goff. They were mentors who saw things in Brandon he couldn't see in himself. Brandon Heath is a singer and songwriter who's been nominated for multiple Grammys and won eight Dove awards for songs like "Give Me Your Eyes," "See Me Through It," and "I'm Not Who I Was." Brandon's latest project is called The Ache.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.brandonheathmusic.com/
Album "The Ache" - https://brandonheath.lnk.to/TheAche
"I believe God gave me this dream because He has healed your body."
When David Stine was fifteen years old, doctors gave him about six weeks to live. His family was bracing for the worst. Then David's grandfather, one of the only strong Christian believers he knew, called with a dream and a deep conviction that God had done something. Years later, David can look back and see how this moment became part of the story God used to draw him closer to Jesus.
David also writes about this story in his new book, The Way of the Ox.
At 25 years old, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and worship leader Tim Timmons was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 cancer and told he likely had five years to live. More than two decades later, Tim is still here and still learning what it looks like to trust Jesus in the middle of grief, doubt, fear, and uncertainty. In this conversation, Tim talks about wrestling with God, living with unanswered questions, and why he believes faith isn't about pretending everything is okay. He shares how suffering reshaped his understanding of God, the daily practices that help him walk through worry, and why he stopped "working for Jesus" and started simply learning to join Him. Tim also talks about: * surrender, contentment, and trusting God * grief, loss, and suffering * the story behind 10,000 Minutes * MercyMe, I Can Only Imagine 2, and his journey as a Christian artist
If you've ever struggled with disappointment, uncertainty, or questions about faith, this conversation is for you. Show Notes: Website: https://www.timtimmonsmusic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmonsmusic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timmonsmusic "Waking Up Again" Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GKG1SGHN "I Can Only Imagine 2" Movie: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/i-can-only-imagine-2
"We're craving hamburgers."
Frank Agundes helps lead Lily of the Valley Children's Home in Mexico. When the kids asked God for hamburgers, He answered in a big way. In this Unfolding Short Story, Frank shares how God called him to serve at the orphanage and how he keeps seeing God provide in both big and little ways. To learn more about the orphanage or give, visit https://www.lilyofthevalley2.org/
She's the voice behind the hit song Desperate, a powerful anthem that soared to number one and struck a chord with thousands. But Jamie MacDonald's story runs much deeper. In this episode, Jamie shares about growing up in a house where singing was banned and hope felt out of reach. After being kicked out at 15 and dropping out of high school at 16, she spent years bouncing between couches and group homes, no phone, no address, no one in her corner. But even in the darkest moments, a flicker of faith from a childhood church camp refused to go out. Join us as Jamie shares how one desperate prayer changed everything and how her pain gave rise to a song that's giving hope to so many.
Show notes:
Website: https://www.jamiemacdonaldmusic.com/#/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemacdonaldmusic/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jamie%20macdonald%20music
Some stories sound almost impossible to believe. Terrell Scott was in prison after a life of drugs and crime when God sent Brandy, the woman he had robbed at gunpoint during a drug deal, to share the gospel with him. Brandy had every reason to hate him, but after meeting Jesus, she began praying for the man who had hurt her and asking God to help her forgive. What followed was repentance, transformation, marriage, family, and ministry in the same community where so much damage had been done. Terrell and Brandy share more of their story in their book, The Power of the Broken Road, about how God turns pain into purpose, tragedy into triumph, and a mess into a message.
What happens when the person you love encounters Jesus, and you want nothing to do with it? On this episode of The Unfolding, Chevas Phillips shares her powerful story of addiction, brokenness, marriage struggles, and the unexpected way God completely transformed her life.
Chevas was drinking every day, hating church, and watching her husband Josh become someone she barely recognized after he gave his life to Christ. As tension grew in their marriage, Chevas found herself wrestling with questions of identity, control, surrender, and whether real freedom was even possible.
Now a wife, mom, worship leader at Bethlehem Church in Bethlehem, Georgia, and recording artist, Chevas shares how Jesus met her in the middle of her pain and changed what she could never change on her own.
Show Notes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__chevas__/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chevas.phillips
Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories
"This was like a week only with me and God." Geony Rucker was in full-time ministry, with plenty of work waiting, when she kept sensing the same message every time she opened God's Word: step away and rest with Him. At first, it didn't seem to make sense. But when the unexpected loss of her mom came just weeks later, Geony realized God had been preparing her all along, giving her time with Him, time with family, and the strength to grieve while knowing He was holding her.
Jennie Allen has spent her life helping people follow God, find purpose, and experience freedom in Christ. As a bestselling author, Bible teacher, and founder of IF:Gathering and Gather25, her influence has reached millions.
But beneath the surface there was a lie she didn't even know she believed. A lie about her identity, her worth, and what she had to prove. In this conversation, Jennie shares the moment God exposed that hidden belief, and how it had been shaping her thoughts, her confidence, and her calling.
You'll hear how negative thoughts- feeling not enough, striving for approval, questioning your purpose, can take root without you realizing it, and how recognizing them can lead to real freedom. If you've ever struggled with insecurity, comparison, or wondering if God could really use your life, this story will remind you that freedom is possible.
Show Notes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennieallen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniesallen
Book: https://www.jennieallen.com/lies-book
Website: https://www.jennieallen.com/
THE LIES QUIZ: LINK
Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories
"He showed me on that day that His goodness is running after my daughter."
Jill Tracey shares what happened as her daughter Alyssa was struggling with faith, and Jill was learning to let go of control. Through the song Goodness of God, God gave Jill a picture of hope she would carry for years. It was a reminder that even when she couldn't reach her daughter, God still could.
What happens inside someone who walks away from faith? For Jakob Happs, it wasn't sudden. Long before he stepped away, there were questions, doubts, and a growing sense that something wasn't working the way he thought it should. Over time, that tension led him further and further from God, and from the people who loved him most.
In this powerful and honest conversation, Jakob shares his story from the inside. The wrestling, the distance, the decisions that followed, and the unexpected moments that changed everything. Alongside his mom, Suzanne, this episode offers a rare, deeply personal look at both sides of a prodigal story. What it felt like to walk away, and what it meant to come home.
This episode explores what doubt and deconstruction can feel like from the inside, the tension between belief and questions, and how God continues to pursue even in the middle of distance. For anyone praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or anyone wrestling with belief, this story offers both honesty and hope.
Show Notes:
Jakob Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whatshappsin.n?igsh=MXRtNjUwOG1hMDdkaQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Jakob Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Df1sbwviJ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Suzanne Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs
Book: https://www.amazon.com/We-Who-Wrestle-God-Perceptions/dp/0593542533
YouTube Channels:
https://www.youtube.com/@bibleproject
https://www.youtube.com/@RuslanKD
https://www.youtube.com/@ExpeditionBible
Share your Unfolding story: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories
"The more I pushed, the more my body said no."
Stephanie shares how God used cancer, chronic illness, cardiac arrest, and a season of forced rest to redirect her life. Today, she helps others slow down, live with intention, and care for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Recently, she wrote Faith and Health Devotional Bible Study Workbook.
What do you do when your child walks away from everything you've raised them to believe?
For Suzanne and Alan Happs, that question became deeply personal when their son told them, "I'm not exactly sure I believe any of that anymore." What followed was 13 and a half years of praying, waiting, questioning, and learning what it really means to trust God with someone you love.
In this episode, Suzanne and Alan share:
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What it felt like to watch their son deconstruct his faith
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The mistakes they made, and what they wish they had done differently
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How they learned to love without controlling or pushing
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What sustained their faith through years of heartbreak and uncertainty
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The moment everything began to change, and the powerful way God brought their son back
If you are praying for a prodigal child, a loved one who has walked away from faith, or someone who feels far from God, this story will meet you right where you are.
Next week, don't miss Part 2—Jake Happs shares his side of the story. What led him away from faith? And what ultimately drew him back to Jesus?
Show Notes:
Suzanne on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suzanne.happs
Praying for Your Prodigal book: https://www.amazon.com/Praying-Your-Prodigal-Kyle-Idleman/dp/1434707717
Share about your Unfolding story here: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories
"Put on your helmet." Susan had a picture in her mind for her 22nd birthday: a new horse, a sunset ride, and a beautiful moment she would never forget. But right before it began, a voice interrupted her plans with a warning that would save her life.
BONUS: Hear Susan's daughter's short story on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
What if the way you see God, isn't actually true? Jon Acuff grew up in church, but for years his relationship with God felt more like pressure than connection, and that shaped everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Jon shares how his faith became personal in the middle of real life- marriage, responsibility, and the pressure to figure things out. As God began to reshape the way Jon saw Him, it changed the way he saw himself, his fear, and his calling. Jon is a New York Times bestselling author known for books like Soundtracks and All It Takes Is a Goal. His newest book, Procrastination Proof, grows out of his own story- the years of knowing what he was called to do, but struggling to step into it. If you've ever felt stuck, unsure of your purpose, or like you're waiting until you feel ready, this conversation is for you.
Show Notes:
Website: https://jonacuff.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjonacuff
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonacuff
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/authorjonacuff
Procrastination Proof book: https://www.amazon.com/Procrastination-Proof-Never-Stuck-Again/dp/154090380X
Share a story idea for The Unfolding: https://bit.ly/UnfoldingStories
Alicia Barr was sitting at a women's conference, half listening to Annie F. Downs, when something happened that felt far too personal to ignore. Alicia had been living in secrecy and pain, and in that moment, God interrupted her life with mercy. In this Unfolding Short Story, she shares how that moment became the beginning of truth, healing, and freedom.
Alicia is the author of More Than a Secret.
What does it look like to trust God when your marriage has been devastated, and you don't know what comes next? Brad and Heidi Mitchell share their story of walking through infidelity, broken trust, and the long road toward healing. After Brad's affair, their marriage faced a season that felt overwhelming. But in the middle of that pain, God began to do a deeper work, one that neither of them could have imagined at the time. In this conversation, you'll hear how they navigated repentance, forgiveness, and rebuilding communication. Their story is a reminder that even when a marriage feels fragile or fractured, God is still present and still at work. Today, Brad and Heidi lead Build Your Marriage, where they help couples grow stronger in their relationships and faith. They're also the authors of Ruined to Recovery, written for couples walking through betrayal, and Build Your Marriage Through Prayer, a practical guide to strengthening your marriage through prayer.
Show Notes:
Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/buildyourmarriage/
Build Your Marriage Through Prayer book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734158883#
Ruined to Recovery book: https://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Recovery-Help-Affair-Discovered/dp/1734158824/
Website: https://buildyourmarriage.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/buildyourmarriage
"I knew inside that God was doing something in me and I had to listen to that."
Justin Stuart had built something huge: a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, billions of views, and a successful business with his closest friend. But even with all of that, he began to sense God stirring something new in his heart. In this episode, Justin shares what it looked like to walk away from a life that seemed successful by every measure and trust God with what came next.
Check out Justin Stuart's Blobs books here:
https://davidccook.org/authors/justin-stuart/
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
What happens when the very thing you believe you were created to do, is suddenly taken away? Bay Turner (America's Got Talent, Centricity Music) shares a story of identity, faith, and surrender. After building a life around his voice, Bay was told he might never sing again. In an instant, everything he thought defined him was gone. What followed was a journey through anger, doubt, and ultimately a deeper understanding of who he is in Christ, not because of what he does, but because of whose he is. Bay's debut EP Better Days is out now. This is a story for anyone who has ever questioned their purpose, struggled with identity, or wondered what God is doing in the middle of it all.
Show Notes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bayturnermusic
Website: https://www.bayturner.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayturnermusic/
John Rhys-Davies, narrator of THE CHRIST, joins us to talk about Jesus, Tolkien, and the deeper story behind this four-part Easter audio epic. Through cinematic storytelling, powerful performances, and stirring music, THE CHRIST brings the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus vividly to life.
Learn more at: TheChristPodcast.com
Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic.
THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music.
From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him.
Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases.
Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176
Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME
Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Emmy-nominated actor Tom Pelphrey (HBO's Task, Netflix's Ozark) joins The Unfolding to talk about stepping into one of the most profound roles imaginable. Tom portrays Jesus in The Christ, a new four-part audio drama from Faith Podcasts that brings the story of Jesus to life through immersive sound and a powerful, star-studded cast. In this conversation, Tom shares what it was like to take on a role that is both deeply personal and universally known; from the challenge of portraying "fully God and fully man," to the surprising way certain scenes, like the temptation in the wilderness, began to echo his own inner dialogue. This episode explores identity, faith, and the voice we choose to listen to, and how an ancient story still speaks into modern life.
Show Notes:
Listen to The CHRIST: https://thechristpodcast.com/
Tom Pelphrey Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommypelphrey/
The Christ trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcMlmFZnlKw
The Christ website: thechristpodcast.com
The Christ socials: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
"With God, no season is wasted, no time is wasted."
Haylee Graham shares how God used one short film, one Bible verse, and one unexpected season to bring reconciliation with her father before his sudden death. What became his final film also became a turning point in their relationship. In this Unfolding Short Story, Haylee reflects on grief, God's timing, and the quiet ways He prepares us for what's ahead.
Here's a link to the short film Haylee talks about: "Planted"
Here's a link to Haylee's latest book: Take the Horse and Run
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Content warning: This episode contains discussion of child sexual abuse and neglect. Listener discretion is advised.
Mary DeMuth, author of more than 50 books including Restory Your Life, shares her journey from a childhood of abuse and neglect to a life marked by God's healing, hope, and purpose.
Hear how a single prayer as a teenager- "God, would you be the Father who will never leave me?"- set Mary on a path of faith, healing, and ultimately helping others walk through their own pain. She talks candidly about the long, often difficult process of healing, and offers insight into how sharing your story can bring light, encouragement, and restoration.
This episode is a powerful reminder that God can redeem the most painful chapters of our lives, and that your story, no matter how broken, can become a source of hope for others.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.marydemuth.com/
Restory Your Life book: https://www.marydemuth.com/books/restory-your-life/
Pray Every Day podcast: https://www.marydemuth.com/prayeveryday-2/
Thin Places book: https://www.marydemuth.com/books/thin-places-2/
Into the Light Bible study: https://www.marydemuth.com/books/into-the-light-bible-study-book/
The Wall Around Your Heart book: https://www.marydemuth.com/books/wall-around-heart/
"Lord, please remove this desire to drink."
Karisa Rogers believed in God. She even liked telling people about Jesus. But alcohol still had a grip on her life.
What began as a way to fit in eventually became a way to cope with heartbreak and family pain. After years of struggle, Karisa reached the end of herself and prayed a simple prayer: "Lord, please remove this desire to drink." In this Unfolding Short Story, Karisa shares how God met her in that moment and how her life has been transformed ever since.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Dennis Ritter spent decades battling heart disease, living with the knowledge that his time might be shorter than most. But suffering didn't make him bitter. It deepened his faith. When Dennis' health declined, his family gathered to say goodbye. In this deeply moving episode of The Unfolding, Dawn Ritter and her children, Ben and Karen, share the story of Dennis' final days, the legacy of faith he left behind, and the hope that carries them through heartbreaking loss. They talk honestly about grief, unanswered prayers for healing, and why their faith in God remained steady even when the miracle they asked for didn't come. Because sometimes God doesn't remove the suffering. Sometimes He meets us in it.
Show Notes:
Books:
Every Moment Holy Vol. 2 Death, Grief, and Hope https://www.amazon.com/Every-Moment-Holy-II-Hardcover/dp/1951872053
Grieving with Hope https://www.amazon.com/Grieving-Hope-Walking-Jesus-Heartbreak/dp/164507448X
A Grace Disguised https://www.amazon.com/Grace-Disguised-Revised-Expanded-through/dp/0310363594
When Mountains Crumble https://www.amazon.com/When-Mountains-Crumble-Rebuilding-Someone/dp/0802425569
Walking with God through Pain and Suffering https://www.amazon.com/Walking-God-through-Pain-Suffering/dp/1594634408
Podcasts:
The Widowed Mom Podcast by Krista St. Germain - https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/podcast/
The Widow Coach Podcast by Karen Sutton. https://www.karensutton.co.uk/podcasts/the-widow-podcast
A Widow's Heart Podcast with Pam Lundell
https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/a-widows-heart/
Website:
Never Alone Widows - a nationwide ministry to widows. https://www.neveralonewidows.com/
"There are no winners in what we went through… only Hannah."
Gary and Mari Malychewski share the story of losing their young daughter in a tragic accident. In the days and years that followed, they faced questions of grief, guilt, and forgiveness that few parents ever have to carry. Looking back, they say God had been quietly preparing their hearts long before that day arrived. This is a story about loss, faith, and the difficult grace of learning to forgive in the middle of unimaginable pain.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Dennis died three times. What he experienced while his heart stopped changed the way he—and his family—would live the rest of their lives.
Dennis spent his life trying to outrun the heart disease that ran in his family. He exercised. Ate well. Stayed disciplined. Then one day, without warning, he collapsed from a massive heart attack. His heart stopped three times. Dennis says during those moments he experienced something almost impossible to describe. It was an overwhelming sense of love and peace.
While doctors fought to save him, his wife Dawn stood in the hospital hallway praying, clinging to Scripture, and surrendering her husband's life to God. When Dennis came back, everything changed. They didn't just get survival. They got bonus time. A deeper intimacy with God. And a new understanding of how God had been preparing them long before this moment.
Show Notes:
Book Dennis mentioned: https://www.amazon.com/90-Minutes-Heaven-Story-Death/dp/0800759494
Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.
Book:
The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight
www.travis-west.com
https://www.travis-west.com/practices
What happens to a boy's heart when his father stands a few feet away in church every Sunday, but never really shows up at home? Singer and songwriter Jaye King grew up playing drums on the platform while his dad directed the music. They served in the same services. Created the same worship moments. But outside the church walls, his father wasn't consistently present in his life. That tension shaped how Jaye saw himself and how he saw God. In this hope-filled conversation, Jaye shares about wrestling skepticism, navigating father wounds, and the slow process of discovering that God doesn't leave the way people sometimes do. What unfolds is a story of identity, forgiveness, calling, and the hidden years that formed him long before the spotlight. Today, Jaye King is a singer and songwriter with Centricity Music, known for songs like Hard Places and Falling Into It. His music carries the very themes you'll hear in this episode- healing, hope, and a Father who stays.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.jayeking.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayekingmusic/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jayekingmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JayeKingMusic
"I've often felt I can be too much, but the more emotive I am, the more God surprises me."
Growing up in a family and culture where men were often reserved, Nigel Massenda felt out of place for expressing his emotions so freely. But when his mother traveled abroad for a funeral and could not return for two long years, loneliness and unanswered prayers pushed him deeper into raw, honest faith. Through caring neighbors, silent prayers, and a steady hope, Nigel discovered that embracing vulnerability before God not only shapes our perspective but can transform our very lives.
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What if the hardest chapter of your life didn't get the final word? Esme Crawford shares the story of how she survived domestic violence, crippling shame, and a distorted view of God; and how faith in Jesus led her into healing and freedom. Esme was born in a small Mexican village and faced many challenges from birth. As an adult, she found herself in an abusive relationship that slowly stripped away her identity, confidence, and sense of worth. She believed the lie that it was her fault. But God never left her. Esme talks about wrestling with shame, learning that God is a loving Father, finding healing in Jesus, and reclaiming her identity as a daughter of the King. If you've ever struggled with guilt, fear, or questioned where God was in your suffering, this episode will remind you that you are seen, loved, and you are not alone.
Content Note: This episode includes references to domestic violence and some strong language.
Show Notes:
WINGS - Women In Need Growing Stronger: https://wingsprogram.com/
To reach Esme, Send a Direct Message via Instagram WILLOW WLN:
https://www.instagram.com/willow_wln
Additional Resources: Selah Empowers - Pause and find strength for the journey
Metropolitan Family Services
As a Black Hebrew Israelite, Jasmine spent years trying not to mess up or break God's law, living under strict expectations. After long prison phone calls with the man who would become her husband, she began to see Jesus differently, not as a taskmaster but as Savior. This is her story of laying down a heavy yoke and finding rest in Jesus.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
If you know the music of MercyMe, then you know the voice of Bart Millard. He's the songwriter behind "I Can Only Imagine"- written after watching his abusive father transform from a monster into a man that loved Jesus. It is the best-selling Christian single of all time, with more than five million copies sold. With that kind of success, you might imagine Bart was living a life beyond anything he ever dreamed. But in 2004, the year "I Can Only Imagine" crossed over to mainstream radio and became a global smash, Bart and his wife Shannon were being gutted by one life-altering pain after another. Their son Sam was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and that diagnosis came alongside multiple family losses and medical crises that all seemed to hit at once. While MercyMe's career was soaring, Bart was unraveling - slipping into depression, hiding behind touring, and struggling to hold it all together. A new film I Can Only Imagine 2, and book Even If - Trusting God Through the Fire tell Bart's story.
Show Notes:
Official Movie Website: https://icanonlyimagine.com/
Even If book: https://mercyme.org/products/even-if-trusting-god-through-the-fire-the-official-book-for-i-can-only-imagine-2
MercyMe website: https://mercyme.org/
Bart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBartMillard
Bart on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bartmillard/
"I could only pray three words. I trust you."
Scripture tells us that every good gift comes from God. What do we do when a gift is taken away? Kim Snyder lost the voice she used to sing, speak, and serve God in Christian radio. In the stillness that followed, Scripture led her to a simple prayer, "I trust you."
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Dr. Henry Cloud is known as a leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries. But before helping millions build healthier relationships, Henry had to face his own unhealed trauma and depression. In this episode of The Unfolding, Henry shares how early childhood trauma shaped his emotional and relational patterns, why depression became a turning point in his life, and how real healing required more than spiritual platitudes or performance-based faith. Through therapy, honest community centered on Jesus, and Scripture lived out in practice, Henry discovered freedom that transformed how he loves, leads, and relates to God. This conversation explores the intersection of faith and mental health, why "performing your way out of pain" doesn't work, and how God meets us not with formulas, but with His presence. Dr. Henry Cloud's newest book is To Know Him: A 90-Day Invitation to Come to God As You Are.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.drcloud.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhenrycloudofficial/
"To Know Him" Book: https://www.drcloud.com/books/to-know-him
"Why I Believe" Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Psychologists-Thoughts-Suffering-ebook/dp/B0CK8C76LD
Website: https://www.boundaries.me/
"I jumped in the way of the knife." Once surrounded by gangs, violence, and prison walls, Justin Glover encountered the grace of God that changed everything. Today, he shares how Jesus rescued him and is using his story to point others to faith and freedom.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Stephen McWhirter grew up watching his traveling evangelist dad live a double life. He was one man behind the pulpit and abusive to Stephen's mother at home. Stephen decided that if God was real, He wasn't good. His earthly father and his heavenly father became the villains in his story. Angry and rebellious, Stephen fell into addiction, eventually addicted to meth for six years. But one night in a miraculous encounter, Stephen experienced the presence and love of God, and he's never been the same. Today Stephen is a worship leader, singer of "Come Jesus Come," and the author of Radically Restored. Nearly 40,000 people have come to know Jesus through his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram lives.
