The Scattered Seeds Podcast: Recent Episodes
Hosts Nate Devlin and Tom O'Boyle and Producer Kate Kuzko
We are the Scattered Seeds Podcast: Where Every Life Has a Story. Join Hosts Tom O'Boyle and Nate Devlin and Producer Kate Kuzko as we explore testimonies featuring stories of how the Lord can orchestrate lives. You're listening to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, Where Every life Has a Story
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Is it ever too late to find the Lord. Is anyone ever too old, too lost, too set in their ways? Those who know scripture know the answer, and it is at the heart of today’s episode
Our guest today, Mr. Rick Martin, came on the show to share the story of his father and the miracle that salvation can be at any age. So, join Tom, Nate and Rick as they discuss faith, redemption and how it’s never too late to start serving the Lord.
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Sometimes the greatest stories come from the darkest moments. Acid attacks are one of the cruelest forms of torture in our modern era. It does a near irreversible harm to the victim, and results in years of surgeries and repairs. That’s how today’s story starts. But that isn’t how it ends.
Hanifa Nakiryowa grew up as the eldest daughter in a Muslim home. As a young mother she was a victim of an acid attack after attempting to leave an abusive marriage. But through the pain she found Jesus.
So join Tom, Nate and Hanifa as they recount a tale of transformation. Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life has a story.
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What do you do when your idyllic life falls around you? How do you face the end of a marriage when you never thought that was an option? And how can you take the lessons learned in the fire and help the next generation be better equipped to face the trials of life?
Nadine Michalak is a teacher and the head of children’s ministry here at our church. And she is passionate about raising up our young men and women to be ready to face the challenges of adult life with faith and conviction.
So, join Tom Nate and Nadine as they discuss facing the unexpected and raising the next generation to be ready for the path ahead. Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
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What do you do when you find out that in order to stand up for the word of God you have to walk away from the denomination you’ve known and served all your life. What do you do when you have to leave the brick and mortar of a church building behind to preserve the church within. How do you withstand the changes and challenges that come from such a decision? Those are some of the question that Pastor Andrew Randall found himself facing when he had to leave the Church of Scotland with the majority of his congregation.
His journey towards healing took time and was not without additional challenges. And now we are bringing that story to you. So join Tom, Nate and Pastor Andrew as they weave the story of what it takes to find optimism again.
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Today’s guest comes from an auspicious family, not least of all on this podcast. State representative Josh Kail is the son of Karyn Kail from Episode 3, as well as the cousin of the late Brandon Kail from episode 7 and the younger brother of Zach Kail from episode 115. Josh grew up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, went to school at Geneva, before moving to Beaver County for work. There he eventually became the area’s state representative.
Join Tom Nate and Josh as they explore his journey from growing up in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, to Harrisburg.
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Last time on our show we had Jaryd Boyer and his story of living life wild on the streets. It was a story of drugs, guns and even a stint in jail. But when we left the story Jaryd was at a turning point. God had gotten a hold of him, and every facet of his life was changing. Today we get to hear about what God had planned for that new life. It’s an exciting story so:
Join Tom Nate and Jaryd as they start telling this journey.
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Drugs, Guns, and living a life outside of the will of God, that’s how our story today starts. Jaryd Boyer has had an interesting life, it's mapped out on nearly every visible surface of his skin. By the time he was 13 he was out of the house and running drugs on the street. His story is so interesting that he has the rare honor of getting two episodes to tell it. Today is all about how the Lord got a hold of his life, and next time is about what the Lord did with that life once he took it over.
Join Tom Nate and Jaryd as they start telling this journey.
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It isn’t often that we are able to have guests come back on our show, so today’s interview is a treat. Originally the guest of our 55th episode, Joel Salatin is still the owner of Polyface Farms, a chemical free, common sense farm located in Virginia. More recently he has been at the heart of quite a bit of speculation as the American government changes hands once again. So join Tom, Nate and Joel as they talk about Farming, Freedom and what our world looks like as the second Trump era begins and what it could be into the future.
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From dealing drugs to feeding hundreds, today’s guest has gone from being a bad influence to someone whom the Lord is using to reach others daily. Doug Smith is currently the Assistant Executive Director of Pittsburghs Light of Life mission, working with past guests Jerrel Gilliam (Episode 36) and Hutch (Episode 67) to bring help to the homeless of the greater Pittsburgh area.
So join Tom, Nate and Doug as they explore the path the Lord has led him on, and the slap in the face that helped him find it.
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Matt Robles is an elder, recruiter, father, and on occasion a pulpit supply pastor. He lives a life dedicated to finding the opportunities to serve God in the day to day. His story doesn’t speak to one or two major moments of service, but rather what is possible with slow, steady faithfulness to the God we serve.
So join Tom, Nate and Matt as they discuss what it means to live faithfully in our current culture.
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Today’s story comes from a corner of Christianity that we haven’t touched on yet.
Brandon Mullet is a music teacher and choir director as part of the Faith Builders Education Programs, a Mennonite Christian school with both an K-12 as well as a 2 year secondary education track. And his faith journey is one of balancing living in a tight knit Christian community with using music as an outreach to the greater world.
So join Tom, Nate and Brandon as they discuss, faith, music and what it means to be pilgrims in this world.
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Today’s story is one that spans the globe as we follow our guest out of Moldova in the former USSR all the way to Grand Rapids Michigan. Vladimir Snurenco is an economist and scholar born as the USSR melted back into countries like his native Moldova. He has taught and studied across Europe and when his wife was granted a visa to the USA right before Covid, he brought his expertise to both Calvin College and the Acton Institute.
So join Tom, Nate and Vladimir as they discuss God's economics in our modern world.
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Today’s story is how a problem from the past can inform hope for the future. Reverend Joshua C. Robertson was a child that the school system failed. Having been passed through year after year based on athletic prowess, Joshua entered college with a second grade reading level. It took the intervention of a mentor to get him back on track. And now Reverend Robertson is making strides to improve the educational outcomes of children in his hometown of Harrisburg PA.
Join Tom, Nate and Reverend Joshua as they discuss education, school choice, and how to make the future brighter for every child.
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Hands on, Heads up, Hearts open, that’s one of the motto’s of Kenny Erb’s physical therapy practice. And it means that to help people heal from injury and pain you have to treat more than the muscles and sinews that are damaged. You must help their minds and hearts heal as well. And one of the ways that Kenny’s practice helps that to happen is by offering to pray with his patients. It’s a controversial practice in our day and age, but one that the people who come through his doors appreciate greatly.
So join Tom, Nate and Kenny as they discuss the intersection between physical therapy and faith.
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It isn’t often that we have a guest return to the show, but having just passed our fifth anniversary its fitting to bring back one of the firsts. Dr. T. David Gordon is a recently retired Grove City College professor, theologian and author with a new book to discuss entitled Choose Better: Five Biblical Models for making ethical decisions. And he was our 19th guest in our first year of the show.
So join Tom, Nate and returning guest Dr, T. David as they discuss the book, what retiring to write looks like, and just what ethics mean in our modern world.
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The family is the basic building block of society. It stands as one of the three pillars of our culture, along with the church and the government. But in recent years, the family has increasingly come under attack. Which is where the PA Family, and our guest today, President Michael Geer, come in. PA Family stands in the gap to advocate for school choice, religious liberty, parental rights and access to alternatives to abortion.
So join Tom, Nate and Michael as they discover how a news media man moved into the political sphere and how his faith informs what he does for communities and families across the commonwealth. Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast. Where every life has a story.
Find out more about PA Family at pafamily.org
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Today’s episode is a faith journey that starts in Brazil and ends in a thriving congregation in Pensacola, Florida.
Uri Brito has been senior pastor of Providence Church in Pensacola for 16 years, which is Presbyterian in affiliation.
Uri did his graduate and doctoral work in pastoral ministry at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida, under the tutelage of past podcast guest and former member of Beverly Heights, John Frame.
While studying under Frame, Uri changed denominations within Presbyterianism. Among other things, he came to believe that communion should be served weekly; that worshippers should sing boldly; and that children should be present with their parents in worship.
So join Tom and Nate as they explore Uri’s faith journey as well as his new book, The War of the Priesthood: An Exposition of the Armor of God.
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Today’s story takes us from a life addiction and crime, through the valley of despair and onward to the heights of the joys of loving and serving the Lord. Ron Laffey is 35 years clean from Narcotics, and his purpose now is letting others know that they don’t have to be stuck in a life of addiction and despair any longer. And he gives the glory for his recovery to the Lord.
So join Tom, Nate and Ron as they explore his life changing faith journey.
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In our culture its almost frowned upon to get Married in college. Our young adults are told that it’s a time to explore themselves, and their options as far as partners are concerned, rather than settling down so soon. But today’s guests wanted to do things God’s way, and so Hannah and Wes Seo married young, and now are on the eve of the birth of their first child, and joyfully ready,
Join Tom, Nate, Wes and Hannah as they talk about two faith journeys, blending faith backgrounds and deciding to be countercultural in an ungodly world.
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Today’s guest is well known to many of our listeners through Beverly Heights as well as the Coalition for Christian Outreach, or CCO at Duquesne University. He is a father of 5, the leader of next generations ministries at the church, and sometimes he even portrays Larry the Christmas star in front of the entire congregation. Peter Chace is witty, creative, and most importantly, loves and serves the Lord in all he does. So join Tom, Nate and Pete as they discuss his faith journey through ministry and into the pastoral realm.
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A tough, hardworking, man with a 3rd grade reading level who was known to be quick to a fight, a drink or a new daring stunt, and a man used by God to speak to people across the world about the Lord. These two seem like different characters being introduced in a story. And in a way they are, because today’s episode is all about the Transformative power of a personal relationship with Christ.