Show Notes:
Website: https://worshipjesus.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenmcwhirter/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephenmcwhirtermusic?lang=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephenmcwhirtermusic/
New book: https://u.worshipjesus.life/book-sneak-peek
"Dear younger me. God is there."
Recorded live at a special storytelling event, Jesse Wilson shares how painful words from her childhood shaped her sense of worth and how God slowly began rewriting that story. From praying under a Holly Hobbie blanket to receiving groceries when she had nothing left, Jessie learned she was never alone. Her story is a reminder that in both big and small moments, God is present and faithful.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Where do you find your identity? In approval, performance, relationships, or in what God says is true about you? From growing up on the streets of San Francisco to navigating loss, shame, and self-doubt, she shares how she discovered her worth in Christ. Hear the story behind her viral spoken word poem, "I Have a New Name," and learn how her books "You Are More Than You've Been Told," and "Uncomplicate It" offer practical guidance to reclaim your identity and live as the person God created you to be. This episode is for anyone ready to stop chasing approval and start hearing God's voice above all else.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.hosannawong.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hosanna.wong/
"I Have a New Name": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A_uXO3CgwY&t=6s
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hosannawong
Book: https://www.hosannawong.com/uncomplicate-it
Amelia Tabatt reflects on her mom's terminal cancer journey, faith, loss, and discovering a million quiet miracles.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Karen Horne became an expert at "pretend normal." Her husband was living a double life, and she was doing everything she could to hold it all together, especially as the wife of a pastor, where the pressure to appear "fine" is relentless. But beneath the polished surface, their marriage was unraveling. Betrayal, deceit, and hidden sin had eroded the foundation of their family, leaving Karen with a choice she never expected to face. To protect her marriage and uncover the truth, she would have to go undercover. This is a powerful story of painful discovery, and ultimately, redemption and marriage restoration, where honesty became the first step toward healing. Listener discretion advised: This episode contains references to pornography and sexual addiction.
Show Notes:
Healing from affairs or betrayal: https://www.affairrecovery.com/
Healing from sexual brokenness or betrayal: https://avenue.works/
The Healing Choice book: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Choice-Move-Beyond-Betrayal/dp/1400074258
For men dealing with sexual addiction: https://www.faithfulandtrue.com/
During one of the hardest seasons of her life, Donna VanLiere was searching for prayer. A painful neurological condition made her suffering impossible to miss, yet prayer never came. Her honest cry to God became a turning point that led to healing and a calling. Today, Donna is a New York Times bestselling author and a passionate advocate for prayer in the life of the church.
What happens when you learn to recognize God's voice and actually follow it? Gale Kragt is a pastor, hospital chaplain, and founder of Spiritual Care Consultants, whose life has been shaped by quiet promptings from God. From feeling like a misfit as a child to experiencing supernatural encounters, Gale learned early on to pay attention to the subtle whispers of God, and those promptings have led him into extraordinary places. As a hospital chaplain working in trauma centers, Gale has prayed with families at the edge of life and death and witnessed remarkable moments of healing. Over time, those same promptings led him to launch a ministry that now serves thousands of people, offering spiritual care at no cost. Gale Kragt is the Executive Director of Spiritual Care Consultants of West Michigan. He is also the host of the Healing Begins radio show and podcast, and the author of God Moments and Jesus in the Mountains.
Show Notes-
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/galekragtbooks
Gale's books: www.galekragtbooks.com
Spiritual Care Consultants website: www.scchealingbegins.com
God Moments Book: https://a.co/d/jbgZclN
God Moments Study Guide: https://a.co/d/3TtMvNp
John Cooper, frontman for the band Skillet, never set out chasing fame. What mattered most was his foundation in Jesus, established long before the tours, radio hits, or millions of listeners.
As John's career with Skillet began to really take off, his honesty and consistency caught the attention of another musician who was quietly watching. Years later, that same man would give his life to Christ.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob's story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book, Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he's written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them. Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy. It's an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future.
Show Notes:
https://www.bobgoff.com/
https://lovedoes.org/
https://www.bobgoff.com/books/catching-whimsy/
https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/
https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis
"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me."
Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy.
"Shame is a prison," Russ Taff says, and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction. It's a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that's setting him free.
Show notes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff
Website: https://russtaff.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/
"I Still Believe" Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHdjcCfrSg
I Still Believe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Believe-Wreckage-Recovery-Relentless/dp/1642931489
"The Imams are convinced that… an angel of God is with you."
Today's story comes from an interview Meridith did with Jamie Winship a couple of years ago, first shared in our 2023 Angels episode, Episode 183. In a remote desert camp, a simple detail about table settings leads to an extraordinary realization. God's presence was already there.
What if heaven is closer than we think? In this special episode of The Unfolding, we share true stories of angelic encounters, near-death experiences, and glimpses of heaven- moments that leave people searching for words to describe what they saw. You'll hear from Bruce Van Natta, who encountered angels while hovering between life and death after a devastating accident. You'll also hear from bestselling author, psychologist, and speaker Dr. Henry Cloud, who reflects on unforgettable moments that made him wonder whether angels were protecting him, and shares a profound encounter with Jesus at the edge of death. Finally, John Burke, pastor and author of Imagine Heaven, joins us with stories from his extensive research into near-death experiences, sharing remarkable accounts of people who encountered angels and consistent patterns that echo Scripture. This episode invites you into the awe, mystery, and hope of the season, reminding us that the angels who announced the birth of Jesus are still pointing us toward Him today.
Show Notes:
Bruce Van Natta: https://sweetbreadministries.com/
Bruce's book Saved By Angels: https://sweetbreadministries.com/books/
Dr. Henry Cloud: https://www.drcloud.com/
Dr. Cloud's memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Believe-Psychologists-Thoughts-Suffering-ebook/dp/B0CK8C76LD
John Burke's website: https://imagineheaven.net/
Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven
"This is not just a story you read on the internet. This is a documented case."
Lee Strobel knows what it means to ask hard questions. Before becoming the author of The Case for Christ, he was a legal editor at The Chicago Tribune, trained to investigate claims and follow the evidence. In this episode of Unfolding Short Stories, Lee shares three real-life stories of healing that stayed with him because they held up under careful scrutiny. Each one connects to the questions explored in his film The Case for Miracles.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Do angels still show up in the lives of ordinary people? In this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding, you'll hear powerful stories of angelic encounters—moments of protection, comfort, and God's undeniable presence. From hospital rooms to everyday situations, these eyewitness accounts point to a God who still intervenes in miraculous ways. Featuring stories from Gale, Stesha, Mark, Susie, Hannah, and Christy, this episode explores how God uses His messengers to bring hope when we need it most. If you're drawn to stories of evidence of God at work today, this episode will encourage and inspire you.
After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God's presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ.
Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God's peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
When Louis Dooley was 19, the judge sentenced him to life in prison plus 100 years. At that moment, something inside him shut down. His future felt gone and life as he knew it was over. But Louis' story didn't end behind bars. In the darkest, most hopeless place he could imagine, something unexpected and truly miraculous began. Today, Louis Dooley is the Executive Director of Philemon House, a ministry that disciples people touched by incarceration, and the author of "Prison Saved My Life." In this powerful episode, Louis shares his journey from despair to hope, the lessons he learned inside, and how his life now points others toward redemption and possibility, even when it feels impossible.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of violence and suicide and may not be appropriate for young listeners.
Show Notes:
Book: https://emmausworldwide.org/products/prison-saved-my-life?_pos=1&_sid=1f0bdf573&_ss=r
Philemon House Website: https://philemonhouse.org/
Louis' Website: https://www.louisdooley.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philemonhouse5/
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
"Sometimes God uses the smallest things to tell the biggest truths… a pair of shoes given to a child in the name of Jesus." Shawn Spurrier knows this firsthand. His own return to faith came through the steady kindness of community, long before missions was ever on his radar. Today, as director of Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls, he's seen that same kind of community transformation unfold in Tenango, Mexico. This episode traces God's faithfulness in Shawn's story and in a village brought together by something beautifully simple.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
What do you do when you're sure God has given you a dream, but every door stays firmly shut? Dallas Jenkins, creator and director of The Chosen, spent more than 20 years praying for the chance to make a film based on the beloved book The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. But year after year, the answer was the same: no. Until one unexpected moment when God stepped in. In this episode of The Unfolding, Dallas shares the behind-the-scenes story of waiting, disappointment, and the whisper from God that stopped him from deleting his dream forever. It's a story about calling, hope, and God's timing- perfect for the Christmas season and for anyone who's ever waited for God to open a door.
Show Notes:
The Chosen: https://www.thechosen.tv/en-us
Best Christmas Pageant Ever Movie: https://bestchristmaspageantever.movie/
Dallas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DallasJenkinsOfficial
Dallas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dallas.jenkins/?hl=en
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
"Every cell in my body recognized that this was Jesus."
Heidi Barr was sixteen when a traumatic horseback accident changed her life. She describes leaving her body, meeting Jesus face to face, and waking up with a faith she never saw coming. Growing up in a Jewish home that rejected Jesus, her experience stands out as both unexpected and deeply powerful.
Read more in her book What I Saw in Heaven.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
What happens when a skeptical agnostic begins investigating near-death experiences? For bestselling author and pastor John Burke, that search changed everything. John's journey began as a teenager while his father was dying of cancer. After picking up a book about near-death experiences (NDEs), he spent decades studying thousands of NDE accounts from people around the world. Their stories of encountering a God of light, love, and overwhelming peace, led him to a deeper understanding of Scripture, the afterlife, and the reality of heaven.
John Burke, author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven, explains how science, faith, and evidence from NDEs intersect, and how his own path from doubt to belief became a powerful story of hope. If you're curious about life after death, what the Bible says about heaven, or how God pursues people through their questions, this episode offers real-life stories you won't forget.
Show Notes:
Imagine Heaven Book: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences-Exhilarating/dp/080101526X
Website: https://imagineheaven.net/
Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkeofficial/
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
What happens when a skeptical agnostic begins investigating near-death experiences? For bestselling author and pastor John Burke, that search changed everything. John's journey began as a teenager while his father was dying of cancer. After picking up a book about near-death experiences (NDEs), he spent decades studying thousands of NDE accounts from people around the world. Their stories of encountering a God of light, love, and overwhelming peace, led him to a deeper understanding of Scripture, the afterlife, and the reality of heaven.
John Burke, author of Imagine Heaven and Imagine the God of Heaven, explains how science, faith, and evidence from NDEs intersect, and how his own path from doubt to belief became a powerful story of hope. If you're curious about life after death, what the Bible says about heaven, or how God pursues people through their questions, this episode offers real-life stories you won't forget.
Show Notes:
Imagine Heaven Book: https://www.amazon.com/Imagine-Heaven-Near-Death-Experiences-Exhilarating/dp/080101526X
Website: https://imagineheaven.net/
Imagine Heaven Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnBurkeImagineHeaven
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnburkeofficial/
"Why Is Your Son Still Alive?"
Susie Larson knows what it feels like to walk through a season where God seems distant and every day feels fragile. Between high-risk pregnancies, neurological symptoms, and two children fighting for breath, she cried out for God to speak and heard nothing. But then a nurse asked a question that revealed a miracle Susie never expected. This powerful story invites you to rest, be still, and remember that God is rarely absent, even when He seems quiet.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
At seventeen years old, a diving accident changed Joni Eareckson Tada's life forever. Paralyzed from the shoulders down, she sank into anger and depression, convinced her life was over. But in the midst of deep suffering and thoughts of suicide, Joni began to experience God in a way she never had before.
What started as heartbreak became a story of transformation, from despair to hope, and from questioning God to trusting Him. Through her journey, Joni discovered that the places of our deepest pain can become the very places God uses for His greatest purpose. Today, through her ministry Joni and Friends, she shares that message of hope with millions of people around the world, offering practical help and the love of Jesus to those living with disabilities.
Show Notes:
Website: https://joniandfriends.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoniEarecksonTada
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joniandfriends/
Face of Anguish Drawing: https://joniandfriends.org/jonis-artwork/how-god-redeemed-my-life-in-the-face-of-anguish/
"I threw this Bible across the room and I said, 'God, if you're real, why won't you talk to me?'"
He writes fiction stories about danger and survival, but this story is real. Years before the books and the success, Ryan Steck's life unraveled into silence, weakness, and a single cry to God.
https://ryansteck.com/
LaMorris Crawford had every reason to believe his life was destined for despair. Growing up in the projects on the south side of Chicago, his story began with tragedy. His mother was murdered before he turned one; he never knew his father, and he was raised by his grandmother along with eight cousins. Surrounded by poverty, gangs, and hopelessness, LaMorris followed the only path he knew, until everything changed.
When he encountered Jesus, his entire identity was transformed, from victim to beloved son of God, created on purpose and for a purpose. That new identity would later anchor him through one of the hardest tests of his life, when the woman he loved came from a family who refused to accept him. Rooted in who he was in Christ, LaMorris chose faith over anger and grace over bitterness. Today, LaMorris and his wife Megan serve as chaplains to the Carolina Panthers and lead Covenant Culture Ministry, helping couples build strong, Christ-centered marriages.
Show Notes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lamorris_crawford/?hl=en
Covenant Culture website: https://www.covenantcultureministries.com/
Covenant Culture podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@CovenantCulturePodcast
Support LaMorris and Megan: https://subsplash.com/u/-KBRBBK/give?frequency=once&next_process_date=11/04/2025&amount=25.00&fund_id=e79e07ea-a5f1-425b-8520-2baa38a69ee7
Share your Angel Story: https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/contact-us/
Years before becoming a Christian apologist, Alisa Childers sat in a church hearing her pastor question the Bible. As she puts it, "It propelled me into a faith crisis." That experience and the years she spent rebuilding her faith would one day become the foundation that held her when tragedy struck. Hear how truth and God's quiet presence sustained Alisa through grief, and why apologetics still matters for every believer.
Also, find a list of great books on apologetics, at alisachilders.com/books.
Hear more great stories of apologetics on the Wow God Stories podcast's latest episode.
Matt Forté knew his calling when he was just seven years old- to play in the NFL. What he didn't know was how much faith, perseverance, and surrender it would take to get there. Through injuries, setbacks, and seasons of doubt, Matt discovered that God's purpose was about more than football. It was about shaping his heart, not just his game. In his new book, Stay in the Game, Matt shares the lessons that carried him from a childhood dream to the NFL, and how faith, focus, and purpose can guide anyone through life's highs and lows. Today, the former Chicago Bears running back uses his platform to mentor others and live out his faith beyond the field. Hear how God led Matt from religion to relationship, and from chasing success to finding lasting purpose.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Show Notes:
Book: https://www.tyndale.com/p/stay-in-the-game/9798400510786
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mforte22/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattforte22/
Sports Spectrum Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/sports_spectrum/?hl=en
The Champion podcast: https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-champion-unlike-any-other/?t=1761583375786
John Prince never set out to sell olive oil. He just wanted to help people in Illinois, around the world, anywhere God pointed. When finances got tight, John feared his impact might be over. But God brought a new opportunity: importing Sabba Oil to help families in Lebanon keep working and providing for their loved ones. The results are not guaranteed. But John is choosing to trust God in the middle of it.
Rebecca Nichols Alonzo's childhood was built on faith and family, yet marked by fear. For years, her family was targeted by a man from their church who terrorized them with threats, harassment, and violence. Then one night, the unthinkable happened. Her mother was killed, and Rebecca's world was shattered.
Years later, the man responsible reached out with a shocking question: "Will you forgive me?" That moment changed everything. Rebecca and her brother later shared their story on national television, publicly forgiving their mother's killer and showing the world what God's grace can do. Based on her bestselling book The Devil in Pew Number Seven, Rebecca's journey has inspired millions. It's a powerful story of pain, faith, and a forgiveness that could only come from God.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Show Notes:
Website: http://www.rebeccaalonzo.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Pew-Number-Seven/dp/1414326599
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedevilinpewnumberseven
"God decided… I'm gonna have you be a play-by-play voice in the NFL… even though you've never done it in your life."
Paul Allen didn't take the usual path to the broadcast booth. He went from horse racing to becoming the voice of the Minnesota Vikings. His passion made him go viral, but his greatest transformation didn't happen on the mic. It happened when Jesus became real to him after 52 years of belief without relationship.
In this Unfolding Short Story, we share a powerful moment from The Champion: Unlike Any Other podcast, where Paul tells how God changed everything.
Hear the full story of Paul Allen on this episode of The Champion: Unlike Any Other.
What do you do when life takes everything, your home, your job, even your hope? Cory Nickols knows those struggles intimately. Raised in a Christian home, he thought he understood who he was, but trauma, loss, and doubt left him questioning everything, including his value. One heartfelt prayer, "God, I want to know You," set him on a journey through what he calls The Breaking, The Crushing, and The Stripping. These seasons challenged everything he knew about God and himself, ultimately revealing his true identity: loved, chosen, and a child of God. Today, Cory helps rescue children trapped in human trafficking, showing how God can transform brokenness into purpose. Content caution: This episode includes references to suicidal ideation, childhood sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Show Notes:
Website: https://corynickols.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corynickolsministries
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corynickols/
Destiny Rescue: https://www.destinyrescue.org/
Cory's book: https://www.amazon.com/More-God-Not-Done-You/dp/B0F4Z3QHHH
"My little boy, who was one, was in our goldfish pond."
A fall afternoon on the farm turned from laughter to panic. When Sarah Philpott's one-year-old slipped toward danger, her four-year-old daughter heard a whisper from God that changed everything. This short story is about paying attention, seeing God's mercy, and staying present in the life He has given.
Sarah's latest children's book: Wake Up, Little Seed
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
When country artist Granger Smith and his wife, Amber Smith, lost their three-year-old son, River, their world shattered. In her darkest moments, Amber found herself on the bathroom floor, crying out to God, desperate for hope. That heartbreak became the beginning of redemption. Now the author of “The Girl on the Bathroom Floor” and host of the Arise with Amber podcast, Amber shares how God met her in unimaginable pain, how He brought beauty from ashes, and how she learned to live with both grief and joy. This episode of The Unfolding is a story of faith, healing, and the hope that only God can bring when life falls apart.
Show Notes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberemilysmith/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmithsTV
Amber’s Website: https://arisewithamber.com/
Amber’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Bathroom-Floor-Together-Everything/dp/1400347890
Granger’s episode on The Unfolding: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/page-185-granger-smith-country-music-star-finds-faith/id1460841077?i=1000720200985
Water Safety resources:
https://www.infantswim.com/
https://ndpa.org/
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
“I don’t trust eyewitnesses. Eyewitnesses often lie.”
Homicide detective J. Warner Wallace was on a search for truth that changed his life. Reading the Gospels through the lens of investigation, he discovered that the eyewitness accounts of Jesus aligned just the way truthful testimony does. In this episode, the respected apologist and author of Cold Case Christianity shares how evidence led him to Christ and why every believer can become a thoughtful defender of the faith.
Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.
Peter Burton was a young kid with a loving family and a faith-filled childhood, but by middle school, anxiety and OCD began to creep into his life. For years, therapy and treatment helped him manage, but by the time he hit adulthood, the weight of fear and panic attacks became overwhelming. As a worship pastor, he would lead people in songs about God’s goodness, then get in his car and break down in tears. He begged God to heal him, but healing didn’t come.
In this episode of The Unfolding, Peter shares his journey through anxiety, the questions that challenged his faith, and the discovery of a God who sustains even in the hardest seasons. Peter is a singer, songwriter, and worship leader who recently signed with Integrity Music and Matthew West’s Story House Collective.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.peterburtonofficial.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterburtonmusic/
Craig Groeschel Book: https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books/winning-the-war-in-your-mind
“I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.”
Kids make mistakes. Sometimes accidents leave scars that last forever. For John O’Leary, one choice with fire left him burned and disabled. What should have been only tragedy became a story of grace. His family and his community surrounded him, but it was his father’s voice in the hospital that changed everything: “I have never been so proud of anyone in my entire life. I love you, and there’s nothing you can do about it.” That is grace. That is the gospel. John’s journey is now a feature film, Soul on Fire starring William H. Macy, opening October 10. Learn more at soulonfiremovie.com.
Abused, rejected, and in foster care by 15, Phillis Dewitt’s life was marked by childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and loss. By her teens, she was self-harming, suicidal, and convinced she was unwanted. But God wasn’t finished with her story. Through a long journey of faith and healing, Phillis found belonging, became a foster mom to more than 100 children, and discovered how God can bring beauty out of even the darkest places.
Phillis shares her journey in her book “I’m Still Standing” and on this episode of The Unfolding. If you’ve ever wondered if your pain could have a purpose, Phillis’ powerful story will encourage you that trauma doesn’t have to define you, and that God can redeem even the hardest chapters of your life.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of childhood sexual abuse, self-harm, and trauma. It may not be suitable for younger listeners.
Show Notes:
Website: https://phillisdewitt.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/phillis.dewitt
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Standing-Turned-Purpose/dp/B0BCXKCTGP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdewitt/
“All these years later, that baseball has become an anchor for my faith.” As a boy growing up in poverty on the South Side of Chicago, Mike Signorelli found escape in baseball. When his mom prayed a bold prayer for a signed White Sox ball, God answered in a way that would anchor Mike’s faith for decades to come. Today, Mike leads V1 Church in New York, Miami, and Indiana, and he still carries that baseball as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Here's Mike's latest book, Fire Starters: Igniting Revivals and Sustaining Spiritual Awakening.
Content Warning: This episode deals with sexual addiction and mature themes; it may not be appropriate for younger listeners.