Bill Burns started his life as a kid known for being difficult, into a hard-hitting teen remembered for his tenacity on the football field and wrestling mats. As an adult, he was known as hard working but with a chip on his shoulder and a whole world to fight. But all that changed overnight when he gave his life to the Lord. Now he is known for sharing the gospel with anyone who crosses his path. So join Tom, Nate and Bill as they share what only God can do to change a life.
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Prayer is a powerful gift and an awesome responsibility. The apostles saw prayer as one of their most important duties in their service to the Lord and to His church. The Psalms are full of songs of prayer. And today’s story centers on the importance of prayer, particularly in the lives of the next generation of believers.
Sally Burke is a former Nasa engineer turned prayer warrior in charge of an international prayer group of women called Mom’s in Prayer. And today she came on the show and shared her story for you. So join Tom, Nate and Sally as they explore her faith journey from a non-believing scientist to a pillar in the faith.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, Where Every Life. Has a Story.
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Music is a universal language. It spans cultures and eras and has the power to bring people together or divide them. It is a thing of beauty and a gift that echoes creation. And music is also at the heart of today’s episode.
Jeffrey Tedford has lived a life that revolves around music. He began playing the violin at the age of 4, and studied music at the undergraduate, graduate and PhD levels. Now he runs the entire music department at Grove City College, where he was an undergrad and now helps raise up the next generation of musical leaders for the church and for the world.
Join Tom, Nate and Jeff as we discuss his life, and the beautiful thread music has woven through it.
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There are many ways to praise the Lord. On the show we’ve heard from musicians and vocalists and composers, and today we are adding our first dancer. Danielle Black has been dancing since she was a child. And as she grew older the Lord led her to combine her passion for dancing, her skills as an educator, and her love for the Lord, to create a Christ centered dance company.
Join Tom, Nate and Danielle Black as they discuss her journey of faith and her discovery of dance as a way to praise the Lord and minister to kids. Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
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We have had heard many stories of individuals sent to various parts of the globe on our podcast. We’ve had guests who lived in Ethiopia, Thailand, Slovenia and Spain. And guests who traveled here from India, Uganda and Iran. All showing the wondrous plan of God and the many diverse places obedience to his leadings can take you.
Today we hear the story of Elizabeth Rodriguez, who was called to America where she found faith, and back to Colombia where she found purpose. Hers is a remarkable story of God’s sovereignty in her life, as she moved from desperation to now directing important work for the Lord back in her homeland. And the local Pittsburgh ministry PRISM played a crucial role in her story .
So join Tom, Nate and Elizabeth as they explore her journey from Colombia to Pittsburgh and back again.
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Sometimes we share stories of the kind of faith that follows a call across the sea. Sometimes we share stories of steady faithfulness of quieter lives of service. And today we are sharing a story with ties to both.
Reverend Zachary Kail has been a presbyterian pastor for a church on the Island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea for over a decade but the first time he was mentioned on this show was in our first season as his mother Karyn Kail, shared her own faith journey. So Join Tom, Nate and Zach as we go full circle and discuss faith and following the path set before you wherever it leads.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life, has a story.
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Storytelling is an artform that has been passed down through generations. For thousands of years the stories were shared through the spoken word, and then the written word. And in the last hundred years we’ve also begun to tell stories through the medium of film. Today’s guest is Scott Sander, the executive producer, and creator of Pense Productions, a film production companies that seeks to tell good stories with good messages.
So join Tom, Nate and Scott as they follow his journey from Pittsburgh to Hollywood in the pursuit of telling stories that matter. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
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Throughout the lifetime of our show we have covered many hard topics. From death and dying, to illness and injury. And we have heard about despair and triumph. But perhaps never quite so clearly as we have on today’ show.
David Caldwell is a longtime friend of both Tom and Nate. He is a stalwart follower of Christ, and he knows the depths of depression and despair and has walked through to the other side. Join Tom, Nate and David as they recount his journey and the ways in which the Lord brought him through each valley he came to.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Throughout the lifetime of our show we have covered many hard topics. From death and dying, to illness and injury. And we have heard about despair and triumph. But perhaps never quite so clearly as we have on today’ show.
David Caldwell is a longtime friend of both Tom and Nate. He is a stalwart follower of Christ, and he knows the depths of depression and despair and has walked through to the other side. Join Tom, Nate and David as they recount his journey and the ways in which the Lord brought him through each valley he came to.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Since our show began over four years ago, we have had many notable Grovers as guests — that’s Grove City College alumni for those not in the know. And today’s guest exemplifies the same pattern of a life in service to Christ and others that we have come to expect from our Grove City guests.
In 2006, the United States Senate unanimously confirmed Paul McNulty to the position of Deputy Attorney General, the second in command at the U.S. Department of Justice and the Chief Operating Officer of the department’s 100,000 employees.
Today, Paul serves as the ninth president of Grove City College, from which he graduated in 1980.
Join Tom, Nate and Paul as they follow his life story from growing up in a Roman Catholic home in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, to establishing a relationship with the Lord that was cultivated by his time as a Grover.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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For over a quarter of a century Steve and Melissa Lamie have been a fixture on the athletic fields of Grove City College. Mr. and Mrs. Coach head the men’s basketball and women’s soccer teams respectively and together they have been building a culture of Christian living in their teams on and off the field.
So join Tom, Nate, Steve and Melissa as they share their journey to Grove City College, athletics, and each other.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
From starting the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the Naval Academy, to starting a bible study in Pittsburgh that has been helping Christian businessmen and women grow in grace and truth for years , Today’s guest has spent nearly 8 decades in service to the Lord. Bruce Bickel is a name that has come up in past episodes. And today Bruce is finally a guest on our show. So join Tom, Nate and Bruce Bickel as they discuss his faith journey and adapting an attitude of Gratitude no mater what the Lord brings into your life.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
A man in California, and a woman in Amsterdam are both called to the same city in Thailand. They meet, become friends, and eventually get married. And the story doesn’t end there. Chris and Esther Hoagland are today’s guests. Still missionaries to the same area in Thailand they are perfect examples of God’s sovereign plan in action.
So join Tom, Nate, Chris and Esther as they weave the story of the Hoagland’s journeys to Thailand and their continued work there.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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There are stories that whose enduring messages of hope, renewal, and redemption transcend time and space. Stories like Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings and Lewis’s the Chronicles of Narnia. And today’s guest is an expert on both men and the times and battles that shaped them into the culture creators we know and love.
Joseph Loconte is the author of the book A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918. He just finished a stint as a guest lecturer at Grove City College and today’s episode he joined Tom and Nate to discuss Tolkien, Lewis and Loconte. So join Tom, Nate and Joseph for an adventure through the Great War and into Joe’s own life and Christian formation.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Large families are a rarity these days. People now consider two children a handful let alone three or four. So what would compel a couple to have 10 children and counting? Courage and faith that the Lord has a plan and that he will provide.
Amber and Garr Baker are expecting their eleventh child, which is remarkable in an age where many value convenience and ambition over the joy of parenting children. So join Tom, Nate, Amber and Garr as they discuss trusting the Lord with the size of their family, the joy found in raising their children and the value and sanctity of life in a world that no longer holds value in caring for someone above our own ambitions.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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How far would you go to be able to freely worship the Lord? The next town? Another country? How about the other side of the world? That’s how far today’s guest had to travel. Farshid Rezaee was born to a Muslim family in Iran. His first encounter with Jesus was a publication of the Sermon on the mount in a newspaper. Eventually his journey of faith led him out of Iran and into a ministry of apologetics and evangelism. Today he uses those gifts in service of students through the Pittsburgh Regional International Student Ministries, or Prism for short.
So join Tom, Nate and Farshid as they discuss his faith journey, and what it really means to take up your cross and follow Jesus.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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How does a bouncer with a reputation for fast cars and a fast temper become an international Christian apologist? That’s the story we’re bringing you on today’s episode.
Stuart McAllister has been serving the Lord across the world. He was behind the iron curtain before the fall of Communism and ministering to Europe and America in the years since its fall. And he has much to share on faith and on hope. So join Tom Nate and Stuart as they explore his faith journey from Glasgow to Atlanta.
And stay tuned after the episode for a word from our sponsors at Grove City College.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Today’s episode marks the fourth anniversary of our show and what better way to
celebrate than with a guest we’ve been hoping to interview since the very beginning.
And what’s better than one guest? Two of course.
Mother and daughter Marilyn Meek and Micki Cantine have been at the heart of the
ministry here at Beverly Heights for decades. They have impacted the lives of
countless individuals as they served in multiple capacities.
So joinTom and Nate as they interview Marilyn and Micki and consider their
faith journey, the church and their mutual love of the Lord. It wouldn’t be a Meek-
Cantine interview without a bit of roasting as well, but all in good fun.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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20 years is a long time to wait for a foreign mission field to blossom. Especially for two Pittsburghers who had never lived further than the next state over. What does it take to wait for the Lord to work? Patience and perseverance grown through years and years of prayer.
This is the story Ken and Carolyn Muckle brought to us today. They had been called to the mission field of sunny Spain where they lived and labored for 25 years planting a now thriving evangelical church. So join Tom, Nate, Ken and Carolyn as they tell the story of answering the call.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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Imagine having to hand your child to a surgeon for open heart surgery at only 16 months old? Now imagine that same child growing up to help countless other infants heal from the same affliction years later. That’s the story we’re bringing to you today.
Dr. David Hoganson was born with a rare heart defect, and if it wasn’t for the life saving surgery he received at 16 months old he wouldn’t be here telling his story today. But that is only the beginning. Join Tom, Nate and David as they discover the paths the Lord lead him on to go from the child in need of healing, to the hands that have healed many.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast,
Where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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What qualities make a good leader? That’s the question at the center of today’s episode. John Stahl-Wert (not to be confused with the Pittsburgh Steeler) has spent the last few decades helping leaders of business, non-profits, and nations learn to be the best they can for their people.
Join Tom, Nate and John as they follow his path from the Mennonite communities of Pennsylvania to the Marxist meetings in the 1970 in Washington DC, and then back to understanding what it takes to become a true servant leader after the model of Jesus himself.