Blaine Bartel was a rising star in Christian ministry, hosting the nationally televised Fire by Nite, writing best-selling books, and leading one of the largest weekly student gatherings in America. But behind the platform and applause, Blaine was trapped in a 23-year struggle with pornography and sexual addiction, living a secret double life that ultimately destroyed his career, marriage, and reputation. In this episode of The Unfolding, Blaine shares his journey from despair and scandal to true freedom. He talks about the devastating consequences for his family, church, and friends, and how, through God’s grace, he was led not just to recovery, but to a resurrected life in Jesus. Today, Blaine helps men, ministers, and marriages break free from sexual addiction and walk in hope through House of Resurrection.
Show Notes:
Website: https://www.blainebartel.com/
Website: https://www.houseofresurrection.life/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blainebartel99/?hl=en
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@blainebtv6712
Dr. Jeff Myers of Summit Ministries has spent years helping young people face hard questions, discern truth, and find their identity in Christ. Charlie Kirk longed to be remembered for courage in his faith, and part of that courage was speaking to students directly. His voice has now been silenced, but the legacy of reaching the rising generation continues.
In this episode, Jeff shares stories of young adults moving from confusion to conviction, from hardness of heart to lives transformed by Jesus. God is still raising up voices. And the hope of tomorrow is clear: He is not done with young people.
Jeff also introduces his new book with Dr. Kathy Koch, Raising Gender Confident Kids.
He was an alcoholic atheist and a country artist whose life was falling apart. Walker Hayes had written off faith and was running out of hope. Then came Craig—a friend whose relentless love, years of kindness, generosity, and one unforgettable gift made Walker start asking a question he’d avoided his whole life: What if Jesus really is who He says He is? In this episode of The Unfolding, Walker shares his journey from brokenness to belief, and how his heart of stone began to soften in the most unexpected ways.
You probably know Walker for his hit song Fancy Like, which went seven-times platinum. He just made his Grand Ole Opry debut, released his new album 17 Problems, and is soon heading out on his Unplugged Tour. But behind all the success is a deeper story of friendship, unexpected grace, and a transformation he never saw coming.
Show Notes:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkerhayes/?hl=en
Website: https://www.walkerhayes.com/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Glad-Youre-Here-Unlikely-Breaking/dp/0802424716
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/walkerhayes/
Unfolding Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast
“We decided that we are two hot messes and we would just be better off if we made one big hot mess.”
That is how Jack and Sheila described their marriage in the middle of brokenness, after Sheila carried the weight of abortion for seven years and Jack battled decades of alcoholism.
But God stepped in. A Bible study introduced Sheila to “a Jesus who forgives the sin of abortion.” And in church one morning, Jack heard God whisper, “I will take you by the hand and lead you home.”
From their ashes, God planted Save One, “helping men, women, and families recover after abortion.” Today, what He did for Sheila and Jack is bringing hope to thousands. Visit saveone.org to learn more.
Darin Kinder was a U.S. Secret Service agent working inside the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. After the first tower was hit, he and fellow agents helped people evacuate. When Tower 2 began to collapse, Darin thought, “I’m dead.” His next thought, one he believes came from the Holy Spirit, was a single word: “Run.” That split-second decision began his mad dash for life. But this story is about much more than survival. Darin shares how that day became a turning point in his faith and calling, and why he believes each of us is uniquely designed by God to live courageously and with purpose. This story will not only help you remember 9/11, you’ll also be encouraged to believe that God has a plan for your life and that He will give you the courage to go wherever He leads.
Darin is the founder of Fierce Faith Ministries and author of “Bury Me in a Dirty Suit: Discovering Man’s Valiant Purpose in the Aftermath of 9/11,” dedicated to the 422 first responders who perished at Ground Zero.
Show Notes:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bury-Dirty-Suit-Discovering-Aftermath/dp/B0FL1G8774
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darinkinder/
Website: https://www.fierce-faith.com/
“I loved crack more than I loved anything.”
After three decades of destruction, Jesus set Keith Weaver free in an instant. His testimony shows that the same God who restored his life can do the same for you.
“Sometimes we miss Him in our every day.” — Suzanne Happs
We often look for God on the mountaintop or in the valley. But what about the middle? The everyday spaces of life where nothing feels especially dramatic or divine.
In this short story, Suzanne Happs reflects on raspberries, unexpected timing, and the sacredness of the ordinary. She reminds us that even in quiet seasons, God is present and faithful.
To hear more of Suzanne’s story, including how her family faced a medical crisis with no health insurance, listen on Apple to Page 53: Suzanne Happs from The Unfolding.
Or listen on Spotify.
Caleb, Jordan, and Josh Ward, the brothers who make up Consumed By Fire, first played music together in 2006. They hit the road with a heart to serve and tell people about the hope of Jesus through music. For years they played and traveled, mostly for small crowds and small pay. They were living and working by faith- A way of life they had watched their parents model in a powerful way. But it’s tough to live a life of ministry on the road. They were burning out. Despite a clear call from God, after 13 years of hard work, they decided to quit. That’s when God gave them a song called “First Things First,” that changed everything.
Show Notes:
Website: https://consumedbyfire.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumedbyfire/?hl=en
Travis West knows what it feels like to run on empty. Early in his marriage he was working multiple jobs and caring for his wife Mariah through a long illness. A study trip to Jerusalem changed everything. When the city slowed to a standstill on Friday nights, Travis experienced Sabbath rest for the first time. In this episode he explains how that weekly pause brought new life to his family and why he believes Sabbath is a practical gift for anyone today.
Book: The Sabbath Way: Making Room in Your Life for Rest, Connection, and Delight
Sabbath resource: https://www.travis-west.com/practices
Growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Burgess faced depression and a deep sense of hopelessness. After his parents’ divorce, he was uprooted from a safe environment and placed in a neighborhood where drugs and violence dominated daily life. Forgotten by society, he doubted he would live to see 30—until one day, someone handed him a Christian hip hop CD that changed everything. Today, Kevin Burgess—better known as KB—is a Christian hip hop artist, music executive, author of Dangerous Jesus, and a passionate voice for those searching for hope. In this episode, KB shares his powerful story of transformation and his mission to lead the lost and hurting to Jesus.
Show Notes:
Website: https://whoiskb.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kb_hga/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Dangerous-Jesus-Thing-Risky-Getting/dp/1496459482
“Your story saved my life…” begins letter after letter from readers who found courage in Bryan’s dark-to-light plotlines. One teen even pausing on the brink of self-harm to ask, “What would those characters do?”
Bryan’s brand-new release, The Sacred Scales launches today, but today we step into the unfolding pages of his own journey: quitting a safe tech career, trusting God for a miracle fifty dollars, and watching fiction ignite faith in kids and families worldwide.
**Content note: Because Bryan recounts a story involving self-harm, this episode is recommended for adult listeners first.
Discover more about Bryan’s new book, The Sacred Scales.
Dove Award-winning artist Ryan Stevenson is known for songs like Eye of the Storm and No Matter What—but behind the music is a story of identity, struggle, and relentless faith. For much of his early life, Ryan felt overlooked and forgotten. Poverty, bullying, and disappointment told him he wasn’t enough. But through it all, there was a still, small voice—the voice of God—whispering that he was loved, chosen, and made for more. In this episode of The Unfolding, Ryan talks about the years he spent waiting, doubting, and wrestling with God—even while working as a paramedic. It’s a deeply honest conversation about trusting God when your reality says otherwise, and daring to believe that the dreams He planted in your heart are there for a reason.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryansmusic
Ryan’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Eye-Storm-Experiencing-When-Cant/dp/0736979778
“Listen a bit.” A simple line spoken to a young Trevor Hudson during a leadership exercise became the compass for his life’s work. In this Unfolding Short Story, the South-African pastor and author of In Search of God’s Will: Discerning a Life of Faithfulness and Purpose shows how a modest talent, handed back to God, can grow into decades of counseling, retreats, and Spirit-led guidance. Trevor invites us to slow down and discover what God can do with the small gifts in our own hands.
For nearly 40 years, Chris Hauser has been a trusted force behind the scenes in Contemporary Christian Music—promoting the work of artists like Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle, and Russ Taff. Known for his humility, authenticity, and deep love for the Gospel, Chris has built a reputation not on self-promotion, but on service. But behind that professional success was a personal story marked by struggle. For years, Chris admits he was a fast talker—someone who could charm his way out of tough situations, even with the people who mattered most: his wife and kids. He made promises he didn’t keep, avoided hard truths, and watched the people he loved most get hurt. In this powerful episode of The Unfolding, Chris shares how everything changed when God lovingly confronted him at a pivotal moment during a retreat called Encounter. Through God's grace—and learning to love himself the way God does—Chris experienced radical transformation in his marriage, his family, and his faith.
Chris’ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hauserpromo/
Encounter Training: https://encountertraining.com/
Chris’ speech at Judson University commencement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trVJOSmO5l0
“Everywhere somebody was sick, Jesus was right there.” Those words became Keith’s anchor as burn-pit-linked melanoma spread through his 33-year-old body. In this Memorial Day Moment, Navy-veteran and hospice chaplain Walt recounts the young soldier’s journey of courage, grace, and a faith found at the finish line.
When Zach Meerkreebs finished speaking at Asbury University’s chapel on February 8, 2023, he texted his wife, “That was a stinker.” He thought the message had flopped. But what happened next was anything but ordinary. Students stayed. More arrived. And over the next 16 days, more than 60,000 people from around the world came to Hughes Auditorium to experience what became known as the Asbury Outpouring. Marked by a profound spirit of humility, this movement reflected the very heart of Jesus. And as it turns out, God had been preparing Zach through years of heartbreak and refining. In the crucible of personal loss, Zach had come to treasure one thing above all: friendship with Jesus. In this episode, Zach shares how his journey shaped the moment that changed so many lives—and why true spiritual awakening begins with radical humility. Zach is the author of Lower: Igniting Spiritual Awakening Through Radical Humility. Learn more at ZachMeerkreebs.com.
Watch Zach’s Asbury Chapel Message here: https://www.asbury.edu/about/revival-history/outpouring/
Page 151 of The Unfolding – Student Stories from Asbury
https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-151-stories-from-asbury-students-share-their-experiences-at-asbury-outpouring/
Page 152 of The Unfolding – Why So Many Traveled to Be There
https://www.myfaithpodcasts.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-152-stories-from-asbury-why-so-many-traveled-to-be-there/
Resources focused on nurturing spiritual awakening in the body of Christ
https://awakeninglibrary.com/
“We began to… say the Nicene Creed.” That decision changed everything for pastor and researcher Glenn Packiam, when a 2006 scandal rocked his Colorado Springs church. In this Unfolding Short Story, the Barna Group scholar and host of The Resilient Pastor podcast recounts how repeating the Creed each week knit a fractured congregation back together, and how its ancient words still steady believers facing today’s confusion and corruption.
Want to dig deeper? Check out Glenn’s new book What’s a Christian, Anyway?: Finding Our Way in an Age of Confusion and Corruption.
She’s the voice behind the hit song Desperate—a powerful anthem that soared to number one and struck a chord with thousands. But Jamie MacDonald’s story runs much deeper. In this episode, Jamie shares about growing up in a house where singing was banned and hope felt out of reach. After being kicked out at 15 and dropping out of high school at 16, she spent years bouncing between couches and group homes—no phone, no address, no one in her corner. But even in the darkest moments, a flicker of faith from a childhood church camp refused to go out. Join us as Jamie shares how one desperate prayer changed everything—and how her pain gave rise to a song that’s giving hope to so many.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiemacdonaldmusic/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=jamie%20macdonald%20music
David Sunde wrote a book called Homegrown Disciples: Parenting Rhythms for Drawing Your Kids into Life with God
Hear David reflect on the book, and it’s development from a time of community that continues to this day. David learned that discipleship doesn’t begin in a sanctuary. It begins around tables, in relationships, and in everyday moments of faith.
For David Sunde, a pastor and author, that truth came to life when his family was grafted in to a community of Burmese believers. What started as outreach turned into friendship… and then, family.
Guilt says you did something wrong. Shame says you are the thing that’s wrong. Russ Taff grew up believing he’d never be good enough. Raised by an alcoholic Pentecostal preacher and a co-dependent mother, his childhood was marked by abuse, secrets, and the suffocating weight of shame. But even in the darkest moments, music was his refuge. Russ’s extraordinary talent propelled him to the heights of Contemporary Christian Music. By 23, he was performing with The Imperials, later becoming a celebrated solo artist and member of the Gaither Vocal Band. With GRAMMY wins and a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, his success was undeniable. But behind the spotlight, Russ was fighting a silent battle. The echoes of shame never faded — and only alcohol seemed to silence them. What followed was a decades-long hidden struggle with addiction. This episode is the second of a two-part story sharing Russ Taff’s raw, redemptive journey through trauma and addiction, and the healing power of Love.
Show notes:
“I Still Believe” Movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpHdjcCfrSg
I Still Believe Book: https://www.amazon.com/Still-Believe-Wreckage-Recovery-Relentless/dp/1642931489
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff
Website: https://russtaff.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/
Joseph Descans loved surfing. It was everything to him until a violent wave left him with a shattered leg and a long road to recovery. After surgery and a painful hospital journey, Joseph says God healed his knee and restored him to the waves he loved. But physical healing was just part of his story. Joseph also battled addiction to marijuana and alcohol, and he says God healed him there too. Over the years, Joseph says God has healed him at least sixteen times, including his heart and ankle. In Joseph’s words, "God had healed me." This is a story about the God who still restores and heals today.
Joseph Descans loved surfing. It was everything to him until a violent wave left him with a shattered leg and a long road to recovery. After surgery and a painful hospital journey, Joseph says God healed his knee and restored him to the waves he loved. But physical healing was just part of his story. Joseph also battled addiction to marijuana and alcohol, and he says God healed him there too. Over the years, Joseph says God has healed him at least sixteen times, including his heart and ankle. In Joseph’s words, "God had healed me." This is a story about the God who still restores and heals today.
“Shame is a prison,” Russ Taff says—and he lived in that prison for more than 40 years. To the world, Russ was a Gospel music legend: six GRAMMYs, 18 Dove Awards, and three Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductions. But behind the stage lights and accolades, he was hiding from pain, trapped in addiction, and silenced by the relentless voices of shame and self-hatred. In this deeply honest conversation, recorded around the dining table in his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, Russ shares the truth he kept secret for decades: while he sang songs about Jesus to millions, he was battling alcoholism in the dark. This is not just a story about addiction—it’s a story about hope. About the supernatural healing that comes through love, and the power of God to break even the heaviest chains. Russ opens up about his abusive childhood, the pain that shaped him, and the redemption that’s setting him free. Whether you know Russ Taff or are hearing his name for the first time, his story will leave you changed. Don’t miss this unforgettable two-part episode of The Unfolding.
Show notes:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RussTaff
Website: https://russtaff.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russtaffofficial/
"I left school angry on Friday. On Monday, people saw a light in me." Walter Hill was filled with grief and resentment after losing his mother and watching his father disappear into addiction. He had no interest in faith and no patience for empty answers. But God used one faithful friend and one unexpected night to break through the bitterness. This is a story of how deep anger was transformed into lasting joy.
Walter Hill's book: Amazed Again: Reclaiming Christ’s Joy in a Fading World
Content Warning – not appropriate for children. Bruce Van Natta’s childhood was filled with abuse and trauma, but he had one encounter with Jesus that marked him. He knew God was real. What he didn’t understand is why God didn’t rescue him. As he got older, he clearly heard God call him into ministry, but he was angry, skeptical, and cynical. As a diesel mechanic, Bruce regularly worked on big rigs. On a fateful day in 2006, he was lying under a logging truck that weighed 18,000 pounds. What happened on that day can only be described as other-worldly; an accident, a near-death experience, and an encounter with the supernatural. This is a graphic story that is not appropriate for younger listeners. Bruce Van Natta is the author of Saved by Angels and the founder of Sweet Bread Ministries. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweetBreadMinistries
Katie Leigh never studied acting, never planned for ministry, and never dreamed she’d be the voice behind one of Christian radio’s most beloved characters. But one day she prayed, “God, I’d like to do something for you.” This is the behind-the-scenes story of Connie Kendall... and the faithfulness of the God who sees it all.
For Natalie Layne, growing up in church didn’t automatically mean she knew Jesus personally. There came a moment—a quiet, desperate conversation with God—when she needed to know if He was real or walk away. That honest plea changed everything. In this episode of The Unfolding, Natalie shares the story of how that moment became the turning point in her faith journey—leading her to discover not just a real relationship with Jesus, but also her calling as a musician and worship leader. Now a soul-inspired pop artist signed with Centricity Music, Natalie writes songs that shine with hope, joy, and the light of Christ. Natalie’s debut full-length album, All Joy, is out now, and she’s currently on tour with Tenth Avenue North. You can find her music, tour dates, and more at natalielayne.com.
More from Natalie, here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalielaynemusic/
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natalielaynemusic?_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natalielaynemusic/
Twelve years ago, Gina’s husband passed away after a short battle with cancer. She was left with two young children, and it was so hard. She couldn’t imagine ever loving someone that way again. Across the country, Jeff was feeling the wounds of a hard divorce. Marrying again seemed so unlikely. But as the years passed, both Gina and Jeff began to pray, and their friends started praying, too. Was it possible that God might have someone they could love? In this special Valentine’s episode of The Unfolding, we share a beautiful story of hope, trusting God, and finding love.
Show Notes:
Find wedding photos here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast
And here: https://www.instagram.com/the.unfolding.podcast/
“We prayed for her to wake up on Valentine's Day. And she did—but in heaven.” Every year, Lee and Terry commemorate their daughter Amanda’s passing with a homecoming celebration. In this deeply moving episode, they share the painful journey leading up to Amanda’s diagnosis, the heartbreak of losing her, and how their faith was tested in unimaginable ways.
In 1985, they noticed Amanda was experiencing sickness—vomiting, headaches, and eventually struggling to walk. What seemed like minor symptoms led to a devastating discovery: a brain tumor. As they walked through grief, anger, and doubt, they encountered God’s presence in ways they never expected. Their story is one of sorrow, faith, and the unlikely survival of their marriage despite overwhelming loss.
The full interview with Lee and Terry will be featured on the Behind Our Smiles Marriage Podcast on February 18th. Subscribe so you don't miss it! Apple or Spotify
Riley Kehoe was 10 years old when her family’s island vacation turned into a nightmare. On the morning of December 26, 2004, an earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. Riley’s family had to run for their lives from a tsunami with waves up to 100 feet high. It was a terrifying experience that took the lives of more than 200,000 people. In the aftermath, fear threatened to rule Riley’s life. It would take years to understand the wounds she carried and even longer to find freedom from fear. Riley is the author of Three Seconds of Courage: How Small Acts of Bravery Lead to Big Change. You can follow Riley Kehoe on Instagram, at https://www.instagram.com/rileywithcourage/
Melissa shares how one act of obedience became a powerful confirmation for someone desperate to know that God sees, hears, and loves her. Melissa stepped into a conversation with a woman and felt God’s presence in a way she couldn’t ignore. Then, God asked her to do something bold: tell a complete stranger, “I love you.” Fear and doubt held her back, but what happened next showed God’s perfect timing.
As a rising star at a Fortune 500 company, Hope Reagan Harris thrived on the thrill of getting the next promotion and pay raise. A bigger house, more expensive car, and international travel were all the stuff that was supposed to signify success and happiness. But after six years of climbing the corporate ladder at a dizzying pace, Hope realized she’d been so determined to move ahead, she didn’t recognize her heart and soul were getting left behind. Hope is the author of Now Over Next: Conquering the Fear of Missing Out and the founder of Purpose Doesn’t Pause, a movement to offer encouragement to women through handwritten cards.
In the Bible, mountaintops symbolize moments of spiritual clarity, renewal, and connection with God. For Averil Shadd, a new widow navigating the profound grief of her darkest valley, the mountaintop became more than a metaphor. She climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, not just to find healing but to offer hope to others walking through the shadows of loss. As Averil explains, "I wanted to do something that would stretch me so far that I would embrace suffering, so they would know someone could see them and love them." In this episode, she shares how her faith and determination turned her despair into a mission of love and purpose.
Note: Averil first shared her story on the podcast A Widow’s Heart, hosted by Pam Lundell (Episode 32).
Listen on Apple
Listen on Spotify
Chris Baker has devoted his life to helping people walk out the words of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” As the founder of Ink 180, Chris has given away more than two million dollars' worth of free tattoos. Not just any tattoos- these are tattoo cover-ups and removals for people who are making a change in their life, like former gang members, sex trafficking survivors, or domestic violence survivors. He takes something that was a mark of shame and fear and transforms it into something beautiful.
https://www.instagram.com/ink180boss/
https://www.facebook.com/Ink180
Despite achieving material success, Derek Mason found himself consumed by emptiness and despair—so much so that he considered taking his own life. In a moment of desperate prayer, an unexpected encounter with sparrows led him to Matthew 10:29–31, revealing that he was profoundly seen and cherished by God. This pivotal sign brought radical transformation, shifting Derek’s life from hopelessness to a renewed sense of purpose. His story reminds us that, even at our lowest, God’s love has the power to bring hope and meaning.
Hear Derek on episode 100 of the Manly with Andy podcast on Apple or Spotify. Or learn more about Derek's book, Embracing Our Full Victory in Christ: The Journey from Darkness to Light.
Bob Goff has spent decades trying to convince people God is over the moon about them. If you struggle to believe God loves you and if you long to live a life of adventure, Bob’s story will inspire you. Bob is known as the guy who included his phone number in the back of his first book Love Does, because he loves people and wanted to be available. Since then, he’s written multiple New York Times bestselling books and included his number in every one of them. Bob says his greatest ambition is to love people and inspire others to follow Jesus into a life of adventure, whimsy, and wonder. In this episode, Bob talks about starting a zoo, getting gored by a cow, shot with a pellet gun, and visiting the Prime Minister of Liechtenstein. His new book is Catching Whimsy. It’s an invitation to wake up each day expecting to live a more meaningful life, a more engaged faith, and a more intentional future.
Show Notes:
https://www.bobgoff.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bobgoff/
https://www.facebook.com/bobgoffis
Rick and McKenna bring us the story of Megan Woods. At a crucial moment in Megan's life, God's word came to life for her, and a call to sing for Him seemingly came out of nowhere. Here's the full episode on Apple or Spotify, where you can subscribe to The Morning Focus with Rick and McKenna for daily encouragement in God's Word!