And be sure to stay to the end of the episode for a brief word from our sponsors up in Grove City College.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
The 100th episode is a major milestone in the life of any show. And today we have been blessed to have reached that milestone! And in light of such a momentous occasion we decided to interview our very own Tom O’Boyle.
So join Tom, Nate and I as we discuss some of the key moments in Tom’s faith journey as well as the role adversity plays in Christian growth. And be sure to stay tuned to the end of the show for a word from our sponsors at Grove City College.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, the show where every life, has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
We’ve had many interesting guests on our show over the last few years. We’ve had parents, children, doctors, missionaries, an Olympian and even Miss Pennsylvania. And today we are adding a congressman.
Keith Rothfus served our nation as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district. Today he joins Tom and Nate as they discuss the state of the United States Congress as well as the faith journey that brought Keith into that role.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Read the essay by Keith Rothfus On How to Fix Congress
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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Over the past few years we have had the privilege of sharing many stories on our show. Some were stories told by household names, others were about lives lived in quiet spaces. But today’s show is about a man that anyone who has followed our podcast from the beginning will be familiar with. Dr. Byron Bitar was a mentor of Pastor Nate’s when he was in undergrad. And Dr. Bitar was a witness to the world in his life and continues to be so in his death.
Today we had the honor to have Byron’s wife Gail, and their son Brandon as guest on the show. So join Tom, Nate, Gail and Brandon as they discuss Byron Bitar’s life, death and legacy.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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Adoption is a contentious topic in the world today. And for this episode we have the privilege of sharing a story about a child of adoption, who grew up to be a pastor with a unique view on the doctrine of adoption.
Kevin Haley has been a United Methodist pastor for more than 40 years. He’s a father, husband, Grove City College graduate, and the son of both a loving pair of adoptive parents, and a 17-year-old woman who was brave enough to have him and put him up for adoption.
Join Tom, Kevin and Kate as we discuss his life, faith and journey through discovering what adoption means in both the physical and spiritual realms. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsor for four years. And in turn, we support their mission in offering its students a Christian liberal arts education – and continuing its preeminent position as place where faith and freedom matter. Listen for more information from Grove City at the close of today’s show.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
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The death of a loved one, and the grief that comes with it, is hard for the human heart to bear. It isn’t something we were created to endure, but in our fallen world it is a universal experience. For today’s guest, Victor Lee Austin, it was the death of Susan, his wife that put him on the path of having to come to grips with grief.
So join Tom, Nate and Victor as they talk about love, friendship, loss, grieving and healing. And how to still say Blessed is the name of the Lord at the end of it all. Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
It takes a leap of faith to start your own company, especially one that offers parents a Christian alternative to the content offered by the current culture. But Erick Goss, CEO and Co-Founder of Minno, the Christian Children’s Streaming Service, knows about leaps of faith.
Join Tom, Nate and Erick as they explore his adventures in faith from the Navy to corporate America and beyond. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Grove City College has been our generous sponsors for 4 years. And in turn, we support their goal of offering a Christian Liberal Arts Education to students. Listen for more information from Grove City!
Support the show
Ancient Artifacts, archaeological digs, and a college professor, put together, that sounds like something straight out of Hollywood. And today’s guest, Dr. Mark Graham is remarkable. He teaches in the history department at Grove City College, has worked multiple summers in digs at Carthage, Tunisia and Sardinia, Italy, and he has told us that he doesn’t own a fedora.
So join Tom, Nate and Dr. Graham as they explore his faith journey from a fighting fundamentalist to a reformed presbyterian and how he found himself in the world of antiquities and archeology.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
What do football and faith have in common? According to today’s guest, quite a lot. Jon Kolb played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1969 to 1981 as Terry Bradshaw’s left side tackle. He was on the field for the Immaculate Reception, competed in two strongman competitions and has four Superbowl rings with the 1970’s Steelers. Now Jon works with people recovering from injuries and illness and provides physical therapy when Insurance wont.
So Join Tom, Nate and Jon as they explore his journey through faith, football and what strength means to a Christian. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
You can find Adventures in Training with a Purpose at https://www.adventurestraining.org
We live in an interesting moment in time, as today’s guest states, ours is a world post Christendom and we have to learn how to navigate it. But take courage, because the Lord is still on the Throne and the early church faced similar political pressure and thrived.
David VanDrunen is a professor at Westminster Seminary in California. He is the author of books such as “Living in God’s Two Kingdoms”, “God’s Glory Alone, the Majestic Heart of Christian Faith and Life” and his most recent book “Politics after Christendom: Political Theology in a fractured World.
Dr. VanDrunen was also the guest speaker for our annual Scattered Seeds Symposium, and as an added treat, this show is also broadcast in a video format.
So join Tom, Nate and David as they discuss his faith, his books and what it means to be a Christian in today’s world. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Numinous. It’s a word we’ve used on this show many times. It means being filled with a sense of the divine. And what can be more numinous than a life touched by the Lord.
Today’s guest is Todd Loizes, a graphic designer by trade, but a follower of Christ by lifestyle. And anyone who has spent any amount of time with Todd can recognize the peace and joy of a divinely touched life. So join Tom, Nate and Todd as they unravel a tale of finding the Lord and staying on his paths. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
It would be a drastic change going from working as a vice president of a college to a janitor sweeping floors. But sometimes the Lord has to remove our ambitions so we can instead follow His path for us. And when he does, it’s only the beginning of the story.
Today’s guest is David Silk, currently a chaplain serving in a hospice role, formerly a college vice president and chief operating officer, a manager at Promise Camp, and yes, a janitor. He learned the joy that comes through submission.
So join Nate, Tom and Dave as we explore his faith journey and what it really means to die to one’s self, take up your cross and follow Jesus, no matter what he requires of you.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
It would be a drastic change going from working as a vice president of a college to a janitor sweeping floors. But sometimes the Lord has to remove our ambitions so we can instead follow His path for us. And when he does, it’s only the beginning of the story.
Today’s guest is David Silk, currently a chaplain serving in a hospice role, formerly a college vice president and chief operating officer, a manager at Promise Camp, and yes, a janitor. He learned the joy that comes through submission.
So join Nate, Tom and Dave as we explore his faith journey and what it really means to die to one’s self, take up your cross and follow Jesus, no matter what he requires of you.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
How do we determine the value of a life? We talk about how all lives are valuable, but by which scale do we measure once a child comes into the world? Do we view them by what they can do, what they can become, or produce, or do we view them through God’s eyes. These are questions that come forward in today’s episode as Tom Kneier talks about his son, who was born with Down Syndrome. It isn’t a story of accomplishment, and it isn’t a tragedy. It’s a story of the extraordinary.
So join Tom, Nate and Tom as they discuss the extraordinary ordinary.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcasts, where every life has a story.
You can visit Tommy's Blog at WhenTimeStandsStill.net
In a world that seems to be falling apart, where friendships are a brittle as glass and can shatter if one side of the relationship makes the mistake of sharing an opposing political view, it’s important to understand the value of Christian relationships. Which is the main theme of today’s interview. Dr. Kyle Bennett is a philosopher, and an educator who has taught at the university level for many years. Now he is taking his passion for Christian formation and his experience in education in a new direction; by opening a Christian Academy here at Beverly Heights. So join Tom, Nate and Kyle as they explore Kyle’s faith journey, and the path that lead him to this new adventure. Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast.
From A shipwreck in shark infested waters, to a trip to heaven, today’s guest knows good stories. After all, Lynn Vincent as co-written 4 books on the New York times best sellers list. But today the story we are interested in sharing is Lynn’s. And with a tale that includes a rocky childhood with periods of homelessness, a stint in the Navy, and a unique conversion Lynn has quite the story to tell.
So join Tom, Nate and Lynn as they explore her faith journey and how she caught lightning in a bottle four times.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life, has a story.
There is a particular kind of pain involved in watching your child suffer. But it’s a remarkable story when that pain is transformed into a ministry to help others in the same situation. That’s the kind of story our guests Richie and Regan Reader told us today.
So join Tom, Nate, Richie and Regan as they discuss their faith journey to find the purpose of their pain as they walked with their youngest daughter Myka through illness, treatment and how God turned their experience into a ministry.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life, has a story.
You can find Richie and Regan's ministry at pressingon.org.
Rarely on our show have we had a guest as well connected to Pittsburgh’s pastoral and ministerial structure as John Guest. John has had a hand in founding ministries across Pennsylvania and at 86 still has as much passion for the Lord and for evangelism as he did the day he was saved at a Billy Graham crusade. So join Tom, Nate and John for this week’s episode.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
How does one handle the loss of a loved one? The loss of two? Or three? How do you keep going after tragedy knocks you down? Today’s guest will tell you that you do so by trusting the Lord. Justine Campanga is a talented young woman with a loving husband and a beautiful little girl. But Justine’s story is one that brings the book of Job to mind. She has faced loss after loss, but still she says that God is good. Join Tom, Nate and Justine as they follow her Faith journey from a household that didn’t believe in God, to the strength of conviction she shows today.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast. Where every life has a story.
The path to Hollywood isn’t one we usually cover on our show. But rarely is the path to Hollywood so full of evidence of God’s hand on someone’s life as it is in the story of Byrne Offutt. Burn is a native Arkansan who’s journey took him to the stage and screen before recently bringing him here to Pittsburgh. His is a story of trusting in the Lord for the path, and recognizing the moments that God intervened along the way. So join Tom, Nate and Byrne as they tell you about his journey.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where Every Life Has a Story.
It took years for the first of the Prai people to come to the Lord, and the growth was slow. But if you ask today’s guests if they would change anything they had done, they would tell you no. The Jordan’s have no regrets in the life the Lord has called them to. Decades in Thailand among the Prai people has seen hundreds of people added to that first believer.
So join, Tom, Nate, Dave and Fran as they discuss a journey of faith that spans decades and the globe.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
What does it take to walk into a war zone? Courage. That’s what Father Jason Charron needed when he and one of his parishioners entered the Ukraine on day 4 of the invasion in their efforts to rescue 22 orphans, their 4 caretakers, and the additional women and children they met in their two days there. Join Tom, Nate and Father Jason as they discuss his faith journey, Christian history, the current situation in the Ukraine, and what it means to be courageous even when stepping into the line of fire.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
The American Justice System isn’t a place where you want to find yourself. It’s a harsh place that doesn’t care about intention as much as outcome, and sometimes what is fair and right is swallowed up by logic and the opinion of the jury. But can good still come from a prison cell?
That’s the story that today’s guests, father and son duo Matt and Hollis Haff will tell you. It’s a tale of the prodigal son and the father waiting for him to be able to come home. It’s a tale of tragedy and of redemption. So join Nate, Tom, Matt and Hollis as they tell their story.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
You could say that when we started this show three years ago, that statistically speaking, the odds were not in our favor. Only half of all shows produced ever make it past their seventh episode, and its estimated that only one in four podcasts in existence are still making content. And that 75% that fail , usually stop before the first year is up. So making it to three years speaks of two things. The faithfulness of God when it comes to endeavors he inspired, led and continues to keep his hand on. And the enduring appeal of stories. So join Tom, Nate and I as we share some of our favorite moments and what it means to be wrapping up our third year of podcasting and starting into our fourth.
Welcome back to the Scattered seeds podcast, Where every life, has a story.
Why is it important to tell stories? Particularly histories? Our guest today has spent over 4 decades writing, teaching, and learning about history and he had a bit to say about the topic. Gary Scott Smith is a professor emeritus of History from Grove City college and has written multiple biographies covering some of the most interesting figures from the last 250 years. So join Tom, Nate and Gary as they discuss the importance of history, good stories and whether or not the trend of viewing the past through the lens of the present is helpful or harmful to our understanding of the people and events in question.
But first a word from our sponsors: A past guest of our show, David Ayers, has done a lecture on Christian Marriage. You can access the series “Great Lectures from the Grove” on the Grove City College You Tube Channel
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life has a story.
Its an interesting path that leads from Grove City College to working in Washington DC, but it’s the path that today’s guest took gladly. Rachel Bovard graduated from Grove City College in 2006, where she met and worked for Professor Paul Kengor before getting an internship at the Heritage foundation in DC. Today Rachel is known for her quick-witted op ed pieces and her work at the Conservative Partnership Institute. So join Tom, Nate and Rachel as they explore her faith journey, her work in DC and the political underpinnings and future of the republican party. Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, the show where every life has a story.
Brothers aren’t always born from the same parents. Sometimes the closest brotherhoods are those born in faith and tempered by time. That was the case for Craig Wolfley and his best friend and brother, the late Tunch Ilken. Craig and Tunch were drafted onto the Pittsburgh Steelers the same year, they roomed together, they played together, they worked together as sportscasters and Pittsburgh radio institutions. And they were together when Tunch passed away from ALS.
So join Tom, Nate and Craig as they travel through an epic friendship, and two lives lived for the Lord.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, today’s guest has lead an interesting life, from Starting his faith journey in a commune in the seventies to living as a missionary with his wife and four children in Japan. And at the climax of today’s story lies the question of whether or not a life threatening illness reset your faith?
David Fuller was a longtime missionary with his wife Kyoko in her native Japan. Today he’s on the other side of a dangerous brush with Covid 19. So Join Tom, Nate and David as they discuss his faith journey.
But first a word from our sponsors. A past guest on our show, David Ayers, just began a new series of video lectures on Christian Marriage at Grove City College, which is a sponsor of our show.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, the show where every life has a story.
“The primary light we need to participate in democracy, to serve the common good, and to dwell as faithful citizens of the City of God is shed not by the Washington Post but by “the light of the world” (Jn 8:12).” That line is from the book Reading the Times, A Literary and Theological Inquiry into the News by today’s guest Jeff Bilbro.
Jeff teaches in the English department at Grove City College and is a 36 year old who insists on nothing smarter than a flip phone, and who wrote large portions of the book on paper. His quick wit, love for good books and most importantly his love for the Lord made his conversation with Tom and Nate an enjoyable one. So join Tom, Nate and Jeff as the discuss Christian Formation, The news and its impact on our world, and a good book or two.
But first a word from our sponsors. A past guest on our show, David Ayers, just began a new series of video lectures on Christian Marriage at Grove City College, which is a sponsor of our show.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, the show where every life has a story.
What would you do if you were given a cancer diagnosis? How would you feel? How would you react? Now imagine if you were a new mom with a 10 month old son and you were given that news? That was where today’s guest was a few short years ago. But Jocelyn Blystone’s story isn’t a tragedy, it’s a triumph of faith. So join Tom, Nate and Jocelyn as they take a journey through her story.
But first a word from our sponsors. A past guest on our show, David Ayers, just began a new series of video lectures on Christian Marriage at Grove City College, which is a sponsor of our show.
Welcome back to the scattered seeds podcast, the show where every life has a story.
Ephesians 2:10 says “for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” But how do we determine what we’re supposed to be doing with our life? Today’s guest, Rick Newton, of the Newton family of companies has dedicated his life’s work to answering that question. Join Tom, Nate and Rick as they explore Ricks faith journey and his quest to answer the questions of purpose in a Christian life.
https://www.newtonint.com/our-brands
There are things in this world that no one likes to speak of. Darkness and cruelty that, unless it touches our day to day lives, we don’t even like to think of it. Things like the realities of human trafficking. But while most would draw away, today’s guest Joe Sweeny ran towards the problem. After years in law enforcement and even longer working as a private contractor for the US government he was introduced to the situation by a friend asking for a favor. And once he learned the scope of what was happening Joe dove in with both feet. So join Tom, Nate and Joe Sweeny as they discuss the Aservo Project.
But first a word from our sponsors: A past guest of our show, David Ayers, has done a recent lecture on Christian Marriage. You can access the series “Great Lectures from the Grove” on the Grove City College You Tube Channel,
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, Where every life, has a story.
www.theasservoproject.com
For many of us the last two years have been the most difficult we’ve ever lived through. A global pandemic, racial tension, political unrest, it seems like there’s a new disaster ever looming on the horizon. And while we hear about the front lines of the medical fields and science, the spiritual frontlines aren’t as often spoken about. It’s not an easy thing when those you’ve ministered too, and worked beside become strangers seemingly overnight.
Today’s guest, Charlie Cotherman is a pastor to pastors, and part of the Grove City’s Rural Ministry Project. And he shared what the recent months have been like for the pastors he works with, as well as his own church plant in Oil City. So join Tom, Nate and Charlie as they discuss his faith journey up to and through being a pastor in a pandemic.
But first a word from our sponsors: a past guest on our show, David Ayers, recently did a series of video lectures on Christian Marriage at Grove City College. You may subscribe to and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
We’re glad to have you back for this week’s episode on the show where every life, has a story.
What kind of person would give up all he has to serve the Lord in a place as far away from Pittsburgh as Uganda? Today’s guest is the perfect position to answer that since he has done just that. Jim west is one of the most down to earth, humble people you could ever meet. I’ve heard him introduced as the most interesting man in the room, and yet that isn’t something he would ever say, or think, about himself.
If you did happen to ask him to do his own introduction, He’d tell you he’s a plumber. But his passion is the people he serves, and he easily gives all honor and credit for the work in Uganda to the Lord. So join Tom, Nate and Jim as they track his journey from Belle View on the Ohio river to the untamed terrain of Uganda.
We’re glad to have you back for this week’s episode on the show where every life, has a story.
Hello and Welcome to today’s episode of the scattered seeds podcast. This show is unique in two distinct ways. One is that today marks the first time we’ve had a guest return for a second interview with Tom and Nate. Dr. Trueman was interviewed in the summer of 2019 as one of our first guests. Since then Dr. Trueman has taken the world by storm with a best-selling book called The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. We are excited to share the story of the book, the ideas behind it, and what Dr. Trueman has learned since we saw him last.
This interview is unique in another way as well. While many of you are listening to this show in our traditional format, there are some who are watching today’s episode. You can choose whichever format suits you best, but my suggestion would be to enjoy both, because there are subtle differences to be enjoyed
You can find the video on the Beverly Heights YouTube Page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VJTBpFjllI&list=PLBkdkQQey291JbdA8sWa944DobuTqdNPJ
As the old saying goes, you can’t judge a man until you’ve walked a mile in his shoes. Today’s guests walked the paths of alcoholism and addiction for a long time before their lives turned around. Since then they’ve been serving others as part of the core kitchen staff at the Light of Life ministry. With over three decades of service between them, Rob Petit and George Hutchison (affectionately known as Hutch), are part of the crew of urban missionaries at the Light of Life’s North Shore campus. So join Tom, Nate, Rob and Hutch as they discuss their faith journeys from addiction to service.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, the show where every life has a story.
It was one of those moments that those who were watching would never forget. On December 4th, 2017 during a game against the Bengals, Ryan Shazier’s life changed forever. Recently we were privileged to have Ryan join us as he discussed his life before the accident and his life after. He shared his love for the game of football, and he shared his struggle with having to give it up. The Lord brought Ryan through a time of having to learn to walk again, and the Lord is using that experience to lead Ryan to help others.
So join Tom, Nate, and Ryan Shazier on today’s episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story
You can visit the Ryan Shazier Fund at https://ryanshazierfund.org And keep an eye out for Ryan's new book "Walking Miracle" available on Amazon.
Death where is they sting, oh grave where is thy victory. That’s where we left off on our last episode, part one of the Death and Dying series. There’s a link for the first show in the description. If you haven’t listened yet I recommend you do, particularly the beginning of the show where our hosts Tom and Nate explain why we decided to do this series.