When you wait for years for an answer to prayer it’s easy to get discouraged. The Band Jaren is fronted by two sisters, Jaren- lead singer, guitarist and songwriter, and Jade- who sings and plays electric violin. These super-talented young women started playing music before they started school. Now, at ages 20 and 19, they have an unusual clarity about the call on their lives. Their passion is to play music that brings wandering hearts to Jesus. It’s a prayer their mom, Sonya, has been praying for decades. Answers to those prayers have come in the most surprising ways. Show Notes: https://www.instagram.com/thebandjaren/ https://www.youtube.com/@thebandjaren
An update from John Karakian, who was featured on Page 45 of The Unfolding.
John's Unfolding episode on Apple
John's Unfolding episode on Spotify
John Karakian from Novi, Michigan, discovered an unexpected way to share his faith—through the legacy of his late chocolate lab, Buddy. Even years after Buddy’s passing, John’s simple acts of kindness—like calling people by name and treating them with genuine warmth—have opened countless hearts to the gospel. This past Christmas, his church entrusted him with 500 tickets for their production, and within 27 days, every single one was gone.
Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure. When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless. Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That’s when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda. Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust. Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God-given identity and purpose.
Are you looking to grow your prayer life in the new year? Join Christina Hannan on her podcast, and discover a new rich prayer life in Praying Through Scripture.
PTS on Apple Podcasts
PTS on Spotify
This week on Unfolding Short Stories, Christina Hannan shares what she learned teaching science to her kids as a homeschool mom. A planet that rains DIAMONDS! The God who can make a planet rain diamonds, is also the God who cares for our needs.
Renee Stains recounts a harrowing moment while teaching her young son Andrew to ski. After a mishap on a ski lift, Andrew was left dangling dangerously high above the ground, with no immediate help in sight. In a desperate and chaotic situation, two snowboarders appeared seemingly out of nowhere, skillfully unbuckled Andrew’s harness, and safely brought him down. When Renee turned to thank them, they had vanished without a trace.
The Christmas story is filled with angelic encounters. But are angels still active today? Psalm 91:11 says, “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” For many, that verse has come to life. People from all walks of life share their stories of seemingly supernatural encounters on earth in this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding. IT’s one of our most-downloaded episodes of the year! Thanks to Tim Hoerr, Tina Zimmerman, David Egli, Debra Wiese, and Bryan Crum for sharing these life-changing stories!
Links to previous Angel Story episodes:
https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-31-angels/
https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/page-183-2023-angel-stories/
"The dream had no expiration date.”
In this episode, Jim shares how a dream led him to plant churches outside the walls of a mega-church—and how a trip to the world’s largest basilica in Côte d’Ivoire confirmed that God was just getting started. ‘I was comfortable, like Bilbo in The Hobbit…but God had other plans.’ Hear how one vivid dream fueled over a decade of ministry and ultimately redirected Jim to West Africa.”
Michael Ritchason grew up feeling like he was on the losing end of the comparison game. Insecurity drove him to chase affirmation and attention. It worked for a time, but then his girlfriend left, his cool car crashed, and the rest of his world seemed to be falling apart. Soon Michael was falling apart, too. Discouragement led to disconnection, and that led to depression. One night, he began to believe the lie that he was utterly alone. Then God, the One called Immanuel – God with us, did something supernatural. It was a reminder that Michael wasn’t alone, and God had plans and a purpose for him. Michael is the lead pastor at Riverside Community Church, a multi-cultural, multi-generational, and multi-socioeconomic church in the heart of Peoria, Illinois.
Follow Michael on YouTube and Instagram.
To hear In Fulfillment, our Biblical Audio Drama, and go deeper into the Christmas story, go to https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/in-fulfillment/
What began as a simple prayer meeting led to deep healing and reconciliation. As Mark wrestled with years of hurt, God’s voice broke through, impressing these urgent words on his heart: “Call your father and hurry.” That phone call, made just three hours before his father’s passing, became a moment of profound restoration. This story is a reminder of God’s relentless pursuit and perfect timing to heal what’s broken.
Also, Mark wrote a book called Just One Word: A Collection of Advent Devotionals, if you're looking for new ways to connect with Jesus this Christmas.
Barry and Gina Copeland have learned when it comes to addiction, desperation is a good thing. That’s when you finally realize Jesus is your only hope. Barry and Gina have followed Jesus and worked in ministry for years, and yet their son struggled with addiction for more than a decade. They tried everything they knew to “fix” the problem. In the process, they lost their joy, their dreams, and lived in chaos. Then God used powerful experiences to teach them their son’s addiction was not their fault, and they couldn’t fix him. They changed how they prayed and demonstrated God’s love to their son. Today Barry and Gina help those who have loved ones trapped in addiction through the ministry of Finding Hope, a part of Hope Is Alive, an organization that exists to radically change the lives of drug addicts, alcoholics and those who love them.
After years of questioning if adoption was right for her family, Megan Nilsen felt a clear leading from God to pray, fast, and search His Word. Her 'yes' to adoption opened the door to both immense challenges and undeniable moments of God’s presence, teaching her about love, grace, and identity in Christ.
Megan is also the author of the Advent devotional Untangled Advent: Finding Hope in a Weary World, designed to help readers reconnect with God’s peace during the holiday season. Learn more at meganbnilsen.com/untangled-advent.
Terry Wildman didn’t grow up immersed in the history and culture of his First Nations ancestors. But after he met Jesus, his heart for Indigenous Americans grew. As he learned more about the painful history of Native North Americans and the Church, he struggled with questions. But through that struggle he felt a call to translate the Bible following the tradition of Native storytellers. The First Nations Version of the New Testament has sold more than 80,000 copies, bringing hope and healing to many.
IVPress.com
https://www.amazon.com/Birth-Chosen-One-Terry-Wildman/dp/0984770623
"In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." These words from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 came to mind for Rhonda at her breaking point as her son battled severe epilepsy. Through heartbreak and surrender, she discovered how God brought purpose and beauty even in the hardest moments.
For years, Dallas Jenkins had a weekly notification on his phone, “Pray for Pageant.” Dallas is the creator and director of The Chosen, the first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. Twenty years ago, Dallas read a beloved children’s novel called, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and fell in love with it. He just knew he was meant to make that book into a movie. It wasn’t just a hope or a dream. To Dallas, it felt like a calling. But over and over, for years, Dallas was told “no.” There simply seemed to be no way. This is a story about praying, waiting, and following God's direction, even when there seems to be no hope.
BestChristmasPageantEver.movie
TheChosen.TV
Mey Deras' story is about overcoming—surviving childhood abuse, losing her mother, navigating her daughter’s life-threatening health crisis, and enduring immigration struggles. Through it all, she’s seen God’s faithfulness in remarkable ways. Now a biblical counselor, Mey helps others find hope and healing.
She also invites listeners to her free virtual event (Nov. 22-24), Comforted by His Love, where women can learn practical tools to experience God’s comfort and strength. You can register for Mey’s event here.
Christian historian Joe Thomas shares the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's struggle to discern God's will during a critical moment in history. As World War II loomed, Bonhoeffer faced a life-altering decision: remain safely in America or return to Nazi Germany to stand with his church. Discover how a simple Bible verse, “Come before winter,” became a divine call that shaped his courageous path.
Do you have a story where you needed to hear from God in a critical moment? Tell us about it when you click the green microphone button at WowGod.com.
Here's a link to Joe's podcast if you want to go deeper into the life of Deitrich Bonhoeffer: Wayfinding Podcast
Raechel Myers grew up surrounded by God’s word. At home, school, and church she was learning about the truth of God’s great big story. As a young adult, Raechel and her husband walked through unimaginable grief. The Bible became both a refuge and a lifeline. That season of sorrow shaped her perspective on God's faithfulness, the beauty of community, and the truth that God's Word meets us in the darkest moments. Raechel Myers is the co-founder and CEO of She Reads Truth, a dynamic community of women dedicated to connecting with God through Scripture. Raechel’s experience with the power of God’s word turned into a passion for helping women engage with the Bible. It has transformed the way thousands around the world experience God’s truth. This story includes discussion of pregnancy loss.
Show notes:
ShopSheReadsTruth.com
Discount code TUPFREE for free shipping through November 18th 2024.
HeReadsTruth.com
In 2010, newly single and struggling to put food on the table for her son, Mary Lou experienced God's extraordinary provision. From finding perfect grocery coupons at just the right time to witnessing a miracle harvest from an unexpected plum tree, God showed up in powerful ways. Even as she considered becoming a prepper, God demonstrated His ability to provide instant financial blessings, teaching her to trust Him completely. Through it all, Mary Lou learned that God is the ultimate provider, and he can provide, whether it's big or small, to meet our needs.
In times of joy, thankfulness comes easy. But if you are in a place where you’ve been crushed by circumstances beyond your control, it’s much harder to feel grateful. Faith Eury Cho has been there- those seasons where it feels like you are in the wilderness and your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. She’s walked through enough to know that the journey is about so much more than simply getting to the Promised Land. Faith Eury Cho has been a gospel preacher since she was 19. She is a co-pastor with her husband David of Mosaic Covenant Church of NJ. She is the author of Experiencing Friendship with God: How the Wilderness Draws Us to His Presence. You can learn more about her at FaithEuryCho.com.
Checkout the latest episode of Wow God Stories! https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/33-an-unlikely-path-to-him/
Share about the amazing things God has done in your life on The Unfolding page at WowGod.com by clicking the green microphone button, recording, and sending us your story. It's very easy.
"I was throwing away decks of tarot cards...and I realized my life is changed forever. It had to be all about Jesus. That stuff was destroying me. Only Jesus could truly set me free from the darkness I had welcomed." The Bible talks about sins that can feel mysterious or confusing—like its warnings about witchcraft. Are practices like astrology, crystals, and tarot cards truly dangerous, or just harmless explorations? In this episode, Mackenzie Weatherford shares her story of growing up in a Christian home, only to drift into astrology and fortune-telling after a painful breakup. As she ventured deeper, she encountered a darkness that left her shaken, leading her to throw away the items connected to her past and reclaim the peace found only in Jesus. Mackenzie’s journey is a powerful reminder that God’s love remains steadfast, even when we stray. Have you ever strayed from your faith and felt God calling you back? If so, we want to hear your story! Use this link to click the green microphone button and share how God transformed your life.
When Jessica Robertson first raised the question of adopting a child, her husband Jep wasn’t on board. They already had busy lives with four children and filming their extended family’s hit reality series, Duck Dynasty. But after a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, Jep’s heart was changed. Since bringing home Jules Augustus Robertson, their family has experienced the joys and challenges of adoption, including overcoming sensory issues and questions about race. Through it all, the Robertsons have found strength in their faith. Jep and Jessica are the authors of Dear Valor, a children’s book about adoption and are featured on the reality TV series, Duck Family Treasure. Learn more about "All God's Children". Share your story about Angels, or any other Wow God moment you've experienced when you click the green microphone button.
Joni Rosebrock shares how, in the midst of depression, a comment from her husband led her into deeper intimacy with God. She fell in love with God’s Word, immersing herself in scripture in a way that transformed her life and strengthened her faith. From this journey, she believes God led her to what she calls the WRAP method: Write, Read, Apply, and Pray—a powerful practice that brought healing and renewed purpose while reading God's word. Now, Joni leads others into this getting deeper into God's word. Joni wrote a book, and also has a podcast, all about how WRAP can deepen your own walk with God.
In the hardest moments of life, do you ever wonder if God is listening to your cries for help? When you are feeling hopeless, what do you say to God? Rachel Wojo understands what it’s like to pray without receiving the answers you’re longing for. Five years into her marriage, she learned her pastor husband had been having a long-term affair. She then learned her daughter had a devastating diagnosis that would likely cut her life short. In these anguished moments, Rachel’s faith shifted. She was changed from a girl who checked boxes of religious activity, to one who was desperately crying for help from a God who hears. The answers she received were even greater than what she’d hoped for. Rachel Wojo is a speaker, podcaster, and the author of Desperate Prayers. She writes at her popular blog, RachelWojo.com. Learn more about her free class, How to Be A Prayer Warrior for Your Family in Dark Times, at DesperatePrayers.com.
Tim Halfin heard that a local boy had gone missing for 3 days. As he started to pray, he heard God say, “You will go look for that boy tomorrow.”
Today, we're sharing an amazing story presented by the "God Out Loud" podcast. To hear the rest of this episode, fast forward about 20 minutes on the God Out Loud Podcast.
Here it is on Apple: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin
Here it is on Spotify: God Told Tim to Look for a Missing Child - Tim Halfin
Hey, if you have a story where you felt like God told you to do something specific, kind of like what happened with Tim's story, would you share it with us on the green microphone button?
https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/the-unfolding/?t=1729289102476
Nashville-native Riley Clemmons was “discovered” at a school pageant when she was 13 years old. She signed a record deal 2 years later and started writing songs, touring, and facing the challenges of the music industry. She has been open about her struggles including OCD, imposter syndrome, and dealing with the pressures of social media. By the time she was 21, Riley realized she’d been attaching her self-worth to the success or failure of every song, and it was exhausting. Facing burnout, Riley made the decision to step away from her career to reconnect with her faith and identity God. Through therapy, prayer, and the support of loved ones, she rediscovered the true meaning of worth and authenticity and found a new passion for music. For more on Riley’s music, visit RileyClemmons.com
When you live in some of the most difficult conflict zones on earth, it helps to have a peace that surpasses understanding. Donna Winship and her husband Jamie spent more than 25 years living in places like Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan and Israel. Those hard years forged an understanding of God’s love and forgiveness that transformed Donna’s life. Along the way, Donna discovered principles of the Kingdom of God that brought peace and freedom – even when living in a culture of war, terrorism, conflict and death. Donna and Jamie are co-founders of Identity Exchange. Jamie is the author of Living Fearless. Learn more about their free resource, Finding Hope in Depression at Identity Exchange.com
Donna's husband Jamie Winship was featured on Page 168 of the Unfolding.
Do you have a story to share based on hearing this story, or want to share how God has used it to encourage you. Click the link here, and use the green microphone button.
Kim Kidd shares her remarkable journey from addiction and despair to freedom and transformation through faith. Raised by a praying grandmother but lost in a life of drug dealing, Kim hit rock bottom when she faced a 50-year prison sentence. In that jail cell, she encountered God in a powerful way, witnessing miracles that sparked revival behind bars. Don’t miss this inspiring story of redemption, hope, and the faith that changed Kim’s life forever. To hear more stories of God ministering to people in prison, check out the latest episode of the "Wow God Stories" podcast, guest hosted by Rob Vischer. To hear Kim Kidd's full story on "The Unfolding", listen to "Page 17" on Apple or Spotify. Listen on Apple Listen on Spotify To share your own Wow God Story with us, click on the green microphone button here.
When Chad Staerkel was young, he was rebellious, wild and crazy. He was the kid who was always jumping off the garage, riding fast motorcycles, and dreaming about flying F 16’s. He seemed to have no fear. When Chad’s spirit of adventure was combined with complete trust in God, he realized the sky is the limit. As a professional skydiver, Chad has jumped out of an airplane more than 11,000 times. Beyond skydiving, Chad has been willing to take risks to follow God wherever He leads. What he has witnessed has only made him more confident in Jesus. Does fear keep you from following God? Chad’s story just might inspire you to take a leap of faith and embrace the adventure of following God. Chad is the author of Doctrines of Grace.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart." Daniel Maritz shares the powerful story of his own faith journey, and following in the faith footsteps of his father. Through personal losses and life's trials, Daniel learns to fully surrender and trust in God's plan. Ultimately, God leads Daniel from a career in modeling to the creation of a global online ministry.
Why? It is a question that has wrecked the faith of many. Why would God allow this? Why didn’t God intervene? Why didn’t He answer our prayers? Andrea Mercier is very familiar with the question “Why, God?” After years of infertility, Andrea and her husband experienced the joy of getting pregnant and then giving birth to their son, Gabriel. Then they noticed Gabriel’s development was delayed. He was eventually diagnosed with autism and a rare, genetic condition that gradually robbed his abilities. It was heart-crushing. And yet, Andrea has come to a place of deep, deep intimacy with God. If you are struggling to reconcile a good God with hard circumstances, Andrea’s story will encourage you. Andrea is a pastor, speaker, and the author of Oliver’s Extraordinary Friend: A Boy’s Journey of Embracing Autism.
"Can anything good come out of Nazareth? Yes, it can." William Winfield shares how his faith in Christ transformed his life from homelessness to hope and purpose. Reflecting on his journey, William reminds us that the greatest tragedy in life isn't death, but living without purpose. Hear how God has used William in key moments of a few men's lives, and how his Christlike compassion to them at just the right moment gave them much-needed hope and a lasting life change.
God is all about transformation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” God loves second chances. Jermaine Wilson had spent four years in prison by the time he was 19. His dad had been to prison. His brother had been to prison, and his sister had been to prison. Jermaine’s search for love led him to earn acceptance through criminal activity and gang involvement. But it was a trap. He wanted a different life yet there seemed to be no way out. How does a gang member, drug dealer and prison inmate become the mayor of Leavenworth, Kansas? That’s the incredible God-story of Jermaine Wilson. Today, Jermaine is the mission ambassador for Prison Fellowship.
Tony Burkeybyle knows what it is to be a broken man. He also knows what it is to live a surrendered life. Tony now volunteers in prisons, guiding men to forgiveness and a life rooted in God's grace. In this episode, Tony shares how his son's imprisonment led him to minister to men at the Federal Correctional Institution in Terre Haute, pointing them toward the freedom and salvation found in Jesus Christ.
Katie Campell has always had a passion to pray for people. A few years ago, she began to sense God was asking her to follow him to a place she didn’t yet know and for a ministry that wasn’t yet clear. To most people, that sounds crazy. Why would you pack up your family, move 2500 miles to a place where you knew no one, for a ministry that didn’t even exist? This is the story behind 30A Prays, a ministry on the beaches of County Road 30A which spans the Gulf Coast of Florida roughly between Destin and Panama City. Since March of 2023, 30A Prays has prayed for and shared the Gospel with thousands of Gen-Z students from across the U.S. God is moving among Gen Z on the beaches of 30A, and it began with a free fall of faith.
Jerry Thomason shares his personal journey as a cancer patient, revealing how his faith in God has been his anchor through unexpected challenges. Amidst his diagnosis, Jerry's reflections on reshaped priorities, strengthened beliefs, and the impact on those around him offer powerful insights. Jerry's story highlights the blessings and lessons found even in the darkest times.
Meridith wants to hear your story. If you have a smartphone, USB microphone, or other way to record your voice, use this link and click the green microphone button, as we're looking for more Wow God Stories to share with our podcast listeners.
Bryan Crum spent a decade serving as a hospice chaplain, helping people walk through their final days. After listening to hundreds of life stories, he realized too many of us carry regret and fail to recognize just how much God values us. Hospice work changed Bryan’s life and his perspective on priorities. Through the stories of people like Ms. Ruth and Mr. Harold, Bryan learned the power of our words, the deadly impact of doubt, and why we all can trust that God loves us deeply. Bryan is the author of Neighbor, Love Yourself: Discover Your Value, Live Your Worth.
"In the midst of your pain... you really get to experience a side of the Father that you don't really see in heaven." Amelia Tabatt shares her deeply personal story of her mother's 18-month battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, the challenges, the faith, and finding hope amid the struggle and loss.
Isaiah 61:3 describes how God comforts those who are mourning. It says He will take our ashes of grief and trade them for a crown of beauty. Katie Miller has grown up in a family that has watched God take situations that seemed impossible, sometimes literally standing in ashes, and make something so beautiful that millions of people witness it today. If you’ve been to Lancaster, Pennsylvania or Branson, Missouri, maybe you’ve visited Sight and Sound theater to see one of their astounding productions where stories from scripture come to life. More than 30 million people have been inspired by the stories of Noah, Daniel, Queen Esther and more. Since Sight and Sound’s humble beginning in 1976, God has taken some of most devastating circumstances along the way and turned them for good.
God knows what we don’t, and can see what we can’t. Susie Larson shares about those moments when God leads you to the right place at the right time. The times when the Lord has directed your steps and brought you to where you needed to go. Hear how others have been in the exact spot where God wanted them on this episode of Wow God Stories.
When Tracie Miles’ marriage of 25 years imploded, it felt like the train of life had slammed into a brick wall. Almost overnight she went from financially stable to desperately broke, from a family of five to a single mom of three. Tracie describes that season as a “lifequake”- an earthquake that shook and changed every part of her life. She became stuck, overwhelmed by countless fears. There seemed to be no way to move forward and no hope that she could every feel joy again. She couldn’t imagine how God would make beauty from these ashes. Tracie Miles is a bestselling author, director of COMPEL Pro Writers Training at Proverbs 31 Ministries, and the founder of the Living Unbroken Divorce Recovery program.
Sometimes seasons of doubt can come unexpectedly. When Elizabeth Moore followed her dream to New York, she found herself surrounded by people who didn’t believe what she had always believed and some who were antagonistic toward God. She began struggling under the weight of questions and doubts. She could never have imagined that she would emerge from this season more certain of her faith and grateful for the struggle. Elizabeth is the co-author of Liturgies for Hope and Liturgies for Wholeness, books of honest prayers and scripture to help you through the highs and lows of life.
Trudy Feyereisen recounts her journey from being a 'scaredy cat' afraid of trials to becoming a witness of God's unwavering faithfulness through her husband's battle with brain cancer. Throughout this ordeal, she shares how her faith deepened, supported by scripture, prayer, and Christian community. Despite immense challenges, including her husband's personality changes and eventual passing, she found solace in God's presence and the body of Christ. Hear about her enduring faith in God's promises and the strength she drew from her favorite scripture and worship songs.
One Sunday morning Pastor Jason Carver gave his wife and kids a kiss and headed out the door early for church. When he came home, they were gone. Thirty days later, the divorce papers arrived. It was the beginning of a two-year journey. Jason wrestled with God and learned to surrender to Him. Despite the circumstances, Jason had hope- something he calls a “supernatural stubbornness” to stand on the promises of God. But the divorce still went through. His wife was still with someone else. Could the God of resurrection bring a dead marriage back to life?
Ryan Graves thought he was a Christian, but a near-death experience and over a year of hospital stays due to alcohol abuse, was the wake-up call that led him on a new path of passion for Jesus.
Now, Ryan shares his journey of end-stage liver disease, and the Good News of the Gospel with anyone who will listen.
Growing up in an alcoholic home, Jason Lomelino just wanted to find peace. He was confident religion wasn’t the answer and spent his days partying and drinking. But then one night he was “ambushed by the love of God” and all he wanted to do was tell people about Jesus. That’s when Jason got a crazy idea. Why not go into the darkest place he knew – the hard-partying streets of Isla Vista, California, and have a barbecue? That first night turned into more than twenty years, thousands of free burgers, and countless lives changed through the ministry of Jesus Burgers.