Last time we were with you, we featured a series of guests who were facing their own mortality through illness or terminal diagnosis. This time our guests are those whose loved ones have gone home. What is it like to be the one still standing after your loved one has gone to be with the Lord? What goes through your mind, what touches your heart? What scriptures bring comfort in the pain? These 5 guests each had a story to tell, and the passing of parents; children and spouses played a part in the telling. So join Tom and Nate and some of our past guests as they share their tales of love, loss and the Lord.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
On Death and Dying Part 1: soundcloud.com/tracks/1136234860&
Episode 64 - On Death and Dying Part 1 by Hosts Nate Devlin and Tom O'Boyle and Producer Kate Kuzko
Lightning Strikes, Sudden Death, Life threatening Illnesses, one thing after another has happened in the life of today’s guest. It’s a story full of twists and turns that you wont be able to predict. And yet the story that Judy Ross tells us today is not one of sorrow and chaos, but rather one of faith, peace and that blessed assurance that only can be found in knowing the Lord. So join Tom, Nate and Judy as they explore her life and journey of faith.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
The Family Wins, The Silver Ring Thing, and a rare form of Cancer are all topics that we cover with today’s guest. Denny Pattyn has been working in youth ministry for decades. His path took him through young life, and later across the globe as one of his ministries, the Silver Ring Thing, became an international phenomenon.
So join Tom, Nate and Denny as they explore his faith journey, and living with a view towards heaven.
But first an announcement: A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Truman will be coming to Beverly Heights this fall for the first ever Scattered Seeds Symposium. Stay tuned for more details about how you can see Dr. Truman as he discusses his newest book: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
Teaching is the art of serving, loving, and nurturing students so that they can become everything they were meant to be. Teachers have the biggest impact on children outside of their parents. And today’s guest had such an impact on my life. Mary Wolling taught for decades, spanning multiple states and touching the lives of thousands. I met her as my first grade teacher at Jubilee Christian School back in 1992. The school was so small that classes were combined, and Mary ended up teaching me for grades 2, 5 and 6 as well. Outside of my parents, I can’t think of another adult who had a larger role in my personal and spiritual development.
So it was exciting for me to be a part of today’s episode as the crew here at the Scattered Seeds Podcast got to explore Mary’s life and faith journey. So join Tom, Nate and Mary as they discuss teaching, Rick Wolling, and even Mary’s Puritan roots.
But first an announcement: A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman will be coming to Beverly Heights this fall for the first ever Scattered Seeds Symposium. Stay tuned for more details about how you can see Dr. Truman as he discusses his newest book: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self.
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
There is wisdom to be found in the testimonies of those who have been serving the Lord since their youth. Today’s guest is no exception to that. Having come to the Lord in his early teens nearly 70 years ago, John Frame has dedicated his life to pursuing the Lord and learning about his words. And today he will be sharing some of what he has learned on that journey.
So join Tom, Nate and John Frame as they reminisce over a lifetime of service.
What happens when laws that should be for the benefit of the people turn into something that restricts religious freedom instead? That’s when the Alliance for Defending Freedom steps. Last episode featured Travis Barham of the ADF and the topic was defending the freedom of speech. This week our guest is Matt Sharp of the ADF, and the topic is defending the freedom of conscience.
Freedom of Conscience is more than the freedom of Worship, or even the Freedom of Religion. This freedom does cover the right to worship as you choose, and follow any faith or religion you choose, or even choose to abstain. But the Freedom of Conscience also includes the freedom of thought and the freedom of being able to act on your beliefs. It also means that you cannot be coerced into acting in a way that is contrary to your faith.
This right is considered Inalienable, even by the United Nation, which categorizes it under human rights. Our most fundamental responsibility is to stand up and act for everyone’s right to free choices and particularly for everyone’s freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief. They go on to say that they uphold the clauses in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which does not permit any limitations whatsoever on the freedom of thought and conscience or on the freedom to have or adopt a religion or belief of one’s choice. These freedoms, unconditionally protected by universal norms, are also sacred and inalienable entitlements according to religious teachings.
And here in the United States, The First Amendment of the Constitution states that: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. That would seem to say that any laws written can’t interfere with a persons right to live out their faith. But as we discuss in today’s episode, that isn’t always how the laws get interpreted. And that’s where Matt, Travis, and the rest of the Aliance Defending Freedom step in. So join Tom, Nate and Matt as they explore how we can uphold our Freedom of Conscience. But first join our hosts for part two of why we’ve declared this July ‘Freedom Month’.
You’re listening to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
In 1791 a document was drafted that was added to the main body of the constitution. It was the bill of rights, and its adoption limited the power that the federal government, and even the states, had in curtailing the rights of the citizens of this nation. It is made up of the first ten amendments to the US constitution and guarantees that the government cannot force anyone to follow one particular religion, or curtail anyone from practicing their faith. The government cannot curtail free speech either. The first amendment is clear. There are no caveats stating things like ‘freedom of speech is guaranteed unless it makes someone feel uncomfortable’, or ‘religion is to be freely practices, but only in the private sphere’. So why is it that Christians are having to fight to protect their rights to speak about their faith, or even to make personal, and business decisions that are in line with what they word of God says?
This month our nation celebrated it’s 245th birthday. So we here at the Scattered Seeds Podcast decided to do something a little out of our norm in declaring July Faith and Freedom month. We’ve lined up two unique shows with guests from the Alliance Defending Freedom who came on to talk to us about a few pivotal supreme court cases, as well as a few other legal matters that we felt the Church at large should know about. Today’s guest is Travis Barham, Grove City Graduate and part of the legal team who represented Chike Uzuegbunam, the young man whose college restricted his right to share his faith on campus. So join Tom Nate and Travis as they discuss the case, the Supreme Court decision, and a little about why Travis decided to make a career out of defending faith and freedom.
‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College. Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe to and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
The Alliance Defending Freedom: https://adflegal.org
The Joshua House is a foundation dedicated to creating retreat houses and places of rest and renewal for anyone who needs it. Its logo, featuring a Cross, a boat, a fish and a duck, holds deep personal meaning to its founder. It is a ministry forged in tragedy, and that’s a large part of today’s story.
Todays Guest, Craig Schweiger, founded Joshua House, as well Federated Mortgage He has been involved in Light of Life ministries and the Pittsburgh Promise. And his heart for ministry is founded in the belief that the Lord has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives, and even the tragedies will be worked into good according to his will.
So join Tom, Nate and Craig as they tell the story of living in the will of God even when it means losing something you hold dear.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
The meditation from Thais is one of the most famous pieces of music that an orchestra can play. Even for those who have never heard of the Opera, or the story it came from have heard the Violin solo from the Meditation is a recognizable tune. And for today’s guest the opportunity to play the meditation for the Met was also a chance to publicly proclaim where he stood in his Faith.
David Chan is an accomplished violinist with degrees in music from Harvard and Julliard and a long tenure at the Metropolitan Opera before recently making guest appearances for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. David’s faith journey, though, didn’t start until he was well into his musical career. Join Tom, Nate and David on today’s episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast as they explore David’s faith journey.
The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs. Its quite the title for a book, and it holds a message of caring for the creation on behalf of the Creator. Its author, renegade farmer and Christian evangelist Joel Salatin, is the guest on today’s episode.
Joel is a third generation farmer whose living in both the world of eco consciousness and Christianity may seem strange to some. But to Joel caring for the earth makes perfect sense once you understand that its part of God’s mandate for us. So join Tom, Nate and Joel as they discuss bridging the gaps between worlds, stewardship in all things, and even the logistics of shipping eggs to Pittsburgh.
But first a word from our sponsors: A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, recently did a series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College. Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe to and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Every year there are over 300,000 house fires, but only in in 10 of those results in the loss of everything. But that’s exactly what today’s guest and her husband faced when a neighbor called their Chick-Fil-A franchise and told them to get home as fast as they could. Rebecca Thornberry, and her husband Mark, had only owned and operated the South Hills Chick-Fil-A for two years when the fire happened. But rather than letting the fire discourage their faith, they used it to refine it with a renewed focus on community and helping others when and where they can,
So join Tom, Nate and Rebecca as they discuss, fire, faith, Chick Fil A, and those two crucial pickles. But first a word from our sponsors:
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, recently did a series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College. Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe to and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Episode 53 - Celebrating Two Years by Hosts Nate Devlin and Tom O'Boyle and Producer Kate Kuzko
Tom Hammon is a legend in the circles of YoungLife, not least of all because he holds the record as the longest serving member of the ministry at 50 years. Mr. Hammon has been positioned across America and the world as he has brought Jesus to the lives of teenagers spanning generations. Join Tom, Nate and Tom as they journey through a story of wisdom, ministry and what it means to be a mature man or woman of faith. Welcome Back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast.
What draws a person towards development as a career path? And how is development tied to building relationships.
Today’s guest, Allyson Sveda is a Grove City Alum and Trustee member with ministerial ties to both the CCO and Family Guidance. And at the heart of her story is a focus on building relationships. So join Tom, Nate and Allyson as they explore her faith journey. But first a word from our sponsors at Grove City College:
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Truman, recently began a series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College. Dr. Truman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe to and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Welcome to the 50th episode of the scattered seeds podcast. Prayer is at the heart of today’s story. From a prayer to finding other Christian’s on the campus of Carnegie Mellon leading to a knock on the door. To a prayer for a godly spouse leading to a long and loving marriage, Bob Jamison has lived a life of serving the Lord in obedience and faith. So join Tom, Nate and our guest Bob Jameson as they explore today’s journey of faith.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
How can loss become the beginning of a new trajectory, and how can tragedy be the catalyst for ministry? The story told by today’s guest Les Gutzwiller answers both of these questions. Les was a long time engineer when the death of his son made him take a step back from the world of business, and ultimately a step forward onto a path that led him to Africa as the president of C.E.E.D. and later of Healthy Communities Unlimited. And it also brought him to a ministry that helps others in crisis. So join Tom, Nate and Les as they explore his journey of faith.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
You can find Healthy Communities United at http://hcuuganda.org
Angels, Pittsburgh Grit, and stories of transformed lives are all topics at the heart of this episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. Today’s guests, John Hall and Kathy Emmons, cover the Ride Home on Word FM and have been an on air team for over a decade with thousands of interviews under their belt. So Join, Tom, Nate, John and Kathy as they discuss their faith journeys and a collective love of stories about Christian formation.