When Tina Zimmerman heard and saw the story of Gary Miracle, a man who suddenly lost all four limbs, she wanted to use her unique gifting to help him. Tina trains service dogs for people with disabilities. At first, she thought she might be able to get this done through an organization that she's a part of, which is involved in creating service dogs for wounded veterans. But Gary was not a veteran. After a short period of wrestling. She knew that God was calling her to donate her time and resources to change Gary's life for the better. ECMO, Gary's dog, has not only been the physical help that Gary has needed, but he's also been a needed companion through difficult times.
In this inspiring episode, we dive deep into the personal faith journey of singer/songwriter Rachael Lampa. Rachael tells the story of her early rise to fame, the pressures and imposter syndrome she faced, and her courageous decision to step away from the spotlight at 21. Through this season, she found a renewed connection with her faith and redefined her identity outside of music. Now, she's back with a new perspective on life, love, and God. Rachael Lampa is known for inspiring songs like “Somebody to You,” and “Perfectly Loved.” Join us as Rachael shares her struggles, triumphs, and the beautiful moments that have shaped her journey.
Kristy Heilman and her husband both felt a call from God to move to Iowa. But why? Well, this is one of those stories where we celebrate the providence of God's blessing after the obedience of his children. Later, when Kristy's son Austin was born with bilateral clubfoot, they learned they were a mere 90 minutes away from one of the leading world experts on the matter, and the path the healing was a short trip during a difficult season of their family's life. Hear Kristy share how God healed Austin, and why she says "Wow, God!"
Jon Reddick is a singer and worship leader who writes songs of hope and healing, like “God, Turn It Around” and “I Believe It.” There was a time when the hurts and hard parts of life left him questioning, is God’s plan always good? Would the dreams planted in Jon’s heart ever really happen? He seriously considered leaving music behind. But God used encounters with two strangers to affirm Jon’s purpose and change his life.
Susie Larson shares a story where it felt like God was absent, or "lost" her "address". Through sickness with her very young kids, her own journey with Lyme disease, she realized that God had not turned her back on her, but rather He used these trials so He could say "Yes" to her son Jordan's life.
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalms 46:10)
As co-founder of She Reads Truth, Amanda Bible Williams has helped women around the world read God’s Word every day. She believes in the power of the Bible to transform lives and to sustain during difficult times. A few years after launching She Reads Truth, Amanda and her husband David began the process of adopting their son Toby, who was born with a heart defect. That journey has included both amazing miracles and exhausting suffering, and seeing how God is close through it all.
Andy Youso's son wanted a bike. Andy was overjoyed at the prospect of his son playing less video games, getting out of the house, and making more memories with friends. But bikes being damaged by so-called friends and then stolen from strangers wasn't what either of them had envisioned. Hear how God answered a prayer, putting Andy at just the right place at the perfect time.
When there is deception in marriage, how can you rebuild trust? For more than 20 years Mark and Jill Savage had served in ministry; Mark as a pastor, and Jill as the founder and director of Hearts at Home, a ministry for moms. Their marriage had good seasons and hard seasons. But in what the Savages describe as their darkest year, they faced infidelity and were headed for divorce. How could the pieces of their shattered life be put together again? Today Mark and Jill are passionate about encouraging marriages and families. Jill is the host of the No more Perfect Podcast and has authored twelve books. Together Mark and Jill have authored two books and provide marriage coaching and resources at JillSavage.com. This episode contains adult content.
In many ways, Tina Zimmerman's life revolves around animals. She trains dogs for service, has had her animals in movies, and even used to train horses. It is her career and passion. She and her husband even found themselves in Uganda using this passion to help train animals for local farmers. In their downtime on these mission trips, they loved to go on Safari trips, always in hopes of seeing lions. After the tragic passing of her husband, she went back to experience their shared passion at the one-year mark of his passing. God wowed her with a display of animals that felt like a miraculous display curated for her, showing her that God sees her, and cares for her.
Content warning: This episode includes discussion of pornography, suicide, and the adult film industry. For as long as he could remember, Joshua Broome had wrestled with a feeling of emptiness. His quest for affirmation led him to excel in school, sports, modeling and acting. Every achievement was an attempt to fill the void. When a representative of the adult film industry offered a chance for fame and wealth, he took it. But after appearing in more than one thousand adult films and earning over a million dollars, he was profoundly depressed, filled with shame, and suicidal. Joshua’s journey from darkness to light began unexpectedly in a bank, where a simple act of kindness reminded him of his true identity. Today Joshua is a preacher, author and podcast host who dedicates his life to sharing the message of hope and love of Jesus.
It felt like God's providence when the perfect studio opened up. But after 22 years of what felt like divine encounters and God's provision, there was a major shift and prompting from God to close up shop, quit makeup altogether, and trust God for the next chapter. Immediately after this, COVID lockdowns were worldwide, and especially prominent where she lived in Canada.
In 1 John 3:1 it says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” God is our Father. Sometimes that can be challenging to comprehend. It’s easier to grasp when you’ve had a good relationship with your earthly dad. It can be more complicated if your relationship is unhealthy or strained. This week on The Unfolding we are sharing three stories of fathers, from Mark Schulz, Gina Copeland and Jeremy Rosado. Each story gives a perspective of how God works healing in and through fathers, whether they are biological, adoptive, or those who simply choose to step into the role of dad.
Cathy White has worked with horses for 14 years and uses equine therapy to help kids. In this story, she shares how God brought her and her husband Bob together and called them to a ministry through horses and helping children to overcome difficult life circumstances.
Cait Taylor believes God can take even the hardest parts of our stories and make something good. Cait was born in England to a single mom. From an early age she believed she was a mistake. For seven years she lived under the tyranny of an abusive stepfather. She focused all her energy on simply surviving. This led to an eating disorder and complex post-traumatic stress disorder. By the time she was 17, she hit rock bottom. That’s when she was introduced to Jesus and the power of Romans 8:28. Today, Cait is the founder of 828 Women, a Christian ministry that encourages women with Biblical truth, and the 828 with Cait podcast.
Destiny Thomas shares about the times God revealed Himself throughout her time of dealing with infertility.
In this world, you will have trouble. The question is, how will you respond? The Bible says to count it all joy when you experience trials because it makes your faith strong. Heidi Lee Anderson was 23 years old when she faced the first real trial of her life. She was diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis, the side effects, the dire warnings about her future all threatened to take away her hope. She felt overwhelmed by fear. How could she count it all joy? Heidi is the author of “P.S. It’s Going to Be Good,” and the host of the Trade a Lie for a Truth podcast.
Stephen and his wife, Anna, are missionaries to Mexico. As they embark on their 4th new mission to Mexico over 11 years, they've seen God show up in little ways, showing glimpses of the path of the journey that He has them on. Stephen shares in this episode some of the ways they've partnered with God in the everyday.
A special episode for Memorial Day. We often hear the phrase, “Pray for our troops.” During his time in Afghanistan, Capt. Kyle Swanson saw prayer change things- the weather, the course of a grenade, and so much more. When Kyle says prayer changes things, it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience and his story will inspire you to believe YOUR prayers can change things too.
Kayla Gahagan shares about the Radical Joy she discovered as she shifted her focus from being a career mom to a stay-at-home mom. After avoiding a near tragedy with a bathtub incident, she felt God's pull to go all-in. As a mom of four, she's sacrificed aspects of a career in journalism, laying down and surrendering, and somehow, God used her writing career in ways she never could have anticipated.
Stephen McWhirter grew up watching his traveling evangelist dad live a double life. He was one man behind the pulpit and abusive to Stephen’s mother at home. Stephen decided that if God was real, He wasn’t good. His earthly father and his heavenly father became the villains in his story. Angry and rebellious, Stephen fell into addiction, eventually addicted to meth for six years. But one night in a miraculous encounter, Stephen experienced the presence and love of God, and he’s never been the same. Today Stephen is a worship leader and singer of “Come Jesus Come.” Nearly 40,000 people have come to know Jesus through his TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram lives.
April Wilson is a morning show host on Christian radio in Waterloo, Iowa. In this episode, she shares two deeply personal stories intertwining addiction and motherhood.
The first tale recounts April's own struggle with addiction, her journey to faith, and the life-saving gift she gave her mother through an organ donation. The second story shines a light on April's daughter's battle with addiction and the power of a mother's prayers in her recovery.
Motherhood is a journey of faith that requires trusting God and fighting battles on behalf of children. In this episode, we are sharing the stories of three brave women who have cared for, advocated for, and fiercely loved children. Through the stories of Courtney Smallbone, Lana Vasquez, and Kathey Garrison, we see that mothers come in many forms – biological, foster/adoptive, and those who are never formally recognized, but whose love has made all the difference in the life of a child.
Jemimah Wright shares a story of finding her now husband, and God's faithfulness being evident throughout this narrative. It includes her dad, Instagram, her passion for journaling, and hearing God's voice.
Hanai is a Hawaiian term for “adopted” or “chosen” family and it is a really effective way to describe Ryan and Sara Senters. When Ryan was younger, he was all about chasing significance. But then God gave him a heart for vulnerable kids. In their 17 years of marriage, Ryan and Sara have been parents to 11 kids- two biological and nine foster kids they have adopted. But their passion and willingness to trust God has led them on a wild journey of faith. Their story is so remarkable, People Magazine and CBS Morning News have featured stories about their family. Ryan and Sara never imagined they would be parents to 11 or help provide family for hundreds more, but once they heard God’s call on their lives, they could not look back. Ryan and Sara are the founders of Ohana, a foster care agency with 40 homes in Arizona and Hanai Coffee, where kids aging out of the foster system find hope, job training and life skills.
David Smallbone is the father of Luke and Joel Smallbone (For King and Country) and Rebecca St. James. In today's short story, he shares about his family's journey from Australia to Nashville. After losing everything on a large Christian tour, David's family moved to the U.S. to pursue greater opportunities. But when they got there, they faced even more hardship, until they finally found provision in faith and community, through the generosity of a local church.
From humble beginnings in Christian media in Australia to navigating rejection and setbacks in America, the Smallbones' story is one of resilience and perseverance.
Now, their remarkable journey is chronicled in the inspiring new film "Unsung Hero," produced by David's sons Joel and Luke. Listen in as David encourages you to deepen your relationship with Jesus, prioritize family, and find hope in the face of adversity.
Helen Smallbone and her husband David were living in Australia when his business unexpectedly collapsed. With six kids, they took an enormous leap of faith and moved to the United States with everything they had in 16 suitcases. Within a couple of months, David’s new job fell through. They were forced to live by faith and trust God in ways they never had before. Helen is the mother of Grammy-winning artists Rebecca St. James, and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, along with four other amazingly talented children. Before the success and accolades, there was a long season of closed doors and lean years where she had to trust God. Their story is being told in a new movie, Unsung Hero.
Rebekah Albaugh recounts the rich legacy of faith that precedes her, beginning with her grandparents, who first met at a Moody Bible Institute rally in the 1940s. This legacy continued with her parents, who remained steadfast in their devotion to Jesus until their final moments. Tragedy struck when Rebekah lost her father at the young age of 18, yet her mother never stopped praising God. Even as her mother battled cancer and endured suffering and memory loss, she recalled the hymns from her youth, and sang until her last days. This is why Rebekah says "I drink from a well I didn't dig."
True, lasting change is hard. When we are trying to change in our own strength, it can feel impossible. Christopher Cook is a pastor, leadership coach, podcast host, and author who is passionate about transformation. As a young man, he experienced great adversity that resulted in depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. For some people, those challenges could have resulted in losing faith in God. But God used those experiences to teach Christopher about true transformation. Christopher Cook is the host of the Win Today podcast and author of Healing What You Can’t Erase: Transform Your Mental, Emotional, and Spiritual Health from the Inside Out.
Johnathon Eltrevoog shares how God has remained faithful, even when he's felt undeserving or unworthy.
Jenn Pooler had always tried to play by the rules. Like many of us, she believed if she did all the right things then God would protect her from bad things. For Jenn, it was about trying to be in control. When she was 17, she was in a bus accident that altered her life forever and left her angry. Why would God allow this bad thing to happen? She never imagined God could take something bad and use it to change her life for good.
Ally shares her and her family's journey of adding Grace (Baby Snow) to their family through an adoption in China. God provided, grew their family, and even gave Ally a dream that wowed her when it all came to pass.
Abby Mingus says torment is the best way to describe her mental state during decades of addiction. For years she was chasing the next high, driven by desperation to keep the feelings of torment at bay. During one of her lowest moments, she jumped off an overpass onto a busy interstate, trying to quiet her demons. At first, drugs helped her escape from fear, depression and loneliness. But what started as fun, soon became bondage. It stole years of her life. Now, Abby Mingus loves to tell her story. What seemed impossible was made possible. What was hopeless, became hopeful. Torment and addiction were changed to freedom and joy. A word of caution: Abby’s story includes domestic abuse, suicide, and other mature content.
After Andrew Ripp’s family broke apart, he moved to California just to get away. His alcohol addiction eventually led to the destruction of every important relationship in his life. He had grown up in religion, but never had a relationship with a god who could help. He was alone and desperate. But Andrew says even the broken and difficult things in life can be a blessing if they steer you toward the God who loves you. Today Andrew is a Grammy-nominated songwriter, known for songs like “Jericho,” and “Fill My Cup.” He spends his days writing and singing about the One who saved him.
Alexandra Hope Craig courageously shares the journey she embarked on while navigating her husband John's brave battle with cancer, which ultimately ended in his passing.
By the time Christine D’Clario was a young girl, she had experienced more than her share of brokenness. She suffered sexual abuse, the death of her alcoholic father, her mother’s remarriage, moving from the only home she’d known in New York to Puerto Rico, and then bullying and rejection. By the time Christine was a teenager, she was angry with God. She couldn’t imagine He would take the broken pieces of her life and write a story that would become a source of hope for the nations. Today Christine is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and worship leader with millions of followers in Latin America and beyond. She has a passion to see those who struggle with mental health experience the hope and healing of Jesus. (This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse, postpartum depression, and suicidal ideation.)
Ken Guidroz is the author of "Letters to My Son in Prison".
At one point, Ken was a pastor, and he never thought he'd have to worry about his kids ending up in serious trouble, let alone prison. After his middle son, leading a wayward life, became addicted to heroin, this led to a car crash resulting in the taking of another man's life. That led to a series of letters to his son in prison, a road for their own reconciliation, and a rebirth and strengthening of faith for both.
Nikki Davis discovered her passion for Hip Hop radio when she was in college. She was good at it. She loved it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else. But a series of failed relationships and jobs that just didn’t satisfy made it clear, she was longing for more. Then she started growing in her relationship with Jesus. Her life and priorities changed. Nikki realized she couldn’t stay in a job where she was promoting negative things. But how could she walk away from the safety and security of a job she once thought she would do for the rest of her life? Today Nikki shares Hip Hop and the hope of Jesus as the morning show co-host at Boost Radio.
Speaking on strength in weakness, Karis Meier lives with Lyme Disease.
“So I know my story isn't over and it's not the fairy tale ending that I would hope for. But, I can see how God is working, and I know his promises won't fail me and that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living because that is what He promises.”
One hard event after another marked the childhood and early adult years of Molly Stillman. After serving as an army nurse in Vietnam, Molly’s mother was diagnosed with a fatal disease related to exposure to Agent Orange. At 21, Molly received an unexpected inheritance which she squandered in less than two years. Molly’s go-to coping mechanism was humor, so she masked her pain and depression with stand-up comedy and even pursued her dream of making it on Saturday Night Live. But instead of the success she was chasing, Molly ended up in debt and suffocating under guilt, shame, and embarrassment. Molly is a speaker and host of the Can I Laugh On Your Shoulder? Podcast, and author of If I Don’t Laugh, I’ll Cry: How Death, Debt, and Comedy Led to a Life of Faith, Farming, and Forgetting What I Came into This Room For.
Sally Tuxhorn’s Dad rejected Jesus for 85 years, but 9 hours before passing, he accepted Him. Sally praises God for this miraculous change. Sally is a children’s pastor at Trinity Nazarene in Illinois.
One of Humberto Salgado’s favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There are few places as hopeless as the Diamond cell block in a maximum security prison near Mexico City. When Humberto was invited to visit, he felt God wanted him to go, but he was afraid. The men of the Diamond cell block were the worst offenders- dangerous men serving multiple life sentences. And among the worst, was a man they called “the Devil.” In the view of most people, there was no hope any of these men could be transformed, especially the Devil.
Kevin Santiago was driven to succeed. He set out to acquire the things he thought would bring happiness – a good job, house, car, and family. But when his plans began to crumble, he fell into depression. One night he got in his car after having a few drinks. It was a choice that had devastating consequences and left Kevin overwhelmed with guilt and shame. Facing years in prison, he began to believe his life wasn’t worth living. Kevin’s story is a reminder that there is no one who is too far gone, no sin or story that is beyond God’s power to redeem. This episode includes references to depression and suicidal ideation. If you’re struggling, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. A few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes. It was a series of events that some might consider tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof,” and “Believe.” If you’re in a place where your prayers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective.
When Dave Munson graduated from Bible college, he was sure of one thing: the most spiritual thing he could do was full-time ministry. Then Dave went to Mexico as a missionary and that’s where he purchased the leather bag that God used to change everything, including Dave’s pride-filled heart. Dave is the founder of Saddleback Leather Company, whose goal is to love people around the world by making excessively high-quality leather bags. How does a prideful missionary become a humble but super-successful CEO? That’s Dave Munson’s story.
Not long after Jamie Winship joined the police force, he realized he was not equipped to face the challenges on the streets of Washington DC. He needed supernatural help to live out his God-given identity as a peacemaker. Jamie learned how to listen to God. God gave him creative, often radical, solutions that transformed hardened criminals into followers of Jesus. His track record was so successful, he was recruited by the CIA. Jamie spent 30 years working in some of the most dangerous conflict zones on earth, including with terrorists in the Middle East. Jamie is the author of Living Fearless, and he and his wife Donna are the founders of IdentityExchange.com
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. It was a long journey that led her back to Jesus. As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined. She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she’s found in Jesus.
Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.
Iveth Luna is known as one of the rising new artists of today, writing songs that inspire people to worship Jesus. Although she had always secretly dreamed that she could be a worship leader, it wasn’t until she had a supernatural experience at 19 that she knew God was calling her to music. But then she experienced one crushing disappointment after another. In auditions for both The Voice and America’s God Talent, she came so close, only to experience heartbreak. It seemed God was closing every door. The disappointment she felt soon turned to depression and then questioning both God and herself.
Hear the brand-new podcast called "Wow God Stories", with hosts, Lisa WIlliams and Ann Sorenson. This podcast reminds us of a God who is able, alive, and active in our lives. https://www.wowgod.com/podcasts/wow-god-stories/ Click the link, or subscribe on Apple, Google, or Spotify today.
Like many kids growing up on the south side of St. Petersburg, Florida, Kevin Burgess struggled with depression and hopelessness. After his parents’ divorce, he moved from a place where he felt safe, to a community where drugs and violence seemed to rule. He felt forgotten by society and had little hope of living to the age of 30. That’s when an acquaintance handed him a Christian hip-hop CD that changed his life. Kevin Burgess is better known by his stage name, KB. He is a Christian hip-hop artist, music executive, the author of Dangerous Jesus, and a man with a heart to shepherd the lost and hurting toward hope in Jesus.
The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain. For three years she battled anxiety and depression. She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and promised He had a purpose for her life. During those years of struggle Katy realized God had given her the gift of music so she could encourage others. Katy’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single. In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.
When Toni Collier was young, her family experienced a traumatic event that forced her to grow up fast. She had to take control in order to ensure the survival of the people around her. It was a heavy burden and by the time she was a teen, that weight was too much. She set out on a path of destruction that included drinking, drugs, and toxic relationships. Even meeting Jesus didn’t really change her life. Real change didn’t happen until Toni was willing to surrender everything. Toni is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a ministry that helps women know that God can redeem any story when we surrender it to him, and the author of “Brave Enough to be Broken.”
In 2022, Ben Fuller was a singer and songwriter just beginning his career in Christian music. His song “Who I Am” has been played on stations around the country. He grew up on a dairy farm in Vermont as a well-liked kid who seemed to have it all together. But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval. On the inside, he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole. He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, and even “making it” in country music. With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it? Is THIS what life is all about?”
Infertility is more common than we might imagine. One in six couples struggles to conceive, and yet it can be a very lonely experience. Taylor and Lindsey Hohulin had always assumed they would have children. They were healthy and they came from families with lots of kids. So when they had trouble conceiving, it was surprising. Taylor and Lindsey have experienced the highs and lows of an infertility journey. They have been optimistic, disappointed, full of hope and full of grief. When you long for something so desperately, something that God says is good, how do you trust He is faithful even while your prayers seem to be unanswered?
Jon Reddick is a singer and worship leader who writes songs of hope and healing, like “God, Turn It Around” and “I Believe It.” There was a time when the hurts and hard parts of life left him questioning, is God’s plan always good? Would the dreams planted in Jon’s heart ever really happen? He seriously considered leaving music behind. But God used encounters with 2 strangers to affirm Jon’s purpose and change his life.
When it comes to addiction, freedom comes through surrender. Scott Spiezio had always been a “goal guy,” setting goals, working hard and finding success. The son of a major league baseball player, he grew up with his hopes set on playing in the big leagues. He won two World Series Championships with the Anaheim Angels and the St. Louis Cardinals in his 12 years in the major leagues. But an injury, a move away from the tight-knit community of believers that had surrounded him, and the pressures of great success led to the crumbling of his life and career.
Scott Hamilton is one of the most recognized male figure skating stars in the world, winning four World Championships and Olympic gold in 1984. He is a three-time cancer survivor, television broadcaster, motivational speaker, and more. Scott says failure is the thing that has fueled much of his success. God used the challenge of Scott’s journey with cancer to get his attention and to grab his heart.
Long before Page Turner began transforming houses on HGTV shows like “Flip or Flop,” “Rock the Block,” and “Fix My Flip,” she experienced the transformation of her own heart. Raised by her agnostic mother, she was exposed to many different religions as a child. But at 19, she met Jesus. As a single mother and sole provider for 3 young daughters, she desperately needed God to transform her life. Along the way she became a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and TV host, as she learned to follow God wherever he leads.