With a call sign like Trainwreck you’d expect today’s guest to have lead an interesting life. Major Eric Burkett is a retired Marine and navel pilot with over a decade of service under his belt. He’s also a double limb amputee, a Gold Medal archer for the US para Olympic team, the archery coach at the University of Pittsburgh and the father of 6. Join Tom, Nate and Trainwreck as they explore his faith journey through loss to contentment.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
“Do I make mistakes?” That was a question the Lord asked today’s guest that lead to a realization that healed his heart, and ultimately set his path in ministry.
Brent Mock is a Councilor, Veteran, Elder, Father and Husband who has spent over 50 years in ministry.
God has brought Brent through Vietnam, multiple car accidents, a heart attack and cancer proving once again that His plans cannot be thwarted. So join Tom, Nate and Brent as they journey through a story of survival, healing, and the Goodness of God.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
It seems that athletics offers a unique understanding of certain scriptures, like for Instance Hebrews 12 where the Christian walk is equated to a race to be run. And while we’ve had previous guests who have been involved in athletics, and who have used that passage in particular, perhaps none articulated it as fully as today’s guest.
Leo Sayles is the Women’s Volleyball coach at Grove City College. HE is also the author of a daily devotional called Ordering our Steps: Committing Life and Sport to Christ. So join Tom, Nate and Leo as they explore the Paths the Lord has had Coach Sayles run.
But first a word from our sponsors:
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, just began a new series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College.
Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
You Can Find Leo's Book on his site here: https://leosayles.com/ordering-our-steps/
2020 has been a year like few before it. With the pandemic came chaos and fear, however the year also brought scientific breakthroughs that have changed the way we fight illness. Today’s guest is Dr. Michael Passineau, a virologist and Geneticist working on new ways to help our bodies fight cancer. And he had plenty to say on the state of our world, as well as the interplay between both science and faith. So join Tom, Nate and Dr. Passineau as they dive into his faith journey and his take on recent events.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Adversity. Tragedy. Courage and Humility, today’s story has all of this and more. Temple Meek, son of beloved Beverly Heights member, Marilyn Meek, is acquainted with suffering. From learning to live without the daily luxuries we take for granted while on the mission field in India, to the recent, tragic passing of his wife Annie, Temple has walked through the fire. And yet, he still says, God is good, and that any courage, or virtue others see in Him is all Christ. So join Tom, Nate and Temple for this week’s episode. But first, a word from our sponsors at Grove City College:
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, began a new series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College.
Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Never Underestimate the Sovereignty of God.
If you’ve listened all the way through the intro to our show you’ll hear Tom say that line. It was true when the seeds for this show were planted, and its been proven again and again by the guests the Lord has brought to us each episode. The story today is yet another example of this. Brittany Smith is the mother of three children, one of whom is Emma. Emma was born with a metabolic disorder called MMA which meant that she needed a liver transplant at just 4 years old. Enter our second guest for this episode, Landis Erwin. Landis was able to give a part of her healthy liver to Emma and both are doing well. So join Tom, Nate, Brittany and Landis as they share the story of how everything came together to give one remarkable little girl a brand new liver and a new chapter in her life.
From being diagnosed as cocaine positive at birth to being crowned Miss Pennsylvania in 2019, today’s guest can clearly say that God’s hand has been on her life. Especially when you consider that she never planned on becoming a beauty queen, and did so with little preparation, and little expectation of winning.
Join Tom, Nate and Tiffany Seitz as they journey through this tale of adoption, redemption and providence from Tiffany’s birth to her current role in serving a double term as Miss Pennsylvania.
But first, a word from Grove City College, the sponsor of our show, and Tiffany’s Alma Matter.
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, just began a new series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College.
Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Boldness, Boldness Always Boldness!
This quote, originally spoken by Fredrick the Great of Prussia exemplifies the life of today’s guest.
Scott Borderud is a former Army Chaplain, Pastor and Marine with decades of military and pastoral experience under his belt. He has also been diagnosed with an incurable form of cancer, but so far Scott hasn’t let that stop him in either performing the ministry God has given him, or from living each day he has before him to its fullest. So join Tom and Nate and Scott as they explore this journey of faith, courage and boldness.
It’s all too rare in this era of instantaneous gratification and advancing onward to greater prestige and bigger paychecks to find someone willing to stay in the place that God has called them. So few, even in the pastoral world, are willing to wait for God to move them from one post in his Kingdom to the next, or are willing to accept that a single call to a single congregation could last decades. Pastor Emeritus Rick Wolling, has been in ministry for nearly half a century with over three decades at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church before his retirement in 2018. He is a longtime friend and mentor to both Tom and Nate, and someone I’ve known since childhood.
But how did Pastor Wolling’s journey begin? And how did he go from New England, to Oklahoma before coming to Pittsburgh? Join Tom Nate and Rick as they explore his faith journey.
But Before we begin this week’s interview, we have a special announcement.
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, just began a new series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College, which is a sponsor of our show.
Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel.
And now for this week’s episode: welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
If you had a successful career as a musician for the ballet and opera, would you walk away from it to work in youth ministry? What if you knew God had placed a call on your life for ministry? Would you walk away then?
Well today’s guest, Joe Williams did just that. Joe was a professional Trombonist who played for the Pittsburgh Opera and Ballet, but when it became clear that God had placed another call on Joe’s life he walked away from doing something he loved, into something he was made for. Join Tom, Nate and Joe as they explore the path Joe took to find his call and to watch God fulfill it.
But before we get into our interview, we have a special announcement for you:
A past guest on our show, Dr. Carl Trueman, just began a new series of video lectures on ‘The Life of the Mind’ at Grove City College, which is a sponsor of our show.
Dr. Trueman is a well-known Reformation historian, author and professor of Biblical and Religious Studies. You may subscribe and access “Great Lectures from the Grove” at the Grove City College YouTube Channel. (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5M3Aw9WXPWtZcuxcfKdX7g)
Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
But what if one kid comes to the Lord? That was the question that Patrick Myers and the rest of the staff and board of Camp Ligonier kept coming back to. They were facing the difficult decision of whether or not they should open in the summer during Covid 19. They had been given the go ahead by the state and CDC and after much deliberation they decided that if even one child would come to the Lord by their opening then how could they stay closed?
After all God says that one soul is worth the whole World. And Children are particularly precious to our Lord who said Let the Little Children come to me.
So join Tom, Nate and Pat as they tell the story of making the courageous choice to obey God in the face of a pandemic. Welcome back to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
If you'd like more information about Camp Ligonier and Conference Center you can visit the website: http://www.ligoniercamp.org
As a ministry of Jesus Christ, Light of Life Rescue Mission will provide a home for the homeless and food for the hungry, and will build disciples for the Kingdom of God among the poor, addicted, abused and needy.
That is the mission statement of the Light of Life Rescue Mission where today’s guest Jerrel Gilliam serves as Executive Director. Jerrel’s story is one of understanding the universal need for a savior not just among the poor and needy, but with those who seem to have much. It’s a story that maps our hope, reconciliation and renewal. So join Tom, Nate and special guest Jerrel as they explore his story on this weeks episode of the Scattered Seeds podcast. So welcome back to the show where every life has a story.
Light of Life Rescue Mission : https://www.lightoflife.org
A college drop out, homeless, struggling with addiction and thoughts of suicide. That’s where today’s guest was when he came to a turning point in his life.
David Ayers is a professor of Sociology at Grove City College where he served as interim dean of the college of arts and letters before his current sabbatical. He is an expert on Christian Marriage, dating and relationships and is in the process of writing another book. How did he go from living in his car to being used by the Lord in a pivotal position at a top Christian university? Join Tom, Nate and David as they unravel to story on today’s episode. Welcome to the scattered seeds podcast, where every life has a story.
“Christian Marriage: A Comprehensive Introduction.”: https://www.christianbook.com/christian-marriage-a-comprehensive-introduction/david-ayers/9781683592549/pd/592549
We live in troubled times, large portions of our nation are divided along lines of economic status, racial identity and a myriad of other differences that seem to draw attention away from the ways we are the same. The world has no answers. We can’t look to the media, or secular leaders who seem to only exasperate the issues at hand. So where can we look? As today’s guest will tell us, we can look to the Gospel.
Captain Jon Lewis serves in the Salvation Army in Pittsburgh and will soon be in charge of youth ministry in our area. Captain Jon is uniquely suited to today’s discussion of race relations and reconciliation because in addition to working with people from all backgrounds, Jon himself is an African American born and raised in West Philadelphia. So join Tom, Nate and Captain Jon as they discuss the divides our nation is facing and the only way to bridge the gap: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Welcome to another Episode the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
If the Lord called you away from a good career in the law into ministry, would you go? That’s a question that Chris Buda had to answer over 30 years ago. He was halfway to a partnership at a good law firm, with his wife expecting their second child when the Lord called him to work for YoungLife in the Pittsburgh Area.
Join Tom and Nate as they interview Chris about what lead to that decision as well as the ministry he did for the next 30 years. And most importantly how his conversion to Christ has impacted how he does ministry for Christ.
Welcome to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
The valley of the shadow of death, the fiery furnace, the night seasons, these are all things that many of the guests on our show have told us about in past episodes. And while the themes often repeat, the stories are always so very different. Today we ask the question: what is it like to go from enjoying over 50 years of good health finding out that you have cancer during a routine surgery to repair a straight forward injury?