Austin French grew up in church, but for a long time he despised Christians. It seemed religion was all about pretending your life was perfect, and Austin’s life was anything but that. Living with an abusive father, he learned to hide his bruises and put on a smile. He swore when he was old enough, he would run as far as his cynicism would take him. But an encounter with Jesus at 13 changed Austin’s heart, and he committed to using his musical talents to telling people about Him. After appearing on national television shows like The Voice and Rising Star, Austin has become a successful singer and songwriter with songs like “Freedom Hymn,” “Born Again,” and “Jesus Can.”
Helen Smallbone and her husband David were living in Australia when David’s business unexpectedly collapsed. With 6 kids, they took an enormous leap of faith and moved to the United States with everything they owned packed in 16 suitcases. Within a couple of months, David’s new job fell through. They were forced to live by faith and to trust God in ways they never had before. Helen is the mother of Rebecca St. James and Joel and Luke Smallbone of For King & Country, along with 4 other amazingly talented children. She is the author of “Behind the Lights: The Extraordinary Adventure of a Mum and Her Family.
In 2006, 18-year-old Katie Davis traveled to Uganda for the first time. The people captivated her heart and within a year Katie was back in Uganda. Over the next 13 years, Katie founded Amazima Ministries, became a mom to 13 beautiful girls by the time she was 23, and married her husband Benji Majors. Her books, “Kisses from Katie” and “Daring to Hope” became New York Times best sellers. Her story of taking baby steps of faith and seeing both the mountain-top highs and heartbreaking lows of ministry will inspire you to believe God can do anything.
Susie Larson is a bestselling author, speaker, and host of the popular radio show/podcast Susie Larson Live on the Faith Radio Network. She is a woman known for her wisdom. That wisdom has come through challenging life experiences. The trauma she faced as a child left her feeling afraid and bracing for the next bad thing. But God had a plan for healing her wounds and equipping her to share her story, helping thousands along the way. Susie is the author of more than 20 books and devotionals, including her latest, “Strong In Battle.”
In early 1970, a small group of hippies walked into a church in Costa Mesa, California and helped change Christian music forever. The Jesus Movement had begun on the West Coast, kicking off a spiritual awakening that swept the nation. Chuck Girard was at the center of it. He was a talented musician looking for answers to the meaning of life. He threw off traditional religion, became a hippie, and embraced drugs as the path to finding spiritual truth. Chuck is one of the founding members of Love Song, a band that changed Christian music. If you’ve seen the movie Jesus Revolution, you’ll love hearing this first-hand account of a fascinating time in American history.
When there is deception in marriage, how can you rebuild trust? For more than 20 years Mark and Jill Savage had served in ministry; Mark as a pastor, and Jill as the founder and director of Hearts at Home, a ministry for moms. Their marriage had good seasons and hard seasons. But in what the Savages describe as their darkest year, they faced infidelity and were headed for divorce. How could the pieces of their shattered life be put together again? Today Mark and Jill are passionate about encouraging marriages and families. Jill is the host of the No More Perfect Podcast and has authored twelve books. Together Mark and Jill have authored two books and provide marriage coaching and resources at JillSavage.com. This episode contains adult content.
Tarn Cross believes God has hard-wired us for adventure. When Tarn and her husband Matt had a young family in Australia, they began to grow restless. Their church experience seemed more like dry religion than a relationship with the Creator of the Universe. That’s when God led them to their first mission experience in Uganda. Within days of arriving, they realized what they thought would be an adventure was actually going to require radical faith and trust. Today Tarn is a leader who has traveled the world speaking and helping people discover their God-given identity and purpose.
As co-founder of She Reads Truth, Amanda Bible Williams has helped women around the world read God’s Word every day. She believes in the power of the Bible to transform lives and sustain us through difficult times. A few years after launching She Reads Truth, Amanda and her husband David began the process of adopting their son Toby, who was born with a heart defect. That journey has included both amazing miracles and exhausting suffering, and seeing how God is close through it all.
When Cedric Hardimon faced tragedy as a teenager, his friends challenged him. Would he walk away from his faith or would that experience solidify what he believed? A common thread throughout Cedric’s life has been seeing how God uses it ALL – the successes, the things that look like failures, the mountain tops, and the desert experiences. Somehow God can work all of it together for good. Today Cedric is a pastor at Life Church East Kansas City and he serves as the chaplain for the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the road to these two dream opportunities wasn’t easy. It was a journey filled with opportunities to choose to trust God.
When police knocked on Pastor Monte Gannon’s door, he never could have imagined it was the start of something beautiful. Everything his church-owned was packed in a trailer that had been stolen and burned to the ground. As Monte prayed, he remembered two things- desperate people do desperate things, and God can take what was meant for evil and turn it for good. In a video that went viral, Monte reached out to whoever was responsible for the crime saying, “You are valuable. God has hope for you. You are invited to Meadows Church.” He had no idea how those words would come true.
For years there has been a stigma around issues of mental health, including in the Church. For many of us, we assume depression and anxiety are issues we can fix, if we just read the Bible or pray more. Lydia Laird knew God was calling her to write and perform music about her faith, but she was struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For much of her life she carried shame because she just couldn’t fix it.
The Outpouring at Asbury University began with a small group of students who stayed after chapel to worship and pray. Over the course of the next 2 weeks, some estimate as many as 50,000 people came to Wilmore, Kentucky to be a part of it. On February 23rd, the university officially stopped hosting public services. If you weren’t among the 50,000 who experienced it, today’s show will give you a glimpse. In this episode, we talk with people who came from hundreds and thousands of miles to visit Asbury. Why did they go? What were they hoping for? Guests from Ohio to Ontario share their stories.
On February 8, 2023, a normal chapel service for students at Asbury University turned into something extraordinary. A small group of students stayed afterward and began sharing struggles, confessing sin, and praying for each other. From those humble beginnings, an outpouring of God’s love and presence began and within days thousands had traveled from across the U.S. and beyond to experience it. Host Meridith Foster traveled to Wilmore, Kentucky to hear about it from the students themselves.
Jeremy Camp is a singer and songwriter whose story has been told in music and in a movie about his life. One of his most well-known songs is a simple but powerful declaration of faith. "I Still Believe" was written in a time of deep heartache and grief. As a young man, he had to make a choice. Would he trust that God is good even when life is not or walk away from his faith? That heartbreaking season forged a faith that is the foundation of Jeremy’s life.
Ryan Otto wanted the fairytale marriage and family that he missed out on as a child. But there was one problem- he was paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong person or repeating his parents’ mistakes. Mary Jane was confident of one thing- she would never marry a pastor. It seemed to be an impossible situation, but it was actually an only-God-could-do-this kind of love story.
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. That journey led her back to Jesus and a call to use her musical talents. As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined. She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she found.
Christine O’Dell’s world slowly shrank as she lived with a fear of fear. Panic disorder, anxiety, and agoraphobia lead her to impose restrictions on anything that might trigger an attack. For more than two decades she never traveled more than 15 miles from home. Their kids’ out-of-town games, relatives' funerals, college visits for their kids, visiting elderly parents- she could do none of these. Christine and her husband Les learned to function, but never to be free from the fear that ruled their family. It seemed obvious this wasn’t God’s will for their lives, but change, healing, and hope all felt impossible. But God used an illness that could have been a death sentence to give Christine new life. Christine shares more of her story at GodIsInThisStory.com
Praying for healing can be tricky. Sometimes we pray and see miraculous results. Sometimes we pray and it seems like God isn’t listening. Weez Stockton loves to pray. She has used her voice for decades on the radio, leading worship, and praying for others. She has been both the pray-er, and the one prayed for; especially during the long years when she faced multiple health challenges. If you deal with chronic illness, her story will inspire you to pray and give you hope.
When you work in the fashion industry, image is everything. As a young woman, Hannah Corwin moved to London and began working as a photographer in the fashion industry. It was an environment where it was easy to get caught up in believing you are what brand you wear. Image meant everything, and her identity was completely wrapped up in her job. Today Hannah works in Nashville, shooting artists and musicians in the country music and Christian music industries. Along the way, God got hold of her heart and her camera, and He’s using it to tell about the miraculous things He’s done, through a beautiful book of photography and stories called, “But God.”
Marcus Rixon grew up in a 12’ x 6’ home with no running water in Kolkata, India. One of the challenges he faced was the box that kids like Marcus grew up in- a box that defined him and his potential. But his parents prayed for a way out of poverty, and the first answer to that prayer was sponsorship through One Child that allowed him to go to school. It was the beginning of a series of events that radically changed the trajectory of his life.
Jo Saxton is one of those people who seems naturally gifted to lead. She’s an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. But the early years of her life were filled with experiences that fed a deep insecurity. Her gifts and talents were buried beneath the weight of the baggage she carried. If you’ve ever questioned whether God could use even you, you’ll want to hear Jo’s story.
Have you ever felt God’s presence? The Bible says one of the names of Jesus is Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” In this special Christmas episode of The Unfolding, we asked our guests to share stories of how they have experienced God’s presence in supernatural ways. We hear stories from worship leaders Paul and Hannah McClure, Mike Weaver from Big Daddy Weave, Pam Peoples, and Katie Brink, with special contributions from Mallary Hope and Sisters & Company.
When Mike Donehey thinks about Christmas as a kid, he can’t remember the gifts he received most years. But one Christmas stands out. It was the year there were no presents in the Donehey family. His parents came to the Donehey kids with a proposition – they could afford Christmas presents or surgery to save their dog, Sam. Mike talks about how sometimes, not getting what we hope for, can be a gift. Mike is the former lead singer of Tenth Avenue North and author of “Finding God’s Life for My Will.”
When God calls you to something, sometimes it takes years before it actually comes to pass. Rob Wallstrom has had a very successful career as a retail executive, leading companies like Vera Bradley and Saks Fifth Avenue’s outlet division. But years ago, his goal wasn’t to lead companies. As a teenager, he felt a clear call from God to be a pastor. It’s been 35 years since then. Now, it seems to be time to pursue that dream. If you find yourself in a season of waiting, Rob’s story will encourage you.
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What would you do if you knew God was with you? Ryan Leak is a teaching pastor, speaker, executive coach, and author. He is widely known for his documentary, “Chasing Failure.” He asked himself: What would he do if he knew he could not fail? The answer was easy- he’d be in the NBA- and since the only way to know if that dream could be a reality was to try, that is exactly what he did.
If you have experienced a devastating loss, you may wonder how anyone could survive such debilitating grief. How do you live through that kind of sadness? That’s what Kyle and Betty Mertens thought when they lost their one-year-old daughter Ella. They were drowning in grief, but they were determined to find a way through it with God. In the wake of their tragedy, they created a journal to keep their grief from pulling them apart. Their experience gave them an unexpected expertise on grieving, and they suddenly found themselves helping others navigate loss. Kyle and Betty are authors of the book, “Unraveled: When Loss Changes Everything.”
Courtney Smallbone’s family has followed Jesus for generations. But as a teenager, Courtney was unconvinced. Then a pivotal experience changed her from skeptic to whole-hearted believer. She saw God doing the impossible, and that marked her for life. It changed her expectations and prepared her for a day when she would need to believe for something that seemed impossible. Courtney and her husband Luke, who is half of the duo For King and Country, have four children and live in Columbia, Tennessee.
Despite what we often believe, success doesn’t solve the problem of insecurity. Mike Weaver is the lead singer of Big Daddy Weave. For more than 20 years, the band has experienced amazing success – awards, gold and platinum records, and #1 songs. They’ve toured across the U.S. and beyond. But all that affirmation wasn’t enough to quiet an inner critic. For Mike Weaver, he was never enough.
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, Dareth Ly was 7 years old. He spent most of the next 4 years in a work camp, barely surviving starvation and torture. When he landed in the U.S. as an orphan, he forced himself to forget everything about Cambodia. He knew he would never go back. But God can take what others meant for evil and turn it for good. (Caution for parents: this story contains episodes of violence and is not appropriate for children.)
Nobody sets out to be a failure, but what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen, the first ever multi-season show about Jesus. Long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led to The Chosen.
For missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, a night to celebrate their wedding anniversary turned into a nightmare. On May 27, 2001, they were kidnapped from a resort in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf, a militant organization with ties to al Qaeda. Held hostage for over a year, the Burnhams were forced to live in the jungle with little food or water, endure gun battles, and witness atrocities by their captors.
Sparkle Sanders was driven to succeed in everything she did. One of her greatest fears was failure. Nothing made her feel more like a failure than motherhood. When Sparkle became a mom, it didn’t look anything like what she expected. Every day was hard, and the struggle with postpartum depression made her feel miles away from God. Sparkle is the founder of Beautiful Truth, a for-profit, global ministry that aims to encourage, empower and teach others that through Jesus they can have and live a good, fulfilling life.
When Anne Wilson was growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut. She made plans, started taking classes, and set her hopes on traveling to space. But one tragic summer night in 2017 altered the course of Anne’s life. The death of her brother Jacob set off a series of events that made clear to Anne that God’s purpose was different than her plan. Anne sang in front of an audience for the very first time at her brother’s funeral. That was also the moment God clearly called Anne to spend her life praising and worshipping Him. Her first song, “My Jesus,” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel music chart.
Nathan Sheridan experienced more tragedy as a young boy than many of us face in an entire lifetime. Born to addicted parents, Nathan and his sister were passed between relatives. The abandonment of his parents was followed by even more heartbreak, and that left Nathan carrying a heavy load of grief. Sometimes that kind of heartache can make you believe nothing good could ever come of your story. That was true for Nathan. He dreamed of becoming a singer and songwriter, but he struggled to believe he would ever be good enough for that dream to come true.
Nathan Sheridan experienced more tragedy as a young boy than many of us face in an entire lifetime. Born to addicted parents, Nathan and his sister were passed between relatives. The abandonment of his parents was followed by even more heartbreak, and that left Nathan carrying a heavy load of grief. Sometimes that kind of heartache can make you believe nothing good could ever come of your story. That was true for Nathan. He dreamed of becoming a singer and songwriter, but he struggled to believe he would ever be good enough for that dream to come true.
Karen Horne got really good at “pretend normal.” Her husband was living a lie and she was pretending everything was fine. When you are married to a pastor, there is intense pressure to appear as if all is well. Betrayal, deceit and hidden sin had eaten away at the foundation of their family. Karen would have to go undercover to find out the truth. This episode contains references to pornography and sexual addiction.
Karen Horne got really good at “pretend normal.” Her husband was living a lie and she was pretending everything was fine. When you are married to a pastor, there is intense pressure to appear as if all is well. Betrayal, deceit and hidden sin had eaten away at the foundation of their family. Karen would have to go undercover to find out the truth. This episode contains references to pornography and sexual addiction.
Long before Hope Darst became a successful recording artist and worship leader, she believed God called her to lay down that dream. Surrender had become a theme in her life. Giving up control to Jesus, letting go of her hopes for a career, and surrendering her dream to become a mother were all a part of her path. Today Hope is known for powerful anthems like “Peace Be Still” and “Promise Keeper,” but in the years prior to that success, God called her to lay down dreams and follow Him wherever He might lead.
Long before Hope Darst became a successful recording artist and worship leader, she believed God called her to lay down that dream. Surrender had become a theme in her life. Giving up control to Jesus, letting go of her hopes for a career, and surrendering her dream to become a mother were all a part of her path. Today Hope is known for powerful anthems like “Peace Be Still” and “Promise Keeper,” but in the years prior to that success, God called her to lay down dreams and follow Him wherever He might lead.
If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11. With each story we move closer to Ground Zero. We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day. From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events, but to feel the shockwaves. The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.
If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11. With each story we move closer to Ground Zero. We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day. From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events, but to feel the shockwaves. The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.
James Winston understands that Romans 12:2, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” means more than simply changing your mind. It means complete transformation. When he was 22, James was sent to Viet Nam. Like thousands of other soldiers, he was introduced to heroin. That began an addiction that enslaved him for 30 years. Along the way he served multiple prison sentences and devastated his relationships. It seemed he would never change. But at 55 years old, entering his 5th prison term, he knew he needed transformation. In desperation, he committed to do only one thing – read God’s word.
Chad Mattson is best known as the lead singer of the band Unspoken. For nearly 20 years he’s been touring the country, writing hit songs like “Reason,” “Call it Grace,” and “Start a Fire.” But before he set foot on a stage or realized that music was going to be a part of his life, Chad was living under the weight of contradiction. He knew God was real, he’d felt His presence. Yet his life was driven by addiction. From cigarettes, to alcohol, to drugs, to living in drug houses, his addictions grew stronger. He moved further away from the life God wanted for him and spent every day chasing the next fix.
Mike and Shannaree Muzinich say their relationship was like sandpaper. It was constant abrasion and bracing for the next conflict. For ten years the two physicians chased after things they thought would bring them happiness- a dream home, prestigious careers and big incomes. Yet they still lived in misery with little expectation that things would get better. Even though they weren’t looking for God and had never believed in Him, one night they had an encounter with Him that changed their lives forever.
Nigerian-born singer and songwriter Blessing Offor immigrated to the United States when he was six years old, leaving his parents and five older siblings behind. His family made the difficult choice to send him to America for medical care because he was born with congenital glaucoma and was nearly blind in his left eye. Instead, a few years later a fluke accident left him almost totally blind in both eyes. It was a series of events that many people might have considered tragic, but Blessing Offor considers a gift. Blessing is a talented musician and songwriter, with songs like “Brighter Days,” “Tin Roof,” and “The Goodness” (with TobyMac). If you’re in a place where your prayers don’t seem to be answered and it feels like everything has gone wrong, Blessing’s story might change your perspective.
Terry Wildman didn’t grow up immersed in the history and culture of his First Nations ancestors. But after he met Jesus, his heart for Indigenous Americans grew. As he learned more about the painful history of Native North Americans and the Church, he struggled with questions. But through that struggle, he felt a call to translate the Bible following the tradition of Native storytellers. The First Nations Version of the New Testament has sold thousands of copies, bringing hope and healing to thousands.
The spinal surgery Katy Nichole underwent to correct scoliosis left her in excruciating pain. For three years she battled anxiety and depression. She came to a point where she wanted to give up, but God met Katy at her lowest and assured her he had a purpose for her life. It was during those years of struggle that Katy began to realize God had given her the gift of music so she could encourage others. Katy Nichole’s song, “In Jesus’ Name (God of Possible)” became a viral sensation and set a record for the fastest rise to #1 for a female artist’s debut single. In this episode, Katy shares the story behind the song and how she became convinced there is always hope with Jesus.
Throughout scripture God tells us, “Do not be afraid,” and yet we face a lot of fearful situations in life. How do you live without fear? Paul and Hannah McClure are worship leaders and songwriters who have experienced fear and anxiety just like many of us. But during COVID, they had a scary experience, triggering fears that shook them to the core. But this encounter taught them something new about fear and God and what we can experience when we know that He is with us.
When Lana Vasquez met Jesus at 19, she knew she had been rescued to rescue others. Within a few short years, she was a full-time missionary with Life Impact International rescuing kids from trafficking in Thailand. It was a daunting mission, far beyond what she could do in her own strength. In fact, the work often seemed impossible. But when God asks us to do the impossible and we’re willing to say yes, we are in the perfect position to see the miraculous.
Growing up in Southern California, Lana Vasquez found herself looking for love in all the wrong places. By the time she was a teenager, she was trapped in an abusive relationship, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and spent her nights as a dancer in the clubs of Hollywood. She was living a fast life, but even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood couldn’t hide the fact that she felt desperately empty. At 19 years old, Lana heard the Gospel for the first time. When God rescued her, she knew she was called to rescue others. Within 4 years Lana was a full-time missionary rescuing kids in Thailand through the ministry of Life Impact International.
Jordan St. Cyr had always believed the way to your dreams was through grit and hard work. He knew God had called him to be a songwriter, so he was determined to make it happen. But what if the way to your dreams isn’t through determination, but through surrender? Jordan is the co-writer of the song “Fires,” – a song that has become their family’s anthem as they walk through their daughter's diagnosis with a rare syndrome.
In a post-pandemic world, more and more people are dealing with issues related to mental health. Mandisa is a singer and songwriter who has authentically shared her journey with anxiety and depression. When her friend was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she struggled with sadness and deepening disappointment with God. In this interview, Mandisa shares how depression led to isolation and walking away from her singing career, but God used a community of friends to help lift her out of the dark.
Mark Schultz had always felt a drive to succeed. As the only adopted child in his family, it seemed to be a way to guarantee his adoptive parents would know they had picked the right kid. If he was the starting quarterback, the pitcher on the state championship team, the singer and songwriter who got standing ovations – that surely meant he was special. He is known for songs like “He’s My Son,” “Remember Me,” “I Am,” and “Walking Her Home.” It wasn’t until Mark held his own adopted daughter that he had finally had a revelation about God’s love for him.
Ben Fuller is a singer and songwriter who is just beginning his career in Christian music. His song “Who I Am” is being played on stations around the country. His story began growing up on a dairy farm in Vermont. He was a well-liked kid and on the outside, seemed like he had it all together. But he always struggled to earn his father’s approval. On the inside he felt an emptiness that left Ben searching for something to fill the hole. He tried relationships, alcohol, cocaine, even “making it” in country music. With each new thing, he was left asking himself, “Is this it? Is THIS what life is all about?”
When our story takes a tragic turn, it often feels like God is a million miles away. But Psalm 34:18 says “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Katelyn James’ heart was crushed with the news that the baby she was carrying would not survive. When she pictured the life God had for her, this was nothing like what she had imagined. But rather than guard her heart, God was asking her to lean in and trust that His plan was good. Katelyn and her husband Michael own Katelyn James Photography, where they have coached thousands on how to have their own successful photography business. Theirs is a story of joy, peace, loss, and hope.
When life goes according to our plan, it’s a lot easier to believe in a good God. But when our prayers aren’t answered and we’re left with disappointment, it can be a struggle to trust Him. Dr. Saundra Dalton Smith not only didn’t understand God, she was angry with Him. Today Dr. Dalton-Smith uses her experience to help women live happier, healthier and more productive lives. She’s an author, speaker, and host of the “I Choose My Best Life” podcast, but before all of that, she was a young woman carrying a heavy load of resentment toward God.
Melissa Mork was a college student when her mother tragically passed away. At the time Melissa’s father made a request. He asked her to study grief because it seemed few people really understood what it was like to walk through devastating loss. That charge turned out to be providential. As a professor of psychology at the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Dr. Mork is a resource to thousands dealing with grief. Her insight and wisdom came not only from academic study, but from walking the hard road of loss over and over again. Dr. Mork is the author of Navigating Grief with Humor, and the host of the podcast Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork.