Today’s Guest, Bob Thomson, was a successful Environmental Lawyer, an elder at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church and the father of 5 when his life turned upside down after a surgery to repair his Rotator Cuff revealed that he had stage four Lymphoma. That was the start of a 10-year journey that tested Bob’s physical limits and pushed the boundaries of his faith into new territory. So join Tom, Nate and Bob as they go through his journey before, during and after his battle with cancer and what he learned in the midst of the fire.
Welcome to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has as story.
Our world has changed drastically in the past few months. What we considered business as usual, the regular way of doing thing, in so many cases no longer applies. And what do we need to navigate these new waters? We need innovation. Sometimes moving forward requires a step of faith, sometimes it requires a leap.
Father Dave Pivonka the Franciscan Friars of the Province of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Third Order Regular was named the President of the Franciscan University of Stubenville one year ago. His first year in office has been turbulent in ways no one predicted. So how has he walked the university through the turbulence? With a reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide his path one step at a time.
Join Tom, Nate and Father Dave as they explore his faith journey through evangelism, ministry and following the Holy Spirit into the next season of life at the University and beyond.
Welcome to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life. Has a story.
More on the Wild Goose Ministry: thewildgooseisloose.com More on Franciscan University of Stubenville: Franciscan.edu
Pat Gillick once said “Baseball is about talent, hard work, and strategy. But at the deepest level, it’s about love, integrity, and respect.” And our guest today can speak about all aspects of the Game, and he also has a message off the diamond as well, a message of Love.
Clint Hurdle has been on the field in some capacity for the better part of 40 years. He was a player, on the coaching staff of major league teams and most recently the manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates. One thing Clint is never shy about is his faith, and the journey the Lord brought him on through Alcoholism into a life filled with opportunities to minister and share his faith and more importantly, Love, in his marriage, his family, but also in the relationships with everyone the Lord brings across his path.
So join Tom and Nate as they interview this week’s guest on the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life, has a story.
What does it take to go from loosing every game in a season to building a program that has had one of the best records in Grove City College’s History? If you ask Coach Andrew DiDonato, as we did, he would tell you that it would take Vision, Process and Love, Brick by brick.
Andrew is the youngest head coach Grove City has ever had, and he had quite the uphill battle to face. His first year they lost so badly that he wasn’t sure if he was called to a position only to be called back out of it in under a year. But his faith and the principles listed above turned things around. But what does Andrew value even more than the statistics and the scoreboard? The life lessons his players take away from the field and put into play beyond college.
So Join Tom and Nate as they interview Coach Andrew DiDonato on this weeks Episode. Welcome to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
“Will Get Back Here the Forge is on Fire!” That was the phone call that almost marked the end of a century old business. It’s also at the heart of the story we are about to share with you: it is a story of burning and rebuilding, of loss and recovery. And it’s the story of a prayer: Lord refine my life, make me holy.
Welcome to this weeks episode, today’s Guest, Will Knecht of the Wendell August Forge asked such a prayer and found that the refiners fire of Malachi 3 was a bit more literal in his life than he had expected. So join Nate Tom, and Will as they tell this amazing story of letting the Lord refine a life so that only what brings Him glory ultimately remains. It’s a story of loss, and a story of hope. Welcome to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
What is it like to go from the height of intimacy with the Lord, to the depths of despair and back again? What can such an experience teach us as we listen to this story?
Welcome to part two of our interview with special guest Andrew Brunson. Last week Andrew spoke about the beginning of his relationship with the Lord, and about his calling to Turkey. He shared with us what his ministry had consisted of and the importance of a relationship with the Father. At the end of the episode the story transitioned and started in on todays topic, that of his imprisonment and the two years spent in a Turkish prison.
So rejoin Tom, Nate and Andrew on this weeks episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Andrew Brunson is a name that was on the lips of millions from 2016 to 2018. He was locked in a Turkish prison for two years for crimes that were fabricated to create fear in the hearts of missionaries who dared to enter the largest un-evangelized nation in the world. His story sparked a prayer movement for the country of Turkey that was unprecedented and the repercussions of that movement are still rippling across the region.
But what it is really like to be in a prison, seemingly forsaken and alone. What is it like to have a great intimacy with the Lord and then experience a time when the Lord is quiet? What can Andrew’s story teach us about our own walks, and lives, and callings? And what will the Lord do with Andrew’s life next?
Welcome to this weeks episode of The Scattered Seeds Podcast. We invite you to sit back and enjoy part one of this special two part series featuring our interview with Andrew Brunson on his imprisonment and his ministry. These two episodes are also a milestone for The Scattered Seeds Podcast, as they mark both the final episode of our first year of shows and opens up the second. So please stay tuned until the end for a special recap on the show so far as well as updates on some of our guests.
But now, without further ado, please join Tom, Nate and Andrew as they explore his journey in Turkey on this episode of the podcast where every life, has a story.
What does it take to work in intercultural missions? It’s a question that we sought to seek with our guest Carl Templin in our last episode, and its just as valid with our current guest.
Scott Boyd spent a decade living and doing the Lords work in Slovenia with his family. From the first time he joined a mission trip Scott knew that that’s what he wanted to do with the rest of his life, even going so far as to walk away from a career in engineering. And even now, when he’s back home he is still working in international missions through Prism.
Prism: or Pittsburgh Regional International Student Ministries should sound familiar to our regular listeners. It’s the organization that hosted our fifth guest Dhiraj Sonbare during his studies. And it is the organization founded in 1980 by last week’s guest Carl Templin upon his return from Ethiopia .
So join Tom and Nate as they interview Scott to find out how this all came about. Welcome to another episode of The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
We are living in dark days where for many, hope seems lost. But being lost isn’t something we think about when times are good. It certainly wasn’t on our guests mind when he was set to graduate high school nearly 70 years ago. In fact, he thought his life was set. But through a timely word, Carl not only realized how lost he was, but he also found that there was a solution. And it changed his world.
Today’s guest, Carl Templin, and his wife Pat have dedicated over 6 decades of their lives to missions work, first with the Anuak people of Ethiopia, and then here in Pittsburgh with the Prism Ministry that some of you may remember from Episode 5, and our interview with Transplant Surgeon Dhiraj Sonbere.
Carl is a mentor to many at Beverly Heights, the home of our show. And he is someone who has helped thousands across the globe. So join Tom, Nate and special guest Carl Templin as they discuss how the Lord brought Carl into Missions.
Welcome to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
What does it take to go from living in Chaos to a life of peace? How can a someone from a dysfunctional family gain parents and siblings without even looking for them. And who can take every bit of heartache and craziness that made up that childhood and turn it into something redemptive? If your answer was the Lord, then you’re correct.
Today’s guest was born into chaos, with an alcoholic father and a mother whose life was in turmoil before she even turned 21. Our guest learned to turn his pain into charisma and charm and would have been headed down a bad path if God hadn’t reached into his life in his Junior year. From there Robbie Rubio’s life has gone from not knowing the Lord, to serving him as an area director for Young Life. Robbie now spends his time investing in kids who are just like who he used to be. It’s a story of how God brings things full circle, and it’s a story of accepting Gods unending Grace and what it can do in a life.
So join Tom Nate and Robbie as they explore his journey on this weeks Episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. We hope you enjoy the latest adventure from the show where every life has a story.
What is the number one determining factor of whether a child will continue in the faith when the move into adult hood or not? Who has more influence on your children’s thoughts and opinions, you or their peers? When is it too late to talk to your children about the hard topics like faith? When they’re teenagers? In there Twenties? Thirties? Or is there never a point when both parents and children are still walking this earth to have that conversation?
Today’s Guest is Dan Dupee, Chairman of the Christian Coalition Outreach, a parachurch ministry determined to help college kids maintain their faith as they make the hard transition into the next phase of their lives. Its something Dan feels passionately about because he had his own moment of decision when he was in college himself.
So Join Tom, Nate and Dan Dupee as they explore Dan’s journey of faith and discuss parenting, the church and evangelism. Welcome back to the Scattered Seeds Podcast, we hope you enjoy this weeks episode of the show where every life has a story.
Here is the link to Dan's book: Its Not Too Late https://www.heartsandmindsbooks.com/2017/05/author_dan_dupee_its_not_too_l/
GSD is a rare condition that makes it impossible for the body to use stored sugars as fuel. Without round the clock monitoring those with this illness can quickly slip into comas and ultimately pass away within a few short hours. Families with this illness often sacrifice energy, relationships and rest to make sure that their loved ones are healthy and survive something as mundane as a full night of sleep.
Chira Cratsley is the mother of not one but two children with this rare condition. She and her husband have spent years sleeping in two-hour shifts while working full time and caring for all four of their children. They have lived through hospital trips, misdiagnosis and more and yet Chira’s faith is rock solid and her story isn’t one of tragedy. It’s a story of Miracles.
So Join Nate, Tom and this weeks guest Chira as they explore her faith journey on this Episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. So, welcome back to the show where every life has a story.
If you would like to help further the reasearch into Glycogin Storage Disease you can do so by following this link: https://uconn.networkforgood.com/causes/5284-glycogen-storage-disease-program-fund
What does media have to do with worship? What does media ecology have to do with Solitude? And how does a professor in Greek end up an expert on how modern media has impacted the modern church?
Dr. T. David Gordon is a professor of Greek and Media Ecology at grove city college. He is a published author and a scholar and perhaps most interestingly he is also an proponent for the benefits found in solitude. So join Nate, Tom and our guest T. David as they explore his life, beliefs and the joy of hiking in the woods alone.
Welcome back to The Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Does beauty in music have the power to reach into the darkest corners of our society and bring hope, light and love to those who need it most. Our guest Eric Genuis has spent over twenty years using his music to prove that it does.
Eric is a composer and performer who has done thousands of concerts for hope in prisons, homeless shelters, inner city schools, hospitals and anywhere where the forgotten of our society live. He has made it his life’s goal to take the gift the Lord has given him and use it to bring beauty into the lives that need it most. Because, as he will tell us, beauty paves the way for so much more.