If you or someone you love has struggled with anxiety or depression, you know how crippling that can be. For Kati Pessin, depression was something she first grappled with as a middle schooler and it’s been a part of her life since. The struggle has taken her to the lowest moments of her life, but it’s also been a place where God has revealed her need for him and his love for her in a very powerful way.
Brandon Richardson, known professionally as RICHLIN, was in junior high the first time he met Ryan Stevenson. Over the years, their interaction at a summer camp forged friendship, respect, and an awareness of the gifts God had placed in each other. Both of these guys are talented singers, songwriters and musicians. While Brandon Richardson is a newcomer, Ryan Stevenson is known for songs like “Eye of the Storm” and “With Lifted Hands.” Brandon never really dreamed of being a recording artist, but because of the relationships God weaved into his life, he had a passion to follow God’s call to spread grace and hope, however God wanted to do that. This is a story of the power of a mother’s words and her love, the power of friendship, and how God is weaving those relationships in your life, to lead you to his calling, even when you don’t realize it.
God can use our greatest pain as a launching pad to our greatest calling. That’s what Jonathan Gonzalez believes. But in the beginning, his story seemed hopeless. He was a challenging kid who was making horrible choices. By the time he was 12 he was getting arrested. If something didn’t happen to change his path, he was headed for hardship and a life of pain inflicted on himself and those around him. When Jonathan was 17, he was in a terrible car accident that nearly claimed his life. At the time, he didn’t know who God was or if God was real. In his desperation, just before he took his last breath, he prayed. That night changed Jonathan’s life forever.
Andy Carr was the epitome of the self-made man. From a young age, he knew what he wanted and he worked hard to get it. His work paid off as he quickly moved up the corporate ladder. But the pressures of the life he had built began to close in on him, and he found himself in a hospital with his life hanging in the balance. For the first time, Andy thought to ask God what He wanted for his life. Today Andy is the Vice President for Development and Marketing at Feed My Starving Children, an organization that has provided more than 3 billion meals to hungry people all over the world.
Olivia Lane had always felt a pressure to be successful. From moving to Los Angeles at 16 to pursue an acting career, to appearing on NBC’s “Songland” as she launched her country music career, no amount of success seemed to be enough. In 2017, the anxiety and stress finally caught up with her, leading to burn out, losing her voice, and feeling like a failure. That’s when a supernatural encounter with Jesus changed her from atheist to believer. The song she wrote about her experience, “Woman at the Well,” became a social media sensation. She has 400,000 followers on TikTok, where she regularly shares about her faith.
When Toni Collier was young, her family experienced a traumatic event that forced her to grow up fast. She had to take control in order to ensure the survival of the people around her. It was a heavy burden and by the time she was a teen, that weight was too much. She set out on a path of destruction that included drinking, drugs, and toxic relationships. Even meeting Jesus didn’t really change her life. That didn’t happen until Toni was willing to surrender everything. Toni is the founder of Broken Crayons Still Color, a ministry that helps women know that God can redeem any story when we surrender it to him.
On the 24th of February, Maia Mikhaluk woke to the sound of explosions. It was confirmation of what they had feared. Russia had launched an attack on Ukraine and war had begun. Air raid sirens and rocket explosions have become a daily occurrence. Nearly 4 million refugees have left Ukraine. For many including Maia, the decision to stay or leave is gut-wrenching. Maia is the co-founder and leader of a ministry called International Partnerships. She and her husband have spent 25 years planting churches in Ukraine and they pastor a congregation in Kyiv. She spoke with us from a bomb shelter in her apartment building.
What happens to your faith when life doesn’t follow your plan? Kellie Penn has always been a planner. She had a vision for what her life would be like, and she was confident God would be on board. But, beginning in her childhood, life took a detour. What unfolded was a story that she would never have chosen–an unexpected journey through heartache to joy.
How does a kid from southern California end up in the Mafia? Kenji Gallo soon realized that “the life” wasn’t the glitz, money and glamour he had imagined and there seemed to be no way out. When the FBI offered him a fresh start, he thought that would change his life. But it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus that he experienced real freedom. Kenji’s story has been told on the Discovery Channel, Spike TV, and in his memoir, Breakshot: A Life in the 21st Centrury American Mafia.
Stubborn, selfish, atheist, adulterer. All words that Darren Mulligan uses to describe who he was as a young adult. And not surprisingly, he was also miserable. So when his girlfriend announced she had met Jesus, and found hope and healing, Darren wasn’t happy for her, he was actually angry. It’s hard to believe this was the man who would one day share the Gospel with thousands through his music. Darren is the lead singer for “We Are Messengers” , a group that originated in Ireland. What to many appeared to be an overnight success story, was actually a hard and very messy journey to Jesus.
When Leah Kadwell was a young newlywed, she and her husband heard a clear call from God to move to India. They had dreams of serving and making a real difference in the lives of the people they had grown to love. After 20 years in the country, Leah and her family were forced to leave. The circumstances could have crushed her spirit, but God used her time there not only to bless the people she worked with, but also to change Leah.
When Carissa Carroll’s son Jack was born with special needs, it was nothing like what she had planned for their family. She felt totally unprepared and wondered how his Down syndrome diagnosis would change their lives. But God showed her Jack is a gift worth celebrating and his life has led to the celebration of thousands of babies through Jack’s Basket, an organization with a mission to celebrate babies with Down syndrome.
Author, speaker, and radio host Susie Larson has a wealth of wisdom to share. That wisdom has come through very challenging life experiences. The trauma she faced as a child left her feeling afraid, bracing for the next bad thing. But God had a plan for healing her wounds and equipping her to share her story and her wisdom, helping thousands of people along the way.
When Christa DiEmidio was growing up, she often felt alone. It seemed God was either nonexistent or He simply didn’t care. Christa had the freedom to do what she wanted. So she set out in search of something to fill the emptiness. That search let to an addiction that nearly destroyed her life. But an encounter with God helped her know she was never alone.
From the time Michelle Lewis was a little girl she had a dream. Her greatest desire in life was to be a wife and a mother. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and do the thing she was passionate about- having and nurturing children. But health issues made pregnancy impossible. Letting go of that dream led to depression and grief. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” What do you do when God calls you to let go of a dream but hold on to him?
The fall-out from the pandemic includes a post-pandemic mental health crisis. Some polls show about half of American families have at least one person who has had serious problems with depression, anxiety or stress. Those issues are made even worse when we suffer through them alone. When Tony Mansmith was young, there was a perfect storm of circumstances that left him feeling isolated. The sadness he felt grew into depression by the time he was a young teenager, but for the most part that struggle remained a secret. While Tony’s story is extremely hopeful, it does include elements of self-harm, abuse, and suicide.
One week after high school graduation, Jan Rozga’s son David smoked a legal synthetic drug he had purchased at the mall. Within minutes David had taken his life. Every hope for the future was shattered. From that moment until now, God has been writing Jan’s survival story, helping her learn to have hope and to believe that she could live again. Jan is the author of Raw Survival. She and her husband Mike facilitate GriefShare support groups, and worked to get the David Mitchell Rozga Act signed into law. Jan’s passion is to tell others of the healing power of Jesus and to raise awareness of the dangers of synthetic drugs.
When the police knocked on Pastor Monte Gannon’s door, he never could have imagined it was the start of something beautiful. Everything his church-owned was packed in a trailer that had been stolen and burned to the ground. As Monte prayed, he remembered two things- desperate people do desperate things, and God can take what was meant for evil and turn it for good. In a video that went viral, Monte reached out to whoever was responsible for the crime saying, “You are valuable. God has hope for you. You are invited to Meadows Church.” He had no idea how his words would come true.
Julie Dennison experienced some hard things as a child. Like many of us, she didn’t know a healthy way to deal with trauma. As an adult, opioid drugs became Julie's go-to coping mechanism. What at first seemed to be a way to numb the pain, soon turned into an addiction that controlled her life and devastated her closest relationships. There seemed to be no way out.
Angels play a big part in the Christmas story. But they also appear all throughout scripture as messengers, serving on assignment for God, and sometimes even protecting people from danger. While we don’t worship angels, God clearly uses them to carry out his plan and scripture indicates He is still using angels among us today. In our annual episode of angel stories, we asked you to share your angel encounters. It’s a glimpse into God’s unfolding story and just how big and beyond-our-imagination it really is. This is part 2 of the 2021 edition of The Unfolding Angel Stories.
Psalm 91:11 says, “He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.” Do people still encounter angels today? In this special, annual edition of The Unfolding podcast, we asked about modern-day angel encounters. This collection of angel stories reminds us that the same God who sent angels the first Christmas, is directing angels around us today.
John Karakian has never really thought of himself as an evangelist. He’s just a guy who really loves his dog and his neighbors. John and Buddy met thousands of people as they walked the streets of suburban Detroit for twelve years. John had no idea that God could use something as simple as a chocolate lab to connect searching people with genuine hope. Hundreds of people came to the Christmas program at John's church, all because of Buddy.
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
Growing up in the U.S.S.R., Dmitri and Anya Poliakoff had never heard the story of the Bible. From the time they were young, they had been told there is no God. They were restoration artists who studied some of the greatest painters in the history of art. Many of those paintings depicted the story of Jesus. The truth was right in front of them, but Dmitri and Anya had no idea. One small, smuggled Bible changed everything. Dmitri and Anya now lead A.D. Ventures Ministries, an association of more than 400 churches and mission groups across Russia.
We often come into marriage with both baggage and expectations. When your spouse’s baggage is harder than you expected, how do you navigate that? Joe and Tara Buchanan came into their marriage with very different backgrounds. Joe shares the story of his childhood in Page 1 of The Unfolding. It’s one of the most powerful stories of transformation you’ll ever hear, and it will give you an idea of the challenges he faced in trying to have a healthy marriage. Tara’s background was pretty much the polar opposite- a healthy, intact family that had faith at its foundation. Two people with such different histories were bound to face some hard stuff. God knew they needed to face it and they would need his help to do it.
Growing up in the slums in Kenya, George Odero always seemed to be on the outside looking in. He longed for the love and acceptance of God, but found people couldn’t see past the dirt, poverty, and danger of being a street kid. He couldn’t imagine that God would love him and use him to change his world. George is now a pastor with Forward Ministry Kenya.
How do you live out your faith in relationship with a child who rejects it? When Kevin and Jeanie Thomas' daughter announced she was leaving home and leaving her faith, they were stunned. They never imagined being the parent of a prodigal. They had done their best to lead their kids to Jesus. What followed was a journey of learning how to give unconditional love, and live out their faith with a daughter who had become an atheist.
Jack Cassidy comes from a long line of talented entertainers. Starting with his grandmother, Oscar-winning actress Shirley Jones and including his uncles David Cassidy (The Partridge Family) and Shaun Cassidy, who was also a teen idol and continues to work in television today. Talent overflows in this family. Jack is a singer and songwriter who appeared on season 12 of The Voice. His passion is to sing about the power of God’s love because he has experienced it first-hand. Growing up in a famous family had its privileges, but fame didn’t protect Jack from struggles, including dealing with depression and a cocaine addiction that nearly took his life.
How does the shyest, most introverted guy respond to a call to be a preacher? Rechab Gray decided to run. He couldn't see how God could use him. He was petrified at public speaking, even having conversations with an acquaintance made him sweat. Today Rechab is a church planter and preacher who has found the greatest joy and peace in life, is in surrendering to Jesus.
For many parents, losing a child is one of their greatest fears. How do you believe God is good and trustworthy as you watch your child suffer? When a friend’s daughter received a terminal diagnosis, Esther Lee told God there was no way she could handle something so heartbreaking. When her daughter Ava was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, Esther’s faith was devastated. It felt like God had abandoned her, and she struggled to trust Him. But in her suffering, she found God to be close, walking the journey with her to the point of trusting his goodness regardless of her circumstances. Esther is a wife, mom, teacher, and gifted writer. Her posts on the Team Brighter Days Facebook page during her Ava's illness gained thousands of followers.
Natalie Twedell struggled with fear while her husband Drew was deployed to Iraq. When he passed away while training to become a Navy Seal, her worst fears were confirmed. Anxiety became her constant companion. She referred to herself as a “control freak” who was waiting for the next bad thing to happen. But that way of life is exhausting, and God was calling her to trust him. As a woman overcome with fear, she couldn’t imagine a life of courage or rest.
We are constantly bombarded with things that compete not only for our attention, but to be the source of our identity. It’s tempting to tie our sense of self-worth to our appearance, work, possessions, love relationships, and more. Ami Dean believed she had arrived. She had the house, the car, the spouse, and the kids- all the things that from the outside look like success. But she craved attention. With access to the internet came opportunities to find that attention. What seemed alluring at first turned into addiction to pornography and inappropriate relationships, and that left her in a place of darkness as she watched her world crumble.
In 1975 when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia, Dareth Ly was 7 years old. He spent most of the next 4 years in a work camp, barely surviving starvation and torture. When he landed in the U.S. as an orphan, he forced himself to forget everything about Cambodia. He knew he would never go back. But God can take what others meant for evil, and turn it for good. (Caution for parents: this story contains episodes of violence and is not appropriate for children.)
After experiencing dysfunction and hurt, Tasha Layton left church and set out on a search for truth. That journey led her back to Jesus and a call to use her musical talents. As a gifted worship leader, God opened doors in music but not what Tasha had imagined. She found herself on American Idol and touring the world as a backup singer for Katy Perry, before finding her home writing worship songs and books to help others experience the freedom she found.
If you were old enough to be aware of the events that day, you likely know exactly where you were on September 11, 2001. In this special 20th anniversary edition of The Unfolding, we are sharing a collection of stories from 9/11. With each story we move closer to Ground Zero. We begin 8,000 miles from Manhattan in the jungles of the Philippines. Missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham were being held captive by terrorists with ties to Al Qaeda. Mel Torre shares how a supernatural experience helped him get out of the city that day. From her vantage point overlooking the World Trade Center complex, Christina Stanton was close enough to not only witness the events but to feel the shockwaves. The final story takes you inside the South Tower, sharing how Brian Clark, one of only 18 survivors from above the impact zone, saw the hand of God that day.
As a Level 1 trauma nurse, Sarah Derocha had been trained to handle life and death situations. On a medical mission trip to a remote area of Bolivia, she was critically injured in a bus accident. She knew that her chance of survival was slim because of her nursing experience. The only way she could survive would be if God intervened.
Have you ever been afraid that God might call you out of your comfort zone? Brittany Frost had always tried to do things by the book. But a Bible study on the Holy Spirit challenged her to pray, “God, whatever you want, I’ll do it.” God led her on a journey to the other side of the world and radically changed her home. It's a powerful story of trusting God through pregnancy loss and international adoption.
In this special 100th episode of The Unfolding, we talk with Gary Levox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, about how one night listening to the radio in his mom’s kitchen, changed his life. Many people had told Gary he had a good voice, but he had never really thought of it as a gift, or that God might have a plan for him to use that gift. When he decided to take a leap of faith and move to Nashville, he had no idea he would end up in Rascal Flatts, one of the most successful country groups of all time. To celebrate Page 100, we are sharing YOUR stories of how God has used The Unfolding in your life.
Do you have a story of how "The Unfolding Podcast" has impacted you? We want to know about it, and hope to share more stories like yours on the 100th episode. Share here: https://www.facebook.com/TheUnfoldingPodcast
Laura Johnson experienced some hard and traumatic things as a child. As she grew up, she saw what other children were going through and made herself a promise – she would never do that to her kids. But addiction was tricky. One minute she was in control of her drug use, and the next she wasn’t. Laura found herself doing thing she never could have imagined. But what the enemy intended for evil, God can turn for good. Through addiction, abandoning her kids, and the loss of her son to violence, Laura has found that God can redeem the worst of life. Laura is the founder of Mothers of Violent Crimes, a support group for those who have lost loved ones to violence. This episode contains mature content.
When Anne Wilson was growing up, she wanted to be an astronaut. She made plans, started taking classes, and set her hopes on traveling to space. But one tragic summer night in 2017 altered the course of Anne’s life. The death of her brother Jacob, set off a series of events that made clear to Anne that God’s purpose was different than her plan. Anne sang in front of an audience for the very first time at her brother’s funeral. That was also the moment God clearly called Anne to spend her life praising and worshipping Him. Her first song, “My Jesus,” debuted at #1 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel music chart.
Marcus Rixon grew up in a 12’ x 6’ home with no running water in Kolkata, India. One of the challenges he faced was the box that kids like Marcus grew up in- a box that defined him and his potential, based on where he came from. But his parents prayed for a way out of poverty, and the first answer to that prayer was sponsorship through One Child that allowed him to go to school. It was the beginning of a series of events that radically changed the trajectory of his life.
Something was gnawing at David Zach. For years he had been performing with his band Remedy Drive, singing and telling people about hope and faith. But when he read scripture, especially the prophets, he felt challenged. He sensed a call to do more on behalf of the poor and the oppressed. That call led this lead-singer of a rock n’roll band to risk his life, working undercover with The Exodus Road to help rescue prisoners of sex trafficking.
When Tom Frye got married, he and his wife knew they wanted to be deliberate about creating a healthy marriage and family. They wanted to do life differently than their parents. But sometimes choosing to do life in a more healthy way, can create conflict. And that conflict can lead to strained relationships that seem impossible to mend. If you’ve struggled with healthy boundaries and strained relationships, Tom’s story will give you hope. Tom is a part of the Frye Family Band, and leads Deliberate Family Events through Family First Ministries.
Nobody sets out to be a failure. But what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen. The first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. But long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led him to creating The Chosen.
When Lana Vasquez met Jesus at 19, she knew she had been rescued to rescue others. Within a few short years, she was a full-time missionary with Life Impact International rescuing kids from trafficking in Thailand. It was a daunting mission, far beyond what she could do in her own strength. In fact, the work often seemed impossible. But when God asks us to do the impossible, and we’re willing to say yes, we are in the perfect position to see the miraculous.
Growing up in Southern California, Lana Vasquez found herself looking for love in all the wrong places. By the time she was a teenager she was trapped in an abusive relationship, addicted to alcohol and drugs, and spent her nights as a dancer in the clubs of Hollywood. She was living a fast life, but even the glitz and glamour of Hollywood couldn’t hide the fact that she felt desperately empty. Then at 19 years old, Lana heard the Gospel for the first time. When God rescued her she knew she was called to rescue others. Within 4 years Lana was a full-time missionary rescuing kids in Thailand through the ministry of Life Impact International.
When people ask Baylor Wilson, "What happened to you?", the best way she can sum it up is: Jesus happened. At 26, Baylor has lived a life that many only dream about. She thrived as a competitive cheerleader, starred with her mom on Season 29 of the television show Survivor, and landed a country music publishing deal, all before graduating from college. But success didn’t translate into happiness or feeling fulfilled, until Jesus happened.
If your goal in life is to be happy, what do you do when your marriage makes you unhappy? For Jaime Crosier, the answer was to move on. When Kevin and Jaime met, their life of partying together was nonstop fun. But after marriage, a child and an affair- happiness was long gone. It would take a movie and miraculous intervention to change their path toward divorce.
Pray for our troops. It’s a great phrase to post on social media, put on a bumper sticker, or a sign in your yard. But Captain Kyle Swanson lived it. During his time in the military, he watched prayer change things- change the weather, change the course of a grenade, literally save lives. When Kyle says prayer changes things it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience, and he wants you to know your prayers can change things, too.
Pray for our troops. It’s a great phrase to post on social media, put on a bumper sticker, or a sign in your yard. But Captain Kyle Swanson lived it. During his time in the military, he watched prayer change things- change the weather, change the course of a grenade, literally save lives. When Kyle says prayer changes things it’s not a trite phrase. It’s his real-life experience, and he wants you to know your prayers can change things, too.
Healing can be a mysterious thing. Sometimes God answers our prayers. Sometimes we don’t see the miracle we are hoping for. For Emma Villanueva, both are true. As a young girl she was miraculously healed, saved from a surgery that would have left her wheelchair-bound for the rest of her life. Then as a teenager, Emma was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy. In the years since, she has watched her body grow increasingly weak. What happens to your faith when you know God can heal, but He doesn’t?
What if we looked at life as if everything was a miracle? That’s much easier when life is going well. When Chris and Denise Benyo got married, they were looking forward to a bright and beautiful future. But within months, Denise was diagnosed with a progressive neurodegenerative disease, called ALS. How do you see everything as a miracle, while you’re facing a terminal diagnosis?
No matter what you go through, as long as you are holding on to Jesus, you can stand. That seemed to be the recurring theme of the Bible stories Laura Piraino studied as she was leading a women’s ministry. It’s one thing to teach it, but it’s another to live it out. How do you hold on to Jesus when you are robbed of your sense of safety; when the place that had been your sanctuary becomes a crime scene?
Jesus said everyone who hears his words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down and the winds blew, yet it did not fall. Adam and Christina Hannan were trying to raise their family on a firm foundation. For years they made a habit of reading Jesus’ words and putting them into practice. But their faith had never really been tested. That all changed the day their son Myles was born.
Sparkle Sanders was driven to succeed in everything she did. One of her greatest fears was failure. Nothing made her feel more like a failure than motherhood. When Sparkle became a mom, it didn’t look anything like what she expected. Every day has hard, and the struggle with postpartum depression made her feel miles away from God.
When Tracy Hoth first met Jesus, it was fun and dynamic. Her life changed almost overnight. But as the years went by, faith became more of a responsibility than a relationship with the Creator. Prayer and reading the Bible felt like a duty, but didn’t bring life or joy. But God continued to pursue Tracy, confirming she could trust him, even when her son was in a traumatic accident. ()
For so long there has been a stigma around issues of mental health, including among believers in Jesus. For many of us, we assume depression and anxiety are issues we can fix, if we read the Bible or pray more. Lydia Laird knew God was calling her to write and perform music about her faith, but she was struggling with depression, anxiety and panic attacks. For years she carried shame because she just couldn’t fix it.
What if you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that heaven is real and you could spend eternity with Jesus? If you could see it with your own eyes, would that change you? Dean Braxton was a normal guy, living a pretty normal life, when he had an out of this world experience that changed him forever.
Is there purpose for the pain and loss we experience? That’s been a question that Marie Kuck has grappled with throughout her life. As the mother of a special needs child, she has lived face to face and heart to heart with the challenges of disability. She’s been forced to ask tough questions, like how do you process grief, while holding on to hope? And how can God take heartache and work it for good? If you struggled with these questions, Marie’s story will help you believe that hope lives, even in the shadow of grief.