So join Nate and Tom as they interview Eric Genuis on this week’s episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
If you would like to know more about how you can help Eric in his mission into the prisions, hospitals, homless shelters and schools, you can go to his website at ericgenuis.com.
Homelessness. Hunger. Poverty. These are realities of the world we live in that we as Christians are commanded to face. Last episode we brought you a guest who is dealing with the lack of water in Uganda. This week we are closer to home, so to speak, with a pastor who is transforming the way we help those in need in the greater Pittsburgh Area.
Adam Sewell of the Vintage Church in Mt. Washington is the outreach pastor for the Pittsburgh Send Relief Ministry Center, a brand new outreach center catering to the homeless, underfed and forgotten of our city. So join Tom and Nate as they explore Adam’s story in this weeks episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
If you want to get in touch with Adam and the Send Relief Mission Center you can find them at www.sendrelief.com.
What is it like to live in a world where it is normal to have to walk five miles for a clean source of water? Where water-born illnesses like Typhoid are still so common that the children can tell you about them. And is it possible to face those kinds of conditions on a daily basis, and still find joy in the Lord?
Our guest today is Herbert Asiimwe a CPA from Uganda who is in charge of the Ugandan chapter of C.E.E.D. The Christian East African Economic Development Trust. Mr. Asiimwe knows what clean water means to his nation, and he has suffered from the illnesses that come from not having access to something so many of us take for granted. But Herbert’s story is also remarkable because it’s a story of joy that defies circumstances.
So join Tom and Nate and our guest Herbert Asiimwe on this week’s episode of The Scattered Seeds Podcast.
How can a person still sing when tragedy strikes? How can God take immeasurable sorrow and give us a song in the night to comfort us when we need it most? And how can we relearn how to praise him when the unspeakable happens? “Where is God my Maker who gives songs in the night?”
This verse and the concept behind it is at the heart of today’s story. Our guest, Elissa Winkler is the Director of Music in Worship at Beverly Heights Presbyterian Church where her talent and passion shine. But what brings her on the show today is her journey through the grief that comes with the loss of a child, and learning to find her voice again after tragedy.
So please join us on this episode of the Podcast where every life has a story.
What does it mean to be a human living in the 21st century? What are the unique challenges and obstacles we are facing that our forefathers in both the faith and humanity as a whole did not have to overcome? And what are the similarities between our present age and the trials and tribulations of the early church? These are questions that today’s guest, Professor Carl Trueman of Grove City College asks his students and answered for us on today's episode.
Today’s story is a little different from what you usually hear on our show. It is still a story about a life, and about what the Lord has done with that life. But it’s also a story about ideas, and how those ideas have shaped the path that Professor Trueman has walked. But if you really pause to think about it, I think you’ll come to find that ideas are stories too.
So welcome to another episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
If you'd like more information on Grove City College you can follow this link: http://www.gcc.edu/. And if you'd like to hear more from Professor Trueman you can listen to his podcast: The Mortification of Spin: http://www.alliancenet.org/mos/podcast.
Welcome to this week's episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. On this show, we often talk about ‘Not wasting your Pain’, About how you can let God use the circumstances you have been through, not only to help you in your own walk but also for the sake of others. And many of our guests have shown this phenomenon in the stories they shared with us. But, perhaps, none have understood it better than Today’s guest.
Ginger Stage is a Christian therapist trained in the Family Systems model. She is a strong woman of God with an abiding faith and deep relationship with the Lord. And one of Ginger’s strengths is recognizing the pain she sees in others, and listening to the Lord as He leads her in addressing it. And this recognition is not only because of her abilities and training, but it’s because she has lived through pain herself.
Ginger’s testimony is a tale of struggle, love, loss, and how God orchestrates each and every detail of our journeys. So join Tom and Nate as they interview Ginger on this weeks episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. This passage in Romans 8 is recited often, and has even been mentioned on this show. But it can be difficult while you’re in the middle of a tragedy to really believe it. Our next guest understands that struggle intimately and often wrestled with knowing if he was on the right path.
Today’s guest Mike Pierson was a pastor of a church for many years, with a wonderful wife and family But an injury suffered by his eldest son, and the aftermath lead Mike’s family down a hard road of suffering that had Mike eventually leaving his former position in ministry and wondering what could come next.
But that was exactly where he needed to be to find what God had for him in this part of his life. So join Nate and Tom as they interview Mike Pierson and find out how this incredible story of the way God uses suffering for his Glory unfolds.
If you would like to contact Mike about his current ministry, you can email him at mike.pierson@goodnewsjail.org.
So welcome to episode 12 of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Hello and Welcome to another episode of our show.
As the Psalmists wrote: Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before You. Mercy and Justice seem to be diametrically opposed, one says that the punishment must fit the crime, while the other offers the hope of a second chance. How do we reconcile these principles, and is there a time where it’s alright to admit that we don’t understand and that its enough to trust God?
Today’s guest, Dick Staaf, was a Police Officer and a private detective for over 20 years. He has seen humanity at its worst and He has seen justice fail to follow through. But on the other hand, he has also seen the love of God through his work in Young Life, Capernaum and through his affiliation with the Salvation Army. And because of these oppositional experiences, Dick has wrestled with the very questions of how Justice and Mercy play out in God’s Kingdom. And that question is at the heart of today’s interview.
Mr. Staaf is a man of God and a father of four and a father figure to many more proving, once again, that you can share the love of God wherever he places you. So join special guest Dick Staaf along with our hosts Tom O’Boyle and Nate Devlin on this episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where every life has a story.
Go to Uganda.
Those were the words the Lord spoke to today’s guest when she had reached the end of her job, her marriage and her living situation. She had nothing holding her back from serving the Lord and he told her to ‘Go’.
Jill Whitecap has spent over a decade at the Helm of C.E.E.D., the Christian East African Equatorial Development Trust, where the goal is to provide clean water, sustainable food and jobs for citizens of Uganda and Kenya. She is the granddaughter of missionaires to China who saw the dawn of Mao Tse Tung’s regieme and the daughter of a mathematician who helped humanity reach the stars. Jill herself is a servant of the Lord through Ceed, a mother, a wife, an explorer who has set foot on 6 continents, a cancer survivor and a woman of strong faith.
So welcome to today’s episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, where you’ll join Nate and Tom as they discover Jill’s amazing testimony. Because as we always say, this is the podcast where every life has a story.
What does it mean to work out our own salvation?
And how does that process take a person from someone who questions the very existence of God to become one of his staunchest advocates?
Special guest Paul Kengor has lived a remarkable journey from being a burn out in the height of the eighties, through being an agnostic studying in the field of science to a man of strong faith and a and a prolific writer whose articles and books bring glory to the kingdom of God. Today Professor Kengor teaches Political Science at Grove City College and is the executive director of the Institute for Faith and Freedom. His is an amazing transformation and an amazing testimony to share.
And we are pleased to inform our listeners that Grove City College, where faith and freedom matter, has agreed to become a sponsor of The Scattered Seeds Podcast. We are confident our collaboration will expand our audience and bring honor to the Lord.
What is it like to take the leap of faith required to trust the Lord when He offers you a chance to take the last ashes of a venture and to turn it into something amazing? What kind of courage is needed to take a stand in the depths of loss and advocate for the very person who killed a part of your family? And what kind of faith do you need to face fatherhood when your own father was gone before you were old enough to remember him?
These questions are at the heart of the story that we’re bringing to you today. Steve Fleck has brought two separate businesses from the smallest spark of an idea to massive companies. His is a father of two, soon to be three, young girls, the husband of a wonderful woman of faith and the son of a mother who showed remarkable strength in raising her children on her own after the tragic death of her husband.
So join Tom, Nate and Steve as they tell the story of Entrepreneurship, Advocacy, Faith, and courage on Episode 8 of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. Where Every Life has a story.
Welcome to the 7th episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast. This week our guest is Chris Wu, the first violinist of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. But even more precious to Chris than Music, is the Amazing Grace of God. Join Tom, Nate, and Chris as they discuss God's Grace through loss, love and even a near-fatal accident.
Welcome to Episode 6 of the Scattered Seeds Podcast where we interview Brandon Kail. Brandon is a father of ten who is facing a grade 4 brain tumor. Join us as Brandon shares how he is still able to trust in a good God in the face of a death sentence. Welcome to the Scattered Seeds Podcast...where every life has a story.
Welcome to Episode 5 of The Scattered Seeds Podcast. This week we interviewed Dr. Dhiraj Sonbare, a Transplant Surgeon from India who is currently working out of UPMC in Pittsburgh. Follow along as Dhiraj outlines his journey from skepticism to unshakable faith and how he reconciles his foundation on the Word of God with the world of Science which he works in. So join us on this weeks episode of The Scattered Seeds Podcast, Where Every Life Has a Story.
Welcome to Episode 4 of the Scattered Seeds Podcast, this episode we interview the Reverend Doctor Don Collett and follow his journey across two continents and four denominations to a faith that saw him through the darkest of times. So join us for Episode 4 of the show where every life has a story.
Welcome to Episode 3 of The Scattered Seeds Podcast! this show featured Karyn Kail; mother, homemaker, grandmother, and woman of God. So enjoy our latest story!
Welcome to the conclusion of the Jeff Nine interview. Last time Jeff shared how his unique experiences with death informed his life and his faith. This time join us as he shares how his life impacted his faith and his work. So join Tom and Nate as they conclude the interview with Jeff Nine on the podcast where every life has a story.
Welcome to the first full episode of The Scattered Seeds Podcast: Where Every life has a Story. In this episode we discuss why we're doing a podcast, and we interview Jeff Nine, pathologist and minister. So join us on the show where every life has a story.
Episode 1 of the Scattered Seeds Podcast is coming soon! Join us as we interview Pathologist Jeff Nine, who's experience with death informs both his faith and his life. Join us May 6th for the first episode of the Scattered Seeds Podcast.