After a sudden illness and 107 days in the hospital, Gary Miracle came home to a radically different life. He had lost all four limbs. Gary and Kelly held on to the belief that God would not allow something so big and drastic in his life, if He didn’t plan to use it in a big way. Gary’s story became the inspiration for MercyMe’s song and video, “Say I Won’t.”
Gary and Kelly Miracle were living a very typical life when Gary suddenly became sick. He was admitted to the hospital, his kidneys began to fail, and he fell into septic shock. In a matter of days, life as they knew it changed forever. Gary is the inspiration for Mercy Me's song, "Say I Won't.
Mandisa is best known for singing powerful, upbeat songs of faith. When her close friend Kisha was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she fell into a deep depression that nearly claimed her life.
Have you ever felt like the foundation of your faith was crumbling? It's a hard experience for anyone, but especially difficult if you are an artist who has built your career on songs of faith. Jason Gray shares his story and a song inspired by his journey in this episode of The Unfolding.
Many people thought Dani Burton was a lost cause. From the time she was young she was searching for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Drinking and drugs led to shame, addiction and eventually prison. She would walk through heartbreaking loss before she finally understood that God saw her as worthy, beautiful and beloved.
Ryan Otto wanted the fairytale marriage and family he missed out on as a child. But he was paralyzed by the fear of choosing the wrong person or repeating his parents’ mistakes. Mary Jane was confident of one thing, she would never marry a pastor. It seemed to be an impossible situation, but it was actually an only-God-could-do-this kind of love story.
We all long to be loved and accepted. When people shower us with attention, it can be intoxicating. But when they repeatedly reject us, the wounds can be deep and long-lasting. The rejection Blake Mattocks experienced as a teenager forged a deep and festering anger that led him to a very dark place.
For missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham, a night of celebration turned into a nightmare. On May 27, 2001, they were kidnapped from a resort in the Philippines by the Abu Sayyaf. They were held hostage for more than a year, forced to march through the jungle with little food, no clean water, and witnessing atrocities along the way. It was a year that would test their faith beyond anything they had experienced before.
Empty- that was how Daniel Goulet described his life. He tried to fill the void with drinking, drugs, and pornography, but nothing worked. As he spiraled into addiction and despair, he began thinking of suicide. That’s when he had a supernatural encounter that offered a way out.
Daniel Massieh was a young man in Egypt when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus. His first question was “Lord why didn’t I know you sooner? Why didn’t someone tell me about you?” He had a passion to share the love of Jesus with everyone he met. But telling people about Jesus came with a cost - rejection, persecution, and prison.
How do you trust God as you watch your child suffer and your prayers seem to go unanswered? That was the unwelcome journey of Kelly Denham’s life. Kelly’s son T.J. experienced a brain injury when a mistake was made during heart surgery. For years, T.J. suffered and Kelly struggled to help, cope, and hang onto her faith.
What if you grew up believing you were unlovable? Going from foster home to foster home, Joe Buchanan believed there must be something wrong with him. It would take a supernatural act of love to change his life.
When Christmas doesn’t go the way we hope, it can be disappointing. But sometimes when things don’t go according to plan, it turns out to make some of our most precious memories. In this special episode, we share the stories of three people who had a different kind of Christmas.
All throughout the story of Jesus’ birth, there are encounters with angels. In fact, the scriptures, both Old and New Testament, are full of these stories. But many of us are perplexed by these spiritual beings. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Do people still encounter angels today?
The trauma and abuse Stephanie Cockrell experienced as a child left her with a deep-seeded, all-consuming anger. She moved through life ready to fight anyone that crossed her path. But at the same time, she was desperately looking for hope and love. She wanted to believe that somehow all of those traumatic experiences could be redeemed and that she could be free from the prison of anger, and maybe even help others find freedom too.
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
Sometimes God gives us the choice to sacrifice something, and then trust that He is going to provide. Micah Tyler is a singer and songwriter whose career started when he and his wife decided to give up safety and security and trust God to meet their family’s needs. That experience taught them a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness that has sustained them through literal and figurative storms.
Justi Hudson desperately wanted to adopt a baby. When a birth mom chose Justi and her husband, they believed their prayers had finally been answered. But the process of adoption can be both exhilarating and heart breaking. It would stretch her faith farther than she had ever trusted God before.
Dan Wheeler had it all. As a host on QVC, he had a successful career, money, and a dream home to share with his wife Beth. He was a driven man who rarely had time to sit and enjoy life. But when Beth was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, his priorities were turned upside down, but ultimately right side up.
Jordan St. Cyr had always believed the way to your dreams was through grit and hard work. He knew God had called him to be a songwriter, so he was determined to make it happen. But what if the way to your dreams isn’t through determination, but through surrender? Jordan is the co-writer of the song, “Fires,” – a song that has become their family’s anthem as they walk through pain and suffering.
Lauren Banik had grown up with broken relationships, particularly with the men in her life. Without even realizing it, she was searching for something that would make her feel loved, honored, and respected. God showed up in the middle of dysfunction, to bring hope and healing. This episode contains mature content. It may be difficult to hear, especially for those who have experienced sexual abuse.
Growing up in Saudi Arabia, Sameed Osman studied Islam and trained to be a defender of the faith. The only thing that matched his passion for Islam, was his distaste for Christians. He relished the idea of humiliating believers and destroying their faith. In his own words, he was the last person on the planet who would follow Jesus.
Every day we are bombarded with messages about what we need in order to be happy. Dick and Lou Hohulin pursued none of that. They moved to a remote village in the Philippines and labored for years to share the hope of Jesus before they ever saw a single convert to Christianity. Instead of chasing success, they have given their lives to partner with God, and they have lived an incredible adventure. They are the happiest people on the planet.
Kim Cash Tate was a woman driven by her goals. After her parents’ divorce, she grew up focusing on getting a good job and making a whole lot of money. She was inclined to cling to success and the security she believed would come from it. She was well on her way to achieving those goals when God interrupted her plan and showed her what she really needed.
In the blink of an eye, life can change. A lightning strike lasts only a fraction of a second, but that was long enough to change John Reimer’s life. The chance of being struck by lightning this year is something like one in 500,000. To be the victim of such a rare and catastrophic event would cause many people to live in fear. How could such an unusual accident leave someone feeling fearless and full of peace?
Brant Hansen’s early years seemed perfectly designed to create a skeptic. Growing up in church, he was exposed to some hard things. He learned that what is presented from a platform is not always genuine. How does an analytical, question-asking skeptic come to a place where he is willing to cash everything in to follow Jesus?
It’s easy to trust the hand of God when your life is going well. It’s another thing to trust Him when everything is shaken to the core. When Tammy Trent’s husband died unexpectedly, she was forced to choose – Was she going to run toward God, or away? Whether your grief is fresh or decades old, Tammy’s story and what she’s learned on the journey with grief will encourage you.
What happens when a detour in life turns into a permanent, unwelcome journey? When Laura Story's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, they prayed for healing and a return to their hopes and dreams. But God's vision for their life was a different plan, including finding unexpected joy in surrender.
From a very early age, Steven Curtis Chapman felt compelled to fix what was broken- to keep the peace, avoid conflict and make people happy. So what do you do when your family’s heartache is so deep, it can’t be fixed this side of heaven?
When Sabrina Scott was diagnosed with lupus as a teenager, she wondered what she had done to deserve it. God was allowing it and she believed she had no say, no control, and no hope that God would change it. She couldn’t imagine that one day both her body and her faith would be transformed.
If you or someone you love has struggled with anxiety or depression, you know how crippling that can be. For Kati Pessin, depression was something she first grappled with as a middle schooler and it’s been a part of her life since. The struggle has taken her to the lowest moments of her life, but it’s also been a place where God has revealed her need for him and his love for her in a very powerful way.
When you’re good at what you do, it’s easy for work to become your identity. Josh Lauritch had found his dream job, working in the music business. But somewhere along the way his career became his source of significance. So what happens when you lose your job and your identity?
Kat Lee wanted to be a great mom. But growing up without a mother left her feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. She was desperate for help. That’s when God stepped in with a simple directive that changed her life and eventually impacted thousands of others. Kat Lee is the founder of HelloMornings.org and is passionate about teaching others how to jump-start each day with a grace-filled, life-giving morning routine.
From the time he was young, Mark Bettinger understood that his life was in God’s hands. As a baby he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic illness that has no cure, requires hours of treatment every day, and typically takes decades off of life expectancy. That reality could cause many to live in anxiety and fear. But Mark was born with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to say yes when God asks, "Will you trust me?"
Somewhere deep in our hearts many of us believe that if we serve God and make the right choices, then life will be good. That was true for Sarah Yeackley. She had started following Jesus as a little girl. While her life hadn’t been perfect, nothing happened that would challenge her belief that if you do good, then God will make sure good things happen. All of that changed the day she walked into an ultrasound appointment and heard devastating news.
Jeremy Camp is a singer and songwriter whose story has been told in music and in a movie about his life. One of his most well-known songs is a simple but powerful declaration of faith. "I Still Believe" was written in a time of deep heartache and grief. As a young man, he had to make a choice. Would he trust that God is good even when life is not, or walk away from his faith? That heartbreaking season forged a faith that has been the foundation of Jeremy’s life.
Why does God lead us into hard valleys? Suzanne Happs had already been through a really tough season of life, and it seemed that God had led her to that place. Just as she got her footing, they received devastating news – their son had major health challenges and they had no health insurance. It’s a story about learning to trust that God will make a way when there seems to be no way.
How does the shyest, most introverted guy respond to a call to be a preacher? Rechab Gray decided to run. He couldn't see how God could use him. He was petrified at public speaking, even having conversations with an acquaintance made him sweat. Rechab found you can run from God's call, but you cannot hide. )
Randy and Monica Zachary had been married and in ministry for 10 years. As a pastor and pastor’s wife, they did what they had always done – put on a happy face and pretend that everything was okay. But it was not okay. Secrets of alcoholism, deceit, and infidelity were killing their marriage. It would take a supernatural force to bring them back from the brink of divorce.
When the only thing in the world you want is a baby, hearing a doctor say your chances are slim is devastating. Dianne Leman always knew she wanted to have a big family. But she and her husband Happy struggled with infertility for years. Their desperate search for help led them on a journey that radically transformed not only their family, but their faith and future.
Mandisa is best known for singing powerful, upbeat songs of faith. When her close friend Kisha was diagnosed with cancer, Mandisa was confident God would heal her. When He didn’t, she fell into a deep depression that nearly claimed her life.
How do you live out your faith in relationship with a child who rejects it? When Kevin and Jeanie Thomas' daughter announced she was leaving home and leaving her faith, they were stunned. They had done their best to lead their kids to Jesus. What followed was an incredible journey of loving their daughter, even through the valley of the shadow of death.
Nobody sets out to be a failure. But what if failure is exactly what we need? Dallas Jenkins is the director of The Chosen. The first-ever multi-season show about Jesus. But long before The Chosen, Dallas wasn’t interested in making faith-based films. He dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. What God taught Dallas through failure became part of the incredible story that led him to creating The Chosen.
Jo Saxton is one of those people who seems naturally gifted to lead. She’s an author, speaker, podcast host, and leadership coach. But the early years of her life were filled with experiences that fed a deep insecurity. Her gifts and talents were buried beneath the weight of the baggage she carried. If you’ve ever questioned whether God could use even you, you’ll want to hear Jo’s story.
John Karakian has never really thought of himself as an evangelist. He’s just a guy who really loves his dog and his neighbors. John and Buddy met thousands as they walked the streets of suburban Detroit for 12 years. John had no idea that God could use something as simple as a chocolate lab to connect searching people with genuine hope.
How do you keep going when you’ve lost someone you love? Joy Sheehan has experienced the unthinkable. She has walked through the valley of grief, and what she’s learned will give you hope and maybe even help you find gratitude in the process.
What if you knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that heaven is real and you could spend eternity with Jesus? If you could see it with your own eyes, would that change you? Dean Braxton was a normal guy, living a pretty normal life, when he had an out of this world experience that changed him forever.
One of our fears about the coronavirus is that someone we love will get sick. What would happen to our health, our family, our faith? In February 2019, Coach John Brock traveled to France to work with a ministry. Stories of the spread of the coronavirus were just beginning, so John and his wife were very careful. It wasn’t until John returned to the United States that he realized something wasn’t quite right. Hear his story of beating COVID 19, and how God gave him hope and peace, even in the hardest moments.
Is it possible to have peace regardless of your circumstances, even when facing coronavirus? Dave Butts was in the middle of writing a book about peace when he learned he had Stage IV cancer. Hear Dave’s story plus an update to our original interview, sharing how you can have peace even in the midst of Covid 19.
As a Level 1 trauma nurse, Sarah Derocha had been trained to handle life and death situations. On a medical mission trip to a remote area of Bolivia, she was critically injured in a bus accident. Because of her experience, she knew her chances were slim. The only way she could survive would be if God intervened.
For decades Jessie believed that what happened to her as a teenager was her fault. The secret shame she carried was like a chain around her neck, dragging her down and affecting every relationship in her life. Drugs were a way to mask the pain, and eventually, addiction took everything- her kids, her relationships, and her career.
What happens to your faith when life doesn't follow your plan? Kellie Penn has always been a planner. She had a vision for what her life would be like, and she was confident God would be on board. But beginning in her childhood, life took a detour. What unfolded was a story that she would never have chosen- an unexpected journey through heartache to joy.
Michele Cushatt spent her life checking boxes, doing what good Christian girls do.Then one thing after another went horribly wrong and she was left wondering if God was real, and if He cared at all about her suffering. How do you hold onto faith when it seems like God Himself is gone?
Adversity can destroy us or make us stronger. As a child, Habeeb Habeeb was painfully shy and sheltered. Then a war stranded him thousands of miles from his family and far outside his comfort zone. The only thing he had left to hang on to, was his faith.
Kari Bollant’s life changed when she experienced God’s love. The woman who once had been paralyzed by fear became willing to go anywhere God directed – neighborhoods, college bars, strip clubs and beyond, just to share God’s love. If you long for a more adventurous life, you’ll want to hear her story.
Growing up with a toxic father had distorted Gina Copeland’s view of God. If fathers get angry, drink too much and abandon you, why would you ever trust them? It would take a relentless pursuit, and an overwhelming love of God to change her heart and her view of fathers.
It’s hard to surrender our lives to God. It’s even harder to surrender our kids. When their daughter was diagnosed with cancer, Trent and Lydia Hol were faced with the reality that they couldn’t control their world or their daughter’s healing. All they could do was surrender.
How does a kid from southern California end up in the mafia? Kenji Gallo soon realized that “the life” wasn’t the glitz, money, and glamour he had imagined, and there seemed to be no way out. When the FBI offered him a fresh start, he thought that would change his life. But it wasn’t until he encountered Jesus that he finally experienced hope and freedom.
You can’t read the Christmas story without bumping into angels. Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds all encountered them. Do people still encounter angels today? That’s the question we asked, and the stories we share will fill you with wonder and hope.
When someone you love is in the throes of drug addiction, there is a cost. For Valena Claiborne, her mother’s drug use brought a high price. She lost her job, their home, and most of their possessions. But the even bigger cost for Valena was the loss of love, trust, and respect- Not just in her mom, but in God.
Eltricia Lindsey only wanted to try drugs. She never wanted to get addicted. She just wanted to do things her way. Her journey to humility included pain, prison, and eventually an encounter with God that set her free.
What happens when a detour in life turns into a permanent, unwelcome journey? When Laura Story's husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor, they prayed for healing and a return to their hopes and dreams. But God's vision for their life was a different plan, including finding unexpected joy in surrender.
Sometimes God gives us the choice to sacrifice something, and then trust that He is going to provide what we need. Micah Tyler is a singer and songwriter whose career started when he and his wife decided to give up safety and security and trust God to provide. That experience taught them a deep confidence in God’s faithfulness that has sustained them through literal and figurative storms.
For years JK Wilson locked away the traumatic experience that led to the birth of her son. After giving him up for adoption, she believed that part of her story was over. But God has a way of making beauty from ashes.
Have you ever felt like the foundation of your faith was crumbling? It's a hard experience for anyone, but especially if you are an artist who has built your career on songs of faith. Jason Gray share his story, his journey back to faith, and a new song in this episode of The Unfolding
Thirty years old with stage 4 cancer and a treatment plan that doesn't seem to be working - that is the unwelcome journey for Megan Thompson. How can you face such physical hardship and bitter disappointment, and not get angry with God? And if you do feel angry, can you still have faith?
The Unfolding has been bringing stories of actual people that have been a witness to the mighty power of our God! Listening to the people come forward with their experience of what God can do in everyone's lives is so uplifting!! Reality!! Praying and believing is more powerful than any kind of drug/alcohol ever created by man. Believing that our father is real and alive can transform anyone's life!!
When Carl Parks lost his son in a tragic accident, he was desperate for two things: to know that C.J. was in heaven, and that God would somehow use this tragedy for good. God kept his promise and brought good out of the heartbreaking.
When Carl Parks was young, he didn’t care about anyone, not even himself. Knee deep in drugs and alcohol, he was on his way to self-destruction. But a simple, unlikely act of kindness changed his heart and his life.
Have you ever been afraid that God might call you out of your comfort zone? Brittany Frost had always tried to do things by the book. But a Bible study on the Holy Spirit challenged her to pray, “God, whatever you want, I’ll do it.” God lead her on a journey far outside the comfort zone, to the other side of the world, and radically changed her home. (key words: miscarriage, adoption, orphan care)
When Julia Wilson's son came home from Afghanistan, she breathed a sigh of relief. But not long after he arrived, she began to see symptoms of PTSD. She had no idea of the depth of his struggle, and no idea how much she would need God to help her through the days ahead.
When Samuel Worden was 14 his life tragically changed in an instant. It devastated his family and his faith. Why would a good God allow this kind of pain? The hurt, sadness, and anger seemed like an impossible barrier between him and Jesus. But when he desperately needed a father’s love, Samuel had an encounter that changed him forever.
Kim Kidd didn’t think she needed God until she was facing a 50-year prison sentence. She couldn’t imagine spending the rest of her life in jail, so she asked God to take her life. But God had another kind of freedom in mind for Kim, including transforming her life from cocaine dealer to the first woman to receive clemency in the state of Indiana.
Stubborn, selfish, angry, adulterer. All words that Darren Mulligan uses to describe who he was as a young adult. Although he indulged every desire, he was miserable. When his girlfriend told him she had met Jesus, Darren wasn’t happy for her, he was actually angry. But her transformation was the beginning of a life-changing journey for Darren- one that would lead to him sharing the Gospel with thousands as lead singer of We Are Messengers.
How do you trust God when your dreams are shattered? Brenda Nevitt was devastated when her husband B.G. was killed in a motorcycle accident. But she knew God would get her through. She had experienced His faithfulness first-hand when she walked through an unthinkable tragedy less than a decade before. No matter what your loss, Brenda’s story will give you hope and encouragement.
For Jason Hanson being a Christian wasn’t about being transformed by God. It was more about believing he was better than other people. After pushing away doubts and questions for years, he finally told his wife Sallie he was an atheist. He began a journey to find out what was true. What he discovered changed his mind, but it would take God to change his heart.
One of Elisha Kearns greatest desires was to have a baby. Doctors told her she had a 3% chance of conceiving because of PCOS. The journey of infertility brought her to a place of desperation and leaning on God in a way she never had before. How do you wait for what God promised when your arms are empty?
Dave Butts was in the middle of writing a book about peace when he found out he had stage 4, incurable cancer. For most of us, that news would rock our world and challenge our faith. But God had been teaching Dave about the gift of peace that He wants to give every one of us- A peace that doesn’t change with our circumstances. If you ever struggle with worry or anxiety, you’ll want to hear Dave’s story.
Robert grew up in the poorest part of rural Uganda. For perspective, he got his first pair of shoes when he was 14. His father told him if he would just get a good education, then he would find a fulfilling and happy life. Miraculously, Robert made it to college, but once he was there, he realized education would not be his savior. He set out on a journey to find a higher purpose in life, and boy did he. You will love hearing this joyful, miraculous story.
When Kacy Harris found out she was expecting a child, the whole family was excited. But then they learned their baby might have Trisomy 18 and likely would not survive. Although she had been a Christian for more than 30 years, this was the first time Kacy felt God next to her, carrying her through.
Control seems like such a good thing, but God calls us to let go and let Him direct our path. For Jim Eisenmenger, that was tough, particularly when his wife felt called to something that seemed so risky. That’s when God used a Christian music festival to change Jim’s heart and loosen his grip on control.
What do you do when God calls you to let go of your dream, but hold on to Him? That was the painful place Michelle Lewis found herself. And it’s also the place where she found a hope stronger than anything she’d ever experienced.
Mark Schultz had always felt a drive to succeed. As the only adopted child in his family, it seemed to be a way to guarantee his adoptive parents would know they had picked the right kid. If he was the starting quarterback, the pitcher on the state championship team, the singer and songwriter who got standing ovations – that surely meant he was special. It wasn’t until Mark held his own adopted daughter that he finally had a revelation about God’s love for him.
If your goal in life is to be happy, what do you do when your marriage makes you unhappy? For Jaime Crosier, the answer was to move on. When Kevin and Jaime met, their life of partying together was nonstop fun. But after marriage, a child and an affair- happiness was long gone. It would take a movie and miraculous intervention to change their path toward divorce.
Kathy Garrison’s dream of a safe and simple life radically changed when God broke her heart for orphans. She thought adopting a child would be their family's big leap of faith. It turned out only to be the beginning.
For Clay Harrington, being a stutterer meant a childhood of teasing and humiliation every time he spoke in front of the class. That experience made him certain of one thing - he would never be a public speaker, and certainly not the preacher that his mother said he would become.
Long after Tina Zimmerman gave up on her father, her mother continued to pray that one day he would be saved. There was no earthly reason to believe it would happen. He was too far gone. But then God did something stunning.
From a very early age, Steven Curtis Chapman felt compelled to fix what was broken- to keep the peace, avoid conflict and make people happy. So what do you do when your family’s heartache is so deep, it can’t be fixed this side of heaven?
What if you grew up believing you were unlovable? What kind of person would you become? Many people believed Joe Buchanan would end up in prison, on drugs or dead. It would take a supernatural act of love to change his path.